LA Day

In Korea, when we were having a tough day, we'd call it a "Korea Day." This might mean we couldn't communicate with someone clearly, couldn't take care of something ourselves, hated our new teaching schedule, a kid had a fight in class in Korean so we couldn't understand, couldn't get any privacy out in public, or just plain didn't get something or thought their ways were a bit behind the times as we know them. Well, these last few days, I've been using the term "LA Day" a lot. I just bought car insurance here because my insurance back home isn't licensed here. That means I have to register my car, which I was trying to avoid. I'm certain they have some fines for me since I didn't register my car immediately after arriving, because that's what they do. I hadn't decided I was staying until recently, but whatever. Anything they can do to get more money out of people. I'm waiting for them to pull me over on my bike for some silly reason, like biking on the sidewalk, even though you take your life in your hands by biking with traffic.

Speaking of traffic, I have a couple of logistical issues. Like, no streets go through, except the really busy ones. I can try to get around it, but no. Even if you can get off the main, ridiculously busy roads, the side roads have a four-way stop sign on every block. It's like a conspiracy. Just TRY to get somewhere without stress....just TRY! Try to get above 20 mph, just try! Betcha can't! Nah nah nah nah boo boo.

Another example: Santa Monica Libraries.
The Main library is on Santa Monica Blvd. The Ocean Park Branch is on Main. The Fairview Branch is on Ocean Park. Why!? Why do they do this to me?

Anyhow, bitch bitch bitch.

What else?

I volunteered to work a green event for JGI (Jane Goodall Institute) last weekend at the LA Arboretum. It was fun, and I learned a bit about other organizations around here, like Native Plant Societies, which seems like a real common sense sort of thing. Plant things that belong here. Duh. I learned most palm trees are not native to CA. Whodathunk? So, the ones you see in pics do not belong here. Anyhow, the event was cool and positive and there were peacocks wandering around the venue, so what else could you ask for? The arboretum was a little brown, but that's pretty typical out here. I miss lush green trees! The girls in the pic are high school students in Roots and Shoots, doing a Lifestraw project. Such cool girls. My friend Clint met me out there, so I did have friend support. He reported it only took him two hours to get there (should take about 45 minutes, maybe), due to a film being shot on one of the overpasses. I believe he mentioned something about a flame-thrower, wishing he had one in his glove compartment. Nice to know I'm not the only one who gets frustrated around here!

I also work in a very large bureaucracy at UCLA, where nothing makes sense and change is veeeeery slow. I suppose it's close to working for a government org. They still use DOS applications to register people for courses! At UCLA Extension! Amazing.

Ok, I tried to focus on the fun stuff there, but ended up back at bitching. Geez, louise. It's been a tough week.

Famous People Sightings

I've (allegedly) seen two famous people so far. Madeline Stowe (Last of the Mohicans) while hiking in Topanga Canyon near Malibu, and Ron Howard jogging through Palisades Park in Santa Monica. I didn't verify with them, but I'm pretty sure. I got a taste of what it's like to be famous when I was overseas, no privacy out in public, so I wouldn't go up to a famous individual. I might ask them for directions, though...

What? For the women....

I visited the UCLA bookstore recently. There was a Clinique kiosk in the store. Reality check!
What sorts of stands did we have in the UWM bookstore? I don't recall any expensive make-up. UW-Madison? Other? I'm curious. Let me know. Check, please....