L.A. Zoo Day

Now that I'm an Arizona natural, pretty much any summer weather feels amazing. Like when your mom informs you that it will be 86 degrees, you debate whether a light jacket will be necessary. And you are easily convinced it's a great day for the zoo! 

Zoos are popular activities for children, babies, moms, and elementary school children on field trips. Which probably explains why I haven't been to the zoo in like 15 years. 

The great thing though, is that who doesn't love watching poor lil overheated animal friends? 

This elephant knew what was up and sucked up water in his trunk to spray all over himself.

I learned a little more about exotics animals like tapirs and axolotls. 

 

I was a little surprised to find myself loving a couple new friends in The Lair. 

Poison dart frogs- hard to see in the picture, but there's about 10! 

And this... Forest Bearded Dragon? There's two in that one. 

I also learned about this cute little guy, a Pudu. Cute, but also just fun to say. 

And of course there were old favorites like otters and meerkats and lions and these fighting giraffes.  

It was just fun to be together! 

I could tell we were all having fun because before we knew it, it was 4pm! 

It was a full day and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

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. 

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!

Flying Porta-Potties and Scandinavian Things

I hope that title got your attention because "Solvang with Mom, Dad, Cassie, and Calvin" is kinda boring.

The tots adorbs newlywed Cass and Cal were in California this weekend. And whether the aebleskiver pan was calling their name, or just a little adventure, I don't know. But squished in the back seat of my parent's sedan we were on our way to Solvang (see my brief mention here). To be quite honest, I think we were hoping for some cooler, breezier temperatures closer to the coast as well.



It was bright and sunny and a great day to hang out. Mom has always wanted to eat in Solvang, to see how aebleskiver straight from the source (well, so to speak) taste. We ate at the Red Viking, in a bit of an awkward squished table next to some annoying foodies from LA (well, they thought they were foodies- really they just ate food and were snobby). The food was honestly disappointing, and we all agreed that Dad's aebleskiver are the best there are (now I sound like the snob!).



We walked around a bit. I found an aebleskiver cookbook for dad, if he decides he wants to get fancy. We of course had to walk by in famous wooden shoe. Our family always had to take a picture by the shoe, Cass being the youngest would always sit in the shoe. She's just a little too big now but you still gotta get that pic!

Mom and dad bought us some pastries to share. I love this picture- how do you begin to get at something of that creamy magnitude?!



I had to make sure to snag a few of these while I was there. I haven't been able to find raspberry danish dessert anywhere else (okay, okay, if I got desperate I could turn to the internet).



I almost closed off this post without mentioning the flying porta-potty! Well we were on our way to Solvang when we see a helicopter over the beach with a long rope-type cord hauling something. We were all mystified wondering what was happening and if everyone was okay. Then when we drove past we looked behind us to see the Unidentified helicopter-aided-Flying Object was... a porta potty. Definitely was not expecting to see that at the end of the line.



To break up the longish drive home we stopped at Refugio beach. The ranger at the pay station was super awkward and asked my dad, "Will I be charging you the $7 fee or $8 fee?" Luckily my dad was totally on it and politely joked with the ranger that, yes, he just might make the senior citizen discount. Everyone else in the car was totally lost. Like you really have to be that awkward over a $1 difference? Pretty sure my dad would've given it to you had you just asked.



The campground at the beach was teeming with unkempt urchin children running wild, RVs, trailers, and tents. We had the right idea though and walked straight through to the beach.



Always a good time for some photo ops. I love this picture. My mom hates pictures so you have to sucker her into them while she is in her happy place.



Mom's happy place = anywhere the beach is!

4th Anniversary

My favorite thing about my little blog is the ability to look back. This year I was reading the blog post I wrote from last year's anniversary celebrations and some reflections I had on marriage. Things change so quickly in a year. Now that we find ourselves in California, we were ready to have some fun in LA. Ross planned out a whole day for us. He included new places, old favorites, and some previously attempted and failed places.

We started with a trip to Donut Friend, "Donuts Done Differently." And differently in the best way possible.



You can build your own, but why fix something that ain't broke? Because the combos they had sounded pretty good to me. We got a half dozen only because we knew a dozen wouldn't keep in the car all day and we already had dinner reservations.



Me staring at "The Angry Samoa." Which was my favorite. It's hard to even describe it, but just imagine a donut + Samoa Girl Scout Cookie love child.

Then we headed over to The Hollyhock House, which we had tried to go to before, but it had been closed for renovations. It was fun to finally see inside. Ross is a big Frank Loyd Wright fan.



It has great views of the Los Angeles, the Hollywood sign, and the Griffith Observatory. None of which really existed when the house was built in 1920. It's a relatively small house, and unfortunately much of it is closed off. But we still enjoyed it. I love the interpretation of the hollyhock motif and also the creative architecture. For every inside area there is an equal and opposite outside area. Because of the sunny and beautiful weather in Southern California, the house was meant to be opened up, extending indoor spaces to the outside.



Two little lovebirds hanging around Barsndall Park. We took ample breaks between adventures to dig in to the donuts. Here is Ross enjoying the X-ray Speculoos donut, one of his favorites.

Donuts and Deloreans in the parking lot. Ross got weird when he saw it and insisted I take his picture. 

Then on to Amoeba Music! Always a favorite, and one of the places we went when he visited California before we were married. 

I love staring at the ska section. Wildly searching for any group I might have missed, and new songs to discover. I like playing ska roulette and picking one of the compilation CDs for around $5. I tend to go for the two-tone rocksteady albums for this game. 

After some fun and more donuts, we drove over to Redondo Beach. Good luck not getting lost with directions like this: 

Ross made us dinner reservations at a Brazilian churrasco. It's hard balance to know when to stop with the donuts so you can get your money's worth at an all you can eat meat fest churrasco.

We walked around the beach for a little bit, enjoying the fresh ocean air. I like this boat that was all dressed up like a pirate vessel. You can't see it well but there was a pirate climbing and skeleton bones too. 

All of a sudden we heard a band playing and a parade started! The Special Olympics are in Los Angeles and a couple of the nearby beach communities are hosting international teams. It was so cool to see all the athletes ready to compete. They had huge smiles over their faces and it was fun to cheer them on, give them high fives, and wish them the best of luck. 

Next up was dinner with amazing views as the sun set.

This place was a little different from your Utah Valley Tucanos because every half hour or so (ummm I kinda lose track of time with so much meat in my face) they carnival dancers would come out and shake and shimmy right by your table. It was crazy. I'm talking FULL BLOWN skimpy bikinis, feathers, head-dresses, and glitter. Oh the glitter! We got one of those awkward table photos, with the sun shinning on my face and food in my face. 

Complimentary photo with said sun shinning on my face. I am a human-plant hybrid and use sun and meat to produce energy. 

Green means go! 

On our way home with full bellies I thought about my anniversary post. Last year I mentioned "how much I hate medical school." And I'm pleased (and a bit surprised) that med school displeasure only crossed my mind about once all of today. This year things are a lot more certain. We aren't moving across states. We aren't packing. We aren't car-less. We have an apartment. I have a job! And yes, that will all come again in a year, but for all I care, life is amazing right now.

Since this post is all about love I can legitimately post two photos that are almost exactly the same.