Notes from the Land of the Escalade....

and the BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, Audi, and SUV of any sort. You know how most cars in the Midwest are, like, Pontiacs, Fords, and Toyotas? Well, it seems like at least half here are the mega-imports or mega-big. Just an observation. I sorta get it....when you spend so darn much time in your car, you want nice surroundings and a smooth ride. I still love my Honda. Also, there is a lot of talk about finding real people here. Interesting. I've heard this talk in different places, but notice it more here. People have a hard time finding genuineness or something. Well, I'm full of it. I'm not sure how to even play games, except cards.

Speaking of cards, have had fun playing "speed" again, and King's Corners. For some reason, games get played very seldomly, and when I play again, it's so fun! Why don't we do this more often? I recommend a game night for you soon.

Hm....I went to my first Hollywood party a couple weeks ago. The only differences were that people were a skinch more dressed up, the party platters were not overrun with cheese and chips & dip (there was asparagus!), and there were more gay men.

I've been living in Santa Monica for one month! Good times here. My roomie is nice and also quiet....I can't forsee much drama. Neither of us even really lets things lie around! Good situation. She's a smart woman, too, so I learn little facts....the most interesting one to me recently was why the LA Lakers have that name when there are no darn lakes here! I didn't know they came from Minnesota years back. A-Ha! Now, that makes sense.

I do like the area, and I can bike to work! This is great because it saves parking hassles and I can do it in January! Crazy weather. It’s a little cold in the morning for a ride, like 40’s, but I’m not complaining. Usually by the time I go home it’s about 55-60. I did get beeped at and called an asshole for actually daring to be on the street riding my bike when the almighty car rules here. Well, I did whip the bird after getting beeped at, so maybe that’s why she called me an asshole, but jeez, I have just as much right to be on the road as anyone….in fact, I think it’s illegal to ride on the sidewalk, no? What-ever. 'Traffic' is a new swear word for me. Also, the numbers in this particular sequence…405...have become a swear word.

Out here, the highways are “the 405”, “the 110”, etc. At home we just say “take 94 West”, right? Not “take the 94...”. Just little regional differences. I say “kiss my grits”, which doesn’t really belong here, so it’s just fun to notice these little things.

My new job is dandy. Meeting new people, learning interesting things. Here’s the Website to explain it: https://www.uclaextension.edu/Osher
I’ve never worked for such a large organization in such a small part. My dept. is only two people. It’s a strange dynamic….one usually bonds with co-workers, but when they are also your supervisor-type-person, what do you do? A new experience, and I’m sure it’ll be great because we get along well. It would be horrible to work only with one person who irritated you, eh? I meet people I wouldn’t normally….like one of the higher-ups in the LA Opera. Like, a poli-sci, Chinese studies professor. Cool stuff. This naïve little girl from the Midwest will have exciting times here, I hope!

Also making new friends, which is delightful and a half. I have good people to show me around, help me understand this area, reassure me about earthquakes, etc. Good people and fun to hang out with, even musical at times (shout out to BFD!). Also done some hiking in the area, which is quite pretty. I think of my pals in WI all the time, though, wishing I could stop over. I think I’ll try to come home for Summerfest. I also think of my pals from Korea and China, wishing I could stop over….a little more challenging. So, if you get out this way, call me up! Let me know about it! Keep in touch!