los angeles

I've been in LA for 5 days now. I've been having a blast. We came out here for vacation and to celebrate my birthday. Thursday night Dave and I were hanging out in Manhattan Beach waiting for the lovely Emily Morton to meet up. Dave went outside to make a phone call and as I was sitting at the table texting a friend I heard, "hello!" in a familiar voice. The voice was my sister and she had flown in to surprise me for my birthday. I cried, laughed, and was completely shocked. We have really been enjoying ourselves here. Eating good food, shopping, going out, playing tennis, etc. There is lots more to come though, we're heading to San Diego later this week and I get to see my cousin I haven't seen in years. I am very excited about this part of the trip. I have to say that this has by far been the best birthday ever. I have felt so special and loved and nothing compares to that feeling.

I have loved just driving around here. We are surrounded by mountains so everything is completely different. The night life here is crazy. We went out to a place called 24K in Hollywood for my bday. When the bar closed, it seemed like people were pouring out from every nook and cranny. As we drove, every late night fast food joint or restaurant that was open late was PACKED. I mean, there was a line wrapped out the In and Out Burger (where we found ourselves munching on late night burgers). We even sat in traffic at 2:30 AM! The freeway was packed with cars full of people. Everyone has their windows down and people were talking and shouting to people in other cars. 757 has nothing on this.

LA has been lovely and wonderful, but I still dream of NYC. It is spring and the city is gorgeous in the spring. I'm really wanting to plan a trip up there asap. It's only been about a month of so since I've been last but I feel myself craving the culture and energy of the city. I am seriously considering moving in the next few years.

Has anyone heard of Matisyahu? He's a Jewish rapper/reggae artist...I'm not even sure how to describe his music but I love it. He's playing in NYC in July and I would love to go up and catch the show. Anyone want in?