68. Crunch time

Day: September 19, 2011

Song: 

Meal: Oatmeal with frozen berries

Admission: I'm writing this in the last few hours before my flight to Turkey (!!!!!!!) I'm going to have to be on a bit of a hiatus for the next 10 days. Today was nice... slightly pressured, but relatively calm. Coffee at Susina (yum, my favorite!) work with Le Pain Quotidien, a last minute FedEx delivery, surprise drinks at the Culver Hotel, a traffic-free commute, and an insanely clumsy cluttered packing job.

Up in 3 hours. Here we go.

67. Jump for Joy!

Day: September 18, 2011

Song: Om Nashi Me, by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Meal: Matcha Green Tea with White Chocolate Drizzle Scone

Admission: Today was blissful! Helped James' wife Kei at her stand at the LARCHMONT, of all streets, Farmers Market; worked with Beth who was awesome selling scones and tea and just being cute. Afterwards met up with Russ for an impromptu hike at Griffith Park. Couldn't get enough of how nice it was outside so we went out for outdoor margaritas at Malo in Silverlake. Afterwards we opted for a 5 second long rooftop photoshoot and ended the night watching Megamind which was funny, but not as good as BofG. I'm so happppyyyyyy its ridiculous. 

66. Recharge

Day: September 17, 2011

Song: Maps, by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Meal: Pasta Frumento + 305953 breadsticks.

Admission: I left LA today around 7:30, stopping at Starbucks of all god awful places because it was the only thing I could find that was open for some much needed caffeine. When I got home I ran a few errands (including depositing my first real paycheck!) and by 12 I just crashed. Slept for 3 hours and then woke up to have a Skype date with Amy for Turkey preparations. We couldn't stop squealing every 10 seconds. I packed pretty haphazardly for about an hour when Noah arrived. It was so so so nice to see him. Chips and  salsa on the deck and then Italian at a packed Trupianos for dinner. I miss him a lot.

65. Hipstamatic

Day: September 16, 2011

Song: Santogold

Meal: Prosecco and Baby Bell

Admission: There was something different about today. Work had this irrepressable cheerfulness; everyone was just so HAPPY. And as it got ridiculously nuts in the last half hour (of course!), my boss decides to pour everyone a glass of wine. Like... really? Could they be any more of my soulmates? Afterwords I met up with Russ where we had a rooftop picnic, then met up with Addison, Michele and friends for a mysterious adventure in Echo Park. I couldn't stop laughing. There were lasers and a band and a boxing ring. Everyone we were with just made me smile and I've never felt more glad to be alive and able to experience.

64. Smooth

Day: September 15, 2011

Song: Wake Up, Arcade Fire

Meal: Watermelon Radish and Ahi Tuna Salad

Admission: Today just ran really smoothly. Work went by steady, nothing stressful, no painful lulls. I chose lunch to be Lemonade, which was adorable and delicious and well received (bows, bows). Met up with Russ afterwards at La Poubelle, which is kind of becoming our go-to spot (can't get enough of those Marie Antoinette glasses); we were going to go to see Contagion at the Vista but got over it and just went and sat and talked on his roof that overlooks Hollywood. Headed home and now I'm going to sleep. So there.

63. Foggy

Day: September 14, 2011

Song: Blink 182 Pandora

Meal: Wasabi Shrimp Salad

Admission: Ah, yes, the post birthday blues. After so much love and excitement, the day after always seems to be rather lackluster. Work was productive but slow; we all got really wonky by the end of it, despite, or perhaps because of, drinking a healthy amount of red bulls. It was my first time commuting straight back to the valley and, I was right, it sucks. Sat by myself waiting for Libby to get home, listening to Biscuits and Gravy and prepping for my pancake party tomorrow. Once Libby arrived, we broke into our last bottle of Prosecco and ended the night blasting Mumford and Sons, doing air guitar banjo, and nearly peeing our pants.

62. Birthday!

Day: September 13, 2011

Song: Give Me The Beat, Ghostland Observatory

Meal: Lemon Albacore Roll

Admission: 

Best. Birthday. Ever.

Work took me out to lunch, and if that wasn't enough, gave me gorgeous, very thoughtful prezzies from anthro.

Took Amanda home, got to bond.

Rooftop sushi, super hipster bar, and cupcakes to round out the night.

I'm in heaven.

61. Gettin' Close

Day: September 12, 2011

Song: Apply, Glasser

Meal: Edamame Hummus Salad

Admission: I'd like to recognize today for three things. 

1. Libby and I had our applications approved for Lanewood. All we need is a deposit and the place is OURS. Ahhhhhhhh.

2. My birthday is tomorrow. Wooooooooo.

3. This was me at the check out line today. Thirsty?

60. Princess time

Day: September 11, 2011

Song: Ces Bottes Son Faites Pour Marches, Eileen

Meal: Grilled Citrus Salmon with Lemon Rice 

Admission: It feels weird first of all to have this be the tenth anniversary of September 11th; you can't help but reflect back to where you were exactly when you heard what had happened. It's a defining moment in our generation and my heart goes out to all those affected personally. It makes me incomprehensibly thankful for my family and health and wellbeing. 

Today was very mellow; went to Primo to start apartment hunting online in case Lanewood falls though (fingers crossed we get that, dear please baby Jesus). Then I spent the rest of the day packing and being lazy. Tonight my parents followed me up to Dana Point for a pre-actual-birthday celebration dinner at the Chart House; INCREDIBLE food. And dessert. And drinks. And setting. I'm so happy.

59. Twirl Baby

Day: September 10, 2011

Song: Sail, Awolnation

Meal: Cheese and Veggie Appetizer + Wine

Admission: Oh happy day! Up and out early from Libby's to drive home; first stop was in Temecula to meet my mom to pick out my new frames! Teaser... they are Chloe... oo la la. Then it was home to prep for wedding. Then it was the actual wedding! So so much fun. Shannon looked beautiful and so happy; such a joy to be around such happiness. I danced a LOT. 

58. Surreal

Day: September 9, 2011

Song: Modern Man, Arcade Fire

Meal: Teriyaki Tofu Salad

Admission: Today was a bit of a blur. I completed my first week at work, which was a mix of satisfying and stressful. Then, as has become the trend, I headed back up to Hollywood to hang out. Tonight's adventures began at La Poubelle for some champagne, the Cat and Fiddle courtyard for some dinner, and ended with Birds and the Good Luck somethingorother for other ridiculousness. 

I can't keep up with my life these days. All I know is that I'm really enjoying it. 

57. The One?

Day: September 8, 2011

Song: Someone Great, LCD Soundsystem

Meal: Black Quinoa and Orange Salad

Admission: My head literally won't stop spinning. I've felt like I've had no head for the past 16 hours. Work FLEW by again; it's so odd, I feel like I haven't learned my job well enough to keep occupied, and yet 5:30 rolls around before I know it, and it's time for me to start shutting down the office. But as the last three days have proven, my night's only beginning once work ends. Today I headed up to check out the La Brea apartment to get an application; turns out the place has already rented but we might have a chance if they don't deposit. But then I went into the Ralphs right down the street and got SO SKETCHED OUT by the people and surrounding area, so it made the disappointment of most likely not getting the perfect interior place a little easier to swallow and accept. I called Libby just to check in and it turned out she was on her way to checkout Lanewood, which I saw a few weeks ago and really liked but never moved on. So I decided to meet her; we met up with Alex, the manager, and just sort of became smitten by it all. The room, the management, the pool, the balcony, the ceilings.... it would be a lot smaller than La Brea but cozy and in an AMAZING location. So in a mad frenzy we went home, popped in a frozen pizza, and got going filling out our application. Alex made it sound like its going to be gone asap, and we just got really attached. Our hopes are up, to say in the least. Hopefully we'll hear back tomorrow about moving forward, and if not, we'll have to start looking all over. DREAD.

These past few days have just been a complete 180 from the first 8 months of my life this year, it's hard to grasp. It also contributes to me feeling like: how the hell did this happen to me? How am I so lucky?

I keep waiting for someone to say just kidding, this is too good to be true! Back to where you belong!

Please, please no.

56. Can't Keep Up

Day: September 7, 2011

Song: Turn Me On, by David Guetta and Nicki Minaj

Meal: Ceviche and Rosemary Bread

Admission: I feel like I'm almost panting to catch up to my day--again, which I LOVE. Had to open up the office this morning so got there a little before 8:30 to get the coffee going and all the machines turned on. Then for some reason I was just SO. BUSY. The day started flying by and I was busy non-stop-- such an improvement from yesterday where I felt like I needed to wait to be told what to do because I couldn't think of anything on my own. No doubt my work is still clumsy and not as efficient as it should or could be, but I have faith that I'll come around. The last half hour was nuts; went on a run that was just insanity, one that included the pick up of 6 Jamba Juices. Finally got back to the office in one piece, and after closing down my duties I was out and off back up to the Hollywood Hills to check out yet another apartment. This one... I loved the street, I loved the view, I loved the courtyard... the apartment itself TRIED to be nice, but it was so. flipping. tiny. Did not compare to the La Brea one I saw last night. So now it's down to LB and Lanewood Pines. Eeek! After the apartment Russ and I went out to dinner at Figero in Los Feliz; awesome as usual. Already another celeb citing: Ashley from Greek! Hahaha. 

Back home now, ready to be up and out and do it again. Bring it on!

Oh, ps, I scored a sweet Sweet Shop bag today. YEA!

55. I'm a Big Girl

Day: September 6, 2011

Song: Back in Your Head, Tegan and Sara

Meal: Gem Lettuce and Avocado Salad from Little Doms

Admission: Today was how I wish every day in my life was. Just so FULL. A day that you never have a moment to rest, but it's not stressful; a day where the events make you reflect on yourself, your abilities, your personality, your wants. I started my job today; overwhelmed by the kindness of my office. Afterwards I headed north to hang out with Russ; champagne in Marie Antionette glasses next to a painted mural of the Eiffel tower; apartment hunting with a mean eastern european lady; and dinner at Little Doms with John C Reilly. Like what? Too good.

Today was my first day of the rest of my life.

54. Flyin'

Day: September 5, 2011

Song: Some song by Joy Formidable

Meal: Quinoa with asparagus and snow peas

Admission: Whew! Long day. Up at 4am west coast time. Bozeman-->Denver-->LAX-->SD-->Back to LA. Blew up my blow up bed (which is huge and rather comfy), unpacked the suitcase so it feels like I kind of live here, did a little basic grocery shopping,  and am now ready to pass out. Going to get up super early because I don't even want to risk being even CLOSE to late. At this very moment in time I'm feeling calm. I think my biggest fear is that I'll get there and just my mind will go blank and not be able to think through basic tasks; that I'll just freeze out of the fear and pressure to do everything perfectly.

Let's hope that doesn't. 

Bed time. Night night.

53. L! Is for the way...

Day: September 4, 2011

Song: Livin on Prayer, by Bon Jovi

Meal: Trout with Grilled Veggies

Admission: To be honest... I'm drunk. Today consisted of so-so bagel breakfast, gettin my hair did, off to the beautiful mountains for Daniel's wedding, and a somewhat disheartening rejection on the dance floor from the wedding party, the only group of people my age. I'm ok though! Ready to be home, it's beautiful here but just not for me.

Here's me and my grandpa, the MOST badass guy around.

52. Mountain Chic

Day: August 3, 2011

Song: Violet Hill, Coldplay

Meal: Bag of Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Admission: I write to you from my Marriot hotel room in Bozeman, Montana. I got up early today and got a big sized Primo so that I could be packed and ready to go. Our plane got delayed 2 hour but we had a 3 hour layover planned in Denver so it actually worked out perfect. Got a pick me up glass of wine in Colorado and then headed off in one of those scary little baby planes to Bozeman. Waited what seemed like forever for our rental car (glistening white mini van... classy...) and got a much anticipated dinner and beverage... mmm. Nothing really exciting happened today, tomorrow is the big day, the wedding day, eeeee. Weddings are my favorite. 

Also, so are cans of club soda as my plane beverage of choice. Little fun fact.

51. Which One Which One?!

Day: August 2, 2011

Song: Fluorescent Adolescent, by Arctic Monkeys

Meal: Shrimp Taco

Admission: Aye my head is spinning! Woke up today and had to get on the road to LA with the parents to spend another day apartment hunting. This time my future roomie, Libby, came with us. The first place we checked out was an apartment I tried to see Wednesday but it fell through; it is so freaking charming from  the outside: French awnings, light yellow paint, ivy covered front; the inside is just as cute, I felt like a 50s housewife with the checkerboard floor. Problems: kind of small, kind of dark, and kind of dirty. Next we decided to check out the Chadwick in Koreatown; we had be entertaining this place because of all the amenities (pool, gym, tennis courts), but it took one drive there for us to not even want to see it. It just wasn't worth it, so I guess that was productive. Last place we checked out was on Olive St in West Hollywood-- amazing location, super close to Amy Magrish, and absolutely adorable from the outside with a beautiful courtyard, but whoever built the place must have been an actual idiot... HUGE one bathroom, HUGE bathroom, then one bedroom that honestly could fit maybe a crib, not even a twin bed. It just didn't make sense. So that was a no go also. So as of now its Olympic and a place in Hollywood that I saw a couple of weeks ago. We just have to decide if and when to move on these things. 

It's stressful. I just want to have a place! That I like. That's cute. In a good location. Is that too much to ask?! 

50. Blessed

Day: September 1, 2011

Song: N***as in Paris, Jay Z and Kanye West

Meal: Salami, Cherry Tomatoes and LOTS of wine

Admission: Today marked the first day of one of the biggest life-changing and exciting months in my life thusfar. It was my last day at Urban, which was sort of anti-climatic and sudden feeling, over before it began it seemed. I rushed to Anthro to get some more pretty things for my new to-be apartment and some wedding gifts, and then rushed home to meet Diondra. We went to the grocery store and did all the prep for  my farewell get together I decided to throw sort of last minute. I've been meaning to use our deck all summer for a dinner party and it seemed like now was a good of time as any considering its one of my last nights here as my home! Diondra, Laura, Kendra, Veronica, Kelly, Branche, Andrew and Noah all made it out; it was the best assortment of people, friends from all walks of life--childhood, high school, college, post-grad work-- it was so wonderful to have them all there, for all of them to meet one another, to see them all in Fallbrook before I say goodbye. Besides just talking and drinking I decided to construct a sort of makeshift photo booth with props for us to play with, which turned out to be hilarious.  My stomach hurt from laughing by the end of it. We moved inside and started playing other games, and eventually people slowly started to either fall asleep or head home, and it ended with me in my PJS talking to Andrew and Noah at my kitchen table. Finally we said our last goodbyes and it struck me by how emotional I got; I feel like I haven't had ENOUGH time with these people. I guess I'm just so thankful everything that's happened this year led me to meet who I've met, and I'm confident the friendships I've made will last and last. Tonight was sort of living proof of that.