Hi There.

Just wanted to pop in for a little update, since I haven't been by in a while. I am still pursuing a nursing degree. Last night I completed a CPR training course. It was like a CPR course on steroids because it is for professionals in health care. They also teach you how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator). If you don't know what that is, it is basically like one of those things from the movies and TV shows that doctors use to shock a person's heart. Except with an AED it analyzes what is going on in the heart and delivers the shock itself, if necessary. It is portable so it can be brought to any scene and isn't on a big cart like a defibrillator would be at the hospital.

I really enjoyed my CPR class. I took one back in high school, but it has been so long that I am obviously not still certified. Not only did I not remember most of the rules/procedures, they have all changed so much since I last took the course. I really liked reading in the book about different diseases and how the heart works and all of that good stuff. Most of it was pretty basic, but I was happy to realize that I am super interested in this and excited to get started on my CNA training class.

My CNA training class starts on Oct.12 and I'm really excited. I know it is going to be a nasty job full of the nurses' bitch work, but I can't wait to get in the field and help patients and start learning and experiencing the environment.

I have also signed up to do some volunteering. I start volunteering for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society next week, and have a volunteer interview with my favorite local hospital in October. Hopefully I will also be able to volunteer for the Red Cross and other organizations. I want to be involved in everything I can possibly be involved in, but with school starting that leaves very little time.

As for my boy situation, I now know that talking about it on the blog isn't a curse, because this last guy didn't work out and I didn't even blog about him. Oh well. NEXT!

OH! This is exciting...a friend and I are planning on going to NYC for New Years Eve! I'm so excited. I haven't been to NYC in about 5 years and I can't wait to get back. It is my favorite city, by far. If anyone reading is going to NYC or knows someone who is going for NYE let me know! I've been doing some research, but I just don't know what to do about the actual New Years Eve. There are all access passes for an ass-ton of money, then single bar tickets, and me wanting to be in Times Square...so many things to think about! Any and all suggestions are more than welcome!

Hope all is well with any readers out there!

Vacation!

Sorry kids, no Foodie Friday again. I'm on vacation! Well, a mini-vacation at least. I'm going to the Wild Dunes resort in South Carolina for the weekend! It will be a weekend full of relaxation, sun, the beach, fruity drinks, good food, and golf with Dad. I'm super excited!

Have a great weekend y'all!

Back to the Future

Yay. The election is over. I'm excited that our country will be going in a new direction and I look forward to the change. Mostly I am super pumped about not having to see political commercials anymore. They were getting out of hand towards the end there!

Anyways, I have come to realize I am not that great at coming up with post ideas. Lately I have basically been updating everyone with the Dru situation, but talking hardly any about other topics. I have a bad habit of thinking of things to write about, but then forgetting them and sitting in front of my computer with writers block. There are tons of opinions I have regarding somewhat controversial topics that I could discuss, but I don't want this to turn into a serious blog. I like the light, carefree feel of it right now. Oh what to write about...

I am great at talking about me. Plain and simple. SO I'll just write a brief* post about what is going on in my life (outside of Dru) until I can come up with something more entertaining. Well this may have a little to do with Dru, but I'll keep it to a minimum. As you may know, I will be graduating from college in May. I will have a degree in Business Management with a concentration in marketing. When I started school I thought this was the way to go; I was told, and believed, that a degree in business would give me the opportunity to work in pretty much any field.

Well, thank you, economy. This is no longer true, close to being true, or will be true in the immediate future.

So, I am presented with somewhat of a conundrum. To try to find a job...or go back to school? I have found a great advertising program at the University of Alabama. However, I would need to get 3 recommendation letters, take the GRE and submit an application by February 15. The recommendation letters and application aren't as daunting as the GRE. I have only recently begun my quest to take this particular test, and realize how much harder it is than I originally thought. I've concluded that it would be in my best interest to wait and apply next spring and start school in the fall of 2010.

I have searched online for jobs in the Birmingham area and have found some that look interesting. My thought process behind moving to Birmingham a year before I want to start school is threefold: 1. establish residency so I can get in-state tuition 2. save money to pay off the loan I will surely need 3. Dru. Now, I'm sure you see the obvious drawbacks here...what if Dru and I don't work out? What if I can't find a job when it actually comes time? What if I don't get in? Etc. Etc. Etc...

Hear me out...I want to be in the advertising industry. I am taking the only advertising-related class offered in my program and I enjoy it so much more than any other class I have taken. There are plenty of advertising programs elsewhere in the nation, mostly in the North, but as of right now, I don't really see myself moving North. I have nothing against it, I just have more friends and connections in the Midwest and southern states. The program at Alabama is great and seems to fit exactly what I am looking for, which most other schools don't.

Here comes the toughest part...how do I talk to Dru about it? He has mentioned me moving down to Alabama many times, but I haven't responded seriously, yet. Last weekend I lightly mentioned the advertising program at UA and he seemed genuinely excited.

On the other hand, if I were to try to find a job here in Raleigh, I probably wouldn't have much luck. I don't know how to approach my current bosses and ask if there is any chance of me growing within my current company when I graduate. I would love to stay on, if I don't go to Alabama, but I don't see any real potential for me here.

Oh the dilemmas of my life.

I'm really going to have to get on decorating my apartment though, because I think Dru is finally coming to visit in a few weeks. If you have any suggestions for places to find these items (reasonably priced) or have any creative ideas they will be greatly appreciated:

1. Standing mirror
2. Duvet cover with monogram
3. Wall decorations (frames, art, etc.)

I guess I should put up some pictures of the apartment to help everyone visualize...I will try to remember!

*Sorry it didn't turn out so brief!

Love is in the air!

Warning: This post may trigger your gag reflexes if you aren't into the mushy stuff.

I think I'm in love. Oh goodness. That is quite a statement isn't it? I'm so nervous that by saying it that I'm going to jinx something.

I had yet another great weekend with Dru. To start, his company party was great. The house it was gigantic and beautiful. All of his co-workers were incredibly nice and dressed up in the funniest costumes. My favorite was a guy dressed up as a shower. He had some PVC pipe connected with a curtain hanging around him. Clever. :)

Dru and I were John McCain and Sarah Palin and we pulled it off with ease, if I do say so myself. We got SO many compliments both nights (Thursday for the company party and Friday for the real Halloween).

Also, WE WENT SKYDIVING! It was so much fun! The day was incredibly long though, because we didn't have a reservation, so we had to wait until they could fit us in. Which happened to be a slow 7 hours(!) after we arrived. It was definitely worth the wait though. When you jump, you get the option to just regular free-fall or do a couple of flips before you free-fall in the normal position. I wasn't about to have waited 7 hours for a 'normal' experience, I went for the flips! And I'm glad I did...it was fun and made for a really cool video.

Another great thing about this trip was I got to meet his parents and youngest sister. I was very nervous to meet the parents especially, because I have heard so many great things about them. For example, his dad is a cardiovascular surgeon who just got back from doing volunteer work in the underprivileged towns of Brazil. I was nervous that although they are giving people, that since they are so wealthy they might be a little stuck-up. Boy, was I wrong. His mom is the sweetest person, ever. We had great conversation and I hope she liked me too! His sister was cute and sweet as well. I'm assuming his dad was just tired, since he did get back from Brazil that morning, but he didn't talk as much. Still, I felt genuinely welcome in their home.

Dru usually confesses his love for me when he is drunk. And did again this time. To which I responded in the same 'tell me in the morning' fashion I always do. Well, I think he tried to tell me when he was sober a couple of times but didn't just come right out and say it. So, as much as I wanted to say it back, I didn't because it would have been weird considering the particular wording of the conversations. I think next time I'm just going to say it back when he says it drunk and hopefully that will lead into it being more of a regular thing.

You might be thinking that just saying it doesn't matter - what really matters is how you feel. And believe me, I really think I love him. I haven't felt this way about a person in a LONG time. Although I am scared of getting hurt, I'm not going to let it get in my way. I'm going to let him in and see what happens.

I hope all of you had a wonderful and safe Halloween weekend...what was your costume?

Happy Halloween!

Well there aren't that many days at work that I am so busy I hardly have time to read blogs or post my own. Tuesday was one of those days. Although I love reading and writing blogs, I would rather be busy at work and save the blog world for home (and quick breaks at the office). I feel bad wasting the company's money blogging all day, but if they don't give me work what am I supposed to do? Oh well. Most of the other internships I have heard about are similar to mine, so I'm not too concerned.

Anyways, I'm going back to Alabama to see Dru today! I'm leaving work at noon to catch a flight and go with him to his company's party tonight. I'm so nervous! I will be the youngest person there by a good 5-10 years, but hopefully that will work in my favor. Dru and I are going as John McCain and Sarah Palin. He picked our costumes because he is a southern boy who is, naturally, in love with John McCain. It also helps that I have some glasses similar to Sarah Palin's, and can pull her look off with relative ease. Hopefully I will get to take some good pictures and have good stories to report back.

Speaking of pictures, I have been debating on whether or not I should put some up. I read blogs of people who won't put up any pictures, some who will but block out faces and others who show everything. I realize putting up pictures will make me a bit more vulnerable to the bad internet creeps. However, I want the people who I feel know me through my blog to be able to put a face to the name and writing. What do you think? Has anyone you know ever had a bad experience with putting their picture on their blog?

Happy Halloween everyone! Be safe and eat a lot of candy!

Things to do before I'm 30

I watched a Scrubs* episode yesterday where J.D. turns 30. He and Turk had made lists of things they wanted to do before they both turned the big three-oh. Turk had accomplished many of his such as: get married, have kids, etc. J.D. hadn't completed a single thing from his list. Still single, in the process of finding a new home, etc. J.D. decides the only thing on his list he can accomplish before his 30th birthday (which happened to be the next day) was to complete a triathlon. To make a long, funny, story short, he winds up completing the race - thanks greatly to Elliott.

I started to make a bucket-list a few months ago, but that seemed too daunting and unrealistic. I would rather make a bucket-list closer to the time I think I will die (as morbid as that sounds). So I liked the idea of making a list of goals before I reach 30 (which will be in 9.5 years). Here it goes:

1. Get married
2. Have at least 2 children (yeah I know that seems really soon - I want to be a young mom though!)
3. Run a half-marathon
4. Skydive
5. Go camping (I've never been!)
6. Better understand religion/adopt a denomination
7. Go to Greece
8. Become dedicated to and participate regularly in a good cause...Susan G. Komen?
9. Obtain my MBA
10. Dine in the dark

What are some of your goals for the next 10 or so years?


*Scrubs is THE BEST SHOW EVER. I recently got into watching it a few months ago. They play reruns on Comedy Central and TV Land. It is incredibly funny. Their last season finished shooting at the beginning of the summer I think, but won't air until "mid-season" (whenever that is) this year. The show used to be on NBC but will now be airing new episodes on ABC - the best network ever. If anyone knows exactly when new ones will air let me know - I'll try to keep you posted as well.

Another Trip to See Dru!

I've been gone for a while, and I apologize. But here is what happened to me while I was away...

Thursday was my Mom's birthday. We spent the day in the car driving 6.5 hours down to Atlanta. I have never been outside of the airport in Atlanta, and I loved being able to see downtown. We didn't really explore the city, but driving to the hotel I was able to see the basics. Our hotel was right next to the airport and we had a room that faced the runways. As boring as it sounds, it was really cool to watch planes take off and land! Mom and I spent the first night in the concierge lounge and hotel bar. It was good to have some time for just me and her, seeing as our relationship isn't the closest in the family.

Friday my mom was busy doing work things so I slept in, went for breakfast and a workout. I helped her with her work a little then got ready to go to dinner with her and Dru. We went to dinner at the Atlanta Fish Market in Buckhead. It was DELICIOUS! Of course the fish was fresh, and the rest of the food was to die for too. I was so nervous for the three of us to have dinner together because the only time my mom has met Dru was at the wedding that I met him. She didn't really get to talk with him at the wedding, so I considered this to be the first real meeting. I don't know what I was worried about, but I guess I like Dru so much now that I didn't want anything to go wrong. Dinner went great, Mom loved Dru and Dru loved Mom.

Dru and I then rode back to Birmingham and met his brother and some friends out. We had a great night and I drank entirely too much. There was a lot of dancing and I'm willing to bet it wasn't pretty. Dru always tells me he is falling in love with me when he is drunk, so I always respond with, "Tell me that when you aren't drunk." So this weekend when I said that he goes, "OK I'll tell you first thing in the morning."

He didn't.

But that is OK. I didn't expect him to actually do it.

Saturday we laid around, watched football, then went to a friend's house. I wasn't feeling good at all that day so I may have come off as a bitch at the friend's house. I feel bad about not being friendly, but I literally felt like something besides words were going to come out of my mouth every time I opened it. It wasn't a whole lot of fun, but I just enjoyed being with Dru. We went to bed early that night, in anticipation of skydiving the next morning.

Sunday morning we get up early, are dressed, ready and 20 minutes out of town when I notice it is kind of cloudy. Dru suggests we call and see if they still jump in the clouds.

They don't.

So we couldn't go! I was so upset, because skydiving is something I have wanted to do forever, but there is nothing we could do. Dru was really mad as well. I guess we will just be rescheduling...
I was nervous with all of this free time Dru would take me to meet his parents. I want to meet them, but I was in jeans and a t-shirt with wet hair. This is not the first impression I was hoping to make. Thankfully, we didn't wind up doing that, instead we went to the zoo. It was so much fun. I love going to the zoo and it was great to just spend time with Dru. He is so sweet. I didn't use my debit card all weekend, and I'm pretty sure I didn't open a single door for myself either.

Finally it was time to go. I really didn't want to leave, but with school, work and all of my other responsibilities back home I really didn't have a choice. Dru wanted to take me to his favorite Brazilian restaurant in Atlanta, so we left Birmingham early. As it turns out, we didn't leave early enough. We hit some traffic so we didn't have enough time to go eat at the Brazilian restaurant. He wound up coming in the airport with me and eating at a restaurant there. Over dinner he questioned me about what I plan to do when I graduate in 6 MONTHS! AHH! I have no idea, and I told him this. There are tons of things I want to do, but don't have the means to do. My realistic options aren't exciting and I don't want to stick to a path that most people travel.

Then the surprise came. Dru said, "Why don't you move down to Birmingham and get your MBA at UAB?" I was totally taken back by this just because we haven't really known each other that long. I was so surprised I just responded with, "I don't have any friends in Birmingham." We kind of passed over the topic lightly, but I am so happy he mentioned it. I feel now like he really does have feelings for me, and to tell you the truth it kind of got my hopes up. I would LOVE to move to Birmingham and be able to see him each day. But isn't it too early for me to be thinking like that?! I have no idea.

We said our goodbyes, and it seemed like he really didn't want me to leave as much as I didn't want to leave. But I did, and I'm back to boring reality. He didn't call last night which surprises me because we had such a good weekend together, but I'm not letting it get to me. Hopefully he will call tonight.

I want to just let go of all of my fears and let myself like him as much as I think I do, but I'm nervous I'm going to screw it up or something. I would write more, but I need to organize my thoughts before I do so. What do y'all think of all of this?

Enough of that for now, it's almost 5 o'clock and time for me to go home! I hope everyone had a GREAT weekend!

Updates and Oddities

I don't know if oddities is a word, but I like it and will start a petition to have it added to the dictionary if y'all feel the same.

Updates: Things with Dru are going great. I got over my obsession with having a title, and never said anything. Which now I am thankful for. I had a pretty good weekend, went to a football game and out with friends.

Dru had a work function down in Destin, FL. His boss takes the whole company once a year and pays for everything. Dru said the first night he was out with one of the senior managers and about 20 other people. After 4 hours of drinking their tab was...$6500!! Woah. Dru thinks the guy who owns the company (and pays for it) probably spent close to 3 million dollars.

I can't even fathom that.

Also, I talked to him Sunday. I am going back down to visit next weekend. My school has fall break so I don't have to go to class Thursday or Friday. Thursday is my mom's birthday so we are going to drive down to Atlanta. She has to do a little bit of work, but we are going shopping and out to eat. Dru is coming to pick me up Friday night (and go out to eat with my mom and I) then we are driving back to Birmingham. He mentioned on the phone that we could go SKYDIVING on Saturday!

I almost fell out of my chair. The one thing I have ever wanted to do is skydive. Always. I can't remember ever telling him this, so I guess it was just a coincidence. I don't think this guy could be more perfect!

It turns out he bought the vouchers for his dad and him to go for his dad's birthday one year. His mom checked the life insurance policy and noticed that if his dad died skydiving they wouldn't be able to collect life insurance. So...his dad never wound up going and Dru has these two vouchers that he has been meaning to use!

I didn't get to talk to him last night, but as of Sunday he was going to check into it and make sure everything was still a go! I really hope we follow through with this and actually do it! I can't wait to see him either. I wish I wouldn't let myself get so absorbed, but hey what's the worst that could happen?

In other news, this was the weekend that Ed was in town. I didn't see him once. I never even talked to him before he came. I noticed on Facebook that he had told a mutual friend he was staying with Gary. And this is without having talked to me about it at all! Which is nice, because we didn't have to have the awkward conversation and I guess he just kind of got the hint.

He came to town, they went out, I never saw him and then I get a text from him late last night that was kind of offensive. This morning he texts and (jokingly) says 'Glad I got to see you'. So I asked him about the offensive text from last night and he claims he doesn't remember because he was drunk. I refreshed his memory, and asked him a question about it to which he replied, "Jesus Sarah, it was funny at the time. F*cking chill."

WOAH.

I don't allow people to speak to me like that. I think it is completely disrespectful and tacky for a boy to cuss at a girl. So, I didn't respond, and I'm not planning on it. I don't know what the problem was, but I'm going to rid myself of any communication with him. I just don't see why I need him in my life right now. Dru is great and I just want to focus on the good things. I'm almost 100% certain that Dru would never speak to me like that.

But it did kind of motivate me. I think I'm going to start working out again. Why this motivated me? I have no idea. But I'm kind of glad it happened.

OK now that my love-life update is out of the way I thought I would share this with you in light of the Freaky Friday trend I miserably failed at.

I read this blog Dlisted, which is ABSOLUTELY hilarious. It is celebrity gossip by a fabulously opinionated gay man. If you shy away from bad language and crude topics, you may not enjoy this particular blog. However, I love all things racy and straight-forward. Anyways, he did a post today, It's Not Even Halloween Yet!, that reminded me of the Freaky Friday stuff. I hope you all read this post, laugh, then go check out the rest of his blog. It will keep you entertained for hours - I swear.

Longest Post in the History of Posts

My weekend was wonderful! I couldn't have asked for more! Here is the play-by-play:

Friday:

Got to the airport in plenty of time. Once in Atlanta, I started to get nervous, even though I had a 3 hour lay-over. With about an hour left until we boarded the plane for Birmingham, I hit up the closest bar around. After a disgusting chicken cesar salad (I don't think it was actually chicken), I proceeded to have 3 vodka drinks. I'm pretty sure everyone thought I was going to be drunk. Well I was but did a great job of hiding it.

On the plane I was so anxious. And completely lucky that the man next to me talked the whole time. I wouldn't have made it through the flight without hyperventilating if I didn't have someone to keep my mind off of the upcoming visit. When I got off of the plane I had a text waiting for me from Dru, which made me smile. Before texting him back I HAD to talk to the roomie. She has an uncanny way of getting me to calm down. I ducked into the bathroom and it hit me like brick wall. What if I don't get along with his friends? What if I don't like his lifestyle? What if I find out things that I just can not stand about him? Let's just say I was having quite the little panic attack. I was scared by all of these emotions because I normally don't ever react this way to any situation.

After a few minutes of the roomie consoling me, I finally braved the pick-up. Dru was already at the airport when I called him; he came right up, hugged me and grabbed my bag. Suddenly everything was alright. I wasn't anxious or nervous anymore. I will admit, conversation was a little forced at the beginning, but got better as I became more and more comfortable. He showed me the hospital his company is building, and then we went to his house. Yes, HIS house. He has a mortgage and everything (something unheard of in my world of apartment and college-housing rentals).

His house has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a beautiful kitchen, living room, sun room and backyard. I was surprised at how well he had decorated. In the living room there were floor-to-ceiling maroon panel window coverings, comfy but classic furniture and a big flat screen TV. The house has a very woodsy-hunter feel, but isn't too dark. I was amazed at how well he was able to make it seem light but dark at the same time. The kitchen is great. Stainless steel appliances, gas stove, and giant mahogany dinner table. Through the kitchen is a little sitting area that leads into his room. Which is a good size, with a king size bed, large desk and master bath. The other two rooms were smaller, but decorated similarly to his (occupied by his brother and a friend from college).

Dru, his Bro and I stayed around the house watching the Ryder Cup for an hour, waiting for the other roommate to get back. When he did we got in Dru's truck and headed for Auburn. The drive was longer than I expected, but fun none the less. He pointed out things here and there for me to see, and I got along with the friend as well. Once arriving in Auburn we went to meet up with some friends at a local restaurant. I immediately met a guy I'm going to call Mac. He was so nice to me. I felt like I had known him for years within the first couple of minutes. So far, I was completely surprised at how welcoming and nice all of Dru's friends were...and it only got better with each person I met.

We went out to the bars in Auburn that night. Everywhere was packed solid. I literally had to push people out of the way to get anywhere. Of course, Dru knew everyone. I think I met/shook hands with more people that night than I have in my entire life. It seemed like we couldn't take a single step without someone calling out his name.

Remember I told you his family has endless amounts of money? Well I will refrain from divulging too much information, but let me just say they are probably the wealthiest family in Alabama and I don't think he knows that I am aware of that. At the end of the night this conversation took place:

Me: Wow you are really popular.
Dru: Everyone just wants to work for my family.
Me: Why?
Dru: I'll tell you in a few months.

This conversation made me smile for two reasons:

1. I want him to know that I like him for more than just his money. So, I am happy he thinks I don't know.

2. He thinks we will be together/hanging out in a few months!

That was my first night. I could go on and on about details and funny stories, but this post is already contending for longest post ever...so I'm going to move on to the next day.

Saturday:

We woke up pretty early, considering how late we stayed out the night before. I got ready while the boys got everything ready to take tailgating. We get out to start tailgating around 10:30 AM. The first people I meet? Family. We immediately run into his aunt? I think? And her husband, son, son's friend, daughters, etc. I had no idea about most of the things they were talking about so I just tried to smile the whole time, hoping that would get me out of having to actually participate in the conversation.

After some more awkward meetings with some of his friend's parents, we finally made it to the tailgate with all of his friends, and most of the people I had met the previous night. I felt pretty comfortable here because I hung out a lot with the Bro and Mac. Everyone I had met the night before was just as nice and remembered my name. I didn't start drinking until pretty late because I didn't want to be the crazy drunk girl. I actually managed to stay pretty sober the whole evening, which is unheard of me.

The tailgate was so much fun and Dru and I actually acted like a couple some times. I think most of his friends were as confused as I am, as to what status we actually hold. Most of the girls I met were engaged, which made me a slight bit jealous. But I felt like it also made them friendly. There is something about that commitment that can turn even the bitchiest bitch into a complete angel.

As we start to make our way to the game, I can tell Dru is drunk. We get in, and he needs to go to the bathroom. So I wait. And wait. I have no idea what is taking so long, but I am pretty sure he saw some people that he knew and stopped for a chat. Still not in our seats, and me waiting, I decide to go to the bathroom while I wait. Bad idea. We get lost from each other, and when we finally find one another he is ready to go home. Keep in mind the game hasn't even started yet and we haven't even made it to our seats. By the looks of him, red eyes and sweaty, I figured I should probably give in and go home with him.

We start walking. I know the stadium isn't far from where we are staying, but it takes a good 2 hours to get home...what, normally, would be a 20 minute walk. Dru's drunk-self is irrational and less considerate than his normal-self. This is somewhat off-putting, but I'm under the impression he doesn't get that way very much. And it isn't so bad I can't handle it. I'm sure if we keep hanging out he will get a taste of his own medicine from me anyways.

Sunday:

Since we went to bed at, oh I'd say 10:30 PM, we woke up at like 8AM. I got ready; we packed our things, said our goodbyes and headed back for Birmingham. We got back with a few hours to spare until I had to be at the airport. This is going to sound sappy and cheesy, but we fell asleep in each other's arms watching football. We said our goodbyes at the airport with a long hug and kiss; he honked a tiny bit as he drove off. I was sad to leave. Actually, I really DIDN'T want to leave. But I did, and I'm home, and all I want is to go back.

So that is the tale of my weekend get-away. There are so many other things I want to tell all of you about my trip, but this post is seriously going to be a contestant for longest-blog-post-ever. I'm considering sending it in to Ripley's. Stay tuned for my thoughts and feelings, and some other interesting developments from the trip. And when I say stay tuned, that probably means I will have another written by the end of the day!

Sarah Goes To Alabama

I'M GOING TO VISIT DRU!!! He booked the flight and sent me the itinerary last night! I can't believe it! I am baffled by the fact that someone would spend so much money just to put me on a flight for a weekend visit! I'm flattered of course, but now I feel indebted to him. Oh well, he wouldn't have done it unless he wanted to, right? I mean I, in no way, asked him to get me on a plane. BUT I'M SO EXCITED!

After sending me the information, he called last night and we talked for a little while. I think I may have convinced him that I'm not a dumb blonde a little bit last night, because we actually had a fun conversation. He told me what the plans were for next weekend: my flight gets in around 4:30 then I think we are going to head down to Auburn for the night and either stay at their lake house (which is like 30 mins from the school) or stay with a friend. The next day we are going to the Auburn/LSU game! It's one of ESPN's game day games and should be out of this world. I'm psyched. It is also my first-ever SEC game, which are apparently wayyy better than ACC games - according to Dru. Then we will probably stay in Auburn that night too. Then I come home Sunday night. It's a short, but sweet trip and I couldn't be more excited and NERVOUS.

Auburn's colors are blue and orange. Yuck. There is no way you can put those colors together and actually look good. Well...maybe, but it is going to take some work. I'm thinking a blue dress with orange accessories. OR I have this orange dress, but it is silk and probably too dressy for a football game...oh the choices.

Another dilemma I'm facing is the packing situation. I have never just used a carry-on, I always check luggage (which I won't be doing because checking luggage for a weekend trip just makes me look stupid). This is troublesome because:

1. I'm a HEAVY packer (especially when I'm going to new places - a girl's got to be prepared, right?)

2. This whole put-your-liquids-under-3oz-in-a-bag thing really chaps my ass. I have certain items that go in certain bags, and putting them in a giant freezer bag just doesn't suit me.

3. I do not want to carry a bag around. Especially since I have to change planes.

4. I WILL NOT use a roller carry-on bag. Geeky.

5. (This one may or may not qualify as troublesome) I found a Jessica Simpson bag at our local department store named specifically, "The Weekender" which I now HAVE TO HAVE. It is $142...money I know I should not spend. But what other bag am I supposed to use and still look cute when Dru picks me up at the airport?

Soo I am completely nervous and the trip is still 8 days away. Good thing I have plenty of time to prepare. If y'all see any blue or orange clothes while you are browsing around let me know...I'm on the look-out.

Also, I wanted to thank everyone for the great advice. It really helps hearing back from everyone and it's good to know I can turn to y'all when my traditional in-person friends aren't enough (that sounds harsh but I mean it in a nice way). I have decided to let Ed know that he is welcome at our apartment, but that it is strictly platonic. I am going to explain that things with Dru are kind of developing and I don't want to do anything that he wouldn't approve of (even though we aren't technically dating). I'm pretty sure Ed will be alright with everything, considering we really haven't been talking much at all in the past couple of weeks.

I am so excited to see how things develop in Alabama! I am so nervous for the day to come, but at the same time I wish it were here already!

Blogger Advice?

Hi everyone! I hope all is well in the blog-world. I really don't like getting used to blogging only a couple of times a week. But it is what it is, right? There haven't been many developments in my real life this week. A few with Dru though...

Last week he texted me to see when I would want to come to his hometown for a visit! I was totally excited, but not looking forward to the 9 hour drive or $400 plane ticket. I told him this, and I'm almost 100% positive he will be getting me a plane ticket! WTF!? Gary, the ex, hardly even paid when we went on dates. I have never had anyone pay for my things and now THIS! I'm so overwhelmed that I don't even know if I can accept such a thing.

I finally got to talk on the phone with Dru for quite a while last night and that was fun. I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm stupid though - like a dumb blonde. This is mostly due to the fact that I had no idea what I was doing in Columbia, and probably came off as an idiot. I realize that I have my shining blonde moments, but I happen to have a 3.8 GPA and consider myself pretty smart. I told Dru that I work in the investment banking field but was studying marketing. He got a kick out of this and told me they probably hired me because of my looks! I was actually quite offended and tried to defend myself, but his phone was acting weird and I don't think I properly got the point across.

Anyways, we had discussed me coming to visit this weekend, but there is a big game the next weekend that he thinks will be more fun. People, if this actually does happen, I'm going to be a mess in the days before. I am already nervous, and it's not even final that I'm going. I'm nervous about meeting his friends, spending so much time with him and just being out of my element. And the thing is: I don't really even know him! The two times we have hung out we have been drunk for the most part. I know he is a safe, respectable guy through other people (long story), so I'm not worried about that, but it's just so not like me to jet off to hang out with some dude I hardly know!

These days I'm all about 'living on the edge', as corny as it sounds. But I want to live my young life to the fullest and not have regrets. That is why, if he offers a plane ticket, I will accept. I am pulling myself out of my comfort zone and into new situations to force personal growth. If things don't go great, I will come home and get on with my life. If things go great, who knows, I might just be looking for a job further south come May. Haha!

As for Ed, he is coming the last weekend of September and I have agreed to let him stay at our place. And I also agreed to take him down to Wilmington (2 hour drive) for his flight home. Here is the hard part: I'm not really that interested in him anymore. I have a terrible problem of dropping anything, not thinking of who I might hurt in the process, for the next best thing.

I'm hoping that Ed has realized that things aren't going to go any further mainly due to the long distance between us. Also, we never really discussed what happened with us, so I don't feel like there is any formal commitment. So, technically, I'm out of the woods. But emotionally, I don't know where he is at.

I'm not really looking forward to him staying at our place anymore, I actually really don't want him there, but I don't think I can un-invite him. His visit might shape up to be the most awkward of all time. I'm going to wait on telling Ed anything definite after I see what happens with Dru.

Here is my ideal situation:

Dru flies me down to his hometown, we have a great time. Maybe even make plans for another visit.
When Ed comes, I have a legit reason to ask him to stay elsewhere. Explaining to him about Dru, and then everything is out in the open.

With my luck though, none of that will come true. If anyone has comments/suggestions I would love to hear them!

Road Trippin'

As I mentioned, I went down to Columbia, SC for a football game last week. The trip was a complete shit show. This trip proved to me why they invented planes. I will never take another road trip, if I can help it. The day started off great. Roomie and I were so psyched; we were both up at the crack of dawn even though we weren't planning to leave until noon. I got my packing done, ran some errands and then was all ready to go. I had even had the good thoughts the night before to go up to my parent's house and get my dad's car to take instead of my SUV to save gas.

12:30PM Roomie and I have the car packed and ready to go, I am waiting in said car for her to run into Hardees to get some lunch.

12:35PM Hardees is taking forever when I notice that the check engine light is on. Shit. I call my dad and he thinks it would be best for me to just take my car because we have no idea what the check engine light is on for.

12:38PM Cam (the younger brother of a good friend from home) calls me and asks if he can ride with us. This made me 10 times happier about the ride because Cam is a great guy...incredibly funny. And I knew he would make the 3.5 hours more bearable.

1:15PM Finally get back to the apartment with my car and pick up Cam. Already 45 mins behind schedule. This is irritating.

1:15-4PM Endless driving at about 90 mph. I was driving so fast for two reasons: 1) I had Dad's radar-detector and 2) I will do anything to get to my destination faster if there is ice cold beer waiting.

4PM We hit traffic on 95. We sit in traffic for probably 30-45 mins. WTF!? By this time I was so ancy, I wasn't seeing straight. All I wanted to do was get to the hotel, check-in and be on my merry way to tail-gate.

5:30PM We finally arrive in Columbia. Not knowing my way around, and having bad directions, I was freaking out. I wanted to cry. Sitting at a stop light to turn left (I was the first in line); I look down when the light turns green to find that my car has shut off. How did I not feel the whole car turn off? I can't even explain what was going through my head. I kept thinking, "What if the people behind me honk!?" Roomie was smart enough to tell me to turn the key to the off position and then turn it back on. Thankfully it worked. I was so stressed by this time I was crying.

5:33PM Sitting in traffic, scared at every second that the car is going to shut off again, we realize that our hotel is on the other side of the street. With the daunting game traffic we realized it was near impossible to try to check in before the game and still have time to tailgate. We called the hotel and they informed us, since we paid with rewards points that we could check in at anytime. Thankfully - one sliver of good news.
5:45PM Still in game traffic. Cam thought it would be funny to put school flags out of the window. Next thing we know, the whole USC band (probably like 20 buses) goes rolling past. All I can hear are horrible obscenities. I have never been yelled at by people I don't know in such a threatening manner. I had heard USC fans were relentless, but I had no idea it would be this bad. Only adding to my stress, I started to cry again. Here we are in this city we know nothing about, trying to see the opening football game of our senior year and we are getting screamed at.

6PM We finally get to what seems to be a suitable place to park. It happens to be a boy scout fundraiser, which made me feel a little better. Finally able to crack a beer, I was happy. The little kid who was working the parking with his dad was hilarious and entertained us for a short while.

7:45PM We start making our way to the stadium. I had heard from my friend Dru that they weren't going to make it to the game because they got a late start leaving home. Our quarterback got knocked out in the beginning of the game, and I was ready to leave immediately. The whole place reeked of BO because it was so hot. Finally I convinced Cam and Roomie to go back to the hotel so I could freshen up and they could watch the game before we met up with Dru and friends at the bar.

10:30ish PM We finally get to the bar. Dru arrives, and is as charming as ever. He bought drinks all night and we had a great time. Roomie, who usually doesn't get out of control, was 'getting low' on the dance floor and having a great time. It was so much fun I would relive it in a heartbeat. Definitely worth all the trouble.

Next Day: We wake up pretty early, shower and get out before check out time. I had to take Cam to another hotel somewhere outside of downtown so he could meet up with friends who were taking him home. Relying on my trusty iPhone to guide me I Google 'Hyatt' because that is where the other friends were staying. Because I am stupid and fail to look at the details, I didn't realize Google had thought I wanted to go to Hyatt Street in the ghetto of Columbia. After driving around aimlessly (and leading Dru on a wild goose chase) I realized that was not in fact the hotel, and the hotel was on the other side of town. Now is it 10:57AM and check out is 11AM. In my hungover state I didn't even think to check out when we left the hotel. We did manage to get checked out by phone in time, but only after we had called the wrong hotel and tried to check out.

Frustration. But all was good when I dropped off Cam, and went back to IHOP to meet Dru and friends for breakfast. They, of course, offered to pay, but I was in no mood for pancakes. I wanted real food. We sat with them while they ate and enjoyed their company. We said our good-bye's and Roomie and I were off to Kiawah Island for some much needed rest and relaxation.

It was sad to say bye to Dru, because I don't really know what is in store for us. I guess time will tell. Overall, with all of the mishaps and frustration, I wouldn't change the trip for anything. It was hilarious looking back and a good time had by all.

Oh and I got my car fixed yesterday, so now I'm not scared each time I turn it on. :)

Second Trip to Los Angeles

Hey everyone! Oh how I have missed the blog-world. As you know I have been gone on a trip to LA (again), and then I started school. So I haven't had that much time to catch up. I'll start with a summary of my trip.

Thursday - Arrive at LAX, meet up with my friend Al.  After a quick stop for an early dinner we head to Ed's apartment and just watch the Olympics and hang out the rest of the night. Nothing too fancy.

Friday - I get up to go for a run, but because I was nervous of running alone I only made it down to the gas station and back. After everyone woke up and Pat's girlfriend made it to the apartment we all headed out for breakfast at a great little bagel shop and then to a beach in Malibu.  The day started out somewhat cloudy but then got sunny and beautiful. I didn't ever actually go in the ocean because the waves were incredibly scary, but I lounged on the beach and got some cat-napping in. Once back at the apartment Ed had to go work and Al, Pat and Pat's gf and I went down to Hollywood. We had dinner then drinks and then went to a show at the Laugh Factory. Al was really excited because we would be seeing Harlen Williams (not sure of the name spelling), Damien Waynes (again sp?) and Dane Cook. All of the comics were pretty funny. I love Dane Cook and went to see him like a year and a half ago when I was out in LA. This time he looked a lot different though, and I heard some of the same jokes (which was kind of disappointing). When Dane first started becoming popular he was kind of unusual in the comedy business because he was known for not drinking/doing drugs. Now, I'm no expert, it could have just been stress, but this time he looked to me like he had done quite a bit of experimenting.  Who knows, it is always fun to go to the Laugh Factory though.

Saturday - Pat and Ed both had to work all day, so Ed let Al and I borrow his car. I know my way around Los Angeles better than I know my way around my hometown I think! I didn't get lost or have to look up directions once! I showed Al around Beverly Hills, Rodeo Dr., Muhullon Dr., and we went to Hollywood. We took a tour of the Kodak Theatre, which was really cool - but shorter than I expected. And we ate at this neat little place in Hollywood and Highland called uWink. It is a very interactive restaurant where you do all ordering and requests on a computer screen. Very impersonal because you don't talk to the people you are eating with or the waiter much because everyone is so occupied with playing the games and such on the computer. It was fun though. After returning to the apartment to meet up with Ed so he could go to his next job, Al and I accompanied him to 3rd street to look around and eat dinner while he worked. I showed Al all the fun performers on 3rd street and the Santa Monica pier. We played a few games on the pier and wanted to ride the farris wheel but the line was insanely long so we just went to a sports bar and drank until Ed got off of work.

Sunday - I don't really remember what we did Sunday during the day, but I do know that we went to Westwood (UCLA area) to meet up with one of Al's friends from Spain. He did study abroad last semester, and has been traveling around the past couple of weeks visiting all of the friends he made. After dinner at a great mexican restaurant, we sat at a bar and had drinks until Ed came to get us. 

Monday - We got up incredibly early to stand in line for The Price is Right. We didn't make the 1 o'clock taping but we got in for the 4 o'clock show. While waiting, we went over to the Grove to shop around and saw Tropic Thunder (bad - don't waste money on it). The Price is Right was a lot of fun. It is quite a bit of waiting, so if you go bring a book or something to keep you occupied. The studio is really small. Like maybe 20-25 rows of seats. It is very retro-looking too. I didn't chosen as a contestant, but I was on TV a lot because two people right near us were chosen. If you want to try to find me (even though you don't know what I look like) my show will be airing on October 31 (Halloween!). I am wearing a green tank top and my name tag says Sarah. Monday night was so much fun for me. Al, Pat and Ed went to play basketball and I went out with my gay friend I talked about last time. He took me to a cute place in Hollywood for drinks and appetizers then we went to Les Duxe! It is a famous bar where Lauren and Heidi have gotten into fights at on The Hills. Tons of famous people go there. We saw and talked to Christina Applegate's ex-husband. It was surreal. I loved being there. After Les Duxe, we went to Opera, which is also known for hosting celebrities. I had a great night and didn't function well the next morning, to say the least.

Well class is about to start so I'm going to have to cut this post short. I am done with the trip overview, but I have so much more to post about! Check back tomorrow, I will be at work and will definitely be posting again!

Hulabaloo

Random Topic #1

I went shopping again yesterday just for a few key items. I got a new white dress shirt with ruffles down the front. I'm going to wear it all fashion-forward-like, unbuttoned kinda far down with a belt, shorts and some high heels - oh and the collar popped, of course. I think I want this to be the first outfit for going out in LA.

I also got some shorts from Banana that are off white, and a copperish-colored dressy sleeveless shirt.

I am no good at describing things, but if I put up pictures they will seem kind of boring.

Oh well. You trust that I'll work it, right?

I really wanted to find a good pair of basic black pumps because my last ones got destroyed and I can barely stand in them. But much to my dismay, I couldn't find any basic black 'going-out' shoes that I liked in my size! What is this world coming to!?

Random Topic #2

I saw a FedEx truck run a red light today. I mean plain as day. The light had been, and continued to be red for a good two minutes before/after he ran it! Some people....

That van could have had my computer in it that I have been waiting for and won't be able to take on my trip with me because it is taking so long!

Random Topic #3

I recently started...twittering? I'm not really good at updating it as much as most people, but I'm working on it. I almost got into a wreck trying to send in an update. Note to self: no twittering in the car.

I have a terrible problem with texting and driving. A law should be enforced to stop it just like for drunk driving...because aren't they basically the same? ...Not paying attention to the road, thinking about other things and the like? Instead, my fair state along with others, just implemented a law that you can't talk on your cell phone and drive (unless it is hands-free), but it is perfectly legal to text and drive!

I digress, back to twitter. Every time I think of Twitter, I get a picture of a little animated fat blue birdie in my head. I don't think birds chirp, I think they twitter. Is it just me or does Twitter sound totally bird-related?

Random Topic #4

I CAN'T WAIT TO GET OUT OF THIS OFFICE! I leave for LA tomorrow morning and I am so ancy (sp? is that even a real word?) I can hardly keep still. I am so tempted to find a reason to leave the office early.

Random Topic #5

I have a manicure appointment after work - my first one in over a month! Woah buddy...a little overdue don't you think?

Random Topic #6

WTF happened to USA women's gymnastics last night? Did anyone see that? The Chinese just took it too us. We handed the gold to them on a silver platter. At the beginning with vault and the uneven bars, USA and China were pretty close (but I sort of thought China was better).

Then USA gets up on the balance beam and falls apart. Sacramone fell off of the beam during her mount, then went on to fall on her butt during floor. My fave (and the cutest person alive), Shawn Johnson, stepped out of bounds and so did Miss Perfect, Nastia Liukin. What happened girls??

I think it is because Americans are normal. In China they pick girls from their homes at veryyy young ages (I mean come on those girls aren't 16!?*) and place them into training. Yeah, that's right. They are bred for sports. I think it is sick and immoral. And they talk about it like everything is fine and dandy.

These girls are, in some cases, removed from their home and taken to a location where they live and train everyday. Basically, their life is chosen for them. One of the Chinese gymnasts expressed desire to quit, but was forced to continue. I don't get it. Hearing these stories and being exposed to the Chinese way of life makes me grateful to be an American.

On second thought, good job team USA for being human, making mistakes and earning the silver. I would never wish a life of forced competition on anyone.

On a lighter note, GO MICHAEL PHELPS. Woop woop! I want to marry that kid. Dana...let's get to work on that! :)


*Maybe they will discover that these girls aren't really 16 and give the gold medal to the USA!

I Went Shoppinggggg!!!!

I am so pleased with myself! I went shopping this weekend, but didn't spend too much! I just want to scream! OK here is the loot (and savings):

Theory Print Sleeveless Dress

Originally: $295

What I Paid: $175

Savings: $120

Off-The-Shoulder Top from The Limited

Originally: $29.95

What I paid: $4.80

Savings: $25.15

(Sorry I couldn't find a picture)

Skinny Hinged Enamel Bangle from Banana Republic

Originally: $24 each

What I paid: $9.98

Savings: $38.02

Grand Total: $189.78

Total Amount Saved: $183.17

Not too shabby! I always feel good when I save just as much (or more) than I spend!

I am headed back to the mall today to get a few more things for my trip...basic staples that I just need in my closet. I leave in 2 days!!!

Oh, and just a little update on my running - I'm up to 3 miles now! Go me!

Oh, and YAY MICHAEL PHELPS-3 golds! Go USA! (If anyone knows him/has his phone number, you can give it to me. Thanks)

Dilemma's #3 & 4

Well I know one thing is for sure, I can always post my problems and ask for advice!

Dilemma #3:
I want/kinda need a new car. I currently drive a SUV and it is getting old. I want a new car really bad, specifically a Lexus IS 250. I am in no shape to take on a payment without getting a loan. Here are some of my thoughts...

-I have heard it is easier to get a loan while a student (maybe easy isn't really the right word, but I'm referring to the interest rates...they are lower for students?)
-The Lexus dealership in my city offers a special leasing program for students about to graduate and those who have recently graduated (I don't know the specifics of this program though)
-I am pretty sure if I were to lease said car I would be able to keep it under the mileage limit
-My car is occasionally doing some funky stuff that my dad believes to be transmission issues

So, my question to you is - Do you think I should sell the car before it completely dies and buy/lease a new one? Also, does anyone have any opinions about leasing. I have never experienced it first hand (my parent's have always bought cars) so I don't really know the pros and cons (except the mileage thing).

Alsooo...I heard on GMA this morning then read an article in The Consumerist about trading in an SUV for less of a gas-guzzler might not be the best decision. The article lead me to this website in which you put in the car you want and the car you have and it basically tells you how long it will take to break even (saving gas) if you purchased the car. I think for me it said a ridiculous amount of time like 19 years!

Dilemma #4:
I know I told y'all that I was going back to LA, but I don't think I told you the story behind my return visit:

My friend Al (who is like my BFF-dude) just turned 21. His family took him on a series of vacays for his birthday. They started out in Disney World, then went on a cruise to the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Next he flew up to Chicago to visit friends that he met while studying abroad, headed down to Indiana (where he currently is now). Next Al will go to Las Vegas with the family then over to Colorado to visit more friends from study abroad. His last stop is lovely Los Angeles.

And this, my friends, is why I am going back (and because of Ed, the partying and I just love the city).

Ed and his roommate Pat will both be working the whole time so I took it upon myself to be Al's tour guide around the city. I have planned the whole trip out, itinerary and all. The last full day we have in the city we will be attempting to attend a taping of The Price is Right.

The first two times I went to LA I tried to get on the show. Both times arriving just a tad bit too late. This time, however, I will not be making that mistake. I really really really want to go to the taping (even though Bob Barker won't be there). There are three things I know about going to the show:

-show up early
-bring your ss card
-be entertaining in line

I know there is a slim chance of anyone actually relating to this dilemma, but if you or anyone you know has ever attended a show/knows anything about attending the show - I would love some insider tips!

Dilemma #2

My next dilemma that I would like you input on is this (and I will try to keep it as simple as possible):

Remember Ed? The guy I went to visit in LA? Well...there is a little bit about the vacation I didn't tell you about. Me and Ed were more than just friends while I was there. GASP! SHOCK! Haha...I know.

Background:
Ed is one of Gary's (my ex) best friends. Ed and I became such good friends because of Gary. We would all hang out together pretty much every night for 5 years. Yes I said it, people. Half a decade. I practically lived with the boys my freshman year of college because I hated the dorms. So, Ed has always been a great friend. We have never come close to hooking up or anything before this trip - like the idea had never crossed my mind.

But apparently it had crossed his...

So he was really sweet while I was visiting. I honestly don't think I touched a door the whole time (read:he opened all of them for me, duh). He didn't pay for meals (I didn't expect him to) and we weren't obviously flirty in public. But nighttimes were a different story.

I thought things would be awkward that first morning, but they weren't! Not one single bit! And so basically to sum things up, we have been texting almost everyday since I left. (I have been gone for 2 weeks)

Here is where I'm going to sound really girly and childish:
I love talking to him. Every conversation makes me laugh. I know I can text him at the end of a bad day and he will turn my mood right around. Just sitting here right now, I want to text him. I think about him all of the time. So basically, what I'm saying is, I wouldn't mind if things developed.

But we never talked about anything. Like we didn't address the fact that I dated his bf for 5 years and randomly we are hooking up? But I get the feeling that maybe he enjoyed it too. Like maybe he wouldn't mind if things developed either? I realize that long distance relationships are tough (Gary and I did it for a while). And the next step for Ed and me is unclear, but I feel like I want something more.

It is frustrating because Ed lives so far away of course, but it is more nerve racking to know that he needs to move home.

Here is his deal: Ed moved to LA because Gary and a friend had moved out there to pursue a career in the entertainment business...and so did Ed, eventually. Well, he has been in LA over a year now and hasn't really done anything worthy (I know that sounds harsh, but it is the truth). And I know for a fact he isn't making great money - and his parents have cut him off.

So, I have come to conclude that I want him to move home for financial reasons and for me. Hah :)

The next times I will see him are:
Aug 14-19 (I go back to LA)
Sept TBD (He comes home for sister's wedding)
December (Not for sure, but most likely for Christmas)

My question to you: What should I do? Any advice/suggestions/observations would be greatly appreciated!

TDK & Mission Update

I'll start with The Dark Knight:

THE BEST MOVIE EVER!!!!

I can not put into words how much I love this movie. I saw it at a normal movie theater but I totally want to try to make one of the IMAX showings this week. But the time that I would like to go is sold out all week!

On to the mission update:

I am not good at motivating myself. I didn't get up and run this morning before work for two reasons:

1. It is supposed to be one of the hottest days of the summer today
2. A friend stayed over last night and since I felt like I had to entertain this person, I didn't get to sleep as early as I had hoped

Also, I might actually go back to LA. I mean plane tickets are $250! How can I pass that up? I just need to run it past my boss today...

But I did get up, shower, eat breakfast and pack a lunch. So I am proud of that. And I am going to watch my spending for the next few weeks - like strict.

More On My Trip

We also went to the Science Museum while I was in LA!!!!!!! (Dorky right?) As a kid this was one of the most exciting things to do. So since it is free, me and Ed were psyched about doing something in the city that was entertaining and didn't cost a dime! Remember being a kid and walking into one of these museums? It is like Christmas morning. There is so much to do and you just don't know where to begin. Like most kids, I wasn't so excited about learning, per se, but just the fact that there are so many toys and activities...I was never able to control myself.

This time was a little different though...now that we are adults. Why does everything seem better as a kid? Ed and I still had a lot of fun playing around but my favorite thing by far was outside the entrance. It was this giant lever with a car on one end and three ropes on the other. Rope 1 was supposed to be the easiest, rope 2 medium and 3 the hardest. You were supposed to learn about how levers help you do work. And with the ropes and lever you would be able to pick up the car on the other end. I DID IT ON THE HARDEST ROPE! Go me go me go me! I had to use all of my body weight, but now I can officially say I lifted a car. Ed could do it too, but whatever he is stronger anyways.

One part of the museum that just pissed me off though was the "Hurricane Tunnel." You pay $2, get in this phone booth-looking thing and are supposed to experience hurricane force winds. Ed and I aren't the smartest people in town, so we paid our $2 and got psyched up, only to be disappointed. Both of us being from eastern North Carolina, have experienced some intense hurricanes - we are talking winds upwards of 130mph. Let me reiterate here - Ed and I don't always think things through. As we stand in this space watching videos of crazy hurricanes, air starts to blow showing you how fast "the wind" is going on another screen. When we hit 74.5mph it starts to decline again. WEAK. If you think "Wow that sounds fast" - let me tell you it's not. It is basically like driving down the interstate with the windows down. And we paid $2 for that garbage? Outrage.

They had a bodies exhibition also at the museum, but Ed is too squeamish so we didn't see that (also you had to pay). But I really wanted to. Maybe some other time.

We also went to The Getty. BEAU-TI-FUL. The Getty is a museum in Los Angeles that has all kinds of art such as paintings, photographs, antique furniture and like old pots and plates and stuff. There is also some really great architecture and landscaping to be seen. The museum is located on a mountain, so you have to park at the bottom and then ride a tram up. The view was amazing. You can see big houses in the hills and when you get to the top of the museum you can see from the mountains, over downtown LA, to the ocean. I snuck some pictures, even though you aren't supposed to, but the one thing I wanted to take a picture of had a Nazi guard that I couldn't get past. It is called Pearblossom Highway by David Hockney. It is a ton of photographs put together to make one big piece of art - you have probably seen recreations. Here is a picture from the Internet. It is awesome just to look at but the real thing was amazing.

Other noteworthy events from the trip:

• A trip to In-And-Out
• Pinkberry delicious-ness
• Multiple Cranium tournaments
• Old-school Nintendo games
• Movie marathons
• Mulholland Dr.
• Outside stalk-age of the Playboy mansion (read:drove by a million times)
• Outside stalk-age of the Beckham's (see above)
• Unwanted conversation with homeless dude (who complimented Ed's hair!?!)

All in all, I deem this trip a complete success. I actually loved it so much I want to move out there. However, due to the fact I have no savings, and probably no ability to get a worthy job in CA, it is very unlikely I will actually make the move. I'll see what I can do in the next few months to make it happen though. :)

Long Post

I have a lot of writing to do to catch you up on my trip. I attempted, as you can see below, to keep my blog up-to-date while I was in LA. But due to the fact there was not a single night I did not get trashed (yeah I know-alcoholic) I didn't really feel like expending any more energy than necessary during the day. OK this is going to be a long post because I don't want to leave anything out...

Let me just clarify some things: I am out in LA to visit two of my friends with whom I went to high school with - Ed (my better friend) and Pat (his roommate).

I'll start with the 4th since that post was pretty weak. As I said, we went to a party at a house in the hills. There were actually 2 other girls from my hometown out to visit Pat. They are really pretty nice (to people they know) and it was good to see them. I haven't talked/seen either one of them in years. One of them got extremely drunk and made out with this dude who looked 35 and was most definitely a drug dealer. HAHA We drank and ate hamburgers and hot dogs and had a typical 4th of July with sparklers. The best part was looking out over the city and seeing fireworks in the distance.

All of my days are really a blur at this point...but one day Ed was off of work so we just hung out...he needed to do his laundry so we went to a laundromat (sp?). In all of my spoiled-ness I have never been to a laundromat so that was a fun (read:interesting) experience.

The next day Ed had to work so I went with him. He works at a store on 3rd street. 3rd Street is in Santa Monica where there are a lot of shops and is really close to the pier. I shopped all morning while he worked then I met up with his gay friend "Sam" (who I mentioned before in my Travel Day post). He took me home to get ready then we went to West Hollywood.

This part deserves to be in another paragraph(s). For everyone who doesn't know, West Hollywood is known for the gay population. It is also where you can find a lot of shops that the celebs shop at like Lisa Kline, Kitson, etc. Sam tells me we are going to gay bars (he wanted to break me in, seeing as I had never been to one) for happy hour then we would be back in time for Ed to be off of work. We get to The Abby - the first of the 3 gay bars we went to. It was so much fun. We drank right along side GEORGE MICHAEL. I mean like literally people I think I touched him at one point. I know...I know...Californians see celebs all the time. Well. I am not from California - so I was starstruck. But at least I didn't bust into song or try to take a picture with him. I played it cool.

Next, after being hit on by a lesbian in line for the bathroom (I have no problem with it, it has just never happened to me before), we went to another gay bar called Here. Woah. By this time I had drank 2 giant Red Bull and vodkas and one giant Kamikaze. It was dark now and there were strobe lights and neon everywhere. Inside there were stands for Go-Go dancers. When they came out I was blown away. These men (who Sam said are usually straight) had the best bodies I had ever seen. I felt like I was at a strip club though. It was really weird watching them dance. And it was even weirder watching the other men watch them dance. - I'm sheltered, I know - Sam insisted that I put dollar bills in their underwear? (if that's what you can call it) and I totally felt like a giddy little school girl.

After Here we went to another gay bar, but it was more of a lounge. Not as packed as the first two (which were shoulder to shoulder) but equally as fun. I can't remember the name of it, but we went there because Sam loves their cantaloupe martinis. They were good. We just sat and drank and talked and watched people go by. Ed finally got off work and decided to join us, but insisted that we go to a straight club. (Even though Sam is one of Ed's best friends...he is still somewhat of a homo-phobe) So we went to Area. Area is known for the celebrities that hang out there. Apparently they were having a private party that night but we were able to sneak in with another group - HA. This was another amazing experience. We were just hanging out when out of nowhere these beautiful girls come walking out in gold bikinis. They got up on stage and did a dance flinging their hair everywhere. I was totally jealous. Not only were there girls dancing up on the stage, but when we walked around I noticed they were dancing along the walls too. SWEET! If I ever move out there I'm totally applying for the wall-dancing position. We danced all night and I had the time of my life. I do wish I was a little more sober so I would be able to recognize any celebs there...but I wasn't so oh well.

Since that night was the most fun I'm going to end the post here and do another one continuing my trip in a little while. (I probably should be catching up on work now anyways).