The VIP experience (@ Kia Forum)

As Pammie, Christine and I were scarfing down our nachos, chicken tenders, burgers, and garlic fries before the show, I looked around and noticed no one else had food. I forgot people in LA don’t eat 😅

I think we broke Christine 😆

Her husband sent us a picture of her the next day wearing a JT shirt with a huge smile on her face and was like, ‘She’s been like this all morning!’ He told her being VIP at the JT show was like when he and I had floor seats at the Young the Giant show, and Christine was like, ‘IDK what metric system you’re using, but JT≠YTG.’ 🤣

Just Selena ‘sausage-maker’ Gomez living the dream at Moo’s Craft Barbecue in LA on today’s episode of Selena + Restaurant.

You lit your cigarette
Oh, how quickly we all forget
That bed you made, you must lay in it
Lost in a fruitless cause
False hope was all you bought
Oh, and the answers didn’t seem so far

Jessie and I were supposed to see The Brook & The Bluff at the Belly Up last year, but she had to go out of town that day, so we ended up selling our tickets. The show was sold out, so we made a nice little profit. I’m so glad I get to finally see them, though. I bought tickets to their upcoming show with Stephen Sanchez at the YouTube Theater inside SoFi Stadium in LA. I have another show the week before in LA, and I figure I’ll be back by September.

I love YouTube Theater (I’ve seen Bon Iver there and may or may not have sobbed violently), but the last time I was there was to see Local Natives a couple years ago. I specifically bought front row center balcony seats so I could sit if I wanted to (mama’s too old to stand for the duration of an entire concert). They didn’t end up selling enough tickets (which I thought was odd because Local Natives are from LA, and I’ve been to shows of theirs at bigger venues), so they closed the balcony section and gave everyone who had seats up there seats on the lower level. This was never communicated to us before the show, so we took our sweet time, ate some banana pudding at Orleans & York Deli, skipped the opener, and paid $50 for parking. When we finally got there, the only seats they had left were ones where we had to stand the whole time behind these obnoxious Angelenos who talked throughout the entire show. I haven’t seen Local Natives or been back to this venue since. I’m obviously still mad about it LOL. I bought front row balcony tickets again, so hopefully they don’t do me like they did in ‘22 😅

Donna’s son has been staying at my sister’s to train at the Olympic Training Center nearby, and he had a meet in LA today, so we went up to watch him compete, have dinner with his friend who lives near me in Manhattan Beach, and stopped by my apartment to pick up my passport before my trip next month. It was raining most of the day, and we had just finished telling him about all the tickets I’ve racked up in LA, when this big ass truck hydroplaned and spun out behind us in the rain. Luckily, he didn’t hit anyone or us. We think Elijah might be our good luck charm 🤗 He placed 2nd at the meet today, just being edged out by this kid from UCSD who PR’d.

Only in LA (@ The Corner Store)

More importantly, do you carry Mango Hi-Chews here???

I can only eat pad thai now when it’s topped with a whole ass lobster tail (@ Nawa Thai Manhattan Beach)

My passport was exactly where I thought it was (even though I haven’t used it since 2020), and I picked up my mail and got a random ass check for $1600 for some Wells Fargo lawsuit settlement. I haven’t banked with Wells Fargo since I had a private loan there for art school over a decade ago, so the check was very unexpected.

I went to the disability office earlier this week and there were like literally 100 people in the waiting room and spilling out into the hallways. I was like, “I’m not waiting in this fucking line,” and told the dude at the desk that we just needed a form to report the disability income I received last year, and he was like, “Everyday, people ask me for a 1099G form to report their disability income, and I’mma tell you the same thing I told them. It’s FREE money. You don’t have to report it. The money comes from social security taxes you’ve already paid.” So I don’t have to report the disability checks I received and saved last year, and now I could buy all the banana pudding ice cream I want. Or a Tesla. I haven’t decided yet.

On the drive home from LA, I found out Donna’s kid likes the Deftones just like his auntie, and we listened to them on the whole car ride home 🖤

Nori still goes into the office, so she keeps me updated on the food spots we’d go to for lunch. I miss going to the mall just to get Cinnabon 😅 Or walking by some skanky outfit at Forever 21 and asking Nori if she’d wear it for $3 🤣

Does anyone want to go to a Dodgers game to eat garlic fries in a helmet, Shake Shack, a doyer dog, hot honey chicken tenders, korean short ribs, chili cheese tots and a churro sundae in a helmet see Shohei Ohtani play?

I miss crying at the cemetery 🖤

Patrick Watson has a show tonight at the Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever, and I would totally go if I was back in LA…

This Lloyd Wright stunner is closing 😭

It’s a gorgeous glass chapel nestled on a cliff in Palos Verdes, and more importantly, it’s where Julie and Caleb got married on The O.C. 😆

I was lucky enough to visit this gem in 2016. Sadly,  8 years later, I’m still unmarried and without child (they do baptisms here, too).

I’ve legit said a number of these things 😅

I get my coffee iced no matter how cold it is outside, my landlord fixed my leaky ceiling years ago, I don’t own an umbrella, I check if mercury’s in retrograde whenever something bad happens, and if it’s raining on a Friday, I wonder if my favorite vendor at the Hermosa Beach Farmers Market is okay 😆

Chamangos and chisme (@ Crab Hut)

The girls were supposed to come over today, and I was going to smoke my first brisket, but I’m still scared to eat BBQ, so we just hit up good ol’ Crab Hut. I used to go here so much, they had my picture on the wall. I was the Duchess of Crab Hut on Yelp and the Mayor of Crab Hut on Foursquare LOL. Not much has changed about this place, but they now tack on an automatic 18% service fee no matter how small your party is. I hate when restaurants do that. I’m already a good tipper, but I don’t like to be forced to tip. Also, I’m not gonna add an additional tip if I’m already paying an extra 18%. Does my waiter even get this service fee or does it line the owner’s pockets??? I also hate it when restaurants charge an automatic “health surcharge” on top of your bill to pay for their employees’ healthcare. I’ve only seen it done in LA. Like, I love you, République, but I’m pretty sure I’m already overpaying for this kouign amann without your additional 3% health surcharge. Don’t even get me started on alimony (I don’t believe spousal support should exist if you’re no longer spouses. All of my girlfriends who are married make more than their husbands. All of them. Separate from child support, they shouldn’t have to pay them a single dime if they ever get divorced. Ok that’s the end of my rant 😅).

I used to never believe in all this woo woo bullshit, but now look at my tarot-planning, crystal-charging, sound-bathing, chakra-aligning ass 😅 I blame LA. And the universe.

Reliving my youth (@ The Echo)

I started off my morning by doordashing a spanish latte and sunrise pizza from Urth Caffé. I went to my doctor’s appointment and Dr. Joshi had nothing but good things to say about me (the first time I saw him earlier this year, he said I was “hanging on by a thread” 😅). I went through 4 months worth of mail and had over $700 in checks from overpaying for my health bennies during my medical leave. The Echo’s up the street from Guisados on Sunset, so we ate some delicious tacos before watching Hoobastank at The Echo. Not to be dramatic or anything, but yesterday was the best day of my life.

I haven’t seen Hoobastank live since they opened for Linkin Park on their Meteora tour in 2004! Fun fact: Hoobastank went to high school with Linkin Park members (Mike Shinoda, Rob Bourdon and Brad Delson). I felt like a kid again watching them. Like, is it 2003? Am I about to get a charlie horse after watching them at Canes??? 😆 I was reminded that I’m not, in fact, a kid anymore when we walked back to the car and we didn’t have to pay for metered street parking because of my handicap placard, and when I was falling asleep on the drive home before midnight 😅

Shoutout to the guy standing in front of me wearing a Yellowcard hoodie 😂

Only two things about LA still warm this heart—the food and live music.

Update: You guys, Hoobastank liked my Instagram story 💀

R.I.P. to my fiddle leaf fig bush. It’s in a self-watering pot, but you have to refill it with water once a month, and I haven’t been in my apartment since August 😅

I got this noise notification (that I usually get when I’m at a concert) on the drive up to LA tonight. I guess I was rocking out to Hoobastank too loud 😆 I got a text last week confirming my doctor’s appointment in LA that I forgot about tomorrow, so I bought tickets for Hoobastank’s 20th Anniversary Show at The Echo since I’ll already be up here. Who’s ready to party like it’s 2003???

Deane sent me this vid and I couldn’t stop laughing, because it reminded me of the time we went to Boyle Heights for tacos. We heard gunshots as we exited the 5, and we were like, “This must be the place!” 😂

We knew of this truck, because we went to a taco festival (we’re v serious about our tacos), and we picked the vendor with the longest line because we figured they had the best tacos.

You know the tacos are good when you hear gunshots! 😅 Ratatata!

My super (yes, his name is Michael Douglas) left me a message saying I’ve had packages outside my apartment door for months (he lives across the hall from me), and the postman left a note on my door that my mailbox is full. He knows that I’ve been in SD (I mail him my rent check every month), so I gave him permission to use my spare key that he has to put my packages in my apartment since I won’t be in LA till probably next month. He doesn’t have a spare mail key, though. Does anyone in LA want to empty my mailbox and water my (probably dead) plants? 😅 I’ll mail you my keys and give you my building code! You can even rifle through my underwear drawer. Just kidding (I don’t wear underwear).

I’ve found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you

So close yet so far
It’s tearing me apart
What I would do to be back with you

So promise
No matter how long it takes for me to get back to you
You’ll wait for me

My first blog post ever was about a Hoobastank concert 20 years ago, and I went to a countless amount of their shows in my 20s. They’re having a 20th anniversary show in LA for The Reason album. I hate watching shows at The Echo (it’s a seedy ass venue in Echo Park), but I love Hoobastank more. Plus it’s a pretty intimate venue with a capacity of less than 400 people. Will this be like the first time I saw them at Canes, and Doug Robb (the lead singer) was standing right next to me watching the opening band and no one was bothering him? The Echo is even smaller than Canes was! Anyone feel like going and reliving their youth with me???

From the passenger seat as
You are driving me home
Do they collide?
I ask and you smile
With my feet on the dash
The world doesn’t matter

It’s the 20th anniversary of Transatlanticism, and Death Cab is performing the album in its entirety at the Hollywood Bowl. I haven’t seen Death Cab live since 2011! I bought tickets months ago thinking I’d be back in LA by now. Should I go or sell my tickets? Anyone feel like crying in Hollywood on Tuesday 10/17???

Don’t mind me, I’m just trying to win some brisket from zef.daddy.

I want you in the worst way
Is the gate code still your birthday?

John Mayer has an intimate show at The Wiltern next week, but I got waitlisted. If you’re able to get tickets, I will find a way to get to LA. He’s my guiltiest pleasure 😅

I don’t know your thoughts these days
We’re strangers in an empty space
I don’t understand your heart
It’s easier to be apart

My friend got us tickets to Keane at the Greek next year! I was traveling through the Philippines the last time they were in LA in 2020. Then covid hit and our lives took a 180. So glad concerts are back 🙌🏼

I bought tickets to Sylvan Esso at The Greek tonight thinking I’d be back in LA by now, but I haven’t started driving yet, so I’m still at my sister’s in SD.

The last time I was in Phoenix, Google was testing their self-driving cars and I remember thinking, “I’d never get in one of those.” 5 years and 2 strokes later, I’m seriously considering getting a Tesla so I never have to drive again (even though I still don’t trust self-driving cars or Elon Musk).

The last time I drove was before the incident when I drove myself to urgent care. The doctor was like, “You drove yourself here?!” To be fair, urgent care is up the street from my apartment. They wanted me to take an ambulance to the ER, but I was like, “I’ll just have my friend, Nori, take me.” I spent the next five days in the hospital, my sister and her husband picked my car up from the urgent care parking lot the next day, and the rest is history…

Morning View is my favorite Incubus album, and they’re re-recording it and performing it in its entirety at the Hollywood Bowl in October.

Action Bronson and Paris Jackson are opening, though. Was Hoobastank unavailable? 😂

You only think about yourself
You only think about yourself
You’d better bend before I go
On the first train to Mexico

Redondo Beach News Update, I can’t take your emails seriously when you allow Kim K. to buy ad space on them…

I feel seen. Don’t judge me!

1. Nope, in fact I make it a point to eat with people who don’t have dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, etc.)
2. I have toxic exes, but none of them have “the” or “official” in their IG handle. One of them live tweets, though (which is equally horrendous in my eyes). Does that count???
3. I used to go to the Hermosa Beach Farmers Market on Fridays for the chili dog guy and one time he was grilling hash browns next to the hot dogs and I was like, “Ooh, can I have a side of that?” and he was like, “This is my lunch.” 🤣 The stall next door has delicious pluots (plum apricots) in the summer, but I don’t have a pluot guy.
4. I use maps for everything to avoid traffic in LA. Also, I never remember street names. If a landmark changes visually, I’m screwed LOL.
5. My parents think I design shoes at Skechers, but I’m a web designer there.
6. I do want to adopt a dog, but I haven’t yet…
7. My favorite billboard lawyer is Sweet James (The Beard of Justice).
8. My regular chiropractor is in Manhattan Beach, but I did used to see a nutritionist in Santa Monica 😅 And I once sold something on letgo to a douchebag from Santa Monica who called it “SaMo.”
9. This guy moved into my building and put candy and a one-page intro to him and and his dog on everyone’s door. I was like, “Does he know he moved to LA??? We don’t talk to our neighbors here” 🤣 (unless it’s to bang on their door after midnight to tell them to turn their fucking TV down).

I moved to LA over a decade ago, and I still don’t consider myself an Angeleno!

My favorite bakery from NYC opens this weekend in LA (@ Levain)

Now I don’t have to pack my foodsaver to bring home fresh cookies the next time I go to New York 🤣 Their chocolate chip walnut cookie will change your life!

I’ve been to 3/20 places on Eater’s 20 Essential BBQ Restaurants in LA, Spring 2023 list (Bludso’s, Slab & Maple Block Meat Company). Anyone want to try the other 17 with me??? I also have a BBQ bucket list if you feel like traveling.

Redondo is ready for me to come back! Now the closest lobster roll will be five minutes away from my apartment, and I don’t have to wait for an election to have one from the food truck across the street.

Also, Yelp sent me this list of their 2023 Top Lobster Roll Spots in Every State. Anyone interested in eating their way across America with me???

I’m up in LA for a doctor’s appointment, and I haven’t been home in over a month.

I should really give someone a key to my apartment, because all my plants are dead.

People think it’s silly that I kept my studio in LA (and continue to pay a ridiculous amount for it) since I haven’t lived there since January after the incident, but I like my independence (and walking around in my chonies.). I’d sublet my apartment, but my property manager lives across the hall, so he’d definitely know 😅

I once got invited to a Sleepless party in LA that started at 11:30 (PM!).

I would’ve gone, but I was sleeping 😴 Besides, I’d already taken off my bra by that time, and once it comes off, I’m in for the night…

Mmm, Daddy 😈

Logan Sandoval is my favorite contestant on Barbecue Showdown.

He has a weekend pop-up in LA. Who’s coming with me???

The second season of Barbecue Showdown came out today on Netflix, so these are my plans for the weekend.

I’ve been to BBQ Showdown judge Kevin Bludso’s original location in Compton. He’s since moved to Fairfax, and he’s opening a location in Santa Monica this summer. Take me with you, and I’ll treat you to a Pink’s chili dog and some Brambleberry Crisp ice cream from Jeni’s after! None of which will hold up to my apartment in Redondo, so we’ll just have to eat it there! I hope you’re hungry 😏

FYI I get all my important news in a daily email from The Betches Sup.

P.S. Florida senators should not be commenting on California things 😒

Freakin’ birds (@ Starbucks)

Whenever Nori and I would go to Starbucks (pretty much every day LOL) we’d sit outside, and I could barely hear her wordle  guesses over the parrots. Apparently, they live in palm trees, and palm trees are outside every Starbucks we went to in the beach cities.

Also, I was so mad when they took out the nearest Jack in the Box and put another Starbucks in its place. There were already 15 within a 5-mile radius of my apartment!

Who complains about too many Starbucks and palm trees? Is this my life now??? LOL.

Margarita Manzke (co-owner and pastry chef at République in LA) is a 2023 James Beard Award Finalist.

République is one of my favorite restaurants, and the first time I ever went there, they had a mountain of butter out and I mused aloud, “What’s all this butter for?” and one of the workers was like, “PIE.”

Go if you’ve never gone before, or better yet, take me with you!

You’re so fuckin’ bougie.

– my sister’s husband to me after I brought down my Aroma 360 diffuser and Cashmere Plum fragrance oil from my studio in LA for my room at their house in SD

Doesn’t it, though???

P.S. Blue Salt is amazing, near my apartment, and you should totally take me there.

Love is the moving power of our world…
if you would bring healing…
bring hope.

(@ Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance)

When in LA (@ Urth Caffe)

I hardly listen to the radio in SD (partly because the DJs are garbage, but mostly because I’m usually listening to Young the Giant on Spotify). I heard this song a few times on 92.3 on the way up to LA, and I’m obsessed.

SZA – Kill Bill

I’m still a fan even though I was salty
Hate to see you with some other broad, know you happy
Hate to see you happy if I’m not the one drivin’
I’m so mature, I’m so mature
I’m so mature, I got me a therapist to tell me there’s other men
I don’t want none, I just want you
If I can’t have you, no one should

I filed to extend my leave because I’m not ready to go back to work yet! ❤️‍🩹 I haven’t even driven since the incident, you think I can design for the interwebs?!

P.S. One time, we went to LA for some doc appointments, and we didn’t take my car, so my sister left my car keys in San Diego (along with my apartment keys attached to them) and we had to stay at the Marriott (and we never let her forget it) LOL.

Also, the first time I hiked Torrey Pines with Shi years and years ago, we parked so far and we were walking for so long and I was like, “We haven’t started hiking yet?!” LOLOL.

I had to order delivery today because one of their flavors this week was Iced Oatmeal (my favorite!). I split one with Pammie for lunch, and we both thought it was delicious!!! (@ Crumbl Cookies)

FYI I also like oatmeal raisin cookies from Subway LOL (my first job that my dad made me get when I was fifteen) and the molasses cookies they used to have at Milk in LA.

We used to get Cookie Good at work sometimes and they opened a brick and mortar in Santa Monica a few years ago, but they ship nationwide. I ordered a dozen after getting this email (I’m easily swayed), and I’m def gonna split one tonight when it arrives. I’m thinking Blueberry Pancakes. Or Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chunk. Or Cinnabun. Or Circus Animal. Or S’mores. LOL.

Cookie Good is better than Crumbl IMO, but I won’t turn down a Crumbl cookie (or any cookie for that matter).

Update 4/1: I had to do a taste comparison (for science) and Crumbl has a s’mores flavor this week. IDK why I bought the other 3 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

Verdict: Although the Crumbl cookie was delicious, my favorite s’mores cookie is still from The Cookie Corner in Hawaii.

See’s is everywhere in LA, and I never understood how they stayed in business until I had a Dark Scotchmallow in my thirties.

I ordered some limited edition Dark Mint Scotchmallows from their website (they were sold out for St. Patty’s Day at my local See’s), and I allow myself half a piece a day LMAO.

(FYI, I also like Dark Salted Caramels and Toffee-ettes.)

Is it sad that I’ve been to 3 of these places (and one of them is my own bed?)???

Escaping LA for the holidays be like…

Two things still warm this heart: freshly zambonied ice and chili dogs (@ LA Live / Pink’s)

It’s 100° and RAINING in LA. WHAT IS HAPPENING???

This heat has made me realize that I’m not built for hell, so I gotta make some life changes! 😅 Just kidding (I’ll take my chances).

Amazon primed a portable A/C today because fuck this shit.

Welp, I have until 2035 to get my life together before I start driving an electric car that needs to be charged regularly.

I’m the type of person who doesn’t fill up their gas tank until I’m running on fumes (this picture was taken today).

I’m also the type of person whose phone is always on the cusp of dying or already dead (even though I work from home). Don’t even get me started on all my unread notifications.

I don’t know what to tell you guys ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Silver dreams bring me to you

Local Natives (@ YouTube Theater)

Smoked wing night (@ Maple Block Meat Co.)

I had a pretty shitty day yesterday.

When I woke up this morning, I laid my crystals out to charge under the full moon, washed my serotonin pill down with crystal-infused water, and cried into my acai bowl. Pre-pandemic me would never, but LA has changed me, y’all.

I don’t know if it’s work, or my period, or the $25 I just spent on doordashing this acai bowl… but Jesus, I got emotional. You should probably avoid this hot mess express for the next 3-5 days.

Friyay latte (@ Urth Caffe)

Fuck, can I get pregnant from this??? 😳

APL is doing BBQ pop-ups all summer at Strand Brewing Co, and I am here for it.

What time should I be ready? 😜

The only restaurant I’ve been to on this list is Guelaguetza, and I can confirm that you can still hear me over the mariachi band.

10/10. Highly recommend.

Ghost, I wish you well, it’s your life
Pray you find yourself as souls divide
Seven sisters blue, it’s your life
Left my heart with, left my heart with you

Palace (@ The Fonda)

I doordashed dinner tonight and just received someone else’s order (a hazard of contactless delivery). Even though I was hangry as hell, I think we can all agree that the real victim here is Kathleen M., who ordered 8 scoops of ice cream from Handel’s and received my salad and brussels sprouts from Tin Roof Bistro instead 🤣

BRB crying into my bangin’ breakfast sadwich (I’ll see myself out).

Dance party (@ The Forum)

I had to for posterity’s sake (@ Mobil – Manhattan Beach)

Also, I am now a person who says, “Remember when gas was (insert lower price here)?” and also the kind of person who bangs on the wall I share with my asshole neighbor when he’s blasting his TV that he mounted to our one shared wall past midnight.

👵🏻 👵🏻 👵🏻

Ma’am, this is the 405…

Too bad I’m a Rams fan now 😜

Let’s get some fuckin’ french toast (@ République)

Christmas (@ Crypto.com)

There is a hell and it’s DTLA during a lakers game the week of christmas.

Not pictured: The 500 people in line for ice skating and the $40 parking garage.

If you only ever go to one concert in your life, let it be Tame Impala at the Hollywood Bowl.

What, your neighbor’s halloween decor doesn’t include conjoined unicorns???

11/20: You guys, they’ve updated it for Thanksgiving.

Everything that happens is from now on
This is pouring rain, this is paralyzed

Spent my Friday night crying in Inglewood, hbu? (@ YouTube Theater)

I’ve seen Bon Iver twice before, but this was the first time he sang my most favorite song of his (re:Stacks). This was also my first time seeing a show at the new YouTube Theater. It’s located inside SoFi Stadium and it is GORGEOUS. If I were the Chargers, I would’ve left SD for this shit, too! It’s also an 11-minute drive from my apartment and near this cajun resto where we had the best pre-show po’ boys ever. Chargers game, anyone???

Lay me in the tall grown grass in a shallow grave
Let it have me

Lord Huron (@ Hollywood Forever Cemetery)

One of my favorite bands at one of my favorite venues! My first live show in nearly two years did not disappoint 🖤

Caitlyn Jenner and Angelyne? Was Kanye unavailable???

To the asshole who stole my skincare subscription box: I hope you’re allergic to $100 worth of plant-based moisturizers!

I’d rather hitch a ride and pay with my life than pay uber $100 for a 10-minute ride home from LAX! (I grabbed a $25 cab instead and lived to blog about it.)

I enjoy long walks to any burrito (@ Redondo Beach)

Rise & grind (@ Phanny’s)

Lord Huron at the cemetery? Yes, please 🖤

Silently cheering so my neighbors don’t murder me.

My sister’s husband armed me with pepper spray when I first moved to LA. I used to keep it on my key ring, but it was confiscated years ago at some seedy show downtown. I honestly never thought to replace it until now…

Given the rise in anti-asian hate crimes, I’ve amazon primed myself some pepper spray plus a stun gun for good measure. COME AT ME, BRO.

It’s been tough working from home this past year, but I don’t miss my windowless office. The view from my studio is pretty uninteresting (though today I captured some rare LA rain!). When I get bored of the view, I just visit WindowSwap and pretend I’m working from somewhere else in the world… I’ve been in Georgetown watching this dog fetch a frisbee for hours now!

Back in the day when we were allowed to dine inside restaurants, I had an amazing meal at Jon and Vinny’s. I loved everything we ordered, from the marinara braised meatballs to the LA woman pizza, but the real star of the show was their spicy fusilli alla vodka (what’s not to love about carbs and alcohol?). I’ve been dreaming about it ever since, so when I came across Jon and Vinny’s recipe on Bon Appétit, I knew I had to make it for dinner.

This dish was surprisingly simple to make. I mean, did I have to ask the guy at Trader Joe’s what a shallot was? Yes. And did I see my life flash before my eyes for a split second when I flambéd that vodka? Also yes. But it turned out just as delicious as I remembered it being. And what was already an amazing dish was made even better by the fact that I didn’t have to schlep over to Fairfax in LA traffic or make a reservation a month in advance to eat it!

39 is staying in, binging Schitt’s Creek for the fourth time, eating your favorite pastrami sandwich and cookies from NYC, and finding joy in vacuuming all of your crumbs with the dream dyson you just got for your birthday (I’m clearly going hard this last year in my thirties).

Luckily, my neighbors drive maseratis and porsches, so my mazda hatchback and glove compartment full of hi-chews went untouched.

I literally just got back to LA, stepped out of my car and dropped my cali burrito from SD on the floor. This pretty much sums up 2020 for me.

I think the real tragedy here is that the curfew starts hours after I’ve already taken off my bra and called it a night.

…or what I tell myself when I have to work on the weekend and they forget the organic goji berries on the $20 acai bowl I just postmated.

When I was in high school, my friend Jocelyn was nominated for homecoming queen. She was ASB president and one of the most popular girls in school, so all my friends thought she was a shoo-in and none of us bothered to vote. She ended up tying with another girl and having to share the crown! If just one of us had voted, Jocelyn would still be friends with us today LOL. Your vote absolutely matters, whether it’s for something as trivial as homecoming court or the next POTUS!

Please exercise your right to vote and be safe out there. A few places in my neighborhood have already boarded up their storefronts ahead of tonight’s election results…

Not only did the dodgers beat my padres and go on to win the world series, they also had to disrupt my beauty sleep with all these fireworks outside my apartment.

Welp, I def won’t be meeting the love of my life at a concert this year (or anywhere really if LA remains on this covid watch list), but I love this story ❤️

It looks like we’ll be quarantining well into summer, so I’ve officially stopped working on my bikini bod and started carbo-loading for winter.

This homemade pasta and alfredo sauce combo was *chef’s kiss*

I’ve been working from home for four months now with no distractions (besides my neighbor’s car alarm that goes off, without fail, at least twice a day every time a leaf falls on it). With news this week that California is rolling back reopenings and kids won’t be returning to classrooms in the fall, this quarantine seems far from over. Hang in there, mamas!

My neighbors are douchier than yours.

Stay safe, LA 🖤

This lockdown has only made my department busier than ever, and I’ve been losing my mind working 12-hour days and being cooped up in my studio for nearly two months now. I’ve been in such a mood lately, and yet, my sister postmated me coffee bean and breakfast to make my life easier, my dear friend sent me cookies from across the country, and on the drive home from grocery shopping in Long Beach today, I witnessed this pink ass sunset. I really needed these little reminders that I have a good life and this shit is just temporary. Sorry for everything I said while in quarantine! XOXO

Finally an office with a window! I could get used to working from home…

Now if I only had a bidet, a lifetime subscription to Freshly, and a peloton bike, I’d never have to leave my apartment! Just kidding (like I would ever use a peloton bike).

See you clowns on Zoom!

Literally me in the bread aisle at Ralphs today. All it took was a global pandemic for LA to start eating gluten again.

Welp, I guess I’ll be cooped up at home indefinitely now. It’s only day 4, and I’ve already eaten all my quarantine snacks!

Yeah, I probably should’ve gone grocery shopping before I left for vacation in the middle of a pandemic.

(@ Whole Foods, El Segundo)

(@ Target, Manhattan Beach)

(@ Ralphs, Manhattan Beach)

BRB crying in my car.

Title Track (@ The Hotel Cafe)

I try to catch Kevin Garrett whenever he’s in LA, and this was by far my favorite show of his. Love this intimate venue.

Happy holidays from the 405!

Let’s get some fuckin’ french toast (@ République)

Sylvan Esso – Coffee (@ Walt Disney Concert Hall)

Last show of the year at my new favorite venue ❤️

Sake on Sunset with Deane and Sarah (@ Night + Market Weho)

Maren Morris (@ The Greek Theater)

John Mayer – Edge of Desire (@ The Forum)

Don’t say a word, just come over and lie here with me
‘Cause I’m just about to set fire to everything I see
I want you so bad I’ll go back on the things I believe
There I just said it, I’m scared you’ll forget about me

The last time I saw John Mayer was at the Hollywood Bowl in 2007 before I moved to LA. Twelve years later, he still makes that same guitar face me feel all the feels.

Can I get a Clearly Canadian to wash down these tofu balls? (@ Button Mash)

Andy Grammer – I Am Yours (@ The Wiltern)

I’ve been lost, I’ve been found
But I know who I am now
I am yours

This LA humidity is prepping me for Hawaii, you guys.

3 more days!!!

I should really start wearing pants to bed in preparation for the big one.

Rooney – Stay Away

Make a move on me, baby
I cant be the one who’s always taking chances

Another day, another 20th anniversary tour (@ Lodge Room)

The first time I saw Rooney was nearly two decades ago with an ex-boyfriend at a venue that doesn’t exist anymore. So much has changed since then, but I still go to shows as much as I can, and I still love the bands I loved twenty years ago (still waiting for that Hoobastank comeback tour!).

BRB crying at the cemetery (@ Hollywood Forever)

Hozier – Shrike

I couldn’t utter my love when it counted
Ah, but I’m singing like a bird ’bout it now

Kevin Garrett – Control

Father, son, and holy ghost
I would never let you go

h o a x 💔 (@ Troubadour)

Conference season at work is so draining. I wish I was back at the beach with these clowns! I promise we did more than just lay in bed last weekend (we also ate pizza).

Muse – Stockholm Syndrome (@ The Forum)

This is the last time I’ll forget you
I wish I could

I’ve seen Muse a few times in my life, but I haven’t been to a show of theirs in a decade! It was like seeing them for the first time all over again. Loved, loved, loved. Thanks Nori and Desi for the invite!

After my ceiling sprung several leaks, my landlord had our roof fixed and offered to remove that god awful popcorn ceiling. I even got him to remodel my bathroom and repaint my entire apartment while he was at it!

S/O to all those LA storms for making this home reno possible…

I’ve been off the grid for a few weeks while my place was getting renovated, but it was def worth the wait! Lots to catch up on (Shi’s wedding, Jessie’s birthday, and all the BBQ I ate in between), but first I gotta shower in my new tub and make my bracket picks…

What, you don’t have a fireplace in your office??? (@ SKX Advertising)

I need one of these in my apartment! It snowed in LA today, and I’m in bed under a korean blanket wearing two pairs of pants (that’s two more than I usually wear!).

Fuck, can I get pregnant from this??? (@ Slab BBQ)

Slab has been on my BBQ bucket list, but they usually sell out by the time I get off work. I’ve been sick at home for the past couple of days, so I finally went for lunch today. They usually don’t serve beef ribs on weekdays, but today was my lucky day! I’ve been following them on instagram since they sold BBQ out of their backyard, and their ribs and brisket were some of the best I’ve ever had! Def my new LA fave.

Just when I thought I couldn’t get any luckier, we were sitting outside Milk having dessert afterwards when WEEZER and Fred Armisen roll past us down Beverly Blvd on a flatbed performing Say It Ain’t So (my favoritest Weezer song EVER) like it’s no bigs! Only in LA…

Thanks to whoever gave me this nasty cough at work! If it weren’t for you, I would’ve never been in Fairfax in the middle of a Tuesday living my best life.

You guys, I have mattresses in every corner of my studio right now.

The memory foam mattress I bought last month is too firm, my old spring mattress is too soft, and the new hybrid mattress that got delivered today is just right!

I’m selling my memory foam mattress and giving away my old spring mattress. If anyone is interested, you should know that I live in a third floor walk-up. If you’re still interested, please hit me up on Let Go, Offer Up, or if you’re local, the Buy Nothing Redondo Beach (North) FB group. Get a mattress and earn a fitbit stair badge while you’re at it!

Staring contest going down on the 405 rn.

Me on day 1 of this LA storm:

Me on day 4 after my ceiling sprung a massive leak:

Fortunately, it’s leaking above an area free of furniture, electronics, and my hand-tufted moroccan rug.

Unfortunately, it’s in the shape of a vagina and a literal stain on my apartment.

If anyone without a hole in their ceiling would like me to stay over tonight, you’ll be rewarded with good karma, leftover pizza from Valentino’s, and me without pants on.

Share the Love Benefit Show (@ The Wiltern)

NOTE TO SELF: 16-year-old artists have 16-year-old fans. 

I’ll spare you the video and instead post this studio recording of my favorite Billie Eilish song (devoid of screaming teens in the background). You’re welcome.

When you call my name, do you think I’ll come running?
You never did the same, so good at giving me nothing

There is a hell and it’s the 405 during the holidays (and pretty much any other time of year).

BRB crying (@ Ahmanson Theatre)

Jay and Pammie came up to LA for the day to see this beautiful broadway show. I don’t know if it’s the holidays, or my period, or the $300 I spent on my ticket… but Jesus, I got emotional.

Thanks to Jay for surprising us with souvenir mugs! And for refraining from singing along during the show (even though he proved on the drive there that he knew all the lyrics). I know how hard it was for him to confine that urge! Ha.

Pics or it didn’t happen.

You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch (@ Redondo Beach)

Should I head back to work or across the street to Hotel Hermosa with these guys??? 😜

And it’s worth it, it’s divine
I have this some of the time

Hozier took us to church last night (@ The Wiltern)

Views (@ Griffith Observatory)

If you thought I was gonna celebrate National Cheeseburger Day, you weren’t wrong (@ Shake Shack)

You guys, my glasses just fogged up in the Whole Foods parking lot.

Could it be any more humid???

Actual footage of me trying to sleep during this heat wave.

HALP!

I vote for lobster trucks outside every polling place! (@ Aviation Park)

Sunday funday with Shi! (@ Smorgasburg LA)

I love when she comes up to visit (even if she eats all of my candy).

Prohibition is over and so is conference season!!! 🎉🎉🎉 (@ Manhattan Beach Studios)

When asked if I want my tagliatelle topped with a big ass ball of burrata, the answer is always yes (@ Pasta Sisters)

Please and thank you (@ Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken)

It’s been a rough week with my 4th place bracket finish, Channing and Jenna’s uncoupling, and now this earthquake today.

At least I’m going to Disneyland tomorrow! Let Alicia’s birthday weekend commence 🎉

Air + Style x Phantogram (@ LA Memorial Coliseum)

…or what you eat when your lunch buddy is observing lent (@ Hopdoddy Burger Bar)

If I didn’t know the Impossible Burger was plant-based, I would have never guessed it was meatless! And this is coming from a girl who loves her meat. I’m not about to give up ribs or anything, but it’s nice to know there’s a worthy (albeit pricey) alternative out there. We usually go to the farmers market for lunch on Fridays, and I could get four mexican hot dogs (and a stomachache) for the price of one burger. Def worth it, though.

Catching up with my coworkers (@ The Rockefeller Manhattan Beach)

Or as I like to call it… Thursday (@ Manhattan House)

Deane and her BF broke up today, so I drank her sorrows away with her since I’m such a supportive friend and all.

Friyay  (@ Arts District Brewing)

Weekly meeting (@ Tacos Tu Madre)

Cirque du Soleil (@ Dodger Stadium)

I didn’t even have to use my AK (@ Sweet Chick)

I think the bigger question is whether or not I’d be willing to let it go for someone who refers to Santa Monica as “SaMo”.

Staking my claim 👅 (@ Little Damage)

I’ll be here all winter ✌🏻 (@ Pershing Square Holiday Ice Skating Rink)

Sunday funday (@ Smorgasburg, ROW DTLA)

The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away

Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity

Love Forever (@ The Broad: Infinity Mirror Rooms)

Unsolicited fact about me: I can ice skate circles around you ⛸ (@ LA Live Holiday Ice)

The Shins (@ The Greek Theatre)

It’ll change your life, I swear…

Ice cream Sunday (@ Museum of Ice Cream)

Khruangbin x Geto Boys (@ The Fonda Theatre)

The Fonda is across the street from the Shake Shack in Hollywood, so we skipped the headliner for a shack stack and some crinkle fries (yes, I have a problem).

There is a hell and it’s my apartment during the hottest heat wave in LA 🔥🔥🔥

I’ve been stuck at home with the flu for 4 days (I tried to go to work yesterday and they sent me back home!). I’ve gone through 2 seasons of Game of Thrones and 5 boxes of tissues (for all the sickness coming out of my nose and mouth, not the tears coming out of my eyes when Khal Drogo died—yes, I’m that far behind). I escaped to my parents’ air-conditioned house in SD for the holiday, and it took me 4 hours to get here in triple-digit weather. I guess everyone else had the same idea. Some of my relatives are staying at my parents’ house this weekend and they’re sick, too! Misery really does love company. And air-conditioning.

I thought it was too late in the year to buy a portable a/c unit, but climate change is real y’all. My windows don’t open, so it would have to be a sliding door unit. If anyone has any suggestions on brands/installation, please send them my way!