Shake, Rattle & Roll

Quake '08

Sorry folks, didn't feel a thing. I know it's crazy, but I'm disappointed. All my friends felt it, but I was driving the road and didn't even know it happened until someone in Dallas sent a text.

Painted the town RED

Dad and Lois came to see me for a week for my birthday. I can't tell you how much fun we had.

We were in the audience of Deal or No Deal (held captive for 6 hours -- no deal), the Tonight Show. Explored Venice, Santa Monica and Santa Barbara (Dad's favorite). Hung out in Hollywood, drove through Beverly Hills and more.

Here's a pic of Lois and I on Venice Beach. And a pic of the mission in Santa Barbara. We had so much fun...did I mention that already?

Happy 4th!!!

OK, so it wasn't fireworks along the Charles River, but still LA has a groovy July 4th scene. The options were endless. Fireworks in Malibu, at Marina del Rey, picnics here and there. I opted for a party at a friends house. (Truth be told, I'm pretty sure I was only invited because they LOOOVVVEEE my salsa recipe).

Nevertheless, it was a blast. Totally LA -- I even left with someone's business card that was basically a headshot and a website. It was actually really fun. Did I mention it was a mansion? My friend is a nanny and lives in the nanny house behind the pool house. It was a part of LA I'd never been to...Antonio Banderas is their neighbor.

But I must say this. The owners of the house, who own a TV production company, also grow their own tomatoes, strawberries, lemons and apricots. The woman even does her own canning...now that was unexpected.