Update Part II: Going Home Again

This was a great trip to LA but I do think I've learned that you can't go home again. I few home last Sunday to spend some time finishing up wedding planning, hanging with friends, and hanging out with family. I arrived on Sunday night and had lunch with Sean at our favorite Brazilian place. Then I went home with my parents and enjoyed a quiet evening at home.

Monday morning I got up early and took my dress to the seamstress for alterations. I learned that the shoes I bought weren't right for the dress, but everything else went off without a hitch. I had lunch with my old roomie in LA and we chatted about everything under the sun. Then we went over to the mall and I got made over for my wedding. Although my sister is going to do my makeup on my wedding day, I wanted to go to the MAC counter and get a little advice on colors. One makeover and a few dollars later, I had my wedding makeup!


Monday evening I headed over to A Mano to join the group for Stitch & Pitch 2008. Dodger dogs, Stitch n Pitch hats, and 3 hours of knitting later the Dodgers had won the game and the knitters had knitted up a storm. I was really glad I made it home for the game. Even my Pomatomus sock enjoyed the game!


Tuesday Mom and I headed out to the wedding site to work out last minute details. We picked napkins and chairs and set up the time table for the wedding and even got to visit the site once more. Then we tried another cake place and headed home for Sex in the City (fun!) and dinner at my favorite Mexican place.

Wednesday was sushi with the gang and more A Mano time. I came home with a bunch of new samples and even a few bits of yarn for myself (don't worry, I was mostly good!). After knit night Sean and I got together for dinner and enjoyed the evening.


Thursday morning was the final meeting with the florist and Thursday night Wes flew in to LA! Friday was a busy day as we got our marriage license, lunched with friends, picked up my dress and got him fitted for his tux. We managed to find a few spare hours to enjoy Los Angeles though. We sat and watched the sailboats for a few hours before meeting up with friends for dinner.

Saturday Wes and I caught a showing of Indiana Jones and then had dinner and attended the Asia America Symphony with my parents. The show was really amazing - where else can you go see a symphony play Beethoven, Jazz and Flamenco music all in one evening?

Sunday was brunch with my parents and that ill-fated return trip.

All in all it was a great trip. I loved seeing my friends, visiting my old haunts (all the restaurants where the staff knows my name and my order) and spending time with my family. However, I realized that I don't miss the traffic and some of the other things that go along with a big city. Most disappointing this week was that the neighborhood around the LYS has had some problems recently. I guess I don't miss that part of living in a big city - who knew I'd want to come home to Kansas?

Bigass Update

I arrived home last night after a great week at home and have lots and lots to tell!

I flew home Tuesday evening and arrived just around the same time as my sister. Dad picked us up at the airport and took us home where we slept in the same bedroom and talked all night (kind of like an extended sleepover!)

Of note, I finished my first summer tank top on the plane ride to LA.


The Pattern: Ribby Tank from ChicKnits

The Yarn: Incense from Elann.com

The Needles: US 6

The Verdict: I really like the way this tank is structured and it fits very well. It's a simple pattern, and a little boring to knit, but produces a really simple, elegant tank. I love the color, but the yarn itself is a wool/bamboo/silk blend that I think will be a little heavy for summer. Regardless, it was a pretty quick knit and I know I will wear it!

Wednesday was my play day. I got up early and visited a yarn shop close to my parents house where I found some great Noro Matsuri - 87% cotton. I think I'm going to use it for a bias tank top. The best part was that I had a gift card!

Then I headed up to West LA where I got a pedicure and then met my friends for sushi lunch at our favorite place. The waitress gave me a huge hug and knew my order right off the bat. It was a little like coming home to Cheers again. Catching up with everyone was great, and it didn't even feel like I had left! After lunch I went by the old job and visited with people. It was nice to see everyone, but I'm pretty happy with my choice to have left there.

After that, I headed over to A Mano for an afternoon of fun with yarn. They had some beautiful new yarns in the shop which I got to touch and buy. I also picked up a copy of Elizabeth Zimmerman's The Opinionated Knitter, which I can't wait to read! I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening knitting, catching up, and picking out a few samples to bring back to the midwest and knit up. By the time I left I had to add a third bag to my luggage to get all the yarn home. Ooops! I capped off the night by having dinner with my Knitmeister S at our usual Brazilian place. The waitstaff remembered me there too!

I have to say that Wednesday was a great day catching up with friends, but it was also a little depressing. I think it's finally hitting me that I'm not the LA girl anymore, and that I really don't live there any more. It's so hard with such special friends there and places that know me. I really like Kansas so far, and I've met some wonderful people here, but it's weird because now I feel like I have two homes, and I don't really belong in the one in LA.

Thursday dawned bright and early as Mom, the Li'l Sis and I headed out to spend a day doing assorted wedding stuff. We started inauspiciously by getting stuck in a lot of traffic and a freeway closure and being 30 minutes late to our first appointment. The day got better though - we visited 2 invitation designers and 2 florists and should be able to get everything we need from these visits. We even managed to get in a good deli lunch, some midafternoon iced coffee treats and make it home by 5:30. I spent the evening in with my parents, discussing wedding details and catching up.

Friday morning was gown day! We headed over to the bridal store around 11am to pick up my gown. The gown fits almost perfectly and it looks like it will only need some alterations around the bust line. I'm still in love with the dress and can't wait to get it altered to fit (that's up for June). Now all I need to do is put together a veil and shoes and I'm dressed for the big day!

Friday afternoon we managed to go to lunch, all 4 of us, at a great local Mexican place. I can't remember the last time I was able to eat lunch with my parents and my sister on a weekday.


After lunch, I headed out for a doctor's appointment, and a bit more wedding shopping, and then back up to West LA to see friends and attend Bel's birthday party! Other than managing to scrape my dad's car (ick, definite worst part of the weekend), I had a good time seeing old friends and catching up, not to mention snacking on great nibbles (Knitmeister S's brownies are to DIE FOR!).

Saturday was the first day of Passover and we celebrated it family style, with my aunt and uncle and young cousin coming to visit. It was a nice last evening in town, with good eats and good company.


Sunday morning was an early one as we dropped my sister at the airport and I had breakfast with my parents before heading out myself. The day was mostly spent flying and I arrived home late last night to lots of laundry, and some growing plants. Today is a catchup and errand day and tomorrow I start another job. More details on that as I learn them!

What a day!

1. Things I never, ever, EVER thought I would say:

Target sucks...where the hell is Wal-Mart?

2. Things I learned today:

Always read the pattern through before you begin knitting. ESPECIALLY when you think there must be something wrong with the pattern because it's probably YOU.

3. Things I laughed at today:

Crazy Aunt Purl's photo - I laughed for hours. God I miss California.

4. Things I'd put on a tee shirt today:

If my eyes are open, I'd rather be knitting.

5. Things I made today (for a coworker) that might make me die of cuteness:

I can neither confirm nor deny...

But I might have seen someone very special in my building today.

It smells like fish again.

The world has had an eerie glow this week. Even when the sun is shining and the day is bright, the sky is thick with haze and is eerily orange. The sidewalk, usually such a cool grey is almost a sepia tone.

Tonight when I left work, I smelled that old familiar smell, that cool, foggy, unmistakable sea salt and fish smell of the ocean. This isn't particularly surprising...I work less than a mile from the harbor and the beach. But it's the first time in a week that I've been able to smell it. And it makes me feel better... here's hoping it helps to end the fires.

The Smells of Summer

The past few weeks, it has gotten very warm in LA and I've started wondering what I think of as the smells of summer. Yes I know it's a city, but we still have some nature here!

The smells of summer, to me, in no particular order are:

Warm asphalt - this also happens when it first rains, just the first little drizzle

Eucalyptus - there are groves of trees in my complex

Charcoal from BBQ's - what says summer better than a BBQ?

Berries - blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries.... and cherries! (not a berry but I love 'em!)

So what smells mean summer to you?

Date Night

For Wes' last night here we decided to head up to the Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park. Wes had never been and I hadn't been since before the remodel and reopening, so we bought tickets and headed out to Hollywood.


We ended up parking at the Hollywood and Highland shopping center and taking the shuttle up to the observatory. Inside we got to see all the new space exhibits downstairs, including a stop with Mr. Einstein which I particularly enjoyed.


We visited the exhibits and then went outside onto the roof. There is nothing quite like being able to see all of Los Angeles. The observatory is pretty impressive, and you get a great view of the Hollywood sign. After a little bit, we were ready to head back down the mountain.


We took the shuttle back to Hollywood and Highland and had a really delicious dinner at The Grill on Hollywood. We were skeptical, but the food was really, really good and we're definitely planning on going back.

Tomorrow Wes is taking off for Kansas. While I'm looking forward to having a bit more knitting time, I know after a few hours I'm going to miss him more than ever. I can't wait until we don't have to do this any more.

For more pictures of the trip, click here.

Superstahhhhh Knitting

Check out this great feature on YourLA showcasing my favorite knitting store! And stop on by!

Hollywood Recap

William freakin' Shatner.

Dick Van Dyke.

Ron Rifkin.

Bradley Cooper. (yeah I had to look it up too.... Will on Alias)

And LOTS of others.

Oh yeah... and roses.

Hollywood Beckons

Once a year, I spend an evening feeling like the Los Angelina everyone dreams about being: one who rubs elbows with the stars. Previous entries here and here.

Once a year, I get dolled up and head to the Beverly Wilshire for the Alzheimer's Association's big fundraiser, Night at Sardi's. Not only is it an excellent cause (my grandmother died of Alzheimer's), but it's where my mom works. The sheer star power is dazzling.

Tonight's musical revue is Guys and Dolls and promises to feature: Eric McCormack of Will & Grace fame, Jason Alexander (Seinfeld), Michael Chiklis (The Shield), Joely Fisher, Peter Gallagher (The OC), Victor Garber (Alias), Sharon Lawrence (NYPD Blue), Megan Mullally (Will & Grace), Brent Spiner (Star Trek), Lea Thompson (Caroline in the City), and this year's big stars Dick Van Dyke and Rita Wilson.

Besides that, you just never know who you're going to see in the audience. Three years ago, I stood on the red carpet next to Billy Crystal. The year after I saw Brooke Shields in the ladies room!

ETA: William Shatner will be there tonight as well as David Hyde Pierce. Can't wait!

A Jolly Trolley Good Time

In Los Angeles, the Desire of Some Is Named Streetcar

A new study that will probably reinvigorate a decades-old debate about mass transit in Los Angeles concludes that bringing back streetcars to downtown would spur more development and attract riders. It also contends that trolleys could peaceably share the road with cars.

The report, expected to be released this week by the Community Redevelopment Agency, also makes another point: Reintroduced trolleys have met with success in many other cities, and there's no reason they can't in Los Angeles.

In other cities, "the streetcars have inspired and promoted economic revival, they have encouraged and attracted tourism, and they have supplemented the existing, everyday public transit services already in operation," concludes the study, which was written by several transportation consultants.

"This isn't just a cute little tourist attraction," said Carol Schatz, president and chief executive of the influential Central City Assn., which represents downtown businesses. "We need a sophisticated and fun circulator that ties together all the vibrant districts that are spread around downtown."

While downtown is still heavily dotted with parking lots, a mini-construction boom is underway as new buildings are built and old offices are converted to residences. At least 7,600 residential units are in the development pipeline, the new L.A. Live entertainment complex is rising next to Staples Center and planning is underway for a Grand Avenue redevelopment project.

So beautiful, so blue.

Judge Says California Can't Ban Gay Marriage. Right on!

Why I Love LA.

For those of you naysayers, I want to tell you why I love LA. Last night I went to the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills for the Alzheimer's Association Los Angeles "Night at Sardi's" benefit. Aside from being a truly moving event to raise funds to eradicate a horrific disease, this evening is a star-studded extravaganza. Only in LA could I rub elbows with Jennifer Garner & Victor Garber (Alias), Ben Affleck who came to see his girl perform, Eric McCormack & Megan Mullally (Will & Grace), Peter Gallagher (The OC), Sharon Lawrence (NYPD Blue) and many, many more. As I told my father last night, I'm not normally a star slut, but it's hard not to be at an event like this. So yes there's traffic, but I love LA!

Public Transportation vs. Walking to Work

Given this story, I may very well be walking to work sometime soon. Yes it's 11 miles, and I'd have to get up at 4 am to make it to work on time (and we all know what a lovely morning riser I am), but with gas this high, I'm just not sure I can afford to drive any more.

Which brings me to my second point - public transportation. LA fares worse than most of the major cities because no one really had the foresight to plan for public transportation. Now LA is a case of the worst urban sprawl, and the few metrolines we do have only go so far. This would be particularly useful because I have just started receiving the Wall Street Journal which, unfortunately, is delivered every day. I could use that hour commute time on public transport to read my papers in a timely fashion, rather than stacking them up all week and reading them on Saturday.

Of course, between gas prices and lack of public transport, maybe someone will just come up with pods like the Jetsons.

Enough randomness for now. Time to party at Sardi's! (after driving there of course ;))

Maize al Coche

For those of you non-linguaphiles that's "Corn in the Car". Yup, I'm sitting in horrific traffic this afternoon at La Brea and Sunset. I look over and a man in the car next to me calmly pulls out an ear of corn and starts eating row by row, using both hands, steering with his knees. Now I've seen shaving, makeup, eating of various kinds, but THIS I have never seen. I was hoping to be regaled by full flossing, but then the light changed and I could finally turn the corner. Only in LA.

And score one for me. I got lost, parked in a no parking zone for 2.5 hours and managed to avoid getting a ticket. Shhh don't tell the City of Hollywood.

Body World

If you have even the smallest amount of interest in the human body and how it works, I would strongly urge you to try and see Gunther von Hagens' Body World exhibit. It is in both Los Angeles and Chicago currently, and is absolutely amazing. A mite creepy at first, but absolutely amazing for what it shows us. Basically Mr. von Hagens has plasticized real human bodies (people who donated their bodies to his science) and given us a real understanding of what the human body looks like, intact. No longer are we staring at plastic skeletons in 9th grade biology, but we can see how the pieces actually fit together.

For those in the Los Angeles area, check out the California Science Center exhibit before it leaves!

It's raining.

And raining. Yup we're enjoying some of that lovely California liquid sunshine today folks! (and tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that...) Kind of suits my mood, however, so I'm not really complaining.

Three day weekend! I'm looking forward to snuggling in with blankets and pillows and reading, watching movies and knitting. Of course there's homework, but I'm ignoring that for now. It seems to be working quite well with the exception of the massive pile of unsealed, unopened books in the corner of my room.

So: Daily/Weekly News Update

1. William French Anderson, "Father of Gene Therapy", Arrested again. Not good news for USC Public Relations. It doesn't look good for this guy. Run his name through the latimes.com search and you'll see what I mean.

2. That crazy train wreck of a few weeks ago. The deadliest train crash in a long time, on the Los Angeles Metro Train line turns out not to be a bungled suicide attempt, but a genuine attempt to create havoc. Turns out the guy doused his car with gasoline before abandoning it on the tracks and sticking around to see what would happen. Looks like this dude just added arson to his growing list of felonies. Really, how stupid do you have to be?

3. Michael Jackson. I'm not really into this whole media circus. Really, the man is sick. I don't know if he did all they say he did, and I definitely believe that there are three stories : his side, the victim's side and the real truth. But honestly, you get accused enough and its enough to see that SOMETHING is wrong. See #1.

I could say more, but I won't make you read it.

Happy Friday!