We all have our things....

PS- for the record, my friend's 'likes' were: guys who chew their nails (gross), guys with huge eyebrows, and guys that touch their hair.  Who's the weird one now?!

KungFu Biteme.

{via Postsecret}

How about a little racism to break up all of that gush I just posted?  I stumbled upon this on the PostSecret website a while ago, and it hit too close to home to not share me own thoughts, eh?

Confession:  I think I'm white.  Actually, not only do I think I'm white, but a racist one at that!  I don't have many Asian friends, I certainly have none with accents, and I would not be caught dead in an Asian army of people.  Maybe I like being the only Asian, another reason to be the center of attention or something?  Its the ugly truth.  Yo stop, collaborate and listen:


I act Asian:

1. I really like Asian food.  I eat a lot of rice, veggies, and cleanly.  I put sesame oil on everything.

2. I drink tea, and quit coffee.

3. Ok fine, I think grades are important.....and maybe I take pride in doing math in my head.

4. My grandparents are worshipped and never, ever crossed.

5. I totally shuffle when I walk.  I have been trying to break this habit for years.  Nursing has really helped, at least I shuffle quickly now.  Stay tuned.

6. I am a lactard.  Totally lactose intolerant, just like 99.987253% of all Asians.  This I cannot help.

7.  Ok, I am also a terrible driver.  After all of these years, Im starting to think it's inevitable.  However, I redeem myself by having an excellent sense of direction.  Let's roadtrip; I am an incredible map reader.  My tyrant father made sure of this, and dammit I am thankful now.

8.  I'm near-sighted?  I don't know, running out of ideas!  I have no eyelashes, no boobs, and a flat ass??

I do NOT act Asian:

1. I wear shoes in the house.  This is the dumbest thing Asians do.  I still get in hollering arguments with my mother over this.  Somehow, EVERY TIME I go over there, she has 'just mopped'.  Psht. If I just run back into the house for something, I AM NOT taking my shoes off!  I sure as hell am not wearing those dumbass slippers inside, either.  Furthermore, my mother seems to think darker colored soles are dirtier.  25 years, I have made no progress with her on this.  (I already know to expect an email about this post, mostly for using the word 'ass'.)

2.  I am so not a saver.  Asians are known for squirreling their money away, spending only for status and stingily not ever enjoying it.  Ya know, buying a huge house to show people how wealthy they are, and then cooking in the garage to not mess up the kitchen.  They buy nice things, and wrap them in plastic and never use them.  They save all of their money, accumulating piles of money, all the while wearing threadbare clothes and only driving rice burner 'economical' POS cars.  I believe money is meant to be thrown around the world, invested in people and bringing joy and experience!  Spread it!  You don't come with it, you don't take it when you leave!  We could all die tomorrow, make your life count TODAY.  Asians.

3.  Academia.... tires me to even speak of.  I'm not sure what genetic anomaly was expressed in me, but I SO do not have the Asian overachiever characteristic.  This was not for lack of trying.  My parents didn't know what American schools were like, so they tried their best to give me the education my cousins got back in Red China.  My mother was anxiety ridden that I didn't know my multiplication tables before kindergarten, so the summer before, we spent three months reciting and writing charts.  I knew my multiplication to 11 at five years old.  She had known hers to 15.  I was 'behind'.  I also was subject to home 'summer school' every year, which just led to an incredibly and precociously bored kid who then was skipped from third to fourth grade one year.... mostly because I was driving my teacher crazy.  That's where the ambition ended.  When I graduated college, I told my parents to make a big ass deal out of it, cuz I aint eva graduatin' from nothin eva again.  I just dont have it, I cant sit still.

4.  Let's be serious.  I have never dated much of anyone, and I sure as hell am not dating another Asian.  There is no attraction there.  It's not a hard rule, I guess I might consider it...but definitely no computer engineers, no squinty-eyed, spiky-haired mama's boys, and NO ONE who doesn't know how to change a tire.  THAT GOES FOR ALL RACES, in fact.  Also, no one with any interest in Japanimation.  Shudder.  I know it's rude.  Soorry, lawd!

5.  As rocky as my relationship with my parents may be, I definitely am thankful for a few things.  We have never had the 'overbearing dictator career path' situation.  They never coerced me in any way regarding my life and direction.  I have always had full rein of my choices as soon as I was an adult, and they have never batted an eyelash.  Weeell, when I first told them I was going to be a nurse, they may have asked "oh, you mean a doctor?" at first, but that was just reflex.  In fact, when I told them about the acting quarter life crisis, my dad just snorted and laughed, "I'm actually not surprised.  You've always been overconfident and overdramatic".  Is that supportive?

6.  I loooooove exploring this wide world.  Sure, Asians travel, but not like I do.  Stereotypical Asians like touring places to 'see' things.  That simply won't do for me.  I gotta do things.  I have to jump off of rocks, cannonball into the water, eat weird food and wander amongst the locals.  Gathering in obnoxious groups with weird matching hats/flags/shirts etc while riding in buses, stopping to snap photos and listen to scripted commentary is just plain torture.  In fact, when my dad and I plan vacations, we plan to avoid the Asians.

7.  I respect personal boundaries.  Asians have no regard for personal space.  They have such reverence for family, and ZERO respect for strangers.  They shove, push, cut in line, and throw elbows in all public arenas.  I have gotten in actual verbal spats with rude commuters, unwilling to bow to their ridiculous behavior.  Did you know that, in prep for the Beijing Olympics, the Commies declared every 11th (because 11 is two orderly lines) "national line up practice day"?  That was the day the Asians were to practice lining up on public nicely, because guests would be coming soon.  THAT IS JUST PATHETIC.  But it was also quite necessary.  My dad reports that it didn't work.

8.  Good Lord their culture is cheesy.  I can't stand it.  I refuse to wear stuffed animals as handbags, use fruity smelling office supplies, or adorn my electronics with dangly cartoon animals and sparkly beads.  It's like a entire society of overgrown toddlers.  I shudder to report to you that my 27 year old cousin still loves cartoons and wears Snoopy on everything.  Just can't stomach it.  With my US passport came the cool card.


Ok so the lists even out.  Whatever, just don't you dare call me a FOB.  And no, I don't know where you can go for dim sum.

Love Love Love.

Dream a Little Dream

quickbeforeyoulosepatiencewithmeIgottatellyouaboutmyhopesforthenewyear.

{from the Mr. Brainwash Art show}

ten hopes:

I got a commercial agent, I hope to get a theatrical agent!

I hope I get to go see my Grandma in China.  I miss her so much it hurts.

I really hope to go to Europe with Coco and Molly.  and probably need to meet Phelpsie at the Olympics.

I reeeeally hope really to go on another mission trip

I hope to somehow accomplish all of that while observing my 12K miles of less in an airplane. I already feel that resolution slipping.....

I hope to see my butthead baby sister more than once this year.  Gulp, I suck.

I hope to catch the running bug again, and entertain the idea of yoga teacher training.  Double gulp.

I hope to find a nursing job in LA that allows me to do all of this.

I hope to become conversational at speaking French.  Did you know I've been learning in my car?  Je comprends un peu le francais!

I hope all of your dreams come true.  I really do.  More than any other year, I feel like this is THE year for me and all of my loved ones.  I don't know why; I just feel so fantastic for all of us.

OK, that was painfully cheesy.  We now return to the previously scheduled snarky opinions and rude observations.  I apologize and welcome all eye rolls.

Love Love Love.

To Sum Up...

This is soooo lame, but I had such a banner year!  This is the first year I stayed in one place since...a long time ago, the year I gave into my quarter life crisis, the year I finally made Delta Skymiles status via 80K miles in the air, the year of a thousand weddings, and year of so many other things.  Forgive me, dear friends, but I must 

Outline 2011:

Jan: Started the year still trying to figure out this quarter life crisis.  I was logging a lot of hours doing background acting, and learning as much as I could about the acting industry.  I just moved into my favorite neighborhood in LA (Silverlake) and I spent this month exploring and making friends.  I also went out to Yuma, AZ to see my adopted grandparents for a week.  We went to Salvation Mountain and basked in the sun, drinking cold beverages and playing cards.

Feb: I went up to Spokane to pack up and move out of my house.  I found new renters, whom I love.  I spent time with Sammy Lou, right before she turned  two.  She is growing up so quickly and I am so thankful that she still knows who I am, since she doesn't see me often enough.  Thankfully Aunt Mimi still has her place and Terry Lynn does a good job of talking about me so she never forgets :)  I also got to play with Lindsay, my blog cattle-prod, for her birthday here in LA.  Im trying to convince her to always spend her birthday with me.  I dragged her to my first pilot shoot.  She was a real good sport about it.  I also started real acting classes this month, and quit doing the background acting stuff.  Blew my mind, changed everything for sure.

March:  I turned 25 this month.  Quarter century, meh whatever.  I went to Vegas to watch my Zags win the WCC tourney, reunited with great people, made a little cash at the blackjack tables, and giggled the whole drive back to LA.  Terry Lynn and Josh just happened to be there for the weekend as well, so I was able to see them and be stupid with their friends for a day as well.  Apparently, the revertigo hit me hard that month.  I also moved into my adorable guesthouse and signed my first lease since I left Spokane.  That was a huuuuge deal for this gypsy soul and rambling woman.

April: Stace got a new job and was technically (f)unemployed for a few weeks so she spent her time wisely by flying out to see me here in LA.  I made her go skydiving with me for my second jump.  After a superdark vmail left on her parents machine, she made the leap of faith and loved it.  In fact, she went on the record recently telling me that she would do it again.  She shall regret that statement.  I will make her live up to it.  I spent Easter with Coco and Molly, sharing a meal with some lovely new friends.  I also flew to Detroit for Sheriann's bridal shower.  I met Peter's family, and got 'rushed' into the Hakim family via casino antics.  Oy, story for later.

May:  The weather this month was fantastic.  I was outside almost every day, finding new hikes and galavanting about in this area.  I flew up to Seattle for a week, including my friend Carly's wedding in Woodinville.  Those two gorgeous kids threw a fabulous party, and the rain didnt even dampen the fun.  I loved all of that time in Seattle; playing with my second family and seeing my Seatown friends.  I gotta have a place there someday.

June: This month was consumed by the wedding of the decade.  My BF from college, Sheriann, finally married her Peter.  Ask me about their story sometime.  You will vomit.  I flew up to Portland for their a week of preparations, cried and danced through the nuptials, flew back to LA for three days of work, and then flew to Detroit for their second reception.  So I wore my bridesmaids dress again....which was what all brides want, right?  I also rekindled my love for Portland, and got to see Amy and David in that fantastic city.

July:  The June gloom continued through this month in July, and I tried my best to not care.  You could still find me hiking and running outside, determined to enjoy my summer.  I also got to enjoy a Colombian Anniversary Festival this month, in prep for my So. America trip later.  At the end of the month, I saw my dear friend Andrea marry Matt in Seattle.  She is my oldest friend I have, and I was so so happy for the two of them.  They are currently reaching their potentials, living in South Korea, teaching English and experiencing this wide wide world.  Delicious.  Oh yeah, that was the trip I ended up at Starbucks stuck for three hours on a Saturday morning with a case of beer....

August: I spent almost the entire month in Peru with my gay husband Nick and his boyfriend Aaron.  In case you missed it, start reading about it here.  It was truly life changing in so many ways, and if I ever see you in person, I really hope you ask me about it.  I have such a love for South America and cannot wait to go back.  Next time I think Argentina, yes?  The end of the month saw Sammy and Terry Lynn coming to see me here in LA, and Sam's first (perhaps last) trip to Disneyland.  That, you dont have to ask me about.  Suffice it to say she was not ready, and my ovaries may have shriveled up in reproductive suicide.  Sheesh.

September:  This was the first month of the year that I didn't really go anywhere!  I spent the month trying to get my act together-literally-taking classes, workshops, and finally doing the big mail out to all of the agencies accepting new talent.  I did A LOT of yoga and went to church every Sunday.  The weather here was HOT.  I was outside quite a bit, enjoying the sunshine, finding new hikes and spending as much time as possible near the water.

October: This was the month of Coco!  She was able to fly down for a quick weekend with a friend, and then I was able to go to Spokane for 10 days, which included her fabulous 30th birthday celebration.  I renewed my love for my hometown, made some fantastic new friends, and snuggled my Sammy Lou as long as I could.  This was a great month.  I felt really loved and really close to God.

November:  At the last minute, I changed my schedule around so that I could fly up to Spokane for a whirlwind 72 hours to attend Jasmine's wedding (remember, I lived with her in Kansas City?  We grew up together....).  That was a fantastic party and I am so thankful I was able to celebrate with her and her family.  Her dear Grandpa Elmer passed away recently and I cannot say how thankful I am to get to see him there.  He meant so much to me and my family and I will miss him dearly.  I was juggling agent meetings this month, taking casting director workshops, and trying to keep calm amidst the madness of it all.  For Thanksgiving, I impulse-purchased a flight to Boston to spend Turkey day with Stacy's family.  Was able to see Sher and Peter, who drove out for the occasion.  As an unwelcome surprise, I was deathly ill and we weren't able to do the Turkey Trot I intended on. Sheriann called it 'Divine Intervention'.  Im still offended.  I know, right?


December:  I spent a wonderful 9 days in my beloved NYC to start out the month.  A few months previous, I was itchy and noticed that I had plenty of miles to go somewhere for the end of the year and perhaps was feeling the need to pick myself up, so I booked this trip to my favorite city just to enjoy the place and spend some time with myself.  It was so great.  I wandered my favorite neighborhoods, bookshops, parks, coffeeshops, and shops for days.  I spent time with Amanda doing happy hour.  I went out to Hartford, CT to see Sheriann and Peter's marital compound.  They came back into the city with me for the weekend and we all reconnected with friends.  Maybe I got kicked out of my first bar.... and maybe the boys had some fun texting Someone on my phone that night.  Maybe.  For the holidays, my family came down to LA.  We mostly drove each other crazy and my house was in ruins until after they left, but I feel good nonetheless about us all being together-it doesnt happen so often nowadays dontchaknow....

                                                   {We'll take a cup of kindess yet,
                                                                                 for Auld Lang Syne}

A Tale of Two Meetings.

So.... Last I blogged, I wrote about the lengthy agent submission mail out that I had done in October.  Art thou curious for a follow up?

After over 70 submissions by mail and email, I received four phone calls from agencies interested in meeting me. (side note: I've been told this is actually a good response, given that I am just starting out and am unknown.  Crazy, eh?)

One of them was interested but had a very full roster already but liked my look, and wanted me to resubmit in January.  Nah, not a good sign. 

Another made a meeting and rescheduled twice, I have still yet to meet them.  Tsk, another red flag.  

See, I have the idea that signing with an agency is like choosing a boyfriend.  You have to read the signs and trust in Higher Powers because in this industry, it's all about relationship.  If there's no mutual love and respect, it won't work.  Dramatic?  Well, yeah.  

So then there were two.  I had gotten a call from this one agency fairly quickly after my mail-out, and after some finagling of my travel schedule (ahem, I had to wait til I was actually in town and not working), I put together the perfect 'meeting agent' outfit, big girl pants included, and strolled into the building pictured above to have my very first agent meeting. I was actually not very nervous, which surprised me, especially considering I had to wait for a while.... oh and I had tight jeggings on, cutting off my circulation and subsequent oxygen supply.  Oh, you didn't know jeggings are the new 'big girl pants'?  As in, bigger girls shouldn't wear them?  Consider this a first hand news delivery.  

Despite the tourniquet pants, the meeting went well.  I felt like myself, making jokes, faces, and laughing a lot with the two agents in their office.  We teased each other and I felt like they got me.  The owner of the agency even gave me a huge hug as it was over and said he already loved me.  Scene: me pushing through glass doors with gigantic dopey grin. 

Ok, so that was good.  But every Hollywood story has a villain, right?  Well I certainly found mine.  This other agent I met with, should have been ignored from the start.  When he called, he already kinda weirded me out.  Without telling me what he was calling me for he just said his name and asked if I wanted to come meet him.  I don't memorize agent names, so I was really confused.  He also wouldn't give me an appointment time, but had me call every morning I was free to inquire if he was available that afternoon.  nonetheless, I felt like it wasn't smart to just sign with the first agency that offered me a contract so I arranged to meet with this other guy.

First of all, his office was a wreck.  If hoarders ever does an LA agent episode, I'm nominating this guy.  Everything was covered in dust, he had piles of crap everywhere, and the leather couch in there was worn and dirty.  His leather jacket was the same, and his fly was down.  He was talking on the phone when I walked into his office and didn't even acknowledge me.  In fact, he continued to answer his phone the entire time I was there and made no apologies about the interruptions.

But this isn't even the worst part.  This guy was a grade A B-TARD. From the beginning, he was arguing with me on everything, making crude comments about people including but not limited to: "Why do so many young Filipino girls date ugly old men? Are they ALL that money greedy?  and, "I'm from Texas.  Only gay guys play basketball", and "My daughters are always competing.  One of them is prettier than the other, but I still don't get it".

I know, right?  But it's still not even the worst.  I already knew that this guy wasn't going to be one for me.  I was so uncomfortable I had turned on my 'bad blind date' mode.  I was stiff and polite, trying to just get through it and get the hell out of there.  Before I had the chance, this guy laid into me.  He asked me if I thought I had the potential to get a leading role.  Of course, I said yes.  I think that I have the ability to interest and entertain people, and to carry a storyline.  I really do.  That's why I'm here.  Apparently, he didn't agree.... and boy did he tell me about it.  He said that he doesn't think I will book roles unless I lost quite a bit of weight.  He said that my headshots are deceiving because he thinks I look much heavier in person and even asked me if I have gained weight since they were taken and if they were edited to make me look thinner.  He THEN speculated that perhaps it was the way I was sitting and made me stand up and turn around to get a better look.

Listen, I know I'm no Rachel McAdams.  My body is a work in progress and there is still much work to be done before I will be content.  Im not the ingenue and will never be a sex symbol, which I am more than okay with.  But I do think that the entertainment industry has room for all 124 pounds of me, and that I have potential that extends beyond sex appeal.  I'm not looking for the bombshell roles.  I want to make people laugh, cry, and think.  In addition, I also believe that the industry is changing and even if Melissa McCarthey were the only example, I think she's enough.  She's phenomenal and even if I were to gain another fifty pounds I would do if it came with her talent.

So yeah, that happened.  Of course, I felt like crap about it for longer than I'd like to discuss.  However, I didn't allow myself to wallow in it forever because I know that this kind of nonsense has happened to thousands before me, and will surely happen to thousands after.  Plus, this will be a good story to tell Barbara Walters someday.  This I believe: self pity gets you nowhere.

MAYDAY.

{a text message was relayed to me from a distraught friend, my interpretation}

THIS HAPPENS SO MUCH. WHAT TO DO.

Above: yet another reason why I'm so single. 

BoMass.

I'm not sure if I have ever mentioned this; one of the items on my bucket list is to visit all fifty states.  Of course, there are stipulations.  What constitutes a 'visit' is either an overnight stay, or driving across the longest dimension of that state.  Airports of any kind are not considered.  Furthermore, visits do not count if made before the age of 18.  I think these rules sound pretty reasonable, but I must admit that I lost credit for quite a few, just with the over 18 determination.

To get to the point, I crossed Massachusetts off of the list.  I had been to most all of the states in New England as a child living in New Jersey, but since becoming an adult, I have had to start over.  So when the prospect of Thanksgiving with my own family was squelched  by the obligation of work, I was not so difficultly coaxed into spending the week in Beantown with Stace and her family.

A few thoughts:

-The young men in this town dress like they ought to be ready to row something at a moment's notice.  It's such a stereotype, but it's true.  They all look so collegiate and distinguished.  I wanted to spill on their Brooks Brothers tailored shirts and step on their shiny loafers, it's the destructive streak in me.  I was happy to observe and tease them in my mind, however.

-The historical significance of every building, sidewalk, light-post, and mailbox in that town is overwhelming.  You amaze at the seeming nonchalance of the locals.  Do they KNOW that the garbage can they just spit their gum into sits RIGHT ON the Freedom Trail?!

-The 'burbs in New England are not like the ones in the West.  The houses sit right on the God-made landscape, set upon hills and around creeks.  The roads wind haphazardly and the woods are relatively untouched.  In the West, the suburbs are carved out by bulldozers, and then lined up neatly.  Perhaps that's why I have such distain for them?

-I don't care what anyone says.  There is something charming about the accents.  They aren't particularly pleasant to the air, but the distinct sound of them is so unique to me that the merit lies in the local flair.  I don't sound like I'm from anywhere.  That makes me boring.

Another state closer to the Bucket List Item fulfilled!  note: most of my missing states are in the Southeast.  Who wants to invite me to the Grand Ole Opry?

Quelle Pressure

This is the newborn babe of a great friend of mine, whom just adopted him with his partner.  Isn't he just delish? They live in Portland and will assuredly give this little nugget a life full of love.  They are the greatest people and I'm so excited for them as they learn to be the greatest parents.

So this event got me thinking, Nick and I were talking about this recently, how do you feel about gay people adopting kids? I'm certainly not against it; despite the fact that two gay parents are obviously not the same as two straight parents, I think that love and commitment make a family.  Children need security, consistency, and conscience, and whomever can give that to them are deemed quality parents in my book.

The only issue I can think of is one that is not even distinct to same sex parents.  Have you noticed what @$$holes kids are becoming nowadays?  In my own opinion, I see a direct correlation to the instability of families with the downfall of upcoming generations.  As more and more children are being raised while thrown around between different sets of families, changing partners to their parents, half siblings, step siblings, and all of the ex-siblings of all varieties, I see parents becoming more lax.  It's only natural; we are putting kids through our own emotional changes and bad decisions, so we compensate for this by letting them get away with everything.  Again, just an observation, and of course, a sweeping generalization.  Back to the original point, if I were a same sex parent, I would probably add this to the list of 'things my kids have to overcome', alongside kids of divorce, remarriages, single parents, young parents, and everything in between.  I would probably feel bad for the added stress that this might bring to them, because of the way some people will inevitably treat them.  And so they would be spoiled.  Either way, all of this makes me terrified of ever having children.  But, as everyone has told me, this is also natural.  Right?!

BTW Nick disagrees.  He thinks he would be harder on them because he will expect only greatness from his own.  Ha, we will see!

Location Services.

{fall in Spokane}

I read somewhere that a blogger should never apologize for tardy or scant posting.  I don’t know why, but I feel like I should anyway.  It’s been so long.  Here’s the thing....

...I’ve been lacking in inspiration lately.  Well, I've come full circle. When I first left Spokane in search of adventure and experience, I could not spend enough time away from home.  You could coax me back to GEG with the birth of my goddaughter, but barely negotiable for any other occasion.  As far as I was concerned, time in Spokane was time away from Everything Else.

Since I've moved to LA, the travel bug has raged within me.  Something about being on a plane soothes my nerves about having a lease and furniture.  I've been on a plane at least once a month since I moved there, and have jumped at every opportunity to run around.  Up til now, I justified it in a multitude of ways.  Weddings, birthdays, weather, etc etc.  The thing that I've come to realized, however, is that all this running around is a total distraction from what I came here for.  I am in LA to chase a butterfly, and have been too distracted to even really start.

This fall, I spent a loong vacation at home in Spokane, which was filled with beloved friends and warm fuzzies.  I should have known better, because the fact of it is, I can’t go home without some kind of identity crisis following me on the plane.  When you grow up on a place like Spokane, with a personality like my own, it’s like you’re constantly at war with what you really want out of your life vs. the genuine joy you see in simple things and contented people.  I am not a contented person, but would like to be.  People who dwell and remain in places like Spokane tend to be well adjusted and satisfied.  Spokane is the easiest place in the world to live, I swear.  There is no traffic, four distinct seasons, tons of outdoor opportunities, alongside any amenity you could really desire.  You can stroll into any restaurant downtown, any day of the week, and be seated immediately.  Except for on Mother’s Day.  People are generally trustworthy, and families thrive.  The local economy is quite stable, sheltered from the highs and lows of this time....because people stay.  There’s no turnover.  Like I said, easiest place in the world to life.  Well, everyone likes easy, right? 

Therein lies the issue.  I just don’t handle easy that well.  While I was there, I always felt like I was wasting my time, waiting for my life to start and just begging for some cultural/creative/passionate interactions.  I need palpable culture, and people who take chances and act insane.  Living somewhere difficult forces you to decide, every day, what you’re there for and why you chose it.  

But it doesn’t make returning from ‘easy’ places any easier.

This is embarrassing, but honest.  I think that perhaps, after I came back to LA from Spokane this fall and took a serious look into my last year and life here, a bout of low grade depression set upon me.  For the past few months, I have found it difficult to want to engage in anything; wasting entire days holed up in my house, bundled in blankets and fighting the urge to cry for no reason.  All I wanted to do is watch musicals and buy plane tickets.  Mind you, I have had such incredible experiences and gone so many places in the last 12 months.  In fact, a quick review of my Skymiles account will reveal 80k+ miles in the air and 14 trips.  I have been nonstop running around even more since I decided to stay still in LA.  Ironic, eh?

My emotional coping mechanism has been the physical act of leaving for so long that I don’t know how to have a life!  How effing sad!  I'm serious, I think that I pacify myself with running around the country.  Do they make pills for this?!

So I have already decided that 2012 will be travel light, with ‘travel’ being the noun here. , not a verb.  I need to stay long enough in LA to really make something of myself and train myself to be ok in one place.  I didn’t accomplish that this year.  I cant think of how many workshops, meetings, and social events I haven't gone to because of my travel plans.  This year, I was always out of town or working like mad in prep of going out of town.  

Next year, I stay.  Y’all better start booking your flights to come to me.  

P.S.  Except EuroTrip with Coco next summer.  I mean, please.  I’m growing, not becoming someone else entirely.  

Apple Pie Baseball

My precious Coco Noelle celebrated her dirty thirty birthday last week, and I was all too excited to fly on up for this, plus another wedding.  I spent a wonderful 10 days in Spokane (I know! go figure!)  and was so blessed to get to spend so much time with her.  Coco and I met when I was a client at her fabulous salon, five years ago.  She, like so many of closest loves, was one that I met and decided within 2 minutes that we needed to be besties.  What can I say, when you know, you know...... ya know?  In honor of three decades of this delightful lady, please behold my Top Ten Coco Memories:

10: The day we met.  She was wearing this cute black jumper and looked like a little Peter Pan.  We giggled through the entire haircut and within the hour, I wanted to know everything about her.

9. I'm not going to publish the actual conversation, but while she came to visit me in NYC, we spoke at length about one of her favorite things in the world.... which is gross.  The subject matters not, but the fact that she is so candid about herself.  We laughed for so many hours, laying on that futon with Hayley.

8.  Coco is the friend I want with me when things are bad.  When bad situations are around, wrong place, wrong time.  I want her in my corner when the bummer comes.  She got into a little fender bender in my car while I was in Peru, and I am so thankful that of all my friends, it was her.  I'm sure she doesn't feel the same.  Having your first accident in someone else's car sucks.

7.  Also in NYC, Halloween night.  Our cab driver was getting into a verbal spat with another driver while barreling down Midtown Manhattan.  I was getting in on the action, and Coco was mortified.  Hilarious.  We just laughed about this last week.

6. New Orleans.  She was going down for a birthday party, and I was living in TX.  I met her and her friends for the weekend, and we ventured Bourbon Street one night by ourselves.  She stole me some artwork I have in my house now, we sang karaoke, and got kicked out of a strip club..... before we even got in.

5. Last year, when I first moved to LA, we were bored and looking for something to do.  I got on the LA weekly website and found this quirky comedy show in the back of a comic book store.  Sounded so lame, and we almost left before the show even started.  Cut to this year, after thousands of laughs and awesome comics seen.  Now Coco only flies out of LA after Wednesday, so that we can go to the Meltdown Comedy show.
         a. Coco was heckled at one of these shows one time.  It was hilarious.  Ask me about it.

4.  Coco has the balls to say anything to anyone, pretty much.  She can saunter up to a gorgeous man and just tell him so.  She leaves him her number at his work.  She has balls.  There are multiple examples.  I cannot just recall one, but I love having her around.  She makes friends like no one else I know.

3.  Coco and I bullied one of our friends to three way smooch us last week.  He wasn't having it at first, but we talked him into it.  I think about it and laugh loudly every time.  Peer Pressure!  Delightful!

2.  Last week, she was in LA with another friend and we did a late night In N Out run.  She, a vegetarian of over a year, said "screw it!" and got a double double with fries.  We drove down Hollywood Blvd, stuffed our faces and laughed at the freak parade.  She knows what's important, right?

1.  We danced and belted Justin Bieber all night on her birthday.  We have embarassed ourselves and so many others with impromptu performances at grocery stores, gas stations, and department stores.  We have Bieber dance parties in her dressing room, and for the 10 days I stayed with her, we started every day with the Biebs Christmas song.