Christmas Break '08

My family and I watched a Real Housewives of Orange County marathon on Bravo the other day. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I love Bravo. Real Housewives (both of them) is good, Top Chef is quality, I even like Project Runway (for Heidi). I'm not proud of it, but I am looking forward to the new Real Housewives of Orange County on Tuesday when Jeanette, Bob, and I will anxiously await the new girl being introduced to all the Coto ladies. Sah-weet.

In other news, I lost a $20 bet to my father over video games, was made to tell the story when my Grandmother informed me about the dangers of anal sex at our family Christmas get-together (it really is a classic) and have eaten my weight in peanut butter Hershey's kiss cookies...CCRB here I come.

Jeanette thinks my beard was actually a good idea and says I should grow it full time. So much for all the Rabbi jokes.

Definitely one of the best things about graduating is never having to sleep on a dorm mattress ever again.

Did I mention I like peanut butter Hershey's kiss cookies?

Best Day of the Semester

So, today, I was sitting in Angell Hall against the windows watching The Addams Family (for a paper, I swear) on my computer as a smiling girl came up to me and handed me a piece of candy and a flyer advertising her a capella group's concert tomorrow night. On a boombox on the group's table nearby was playing their version of Ben E. King's classic "Stand By Me," as I told the girl that it was one of the only songs I can currently play on the guitar. I asked her if they'd be singing it at the concert and she informed me that they had retired the singing of the song, but that I should still come. I told her I wouldn't be attending if I weren't guaranteed the singing acapella style of "Stand By Me," so the girl kiddingly told me that for $10, her and her fellow singers would sing it to me on the spot. Much to her surprise, I whipped out a 10-dollar bill...



Aaaaaand, I was serenaded by 5 girls in the middle of Angell Hall. Best $10 I've ever spent.

So Long No Shave November...

I desperately wanted to keep it, but my aunt told me that I will be subject to a family photo this Friday. Thus, No Shave November has come to a premature end. It was a glorious 3-quarters of a month, but all things must see their itchy, razor-burn filled conclusion. Probably the best part was the mustache finale, where I channeled my inner-Tom Selack. Except I'm sexier and you know it!

Things That Make Me Happy

Not in the best mood, so I'm gonna make like Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music and Recall some of my favorite things.

1. Cupcakes, the perfect food. The Cupcake Station, a new cupcake-only bakery in Ann Arbor has changed my life.

2. Playing the guitar- finally getting lessons= the best decision of my life

3. Classic video football finishes that have me screaming up and down the hallway in joy.

4. Finishing those pesky screenplay pages.

5. Eating at Betsy Barbour (all girls, schwing) dining hall- far better than West Quad dining facility, which sucks.

6. Reading Cosmo- I love advice so much, I no longer care who its aimed at..it's a guilty pleasure for sure (its always a little embarrassing buying one, but at least I'm reading, that's better than my dad can say...

7. ...while drinking a salted carmel hot chocolate from Starbucks. Salt+chocolate= great combo

8. Seeing the Texas Longhorns play well. The prospect of a Texas-USC rematch has made this terrible Michigan season so much more palatable.

9. The movie Religulous....just go see it, so funny.

10. Voting for the first time. I'm not gonna say who I'm voting for, but let's just say his first name rhymes with 'Yo Mamma'

The Mann House: True Life

I found this on Jeanette's blog. Apparently my stepmom found a bat late at night and my dad fled the scene. I can see him with i t-shirt and underwear girl-running from the bedroom to our basement. I'm so glad the men in our family are so brave. Although, I can't blame him, I had my roomate kill a spider in my bathroom a few weeks back. Anyway, without further ado:

My parents and the bat.

I was awakened last night from a dead sleep to the light flutter of bird wings. Ah, in my dream state I thought maybe it would fly, fly away and I was back to sleep. Soon, I realized birds don't fly in houses at night but, OMG, BATS DO!!!! And then I saw it - the outline of bat wings on the ceiling. I screamed at the heart patient to my side - IT'S A BAT and all hell broke loose. Dog and cats scattered. Bob ran out of the room and I hid under the covers screaming. Now mind you, I am the voice of reason in the house. I can handle bugs, spiders, birds, and the occasional mouse but I draw the line at BATS! So, with Bob long gone and safely out of deaths grip(a shout out to Bob THANKS), I hovered under the covers as the BAT the size of a prehistoric flying dinosaur flew about the room. Rather than stay there and risk life and limb, I escaped with a sheet as my shield. Even in my panic, I managed to open the deck door and slam the bedroom door shut, all with the hope the evil doer would LEAVE. Needless to say, it was a restless night of sleep on the couch for all. I have no doubt I saw a collar and tag around this mangy animals neck that read: If found contact The Munsters at 1313 Mockingbird Lane.

Laguna Beach, Guitar Hero, and the Day I was in an Earthquake with an Olsen Twin.

Well, I know everyone wants to hear about the latter part of the title to this post, but be patient. First thing's first. This weekend I drove down to lovely (and very spacious) Laguna Beach where I met Adam and Co. for a little beach time and fun in the sun. It was my first foray into the O.C. and I must say...it's a lot like Plano, TX with a beach...and pretty people. It's all good. I found out Adam likes, um, big girls, that I'm the only male in California with chest hair, and that I can catch a frisbee but am still unable to throw one. Not pretty. I just went down for the day as I had to be at work early Monday morning, but Adam is coming this weekend to LA to see a Dodgers Game, see a show at the Hollywood Bowl (Yay! I get to go! Finally!!), and rock LA. 

Speaking of rocking, I've finally been sucked into Guitar Hero. After watching Gentz and Amy and every other SW person own this year, I've finally stepped up to the plate and learned how to play the guitar....hero. I'm rhythmically challenged, but I'm addicted. When I'm bored, I go to the Best Buy down the street and play their demo. I feel like a homeless person with a home, yet sans video game system. I'm not proud. 

And lastly, today I had just returned from an emergency Blockbuster run and Office Depot errand to my desk at work. I was working on a small project when the suspended lights from the ceiling started to sway and the room, yes, started to shake, beginning the 10 or so seconds of my first ever Earthquake experience. There were a  couple screams and shouts around the office, yet when the shaking stopped, there was a nice calm for about 20 seconds. I stepped away from my desk and to the middle of the office where everyone in my company had gathered, including, yes, an Olsen twin. She was very nice and down-to-earth, but a little shaken up (as we all were) by the rattling. Everyone was talking about what to do in case of an earthquake, but when the commotion came to a hault, everyone went back to what they were doing. No one even thought of going home. Gotta love California. This has been the most crazy summer.

But yes, that was when I was in an earthquake with an Olsen twin. I can no longer explain the things that happen in my life. 

To My Father...

My second favorite person in the entire world- whom I always long to call on the telephone- provided Adam isn't picking up. My dad always likes when I mention him in my blog, so here you go big guy. What a fine example you set for me- such great traits I inherit such as, but not limited to the following: 

1) An adeptness at making jokes involving a penis, vagina and/or mammories. Truly a gift. "I'll have the black cod...k" 

2) Wearing out peoples' flaws so that they actually think that you hate them...when you actually like them.  

3) The rubbery, disapproving face, perfect for letting someone know that you, um, disapprove. 

4) A high-pitched squeal voice- leading to a never-ending chorus at my mother's family's dinners when my cousins chant "Do Bob! Do Bob!" "JEEEEEAAANEEETTTTTEEEEEE!!! Can you feel my foreheaaad!?"

5) A weird, sarcastic cadence that has a meter all it's own and can make any innocuous line of English seem stupid.

6) His jumpshot. OK, so he's not all bad...

7) ...And conversely, the ability to do little else at a high level on a basketball court.

8)  Skinny, girl legs which make me look 80, rather than 21.

9) Dominance at video games. Oh, wait, I didn't inherit this. I'm more of a pioneer in my family in this field...

10) And lastly, where would I be in terms of girls if I had another father? Oh, you know what...don't answer that...we are talking about a man who calls me so many times a day that he actually has interrupted some, um, intimate moments in the past few years...yeah, I wouldn't give him your cell number if I were you, especially if you're a 20 year-old interested in losing your virginity.

 

Of course, I'm kidding around. I love my father and would continue to hold him in high regard, despite what the pending paternity tests might reveal. Miss you, big guy!

Been Here, Done This

OK, if you haven't guessed by now, I'm very ready to go back to school. VERY READY. The lovely and talented Jeanette Mann likes to say that I have an expiration date on places (and people). While I wouldn't say my time has run sour, I wouldn't say it's the freshest it's been. I think sans friends, I've used up about as much excitement on California (at least for now) as I could muster for the summer. I need football games and late night Big Ten Burrito runs and IM sports and Southwest parties and other things. There's only so much playing basketball, going to the gym, and watching (and, indirectly making) movies that I can do. Time to go. Time to re-new the expiration date. My guess is that I'm good on school till Thanksgiving Break (or shortly before, as has been the pattern the previous 3 years of going to college). I'll even take over if someone wants to bet me under. 

Alas, things get somewhat refreshed when Adam Bennett comes strolling into town. I've been promised "heat" (and I don't mean from the sun) and beaches and guys freaking out on a basketball court. Sounds like a plan. 

Also, the lovely Kristen Henkels comes to town at the beginning of August for a few weeks, which could provide a nice distraction for a couple weekends. 

I'm gonna go to sleep now. Wake me when It's August 29th. Thanks.

PS Why didn't I think of THIS!?

New in the life of Alex.

Um, that is to say, there's nothing new. Went to Santa Monica Pier with THE Michael Chang and friends tonight for some salsa dancing. It was alright, it was just too crowded to get my salsa groove on...Got "fake" ice cream (yogurt) afterwards on a waffle and went home. 

Played basketball yesterday on the same court as NBA first round draft pick Kevin Love. The guy's huge, although he doesn't look terribly athletic. I wonder how he'll fit into the NBA- my guess is a shorter Mehmet Okur. My dad asked me if I played extra hard so as to get his attention (and approval). The answer is 'no.' The only time I've ever tried to show off to a celeb was Mark Cuban (Mavs owner) at Primer Club in Dallas. Anytime he'd walk by along the edge of the court, I'd high tail in into Kobe mode, between the legs, reverse layup in hopes of getting him to say "Call Donnie...we need this kid."   

Also, I've become interested in the show "Greek." I'm not sure why, it's pretty much a soap opera set at college. I think it's because I like to look into the life so many other students have, but I chose not. I think I've discovered I'm jealous because of the fun the have....sometimes I think had I come to Michigan as a freshman, I would have (or should have) looked harder at fraternity life and tried to chose one that wasn't crazy. Although, I think about it, and my stomach still turns, so I'm not too broken up by it. 

July 4th/ Halfway Done with LA

The 4th of July holiday marks the midpoint of my LA experience. It's been 6 long weeks (actually, a little more) since I left my parents house in Nebraska and I have 6 weeks before I return and mercifully leave shortly thereafter. Why mercifully? BORING!!!! I like the part where she does a video of my parents' remodeled bathroom. Wow.

Anyway, my Independence Day was good. My aunt came in from Dallas to mull around West LA with me. We had dinner at a house of friends of hers on the 4th which happened to be Friday night, which is Shabbat night in the Jewish world-they were a gay couple (two of the nicest people) which made me think... I don't think I've ever had a Californian gay Kosher 4th of July Shabbat dinner. It turned out well. I guess there's a first time for everything. One of the other guests at the dinner both knew my boss at work AND grew up in Dallas and had the same high school English teacher that I did. And, unbeknownst to my aunt, her first EVER date was also a guest. Wild and crazy stuff. 

After dinner, everyone trekked a few blocks straight up the Studio City mountainside to Mulholland Drive (on top of the Hollywood Hills) to watch fire works...

 Although, that I've done before. (7/04/05)

Other highlights of the trip included dinner at the world-famous Spago (Wolfgang Puck) which was really great (I know it's cliche, but shut up), cupcakes from Crumbs which kicks the fucking hell out of Sprinkles (strange but true), a pair of new Converse tennis shoes compliments of Aunt Saundra, saw Dyan Cannon in Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills, and the crown jewel of the trip, dinner at Itzaka-ya by Katsu-ya on Third (in my old WeHo hood). If you like Japanese food/ sushi, please go. It's the non-sexual erection of Japenese dining, I kid you not. 

In other news, I've become terribly homesick. I facebook stalk my friends (and only my friends, thank you) and watch old Michigan football highlights on YouTube when I feel this way. I can't wait for football season. I have a feeling we're not going to suck as bad as EVERYONE thinks we will. We should still have some tricks up our sleeves. I'm def coming to the Rose Bowl next year if they make it! 

LA is fine, but I miss 314 Cambridge House, playing Paintrain football, and Amy's gross feet (or at least making fun of her feet which I pretend are gross at her expense). I know I'll be sick of it two days in (with all the college kids, who can blame me!?), but I really miss it right now. 

 Finally, after years of bother, my parents have officially withdrawn from finding me a future mate. My father has graciously stepped aside from embarrassing me every time we leave his home together. Free at last! The real winners here? The fine women of Omaha, who no longer have to awkwardly slide out of an embarrasing conversation with my dad, feigning interest in his son while my dad goes into "Look at me" mode. I stand corrected, this is the highlight of my holiday weekend.

PS I've watched the "Old Gregg" video that everybody seems to be up in arms about and I hate it. Hate it. Hate it. Hate it. Am I missing something here???

I Still Feel 14 Years-Old...

Really. I still feel like I'm a teenager. A young teenager at that. I mean, sure you can point to some of my experiences that seem adult which include: writing for professional publications, moving (temporarily) to new cities on my own, traveling Europe occasionally by myself, a somewhat adult long distance relationship. But still. I get pimples, I have a limited idea of how the stock market works, I'm hazy on how to fix a flat tire/ I can't parallel/ I'm a mediocre driver, STILL socially awkward (but I have improved..), and don't get me started on the numerous ways I'm still 14 as it relates to females (I'm talking about everything from kissing to merely making small talk). I'm basically the long lost Big Bang Theory character- minus the rocket science brilliance. I know this is a weird thing to admit to the world, but I can't wait for the day that I at least feel a little older inside. Like, 16 or something. 

What brings this up? Nothing really. It's just strange to see people you know getting married, having real jobs, and reproducing. Take out having a real job (which I will have next year this time) it often seems I'm pretty far behind my contemporaries. My dad calls me "slow." I prefer to think of myself as developmentally challenged....OK, fine, I'm slow. Which is weird to me, because growing up, I was lauded for being a mature kid. Now I'm behind. I wonder where the time was where I was right at the intersection of the two...

I had a day off from work today and started to write a short I'm planning for the Fall. It ended up straying REALLY far from my original concept....And sadly, it takes much of its inspiration from my own life- which I usually don't like for young writers to do. It's based on my father's "Vegas proposal." It's my first real attempt at comedy, so if you ever read it, please be kind. I think it's good though and a strong story.  Deals loosely on some of the themes above.  

And lastly, I just want to apologize to Sarah W. Gray, who has been the focus of some cyber jokes recently. Just to clarify, Sarah is not a porn addict, per say. She just really likes reality television and there just happens to be a popular show that deals with Heff and his buxom blonde, um, lady friends...Sarah's pretty cute and a Southern blonde, maybe she's trying out for a place in The Mansion...although I don't care how great the Grotto is, that rumored Tuesday "ritual" would be enough for me to stay the HELL AWAY. To each Bunny's own. Anyway, the fact that Sarah watches The Girls Next Door in class does not make her a porn freak...

That Stuff magazine I saw in her purse is another story... 

(I miss you Sarah!)

The Dog Days of Summer

Sorry about not posting everyone. OK, sorry for not posting...Dad. Truth be told, despite the exciting time in my life, there isn't a whole lot for me to be posting about. I go to work, make phone calls, come home, heat up a Lean Cuisine (do you think I miss being a food journalist!?), and go to the gym...and start over. Sure there is some variation. I got to make a foray into Bel Air for the first time since my...um... senior in high school days. Pretty much the way I remembered it- although I'm pretty sure you could feel the car shake climbing the mountain, fearing the wrath of a certain individual who lives on Roscomare but will go nameless. I had to do an errand at my boss' house, which is, in the words of Borat, "Uh, very niiice." I can't wait to own a gorgeous home. Jeanette, when you read this, you're doing the interior design work of my architectural masterpiece of an abode when I grow up....I just like your style and you know you guys have the Midas touch of resale value. 

In other news, I saw the Get Smart movie, which wasn't that good. But I did find out that my home run swing, Anne Hathaway, recently broke up with her crooked Italian bf. Still alive, baby! I can see little Alex Hathaway-Mann now. What a happy child. 

Also saw 27 Dresses. I actually liked it a lot more than I thought I would, especially when some people openly panned it...COUGHAmyCOUGH. It's striking to me how much Catherine Heigl looks like Diane Lane. I can't tell if that means she's insanely hot (as Diane Lane was) or looks insane old (which Diane Lane is) for what she is. Oh, well, I'd take her all the same. 

 MMMMyeah. That's about it. Still no luck at the beach. Haven't worked up the courage to go talking to almost naked girls at this stage of my life. I hope this changes at some point. 

Also, haven't seen any celebrities. Although, Sarah W. Gray would appreciate knowing that I nearly got to speak with Demi Moore momentarily on the phone the other day. When I catch a starlet, I'll tell you...particularly if they reside at the Playboy Mansion, which Ms. Gray has an odd fascination with....? 

No Celebs and The Weirdos with the Metal Thingys on the Beach

So, it appears that I am the anti-celeb magnet. I have been in LA for almost a month and have seen a grand total of ZERO celebrities. I even chill in and around celeb hangouts often like the Grove, Beverly Hills, and Joan's on Third. No one. A new intern at work, who's been here less than a week, has already seen Harrison Ford. The biggest star I get to see is USC film stud Michael Chang (and if Michael Chang reads this blog, I'd appreciate your autograph. Thanks.) I feel like my life is just pacing me. I bet I see Tom Hanks or someone big here soon. That'd be sweet.

I'm hell-bent on getting Hollywood Bowl tickets. I went when I was in high school and loved it, although no one will go with me! Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are playing there next week, but the show is beyond sold out (and beyond expensive). Apparently there's a thing where the LA Philharmonic is doing Beatles stuff the week after. Who's in!?

Speaking of LA hotspots, I go to Santa Monica every second I don't have to go to work. And when I'm there, there are always those creepers with a scoop in one hand and a mental detector thingy in the other that looks like it could have been a prop to make War of the Worlds (the old one, not the to Cruise muck). What's with these people? Are they searching for buried treasure? If they're looking for quarters, why don't they just look under someone's couch....? I'm totally mystified and confused as to the plight of these people. Are they homeless? Is this a hobby? I smell documentary...

I'm in Love with a Bitch

So, I have my first crush of the young summer. Yes, she's female. Unfortunately, said object of my affection is not human. There's a soft coated wheaten terrier at the Beverly Center (LA's answer to the Galleria) in a pet store. It sits by its lonesome all day long locked in a glass cage. My wheaten is so spoiled that if it gets locked in my parent's Notting Hill flat for too long, I'm pretty sure it'd pick up the phone and dial animal abuse itself. Here's a pic of what I go visit almost everyday. I've decided that when I sell my first big script, the first thing I'll do is get a dog. 

So, when I do get a dog, I'm going to name it after an artist. I was thinking naming it Matty, after Henri Matisse. If it's a girl, maybe Monet, I just think that sounds more feminine. (PS, if someone today were referred to as Monet and you didn't know who it was, wouldn't you think it was some sort of stripper name? Yeah, me too.) A friend of my mother's already has a dog named Chagall. I'd prefer that name since my family owns a Chagall, but would feel bad knowing I stole a great name.  

In other news, all is going quite smoothly. I made over 100 phone calls on Tuesday and got taken for lunch by my boss on Wednesday at this cool Jewish deli that's apparently a big Hollywood hangout called Factor's. Oh, I'm so LA.

And speaking of LA food, I have a new obcession. It's called Pinkberry. It's a frozen yogurt place, but it's quasi healthy (under 100 calories) and taste kind of tart, more like yogurt yogurt. I get it with blueberries, yogurt chips, and chocolate chips. It's amazing. And it's basically only in Cali right now. When it moves out to Ann Arbor, I'll be their finest customer.   

6/9/08

Had a rough day at work. The phone system is my life's nemesis. Plus I think I'm developing a slight case of adult ADD. At least I had a thrilling experience as one unknowing producer/ writer apparently thought I was someone important at my company and pitched me their script over the phone. Of course, delighting in the power, I simply said "pass" after hearing 9 seconds of it, but it felt cool. OK, so I listened to every cliche word and moved on...it's all good. 

The new Jakob Dylan CD came out today. If you know me, you know I'm a huge fan and it does not disappoint. Do yourself a favor, go on iTunes and buy it NOW! Also, concerning Jakob Dylan, one of my co-workers said that liking him is "very commercial." I mean, he's not really indie, but I don't think he's exactly Britney Spears or anything... 

Is it OK to be a temporary fan of a sports team? In normal circumstances, I'd say "no." But since I am here for the summer and the Lakers are in the finals, I feel it is appropriate to pull for them...while still staying true to the Mavs. 

I talked to the writer of Sleepless in Seattle for two seconds today. Pretty cool, huh?

Los Angeles

A little photo journey of my Friday...

 Here I am in Santa Monica, taking in the rays. It was a great day out as I went on a nice jog along the coast line to Clown Beach...oops, I mean Venice. I walked back, got some work from my car and read a pretty solid romantic comedy with a goofy name (ask me later...). Plus, since I encased myself in SPF 50 sunscreen, I didn't get any awkward sun burns like last time! Here's a little picture I snapped of myself looking beach cool...

Here's a little scenery picture of Santa Monica Beach looking north. No, that's not me laying down, ya'll know I don't take my shirt off in public unless paid or necessary (you'll thank me someday). In the background is the Santa Monica pier, with the newer, more environmentally sound Santa Monica Ferris Wheel. They also do trapeese lessons on the pier, which are fun to watch. It's truly beautiful down here.

OK, confession. I saw Sex and the City the movie last night (alone, mind you) and liked it. I know that if certain high school english teachers were reading this blog, they might have some questions concerning my sexual preference (no worries, still straight), but I felt the writing was actually pretty good...plus (and I believe this saves me) Kristen Davis is a foooox. Yowza. Anyway, I saw it at a huge outdoor shopping center called The Grove, which my roommate says is the place in LA loves to say they hate, but really enjoy. It's a 10 minute walk from where I live, which is nice. I jog there after work sometimes. I like it because in the back they have a farmer's market section with really good food. Plus, there's a Banana Republic, a Barnes and Noble and a Starbucks, what's not to like? Well, maybe the 13 dollars I had to spend on the movie alone...yeah, sucks.

Below, for all who are interested (I'm always curious to see where people live and sleep, I'm not sure why) is a picture of my quaint bedroom on the border of Beverly Hills. Yes, I sleep on an air matress on the ground, but it's not really that bad. Plus (oh my god, I'm turning into Carrie Bradshaw!) I have a decent sized closet to the right which you can't see, which is good because I brought a lot of clothes.
All in all, still a successful experience. I just miss my nightly port...

Summer in the City (of Angels)

Do you hear that sound? Yes, it's me respiring. It's the first time I've been able to breathe since pulling out of my parent's Hackberry driveway in Omaha. 

Glad to say that everything thus far has been going dandy. Work was kind of a pain the first few days because the phone system is kind of a cluster fuck (although I've since gotten the hang of it) and it's a lot of rushing around and doing, um, stuff. The people are super nice and I get to sit in on company meetings where they talk about developmental and potential stories. Neat stuff. They were throwing around the idea of using Anne Hathaway in one of our movies. You can imagine my heart flutter...

Other than that, the neighborhood I'm currently living in is super cool...fancy retail heaven as I'm wedged between the Beverly Center and the Grove. Not bad.

Also, my roomate is extra nice and the place is pretty comfortable.

Went to the beach twice last weekend- once to Manhattan Beach and then to Santa Monica. I read a few screenplays there and took them home as they reeked of salt water and sea weed. Got sunburned on the back of my knees, for some reason I forgot to put sun lotion there. Of all the sunburn mistakes you can possibly make, let me tell you that this totally sucks. Please never neglect the back of your legs! 

Also, having not been exposed to the beach for most of my life, let me tell you that there's nothing more exciting to the testosterone than beautiful Californian women in bikkini's in perfect sunshine. Yeah, try to guess where I plan on going this weekend... (and every weekend, for that matter).

Right now I'm just winding down, reading a little bit. The Cubs are in town taking on the Dodgers so I might go to that this weekend. And I got invited out by one of my fellow interns with some of his friends. 

Things are turning out. Who woulda thought!?

Terribly Sorry...

but I haven't had time to urinate in the past week, much less post. Will post this weekend. Sorry for the delay (in LA).

Heading West

I have to get up at 6 AM tomorrow and begin the incredible journey to Los Angeles. I relocated my housing, so now I actually live RIGHT on the border of Beverly Hills, which is pretty cool. Tomorrow night I'm stopping in Denver to see some family, then to St. George, UT to spend the night the next day, then things really heat up Monday when I make my entrance into LA.

Work starts Tuesday. Please pray for me. 

Anyway, for whomever reads this blog, I have a solid 23 hours jailed in a car listening to books on tape and retro 80's music over the next three days, so if you want to soak up some of that time by giving me a call, I'd be very happy.

Let the games begin.

The Day a Rock Star Went Housing Hunting For Me

I know what you might be thinking. The title to this post is probably a play on words or something.  Like, maybe someone with the same name as a rock star is helping me out, like when we told everyone that Gentz was dating Julia Roberts because, well, he went out with a girl with the same name as the Pretty Woman star. 

But I wouldn't tease you like that. OK, I would, but I'm not now. So, I have my places to stay in LA pretty much firmed up, but my mom still insists she can find me somewhere to house sit over the summer rather than pay a fortune for housing. She enlisted a friend of hers who has a heart of gold. So, this friend of my mother's goes to LA to visit her children who live there and tells my mother that she'll network me into somewhere to stay. 

Anyway, this woman and her children are friends with Tonic lead singer Jeff Russo (don't ask me how), and I guess got him tangled in this complex web of trying to find somewhere for me to crash this summer. Apparently he's on the lookout. So, yes readers, a famous rock star is helping me potentially find somewhere to live. 

You can't write this stuff, you really can't.

In other news, I got my car tuned up today, hit golf balls at a driving range (wrenched my extra sensitive back in the process), worked out for 3 hours ('Ms., which way to the weight room?'), and drank milk straight from the carton for the first time in years (and it felt damn good).

Tomorrow morning, I get up and play golf with Bob Mann for the first time since the 10th grade, when I enforced a lifetime ban on playing golf with him (a la, Pete Rose being banned from the Baseball Hall of Fame). He's re-applied for reinstatement many times and since he seems genuine in his attempts to not be a complete douche on the course, I allowed him a chance to get back in my good graces on the green. 

Please pray I don't hit a car with a ball or accidently throw a club in a lake, both of which, regrettably, have happened. 

Right now, I'm drinking my nightly port and watching the best show on TV, Throwdown with Bobby Flay (which was also the topic one of my A papers!) Oh Food Network, how I've missed thee.

[Edit] I have been told that the use of the term "elderly" in this post might ruffle some feathers. I regret the error. Sorry, everyone. haha