The Freak-out!... I mean... Force Awakens

There is no doubt about it- I married a nerd. However, "nerd" is a very loose and all-encompassing term. For as long as I have known Ross, I had no idea how deep his Star Wars nerdery ran. I thought that was left up to his brother Mark. No way. So for his birthday I gave him the complete Star Wars saga on blu ray and we have been working our way through all 6 films. Ross also used his birthday-gifted AMC gift card to buy tickets for the evening release of The Force Awakens as soon they were available online.

Thursday evening soon after work we were off to Riverside to get in line for our 10:30pm showing. The line was already pretty long and we heard that some people were there as early as 2:00 pm. We waited for about 2.5 hours in the freezing cold.



The lines were outside on top of the parking structure. I sent Ross to go get us some hot chocolate with our never ending Starbucks gift cards. He surprised me with a Teavana white chocolate peppermint tea that I fell in love with the other day.



I've been sick and my throat has been killing me. The drinks felt so good on my throat. And they made the time go a lot faster too!

Once they let us in the theater it was the classic scramble for seats. Luckily we found a two together!

The energy in the theater was insane. Almost tangible. Wookie cries, cheers, boos (at the Star Trek preview). Also boos every time a new preview started. GIVE US OUR MOVIE ALREADY! So funny. When the Lucas Film Ltd. image appeared I think people might've shed tears of joy. You could feel the excitement running through your body. Then the theme music and the title... grown men were giggling.

It was even more incredible than I could've possibly imagined. I was blown away. It was such a fun time and it had the usual awesome balance of action, comedy, and even a tiny bit of rommance, all while paying tribute to the original three and even the six as a whole. I'm helplessly in love with Rey, and BB8...... and Fin, and Poe....

I came home and got to work on giving myself a Rey hairstyle. Totally legit to go to work like this right?!

Soooo when comes the part when I get to watch it again? 

DTLA

Friday afternoon Ross picked me up from work. Exhausted, I was excited because I knew I had a 4-day weekend upon me! But then the most beautiful thing happened.

ROSS TOLD ME HE HAD MONDAY OFF.

I think I choked. On my own breath. Maybe I zoned off into Lala Land of Impossibility. I don't know how long I was gone. But when I came to, I still didn't have many words. I tried to act cool.

"WANNA DO SOMETHING?!"

So we set some plans, mostly centered around Ross's recent hot dog craving. I personally crave two kinds of hot dogs. 1. LA hot dogs and 2. Jdawgs.

When you need a hot dog. You need a hot dog. So I got that boy a hot dog.

But not before stopping in downtown LA first. I've been to the flower market, and I've been to to classier part of downtown, lots of parts of it. Even the Skid Row part of it. But I never spent time in the fashion/garment district area.

It's all a bit overwhelming. Bloggers love to tell you their tips and tricks for fabric steals. But take it with a grain of salt because I felt like I was being bulldozed by 1,000 huge rolls of fabric on every corner.



How you grab said fabric out of the center of these rows, I do not know. No one is getting through this exit for a while.



But it was fun just walking around amongst it all. I kinda felt like I needed to leave some bread crumbs somewhere but luckily everything in DTLA is a grid and pretty easy to navigate even if it all starts looking the same after awhile.

The area isn't just for fabric though. This one shop (well, more than one) was dedicated to trimmings, ribbons, chains, jewels, rhinestones- almost floor to ceiling.

We also checked out Moskatel's, a huge warehouse style Michaels. They had huge Halloween displays including a haunted swamp shack surrounded by bubbling smoking water.



Craft items as far as the eye can see! Including probably 100 different floral arrangement cards!

Santee Alley ain't what it used to be, but you gotta walk down it just for the experience. $3 leggings and shoes and knock-off Mac make-up galore.



This Yelp review of Santee Alley, "Now I know what it's like to be sober in Tijuana. Guess i can check that off the bucket list of stuff I never wanted to do." Bahaha.



Last minute before we split for some hot dogs, we found a knock-off perfume shop. I always get a kick out of knock-off names (see proof here). So I was having the time of my life browsing.

U-GO BOOS.



I almost had tears rolling down my cheeks. I'm currently obsessed with Juicy Coture's Viva La Juicy. I found a sufficient knock-off and for $5 snatched it right up. This is perfect for me cos then I get to try out the scent without full monetary and day-long-effervescence commitment.

On our way back we cut through the Flower Market which was closing, but still fun to catch a glimpse of the busy-ness from earlier that morning.



Next we rolled over to the aforementioned Pink's hot dogs. An LA necessity.



I once saw it on a list of overrated things in LA. I was personally offended on both moral and emotional levels. Then I promptly lost offensive by drowning myself in a hot dog smothered in all sorts of guacamole and nacho cheese. Pink's hot dogs are my spirit animal. Or maybe the bacon on top of those fries.



I've been wanting to explore Los Angeles's beach communities a little more. For as long as I've been going to beaches here, I don't have much variety. Today seemed the perfect day to visit Manhattan beach.






It's the middle of October but still really hot.



We walked out on the pier but mostly just wanted to jump into the waves.



So we did the next best thing and visited a cute little ice cream and candy shop. They had pretty tasty looking cupcakes but our eyes were on the homemade ice cream sandwiches.



They were divine. Why can't every day be a day off?

Senior Citizens' Guide to Punk Concerts

You're getting old. And that's okay. But someone needs to tell you things aren't working like they used to.

That's me. You're welcome. 

Although you are aging, that doesn't mean that you can no longer have fun. Let's say, you find a magical punk rock line-up in a venue about 20 minutes from your location. You should definitely go. But not without some advice. Remember, you're not the young gun you were at Warped Tour '97. 

Blue skies, dirt, and marijuana-heavy air, it's festival time!

BEFORE YOU GO: 

• What to wear. You may not fit your Reel Big Fish t shirt from high school but go ahead and squeeze into your record store shirt from college, if you'd like. Don't worry about what you wear. You're a punk. You do what you want. A little extra eyeliner won't hurt though. 

I realize I look about 16 in this selfie, but you should still listen to my advice

• Take your meds. Your heart meds, your thyroid tablets, your allergy pills. Take an extra one of those cos you know there will be black boogers for days if you're anywhere near that circle pit. You're likely to get sore muscles from standing and rocking out. And a headache from the loud music. Extended release pain killers are your friend. 

AT THE VENUE: 

• Yeah you're a punk. But even punks gotta follow rules to get in to the venue. Read the FAQ and understand what you can take in. But know that you are never too old for slight of hand. If the caps need to be off your water bottles in order to be brought in, do it. But hide those caps because you can't afford to buy new bottles inside. You never actually grew up and got a real job so you gotta make the money from your desk job last. 

It's not punk without pot! Feel free to take the kiddos to the kiddie section with carnie games and over-sized inflatables. 

Or just throw them on your shoulders and rock out!

• Sunscreen. You've probably already had a skin cancer scare by now so you know how important it is to take care. Sunscreen every hour, or two sets, depending on the sun strength. Don't forget your bald/ balding spot. Though you'll fare best with a hat. 

• The nice thing about being old and fat is that you no long have to worry about the young guns taking you medium or small merch. Relax! Your XXXL shirts will still be there after the show. But be warned that kids these days are really getting in to vinyl so if you need records look out for those first. 

GREEN MEANS GO: 

You're all sunscreen'd up, your chucks are remembering these bless'd days. You made it through security and you are here. Now: 

• Know your limits. I'm sure you used to be a hardcore mosher. But you might want to consult with your physician before participating. But also rest assured there will always be someone younger, also probably someone fatter and drunker than you in the pit. You could probably split the difference and be just fine. Start with a light ska song like Fishbone. If you fall, there will always be a hand to pick you up, and a lot less 'bows than an Anti-Flag circle pit. Work your way up. 

Sweaty skaning tattos and hazy dirty circle pit air

• Take breaks. Don't push it. No one here judges you.

Sunscreen in your eyes, filthy sweat. Are we having fun yet?!

• So sit down and work your way into that shade the port-a-potties provide. You need it. Grab some TP from the the Less Than Jake show as it shoots out of a jimmy-rigged leaf blower. You never know when you might need some. 

• Take pictures. With your recent changes in, um... memory recollection, it will help you remember all the fantastic bands you saw. 

Bouncing Souls, Goldfinger, Fishbone, Reel Big Fish, Less Than Jake!

• But after a few, put that camera away and just ROCK OUT! -You've still got it! (sorta)

AFTERCARE.

There was a time you could drag your semi dead half-wasted body home and be cool by 9am the next day. That day is no more. Throw on that ultra sick, newly pressed and re-released, $10-bin-find, favorite album (maybe ever), vinyl and just be cool. You made it. And it was way worth it. 

BoWA #4

"Life is too short so love the one you got"

Thanks for the reminder Sublime. September is zooming by and it is times like this when I realize that life is made up a million little things that make you happy.

#1 Like when Ross packed my lunch and put this cute little dino in there. So stupid- but it made me smile all day.

#2 Or like any time Ross wears a suit. All of his residency applications are out there now, so we figured we should go get him some new suits. That way he can look super sharp for those interviews. Jos A Bank always has great sales and Ross is a huge fan so we went ahead and hooked it all up. 

#3 Ross's attire lately has been slacks and a button up, or scrubs. In this case, a pair of scrubs about 5 sizes too large. But you take what you can get from the hospital laundry and just hope the drawstring doesn't do ya dirty.



#4 Also picture in scrubs, different day, documentation of Pizza Friday! Throwing caution and budget restrictions out the window we also stopped at our local favorite: Sucre. Their macaroons and cups of cake are so delicious. Our pizza place is in the same shopping plaza. They always have deals and the pizza is so cheap and good. Best Pizza Friday ever!



#5 While we are on the topic of food I will go ahead and share this amazing recipe for salmon I found (link here). Yeah I did that thing where I take a picture of my plate of food. But I just wanted to forever remember this delicious and fresh summer meal in all of it's perfection.



#6 There has been talk for some time now about my parents getting a new TV. This month they finally pulled the trigger and bought a huge TV. It is quite the change from the "small" old one they had before. As you can see, it barely fit in my parent's Durango. Haha.



#7 We had a nice little period where we got some rain this month. I like this flower that I found on my way to work.

#8 The rain is nice because when it eventually (finally!) comes it clears out the sticky air and everything is so fresh- even if still a little warm. One Thursday Ross and walked to the Redlands farmers market and I got this delicious popsicle. I think it was called Watermelon Margarita or something? It had lime and sour orange in it and was perfect for a summer night. I'm embarrassed that I am a dork and constantly forget my husband's watermelon allergy. I was almost force-feeding it to him when I realized it. D'oh! What a dork. 

Idylwild: Attempting to Beat the Heatwave

I am really trying really hard to not complain about the heat. Partially because I just know that I tempt fate and wherever I move next will be hotter than here. I try to take matters into my own hands but that doesn't seem to work either.

I always equate the mountains to cooler, breezy temperatures. After so many sweltering mountain experiences, you think I would learn my lesson. It's just not true in Southern California mountains in the summer.



Thinking that we would give the mountains another try, we headed up to Idylwild to hang out for a bit.



Although it wasn't a lot cooler temperature-wise, it was fun to get out of the house and do something different. Pretty much my favorite thing to do: wander. It is also where I first fell in love with chocolate covered cheesecake, so Ross and I got one, this time covered in Butterfingers.

We walked around the little stores. Trying on funny hats and seeing that truly, the demographic here is more for winos.



I liked this shop that had a yard full of colorful rocks. They were super cheap but Ross wouldn't let me get a dozen.



What?! He doesn't want these strewn around our apartment so he can stub his toes around every corner? Ridiculous.

UCLA v BYU Game

I'm not a football person. My BFF Brigette and I often commiserate how much we hate football. Her husband Aaron and his buddy always get tickets to the home UCLA games. Ross thought it would be fun to go to one (since they buy extra tickets). When he found out BYU was playing them he was pretty eager to see if we could be Aaron's +2. Even if it's football I will take any excuse to hang out with Brigette and her family, so we made it happen!

And before we knew it A big ol' group of us- 6 adults and one Asher were on our way down to LA for the game. As you might be considering, yes- Ross and I in BYU gear and every single other person in UCLA. That's friendship, no drama just a little rivalry. We did the whole tailgating experience, which was really fun. BYU doesn't really have anything quite like the depth and breadth of tailgating at this game. Aaron and Matt go to these games all season so they are seasoned professionals in the art. They have their ez-up, portable amp, grill, coolers, tables, chairs.



Matt's girlfriend made this awesome cornhole game. You gotta play cornhole while tailgating (says the person who hasn't done either). It was this day that I learned that Brigette and I are unsurpassable and unstoppable cornhole teammates. We were undefeated until Matt's parents came around and beat us out. That's fair.



The food was amazing. The main dish was carne asada tacos which was so delicious we just ended up eating pieces of carne asada. We also had fruit and stuff but tacos are kinda main dishes and appetizers and fruit and vegetables anyways.

I should mention that by the beginning of the game I knew more people in that stadium than any BYU home game I ever went to as an undergrad. It all kinda snowballed. Word got out about the game and then Ryan and Jen were driving from Arizona to come. Then Mom and Dad were on board. Then Ali was flying in from New York to join in as well! Also one of the people I work with is a UCLA alum and came to the game with his family. It was fun to be able to meet up with everyone at different points and say hi.



On the way to the stadium!



The game was incredible. Both teams were undefeated going into it. And for as great a team as UCLA is, BYU was really able to play well.



The game was so close and at the last minute- when for sure we thought sweet sweet victory was ours- we lost it. It was so heartbreaking to be so close! I've never invested myself so much in any sporting game. Even our UCLA friends felt sad for us and we didn't bother with banter afterwards.

The game was so close and at the last minute- when for sure we thought sweet sweet victory was ours- we lost it. It was so heartbreaking to be so close! I've never invested myself so much in any sporting game. Even our UCLA friends felt sad for us and we didn't bother with banter afterwards.



Win or Lose- our spirit nails looked awesome. Top: Jen with BYU and the world's tiniest paw print. Middle: Ali with mixed art of her two alma maters and a variety of paw prints. Bottom: Me keeping things simple.



I wasn't expecting to have so much fun at the game but it was a really incredible experience and fun opportunity to spend time with friends (and eat tacos). Thanks Lucas family for the invite!