Last week's Democratic National Convention was all I hoped it would be. The speeches were informed, inspirational, forward-thinking, realistic. There was a sparkle of hope in the eyes of the audience, an air of unity and strength present among politicians and audience members alike. With their genuine love and strong values, the Obamas personified the American family unlike any others before them.
At that point, I knew that the Republicans would have to pull out all the stops if they hoped to keep a competitive race going any longer. When it was announced that Sarah Palin would be the vice presidential candidate, I was intrigued, impressed even. This, I thought, might just be the fresh blood the GOP needs to win another election. And she's cute, too!
Alas, my respect for McCain's interesting decision was extremely short-lived, ending violently and passionately when I saw a picture of the candidates, their significant others, and a cute, chubby, special-needs infant being cradled in the arms of who my brother likes to call "The Conservative MILF."
I fully believe that a wife and a mother is capable of pursuing – and thriving – in her dream career. But with five children, four of whom are under the age of 18, one who's still nursing and another who is shooting whiskey and getting knocked up, is it really the right time to be dedicating your life and all your time to your country? Seems to me that you still have some parenting to do. The Republican platform has always prided itself on its solid family values, but the funny thing about values is, you can't just preach them. You have to LIVE them. Otherwise, no one's going to take you seriously.
I understand that even in loving families with attentive parents, things happen sometimes. Kids make mistakes. But there's no room for these types of skeletons when you are the family that is setting the example for all others. Live your life, but have the decency to live it out of the national spotlight.
Sarah Palin, do the right thing. Let's see those family values you so fervently preach about. Drop out of the race, take care of your baby, spend some time with your daughters. They obviously still need your guidance and your example.
And McCain: What the hell were you thinking?
9.02.2008
7.28.2008
I'm here, yo!
Well, here I am. Sitting in a bedroom in a house in the East Bay area. Dublin, to be exact. That is, until my lease starts up in Walnut Creek next week.
Saying goodbye to many people I love was emotional. I've always been in the same place. I went to college 20 minutes from home. My Los Angeles apartment (a startling 40 miles from mom and dad's) was my first great adventure. My best friend's always been only a stone's throw away if I needed a hug. I am the consummate big fat baby.
But now that I'm here in this quiet moment, in this new place, I am so excited.
Saying goodbye to many people I love was emotional. I've always been in the same place. I went to college 20 minutes from home. My Los Angeles apartment (a startling 40 miles from mom and dad's) was my first great adventure. My best friend's always been only a stone's throw away if I needed a hug. I am the consummate big fat baby.
But now that I'm here in this quiet moment, in this new place, I am so excited.
6.06.2008
Frazzled
It's no secret that things have come together for me recently. FINALLY. After playing the waiting game for too long, I now know what's ahead, logistically.
Of course, I have no idea what to expect. It's all very wonderful and terrifying and new and confusing. Just thought I'd get that off my chest.
Of course, I have no idea what to expect. It's all very wonderful and terrifying and new and confusing. Just thought I'd get that off my chest.
4.17.2008
Ode to LA Drivers
Oh, Los Angeles driver, I love you so.
Your need to weave in and out of lanes for no apparent reason makes me tingle with delight.
Please, drive faster. I insist. There is no need to pace yourself when going between Point A and Point B. It's not like hundreds of lives hang in the balance!
In L.A., you have to look the part. I can't explain how heartwarming it is to see fellow young ladies touching up their lipgloss or curling their eyelashes while deftly avoiding the elderly pedestrians strolling across the road.
No, no. Take that call on your Blackberry. I don't mind at all! It's got to be very important. I mean, it must've been, considering it caused you to make that unprotected left turn quickly enough to beat all the pedestrians who, silly enough, saw the little green walk man and thought it was their turn.
We should have known it was YOUR turn. We're lowly walking folk and you, sir, drive a Lincoln Navigator. Please, don't look back, even if you DID almost make roadkill out of me. It's totally cool. I didn't need my toes anyway.
LA drivers, this is my tribute to you.
Your need to weave in and out of lanes for no apparent reason makes me tingle with delight.
Please, drive faster. I insist. There is no need to pace yourself when going between Point A and Point B. It's not like hundreds of lives hang in the balance!
In L.A., you have to look the part. I can't explain how heartwarming it is to see fellow young ladies touching up their lipgloss or curling their eyelashes while deftly avoiding the elderly pedestrians strolling across the road.
No, no. Take that call on your Blackberry. I don't mind at all! It's got to be very important. I mean, it must've been, considering it caused you to make that unprotected left turn quickly enough to beat all the pedestrians who, silly enough, saw the little green walk man and thought it was their turn.
We should have known it was YOUR turn. We're lowly walking folk and you, sir, drive a Lincoln Navigator. Please, don't look back, even if you DID almost make roadkill out of me. It's totally cool. I didn't need my toes anyway.
LA drivers, this is my tribute to you.
4.04.2008
Work
So I've officially been at my job with The Zizo Group for a year now. Happy Anniversary to me. Funny thing is it doesn't feel like a year, not even close. And yet I've done and learned SO much. Even though I worked in PR for 9 months before taking this job, I consider this my first real job, my first real challenge as a working adult. I mean there were some days when the amount I had to accomplish was enough for 2 or 3 people. We still have days like that sometimes.
It's weird. There were so many experiences that left me outraged, hopeful, frustrated, excited, wide-eyed and bursting with words to share and now that I sit here to recount them, I have nothing.
It's weird. There were so many experiences that left me outraged, hopeful, frustrated, excited, wide-eyed and bursting with words to share and now that I sit here to recount them, I have nothing.
3.17.2008
H-Y-P-E
I've been living in Los Angeles for about a year now, and it's been pretty great. Living on the Westside, I've definitely developed a list of places I enjoy for dining, drinking and dancing: Barney's Beanery for an after-work beer, Palomino's for late-night appetizers, Cafe Crepe for a delightful, affordable French feast, and Zanzibar for a little dancing.
My "spots" have a couple things in common. They are moderately to very affordable, comfortable, convenient and tons of fun without much frill. I always have a great time at these places ... which leads me to the thought, "If it ain't broke, why fix it?"
This is a notion I conveniently forgot in the last week, as I attempted to follow the lead of many of my fellow educated, gainfully employed young L.A. residents and check out some L.A. hot spots. You know the ones I'm talking about, located on or near the Sunset Strip, often with a French-sounding name, a $20 valet and a guest list that you'll never be on.
Last Thursday, I met up with some girlfriends at the Bar Marmont, located in the world-renowned Chateau Marmont, a hotel where famous people who don't feel like having a house live. The Chateau is mentioned 3 or 4 times in every issue of Us Weekly, so it's got to be good.
After a $12 glass of wine, a $18 cheese board, some oysters and french fries (all split between three of us), I prepared to drop about 35 bucks toward the check, though my tummy was growling in protest. But alas, when the check came, we were startled by a total of $505. For 6 girls. All we had was some wine and appetizers! Turns out, a 20 percent gratuity had been added on to our check.
That would have been OK, as it is customary to charge gratuity for large tables. However, at the bottom of the check was a bold, infuriating statement. "Gratuity does NOT include tip."
Has anybody ever heard of such a thing? How is this OK? Is it because we were at the Chateau, and they can do whatever the hell they want? I still don't understand.
My "spots" have a couple things in common. They are moderately to very affordable, comfortable, convenient and tons of fun without much frill. I always have a great time at these places ... which leads me to the thought, "If it ain't broke, why fix it?"
This is a notion I conveniently forgot in the last week, as I attempted to follow the lead of many of my fellow educated, gainfully employed young L.A. residents and check out some L.A. hot spots. You know the ones I'm talking about, located on or near the Sunset Strip, often with a French-sounding name, a $20 valet and a guest list that you'll never be on.
Last Thursday, I met up with some girlfriends at the Bar Marmont, located in the world-renowned Chateau Marmont, a hotel where famous people who don't feel like having a house live. The Chateau is mentioned 3 or 4 times in every issue of Us Weekly, so it's got to be good.
After a $12 glass of wine, a $18 cheese board, some oysters and french fries (all split between three of us), I prepared to drop about 35 bucks toward the check, though my tummy was growling in protest. But alas, when the check came, we were startled by a total of $505. For 6 girls. All we had was some wine and appetizers! Turns out, a 20 percent gratuity had been added on to our check.
That would have been OK, as it is customary to charge gratuity for large tables. However, at the bottom of the check was a bold, infuriating statement. "Gratuity does NOT include tip."
Has anybody ever heard of such a thing? How is this OK? Is it because we were at the Chateau, and they can do whatever the hell they want? I still don't understand.
3.03.2008
Lady in Waiting
For the better part of this last year, I have been in various stages of waiting.
It was a mellow, moseying sort of waiting at first, and then graduated to an aching, hopeful waiting. Only in the last month or so has this waiting turned into an all-out, 24/7 waiting power marathon.
You see, sometime last year, as December 2006 came to a close 2007 began to unfold, I fell in love. Big time. From Day 1, I knew that this person had come into my life for a reason. Let's call him, "The one to keep around." Or perhaps, "The one I'd fly thousands of miles to be with."
And so this year has involved a lot of waiting. Waiting for the next long weekend together, or even the next opportunity to have a nice phone call. Waiting to see if opportunity and fortune could bring us together, or if it would take more than that. Waiting to see if being together and achieving our individual goals could actually go hand-in-hand.
As I write this, it has yet to be determined whether the wait is nearing its end or a whole new chapter is opening up. I could let the waiting and the uncertainty stress me to no end, and frankly, sometimes I do.
But when I take a moment, stop myself and remember what I am waiting for, I usually end up with a calm smile on my face. Because damn, is it worth waiting for.
It was a mellow, moseying sort of waiting at first, and then graduated to an aching, hopeful waiting. Only in the last month or so has this waiting turned into an all-out, 24/7 waiting power marathon.
You see, sometime last year, as December 2006 came to a close 2007 began to unfold, I fell in love. Big time. From Day 1, I knew that this person had come into my life for a reason. Let's call him, "The one to keep around." Or perhaps, "The one I'd fly thousands of miles to be with."
And so this year has involved a lot of waiting. Waiting for the next long weekend together, or even the next opportunity to have a nice phone call. Waiting to see if opportunity and fortune could bring us together, or if it would take more than that. Waiting to see if being together and achieving our individual goals could actually go hand-in-hand.
As I write this, it has yet to be determined whether the wait is nearing its end or a whole new chapter is opening up. I could let the waiting and the uncertainty stress me to no end, and frankly, sometimes I do.
But when I take a moment, stop myself and remember what I am waiting for, I usually end up with a calm smile on my face. Because damn, is it worth waiting for.
2.21.2008
Power to the Peaceful (and Sexy)
This weekend, Amin and I saw Michael Franti together for the second time. This time, it was at an ice arena in Vail, CO.
For those of you who don't know about Michael Franti or haven't heard his music, please change that right now. I've known about this guy for less than a year and I truly wish that he had become part of my life sooner. His lyrics are irreverant, joyful, painfully honest, bleak and family-friendly all at the same time. Franti has the ability to inspire any open-minded person in any walk of life with just a few simple verses.
In the moments where I was able to take my attention away from the music and observe the people around me, I saw something truly unique. Frantic, energetic teenagers intermingled with young professionals, families and even many baby boomers, singing along, jumping up and down and yes--sharing pipes and flasks. It was very, very cool.
And I must say, for a lanky, scruffy, dreadlocked man in his mid 40s, Mr. Franti is one sexy beast. After you get a chance to see him, ladies (and gents), I doubt you'll disagree.
2.07.2008
08ING a Change
First of all, Romney's out (thank God). Now I know that whatever happens, it won't be devastating.
Secondly, and I know a lot of people have been saying the same thing, is that this is the first presidential election that I find myself really caring about. Sure, it's only the second one I've been able to vote in, but it's more than that. People don't have faith in our leaders anymore. The last 8 years have led to a general air of distrust--and disgust :).
When I look at BOTH of the Democratic nominees, I see people who give a damn, people who want to implement the changes we so desperately need. I know I'm not the only one who's sick of tax cuts for the rich, our shit health care system and the way the current administration deals with immigrants.
Whether they go it on their own or join together on one dream team ticket, Clinton and Obama are going to bring sexy back in full force. I smell a change coming.
Secondly, and I know a lot of people have been saying the same thing, is that this is the first presidential election that I find myself really caring about. Sure, it's only the second one I've been able to vote in, but it's more than that. People don't have faith in our leaders anymore. The last 8 years have led to a general air of distrust--and disgust :).
When I look at BOTH of the Democratic nominees, I see people who give a damn, people who want to implement the changes we so desperately need. I know I'm not the only one who's sick of tax cuts for the rich, our shit health care system and the way the current administration deals with immigrants.
Whether they go it on their own or join together on one dream team ticket, Clinton and Obama are going to bring sexy back in full force. I smell a change coming.
1.30.2008
1.22.2008
Heartache
I am a person who likes being around people. I thrive on social interaction, on friendship, on giving and receiving positivity and love. Maybe it's because I lived almost my whole life in the same place, surrounded by family and friends who I grew up with.
Nine months ago, I decided that in I was so comfortable in that zone that I'd never grow. I'd never become as strong of a person as I wanted to be if I never set out on my own. So I took what for me was a big step.
I moved to L.A. and into an apartment with someone I didn't know.
In these months, I've learned a lot. I know I've grown immensely. I've learned how to do a lot of things on my own. But you know what? I don't feel stronger.
I'll tell you how I do feel: LONELY. And not in that fleeting, temporary way. I am hopelessly, heartachingly lonely. My family is a mere 40 miles away and I have good friends in the area and a job I really like. But it's just not working ... I don't know why.
Maybe I will never be someone who will never be able to handle a great new adventure
in a new city. Maybe I overestimated my abilities. Maybe I'm not as strong as I thought.
Nine months ago, I decided that in I was so comfortable in that zone that I'd never grow. I'd never become as strong of a person as I wanted to be if I never set out on my own. So I took what for me was a big step.
I moved to L.A. and into an apartment with someone I didn't know.
In these months, I've learned a lot. I know I've grown immensely. I've learned how to do a lot of things on my own. But you know what? I don't feel stronger.
I'll tell you how I do feel: LONELY. And not in that fleeting, temporary way. I am hopelessly, heartachingly lonely. My family is a mere 40 miles away and I have good friends in the area and a job I really like. But it's just not working ... I don't know why.
Maybe I will never be someone who will never be able to handle a great new adventure
in a new city. Maybe I overestimated my abilities. Maybe I'm not as strong as I thought.
1.07.2008
Happy New Year, Bitches
Back in the office, boo hoo. But I admit, I am rejuvenated and ready to kick some new year ass.
I spent the last couple of weeks enjoying cocktails in Vegas, snowshoeing in Boulder and spending time with people I enjoy and love. My tired spirit, as a result, got the kickstart it needed to start working enthusiastically toward all those things I want to achieve.
This year, I hope to:
1. Make great strides toward excellent physical, mental and spiritual health. I want to challenge myself to have a really healthy diet, push myself to a higher plateau of fitness and become a less anxious and worrisome person by figuring out more of those things that make me tick.
2. Do really well in school, whether I stay at Long Beach or transfer to UCLA.
3. Achieve something professionally, even if it's just learning something valuable to take with me.
There's more but it just gets really detailed and boring. Happy New Year, everyone. Enjoy this short video about the number one man in my life :)
I spent the last couple of weeks enjoying cocktails in Vegas, snowshoeing in Boulder and spending time with people I enjoy and love. My tired spirit, as a result, got the kickstart it needed to start working enthusiastically toward all those things I want to achieve.
This year, I hope to:
1. Make great strides toward excellent physical, mental and spiritual health. I want to challenge myself to have a really healthy diet, push myself to a higher plateau of fitness and become a less anxious and worrisome person by figuring out more of those things that make me tick.
2. Do really well in school, whether I stay at Long Beach or transfer to UCLA.
3. Achieve something professionally, even if it's just learning something valuable to take with me.
There's more but it just gets really detailed and boring. Happy New Year, everyone. Enjoy this short video about the number one man in my life :)
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