Visitor from the Midwest

A couple of weeks ago, my roommate and I had our first visitor from the Midwest. Lauren's former roommate and my piña colada making partner, Sam. Snow attempted to keep Sam from California, but after hours of delays she finally arrived. First stop on the agenda, a burger from classic In-n-Out (which I have unfortunately still yet to try since I don't eat red meat).

The next morning, the three of us set off for the Hollywood Walk of Fame. We took pictures with some of our favorites stars, such as Johnny Depp and The Beatles. Then we strolled over to the best look out point of the Hollywood sign for more touristy pictures. On our way down through the Kodak Theater, where the Academy Awards are presented, we checked out Best Picture winners from years past. Back on the Walk, we were stopped by an E! News correspondent doing their "Who Wore it Better" segment. He showed us three pictures and unfortunately we only agreed with him on one so we didn't make the cut for the actual show, but it was fun to be interviewed. Later in the day, we headed over to Beverly Hills to indulge in my favorite guilty pleasure, Sprinkles Cupcakes. Riding our sugar high, we took a walk down Rodeo Drive and checked out all the shops we can't afford.

Friday, Sam and I decided to check out Black Swan to pass the time while Lauren was at work. After, we both agreed the movie was phenomenal, and Natalie Portman's performance was Oscar worthy. Later I took Sam over to Santa Monica to walk the Third Street Promenade and wiggle our toes in the beach sand. If you haven't caught on yet, there is a ton of walking involved in visiting Los Angeles. After dipping our toes in the freezing Pacific, we walked the Santa Monica Pier and examined all the odd street vendors.

Saturday, the three of us drove down to Huntington Beach to watch the KU-Nebraska game at a KU Alumni watch party. Following our win, the group of alums participated in a pub crawl of all the local bars. Needless to say it felt like we had been transported back to a Lawrence game day. All the bars offered us amazing specials, and the group definitely got a little rowdy as the day turned into night.

The next day, we spent soaking up the warm California sun on the beach. As a cool treat after a long day in the sun, we picked up some delicious Pinkberry. Monday, Lauren and Sam took a drive up to Malibu to look at the Getty Mansion and the pristine beaches. For dinner, we met up in Hollywood at The Counter, an amazing build-your-own burger place. Chowing down on our veggie burgers and perfectly salted sweet potato fries, we washed it all down with a strawberry shake.

As we came full circle on a week, Sam departed back to chilly Kansas. If you plan to visit me in Los Angeles, you now have an idea what your trip will entail. I love visitors and would be more than happy to be your personal tour guide if you visit me!

New Years' Resolutions of Sorts

Instead of making one of my lame resolutions about working out more, I decided to make a more practical one. First, I intend to apply to at least seven jobs a week. Second, I will write on my blog more. I'm not saying every day but closer to once a week. Third, I plan to cook new recipes more often. I have plenty of cook books and no excuse not to try new things. I get intimidated by long recipes even though I have been slowly but surely refining my skills over the past two years. 

Finally I want to take more pictures! My passion for photography goes back to junior high. I was always the one who filled up at least two disposable cameras at one week of summer camp. In college, I could always be counted to have my camera and document my friends and I's crazy adventures. During senior year, I took a step back from my camera to simply enjoy the moment, but now I want my old habits back. I experience or see something new every week in Los Angeles, yet I have little proof. Of course I know everything I've done and seen, but it's nice to be able to share those experiences with others.  

I fully intend to keep these resolutions. Each is not hard or life changing, but rather little bits adding to the big picture. 

Seeing Stars

A few months back I wrote about how I hadn't seen a single celebrity since moving to Los Angeles. Thankfully my conspiracy theory was negated about two months back.

The production company I intern with shares a floor with a casting agency. One day while I was manning the front desk, out of the elevator strolls Ryan Kwanten from True Blood. It was all I could do to not simply stare, and not because he is a celebrity but because he is ridiculously good looking. Then he spoke in his Australian accent, and I almost lost it. I kept my cool, and we had a small chat about how the office was freakishly quiet on that particular day.

Then about a month ago Geena Davis, from A League of Their Own, walked into BCBG. She was very discreet and simply wanted to know if we had the mannequins dress in her size. We did, and she took it on the spot. She was very nice and didn't make a big ordeal.

I've been saving the best for last. About a week before I flew home for the holidays, Kate Hudson popped into BCBG. At first I wasn't sure if it was actually her, but she responded when I greeted her. I knew instantly from her voice. She was with her son, who is adorable. Yes, she is just as pretty in real life as on film.

While I have yet to see any celebrity just out and about, my jobs have definitely increased my star sightings! I am really staring to feel like I live in Hollywood not just another California city.

The Zoo aka My Family

Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if I had a normal family. I'm not saying my family is abnormal in a bad way, but instead that we are not your typical quiet, suburban family. Growing up my family felt relatively small with only two sisters, my mom and dad. Now my immediate family is definitely on the large side. Each of my sisters is married with two daughters, bringing my family total up to 11.

Eleven people in one house equals a very full house but add seven dogs into the mix, and you have a zoo. Adding to the commotion, three of my four nieces are four years old or younger. Needless to say the only alone time I ever enjoy at my house is when I am asleep. his

My family often jokes that we could star in our own reality TV show because there is never a dull moment at the Davis house. At any given time you can find a child crying, a dog barking, a least four cars in the driveway and someone trying to talk over someone else. With 11 people, you literally have to wait your turn to talk. Sometimes I feel like my family should use the elementary-school method of raising your hand in order to talk.

I think everyone believes their family is a little wacky and maybe there really is no such thing as the perfect family. I'm not sure I would fit in with a "normal" family after being around mine for the last 23 years. I'm loud, always want to have the last word, and have a high tolerance for organized chaos. Every family is unique, and I wouldn't know what I would do if mine was suddenly quiet and not opinionated.

This post was inspired by my recent trip back to Oklahoma for Christmas and New Years.