Vancouver BC, Canada

Photo: Vancouver BC

Two weeks ago to-date, Lisa and I went on holiday to Vancouver British Columbia! After a nice short flight to Seattle, we jumped into our rented Corolla, and drove our way through the border. I've got to admit, driving on foreign soil made my palms sweat a bit - but after two days of maneuvering past blinking yellow lights, we knew that city like we'd been there for eons.

The trip started with the typical tourist attractions: the West End and the Capilano Suspension Bridge... but once we got all the nature-walking out of our system, we parked the auto and made our way to Robson Street... and what a feast we had! The highlights of our eatery-overload include CoCo Rico (panini platters!), Cin Cin (where we had a $106 schmancy dinner for deuce), and The Elbow Room (where they're known for their no-nonsense customer service). All exceptionally delish! And being that I'm very, very loyal to Starbucks, it was to no surprise that I found their espresso shoppe, Blendz, to be a bit below the bar.

Once the sun fell, it was hours of walking and observing Canadian night life. I would say that Vancouver is the perfect hybrid of all things European (Accessorize, Toni & Guy, Le Crep, etc) and all things American (they had a freakin' Red Robin for crying out loud).

I was quite impressed with the compact living arrangements and multitude of glass condos that encompassed the concrete jungle. It was very clean for such a large city. Overall, definitely a great first trip out of the country for 2007. I'll definitely be going back.

Mastering Trades

I've been thinking about A LOT of random things lately. Some of which include a mental list of things I do at novice level, but would like to be really really good at:

• Sewing
• Cooking
• Playing the Piano
  

Nathan Summers

I hate to point out the obvious... but British Sailor, Nathan Thomas Summers, is a yummy yummy man.


Photo: March 2007


Photo: Rawr

Update: Youtube is the best! Click to listen to his DELICIOUS accent!

Neat Vimeo

This vimeo had me sayin whoa...

Lakers v Warriors

Oh. My. Word. The Lakers game was nuts! Imagine this - a pretty much sold-out game - and then the four of us, occupying a 14 person suite. Offff theeee hoook. Jeff, thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you.


Photo: Katie-bean and I showing off our tickets (like goobers).


Photo: Our suite was sweet!


Photo: Free food, free drinks, FREE EVERYTHING!


Photo: My heroes, Greg and Jeff.


Photo: Boys II Men sang the national anthem and sang during half-time!


Photo: Allll my boyfriends. Kisses. Mwah!


Photo: Let's go Lakers!


Photo: Fox, the aftermath.

In all my excitement, I forgot my lovely red camera case on my seat. I'm half sad, half mad at myself (because leaving stuff lying around is so unlike paranoid me!). But alas, I ran over to Best Buy this morning to buy a boring black one.

Christy's Bridal Shower

Christy's bridal shower went by smoothly (whew). I've got to give myself kudos for the decorations and the color theme. The clubhouse ended up looking pretty awesome for having been put together within just a few short weeks. The maid of honor took lead on the games and the meet-n-greets, and I just sat back and enjoyed my short-lived (and pro-bono) career as an event planner. When I get married (eons, eons away), my bridal shower will knock your socks off. Is it sad that I have it already planned?

Leaving for Canada/Seattle

Just about this time next week, Lisa and I will be on holiday in Vancouver BC, Canada! First trip abroad in '07. Man, this year is making out to be better than anticipated. Our small romp through Canadialand will precede a week-long business trip to the Seattle/Burlington regions of Washington State.

Time to put together an itinerary! I'll be back sometime in the second week of April.

But even before all of that goodness goes down, Greg has invited me to join him, Jeff, and Katie at the Lakers game this Sunday. Three words haters: box freakin seats.

Diana, Princess of Wales

Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.

Emily Dickinson

I dwell in possibility.

Lakers v Timberwolves

I went to my first Lakers game last night. The way I love 'em, you'd think I'd have already been to umpteen games, but no, that was my first. And what a game it was! Kobe scored 50, and we basically kicked ass the whole game (how's that for commentary).


Photo: So dope.


Photo: MVP! MVP!


Photo: Luis, Paul, David, Andy, Daniel, Daddy, Myself, JC


Photo: 24!


Photo: My brother Paul


Photo: Dad, what time is it? "4:20..." lol.


Photo: Dope dope dope.

Luna Park and Heart Throb

Photo: Reception at the Merry Karnowsky Gallery

March has already proven to be an unexpectedly entertaining month. Sandy, Helen, and I had a quaint dinner at Luna Park over the weekend, followed by a romp through Heart Throb with Norma, my favorite. We capped off the evening at JP's Sports Bar in West LA. The fun never ends every time we get together (missing from photos: Jodi, our now Arlingtonian).

Post-script: I highly recommend Luna Park. Helen's Mac-n-Cheese dish was delish! And Sandy was absolutely correct, they make excellent Mojito's and Sangria's!

Post-post-script: I am SO art-galleried out. I've had my fix for the next couple of weeks (months?).

Photos: Norma, Sandy, Myself, Helen

Bonfire at Huntington Beach

British Accent Guy

L.A. Art Walk (March)

First stop on our art adventure was a visit to the Neo Art League. There we met Echo Lew, an abstract and mixed medium artist from Taiwan. The only thing more impressive than his (awesome) artwork was his personality. What a super guy.

Next stop was the Red Dot Gallery (where they also sell Weeneez Chili. Chili and art. Chilean Art. lol). I was impressed by some of the pieces, but Andrew, not so much. I believe he said, in verbatim, "digital art needs to stay on the computer." He can say that in all right - because he too is a digital artist.

Third stop was Billy's Coffee Shop (inmogallery.net). This was definitely an entertaining exhib. Not for the visual arts but for the performing arts. The most adorable (Irish?) boy was entertaining the crowd with violin goodness. We made eye contact. Total chemistry. But the artwork wasn't impressive. At all.

Photo: Boyfriend

Photo: Concept had potential.

Next stop (and highly entertaining) was The Art of Smoking Mirror (by Eduardo Villacis). It's, "A mock museum installation chronicling an alternative history in which the Aztecs conquer Europe in the year 1493 after encountering Columbus in 1492." Oh my gosh. This exhibit was very funny, and I highly recommend that you run by and see it. Presentation is key, and this gallery nailed it. Ends March 24th.

Then there were filler (and strictly for social gathering) galleries: Pharmaka Art, LA Center for Digital Art, El Nopal Press, Photograps of Iceland, and maybe one or two more that I can't recall.

Photo: Gallery Row?

Photo: Photograps

Last but not least (and my favorite exhib to cap off the night) was the Conceptual exhibit at Crewest Gallery on Winston St. It's "A huge group exhibition showcasing original works created on actual spray paint cans. Some of the globe's hottest artists recycle old and rusty aerosol cans into unique and exquisite pieces of art." Ends March 31 (and closing reception will have DJ's and live painting by select artists). For all you urban and street art lovers, check check it out.

Photo: One of the best ones.

On My March/April To-Do List

Photo: Heart Throb

So many gallery openings for the month of March! Be excited! For fans of the Van, read the above flyer. For fans of Mark Ryden, Flavorpill LA has listed the following on their calendar of events this weekend: Mark Ryden: The Tree Show between 12pm-6pm on March 10, 2007 at the Michael Kohn Gallery (8071 Beverly Blvd, 323-658-8088). This exhibition remains on display through April 28, 2007 (Tue-Fri: 10am-6pm / Sat: 11am-6pm).

And for those of you who have time to play tomorrow night, I'll be draggin' people out to the L.A. Artwalk (which will be preluded by a Ramen Dinner). Join us! Please!