Catching Up A Bit--June Trip to Los Angeles

With Matt's family in town for Lindsey and Jason's wedding (posts on this to come) and my trip to the DC area, I'm a bit behind in email and blog posts. I'm finding that once one gets out of the habit of blogging regularly, it can be hard to set aside the time again (just like with the gym, which I'm also not keeping up with as much). Even though I still don't have a job, looking for work, taking classes, studying, entertaining guests, being a guest, and 'taking care of the house' can take up a lot of one's time.

Over the summer solstice weekend, Matt and I were in LA to visit with friends. I went up a day early (yeah for public transportation, boo for public transportation taking over an hour longer than scheduled) to spend time with the gaming group. Tyler picked me at Union Station in LA, and after our attempt to visit the Getty Villa was thwarted (who knew you still needed reservations for a weekday?), we checked out the new BCAM building and exhibits at LACMA and the new architecture museum across the street. Tyler also had time to show me the parabolic listening device he was developing for a sound-based art show in Pasadena and to increase the ring size on a ring my sister had brought back for me from Barbados. He's the handy, artsy-but-not-pretentious brother I never had.


Tyler using his dremel to make my ring fit better, and part of his parabolic sound installation.


The piece assembled and in place in Pasadena. It is "modeled after similar devices used during WWI before the advent of radar."

As for gaming, the important thing is Eric, Tyler, Shawn and I were all together (Nico showed up as well as a guest gamer). Although we fit in a not-particularly-healthy meal (this one at Marie Callender's), and not particularly tasteful video watching (Wonder Showzen, Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!), we actually didn't have time for gaming. Outrageous, I know. Our priorities are obviously in question.


Eric and Tyler at Marie Callender's--we really did have fun (it's just that all of my photos kinda sucked).

The next morning Matt arrived, and we had brunch with Dom at my favorite type of restaurant--one with a French name. Dom and I have been friends for years (he went to college with my sister at U of MD), and he jokes that I'll only eat brunch at a place with a Le, La, Les or Cafe in the name. While not technically fitting this requirement, Comme Ca is very French. We actually split an excellent carafe of white wine to fit in (this was a carafe for one person, but we eeked out three glasses from it). I highly recommend the bacon--it was amazing. I might just skip the eggs and double up on the bacon for the next visit.


Me, Dom and Matt outside of Comme Ca on Melrose.

In the evening Matt and I split up--he spent the night with Tim and Elias, and I went to celebrate Tyler's 28th birthday with Shawn and Nico. After dinner at the Lebanese/Armenian/Middle Eastern Marouch, we traveled (minus Nico) to have a drink at the Bonaventure in downtown LA. The drinks are overpriced, but the revolving rooftop restaurant affords a sweet view of the city. Plus the glass elevator ride up to the 35th floor is always fun (or terrifying if heights don't agree with you).


Shawn and Tyler watching the traffic below, and the Bonaventure (the light with the red glow around it is the elevator).

Yeah for Independence Day Parties!

Carolyn always supplies the fun accessories.

Although my quick trip to the DC area was to help my grandmother after a minor surgery, her extended stay in the hospital meant that I spent more time than planned with my mom, dad and sister. After spending the morning with my grandmother, I made it to my sister and brother-in-law's July 4th bash featuring Adam's famous brisket.


Tequila is the perfect way to catch-up with old friends.

Since I've met many of Carolyn's friends, I didn't feel like the odd person out. A true bonus was my college friend Roberto showing up on his way to meet friends in DC. Carolyn and Bobby had met before, and as you can tell from the picture above, they get along just fine.

I also have to highlight Carolyn's flower garden which borders her driveway. This picture doesn't do her efforts justice, but it gives you an idea of who has the greenest thumb in the family. The hollyhocks are beautiful and impressive.