It's Time To Make The Donuts

Dear Dunkin' Donuts,

Please open at least one store in the Los Angeles area. Preferably in Hollywood or the east San Fernando Valley, but hey, anywhere would be fine. It doesn't make much sense to me, especially considering how prevalent Baskin-Robbins and Togo's are in the region. All three are under the same brand!

Sure, Starbucks may be a bit intimidating. Yes, we have them on practically every street corner and even multiple locations in single shopping centers. However, in light of lean economic times and factoring in the vast number of unemployed entertainment folks that live in L.A., I personally think you'd do a fine business. Good coffee for a low price.

I'm sure my letter will be treated like others before mine and I'll just be informed that you have no plans for expansion into the Southern California market. I'll just have to enjoy my fill during my brief time here on the East Coast.

P.S. Please don't tell me to just buy your coffee and make it at home. I can't make a good pot of coffee to save my life, even if I use your brand.

Don't You Forget About Me

We went to Eric's 20th high school reunion last night. It was a lot more fun than I think either of us anticipated. It did require a few snarky text messages to Ren, but overall I did have a good time. Eric was happy to reconnect with some old friends, including one who lives about 10 minutes from us in L.A. The fact that we stayed out with some old friends until about 3 this morning is a pretty good indicator of how the evening progressed.

Eric was definitely one of the youngest looking guys at his reunion. The fact that he has a full head of hair probably helps in that department. Not to mention the dye job. Oops, did I just mention that? I was amazed by the range of women. Some looked just fine. Others, primarily because of hairstyles and style of dress, seemed far older than 37-38. And then there were the ones who were just trying too damn hard to look much, much younger than we all knew they were. Some of them were downright scary.

I still have a few years before a 20th reunion, but it got me thinking about it and whether or not I would even go. I moved around so much and went to so many different schools that I certainly won't have the experience of knowing anyone since kindergarden or even 10th grade! I went to two high schools in two different states, so was only with my graduating class for 11th and 12th grade. Not only do I have the expectation that I won't really be remembered, I fear I won't remember people. I've been contacted by a classmate through Classmates recently and I honestly can't remember him or how we knew each other. I sent a nice (I hope) email to ask him how we knew each other.

Will you recognize me? Call my name or walk on by?

No Day But Today

Last night we ended up catching a late movie after stuffing ourselves at the Thanksgiving table. I really wanted to see Rent, as I'm a huge fan of the musical. I was a little nervous, wondering if it would hold up as a film and 10 years after the play started its run. I have to say that I loved it. The show was adapted really well for the screen. I can't wait to get the DVD! It was really cool to see six of the eight original cast members in their roles since I never saw an original production of Rent, but I did get to see Daphne Rubin-Vega as Mimi in one of the two shows I saw in L.A. She was one of the two original performers not cast in the movie, but I was happy with the replacements.

On this day of giving thanks, I can think about so many things in my life to be thankful for. I complain a lot and wish for certain things to be better or different, but overall, I'm doing okay. I'm relatively healthy, I have a good husband, a stable job/profession, some wonderful friends, and three of the cutest, most lovable dogs you could ever imagine meeting.

Today I am especially grateful for Peppermint Tastykake Kandy Kakes. Not only do I love Kandy Kakes and peppermint, but these are covered in dark chocolate which is also a favorite of mine. Yum! We can get a few types of Tastykakes occasionally in the L.A. area, but we can never find quite the selection you can here in Philadelphia.

If anyone is reading this, Happy Whatever This Day Means To You!

Looks Like We Made It

We arrived safely in Philadelphia. It is very, very cold. 34 degrees (F) was the last I heard. Apparently it will feel like 20 degrees with the wind chill on Wednesday. I am curious to get a look around in daylight and see if there is any foliage left. I have a feeling most of it has fallen as I saw huge leaf piles on curbs as we drove into my mother-in-law's neighborhood.

No good celebrity sightings at LAX while waiting to board our plane. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't. I did however notice Mike, the Southwest Customer Service Supervisor who is often featured on Airline, at a desk in our terminal. I hesitated quite a bit, but then went up and told him I really enjoyed the show. He seemed really happy about that and was quite friendly. He said they just wrapped their third season and are trying to get picked up for a fourth.

On another subject, we got to truly test our new Slingbox, a device that allows us to watch anything on our Tivo through a high-speed internet connection. So, we just watched tonight's My Name is Earl, which was hilarious as usual. It seems that almost every episode has a supporting actor who I know. Tonight it was "the guy with the robot legs," as Randy called him. I knew Cameron Clapp shortly after his accident. I don't even know if he remembers me and that really isn't important. I remember him and am inspired by what he has accomplished.

This post is made up of such unrelated thoughts. My brain feels jumbled. I only had an hour so sleep very early Tuesday morning and then raced around to get to the airport. I did sleep some on the plane, but feel like I'd better get some more.

I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane

I do know when I'll be back though. On the 29th. Anyway, I'm almost ready. Just a few things to tidy up. I may even try to take a quick nap, then shower, and head out for the airport. I am a little nervous if I sleep now, I might not wake up in time. I can always sleep on the plane.

Next entry will most likely be posted from the Philly area.

Panic Now!

It's time. My stomach is in a knot and I can't concentrate on anything. I'm supposed to be doing work right now for a meeting in 20 minutes, but am laughing with co-workers. Laughing very hard. One of the engaged women is talking about how hard it is for her to find a wedding dress since her "crotch bone" sits high and she looks "manly" in certain fabrics. (Those were not actually her exact words).

Anyway, I'm making three lists of things "to do," "to pack," and "to buy" for my trip. 24 hours for now, my plane should be departing. ACK! So much to do, so much to do. If only there was a way to get out of work early, but it does not look like it will happen. Especially if I can't get a grip and focus.

It Really Is The Little Things Sometimes

I have a tiny cell phone. It's an older phone, but still one of the smallest you can get. My original one died, so instead of upgrading to a phone with a camera and more bells and whistles, I replaced it via eBay.

There was still one thing that I really wished this phone would do which was have the ability to have distinct ringtones for various callers. Well, tonight I discovered there is a way to do that!

Oh Ren, I do have Duran Duran as your ring tone. But only because it's "Late Bar," a song about "an all-night party." I'll come up with something better for you, I swear (since I can make ringtones out of any mp3).

Hot In The City

It was 85 degrees again today in Southern California. I, for one, am not complaining. I know there are some very pregnant people who are uncomfortable and others who just want it a bit cooler to get into the whole "holiday spirit" thing. I'm okay with it though. My system's in for a shock.

I will arrive in Philadelphia late Tuesday night, a night where the low is predicted to be 30 degrees! The high temperatures are predicted to be in the 40's until next Monday when they go up to the low 50's. I'll take the weather here, dry as it is, any day.

I'm All Lost In The Supermarket

I've had this song stuck in my head since hearing it on Nina Blackwood's New Wave Nation this morning. How apropos. Since my grocery store recently remodeled, I'm having a hard time finding things. What really confuses me is that they put the milk and the juices at opposite ends of the store. Often I run in just for milk and orange juice for Eric. Of course, though, I get distracted and end up forgetting to get one or the other.

We've been out of plastic storage bags for weeks now. I keep meaning to pick some up. If only I could located them in the supermarket.

Muggles At The Movies

We went to a 12:01 a.m. showing of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Eight of the screens at the multiplex we went to were sold out. Color me quite pleased...I really, really enjoyed it. Due to the size of the book, I knew some things would be sacrificed for the film. For the most part, I'm happy with how it was pared down. There is one exception, but I'll keep that to myself, as I have no intention of spoiling it for others who are planning to see it.

Noodle Muffin

Indie 103.1 has been playing a great song by Noodle Muffin. It's political. If you love GWB, you will probably hate it. I love it.

I do wonder though about this name. It reminds me an awful lot of a group a couple of friends are part of that is called Spaghetti Cake. (You can check out that website for an actual recipe).

It's That Time of Year

Yep, the holidays are approaching like a bullet train and I am in denial. I can not wrap my head around the fact that Thanksgiving is a week from today and I will be on the East Coast. I'm looking forward to having a week off of work and getting away, but a little sad that we'll be missing our traditional day at Disneyland next Thursday.

So much to be done before flying away next Tuesday. Shopping for some warm clothes, haircut, laundry, cleaning the house, and hopefully seeing Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire. I get pretty worked up before travelling (but don't quite prepare like Im_a_gaijin does) and probably won't sleep much before so I should be able to get everything finished.

I'm definitely not ready for the December holidays. But, I am looking forward to a few things we always do like the Toluca Lake Holiday Open House featuring the Magical Christmas Caroling Truck, Christmas eve in Solvang during the day, and the annual party at our neighbors' house that night.

Fa la la la la...blah, blah, blah...

Put The Puppy In The Bucket

We went to a free screening of the film The Comedians of Comedy at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. It was hilarious! Funny nerds. You can't lose. There was a Q&A after the film with Patton Oswalt, Brian Posehn, Zach Galifianikis, Michael Blieden (director), and DJ Paul (producer). Michael Penn did the music and was brought up for the panel, but did not field any questions.

I did have one celebrity sighting at the screening (of someone not involved in the project). Alan Cumming was sitting in the same row where we sat. I really ought to start bringing Ren along to the Egyptian. First, Ron Perlman and now, Alan Cumming. Next thing you know, I'll see Alan Rickman there and if she is not with me, well...let's not go there.

Photo Blog

Since I'm enjoying participating in these daily photo challenges, I'm finding that photos are really overwhelming this blog. That's okay, but I'm going to try and separate that out to Jodi101 Snaps, my new photo blog.

Photo Hunt: A Globe of the Earth

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'A Globe of the Earth'

So, this globe doesn't light up, but it does "talk."
There was no way I could think to photograph that feature though.

Lens Day: Imagination

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'Imagination'

Don't Call Me A Zero, I'm Going To Be A Hero

I was thinking about a post by Ren regarding the fairly common occurrence of celebrity spotting in Los Angeles. What brought it to mind was the number of sightings I've had in the past couple of weeks, which is higher than normal for me.

• Matthew McConaughey-the U2 concert. We were waiting to give our tickets and he came by, in his leather pants, to ask the ticket-taker where to find his entrance.

• Ron Perlman aka Hellboy-Egyptian Theatre, Attack of the 50 Foot Reels screening. He starred in a film that was made by a kid. Apparently, he's a family friend.
  

• Brigitte Nielson-ArcLight Hollywood (best cinema in L.A.), a place where I regular see celebs.

• Paul Reubens-ArcLight. Okay, this one probably doesn't really count as I purchased a ticket to see him do a Q&A following a screening of Pee-wee's Big Adventure.
  

• Giovanni Ribisi-this morning on the sidewalk outside Cheetah's, the strip club that is very close to where I work. There's a film shoot that's been going on for a few days now, causing some problems with parking.

• Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York-charitable visit (I'm assuming) to my place of work today. I was able to view her from across a room. She's very pretty, tall, and thin.

Okay, Paul Reubens definitely does not count. I could go on and on with famous folks I've "seen" at screenings, Q&A's, Comic Con, signings, etc. But, I knew they'd be there and possibly attended the event because they were there. There are a few that do stand out since I got to meet them after the Q&A such as Kiefer Sutherland, Tom Skerritt, and Michael Chiklis.

I also have a bad habit of thinking someone is a celebrity and they aren't. One time, I had Eric park the car and follow a guy with me in Santa Monica because I was convinced it was Jerry Seinfeld. It so wasn't Jerry Seinfeld.

Doo Dah!

If you are like me and you enjoy the silly side of life (and live in the L.A. area), check out the Doo Dah Parade in Pasadena this coming Sunday, November 20th. I was just thinking about it as previous photo I posted ("chore") was taken at the parade in 2003. It is great fun. Just try to arrive a bit early to park and get a space on the sidewalk.

I'll be going for sure. If you're in the area let me know if you'd like to join me. Carpooling is the best bet. I'm also going to look in to possibly taking the Gold Line. The only downside to doing that is that I probably can't bring Rusty like I usually do.

Photo Tuesday: Chore

'Chore'

Moody Monday: Pure

'Pure'

My 13-year-old American Eskimo Dog, Cosette.

Holy Crap, I Went to Church!

For those who really know me, that's a big deal. It isn't what you are thinking though. I went to church for one of the only two or three reasons I can think of going and that was for a wedding. Some very good friends got married on Saturday in Oakland at a beautiful church overlooking a lake. The reception, which consisted of dancing and desserts catered by friends of the couple, was held at the same location.

As is typical for us, we got on the road much later than planned. We left L.A. at 2 p.m. in an attempt to make it Oakland for the 7 p.m. ceremony. Luckily, we hit very little traffic and were able to drive very fast most of the way. We parked, changed shoes, and made it to our seats by 6:55. The event didn't even get started until nearly 7:30, so we were more than fine. We knew quite a few the other guests, which made it even more fun.

The party was winding down around 11:30, so we got back in the car. Initially I thought we'd just drive through the night and arrive home around 5 or 6 a.m. The reality of the situation was that we were pretty beat, probably bottoming out from all of the sugar we had consumed. We stopped for some protein and regrouped. The best choice seemed to be getting some sleep and driving home in the morning.

There was a Motel 6 at the exit where we ate, so we got a few hours of sleep there. We made it back by 1 in the afternoon on Sunday, just in time to get some stuff done around the house. Eric had an obligation later in the day and I met up with some friends for coffee. I even managed to get some laundry done so I have clothes for work this week.

So, another whirlwind weekend. I'm sure I'll be struggling this week as I recover. There are a few photos on my flickr site, as usual.

Bark Mitzvah

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Happy 13th Birthday to my always and forever "Puppy Girl,"
"Pretty, Pretty Princess," "Lump of Puff," "Pig Dog,"
"Cosetta Stone," and "CoCo,"
aka
Cosette!

Macroday: Toys

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'Toys'

Cheburashka

Photo Hunt: Salt and Pepper Shakers...

For the Brookston Weekly Photo Scavenger Hunt:

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'Salt and Pepper Shakers in Their Natural Habitat'

Cafe Tu Tu Tango, Universal City, CA
November 11, 2005

Monkeys Love Video Games

The PSP was a hit as a birthday gift.

Happy Birthday, Monkey Boy.

Photo Friday: Worn

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'Worn'

Unrelated Thoughts

Best compliment I received this week (via Eric):
"Your wife is cool and she's a nerd!"

This site makes me laugh: Hello Cthulhu

Thursday Challenge: Fast

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'Fast'

Pig Races, L.A. County Fair
October 1, 2005

Lens Day: Confident

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'Confident'

My dog Rusty embodies confidence.
He wants to be everyone's friend (unless you're a horse) and will let you know it.

Election in Wonderland

Today was Election Day here in California. It's a non-traditional year for elections, but several states had special votes. The Govenator spent upwards of $250 million to try and pass a bunch of propositions crap that will hopefully fail. I really wish that money had gone into something like our pathetic schools.

Anyway, I always try to be a good citizen and vote. My polling place varies, but is usually in the auditorium of the elementary school up the street. It has also been in a nursing home lobby, a couple of churches (doesn't seem right somehow), and even a neighbor's garage. Today, however, it was in a hookah bar. The locale was recently a coffee shop, but has a new name--Amsterdam Cafe--and a giant hookah on its sign. It doesn't look like they were quite set up for smoking yet, but maybe that was to make room for the voting stations.

Only in California. And maybe Turkey or India.

Valentine Babies

There are a lot of birthdays in November that are important to me:

• My Mom-11/5
• Good friend Ren-11/9
• Best husband Eric-11/11
• Our American Eskimo dog Cosette-11/13
• My parents' German Shepard dog Rex-11/16

I forgot to send flowers to my Mom. She was so busy celebrating that it took me a couple of days to even reach her on the phone. Being in a different time zone doesn't help either. I'm plan to send her some flowers for Thanksgiving.

I got Ren's present tonight. Well, part of it. The part I didn't have yet. I can't say much as she occasionally checks in here!

On Eric's birthday, we'll may be heading up to the Bay Area for a wedding. Our friends are getting married in Oakland Saturday evening, so we plan to spend Friday and part of Saturday in San Francisco and/or Berkeley but some things are up in the air so we may not be able to make the drive. I hope the dogs get him something nice this year.

I can't believe Cosette will be 13 years old on Sunday. She's been with us since she was an 8 week old pup! I'd like to say she's not showing her age, but she is. Besides having cancer earlier this year (which she recovered from nicely), she seems to be losing her hearing a bit and she definitely naps a lot more. There's also a hideous wart growing on her snout. Luckily, I don't really see any physical problems with her in terms of mobility.

I haven't seen Rex for about a year and a half. I think he's turning 7. Being a bigger dog, he is having some hip problems. He is a dark, menacing-looking dog who is a big softy and sweetheart. I grew up with German Shepards as a young child and have fond memories of one named Heidi. I hope to see Rex (and his "sister" Jetta) again soon.

Even though her birthday was a few months ago, I still "owe" my buddy Cheryl who deserves to be celebrated as much as anyone else on my list. I have not forgotten and am going to surprise her one of these days with something very belated!

Photo Tuesday: Wound

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'Wound'

Mammoth Lakes, CA
July 2004

D'oh!

I totally forgot to mention one of the best things about Chicken Little is that the opening song in the film is a new Barenaked Ladies song called "One Little Slip." It's an Ed song too, which makes me very happy!

Jodi and Ed Robertson (Barenaked Ladies)
Tower Records on Sunset, March 1996

(It doesn't feel like it's been over 9 years since that day!)

Moody Monday: Wild

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'Wild'

Scrub Jay babies that nested under one of my bushes Spring of 2004.

Macro Day: Pink

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'Pink'

Rose in the garden at work.

The Sky is Falling!

We went to the midnight show of Chicken Little in Disney Digital 3D. It was cool. We decided to spend the bucks and go "VIP" at the El Capitan and I'm glad we did. I went in with fairly low expectations for the film itself, but it was entertaining. I laughed out loud several times. Besides that, the 3D was amazing and hopefully this new technology will take off.

Since 3D is having a bit of a popularity resurgence, it's not surprising that there is a 3D part on the new Duran Duran Live From London DVD that I picked up last night. Even cooler though, is the easter egg of the full anime video that played during their shows. (Enter '16' while on the main menu).

I finally got all of my photos from the past week's adventures uploaded to my flickr site. Go there to see my various Halloween costumes, lots of dog photos, farm photos, West Hollywood Carnaval photos, and of course U2. So much went on last week, it may just be easier to let the photos do the talking. I guess the only "events" I didn't get photos of were the two haunted yards we visited before going to West Hollywood on Halloween and the Paul Reubans Q&A at Pee Wee's Big Adventure.

I think I need a nap.

I'm Wide Awake

I'm not sleeping...that's for sure. I did manage to get caught up a bit on my sleep today though. It has been an incredibly fun, yet incredibly exhausting week. If only I didn't have that pesky full-time job/career thing in the mix, I'd have much more time for naps and catching up on my blog!

I have 143 unread emails in my Inbox (no, that does not include spam, I get rid of that before downloading my mail). I have 183 photos from Halloween and 300 from the U2 show to sort through. I'm hoping to get caught up on all of this by the end of the weekend.

In many ways, I'm hoping it's a low-key weekend. I don't have too many definite plans, just something really cool for Sunday night (thanks Ren!) Between now and then, I'm going to vote for not doing too much. We'll see though because Eric may have other things in mind.

I'm not sleeping...oh no, no, no...

Photo Friday: Warmth

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'Warmth'

Thursday Challenge: Creative

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'Creative'

Bono performing with U2 at The Staples Center
Los Angeles, CA
11/02/05

Lens Day: Time

Late on my post this week.

'Time'

This photo is a bit of a stretch for this theme, but I was amused by the specificity of the times for the Silly String ban.

Photo Tuesday: Yesterday

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'Yesterday (Halloween)'
One of my favorite costumes at the West Hollywood Carnaval.

Happy New Month

An extra hour this weekend was really nice, but just not enough. It's a good thing I can't go to my book club meeting tonight, because I have been unable to finish my assigned reading. Ack!

Two themes had overwhelming prominence in my life for the last few days...Halloween and dogs. Yes, shocking I know. Usually it's just dogs. I will eventually have photos posted on my flickr site, but I've had little time to download, choose, crop, upload and label. I'm in the process. I hope to be done by the end of the week.

I've been having a lot of fun since last Friday, but it is taking its toll. Fatigue is soaking my brain, squeezing my eyeballs (ew!), and finding a resting place in my bones. I'm doing battle with caffeine and chocolate until I make it to this Friday when I will sleep and sleep some more.

I'll leave you with a few tidbits from the past few days:

• I had 3 Halloween costumes this year--zombie Raggedy Ann, Michael Darling from Peter Pan and a ketchup bottle.
• Richard Blade is a really, really nice guy and a dog lover. His wife is very cool too.
• Don't wait until October 30th to go to the pumpkin farm. No more pumpkins.
• Our department kicked ass at work, once again, winning an award for our trick-or-treating booth (like we did last year!). We go all out and it pays off.
• I like wearing slippers to work.
• If you are not wearing a costume or are smoking a cigarette, don't bother coming up to my house on Halloween for candy.
• We learned that Rusty was a babe magnet at the West Hollywood Carnaval. Lots of half-naked women came up to pet him. Most were women anyway, near as we could tell.
• We are definitely going to see U2 tomorrow night, the night we can go. I was able to trade my tickets for pricier, better-in-many-ways seats. And I didn't have to pay the difference. I'm so excited as I've only seen them live once, back in Philadelphia in 1987 with my gay boyfriend.

So, look for those photos and hopefully an update to Rusty's blog soon too!