Brass Monkey That Funky Monkey

Right now I am on my way back home after 2 and half months of the best summer I have and probably will ever have. I am so sad to leave and will miss everyone so much. To end my time, we went out in the classiest of fashion (would you expect anything less), we hit up the Brass Monkey for some good ole karaoke! I began the day with a stop at Rodeo Dr. for like half an hour because there isnt much to do unless you have a bit of money obviously. Then I met up with John and Kane at the American Vintage store on Melrose, loved Melrose so cute, anyways we spent a couple hours in there searching for a ridiculous ensemble for the later performances. If I had more time and money I would have loved to do a little "sweetest thing" montage because all the clothes there were AWESOME! We recruited a few gay men to help John assemble the right outfit, I got that on video, Kane just sat there instigating the ordeal "oh what about his accessories? or glasses maybe a belt?...After decided on his outfit I found a pretty great wind breakeresque jacket which belonged to Dino apparently who worked for Marks Charter Buses. Paired with a set of square white rimmed glasses and I was ready to rock out! Arriving at the Brass Monkey at 6 mind you, we were the first to arrive out of our group then around 10-15 came later. John looking like a dapper Urcle got up first and sang "Black" by Pearl Jam. He has a great voice and just really put his performance on the line, it was so great watching him. Kane put in a request for Pantera's "walk" which i said i would accompany him (aHH why IDK?) Of course everyong was there by the tiem I got up to sing and I think we rocked it! Luckily my Pantera knowledge is large so I knew all the words and could really belt it out while I wasnt laughing of course. Matt arrived, the Karaoke King himself, I was so excited to see him perform because there was a lot of talk going around that he really hams it up. He began the night with 867 5309, and instantly became a crowd favorite. Oh we cant forget about LIZ! it was her 31st birthday, she reached her mid -30s (according to her drunken announcement before the attempt of ACDC back in black, I think she hit about 4 words - not correctly but just actual words that one could understand, what a great time!! She loved our Pantera. Veronica and Arun were lame and didnt sing though Veronica put on the spectacle of dancing (especially with John-which to some, Arun, maybe considered a bit "vulgar" <-- we will get to that in a minute) . It was great because we didnt care what anyone else thought and just let loose and started dancing and singing along to everyones songs. Geeta went up and coulde tell she was about to faint with butterflys before she attempted "Lets Get It On", since thats another one I know, I swallowed my pride and left my dignity aside and joined her for our oh-so-sexy version of the great Marvin Gaye classic. It was a lot of fun though very liberating. I apologize to everyone that had to put up with my singing though. Matt made another performance with "Word Up" and NAILED IT. (while wearing Johns white rimmed rayban type galsses) Adorable. But right before him John made is second debut and no one and i mean no one was prepared for what we endured. It started out kinda talking about baking and sugar and such, I was trying to figure out what it was then Kane offered me a front row seat saying this songs for you kid, oh no! So I sat there awaiting the chorus, then it came..."suck on my salty chocolate balls.." apparently I missed that Southpark episode and was completely caught off guard while he is up there in his Gay Urcle outfit parading around belting "suck on my chocolate salty balls...etc (you really should look up the lyrics to engage yourself even more). I think the best was turning and looking at Arun's face during his performance, it was PRICELESS! He had almost a disgusted shocked look as he couldnt look away in disbelief that he was actually friends with this guy who picked this song to sing in front of all of these people. BOLD MOVE John, You definitely have chocolate salty balls to pulll that one off. Everyone was cracking up and just encouraged it, afterward Arun told John "man that was really vulgar" haha So Arun! John finished up his trifecta karaoke debut with A Bjork song and then had to leave because he had a early call in the morning. Before he left the boys (Arun John Matt and Kane) presented me with a gift 2 books one of Now and Then LA and a Yankee Stadium book...I loved it! That was so sweet of them and they each wrote a message to me in it, I love them all so much and am so happy I got to get to know them and hang out with them this summer. I will be keeping in touch with all of them for sure. We continued dancing and taking photos embracing my last night in LA. Right before the night ended Josie and Carina came and joined for a little, so glad I got to see them they are so much fun. I also met 3 boys on the USC tennis team one foreign who I was sure to talk up and dance with and snap a photo with! Very cute! Estonia I believe he said he was from. All in all the night was a perfect end to a perfect summer. I have had so much fun and met so many cool interesting kind people with the biggest hearts . I will be back as soon as I can just knowing that I have great friends out there that make me feel like I am home and have known them for years. What a great experience this has been, and to think I was a little unsure of how it would go 10 weeks ago. Well we are descending into Albaquerque and then I will write up another blog about the last week of my summer. Much Love <3>

Party Bus

Ok so there is now way I can actually explain the party bus, so I will do the best I can and maybe upload some photos to get an idea. As a last big hoorah Arun and Veronica rented a party bus, no not a charter or limo type bus, but when you think of party, this bus had it all. We started the night at Yxta mexican cocina, awaiting about 30 people to join us for our journey. We had planned to hit up a few actual bars on the pub crawl/bus event, little did we know what was actually in store for us.

Everyone had arrived and with few delicious margaritas already in them we hopped on board the colorfully bright interior of the party bus. First stop griffith observatory..err ok bathroom break at Jaslene's where she grabbed some music mix and there was a ryan goseling sighting, ok now onto Griffith. The cooler was filled and mixed drinks were making their ways to the front of the bus. Everyone (who began the night sitting calmly and chatting in the couches) was now standing and beginning to get their groove on to the new tunes. The sun began to set as we climbed the mountain to Griffith and BUZZ ON! Michelle and I got out and explored a bit while we were still functioning and took soem awesome pictures with a Einstein statue. We made our way back to the bus which had become the popular picture site to tourists passing. Next stop...Cheetahs? ooorrr not. That was really our only stop stop, while making our way to the Arc Light for another pee break. Things were getting silly on the bus, music was blaring, lap dances, bustin moves, drinks pouring, cameras flashing...FORETY FLY!! (yes the fogerty fly part deux made its appearance thanks to Lauren) Honestly we could have been in a parking lot jsut sitting there and no one would have cared or for that matter even known. Peoples faces as we partied through hollywood blvd were pricless and Arun at one point handed out beers to some kids following our bus. I know everyone must have been jealous as we were screaming to them from out of our colorful graffiti hoppin bus. We ended up the night Cirque Berzerck after party, dancing the night away with the live band and circus "freaks". Funny how our crew were the only ones front row and dancing. We debo'd some popcorn and peaced out while calling it a night an probably a week...at least until karaoke on Friday (my last night). Our pub crawl was so much fun and everyone got to see me "enjoy" the night for the first time drinking wise which they definitely all enjoyed. I had a great time and cant thank Arun and Veronica enough for organizing that. Best night by far!! I am going to miss everyone so much!

Peace&Love&PartyBus

Last Day @ Chiat

Today is my last day at TBWA/Chiat/Day! ahhh its sad, I dont want to say bye to this place and all the people. Everyone here, especially my team has been super nice and helpful. Its been such a fun experience. I have learned so much and now have a better understanding of how things work. I guess we will see where my path takes me, because as of right now I really couldnt say. Yesterday the gang took me out to lunch, we went to The Counter, a build your own burger place. It was so delicious, I got chicken ha but still it was awesome!! They gave me a thank you card and a gift card. :( I am going to miss them a lot. What will i do at my next job when I dont have Peditto belting out Lady GaGa across the aisle. I saw the rough cut of the commercial though, I think it is coming together fabulously, the pudding girl is adorable. Cant wait to actually see it air. Also another big day for the agency yesterday, the new CMO of Pepsi came in and they had presentations ALL day. It was weird to kind of see everyone dressed up Pepsi and Gatorade were both nicely dressed. We all had to clean our areas up and make everything in the agency all spick n span for our special guest, everyone in the office also got an email from Lee Clow himself, saying we better clean up. It seems like they were pretty nervous about it but I think that it went well, so I have heard. Last time eating at Chaya Playa too, making my own delicious salad!! :( aw man, this is sad. I will be sure to keep in touch with everyone here and ya never know where I may end up. perhaps we will all cross paths again. Though my internship has ended, I still have a little more than a week left in LA and it will be nothing short of crazy awesomeness. We still have the pub crawl on Saturday and I have some "shopping" (window looking) to do, also the Pier, in N out burger (we are hitting up after work today). I was able to check another thing off my list last night when John called and invited us to the Dodger game with his "incredibly handsome" friend Sam. They were a riot and so much fun. The seats were amazing, about 15 rows up from the Dodger dug out. They lost, which I dont really mind. It was great seeing Torre though, I miss him and his sensible coaching ways. I was treated to an 8th inning Manny Ramirez sighting when they pinch hit for him in hopes to regain the lead, but he failed, I cant root for Manny, EVER! but it was cool to see him in person, crazy guy! The night before that, Veronica and I hit up Thai Town for some good ol spicy Thai food. I had green curry chicken eggplant and bamboo shoots, it was like a soup with coconut milk and just the right amount of spice. We went all out and ordered Thai Iced Tear which is iced tea and cream but very delicious, especially with the spice, but also dessert - coconut ice cream with jack fruit jello stuff peanuts and red bean which was surprisingly  great. red bean and ice cream - who would have thought that combo...good job asian cuisine! I guess I will check in later to let you know how my in 'n' out experience goes...Pe@cE

Only 2 weeks left!

So I have entered into my last 2 weeks in LA and LAST week at Chiat! :( A few weeks ago I was ready to come home but now I don't want to leave. I am definitely going to miss this place and all the people, they are such nice people and have been so helpful. Thursday last week I worked some more on the taste + nutrition deck before we headed out to Pinkberry in honor of Meghan's birthday. That was a nice outing. This weekend was a lot of fun! thursdya was book club at the loft, so much food and drinks for a small crowd but a nice evening. Friday I went to third street promenade in Santa Monica and shopped and looked around with Nicole. I love Santa Monica, its so cute and a lovely little beachy town. I still need to hit up the pier but I want to do that at night. Later on John Veronica and I went to the Arc Light to see 500 Days of Summer. LOVED IT! What a FABULOUS movie, so well written and produced, I thought. The soundtrack is also just great, I borrowed the cd from Nicole and have been listening to it every day. Joseph Gordon-Levitt did a brilliant job as Tom capturing your love and sympathy for him. I felt you could really relate to the entire situation because it wasn't the every day hollywood love story, more realistic. Zooey was adorable as well. Saturday Nicole and I went to Abalone Cove to check out the tide pools and sea creatures and beach. That was quite the experience, we had to try and get over to the other tide pools but, it would have been impossible to get back with the tide rising. All in all it was a great little trip. Later that night I met up with Michelle K, YES SHES BEEN IN LA THE WHOLE TIME!! We went out downtown, wanted to hit up the Standard but there was a DC Shoes event and was sold out, so we went to the Library and later 7 Grand. Nicole and David met up with us too. I am so happy Michelle and I were able to go out and hopefully have 2 more weeks of fun. Sunday was my asian filled day! Woke up and met Veronicas friends Guy and his sister for Dim Sum, an authentic chinese brunch. It was over in Chinatown and probably one of the more unique cuisine experiences I have ever had. You are seated in this large dinning room ballroom and waitresses come by with carts of food, fried shrimp chicken pork rice seaweed biscuit things boba mocha drinks, green tea, custardy desserts, you really have no idea what you are eating but try and stay clear of the chicken feet, yeaaah barf! but everything was so delicious and not too much I loved it! Later that evening my asian cuisine experience continued down in Culver City at K-Zo sushi bar. My first actual sushi experience! Had crispy tuna rolls, salmon terpura roll, yellow tail (my favorite), salmon, tuna, eel, and monkfish liver, and all of it wasnt that bad. I really enjoyed it all, minus the prices but I will definitely do it  again. Oh and the GREEN TEA! I understand why everyone loves original chinese green tea. Its delicious, not like the store bought crap. We headed to Guy and Cindi's place after for a little dessert and conversation. It was a lovely weekend. Gomez is tonight @ the Willtern! :) So excited. 

Peace.

Hillshire Farm Shoot

So today I got to go to the Hillshire Farm commercial shoot. It was in Santa Monica, pretty close to the office so Meghan invited Kristin and I to come by for lunch and watch the remainder of shooting. It was awesome being on set and seeing how everyone interacts together, with the director and the kids and the client. Really cool to see it all come together. There was even a pony! So adorable, I cant wait to see the final product after all the edits. Also everyone raves about craft services food during shoots and they are so right! It was delicious and there is so much food that you just stuff yourself until you basically are unhappy. They wait on you hand and foot, need this? more that? Starbucks run? grab something? trash? Its a little weird to have someone that attentive but all in all really cool!. Im so lucky I got to go because that is what I really am interested in, the whole production process and getting to witness it first hand was a great learning experience. Other than that, today MAL had Regina Spector come perform on the patio, Im sad I missed it but definitely not over being at the shoot. I heard it was good and she sung about 6 songs. I love her style, no freebies like with Mayer Hawthorne but they did have a an ice cream bar at the beginning. So all in all today was an excellent day. Tomorrow I get to shadow Justin and Katie, which I am pretty stoked about, even if they say there isn't much going on, I know I will get a lot out of it picking their brains and asking questions and what not.

Until next time-

Tweens/Spamalot/Getty/Rebelution

ooh man its been a week so lets see whats been going on...well this week at work was slow through Tuesday then I started doing some tween research and looking up ads and such...still..yeah they are a hard market because no one targets them. So i was busy with that Wednesday and Thursday and next week ill be finishing up with that project...an then I have one more week after that!! CRAZY! time has just flown by. This week we had print production come in and talk at our intern breakfast. It was a cool process and sounded like something I would enjoy doing but i don't know if I could only do that as a career. as far as other events its been quite the productive end of week. I made chicken parm and garlic bread this week, it was delicious! Friday we went to Spamalot. J Peterman played King Arthur. very funny, I really enjoyed it. Saturday was a full day - got the car checked, went to apartment 3 clothing sale then goodwill. I got a jacket and shirt for $9...hell yeah! some of the clothing was so awesome! (in every awesomely bad way possible) you kind of wonder what prompted these people to say..."hmm maybe i should give this away, I probably wont wear it (again)." After that we headed to the Getty Center, Cut Chemist was performing (DJ). I got to check out some of the amazing art work in the galleries. Monet, Renoir among many other famous paintings, it was unreal actually getting to see them up close. So beautiful. This one artist, Jan Van Huysum, there were no brushstrokes and the art was so incredibly detailed it was immaculate! We went to a roof top party downtown after the Getty, it was a pretty cool space with a very close view of downtown LA. Went home and crashed. Got up sunday hit up Trader Joes, and a cute little breakfast joint, The Coffee Table. I headed out to Nicoles so we could trek down to Hermosa for Rebelutions free show by the pier. What a cute area Hermosa is...we walked around the town shopping for a bit before we got back in the car to find longer parking before the show...which we did like 20 minutes later way out in BFE. Luckily the walk was on the bike path and we had the opportunity to pass all the unbelievably amazing houses built right on the side of the beach. These places were so sick! I was filled with envy each step we took, they were each so unique and personalized. I should have taken pictures of them all but I'm sure you can google them or something. Ugh if only someday...20min later we arrived by the pier as kids began o get their spots for the concert. Hungry, we grabbed a bite at Sylvios Brazilian BBQ. Best decision ever because my BBQ chicken sandwich was to die for and even the side salad was one of the best side salads Ive ever eaten. SO satisfying. We met up with Sarah Vrinda and Sarahs coworker. We managed to get 2nd row standing in front of the stage surrounded by high school kids who were too cool for school sneaking in their bud and bottles of liquor...rockkiinn...well the show began and i have never seen rebelution before and I was loving it, having done shows with slightly before, I knew I would enjoy it but they were awesome so now they have a new fan. =) After fighting our way out of the crowd a few songs before finishing, we looked out on the beach and realized exactly how jam-packed it was. holy cow! you could see nothing but hoards of people gathered around picnicking and enjoying the music. Good time for sure. I am however a little bummed, scratch that VERY bummed, I missed the US open of Surfing...Slater, Irons, Wilson (yes the beautiful Aussie Julian Wilson) were all there and the waves were topping out at 20 feet this weekend. That doesnt happen but every couple year, I think I read somewhere that it hasnt been that sick in a decade. :( I would have loved to have seen that, even if thousands of people were there and it was at least an hour away...I should have not listened and just gone because once we parked and arrived I know I would have had a great time. Oh well it happens every year so maybe some other time! 

Peace, Love, Surfing BRAH!

San Simeon/Big Sur

This past weekend Veronica, Lauren, Nora and myself all packed the car up and tripped up the coast to San Simeon for a nice weekend filled with tours, food, wine, and beautiful views. We rose early Saturday hopped in the car to pick Lauren and Nora up and begin our 4 hour journey along the 101. It was a great site for me, seeing the mountains and vineyards and oceans all in one trip, definitely puts the 4hour Tallahassee drive to shame. About 3 hours into our trip we stopped off in Solvang, an authentic Danish town. We grabbed a quick coffee and danish at a little coffee and danish shop, go figure. Delicious! The town was adorable with windmills and Danish designs on all the structures, there was even a Christmas shop!! I wanted to go in but I didn't have time, or want to drag everyone else in there with me. We hopped back in the car and unknowingly followed Glenda's (GPS) horrible trip advice. But I enjoyed it, getting to see more of the state and inland views of farms and mountains. We drove though Buttonwood Vineyard, and Quicksilver Miniature Horse Farm!! Awesome. About an hour or so later with our fill of Brit Indie Rock/Pop, we arrived at The Morgan Hotel in San Simeon. Such a cute little hotel almost right on the coast, about a 5 min drive from Hearst Castle, our later destination. After settling in we headed for our 3 o'clock tour at Hearst. Snapping plenty of videos and photos along the way up the gigantic castle, we learned all about William Hearst and his empire he built up in the mountains. This castle was huge and so european, with so much artwork and inspirations from all over the world, I was in awe just walking around. The pools were both sparkling surrounded by stark white marble sculptures. He even had zebras that you could catch a glimse of among the grazing cattle while driving on the freeway. The parties that Hearst had sounded amazing, that time period was just unreal! The footage they showed us made me kind of wish I had a chance to experience that sort of life style. After the tour we headed up the coast about 2 hours more along winding coastal roads Highway One, to Big Sur for dinner at Nepenthe Restaurant. Nora got a little dizzy from all the turn, it reminded me a bit of Italy's highways and coast, absolutely stunning. Once our destination was met, we ordered some drinks and appetizers and ate them awaiting our table while overlooking the Pacific Ocean and high rise mountains as the sun set. Yeah...pretty perfect. One of the appetizers was a grilled fennel and artichoke bruschetta on grilled sourdough with lemon aioli and baslamic. I need to learn to make that because it was sooo good and I know my dad would love that. That food was great, the meals however were a little pricy for what you got, not impressed but the atmosphere was spot on! If only it didn't take so long to get there. The way back to San Simeon felt shorter. The next morning we woke and got breakfast at the hotel and headed back home with a few stops along the way. Our first stop was The Madonna Inn. I didn't know what to expect, I automatically think Madonna the singer so ya know I wasn't sure of this place or how cool it could actually be. Well to my surprise, we walked in and BAM! You are surrounded and blindsided with as much pink as ones eyes could take in. The dinning room was so gaudy and awesome with gold figurines and giant pink flowers with pink booths for seating. Though we weren't able to see them, all the rooms at the Inn are themed from Jungle to Captains Room and many more. What an experience! After lunch there, we headed for a winery for some tastings, we first stopped at Santa Barbara Winery, the oldest winery in Santa Barbara but we weren't impressed and were hoping for more of a vineyard like experience. We headed to Summerland winery, yes THE Summerland where the TV show took place. That didnt register in my mind till I realized that Summerland was an actual town and not just a beachy name. (Thats also where  I first came to adore the lovely Mr. Efron as he had a recurring role on the show...none of this HSM junk!)  We tasted probably 8 or 10 wines, I enjoyed almost all of them, especially the dessert wine. Mmmm so tasty and sweet. I got a bottle of Merlot for my mother knowing her love of wine! Though it wasn't the true wine tasting experience they were all hoping for, I had a great time (like I have been). Our trip concluded around 8pm and I loaded my 300 +videos photos on my computer and pretty much crashed! Such a great weekend! 

/Peace/Love/

All Star Week and Focus Groups

Just got done with intern breakfast! FREE Breakfast burritos and fresh fruit are saawweeet! We talked about digital today, I learned a lot considering I really knew nothing about what digital entails. That could be an interesting field to enter. Last night I made peppers mmm so good, they turned out great, but thats just me :) It was a late night at work the past 2 days because I was roped into some Activision assignments, which is awesome because I get to be apart of some new business. I was working on a case study for PETA's veggie love campaign that was pulled from the  Super Bowl in 2009. STEAMY! Yesterday we also had focus groups with tweens, they were hilarious to listen to. They speak their mind and are WAY smarter than how their perceived. They all completely understood the whole PART of a balanced breakfast, which I am pretty sure I didn't get until a few years  ago it seems. They dont like being talked to as kids and call bullshit on most advertising. It was pretty awesome getting to sit in and listen to them interact and explain their views. The All Star game was yesterday as well and the American league won again now making them 12-0-1. DOMINATION! Even though it was only by one run like the last few years, it was a great game. The teams were just amazing (obviously). I wasnt able to watch that or  the HR derby because of work and being 3 hours earlier, so it made it a little difficult. But Ive enjoyed being busy, busy is good! Time goes by way faster when you arent facebooking and sporcling all day. Its either all or nothing, there is never an inbetween in the advertising world. You either have absolutely nothing to do or cant do everything because there is WAY too much piled on. Its been fun, I'm enjoying it. 

P&L

Drinks in Malibu and a god awful display of Yankee Pitching!

Hola!! Lets see when I last updated...4th ok soo last I left off it was Trivia night and not to brag but WE WON!! BOO-YAH! the curry mafia won $75 at the royal claytons which we used that night. Tracy and her Harry Potter knowledge dominated and really pushed us to the top where the last category of Sara Palin ensured our winning spot! It was my first win with the team. >This week at Chiat was pretty cool, Wednesday Media Arts Lab had a free show, Mayer Hawthorne, come and play for us on their patio, becaue inside is super secret Apple stuff that needs a fingerprint to enter. But they were great, bluesy jazz with a little pop, for a white boy from detroit he had some soul in his voice thats for sure, we got CDs and free food and beer so it was a great way to end a day at work thats for sure. Another reason I love Chiat! Jimmy Dean is in the midst of figuring a platform to market to tweens, so I had to go out and buy as many teen/tween targeting magazines as I could find then rip the ads out so we had some idea of where to start, "Convention". I love my bit of tween disney info but after 7 magazines of teen pop or yikes magazine, I knew enough crap about selena an taylor (now called tayelna), zac efron (though we are already friends so that was pointless =) ) and miley cyrus! i have also learned about all the new tween stars that i didnt know exsist...cooool. So we went through those ads and no one really targets that age range, at least not well...they are still into animation, big pop words, awful stuff. Ive helped out with boards and things for the activision which has been cool to see an insight of what the plans with that are.super secret!...speaking of which...at our intern meeting with account managment we got to see a spot the pepsi team did and it was awesome! we were sworn to not say we saw it and soo thats probably about all i can say about it on here haha. I am glad we have those meetings, because it really helps when you are trying to figure out where you would fit in an agency. I still have no idea...at all. >Thursday night was art walk in Downtown LA, where all the galleries and shops open up for the public to come in and browse buy, food trucks/vendors set up and handmade local artists try and sell their stuff. So much going on, Arun and Veronica said that art walk is the one night that downtown LA feels like NYC, and it really did, the streets are crowded with people and food and music buzzing around, it seemed like everyone was just in a great mood. There was a party bus that goes around town stoppingat different galleries, we decided since no one had ever done it to hop on and give it a whirl, good thing we did! From the outside its painted crazy colors with people yelling from inside "come hop on the party bus!! come onjoin the party!!" and then once youre inside man o man, you are greeted by the entertainment, Dick and Jane, the guitar playing couple in the back of the bus . The inside is a piece out of a 60s diner with checkered tiled floors and crazy cool colorful couches lined against the sides of the bus, the pictures wouldnt ever hint that its a bus. It was awesome! after that expereince Arun was hungry and we went to a Kabob place to keep him company while he ate then we headed home to call it a night. >Friday morning I worked out, watched Hannah Montana hour long episode again because it was on and I enjoyed it the first time (dont judge). Then it was drinks in Malibu with Arun John Veronica and some others that Arun was meeting. Arun and I got there around 6, the drive was breathtaking right over the ocean and beach, just gorgeous! We arrive at Beachcomber Cafe, that is litterally on a dock on the pacific. It was as if we were eating right over the water, they have these amazing truffles (homeade potoato chips with goat cheese melted over them) omg, if potato chips could taste any better! I was in heaven out there, watching and hearing the waves crash against the shore is so peacful. It really makes you want to live out there, at least work hard enough to be able to afford a place around that area. After drinks Veronica John Arun and myself hit up Chez Jay bar, which has many backstorys, for instance its been visited by many famous icons from Frank Sinatra to Kevin Spacey, also where allegedly Kennedy would meet Ms Monroe. theres some more info http://thejonstebbins.com/jays.html Headed home after that to get some sleep before the GAMEEEE! >Saturday, Yankee Game. Angels vs Yankees. Hit up a coffee shp for breakfast to take on the train because we didnt want to be rushed. We took the amtrak down to Anaheim, our seats were more then roomy, on the upstairs of the train. LOVED IT. The breakfast from the Cafe was delicious, I had a ham egg adn cheese sandwich on wheat toast, sounds pretty ordinary but that ham was so smokey and tender. So satisfying. We arrived about 40 min later right in the parking lot. How convenient! Walked over to the stadium found our seats, in the CLUB section, talk abut riding in style. We had a waitress for our section when and if we needed something. The seats were great, perfect view of the stadium, in the shade, right next to the announcers and press boxes. So everything was perfect minus the Yankees pitching, which undoubtedly failed, due to leaving Pettitte in for one to many innings and then having no middle releif and having to rely on such guys ass Robertson, Tomko (oh god), and Coke (Pepsi please). Though Arod and new comer Hinkse both had 2 hr each, Matsui with one, Damon blew striking out 3 times. All in all I would have loved to have a win, especially because they were onlly a game behind the Sox but eh the season is only half over. I got some great shots though, I'm happy! :) >After the game came home relaxed a bit before heading to Vinces brothers house in Redondo Beach. The interns gathered there to hang out, drink, and watch UFC, which was awful by the way. I couldnt bare to watch more than one round of some beast poning some smaller guy. A little to violent and inhumane for my taste. They played ring of fire, I watched because I cant drink beer like that but the highlight was Sara making the "in my butt" rule, where you have to say it after anything you say. There were some good lines. Headed home, freeways at night here still a little scary, though my classical music station was wonderful. >Sunday (today) got up late around 11, headed out for a late brunch at Chateau Marmont. Secluded, Famous, Expensive, Cute...but the food was delicious! I had an omelete with asparagus, tomatoe, and spinach and a sdie of fruit and toast. OMG! The presesntation was beautiful and tasted as good as it looked. I especially enjoyed accidentally over hearing the ladies convo next to me, speak of that she "doesnt understand why her divorce this tiem is taking longer than the others" and how the other one "is pregant" but keeping it super secretive and she will not be marrying the man shes with, it was done on purpose simply for herself,she will be 40 in Feb after the baby so she can drink at her party...or maybe shell have a trip to Italy and stay in a villa and invite all her friends in Europe because she "has a lot". Arent we all sooo lucky. Mani/pedi (mom would be proud) after lunch , trader joes, hoem to clean and maybe rooftop grill sesh beccause its still so nice out. Here are some pix...



Peace&Love

Happy 4th!

This past weekend was the fourth of July and I will say that we celebrated in proper fashion! Rooftop party at the lofts, it was awesome. The views were amazing, you could see fireworks all along the coast and around the city, 360 degree firework show. There was so much food and booze and people, it was just a great time. We went to the Hollywood bowl on the 3rd to see the firework show with John Fogerty. I had a good time, though I still have yet to see a firework display greater than that of Red Hot & Boom. The symphony was awesome though. I love that sort of thing. It was so packed as we left, hoards and hoards of people, I felt like I was on the Titanic as it was sinking trying to rush out of the tunnel under the street. Lauren and Veronica both bought light up toys, a ring and a butterfly (later to be named the "Fogerty Fly") for the roof party the next day. Those toys were the life of the party. Nicole came to the party yay for her making it out to downtown! Loads of pictures were taken, some not allowed to be posted online as of request by those photographed. Unfortunately after mass amounts of cameos from the Fogerty Fly in photos, we all arrived at Aruns place afterward and someone violently ripped it in half and destroyed it and all its glowing multicolored beauty. :( Lauren was devastated. Thursday we got out of work at noon and I went and worked out then headed to the Hammer Museum to check out some bands and the art Gallery Larry Johnson I think, the bands were Amazing Baby & ___. but The art was alright, more reading than looking which was different but hey its art. After Cierra texted me and I headed to Saddle Ranch Bar, which apparently is awful (b/c the reaction I recieved from Veronicas friends when I mentioned Saddle Ranch was, "HAAA do your friends hate you?) even though I had a great time. I am sure it was mainly because I was with wonderful people. It actually reminded me a lot of a typical bar that would be in Tally. So for the most part this past week was a great time! Sunday we topped it off by taking a Lazy Sunday, watched Ice Age 3D, ran some errands and got Gelato at this amazing Gelato place in Silver Lake! Vanilla and Hazelnut soo good!!. I am sad that I missed RH&B festivities this year but thats ok they arent going anywhere (hopefully). Trivia night tonight - hint Will Ferrell...gotta brush up my IMDB! ooh yeah and the hour long Hannah Montana episode was last night which I LOVED! haha yeahh it was great and I will continue my HM watching regardless of my age! SO THERE! :)

Peace&Love

 RIP Fogerty Fly (7.3.09-7.4.09) 

Almost a full week of going out!

Helloooo, half day today at the office! Tomorrow off for everybody then 4th of July celebrations!. This is the first time I will be celebrating elsewhere. besides being in Italy but that doesnt count bc they dont celebrate over there. Tomorrow is hollywood bowl and Saturday is roof partayy! Must go shopping for food and snacks tomorrow to make some pasta salad again and I need to think of another delicious cold meal to bring. So last night I went to a taping of a comedy central standup, Aziz Ansami, he is in Human Giant on MTV and Parks & Recreation with Amy Pohler. It was awesome, he was surprisingly funny. I didnt think he was going to be through  out the whole show but he kept me laughing, espeically when he talked about how awful the MTV show NEXT is. So True! Random Fact, "I hate the word RIVERVIEW". What was crazy though was, before we were allowed in, I saw this boy who worked for whoever was producing the show and when I caught a closer glance I am almost positive that it is Logan, one of the crew members for the Never Back Down production. He moved out to LA to continue prod things and I am still like 85% sure it was him. I need to myspace him and ask because that would be very weird. Tuesday night was the Dolce party, not exactly what I expected but still fun and great experience to go and now say oh yeah I have been to Dolce, because it is closing down. A bunch of the typical hollywood looking people, open bar, sushi, loud music. I had a good time. Work seems slow, and empty because of the holiday, very quiet. I'm supposed to meet Cierra for lunch after work today that will be nice to actually catch up and chat. Oh now i remember Sunday was the Phoenix show, I cant remember if I already mentioned it but it was great. That drummer they had for the show was specatcular. Their songs are very catchy and he has a distinct voice. After we went to this little bar next to the Gaylord Apartments or Hotel or something but it was very cute and one of Veronicas friends, Kane saw his english professor friend there and they joined us nad chatted about the show and LA and their other friend who they "lost" to his GF. I love hearing other peoples opinions about things and how they seem to over analyze and jsut dig WAY to into  it, like Willy Wonka...I just sat there and listened to him gab and sing, yes he belted out some tunes some time through out at least each of his stories...yeaah. But he did tell a  story about Jimmy Fallon doing coke in a bathroom overseas and acting all pretentious and "Im jimmy fucking fallon...i was in a movie with drew fucking barrymore!" man now i look at Jimmy in a completely different light...shame. Gona run to get some coffee. Peace

GO WILDCATS!

soo let me just say that this one will be good...first off these last two days have been crazy.

Thursday I am driving to work and I hear that Farrah Fawcett died, which was very sad but she not really my generation so it wasnt that big of a deal to me. My aga and I were keeping updated with twitter becasue work was kinda slow and she tells me Michael Jackson had a heart attack, I think man thats crazy, thinking that would be weird if he were to die too, but you dont think that because celebrities always seem invincable, but then an hour later or sowe got the news. OMG micheal jackson died! and we all were in disbelief. how could that be, theres no way! twitter and facebook were going crazy, TMZ was the first to report it and the whole agency you could hear just grow load in awe and amazement. The king of pop really dead? there were reports saying no hes in a coma and not confirmed but once it was we didnt really know what to say. it was very powerful and just unreal. the radio stations all were playing his songs, which was awesome! but just crazy to watch cnn show the copter wheel out his body to send to the morgue. Great loss. Very sad. that night my aunt had her book club. we just hung out and talked about work and random shows and familes and such.

ook soo heres where it gets crazy! Friday, work summer party at Kathleens place, great place outside for our picnic and food, pretty much everyone came and we had a great time playing bocce ball in the yard, grilling out, fruit galore. They are so much fun to hang out with. One of the planners reminds me so much of Tyler Jackson, they way he dresses/looks, his demeanor, everything its very weird. I was there for a good 5 hours then I needed to leave to get ready for Cierras Bday party which i was so excited to see her and had no idea of what to expect. So i find this place in Valley Village, The Fifth cocktail bar and it looks liek a little hole in the wall next to a liquor store across from a motel just you wouldnt think anything of it, I was probably the first to arrive and I called Rachel to talk to her becausei didnt know anyone or if there was anyone there for the party already. after about half and hour more and more people just started to pour in, i started noticing some familiar faces from tv, chilli from the oc and kyle howard were there and i started talkign to some of cierras old co workers who were very nice. We are all just waiting for her to arrive and then brittany snow walks in, so i immediately text my brother to inform him his love has arrive, i knew they were good friends so there was a high chance she would be there, but then i see it, its zac efron, like really? I was blown away, i was so star struck and was trying not to look it because I was probably the only one there who was, because i guess its a normal thing out here. But man i couldnt even text a full sentence to rachel it was just in blurbs but man that was very cool. they all look pretty much the same as the do on tv just a lot smaller height wise. So cierra walked in and was overwhelmingly surprised and just completely knocked back, he boyfriend is awesome they are my new favorite couple, im so happy for her! It was so great to see her and we are planning lunch to catch up since she was torn for attention the whole night. I was able to meet some great new people and just enjoy everything that came about last night. That kid evan that was in never back down and the jurassic park 3 kid were both drunk and there, the greek crew. Then you start to think as these "celebs" meet new people and say "oh hey im zac nice to meet you" are they thinking like psh this obviously knows who i am why am i introducing myself. I held back the urge to shoult GO WILDCATS as i overheard zac talking about playing some ball with a friend! or maybe ZAC GETCHA HEAD IN THE GAME! im sure he would have really appreciated that. ha I got to talk to kyle for a bit about nothing really but hes adoreable, not very tall either. very skater surfery. not someone i would think LC would date but he seemed really sweet. Im still a little overwhelmed at what just happned last night so im sorry if im repeating myself or not making sense. what a night. tonight is the cocktail party here at the loft so ive got to do some tidying up for that. Ill check in later gator!

Peace&AwholeLottaLove

I'm in LA Trick

So i walk into work this morning and walk down a pink carpet, i dont know what they are doing, something for the peoples choice awards is what i here, but how fun! Anyways, this week has been kind of slow as far as working wise because everyone just got back Wednesday. And when they did come back, we all went to lunch at the Buffalo Club, because one of the planners, Chris, was leaving. How delicious though, I had an amazing beet salad and falafel patties and the dessert omg it was this yummy dark and milk chocolate cookie/bar thing and a sundae. HEAVEN! But that was so interesting to just sit there and listen to them talk about how they feel about clients or other accounts and whatnot, it was actually the first time that it really dawned on me that these were the people that actually were making these big time ads we see on TV/magazines/etc. Very Cool. Tuesday we had our intern BBQ, that was nice getting to socialize with everyone. I think most made it there to Sarahs. She has a cute house right across from the agency she really scored with that! Perfect location and size. I cooked dinner last night for Veronica, made a pretty good BBQ chicken pizza flatbread. makes all the difference with gouda (mah favorites gouda). :) but tonight is "book club" with some of Veronicas friends. Ill go to the gym for a quick cardio session before I head out there. Also tomorrow is the work summer party followed by Cierras bday surprise! I am really excited for that because I havnt seen her in soo long!! Cant wait to catch up! That was so nice of her boyfriend to invite me, especially not even knowing who I am. Very nice! So now to figure out what today has planned here...peace out! 

Summer Is Here Officially

So lots to update, its been a week! The sun finally came out and it was on the first official day of summer, Sunday, Fathers Day! Today was the first day I have awoken to actually SEEING the sun, so that was nice. :) 

Alrighty so last week at Chiat, I finished the activation day stuff for Earthgrains via PPT and now onto whatever is next. Its still been pretty quiet around here with the guys gone. Thursday Chiat had their basketball game against Deutsch agency, apparently it was a BIG deal because Deutsch usually always loses and this time they had postponed it to practice more and they had 17 guys and a big campaign wrapped around this event, there were tshirts and wigs and scantily clad dressed cheerleaders. They put ALOT of effort into the game...to lose. Because we won by 1 point! it was a nail biter though - for a company game. We were down by like 11 at most and ended up coming back in the 4th quarter. Some Deutsch fans were WAY to into the game and a little over the top, like their job depended on the win. It was fun though to see everyone together cheering on their team. 

Friday was the Grizzly Bear show, awesome, they are truly spectacular live. The show was very mellow and not as entertaining as I would have liked but I really enjoyed watching them, and the Wiltern was an awesome venue as well. 

Saturday we ran some errands around town, $2 Tees @ Old Navy! limit 5/customer - so I got 5. What an awesome deal. Trader Joes to pic up some snacks, I made some pasta salad for the picnic movie. We went to Hollywood Forever Cemetery to watch The Graduate. Great movie, I had never seen it. It was so cool though, you go around 6 to wait in line before they open the gates, while mass amounts of people add to the line you can begin your picnic, chairs and coolers and suitcases and everything you couls imagine to bring for a over the top picnic was there. Once the gates open at 730 you walk through the cemetery to an open field and set up "camp" on the lawn in front of the side of a building where they project the movie. The movie doesnt start till 9 so you and friends have time for drinks and food and socializing. Music is played before and after the movie, and this DJ was rockin with the oldies tunes! I felt like I was in a lesser Woodstock, the aroma of weed blowing about and hippies dancing freely, good times!! I would love another trip there, maybe they will have one when Rachel comes (if she comes). That would be very fun. 

Sunday - Beach Volleyball!! After a whole week of gray clouds and sprinkles, the skies opened up on Fathers Day/1st Day of Summer & allowed us to continue to play beach volleyball in Venice. We had a much bigger crowd this time but not everyone played, it was more of a relaxing lazy day. I got a little more sun on my back then I expected, I had my dress on too playing vlleyball because it was cold when the wind blew. Some of the interns joined us too so that was great! Hopefully we can get more to come out next time. I was exhausted by the time we got home and started crashing at 8! I got a great nights sleep though. lemme tell ya! 

OOH I also finished watching Arrested Development! So funny, pretty much sums up Nathan & Justin and all their antics, now I understand a lot more of their little jokes...HIM?...but now I am fully prepared for when the movie comes out. 

So that was pretty much a sum up of last weeks events ...many more to come, I actually have pictures from this weekend too!! so I will post some of those when I get them.

Peace&Love

Some more LA Riots??

So to keep you non sportheads up to date, the Lakers unfortunately won the championship.(onlu because Magic like to choke last minute) Afterward riots of people in LA began lighting trashcans on fire, throwing rocks into bus windows, also they looted a rare sneaker store...sooo maybe its just me but that a fabulous way to celebrate a victory-be demolishing your winning town. Anyways these past few days at work have picked up and now I'm working on Earthgrains Direction Stimulus stuff, my first main project. woohoo! Jimmy Dean has video shoots Thurs and Friday and most people are out of town so the place is very quiet. 

As for the weekend and misc things, went to see IAMX at El Rey on Friday night, one of Veronicas friends got me a ticket to join them, I went in having no idea as to who I would be seeing or what kind of music it would be or anything...we walk up and I am really upset I didnt bring my ripped red stockings and studded black leather tube dress! Everyone was gothed out, HOT TOPIC galore! It was so entertaining to just sit there and watch these peoples outfits or costumes who knows? Some described the crowd as goth couture. The band wasnt bad, they put on a great show and they maintained great beats through out each song, I surprisingly enjoyed it. Saturday not much went on till the nighttime. We went to a few bars before hitting up a party in Bel-Air, which was apparently "lame" and one i should not judge LA status on. I could have cared less, I was having fun just going around seeing new things and how others live their lives. There was definitely a diverse group of people at this party, another great people watching opportunity. Then Sunday we went to The Grove and The Farmers Market after getting a mani/pedi. We ate at the farmers market at some French Crepe place, it was delicious! I created my own crepe with turkey swiss tomato and mushroom...mmm! While we were there I couldnt help but notice a lovely boy come sit next to us and then what was even lovelier was when he spoke - Australian words came out! Rachel, you and I, seriously haha. Just proves that Aussies are pretty much all attractive and if they aren't their accent will tell you otherwise. 

So my third week has begun and I am working on this project at Chiat, Trivia night was last and we pretty much got poned again - stupid Rivers category. I did get a chance to check out the Bally by work and I will say, much better, bigger, no hassel parking (free valet!!) Ill be going there today to continue my summer workout regime. Friday is Grizzly Bear! I am so excited to see them because I am new to their fan base and love what they do. Oh and tomorrow I can download iPhone software! I will be sure to let everyone know how awesome it is (fingers crossed). Well until then...im out

Peace&Love

Magic Win

Magic Win!!! well they won their first game in a playoff championship! Tonight is the fourth game, hopefully they can pull out another win to tie the series!! :) ..yankees suck, I'm really glad they can't beat boston UGH!. Alright so work has been great this week, theres more and more for me to do, I'm getting to know everyone better and I love it here. I've sat in on meetings and pitches and brainstorming session. More PPTs and yesterday at our intern breakfast the intelligence department came in and spoke. Very informative and will be extremely useful to know how to use all the resources we have available to us. Tuesday they had an art show here, well kind of...its really just a bunch of large flyer-like pieces hung up with phrases on them. There were snacks and beverages available and free little books and samples of his (AB) art. Some are actually interesting and pretty cool. I also scored a sweet surfing magazine that I have used to decorate my space a little more, have it become more personalized! Yesterday, we babysat Wednesday. a little yellow lab puppy that was omg ADORABLE!!! Today after work is one of Veronicas friends birthdays, its down in Santa Monica at a little wine bar/restaurant. I have no idea of any plans this weekend yet soo can't really comment on that yet...check in later...GO MAGIC!! 

Peace&Love

Monday Monday

So today started my second week at Chiat. Everyone was busy with meetings and pitches. I sat in on a costume pitch for Jimmy Dean and then did some research on viral/digital advertising. I had to run out and buy a bunch of lunchmeat at Ralphs (the Publix of the West coast apparently). I had like 12 things of lunchmeat when I checked out so I'm sure I looked PRETTY COOL! I don't know what it is about Mondays but the traffic is never bad on Mondays going and coming from work. Which is pretty sweet. I got home in decent time and went to work out at Bally, uhmm yeah like everyone else and their mom or should I say con sus mamas porque Ballys de Macys Plaza es muy hispanic. It was so crowded I couldn't even lift weights because there were none available. So now I'm thinking of rescheduling my work out times to maybe before I head to work at like 7am and get them done for  the day or try out the Bally that is down by Chiat and see if it is as crowded after 530. That pretty much sums up my Monday...exciting I know! 

Peace&Love

First Week

So I had my first official week in LA & at Chiat! So far so good. Everything has been wonderful, minus the weather but it was actually very sunny on Sunday, perfect for the beach. An overview of what I have done so far...

Saturday: Arrived, V picked me up, loft is super cool! We went to eat brunch at this amazing place, I don't remember the name but it was delicious. That night I was so tired and just passed out.

Sunday: We went on a hike in Griffth ?? park. It was really cloudy but I was happy it wasn't scorching hot for the hike. 

Monday: Chiat but really didn't start till Wednesday, who knew Wednesdays were the official beginning of the week...but i met everyone got set up on my computer. LOVE IT! It's so casual and fun here, its awesome. Trivia night - art history super hard, but nailed the Titanic questions!

Tuesday: Didn't really do anything all day because I didn't have work so I hung around the loft, organizing things and downloading some music and watching TV. 

Wednesday: First day of interning. We had the intern breakfast (every Wed.) I got to meet the others, I am the only one on Sara Lee so its pretty cool. The breakfast was great. I did some research and a powerpoint for Jimmy Dean Sausage. Thats pretty much all I was able to do. Afterwards worked out with Veronicas trainer, she was good!

Thursday: They had GfK Roper Reports presentations that I attended, the main one, moms, and food/beverage/diets. They were pretty interesting and I got to learn more of the trends and see how things work. I also started industry reports that I will do every week/two weeks. Cool stuff. After work, went and saw UP in 3D. That was a really cute movie and actually kind of funny for an animated movie. So expensive though-movies! Ge'ez!

Friday: No work on Fridays!! Joined Bally's gym because not working out was driving me absolutely insane. Very happy about that. Went to Wurschuch ? Im not even going to attempt to spell that correctly but it is a amazing little like dive place that serves only brats/sausage and beer and fries and it was sooo good. I got the vegetarian italian! Delicious! & the fries are unbelievable. My dad would LOVE that place. Someone should write it in to Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives. (there is always a line) 

Saturday: We went on another gorgeous hike in Runyan, the day was really nice too and I got some great views of all of LA all the way down to the ocean! Just gorgeous. Got dinner at an Indian place, it was the first time I actually did not know what I was eating. It was alright, very strachy carbs but for the most part everyone enjoyed their meal. Then we went to go see The Hangover. OMG that movie is hilarious! I really didn't think it would be funny and I wasn't going to see it but she had already bought the tickets. We saw it in the dome down in Hollywood or something. Huge screen but man o man what a funny funny movie. I highly suggest to go see it. 

Sunday:  BEACH, Venice Beach to be exact. What a great place. I loved it; the beach, characters, entertainment, shops, everything was just awesome. We played volleyball with some of Veronica's friends. That was a lot of fun, its been forever since I have played. The water was freeeeezing and down by the ocean it was really windy and a little chilly but I did get sun. Went to eat at this Swiss place which was good and then home to watch the Magic f it up at the last second, literally! Hopefully they can win the next 3 home games and make this series somewhat challenging and entertaining. 

Alrighty well that was a sum up of my first week in LA, and like I said, so far so good! 

Peace&<3