New Haircut

While convalescing, I had some time to contemplate a new haircut. I have an appointment on Tuesday. Let me know which one you like.

Flu

Last Friday I started feeling a little dryness in the back of my throat. Little did I know that it was the first sign of the horrifying battle to be unleashed on my immune system. The same immune system that I once thought to be super-human and worthy of scientific study. The same one that kept me from contracting every childhood disease and sickness, even when my sister had it and we slept in the same bunk as children.

Don't get me wrong, every 2 years or so, I have had colds that usually last a few days. This is the first time since I was 10 that I have had the FLU. I have had a week to ponder the diabolical nature of the virus. They are fascinating and from the devil, I am sure of it.

So I apologize for not posting this past week. I was horizontal for most of it. I watched the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy, plus all bonus material, A Room With A View, and Return of the Jedi. I took about 90 pictures of the cats, and drank many kegs of tea.

Now poor Mark has it. We share everything.

House Hunters

Back in the days when I had cable and spare time, I loved to watch House Hunters on HGTV. You get to follow someone as they look at house after house for one they like enough and can afford. Then at the end of the show the suspenseful phone call from the real estate agent telling them if their bid was accepted. You know that they are real people and not actors by the way they 'pretend' they are talking on the phone. And I love to see how the agents try to describe a gaping hole in the ceiling as an opportunity to put in skylights.

It's also exciting to see if the house hunters pick the house you like. Ooh, or are they going for the condo? Noooo! Go for the cute bungalow!! It had leaded glass windows and built in bookshelves! What's the matter with you?
How could you pass up that ultra-cool mid century mod architectural gem? Just because it didn't have a pool? Wah?
Oh, no, their offer was rejected!

Well, it's big drama, as you could imagine. So yesterday, after Mark and I went to the laundromat, we passed an open house sign for these new condos that are almost done. We were in just the right adventurous mood, so we thought 'why not?'. Now, we are not planning to buy anything right now. We just bought a couch. That's a big enough investment. We were just curious.

We asked to see the 2 bedroom sample unit. The salesman, nor any of the literature stated the square footage of the units, but they were pretty small. A tiny kitchen, tiny kitchen nook, tiny living room, and 2 tiny bedrooms. Our apartment is bigger. They had it decorated beautifully, with Bette Davis artsy photos, and Old Hollywood 40's themes. Half a million dollars and it could be yours!
It was fun pretending that we had a half a million dollars, and that the place was nice, but 'just too small for our needs'.

So we decided to drive around the neighborhood, and saw another open house. This time it was an actual house. A very cute house on a nice little quiet street. We would have loved this house. It had a lemon tree, orange tree, and a flagstone terrace in the back with a two car garage. A washer and dryer, and something rarely seen in LA, a refrigerator. Ooooohh. Four bedrooms, and a huge living/dining room area. The kitchen needs major updating. (The dishasher had fake wood veneer on the door.) Something must have been structurally wrong with it because it was listed at only $700,000. Or maybe the market is dropping. The agent there asked if we had been pre-aproved and if it was in our price range. We just said,'well, just a smidge over our price range'. Ha-ha!

A little while ago this experience would have made me sad. I would walk around staring longingly at houses, with tears in my eyes, telling myself,'we will never have a house.' But I decided that I think anything is possible. We can have a house. We deserve a house.

Not that I think starting a life and a family in an apartment is so bad. Millions do in New York. I like our apartment, love the neighbors, love the neighborhood. I just hate the idea of giving our weird landlord money every month, and getting no return.

What's your opinion? Is an apartment okay to raise a child? I grew up in apartments and condos, and I turned out pretty well.

Sunday Morning

A couple of Sundays ago, I went out painting in the morning. It was about 7:30am. I went into Priscilla's to get a cup of coffee, and I heard this rumbling and felt a shaking. 'Earthquake' of course was first to mind, since the only other one I ever experienced was also on a Sunday morning. I looked around and nobody else was freaking out, so I couldn't think, 'what could this racket be?'

Of course, a huge pack of motorcycles! Not just your everyday kind. No the kind that makes a sound that sets of car alarms and frightens animals. I found out later that they were all going to a charitable function of some sort, but I still couldn't believe the noise I heard at 7:30 on a Sunday morning!

Luckily, I had a camera handy. I think the rider in the closeup looks like my Dad.

Wedding Photos

Here is a tease for the professional photos of the wedding, which will be available soon for viewing! The photographers, Nikki and Esra, were so amazing. It was fate that Mark and I would be so very lucky to get them! Nikki lived downstairs from us for a while, and her brother, Josh, is still our neighbor. She is such a talented artist!

There are so many truly astounding, magical pictures. I can't wait to share them.

New Couch

Here is the new couch. I was able to get a shot while all the cat-claw protective blankets were off of it. It is so wonderful, with down cushions. It has put everyone who has sat on it to sleep within 20 minutes.

House on Haunted Hill

Friday, after our friend Marc recovered from food poisoning, we went out to see some famous Hollywood landmarks, specifically, the Nightmare on Elm St. House, and the House on Haunted Hill House. It is one of Mark and Marc's favorite movies, and it was a thrill to see the house in person. (The pictures here are of the Haunted Hill House.)

We zig-zagged up these windy, steep, narrow roads, hoping and wondering if the house was visible from the road. Well it couldn't have been any more visible! I believe it is a Frank Lloyd Wright creation. It is in terrible condition, and it lost it's Northside retaining wall in an earthquake. There is a fund started to try to save it. Even if it wasn't in a movie, it is a very interesting structure on it's own.

Then we went home to eat more Thanksgiving food.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was really small and intimate this year. Mark's best friend, Marc, came out from Arizona to stay for a few days. To celebrate we went out to PF Changs Wednesday night to eat and give Marc food poisoning. Yes, food poisoning. Poor Marc. He was horizontal most of Thanksgiving Day. It was mild, but that's bad enough.

After 8 hours of cooking, baking, roasting, the feasting began. And, of course every lunch and dinner since has been turkey dinner leftovers. The menu: turkey, gravy, cheddar and sage mashed potatoes, herbed bread stuffing, orange cranberry relish, green bean casserole (from scratch), and rosemary cornbread . Wine was a 2003 La Crema pinot noir. For dessert, blueberry pie and cherry pie with vanilla ice cream (Ben and Jerry's), and some Merlot.

We were asleep very soon after dinner.

Luckily Marc was all better Friday, so we were able to get out of the house for some more fun. Will tell you all about that next post.

The Celebrating Has Begun!

Last night my neighbors Tom and Ben, along with Tom's sister Sarah threw a pre T-day party. It was amazing and all-out with everything you'd expect from a Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatos, green bean casserole, sweet poatoes with marshmallows, dinner rolls, salad, pecan pie pumpkin pie, cupcakes and cookies. Yeah, I know.

Most of all my neighbors were there(group picture). In the group pic we have : top row, left to right: Ben, Rich, Sarah, Tanjareen, Tom, and Mark. Bottom row, L to R, is: Moira, Josh, Veronica and me. Everyone is fun, oh so good-looking and creative, and everyone is an awesome person. Mark and I feel so blessed!

Rich, Moira, and Tanjareen are all actors. Josh and Veronica both work in production for movies, TV, etc. And Tom is a very talented singer/musician/songwriter. And I know Ben is a very talented musician too! The pic of the two handsome men is Tom and Ben, who are also responsible for the incredible decorating. We had a blast! And the food was so yummy!

Christmas Painting

Family Guy is holding a winter themed painting auction to benefit charity, and they let me submit a painting. It is due tomorrow, so I had to do something quick. This was a composition I stole directly from my plum painting I did a couple of weeks ago. Painting it really got me into the Christmas spirit. "It's Beginning to Look Alot like Christmas" kept rolling around in my head as I was painting it.

Sketch Class

I had the pleasure of drawing Amy Wednesday night. She was so lovely, and had that kind of perfectly smooth skin that seems unearthly. And she gave off that energy that I can't describe, but just makes for a wonderful session between model and artist.

You can't really get a sense from the drawing, but Amy was costumed in a great flapper-esque getup. A sparkly cap, silk kimono, and peacock green eyeshadow, exagerated lipstick, and cat-eye eyeliner. Beautiful and moody.

It's Good to Come Home

This was the scene that welcomed me the other day when I arrived home. It made me stop and smile and think how lucky I am.
Also, notice the couch. It will be gone soon. Friday, a new, a really brand new couch, an actual grown up couch is coming! Goodbye to the IKEA clearance special that has served us well, and has served as the world's biggest scratching post.

New painting

I have been very lazy lately with the outdoor studies. But here is one I was able to squeeze out after I almost gave up and wiped out my first painting attempt.

I posted more things you haven't seen on my painting blog.

Kitties

I felt it was time for a kitty update. I wanted to carch the kitties by the window with the fall color behind them.

And then I came across Clouseau in his usual sleeping position of shocking cuteness.

Notice the couch. That revenge was executed while we were away for what was, I guess, too long of a time. Now the search for a new slipcover.

All Dressed Up

Christy asked what I wore to the Family Guy party, so I thought I would share a few more pics from the evening.
I wore all black (big surprise there). Nice black pants, my new comfy black strappy shoes (which I actually wore for 3 straight hours), and a sparkly halter top. It was warm, so I didn't need a sweater, which I ended up carying around all night.
Mark looked so handsome in nice jeans, a blue button down, and a new jacket in a microseude kinda material.
I regret that we don't have a picture of the two of us together, but I bet someone Mark works with took one.

When You Are Married to a Celebrity...

Last night Mark and I went to the Family Guy "What the Deuce are You Staring At?" Art Show and DVD release party extravaganza at the Museum of Television and Radio. It was amazing! I love the huge martini glasses with limes for olives on all the tables! There were musicians who were playing the Family Guy tune and assorted heavy metal in classical instruments! Hors d'oeuvres were noodles in little take out containers with chopsticks, grilled cheese and fig sandwiches, red velvet cupcakes, shrimp thingies on artichoke leaves, and mini hamburgers. Two bars with great wine, killer gimlets, and signature Family Guy drinks like 'Toilet Water', which was gin, blue Curacao, and lemon twist. Plus there were larger than life Brian and Stewie walking around!
alt="" />


But the Big Deal was the artists! Fox invited a select group of artists to paint a picture inspired by Family Guy. This show of paintings will travel the world, including New York, Australia, and even Arizona!
Mark was interviewed by all the paparazzi on the 'carpet' outside the museum. And had his picture taken by his painting, which depicts Stewie in his crib dreaming that he has killed Lois in a gladiatorial match.
It was the coolest thing! I have always known that Mark is the best artist in the world, and deserves credit for that. It felt good to see him get some recognition. I think I could get used to be married to a celebrity!

More Halloween

Well, there was just too many amazing costumes for just one post. My favorite is the wiener dog dressed as a hot dog. Christy will love this! So cute. The poor thing's back end is paralyzed, although it does not seem to bother him or slow him down. He was a hit.
There is another pic of Mark as Chuck Norris (William H Macy)with Mic, who is Mad Max. There is Joe Vaux with Dom, blurred crotch man. Also, we have Jeff as Elton John. And Spencer as a very convincing zombie. Needless to say, not much work was done at Family Guy on Halloween.

Halloween, Family Guy Style

Last week Family Guy had a costume contest in celebration of the holy holiday of Halloween. I have never seen so many adults dressed up in costumes. Dom came as digitally blurred naked man. Very clever. There was a storm trooper, Princess Leia(not pictured), She-Ra, Princess of Power, and Mark went as Chuck Norris (even though it was decided that he looked more like William H. Macey). And Belle. So cute.
I did not dress up in costume, as I am not a child, nor do I work at Family Guy.

Link-A-Rama!

I have FINALLY figured out how to put links on the sidebar! Updating my template and swithing to Beta made it easy! So watch out!
Now, go to all the links!
Here is a pic of Clouseau behind the bathroom door, his favorite place to be. A little odd, but that's okay.