I Shot A Man In Reno...

Do any of you remember the TV show Dallas? With J.R. Ewing & The Southfork Ranch? I don't recall much of the series because I was pretty young when it was popular but I do remember that my mom loved it. We would watch it religiously and I was always intrigued by the characters, the outfits and especially Southfork Ranch. Well, the last few times that I've traveled to Reno I have stayed at the Hilton and I always think that this hotel would have been a perfect location for an episode of Dallas. Check it out: The 80's Western font, the gold tinted windows, the smoky casino on the first floor...it's perfect! Wouldn't you agree?

Anyone recognize this sign from the show Reno 911?

And now for the creepy photo of the day:

Thank God I'm not staying at Circus Circus.

Lions, Tigers & Bears (Oh My)!

On Sunday Mags & I made a trip down to the world famous San Diego Zoo. It may be famous for the animals but certainly not for an abundance of parking! It took us over an hour to find a place to park due to the holiday weekend, the lack of parking attendants and no overflow parking. Someone on the zoo staff finally showed us mercy and opened a back lot for a few cars to park in. Thankfully we were one of them.

After we entered the park I realized that it was well worth the wait. The animals were amazing, the Zoo was huge and it was a beautiful day to walk around. It also gave me the opportunity to snap some photos. Here are a few of my favorites from the day:


The Zebra:


The Polar Bear:

I was a bit disappointed that we missed seeing the Panda Bears that were on exhibit. We chose to forego them and see as many of the other animals as possible since we were a little short on time. If you ever go, you really need to plan on being there for about 4 hours. After the Zoo, we headed down to Little Italy and ate at Mona Lisa's. Not quite as good as the Italian in NYC's Little Italy but excellent none-the-less.

Tonight Cerina, Laura and I took in the Angels vs. Twins game. It's been awhile since I've sat in the nosebleeds but it was a lot of fun. My only dilemma was choosing a team to root for. Do I go for the current home team (Anaheim) or go back to my roots and cheer for MN? I decided to go with Anaheim which was a good choice because they ended up wining. Here's a view from the cheapseats:

After the game they shot off fireworks to celebrate Memorial Day. It was a great show and now I'm excited for the 4th of July. It's funny how fireworks can make you feel like a kid again. I love it. I tried my best to get some good photos but they were a little tricky. Any suggestions for taking firework pictures are welcome.

Tomorrow it's back to the grind. I hope y'all had a safe & happy weekend...

A Day In Hollywood

This weekend my friend Maggie is visiting from the Northeast and we have been busy girls. We spent Friday afternoon in Hollywood hitting up all of the tourist spots which was nothing short of hilarious.

Our first stop was at Grauman's Chinese Theatre where we got our photos taken with Chewbacca & Yoda from Star Wars. I'm not exactly sure why but Chewey said it was gonna be free (ie..no tip) so of course we took him up on the offer!

This would later become the scene where I was chased by a little person dressed up as Chuckie. I figured he would give up but the kept following me and jabbing a prop knife into the back of my leg. He ended up sandwiching me inbetween himself and a Storm Trooper. Quite the predicament, huh? We also shared an elevator with Michael Meyers from Halloween & Pinhead from Hellraiser (which, unbelievably, were scarier without the masks on).

After that we hit up the Hollywood Wax Museum & The Guinness World Of Records Museum which was kind of fascinating. Here's Mags in the Worlds Largest Waist figure:

Next stop was Rodeo Drive. Most of the stores were closed but we still took the opportunity to just walk around and snap some photos. Maria was taking my picture when all of the sudden, this man came from out of nowhere and started hitting on me. I think I told a record number of lies in the course of 5 minutes - for which I am probably going to Hell. Here's the deal - he was actually good looking but he kept going on and on about how lived in both NY & LA. Really pulling out all the stops to impress but the entire time I could only focus on the dirty stained t-shirt that he was wearing!

We talk for a couple of minutes (more like he interrogated me) and then not wanting to leave Maggie out of the mix, he calls over his friend who was in town visiting. The guy saunters over and when he reaches out to shake my hand I notice the longest thumb nail I have seen in my life. Added to the nappy dreaded hair, the beret hat and lumberjack looking jacket, he wasn't exactly her type. Long story short, I made up a huge string of lies to get them to leave us alone. Now I ask you this - if you are on Rodeo Drive trying to pick up women wouldn't you at least put on a clean shirt?! Or trim your incredibly long thumbnail? I don't get it...

Today we hit up Fiesta Hermosa in Hermosa Beach. These types of festivals are sure to provide good people watching and some new invention that I never would have thought up. This years invention was a pair of flip flops with a built in bottle opener; priced at a mere $45. What will they think of next? I did get to see some amazing photography which was the best part of the festival. We ended the day by walking to the end of the pier and snapping this shot:

Tomorrow I think we're headed to the San Diego Zoo. Should be entertaining...

Happy Memorial Day everyone!

Full Of Hot Air

The Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival looks like it is going to be awesome!

To those of you who normally hit up the wine/beer/whiskey festivals with me, it won't be the same without you...

Homeless Men With Squeegees

Friends, it is true. There really are homeless men with squeegees running around LA who are more than willing to clean your car windshield. How do I know this? Because one got me. Against my will. I was not happy....

It was around 11.30 pm and I was finally on my way home from LAX. It was a pretty warm night so I had my window half ways down and I was sitting at a red light minding my own business. All of the sudden, I see this homeless man weaving in and out of lanes wielding a squeegee and a rag ... Cleaning car windshields! (Seriously - I thought this was just a joke and didn't ever happen to real people. Especially me.)

As I am watching this bizarre man scurry from car to car I began praying that he wouldn't come my way. Apparently God didn't hear that prayer or just wanted me to add another random story to my vast collection. Suddenly, the man runs towards my car and I begin shaking my head no. He then smiles at me and gets closer. I say out the window "no thanks". He responds "It's alright, sweetheart. This will only take a second". At this point I say louder "NO" and add hand gestures to accompany my head moving from side to side in a "no" kind of movement. The man continues towards me and washes my windshield anyways! What the heck!? Even though I him not to do it he still expected me to give him money. I don't get it. I think they try to guilt you into it. They stand there and flash that toothless smile as if to say "Look at the great job I just did. Who cares that I probably stole the squeegee and rag from an Arco up the street. I just cleaned your windshield and I should be rewarded for that". Well, my friends, I didn't fall for it and when the light turned green all got was a view of my taillights fading into the distance.

Has this happened to anyone else out there?


p.s. don't ever forget where you've parked your car in the C Lot at LAX. I think that has to be about the biggest parking lot I've ever seen. And no, this didn't happen to me...

My First Meme

I've been tagged by Nonblonde to complete my very first meme! Get ready to find out more than you ever wanted to know about yours truly.


Accent - It's an odd mix of southern and northern (Minnesota). Though since I've moved to So Cal it seems like it's gotten kind of bland. Is that possible?

Booze - Mmm...red wine. It doesn't really matter what Vineyard it came from, what year, etc. My friend John once said "I never met a red I didn't like". I'd have to agree.

Chore I hate - Cleaning the toilet. That's just nasty.

Dogs/Cats - Still a sore subject because I had to give up my dog (Lincoln) to move to Cali. He was a rescue dog that I got from the shelter. Nobody could ever say what he was but our best guess was red heeler/boxer mix. Probably a bit of Jack Russell thrown in since he was off the charts hyper. What I miss most is getting pulled around the block by him during our nightly walks.

Essential Electronics - Hands down my Ipod. This little electronic wonder has changed my life. I can not leave the house without it.

Favorite Perfume / Cologne - Clinique Happy. It's just makes me so darned happy!

Gold/Silver - I'm a silver girl.

Hometown - Born in Red Wing, Minnesota.

Insomnia - Unfortunately it comes and goes in waves. When I'm stressed out it gets pretty bad. When I am able to sleep, I cherish it.

Job Title - Field Sales & Marketing Representative

Living Arrangements - Alone in a cozy apartment 3 blocks from the beach. Jealous?

Most Admired Trait - I would guess that it would be my sense of adventure. I'm pretty willing to try anything once...

Overnight Hospital Stays - Total nights in the hospital....9 that I can think of. I had pins put in my hips when I was in 6th grade because my growth plate had slipped. In 8th grade they had to remove the pins....Gross, huh?

Phobias - Spiders. Snakes. Possessed/insane clowns - especially those who follow me through haunted houses scaring the hell out of me. Walking up concrete stairs, tripping & knocking out all of my teeth. Standing too close when when pulling open a door and busting my nose. I'm weird, I know....

Quote - "Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood."
- Emerson

Religion - Practicing Christian

Siblings - I'm the baby. I have one brother (30) and an awesome sister-in-law (27).

Time I Usually Wake Up - Depends on the day and what time my first appointment is at. Generally I set the alarm for 6.30 and hit the snooze button for 45 minutes. I'm sure my future husband will love that....

Unusual Talent - Does changing clothes while driving a car constitute as an unusual talent?

Vegetable - Love me some broccoli. Steamed with a dash of garlic salt and I'm in heaven.

Worst Habit - Tailgating on the freeway. I tend to scare those who are riding with me...Sorry.

X-rays - Geez...Too many to count. It seemed like I had about 50 when I was going through all the hip stuff. Then there's the broken elbow x-rays. Dental x-rays. Wisdom teeth x-rays. Shouldn't I be glowing green or something by now?

Yummy Food I Make - Neiman Marcus Cookies (basically a pimped out Chocolate Chip cookie). Though these tend to burn up my mixer because the batter gets so thick. But boy are they worth it!

Zodiac Sign - Cancer. I don't really believe in astrology but I sometimes read the horoscopes for a good laugh.

Now the fun part of getting to tag someone else (that doesn't sound right). So, Mags...tag! you're it!

Surprise At 30,000 Feet

Let me begin by saying that I travel a lot. I'm a firm believer that you see what a person is really made of when they travel. You either see the best in people or the worst. What I saw of the man next to me on my last flight was not quite what I had expected. Here is my most recent airplane story:

About a week ago, I was boarding a flight from Nashville to LA. Luckily, the flight was only half full so the middle seat was open, leaving me by the window and a guy in the aisle seat. Perfect! I really don't like making small talk with people on planes so I've sort of trained myself to fall asleep before the flight takes off. By the time I wake up, we are past 10,000 feet and I can either use my Ipod or watch a DVD on my laptop. Great plan, huh?

It's about two and half hours into the flight and I still haven't talked to Mr. Aisle Seat. I sort of have to go to the bathroom and all of the sudden Mr. Aisle Seat gets up so I decide to follow. This is where it gets funny. I failed to see which way he went so I assumed he went to the restroom in the back. After all, the restroom sign in the front of the plane said it was open so I head in that direction. I grab the door and jerk it open only to see Mr. Aisle Seat relieving himself. What are the chances?! I quickly shut the door and walk to the rear of the plane to use to use the other bathroom. Unfortunately, some fella was taking a really long time so I had to stand there for about 10 minutes (no lie) and wait patiently. The stewardess offered me a free magazine to pass time so I took it and began reading. The guy finally comes out and I wearily head in, go number 1 and quickly leave. It was not until I was about half way back to my seat when I realized how bad this looked. I am returning from the bathroom after 15 minutes - carrying a magazine! Mr. Aisle Seat had to think that I was doing more than just 'number 1'. Embarrassing....

Now begins the awkward conversation:
Mr. Aisle Seat: "Were you the one who walked in on me?"
Me: "Yup."
Mr. Aisle Seat: "I'm sorry. I thought I locked the door."
Me: "No worries. Happens to the best of us." (trying to make him feel better)

This turns into 5 minutes of awkward conversation that neither of us cares about. He obviously did not get the "I don't want to talk" vibe I was throwing out - even though I have one headphone in my ear and the other suspended about two inches away from the other. He noticed that I was watching Office Space and begins talking about that and his office and his boss and yada, yada, yada - I don't care! After awhile I ended the conversation quickly by nodding in agreement and putting in my other headphone. Rude? Maybe. But it was totally worth it to escape the half-hearted conversation. I didn't talk to him for the rest of the flight.

One other thing that I found particularly amusing (yet incredibly repulsive) was that Mr. Aisle Seat had been throwing the mac down on the new flight attendant for 4 & 1/2 hours. When we landed he immediately called his wife and began gushing about how much he missed her and loved her, etc! What in the heck!? I certainly hope that all married/spoken for me don't act that way or I am in a world of trouble....

Drive By Pick-Ups

Is there a new dating phenomenon that I am unaware of? I am speaking of what I'll refer to as "drive by pick ups". Let me explain...

About three weeks ago I was driving on the interstate (or freeway as Californians call it) when I saw this white Mustang pass me. All of the sudden, I see the car slow down and begin to drive at the exact same speed that I was going. Most of you know this drill, you slow down and they slow down. You speed up and then they speed up to stay right beside you. I HATE it when people do that! I finally look over at the car, ready to shoot them the "what the hell are you doing" look when I see what is going on. It's a car with two guys in it, probably in their early 20's, holding a sign up to the window that says "You're hot". Of course, this makes me laugh but I drive on and try to avoid looking at them. A couple of miles later, I glance over to see what is going on and they have put up a new note that says "Call me". Then, he flips the page over and writes his phone number on it. I shake my head "no" and point to my headset to show that I am on the phone. They flip the page and write "Please". Again, I point to the headset and shake my head no. They make the 'hang up the phone and call me' motions and I mouth "sorry" hoping this would be the end of it. The guy writes me one last note that simply states "Damn". Realizing that I was not going to call, they wave goodbye and speed up. I thought it was hilarious.

Now, judging from the area code of the phone number, these guys were from about 5 hours North of where we were. I'm guessing they were bored so they started to make a game of getting girls to call them. At any rate, it got me wondering how many women do you suppose called them? Do you think they had a high success ratio? Would you have called them?

My next run in happened just yesterday when I was stopped at a red light. The guy in the car next to me honked several times to get my attention and when I looked over he waved. I waved back just to be nice and then he makes the "roll down your window" gesture. I, of course, did not and when the light turned to green I sped away.

Is is just me or does all of this seem a bit strange? I'm curious to know, how would you react to the "drive by pick-up"?

A World Of Possibilities

Whenever I start a new journal it creates within me a sense of wonder. I realize that there is a world of possibilities before me and a plethora of blank pages waiting to hold my life stories. Before I move onto the new I always have to look back at where I came from. As I flip through my old, worn journal it reads like a top selling novel; excitement, adventure, heartache, despair and finally hope.

So tonight, as I begin this new blog and look towards the future, I raise my glass of red wine and propose a toast. Here's to the many stories that are to come, the new year ahead, and life in general. May you all live life to the fullest and never take it for granted.

Cheers!