I have an update on my crazy bus commutes. Perhaps you thought I'd run out of stories? No worries, L.A. has an unending number of odd personalities to document. This one is one of my favorites, as she never disappoints.
Some of you may remember that in February Jay and I attended the Chinese New Year Parade in Chinatown near downtown L.A. I didn't write about it then, but that was when Crazy Chinatown Bus Stop Lady got her name. Jay and I had parked at his office in downtown and planned to take the bus to Chinatown for the parade to avoid crowds. As we were waiting for the bus, a woman with long, stringy, dyed-black hair and white roots, nicotine-stained teeth, and bright fuschia lipstick smeared over face and teeth approached Jay. I can't remember how she started the conversation, but Jay politely responded to something she said. I could've told him that was his first mistake. She kept talking to him, louder and louder, in a screechy terrible voice, despite the fact he was now clinging to me and trying to ignore her. I finally rescued my poor polite husband by suggesting we give up on the damn bus and just walk to Chinatown. It couldn't have been more than 5 miles at the most. Relieved, he agreed and off we went.
Ah, but the story doesn't end there, otherwise why would I be writing this post? A few weeks later, I was riding my usual bus into the lab. I sit down behind a woman with long, stringy, dyed-black hair. She was muttering to herself, and I thought I recognized her.... surely not, why would someone from downtown be on MY bus? Then she made a phone call, and sure enough, that screechy loud voice rang out. Oh my word, it WAS crazy chinatown bus stop lady! I sat quietly, not moving, hoping she would not recognize me. She didn't - I think she had been more fixated on my handsome hubby than me. As we approached her stop, rather than pulling the stop cord she begins screaming out, "This is my stop! Back door! Back door! Let me off the bus!" She continues screaming this until she is off the bus, despite the fact that no one is blocking her way and the bus driver is patiently waiting.
As it happens, I have encountered her several time since then. She is always very loud, with a voice like nails on chalkboard, and she is always overreacting to some imagined situation on the bus. I always know she will put on a show. For instance, this morning. I get on the bus, and lo and behold the only available seat is next to crazy chinatown bus stop lady. So I stand. As we approach the stop at Westside Pavilion, the local mall, she begins. She starts by screeching, "The bell's not working, it's not working!" as she slaps the bell cord vigorously. But anyone who rides the bus regularly knows that the bus ALWAYS stops at the mall. It's one of the timed stops on the route. So the bus stops, as it always does, and she begins shoving people aside, screeching, "Let me off the bus, LET ME OFF THE BUS, I need to get off the bus, BACK DOOR, BACK DOOR, stop the bus!!!" Total fruitcake. She always gets off the bus with no issues, but can't seem to stop herself from panicking at the thought of possibly having to get off one stop away from her intended destination. Ah, crazy chinatown bus stop lady. You are insane.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Yep, another weekend in wine country
In the interest of improving my blogging rate, some posts will remain picture-less. I mean, it honestly has nothing to do with being a photographer's wife who never seems to get to even look at pictures he's taken much less ACTUALLY get something to put up on the blog.... yes, the whole cobbler's-wife-never-has-shoes syndrome. Moving along.
We had planned this weekend back in September, and I had been looking forward to it ever since. We drove up to Solvang on Friday night, and spent Saturday and Sunday with our friends Alias and Helen and their adorable little boys Elijah and Jason. On the drive up Friday we stopped and had dinner in Santa Barbara with our friend Linda. Linda is one of our favorite people, and dinner with her is always a lot of fun. She picks delicious restaurants, and the conversation is never dull. This evening we dined at a place called Elements. If you are ever passing through Santa Barbara and are looking for a quiet place for dinner with great wine, drinks, and food, this is one to try. The atmosphere was relaxed, the wait staff attentive and friendly, and the food was delicious. It was a harbinger of what was to come for the rest of our little trip.
We arrived very late Friday night at the Kronborg Inn in Solvang, where we have stayed before. As chance would have it, we were booked into a room right next to Alias and Helen and the boys! It even had one of the connecting doors, which meant when the boys were put down for the night Helen and Alias could hang out in our room and we stayed up late chatting. But I am getting ahead of myself. I heard little voices bright and early Saturday morning, and Jay and I got up and headed into town where we had breakfast at the Greenhouse Cafe. The latte and coffee were fantastic, as was the meal. We then headed off to meet with our friends at the Los Olivos Grocery where we buy fresh bread, cheeses, meats, and fruit for a picnic at whatever winery we end up at. Jay and I selected an loaf of olive bread, fresh figs, a smoked cheese, and prosciutto. Then began the wine tasting.
Our first stop was Curtis Winery, and they had their late harvest Viognier, which is the closest one can get to an ice wine outside of Canada or Germany. We bought one bottle to put aside for Christmas, and also picked up a chilled Rose for our lunch. We are members at Curtis and so also picked up our November shipment. We then ended up at Fess Parker, where we had our lunch. Fess Parker has an enormous rolling lawn perfect for children to run and play, and the boys did just that. They were even joined by a neighbor's Jack Russell terrier who helped them chase after their soccer ball! Helen and I continued playing outside with the kiddos while Alias and Jason tasted inside. On this stop, Jay picked up a Syrah for our Christmas dinner in San Antonio, which he claims is one of the best he's ever tasted. I am looking forward to trying it!
After the boys' naps that afternoon we had a 6:00 reservation for dinner at Los Olivos Wine Merchant Cafe. That dinner was soooo good! I honestly cannot remember what Jay had, but Helen had the risotto and I had the pumpkin gnocchi, which came in a parsnip cream sauce sprinkled with pomegranate arils and parmesan cheese. Excellent. We split a bottle of zinfandel, and for dessert I had the best creme brulee I've ever eaten, Helen and the boys split the Chocolate Scream, and Alias had the Apple Honey Tart. What a wonderful dinner it was, and the boys were very well-behaved. We were stuffed and exhausted, and after an evening of conversation we all headed to our beds.
The next morning Jay and I had breakfast at the Solvang Restaurant, where we finally tried Aebleskiver, a Danish delicacy. We wandered into the Antique Center as we always do, then met with Helen and Alias and the boys to walk town a bit more. Jay and Alias tasted at the Mandolina tasting room in town before we left, and this time Jay brought home a Pinot Grigio. I drove us home while Jay finished reading the latest Robert Jordan book in the Wheel of Time series. We got back in time to tidy up and buy groceries, then get ready for another busy week of work.
We now have 40 bottles of wine at home and are in desperate need of friends to help us drink them... anyone up for a visit?
We had planned this weekend back in September, and I had been looking forward to it ever since. We drove up to Solvang on Friday night, and spent Saturday and Sunday with our friends Alias and Helen and their adorable little boys Elijah and Jason. On the drive up Friday we stopped and had dinner in Santa Barbara with our friend Linda. Linda is one of our favorite people, and dinner with her is always a lot of fun. She picks delicious restaurants, and the conversation is never dull. This evening we dined at a place called Elements. If you are ever passing through Santa Barbara and are looking for a quiet place for dinner with great wine, drinks, and food, this is one to try. The atmosphere was relaxed, the wait staff attentive and friendly, and the food was delicious. It was a harbinger of what was to come for the rest of our little trip.
We arrived very late Friday night at the Kronborg Inn in Solvang, where we have stayed before. As chance would have it, we were booked into a room right next to Alias and Helen and the boys! It even had one of the connecting doors, which meant when the boys were put down for the night Helen and Alias could hang out in our room and we stayed up late chatting. But I am getting ahead of myself. I heard little voices bright and early Saturday morning, and Jay and I got up and headed into town where we had breakfast at the Greenhouse Cafe. The latte and coffee were fantastic, as was the meal. We then headed off to meet with our friends at the Los Olivos Grocery where we buy fresh bread, cheeses, meats, and fruit for a picnic at whatever winery we end up at. Jay and I selected an loaf of olive bread, fresh figs, a smoked cheese, and prosciutto. Then began the wine tasting.
Our first stop was Curtis Winery, and they had their late harvest Viognier, which is the closest one can get to an ice wine outside of Canada or Germany. We bought one bottle to put aside for Christmas, and also picked up a chilled Rose for our lunch. We are members at Curtis and so also picked up our November shipment. We then ended up at Fess Parker, where we had our lunch. Fess Parker has an enormous rolling lawn perfect for children to run and play, and the boys did just that. They were even joined by a neighbor's Jack Russell terrier who helped them chase after their soccer ball! Helen and I continued playing outside with the kiddos while Alias and Jason tasted inside. On this stop, Jay picked up a Syrah for our Christmas dinner in San Antonio, which he claims is one of the best he's ever tasted. I am looking forward to trying it!
After the boys' naps that afternoon we had a 6:00 reservation for dinner at Los Olivos Wine Merchant Cafe. That dinner was soooo good! I honestly cannot remember what Jay had, but Helen had the risotto and I had the pumpkin gnocchi, which came in a parsnip cream sauce sprinkled with pomegranate arils and parmesan cheese. Excellent. We split a bottle of zinfandel, and for dessert I had the best creme brulee I've ever eaten, Helen and the boys split the Chocolate Scream, and Alias had the Apple Honey Tart. What a wonderful dinner it was, and the boys were very well-behaved. We were stuffed and exhausted, and after an evening of conversation we all headed to our beds.
The next morning Jay and I had breakfast at the Solvang Restaurant, where we finally tried Aebleskiver, a Danish delicacy. We wandered into the Antique Center as we always do, then met with Helen and Alias and the boys to walk town a bit more. Jay and Alias tasted at the Mandolina tasting room in town before we left, and this time Jay brought home a Pinot Grigio. I drove us home while Jay finished reading the latest Robert Jordan book in the Wheel of Time series. We got back in time to tidy up and buy groceries, then get ready for another busy week of work.
We now have 40 bottles of wine at home and are in desperate need of friends to help us drink them... anyone up for a visit?
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Halloween in West Hollywood
Greetings! This has been the worst year of posting to Southern in Socal that we've ever had - probably because this has been one of the busiest. I'll try to improve that!
Jay recently went out of town to spend some time with his dad and brother. The three met in Florida to watch the shuttle launch, originally scheduled for this Monday. Due to repairs the shuttle was not launched and so they missed it, but Jay did get to hang out with family, which was the more important part of their trip.
I stayed home to mind Meow and generally keep the household running. Per my usual habit, I stayed very busy! On Saturday I attended a cook out at my friends' house in Echo Park, and on Sunday I decided to go to West Hollywood with Gil and Alex. The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is the second largest event held in Los Angeles, even bigger than the Oscars. I've heard a lot about it, mainly about the crowds and outrageous costumes. It seemed very much like something one should see in their life, so off I went!
I dressed as a flapper (a bit of my costume is seen in the picture below) but I forgot my camera. Early in the evening I handed out candy to our annual Trick-or-Treaters, and got dressed. We all had dinner at Sunnin in Westwood before we headed off to Sunset Boulevard. The drive was very slow due to the street closures and large number of people trying to get to where we were going. But eventually we made it, and spent 3 hours just walking the streets and taking it all in - and it was amazing! The amount of time, effort, and thought that must have gone into many of the costumes was amazing. I speculate that at least some of the attendees work in the entertainment industry and perhaps had access to some Hollywood prop houses and costumes. Certainly at least some make-up artists were in the mix, because they were flawless! Some of the more amazing costumes came from Tron, there were some incredible mad hatters, and perhaps my favorite were the people made up as though they were Mexican day of the dead dolls.
This picture was from Gil and Alex's camera, if I get some additional ones I will post them here. Gil dressed as a ghost, and Alex as a homocidal ram. He got a lot of attention! Everything I am wearing I already owned, except my headpiece, which I bought at a Halloween store for $12.00. Not too bad for a frugal Halloween costume!
Jay recently went out of town to spend some time with his dad and brother. The three met in Florida to watch the shuttle launch, originally scheduled for this Monday. Due to repairs the shuttle was not launched and so they missed it, but Jay did get to hang out with family, which was the more important part of their trip.
I stayed home to mind Meow and generally keep the household running. Per my usual habit, I stayed very busy! On Saturday I attended a cook out at my friends' house in Echo Park, and on Sunday I decided to go to West Hollywood with Gil and Alex. The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is the second largest event held in Los Angeles, even bigger than the Oscars. I've heard a lot about it, mainly about the crowds and outrageous costumes. It seemed very much like something one should see in their life, so off I went!
I dressed as a flapper (a bit of my costume is seen in the picture below) but I forgot my camera. Early in the evening I handed out candy to our annual Trick-or-Treaters, and got dressed. We all had dinner at Sunnin in Westwood before we headed off to Sunset Boulevard. The drive was very slow due to the street closures and large number of people trying to get to where we were going. But eventually we made it, and spent 3 hours just walking the streets and taking it all in - and it was amazing! The amount of time, effort, and thought that must have gone into many of the costumes was amazing. I speculate that at least some of the attendees work in the entertainment industry and perhaps had access to some Hollywood prop houses and costumes. Certainly at least some make-up artists were in the mix, because they were flawless! Some of the more amazing costumes came from Tron, there were some incredible mad hatters, and perhaps my favorite were the people made up as though they were Mexican day of the dead dolls.
This picture was from Gil and Alex's camera, if I get some additional ones I will post them here. Gil dressed as a ghost, and Alex as a homocidal ram. He got a lot of attention! Everything I am wearing I already owned, except my headpiece, which I bought at a Halloween store for $12.00. Not too bad for a frugal Halloween costume!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Happy 8th Anniversary!
Happy 8th Anniversary! You still make me laugh more than anyone I've ever known. I love you!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Camping at Lake Cachuma
Jay has really been wanting to get out of Los Angeles lately, but we've been busy, busy, busy. Since this month is my birthday, we decided to celebrate by finally taking a weekend out of town. We headed to Lake Cachuma just north of Santa Barbara for a couple of nights camping out, and remembering that there are stars in the sky. We drove up on Friday evening, and set up camp. We got up Saturday morning bright and early, and hiked around the lake. Jay took lots of pictures, and that afternoon we took a boat tour of the lake with a state naturalist. She identified many of the local bird species for us, and though we hoped to spot a mountain lion we only saw rabbits and deer. That night was more marshmallow roasting and relaxing by the fire. Sunday we broke camp and headed into Solvang where we visited our favorite Danish bakery for breakfast and went to two of our favorite wineries before heading back to Los Angeles. Below are a few of the pictures I took while we were hiking along the lake Saturday morning.
Here is Jay pictures.
Here is Jay pictures.Tuesday, August 10, 2010
IKON Company Picnic
This has been a terrible posting year. I realized today when I got an email telling us how many times we get clicked that no one has been reading... well, that may be because I've not been writing! I've been working a lot, and I kept feeling that I should post pictures of our Europe trip before I did anything else. Well, lots of things have happened since Europe, and while I am planning on getting those pictures posted (check back this weekend), I thought I'd let you see what has been happening in the meantime.
This weekend we worked a LOT. Not just at the lab for me, but also on sorting through our pictures from Europe, selecting, printing, and framing a few for the living room. I've also been trying to get my journals up to date, and work on AWIS events. Also on Sunday the IKON company picnic was held at El Dorado Park West in Long Beach. The day started with a softball game, LA people vs. Irvine people. LA lost, but Jay managed to get some softball time in. He even slid into 2nd base and was FILTHY. He loved it! The picture below is Jay on 1st, right before the big slide.
We then headed over to the picnic area where everyone was lining up for yummy picnic food. I miss grilling out, so I was very excited to get my hands on both a burger and a hotdog. There was also potato salad, watermelon, chips, drinks, brownies and cookies. Yum!
It was great, because the sun actually showed itself. This has been an especially cold and gloomy summer here in SoCal, with the temps remaining in the 60s and the marine layer hanging on throughout the day. Meow and I really miss the sunshine! Poor kitty was so cold this weekend that she cried until I made her a nest and tucked her into bed. This is where she stayed while we were enjoying the picnic.
Notice the pale pink ears and nose. It's a good way to judge her temperature. When she's freezing they are pale white, and as she warms up she gets pinker. So she's finally getting comfortable when I took this shot.
This weekend we worked a LOT. Not just at the lab for me, but also on sorting through our pictures from Europe, selecting, printing, and framing a few for the living room. I've also been trying to get my journals up to date, and work on AWIS events. Also on Sunday the IKON company picnic was held at El Dorado Park West in Long Beach. The day started with a softball game, LA people vs. Irvine people. LA lost, but Jay managed to get some softball time in. He even slid into 2nd base and was FILTHY. He loved it! The picture below is Jay on 1st, right before the big slide.
We then headed over to the picnic area where everyone was lining up for yummy picnic food. I miss grilling out, so I was very excited to get my hands on both a burger and a hotdog. There was also potato salad, watermelon, chips, drinks, brownies and cookies. Yum!
It was great, because the sun actually showed itself. This has been an especially cold and gloomy summer here in SoCal, with the temps remaining in the 60s and the marine layer hanging on throughout the day. Meow and I really miss the sunshine! Poor kitty was so cold this weekend that she cried until I made her a nest and tucked her into bed. This is where she stayed while we were enjoying the picnic.
Notice the pale pink ears and nose. It's a good way to judge her temperature. When she's freezing they are pale white, and as she warms up she gets pinker. So she's finally getting comfortable when I took this shot.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Meow's two-week spa getaway
Before I begin telling you guys about our recent European vacation, I wanted to let all you feline fanciers out there know what Meow did while we were away. Jason and I know who you really want to read about on this blog!
I was very anxious about leaving Meow for 17 days. We've never been away for so long before. The longest trip we've taken without Meow lasted 10 days, when we drove cross-country to Montana. We boarded Meow at that time with a vet near our house. When I picked her up, I was handed a towel and the staff wished me good luck. Meow had been moved into the laundry room, where no other cats were around, and there was a big sign on her cage stating "DO NOT TOUCH MEOW." Food was poked through the bars. It was terrible, and I felt terrible for what she must've gone through. Guilt plays a big role in my life, and I prefer to avoid it whenever possible.
The first thing I did was tell Jay I could not in good conscience leave her for that long, and so I would fly home early while he stayed and enjoyed himself. In an effort to deal with his cat-crazy wife, Jay said the fateful words: "I don't care how much it costs, we will find a solution that you can live with and we will enjoy ourselves in Europe. You will relax, and Meow will be fine." I then began researching potential options. The list was:
1) Have a friend check on her. Well, we were going to be away for a while, and Meow wouldn't get as much attention as she likes, and honestly, who likes us that much?
2) Hire a pet-sitting service. Again, she wouldn't get a lot of attention and if an emergency (say major earthquake occurred) no one could get to her easily.
3) Have someone stay in the apartment. Everyone I ask was allergic to cats.
4) Find a good kennel. Well, this didn't work out so well last time, but in LA you can find some snazzy kennels. We toured several, and as soon as we walked into California Cat Center I knew we'd found Meow's home away from home.
Firstly, she wouldn't have to stay in a cage. She could have her own suite, with no other cats around. The suites had plenty of sunshine, personal water fountains, futons, floor-ceiling scratching posts, bay windows for napping, and flat-panel televisions at cat eye level that played 24-hour catnip TV. Catnip TV, by the way, consists of reels of squirrels, birds, mice, etc. for the cats to enjoy watching. There was an hour daily of "people"time where Meow interacted with staff, and an hour of daily birdwatching wherein a cage of live finches was provided for her to watch. There was also a kitty aerobics room full of enrichment activities and she could have her own food and toys present. All this for a mere $100 per day. Did I mention we were going away for 17 days? And now you know the true meaning of crazy-cat lady.
Meow didn't pitch any tantrums when I dropped her off, she just hid beneath the futon. No meowing, no crying or wailing. I left a 2 page description of her various habits, likes, and dislikes, along with what her usual meows meant. Jay dropped by about half an hour later to drop off some additional food and toys (she brought her own towels, fur mice, feathers, wet and dry food, cat nip, and some grass to nibble on). Jay said that she was still very calm, and meowed to the staff when they called her by name.
While we were away I emailed with the staff, and they responded with updates about Meow's stay at the center. They called her a lovebug, and said she had an "adventurous spirit." I was even sent photos. The one below shows her in her "privacy tent" where she could nap or hide as she felt.
The plate next to her head is her dinner that night. They essentially brought it to her in bed. I was beginning to worry that Meow wouldn't want to come home... and I was right. We landed in LA about 7 pm on a Saturday night, and arrived at the center at 9 am the next morning to pick Meow up. As soon as I entered the room, she looked alarmed and tried to hide inside her privacy tent. I pulled her out, and Jay put her in the carrier to go home. She didn't cry until we were walking out, and I imagine it translated into, "NOOOOO, my finchesssssss, my catnip TVVVVVV! Whyyyyy?" She didn't speak to us on the ride home, or for two days afterwards. Yep, she had definitely raised her standards while we were away.
I was very anxious about leaving Meow for 17 days. We've never been away for so long before. The longest trip we've taken without Meow lasted 10 days, when we drove cross-country to Montana. We boarded Meow at that time with a vet near our house. When I picked her up, I was handed a towel and the staff wished me good luck. Meow had been moved into the laundry room, where no other cats were around, and there was a big sign on her cage stating "DO NOT TOUCH MEOW." Food was poked through the bars. It was terrible, and I felt terrible for what she must've gone through. Guilt plays a big role in my life, and I prefer to avoid it whenever possible.
The first thing I did was tell Jay I could not in good conscience leave her for that long, and so I would fly home early while he stayed and enjoyed himself. In an effort to deal with his cat-crazy wife, Jay said the fateful words: "I don't care how much it costs, we will find a solution that you can live with and we will enjoy ourselves in Europe. You will relax, and Meow will be fine." I then began researching potential options. The list was:
1) Have a friend check on her. Well, we were going to be away for a while, and Meow wouldn't get as much attention as she likes, and honestly, who likes us that much?
2) Hire a pet-sitting service. Again, she wouldn't get a lot of attention and if an emergency (say major earthquake occurred) no one could get to her easily.
3) Have someone stay in the apartment. Everyone I ask was allergic to cats.
4) Find a good kennel. Well, this didn't work out so well last time, but in LA you can find some snazzy kennels. We toured several, and as soon as we walked into California Cat Center I knew we'd found Meow's home away from home.
Firstly, she wouldn't have to stay in a cage. She could have her own suite, with no other cats around. The suites had plenty of sunshine, personal water fountains, futons, floor-ceiling scratching posts, bay windows for napping, and flat-panel televisions at cat eye level that played 24-hour catnip TV. Catnip TV, by the way, consists of reels of squirrels, birds, mice, etc. for the cats to enjoy watching. There was an hour daily of "people"time where Meow interacted with staff, and an hour of daily birdwatching wherein a cage of live finches was provided for her to watch. There was also a kitty aerobics room full of enrichment activities and she could have her own food and toys present. All this for a mere $100 per day. Did I mention we were going away for 17 days? And now you know the true meaning of crazy-cat lady.
Meow didn't pitch any tantrums when I dropped her off, she just hid beneath the futon. No meowing, no crying or wailing. I left a 2 page description of her various habits, likes, and dislikes, along with what her usual meows meant. Jay dropped by about half an hour later to drop off some additional food and toys (she brought her own towels, fur mice, feathers, wet and dry food, cat nip, and some grass to nibble on). Jay said that she was still very calm, and meowed to the staff when they called her by name.
While we were away I emailed with the staff, and they responded with updates about Meow's stay at the center. They called her a lovebug, and said she had an "adventurous spirit." I was even sent photos. The one below shows her in her "privacy tent" where she could nap or hide as she felt.
The plate next to her head is her dinner that night. They essentially brought it to her in bed. I was beginning to worry that Meow wouldn't want to come home... and I was right. We landed in LA about 7 pm on a Saturday night, and arrived at the center at 9 am the next morning to pick Meow up. As soon as I entered the room, she looked alarmed and tried to hide inside her privacy tent. I pulled her out, and Jay put her in the carrier to go home. She didn't cry until we were walking out, and I imagine it translated into, "NOOOOO, my finchesssssss, my catnip TVVVVVV! Whyyyyy?" She didn't speak to us on the ride home, or for two days afterwards. Yep, she had definitely raised her standards while we were away.
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