California Love

Whew! What an exciting week! California proved to be the entertainment beast that I thought it was. I've broken down our days below and included some photos. In order to protect the innocent, I had to keep some stuff out of here. I hope you can understand... and if you were there, I know you will appreciate my silence. :)

Sunday, May 28
My brother, Leroy, my boyfriend, Marcos, and I flew to L.A. on an afternoon flight and it was soooo looonnng. It actually was 2 hours and 40 minutes in the air, but it felt like 8 hours. Lucky for me, I'm short and I laid across the seat so I was comfy. As soon as we landed we found my brother's high school buddy, Jason, who now lives in Cali. We picked up our rental car only to find out that we'd been given a free "upgrade." As we drove out of the lot in a PT Cruiser, we began to wonder how this was an upgrade. We got to the Omni downtown and it was fantastic. Again, we'd been given a free upgrade and this time it really was an upgrade to a huge, fancy room. We dropped off our stuff and headed out to Hollywood. We saw all those corny street performers and people dressed as SuperGirl, Freddy Kruger and Batman on Hollywood Blvd. Then we watched a movie at the Grauman's Chinese Theater. We walked up and down the sidewalk but the whole time we were looking down at the celebrity names in the stars. Did you know the Marilyn Monroe star on the Walk of Fame is right in front of the McDonalds? It was getting late and we went back to the hotel for a little sleep.

Monday, May 29 - Memorial Day
Jason, Leroy, Marcos and I got up and went straight to the Grand Central Market. It's a Mexican market in downtown L.A. with all kinds of food, produce, gifts, etc. It was one of the best places I've ever seen in California. After we pigged out on tacos, we met up with my friend, Britton. She is in law school in L.A. and so graciously let us stay with her for the remainder of our vacation. She had just returned from a little road trip to a wedding so she was tired, but she has stamina so she didn't think twice about heading to Venice Beach with us. The drive to Venice Beach was thick with traffic... but that's normal for L.A. on a holiday. Venice Beach didn't disappoint us. We saw all kinds of people wearing all kinds of things... and some not wearing anything at all. After a few cocktails and some fun in the sun, we packed up and went to a baseball game. Britton's friend, also named Jason, joined us. We had so much fun watching the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim beat the Minnesota Twins. It really was a good game and afterwards we stayed for a fireworks show. Ah, America!

Tuesday, May 30
This day started WAY too early. I was showered, dressed and ready to go at 5:45 a.m. We had to be at The Price is Right by 6:00 a.m. to get a place in line. And even though it was early, the excitement of seeing Bob made it all worth it! We got some food, got in line and were finally given an "Order of Arrival Number" by a page that works for CBS. Britton pointed out that the page is probably a legal intern and we began to wonder if that would become Britton's new job one day. After hours of waiting, they began to hand out "Priority Numbers." That is the golden ticket that gets you the trademark nametag and a seat in the audience. As we patiently waited we began to notice something... there were about 1,000 people waiting and only 335 people fit into 1 taping. I began to worry. Then we heard one of those pages say, "We have handed out all the Priority Numbers so anyone waiting in line is now on stand-by." We were given our stand-by numbers of 84, 85, 86, and 87 and were told to come back at 10:30 a.m. Things didn't look good. But we didn't give up. We walked over to The Grove which is a cool mall and the Farmer's Market which is nearby. We killed some time there and went back to TPIR.

When we got back we heard some good news and bad news. The bad news was that any group of 20 or more gets a guaranteed seat and there were 5 large groups reserved for that day. That's why we were put on stand-by so early. But the good news was that 2 of the groups didn't show and there was hope for those on stand-by. It was around 10:45 when we realized that many of those that were on stand-by had given up and didn't return... and they missed their chance because WE GOT IN! We got our cool name tags and waited some more. Finally they called our group into the interview process. Evidently, they choose the contestants based up on a very brief meeting in an "interview" with about 15 other people. They put all 15 people in a row and ask each one these 2 questions:
1. Where are you from?
2. What do you do for a living?
That's it... depending on what you say to those 2 questions will determine whether or not they like you and if you'll be on the show. A lady in our group sang a little song... something about "Plinko, Plinko little star." And she was chosen to come on down! Britton, Leroy, Marcos and I were not chosen to come on down but we had a GREAT time yelling in the audience. It was so much fun to see the small set that looks so large on TV. It was a a great day.

After that, we headed out to Universal Studios City Walk and enjoyed some junk food, corny gift shops, and even a long ride on a shuttle bus. But I hit a wall and could hardly keep my eyes open. We went back to Britton's place where she introduced us to the world of garlic knots and Johnnie's Pizza.

Wednesday, May 30
This was our last day in California. We laid low in the morning and took it easy. We ate lunch at Jaxx on Sunset Blvd. and then drove around Beverly Hills. We walked around Rodeo Drive and window shopped at Prada, Gucci, Dolce & Gabanna, Tiffany, etc. It was nice to look at all those incredible designer clothing... even if it was only through the window display. Britton introduced us to Sprinkles Cupcakes in Beverly Hills. WOW! Those things are like nothing I've ever tasted. There was a line waiting to get even 1 cupcake and now I see why people are willing to wait. I bit into my chocolate coconut cupcake and was surprised to find that something so small could make life so good. My tastebuds were confused and appreciative all at the same time. I can't wait to go there again. After our relaxing day, it was time to head home. We landed in Dallas around midnight so we were really tired... but it was so much fun.

Traveling with my brother was fun... even though my other siblings warned me not to travel with him. Traveling with my sweetie is always fun... and this time having Britton there made it even better. I was to happy to get some hang time with Britton on her new stomping grounds. It was nice to just hang out and laugh with her again. Of course, she'll be back in Texas next weekend and I'm sure I'll have even more stories to tell. But for now, enjoy the pics below!

Gas is expensive in Cali!


Jason (on left) and my brother at the Omni


Me at the Omni


Marcos and me in Hollywood


Marcos ordering lunch at the market


Britton and me at Venice Beach


Marcos and me at Venice Beach


My brother and me showing our family ties


Putting my toes in the Pacific


Britton and me at the baseball game


Britton is the only person in Cali who can properly pronounce Coors Light


Britton and me at The Grove - waiting for TPIR


Here we are after TPIR!

Five Things About May... so far

So it's halfway through May and I haven't posted at all this month. It's been a little crazy and there's a lot going on. But I have pulled a short list of events - just 5 things.

1. Cindo de Mayo
This year, Cinco de Mayo was more like Drunko de Mayo. I went to hang out with my family in Denton and the cocktails got WAY out of hand. The next morning my sister and her family were going to be in the Cinco de Mayo parade since they are Denton's Family of the Year. But I had the hardest time getting out of bed and I was mortified to find pina colada stuck in my hair. I did manage to get some pics... they're below.

2. The Perfect Storm
There's something wrong with the air in Dallas. I don't have allergies, but over the last 2 weeks I have come to understand the pain of those with allergies. I feel terrible. To make matters worse, I got a cold. My doctor told me I had an infection and had to treat BOTH the cold and the allergies. Getting a cold right in the middle of an allergy fit truly is The Perfect Storm.

3. Aurorica
My mom's name is Aurora and if you have met her you know that she's a bold presence. I sometimes refer to her as Aurorica because she could be her very own country and would probably demand to be its dictator. I know my mom is tough, but that's what makes her so perfect. On Mother's Day I always remind her that she is a rock star and I am blessed with a mom who taught me to be independent and to develop my own identity.

4. California Dreamin'
In 11 days I'm flying to California with my sweetie and my brother. We're going to see my friend B who is in law school out there. And to see my brother's friend J who has lived out there for years. AND TO SEE BOB BARKER! I have been watching The Price is Right for years, however over the last 2 months I have been studying it. If I get asked to 'come on down' I'll be ready.

5. Audrey Jane Miller
My friend Jenn and her husband had their third child, Audrey Jane. She is welcomed by two loving older brothers. Sweet Audrey was born with CDH, a birth defect in which the diaphragm does not close properly while in the womb. Therefore, the abdominal organs form in the chest area. Audrey is still in the NICU in Dallas and each day she's fighting for her life. Please keep her in your thoughts and send her some positive energy! And visit her blog if you have time.
http://spaces.msn.com/jennmillerblog

My nephew in his Guayabera shirt on Cinco de Mayo.
















The Havis Family - Denton's Family of the Year!

Names

A while back my sister sent me a link to a site that will tell you when your name was popular, the years in which the popularity rose and declined, etc. It's actually a very cool site and you can see it here.

My sister pointed out that my name was most popular in 1880. It was in the top ten names given to girls in the late 1800s in the U.S. As time went by it decreased in popularity. In fact, the year the name was given to me was its LOWEST point of popularity. Thanks, mom and dad!

Then, I remembered the many, many times people say things like, "My great-aunt is named Clara." Or, "Clara was my grandmother's name!" While that is slightly depressing, it doesn't upset me. (Call me Claire or Carla and then you'll see all kinds of angry!)

I've come to terms with my old lady name. When I meet people, I actually say, "My name is Clara, like an old lady." They think it's funny and I resist laughing with them. I usually just smile and hope my dentures don't fall out. :)

Do you like your name?

Lubbock And All Its Glory

As many of you know, I went to Lubbock this weekend for my friend Mike's senior art exhibit. He'll be graduating from Tech next month, but he invited all of us to his exhibit because he's not into the whole cap and gown thing. Anyway... here's the story about my weekend and there are photos below. Here goes...

I flew to Lubbock way too early on Friday morning. The flight ended up being delayed, but I finally got to the Panhandle. I sat next to the most bizaar man on the plane who kept reading my Cosmo over my shoulder. He even asked me about the Man Manual section of Cosmo. Eww! Anyway, the Lubbock airport only has FOUR entrances but I still had trouble finding Mike. Finally we found each other and headed off to do a million things. Lunch, shopping, a beer run, etc.

I was almost unable to buy my pineapple rum because the 22-year-old girls working at Doc's Liquor thought my ID was fake. In a way, I was flattered but I was really wanting that rum so I ended up getting huffy. Long story short - I got the goods and Mike got about 200 bucks worth of beer for his party! Then Mike took me out to Slaton, TX (where his exhibit was held) to see his artwork. I'd never seen it close up before. The photos below are a few of his cool sculptures. Mike is a rock star!

Liv drove into town while Mike and I were hogging down at Freebirds. We told Liv to meet us at the hotel where she and I were staying. When Mike and I pulled into the parking lot, Liv had already popped open a Lone Star beer from her big cooler that was fully stocked. There's something very "Panhandley" about drinking Lone Star in a hotel parking lot! We decided to save our beer for the party and we went to a local bar to drink.

On the way to the bar, Liv and I got mooned. This little mini-van pulled up next to us and began honking. We looked over and saw what looked like a large ham pressed against the windows. The mini-van had really dark tinting that I'm pretty sure is illegal in Texas. But we could still see the action. Typically, after a mooning, the driver pulls away or turns. But we were at a red light.... so we sat there in the most awkward moment. The girl in the front passenger side of the mini-van looked so humiliated.

On Saturday, Liv and I went to the Buddy Holly Center. There is an area with some of his memorabilia and there is also an art gallery in there. It was actually very cool. The glasses Buddy Holly was wearing at the time of his death are in the memorial area. And the story is that there is blood and flesh still in the frames. Yuck! Liv and I walked around then hit the gift shop. We scored some killer Buddy Holly glasses of our own... girly ones. Pictures below!

We went out to Mike's exhibit that evening and he had a FULL house. There was good food, tons of drinks, good music and fantastic art. We all had a great time. After the exhibit we went to a local bar, The Gas Light, and had drinks. (We actually went through Mike's two-hundy worth of beer and all of Liv's stash.) We ended our night at the bar and headed home.

I flew home way too early this morning and that's why I'm already here posting this. I couldn't wait to share the stories and photos. I am so very blessed with such amazing friends and I am grateful for weekends like this one. These people are gold.

Liv, Clara and Mike - check out our Buddy Holly glasses!


What WTAMU has brought together, let no man put asunder.


Two of Mike's sculptures


This is my favorite sculpture of Mike's


Mike and his beautiful sister, Christie


Mike and Chase


Liv and me at the exhibit rocking our Buddy Holly glasses. The Budapest t-shirt is an inside joke that very few people can know. ;o)


Here I am being goofy at The Buddy Holly Center.


This is my new tie-skirt that I finally got to wear!

Bedtimes, Baking, Books and Bob Barker

At the start of this year, I made my new year's resolutions. If you don't remember, they were:

• Finish my novel
• Attend a taping of The Price is Right
• Go to bed earlier
• Cook for myself more often

So here's an update on how I'm doing with those...

1. The Book
I'm still writing but I got really stuck on one part. This story being told in this book is directly from a brief period of my family's history. I need to do what I can to protect them but I also need the story to have some connectivity. So I'm working on getting over that hump. I still don't have a title for the book either.

2. Bob Barker
I AM DOING THIS ONE NEXT MONTH!!!!! I am going to California with my brother and my sweetie. We are meeting up with my girl friend, B, who lives out there. The 4 of us will be attending a taping of The Price is Right on Tuesday, May 30. It will air on CBS on June 6, 2006. The producers interview every single person in the audience and that is how they choose who will 'come on down.' To be honest, I don't want to go onstage. I just want to be that annoying person in the audience that yells prices to the contestants.

3. Bedtimes
This one didn't work for me. I really, really did try. I moved my cleaning times, I switched my evening rituals and even got my clothes ready a whole week in advance. But I still need time to watch the back up of programs on my TiVo and most importantly, I need talk time with my sweetie. Sometimes, our first long chat about our day doesn't start til 9:00 p.m. And nobody can convince me to hit the hay before having a long chat with my sweetie.

4. Baking
I do cook for myself more often. I'm very proud of myself, actually. I have found recipes that are more conducive to the single lifestyle... things that reheat well or can be made in smaller portions. I also have found that I can save some serious cash by not going out for meals. But my downfall is baking. I need a baker's course or something. Don't get me wrong, I have no intentions of entering a pastry bake-off or anything like that. I just need more baking education. Who teaches stuff like that?

So there's the update on my resolutions. Did you make any? How are they coming along?

Oh... I saw the guy who played Pedro in Napoleon Dynamite. Took a quick pic.

Yes, that is the Selena memorial statue behind me.

The Shout Out

Ok, there's a lot going on in the friend world these days. I thought I'd take a moment to send a quick howdy-ho to my buddies doing great things.

Mike - He is finally graduating from Texas Tech with an art degree! Instead of walking across the stage, he has decided to invite everyone to his senior art exhibit. His sculptures are fantastic! I will be flying to Lubbock for the exhibit... it's from April 21 - 23. Look for pics after that.

Michelle - She's finally graduating from the College of Santa Fe. She is also an artist, like Mike. Unfortunately, I cannot attend her graduation... but I'm so very proud of her! I'll ask her to send some pics for me to post.

Susie - She has started her first blog! Welcome to the blogger community, Suz! If you'd like to see her blog click here. It's funny... Suz will make you smile.

Meagan - She turned 30!! We had so much fun at her party. Most of the pics cannot be published, but I did post a few below.

Braden - My nephew is having a very important test this week with his doctors. Please send him your positive thoughts and prayers. Also, he is still raising money for his March of Dimes campaign. So far he's raised over $2,000! Check out his pic below.

Well, that's it for now. Enjoy the pics and talk to you after I get back from Lubbock.

Here's Meagan trying to decide if she should take her surprise birthday drink.













Julia and Phil at Meagan's party.














Braden and me at the arboretum.



















Just and extra pic I decided to add of my other nephews, Jackson and Jonathan.

Thank You For Smoking

Ok, so I went to the movies with my sweetie on Saturday. We had planned on going to the 8:40 showing but we dozed off and didn't wake up til 9. We thought we'd just skip the movies but there happened to be a 10:40 showing of Thank You For Smoking.

We got ready to go and jumped in the car... only to hit EVERY red light on the way to the theater. It was 10:35 and we still had about 3 miles to go. I panicked a little bit because I'm a sucker for movie trailers and I felt them slipping away. I was beginning to think this was the Universe's mean April Fool's Day trick on M and me. But I stood my ground and decided to miss the trailers. And man, that movie was SSOO worth it!

I predict that Thank You For Smoking will be nominated for some kind of Oscar. Not cinematography, not best actor, not even one of those weird technical ones either. But it is a the shining beacon for best screen adaptation so far. Dudes, that movie rocked. It was laugh-out-loud funny and so compelling!

Don't get me wrong, it had its bad points. I mean, Katie Holmes is in it. She plays a trampy newspaper reporter. But since I knew that going into the theater, I just imagined Claire Danes every time Katie was onscreen. (Dude, Katie Holmes needs to be de-hypnotized and de-Cruised big time.... but that's another blog posting.)

The movie is a satirical comedy about the tobacco industry and those who are hired to paint a happy face on it. It also ties in the alcohol and firearms industry. When those controversial industries are faced with a lawsuit or called out on a talk show, someone must defend them... and this is the movie about those defenders. I am not a cigarette smoker, but I surprisingly found myself rooting for this low, depressing man who defended the tobacco industry. Then, I found myself loathing the tobacco industry. I walked out of there wondering how anyone could ever light up again.

So my sweetie and I left the theater along with the tons of people that also enjoyed the movie. As soon as we stepped outside, I counted TEN people lighting up a ciggy. WTF?? Were they not paying attention? Didn't they get it? W. T. F. ??

Anyway, catch the flick if you can. And for the love of Pete, please don't smoke.