Toto we're not in Kansas anymore

After my first week working with my parents in the OC, I ventured up to LA for the weekend to see some friends. On the way I got to experience full blown LA traffic via the parking lot known as the 101 Freeway. First stop for the weekend, lunch in the East LA/Silverlake area with Theo's sister, Yvonne aka Christine. Not sure why people in Theo's family like to confuse people with various aliases. Anyway Y/C took me to a local Mexican joint where we got to add our BYOB tequila to their delicious Agua Frescos. I think we ate too, but I can't remember:) Good times.

After lunch, and because I'm a masochist, I got back on the 101 freeway and headed to the Valley to meet my friend Jinah. Jinah had tickets to a charity production of Vagina Monologues. Originally I was not super excited to see this dated production I had seen already 8 years ago. But have to say, it was well done in an intimate setting. And I got to meet the cast which included the gal who played Ralph Maccio's love interest in the 3rd Karate Kid and the woman who played the daycare owner in the Pursuit of Happyness. Yes, I'm rubbing elbows with the stars. We continued our evening at a yummy noodle house in Little Tokyo where we had more "star sightings." This time the star was in my own dinner group. Jinah is an on-air journalist, and her co-worker, Elizabeth who does an LA morning show was recognized by an adoring fan/designer shoe rep who asked if she could send her shoes to wear on air. LA ... you gotta love it. Toto, this ain't Kansas anymore.

The Road to Cali

On February 29, with my car loaded to the point of inability to add a golf ball, I began my journey southward to California. Spent the first weekend in Portland, where I "competed" in the Urban Iditarod. Just like the real Idiatarod but with no dogs, no snow, and shopping carts instead of sleds. But also just like the Arctic Iditarod, hydration is key, and we stopped at many watering holes to maintain our liquid balance. Our Greek gods and goddesses, were one of the last place finishers, but hey, the peasants always wait on the Gods.

After a fun-filled P-town weekend, I bid adieu to Amy and Alli, and began my way to California. Sunday evening I bedded down in Ashland, Oregon, home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The Festival is listed in the book as one of 10001 things to see before you die. And while the festival was not in progress, the town was full of quaint charm and fun to walk around. If you stay at the Best Western, make sure you ask for the AAA discount.

On Monday I entered California and after a lunch detour to Dottie's Diner in Etna, California (home of Kara Wilson whom I met in Honduras), I descended on the Bay Area and my cousins' apartment in Oakland. Have to say, I was surprised that there is a "nice" part of Oakland. The area where my cousins live near Lake Merritt is cute with lots of restaurants and bars. And just a long stone throw across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco proper. Apparently Lake Merritt area residents also have problem nails because the 'hood boasts about 100 manicure/pedicure salons per square mile.

My week in and around the Bay Area was great. Got to connect with my cousins, see old friends, some of whom had moved from Seattle, and wander around charming San Francisco. I was also blessed with picture perfect weather the whole time. On a sad note, I also found out that a friend back in Seattle had had a sudden aneurysm and passed away. Reminded me how precious life can be and how we need to maximize every day and not wait to tell our friends and family how much they mean to us. Ally Thrift, wish I got to know you better, but you will be missed.