Always Caught in Limbo

Hello to the many few of you that are continuing to follow my blog at this point!

The past couple of months have been full of change and I have literally been all over the place. I've officially made the move to the West Coast and have enjoyed all 1600 minutes of my life upon entering this 72 degrees piece of heaven that is Los Angeles.

Life before the final, Final, decision to relocate to the opposite side of the country was hectic and would have probably caused much confusion had I tried to keep my blog updated throughout the decision process. I changed my mind daily, had a new idea daily, a new place I wanted to live, a new friend I wanted to convince to move with me.....It was a mess. BUT...Here I am, sitting in my new apartment in West LA (Palms, to be exact).

I spent May 17th-June 17th in Statesboro catching up with friends & fam, and my wonderful, amazing, super thoughtful and supportive boyfriend, Will. During my stay I did so many things...Hangout 2011 was by far the most exciting thing I did [Blog + Pictures to come later} while in the Southeast. All of my time there was so exceptional. I had a totally new appreciation for my Home and the Southeast in general. Now there were times that I was a total Sweaty Keith in 100+ weather, AND being annoyed by any given stereotypical Southern occurrence, no doubt, but at certain times I was able to find beauty in things that I was not previously able to appreciate, and I am grateful for that.

Got to catch up with many friends and had the pleasure of making a few new ones [Shout out to Morgan's cousin Lindsey from San Fran and Alexis D. from Dallas--my 2 favorite new friends--Extra special shout out to Emma T., Will's sis who I had the extreme pleasure of meeting for the first time before Hangout--huge success!]

Obviously I wouldn't have decided to move here if I had not first secured a job. Undiscovered/Heist has asked me to work more than just Sundays. While I was home for the past month, I was under the impression I'd be working 3 days a week, which is ok, but I would have most definitely needed a second job, if not a 3rd eventually. However, just minutes after we crossed the California state line, I received a call from my boss asking me to work 5 days a week! Very excited and thankful for this opportunity. I will be working at both stores, so this is a lot of new responsibility for me to take on, I hope I can learn enough about the brands we carry before I start (Friday--Ha!). Also, I stopped by Pizza Fusion, which has now successfully transformed into the Pour House and I must say, looks great. They asked me to come back, and I might. I can't work as much as they wanted me to, but I'm definitely interested in a few night shifts.

This is all for now. It's been a long day and I'm sleepy :) Oh yeah, today we purchased a bed, a refrigerator, and an internet/cable package. Not too shab for day 1.

Favorite part of day: Exploring around our neighborhood and being greeted with super friendly faces.

Consciousness drives Evolution

California has been an amazing place lately :) Great vibes coming from all directions, I really feel like I'm on the verge of growing again. For some reason, I felt like I'd been at a stagnant point in my life lately. I just wasn't doing new things other than eating and drinking, which is fun, but my spirit or soul or something just needed a more, less materialistic experience.

We started off at Happy Hour and had a few glasses of champagne at The Loew's Hotel, quickly turning into my favorite spot. After running up a nice sized bill and trying to decide what to do next, I just said what I felt which was "can we do something fun and not spend any money at the same time?"

Hiking to the top of the Malibu mountains was exactly what I needed. Being with MJ and Amber was extra special. I feel like I'm allowed to say anything around those 2 without being criticized. I don't worry about saying anything stupid or wrong, I just get to be me. Felt nice, and it was a really freeing experience sitting above the valley being surrounded by Mother Nature's creations.

I'm very happy right now :)

All you Touch & All you See is All your Life will Ever Be

This is my mid-move update to remind myself of cute places I've been, and also to serve as a guide to anyone visiting LA in the near future!

Warning: I've been a lot of places :)

Father's Office Santa Monica/Culver City : Pretty good! Great beer selection. Straight forward with the menu, no substitutions or changes. We unfortunately were a little intoxicated and don't know if it was the burgers or alcohol that made us sick afterwards. Probably a combo of both considering we aren't eating much red meat these days. Good place, slightly over-rated, probably won't rush to go back.
Figtree's Cafe Venice : SO cute! Mae had a Groupon, so the pre-paid portion of the bill probably made it even cuter. We went for brunch. A+ on all of our meals.
The Whaler Venice : Great place for happy hour on a pretty day! Oceanside, beautiful sunset viewing potential. Great pitcher specials, food was decent but not that important compared to the rooftop view!
Pink's Hollywood : Historical Hotdogs! One of LA's most known restaurants. Damn good hotdog. Don't expect to ever go and not wait in a line. Worth it, at least once.
MiSoFishy Santa Monica : YUM! Repeat offender. Enough said.
Tacos por Favor Santa Monica : Another super YUM. My go to burrito place.
In N Out Burger : Pardon me California, but this is no Five Guys. No thank you.
Bay Cities Deli Santa Monica : Oooh Ms. Parker...Huge Fan. I will be back and definitely taking all visitors to try out their Goddess italian sub. Money!
Cabo Cantina Santa Monica : Eww no thank you. Over crowded, Over cheesy, Over priced, over IT.
Enterprise Fish Co. Santa Monica : Don't remember! But I think it was cute.
Alejo's Culver City BYOAlcohol! Please & Thank You. Food was ok, scene was suuuper weird and not cute if that is what you're going for, but BYOW is always appreciated.
Bigfoot West Culver City A neat place, but the energy was kind of low, so it depends on what setting you're going for. Cozy, unique, nice service, but slightly on the boring side.
Loew's Hotel Santa Monica : Ah! Taking any and everyone back. THE most beautiful place, oceanside (by the Santa Monica Pier), So cute & comfortable. Favorite Happy Hour place so far.
Trip Santa Monica : Hole in the wall neighborhood bar. Had potential, but I've only been once :)
Bravo Santa Monica : Guilty. Delivery only when I don't have time to cook and get home late.
La Grande Orange Santa Monica : Up & Down with this place! Great happy hour prices and cute selections. Good if you can't decide on another place to go.
The Basement Santa Monica : Gnarly! Another place we take our visitors. Cute drink selections and happy hour until 10. Similar to your rich friend's basement you used to chill in during high school. Nice unmatched couches, great drinks, great vibe and privacy.
3 Square Cafe Venice : Adorable!! Perfect for a pre-work brunch with friends before rushing to work on the cutest street in Venice, Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Amazing menu selections, good service, cute atmosphere. Always busy!
The Daily Pint Santa Monica : Ok. At first this place reminded me of Nowhere Bar in Athens. Then, it became more clear that it was like Nowhere bar around 11am-early afternoon crowd. Never got better, definitely was creeped on while trying to enjoy our pints of beer and play a friendly game of Jenga. Might go back because of the beer selection, but during the day. The nighttime brought some unwelcome visitors around.
Bourbon Street Santa Monica : Like most bars named Bourbon Street across the US, I have no recollection of this one. Guess that means I liked it!
The Galley Santa Monica : FUN! Good when you are in a crazy mood. Felt like I was tripping with all of the bright Christmas lights and the people oddly dressed in ship-crew attire. 2 Thumbs Up.
Cha Cha Chicken Santa Monica : THE BEST! Favorite! BYORum & Vodka for the AMAZING Flavored Aqua drinks... need to commit to visiting at least once every other week before I leave California for good.
Peet's Coffee Nothing Special! Good for coffee if you are in the area :)
Novel Cafe Santa Monica AMAZING! Organic Granola, fruit, and yogurt=Perfect breakfast before work.
Pizza Fusion Santa Monica Good! I work there and I'm not tired of it yet. Great for Gluten Free individuals.
Crumb's Bakery BEST CUPCAKE I'VE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE. Truth.
Finn McCool's Santa Monica Best Calamari in Santa Monica so far! Trust me, I order Calamari just about everywhere. It was their cocktail sauce that made it!
Panini Pizza West Hollywood Rumored to be the best pizza in West Hollywood. Carolina and I ordered delivery when we were staying at The Beverly Hilton. Rumor=All True. Yums.
Cheesecake Factory Hollywood- The Grove QUIT Playing. Perfection! Once a year type place though [Caloriesss]
The Border Grill Santa Monica & Downtown LA SO Cute! Amazing margaritas. They have a section of smaller meals that are the perfect size when you're pairing dinner with Pomegranate & Ginger Margaritas.
Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles West La & Hollywood JUST DO IT. Seriously. Another Los Angeles County only place, and a Snoop Dogg favorite. A+++
The Library Alehouse Santa Monica Cute place for happy hour on Main St.! Great beer selection, good app's. Calamari is not so good here, I do remember noting that.
Musso & Frank Grill Hollywood The Oldest restaurant in Hollywood! Reminded me of Sardis in NYC. Very nice ambiance, fun to eat at with my family.
Houston's Beverly Hills Meh. Definitely could pass. I hear the steaks were good, but I was in the mood for something lighter and I wasn't too impressed.
Lemon Moon West LA SO cute! Good when you want a lighter lunch with amazing choices. We went before the Chelsea Lately taping. I can't wait to go back again and try other menu items. The Roasted Chicken Panini and Corn & Green Chile Soup were phenom!
The World Cafe Santa Monica Really neat atmosphere! They offer bottomless Mimosa's, but you have to commit to them to make it worth it. Must order an entree ($25ish-per person) to qualify. Most people don't usually want $25 worth of food that early, but if that's what you are looking for, this is the place! Down the street from the Santa Monica Farmer's Market, so it's a great place to stop in before/after on a pretty Sunday :)
El Torito Santa Monica Only consumed 2 shots of Patron here. They were great & not too over priced.
La Cabana Venice The Margaritas=Muy bien...Food=Mas o Menos. Fun when you already have a buzz and want to be loud with friends in a cute, cozy setting.
Dillon's Irish Pub & Grill Hollywood #1 Beer Special Award! Great selection, $3 all day! What! Perfect for a few drinks before enjoying a show at The Pantages Theatre...Beauty & The Beast for us!
Chaya Venice GREAT Happy hour spot! Will be back again. Cheap drinks & apps/sushi.
Hot Dog on a Stick Santa Monica (Pier) If you are on the Santa Monica Pier...Do It! Thanks Kendra Phillips for introducing me.
Pinkberry Santa Monica (Promenade) DELish. If you are wanting yogurt + fresh fruit and unique toppings...stop in after shopping.
Abbot's Habit Venice CUTE place for coffee in Venice on Abbot Kinney.
Sinner's and Saints - Culver City - Dull city. I should give Culver bars another chance, on a night other than a Tuesday. I know there is more potential :)



The Wiltern
The Hotel Cafe
That British Place
Classy Nails

Move on up towards your destination You may find from time to time Complications

OOoh weeee! What a beautiful and awesome Sunday!

I am currently in the kitchen, listening to music, drinking a glass of red wine, while making what I'm going to call the Roscoe's Chicken Stew. I am super curious and excited to see how this turns out. If it is good I will post pictures and comment later.

Ingredients:
Chicken Broth
Tomato Juice
Little bit of H2O
Potato
Corn
Black Beans
Red Pepper
Carrots
Celery
Onion
Leftover Chicken from Roscoe's Chicken N Waffles
Indian rice with herbs and small vegetables
S & P
Cumin
Ground red pepper
Paprika
A little garlic
A touch of cinnamon
A touch of honey
1 drop of Organic Molasses

Moving on...today was a great day at Undiscovered! It was my first + $1,000 day. YAY!

Music: Lettuce Pandora station awesomeness

come hear uncle johns band by the riverside

just packed for my "Los Angeles Vacation"...i cannot WAIT to see my dad and sister!! this is going to be the best....i can't express how much i'm looking forward to it.

i haven't been keeping up with my blog much b/c i've been a little busy and up and down. most of my creative writing skills have been dedicated to my UNCA application. plus, i feel like i've been keeping too many secrets lately. it's kind of weighing down on me...i don't like keeping information that i know would affect other people to myself. i need to get some things figured out and out in the open....always in limbo so it seems :)

looking forward to a bunch coming up! kendra visits soon too!

pandora: grateful dead station.

classy nails

this morning i woke up feeling like a steam roller was going back and forth over my lower back. ugh. not feeling too hot. so i took a bath and got a pedicure by Cinder at classy nails down the street. two thumbs up...$15, super nice, very thorough. my feet needed some serious attention.

i'm working on application stuff for UNCA. i hope i get in.... my setting is outside on the new patio furniture, enjoying the pretty day before i go into work with some nice candles lit and nellie mckay pandora radio. trying to get my relaxation on.

LOTS of music and fun things to look forward to coming up:

dad and carolina's visit, kendra's visit, galactic, st. pat's day (???), Lettuce & Soulive on my BIRTHDAY, hopefully a couple of my friends can come out for that one....pete yorn, dumpstaphunk, rebelution, going home for a quick visit in may, hangout fest...so many other things. i betta start saving more!!

budlight, miller, coors...

people have been so tricky lately! work (PF) is getting weird. i feel like change follows me wherever i go. my bad.... but really. had a few picky people tonight. this one douche asked if we had any "real" beers and proceeded to say that our draft beers (racer 5 ipa, Green Flash Hop Head Red, Barney Flatts Oatmeal Stout, Fat Tire, Mama's Yella Pilsner, Allagash White, etc.) were "fruity tooty" beers and he would leave and go somewhere to get a pizza with real beer. i really thought i was in georgia for a moment. then the guy comes back, i see them sitting outside for a while waiting on a pizza, so i decided to bring him 2 small test glasses of racer 5 and pilsner. i felt like those were closest to what he would maybe consider "normal". so he really starts getting so close to rage mode! "maybe you didn't understand me when i said bud, miller, coors..." his wife was preeetty embarrassed. well, we're not sure if they were married, but i'm sure no one would be out with a SOB like that unless under the force of marriage.

ATL was soooo awesome. i don't know where to begin, or where i would end, but i'll remember the important stuff on my own :) REALLY miss my friends & loved ones this week. ready for the end of march and april when people start visiting!