Aliens/Rambling

I completely forgot!  We had our second visitor from Michigan!  Again, not here just to see us though.  Corey's old acting teacher/our friend/our camping buddy/the person whose house we lived at and house sat for before moving out here, actor Ralph Lister (he's British!).  He lived out here and did the acting thing years ago, and he was back for a weekend for a friend's wedding.  His original plans fell through, so he slept on our couch the first night.  He took us out to Golden Road brewery and we met up with some of his other actor friends still living in the LA area.  We hadn't been to Golden Road before, but it turned out to be the local version of Grand Rapids' Founders.  It was nice to see Ralph again.  He also brought us a CD of all of the pictures he'd taken whenever we hung out with him.  I'll have to post some of the better ones sometime.  For now, here's me in the parking lot of a fancy schmancy winery in Traverse City the weekend we went camping:

There was also another instance of things working out.  I mentioned Grant moved into his apartment just as Nick and Afton were moving in together, so Grant got free furniture.  Well, Dee was moving out and therefore wouldn't be able to use Mary's hairdryer anymore.  She was hanging out with co-worker Karla and asked if they could stop at Target to pick one up.  Turns out, Karla had gotten a free one that had been sitting in the box unused for the past year because she already had one.  So she let Dee have it.  It's dumb, but I think it's really cool how things work out perfectly like that.

If you read my blog regularly, there was a blog about Dee buying us a nice Ikea table.  Well, about a week after that, we found out the woman that lives next door was getting a new set, and looking to get rid of her old, really nice, actual dining room table with insertable leaf, 8 chairs, and matching little side table.  So we ended up taking that from her.  Dee had been trying to sell the table, but it's now her desk at her new place.  So that worked out as well.

Mary's back from Hawaii.  She had fun, but had her wallet/phone stolen :(  We picked her up from the airport last night.  Note to self, if I never fly out of/into LAX, do it in the middle of the night on a week night.  There was NO traffic on the highways, and the airport wasn't TOO busy.  The worst part was we were running late because of the stupid gas stations out here, and since she didn't have a phone there was no way to call her and let her know.

Did I ever give a final update about the DMV?  I know I talked to my mom about it.  If I already did, feel free to skip this paragraph.  I had my appointment at 10:30.  Luckily I got there 10 minutes early because I had to drive around for 5 minutes waiting for someone to leave just so I could park.  There wasn't much of a line for appointments, but the place was PACKED.  It took a while to have my number called, but it still wasn't probably much longer than 20 minutes since I had an appointment.  While I was waiting some guy decided to start a conversation with me, probably because we were both losers spending our Valentine's Day at the DMV.  Lol.  My number was called and I explained what happened to the lady.  At first she didn't understand, but she finally figured out what happened, and went off to find my paperwork from last October.  Luckily, they had it.  She didn't know why it wasn't processed because it's all done manually and not put into the system.  Most likely, it was because the mileage part wasn't signed on the Michigan title.  If I had gone back last year, I would have had to mail the title back to Michigan for my dad to sign since he was on the original title, then come back in.  But since it's now 2013 and my car is a 2003, they don't need the mileage.  There was also an issue with getting the car out of my dad's name and into just mine.  Luckily she was really nice and helpful.  She did everything she could to work with me and the paperwork I had.  I added a note to form I filled out before stating I was taking the car out of his name and putting it into just mine.  Then I had to add to the note my dad signed saying he was giving up all rights to the car so him and I were "selling" the car and I was "buying" the car.  Also, plates went up a dollar since last year, so she moved some stuff around so I wouldn't have to pay the extra dollar.  I'm also lucky the police never randomly looked up my plates.  Since the paperwork never went through, I technically didn't have valid plates or registration.  If I had gotten a ticket I probably could have fought it though.  My California title is supposed to come within 3 weeks.  Hopefully it'll be here before I leave so I'll know everything worked out this time.

 There's a house I pass on my way to work that has a lot of cool plants out front.  I think they're cacti and aloe plants.  Every time I walk by I want to take a picture to post, but taking pictures of a random house might look weird and suspicious.  I found it on Google maps though.  It's hard to see, but hopefully you get the idea.

It's on a corner and they curve all the way around

 Also, on my walk to work last week, I saw a small lizard scurry across the sidewalk!  He was only about 5 inches from head to the tip of his tail.  I think other than birds and the occasional squirrel, that may be the first wildlife I've seen out here.  It doesn't sound very exciting, but I thought it was cool.

Life as usual?

As far as I know, everything's taken care of for taking time off at work.  I'm not on the schedule for the week I leave and I've filled out the form to take a leave of absence.  I have a list of things to pack and have started getting them around, as well as buying a few things I'll need.  I'm pretty much set.  The hard part is now waiting the week and a half until I leave and trying to go about life as normal.  Life hasn't been quite normal though.

Jeremy and Rachel had some friends visiting from Ohio.  They all got together with more friends from Ohio that live in LA for dinner, and Corey and I were invited.  We walked down the Jeremy and Rachel's, and carpooled to the restaurant downtown.  Of course, we decided to cram into the tiny Mustang they had rented, and make the people from out of state drive in LA traffic (which wasn't too bad at the time we were there).  We got into downtown LA and were driving around looking for a parking garage.  We accidentally went too far, and suddenly the streets changed from being lined with cars and open stores, to closed store and NO ONE parking on the street.  There were tents lined up on the sidewalks everywhere.  The friends from Ohio got really nervous about "tent city" and turned down a side street to go back the way we came.  Suddenly the street was lined with cars, and is a fenced in area there was a huge group of people playing soccer at night.  It was weird.  We turned down a few more tent filled side streets, and made our way back to the busy downtown area.  Apparently, we accidentally drove through Skid Row.

The place we went to was call Bottega Louie, but when Jeremy was telling Corey about it over the phone, he thought we was saying Potato Louie, so all night we were joking about everything being made of potatoes.  It was a nice place but kind of expensive.  Corey and I split a pizza though, so we got off pretty cheap.  Plus one of Jeremy's friends happens to work there and was working that night, so she got us a bunch of free desserts.  She also helped us get a table.  The place was PACKED and there were 9 of us, but soon after he ran into her we manged to get a table. 

Afterwards, we were standing outside trying to figure out where we were going next and who was riding with who when we heard a thump.  I don't know who had the right of way, but it looked like a car was turning and a drunk guy was trying to cross the street and the car hit the guy.  Nothing serious though, he seemed fine.  The driver rolled down his window most likely to apologize and make sure he was ok, but the drunk guy started started punching him through the open window.  Not wanting to be punched, the car drove off, leaving the drunk guy sitting in the middle of the road.  But, being downtown, there are lots of stop lights, and the car got stopped at the next light.  So the drunk guy ran down the middle of the street after him.  Luckily almost right away two policemen on bikes rode up to take care of everything.  I don't know what happened, but we walked past on our way to the car, and the drunk guy was gone but the officers were talking to the driver.  Based on something the officer said, the drunk guy wasn't cooperating and either ran off or they had to detain him.  It was crazy, and made Jeremy and Rachel's friends from Ohio really anxious. 

Let's see, what else has been going on?  Dee found a place that hired her to do interior design (what she went to school for) and that wants to help her get her work Visa.  It's a bit far away, but she found someone she knows in that area that had a spare room she could rent.  So a couple of weeks ago Mary and I helped Dee more.  So we're down to 3 of us again.  She might have to move back though.  The place has a big project at the moment, but Dee has to go back to Thailand so she doesn't get into trouble for being here too long.  I think her Travel Visa is only good for 6 months, and it's getting pretty close.  The company didn't really like that she was leaving during this busy time, so she's afraid she might not be able to go back to work when she gets back. 

Right now her and Mary are actually in Hawaii for the weekend.  Dee's sister and friend gave her a ticket for her birthday because her sister, a flight attendant and whom she hasn't seen in months, was going to be in Hawaii for a bit.  Dee then surprised Mary with a ticket. Mary's boyfriend then surprised everyone by deciding last minute that he wanted to go along.  He was supposed to be Mary's ride to the airport and was going to watch Boog.  Luckily Jeremy could take her, and I'm looking after Boog, who has decided to be particularly obnoxious this weekend...

So, overall I'm keeping busy and having little adventures to pass the time before I leave for a greater adventure :)

On the Road Again

I've already called my parents and made an announcement on Facebook, so now it's time to tell those of you that don't know yet. 

I've mentioned a few times before the band One-Eyed Doll from Texas that I befriended while living in Michigan.  I went to PA to help them shoot a music video, and saw them play at the famous Whisky A Go-Go 2 days after I moved to CA.  They knew I wasn't getting many hours at work and was looking for a new/second job.  Well, they called me up the other day.  They're going to pay me to go on tour with them and work their merchandise table!  It'll be more then I'm making right now and it's only for about a month and a half.  I've already talked to my manager and she's ok with me coming back to work when I get back.  I'm just waiting to get a hold of someone from HR so it can be official put into the system and everything so I get put back on the schedule when I'm back. 

Kimberly, Corey, Me, Jason, Mr. Swimmy Socks - Grand Rapids, December 2011

Jason sent me this link to what will be my home for over a month.  It's the black Mercedes on the right. It looks nicer and roomier than their old touring van.  I believe there are power outlets and wifi, so I can take my laptop along.  I'm also hoping to update this blog as much as possible during that time, since I'm sure it's going to be a crazy adventure.

When I was telling Dee about it, she jokingly asked about living the sex, drug, rock & roll, partying lifestyle.  For friends and family who have never met Kimberly and Jason before, that could be an actual concern.  They're really nice, "normal", down to earth people.  When I've hung out with them during free time on tours, they've spent the time getting food, hanging out with fans, mailing out orders to fans, catching up on e-mails, doing laundry, etc.  There are shows most night and therefore no time to do anything crazy (which I don't think they would even if they had time).  Especially since they're the ones driving from show to show.  They don't have a huge motor home with I hired chauffeur to get them to the next city, they do it all themselves.  I think it's going to be an awesome experience, and I'm really excited to see cities I've never seen before and met all sorts of new people.  Not to mention getting to hang out with my favorite people for a month and a half and go to concerts almost every night.

Jeff, Corey, Me, Kimberly - Chicago, 2012

So, if you want to know where I am during the months of March and April, you can follow the tour schedule here.  And be sure to check back here often because I'll hopefully be updating a lot from the road!

Food

I don't eat out much, but this blog is all about FOOD!

There's a place down the road, and I think a location in Hollywood, called Vegas Seafood Buffet.   A bunch of us had been wanting to go for a long time.  I looked them up on online, and they had at least some stuff I could eat.  One Thursday Dee, Corey and I all happened to have the day off.  We also found a coupon online for 15% off, so we went.  There ended up being a ton I could eat, and we all left overly stuffed.

Veggie Tempura, veggie rice, veggie sushi, fried zucchini

Salad, fruit, banana dipped in the chocolate fountian

Lemony Snicket, I mean, Corey all silhouetted

Dee's excited about her food!

Corey's sushi and chocolate dipped stuff

Desserts!

Dee is stuffed

Also, there's a burger chain out here called In-N-Out.  Corey's obsessed with it, and I'd hear all about it even before moving out here. I've tried asking him what's so great about it.  They cut their fries there and cook them to order.  All of the ingredients are fresh, everything is made to order, and everything pretty much comes "as is" with the exception of onion.  They usually ask you if you want it with or without.  It's fairly cheap as well.  Plus, it's a super simple menu.  There are only 3 burgers listed, 1 size fry, etc.  There is a bit of a "secret menu."  You can get a burger or fries "animal style" which comes with grilled onions and a sauce similar to Thousand Island or the Big Mac sauce.  Corey also learned from his co-worker who is a pescatarian (vegetarian but eats fish/seafood) that they can make a veggie or grilled cheese.

One Sunday night I was getting out of work sometime after 10.  In-N-Out is open until 1am.  I was hungry, didn't want to have to go home and fix anything, so I stopped by to give it a shot.  I ordered the veggie (animal style of course) because when I hear "grilled cheese" I think just cheese grilled on a bun.  He rang it up, then asked if I wanted cheese on it.  I said "sure" and he voided that, and rang up a grilled cheese.  Apparently grilled cheese there comes with all the fixings; lettuce, tomato, onion, etc.  I ate my fries on the walk home because it was cold and they were warm, I was hungry, and fries are always better fresh.  I'm still not super impressed with the fries.  They're not bad or anything, they're just not amazing.  It was cool though seeing the guy stick a potato through the thing to cut it and watching as he cut and cooked each order.  It's not like they prep a bunch ahead of time, they do each order as it's ordered.  It can take a while to get your order, but at least it hasn't been sitting there under a heat lamp for hours.  When I got home I ate my grilled cheese.  OH MY GOSH!  Now I understand why Corey loves it so much.  I don't know what it was, but it was SOOOOOOOOOO good.  Now I have to make sure to cross the street early on my walk home so I'm not tempted by it.

You may also remember me mentioning LA Dogs in at least one other post (for sure the  Space Shuttle blog).  Well, a brand that makes veggie products was on sale one week, so I broke down and bought vegetarian hot dogs and bacon so I could try a veggie LA Dog. 

"Bacon" wrapped "Hot Dog" frying and peppers and onion sauteing

Missing the grilled jalapeno on top, and bread instead of a bun

Over all it was pretty good.  But veggie bacon is pretty much nothing like real bacon, and it wasn't so amazing that I'd be making them on a regular basis or anything.

Stupid DMV

I feel really behind on this blog.  My list of things to write about keeps getting longer and longer.

Even though hours have been cut, work has been keeping me busy.  I work weekends mostly, which leaves me absolutely exhausted.  And every time I think about finding a new/second job because I'm not getting enough hours, someone gives me a shift, I have to stay late, and/or I get called in on my day off.  I'm finally Starbucks certified though!  There was a Friday night the person I was supposed to close with called in.  It was crazy busy, we ended up closing early and the person that was supposed to leave at 8 stayed late to help me out.  Apparently I did I good job closing by myself though, so they made sure to get me certified the next week :)  Everyone at work really likes me too.  I've been told by several people that Target did a good job hiring me and they're glad I'm there.  One person even said they should get rid of a couple of people that were there before me, but keep me and give all of us more hours.  With the exception of one guy though, we have a pretty good team.

I still also can't get over the fact that in February I can walk to work in short sleeves and sunglasses.

I have been managing to get some stuff done on my days off.  One day, between running errands, I managed to bake this Cranberry-Almond Celebration Bread.  Dee helped with the top braid.  I didn't get a picture of the inside because we ate it too fast.

 

A few Saturdays ago Dee's co-worker Karla put together a Girl's Night Out in Hollywood.  I worked until 8 that night, but booked it home, quick showered, threw on a dress, and shoved food in my face while putting on make-up.  We picked up Rachel (I finally got to ride in the Mustang!), and met the rest of the girls in Hollywood.  It was a fun night out.

Karla's friend, Me, Mary, Karla's friend, Dee, Karla, and Rachel

I've also spent too much of my time on my days off dealing with the DMV.  Late October I went to the CA DMV to register my car and get my CA drivers license. I was prepared to wait, brought a book and a snack and spent 3 hours there. It had been a few months and the paperwork STILL hadn't come. My temporary paper license expired late December, and they punched out the expiration date on my MI one, so I technically didn't have a valid driver's license. I tried calling the DMV one morning, but there was a 2 hour wait just to talk to someone on the phone, and I had to work later. I waited until I had a day off and called in the morning. There was an hour wait, but they have it set up so you can leave your number, and they'll call you back when it's your turn.  It only actually took about 30 minutes for them to call me back. They can't find anything in their system about my car by looking up my plate # OR the VIN... They found my license application. Apparently they forgot to put in the system that the physical driving test was waved because I had an out of State license. So the system is saying I still need to complete part 2. She said to just go into the office to have them wave the driving test because she can't do it over the phone. And while I'm there, take in all my paperwork for my car so they can figure out why it's not in the system.  (How do they give out license plates but not put records of it in the system?) She asked if I wanted to make an appointment. I did. They didn't have anything available until Feb. 5. I didn't have my schedule for that week yet, and I didn't want to ask for days off and risk not getting enough hours, so I was going to wait.  Later, I tried looking up appointments at the Pasadena DMV because it's not very far away and I heard it's not as busy.  They had an appointment for Jan 28th at 11:30am, so I booked it.

It was about a 15 minute drive there.  There was no line for appointments, so I pretty much walked right up to the window.  I got a number, sat down, opened my book, and almost immediately had my number called.  They waved my driving test, gave me a new temporary license, and said my CA one should be in the mail in a few weeks.  My car however, is not in the system.  Most likely, when they went to audit it, there was some paperwork missing.  Usually they send the paperwork back or send you a letter telling you to come back in.  I didn't receive either.  So most likely my paperwork is sitting in the first office somewhere.  I have to go there to deal with it, and if they can't find it, I have to start all over again.  Which is going to be even more of a hassle because they took my MI title.  I'd better not have to pay again either.  People have told me that if I have to start all over again I should sue the DMV for wasting my time since they're the ones who have been screwing up.  Over all, I was only at the Pasadena DMV for 15 minutes!  But, I now have to go back to the first DMV to get my car figured out.

While waiting at a stop light in Pasadena, I got these pretty pictures of the mountains.

And, my CA drivers license is already here!

I got home from Pasadena and tried to set up an appointment at the other DMV.  There wasn't anything available until the 11th.  Of course, I didn't have my schedule for that week yet.  I figured I'd just have to go super early one morning when I had the day off and wait another 3 hours.  Luckily, the day I got my new schedule I looked up appointments.  I have an appointment at 10:30 on the 14th, which I have off.  Hopefully that means I can get all of this done and over with, and not have to wait nearly as long.

And that's all for now because I have to go get ready for work!