Hollywood & Vine

Last Sunday, Heather and I headed West to L.A. for a quick trip. Heather needed to go to the Italian Consulate for paperwork so she can study abroad (and then so I can go visit her). She needed a copilot and I early volunteered to take a day off of work to go with her. I'm such a nice friend, I know. It was a 6 hour drive through the desert with not much to see except near Palm Springs where there a millions of windmills. How green of them.

Oh and if you ever end up making the drive from PHX to LA, just a suggestion, make sure you check where the nearest rest stop is before passing one up. We got a little worried as the desert wasn't offering many exits. Shouldn't have drank all that coffee.

LA traffic is pretty congested at any time of day. As much as I would love to live near the ocean, the first thought I had upon arrival was "I could not live here and deal with all the people and cars". Well, unless I become so rich and famous that someone drives me around everywhere, I would retract my statement if that was the case.

The Emmy's were going on and we considered crashing some after parties, but forgot our

designer gowns so we decided to forgo those tacky things and head to a pub near the beach for a burger and beer. Plus, I didn't think it would be fair to Jimmy Fallon's wife. I mean, he would

obviously fall in love with me and leave her the instant we met eyes. We would be so perfect together especially since he also enjoys playing guitar. So I was just trying to have good morals by not going. Home wrecking doesn't look good on me.

Then we walked along some streets in Santa Monica and just couldn't pass up the Pinkberry Yogurt. OK, personal confession time. Pinkberry is supposed to be soooo good and all the stars eat it so we should too! Well, Heather and I decide to do just what the stars told us and got in line. The lady ahead of us just got strawberries with hers, the guy behind us also got fruit. Heather and I? We get specialty dessert toppings. Mine was a chocolate crunch and I had them

add animal crackers. So we try to hold our heads high with our shockingly fattening decisions compared to the Hollywood crowd. We ourselves are smug because these people do not know how to live. Well as we walking along eating our pricey treats, we look at each other and admit it's not very good. I think it would have tasted much better with fruit because they do not know

how to do the unhealthy flavors well. So lesson learned, don't be the fatty at Pinkberry.

Later that night we drove through Beverly Hills and headed to Hollywood. My roommate Veronica's friend, Van, works at bar five0four (a Louisiana themed bar on Hollywood Blvd).

I had met Van before and was looking forward to seeing him again as well as drinking my

favorite beer Purple Haze on tap. Wouldn't you know it though, that darn dark cloud followed me all the way to Los Angeles because they were out of one beer, and of course it was the coveted Purple Haze. I sulked for a little bit and then tried to move on with my life.

I consoled myself with and Abita Amber and then Van told me I HAD to try his hurricane and "Van Grenade". I've heard many stories about the type of nights grenades and hurricanes create

down in Louisiana so I was a little scared. So I shared with Heather and passed off the rest to Van.

Instead of drinking the night away, I ate it. The Jambalaya and beignets were delish! (Now THEY know how to do guilty pleasures. Pinkberry take note!)

I felt guilty for being there surrounded by LSU decor and eating her homeland foods without Veronica, but she trained me well and Van was there as a stand in.

The next morning I dropped Heather off at the Italian Consulate and went back to the hotel. Yes, it's true, I drove in LA. Rachel who hates traffic and gets overwhelmed in city traffic drove a car in the scary city AND did a U-turn (I know, I know, it's pretty impressive). Well, it wasn't far or nearly that bad, but still I didn't want to do it. Here's a probably well known fact that I never considered, you have to pay a lot of money to park anywhere in LA. Even for a little bit you have to pay. So being the economic girls that we are tried to beat the system as much as possible and hence my dropping Heather off and picking her up (a few minutes later because apparently the 3 hour wait we expected didn't come hooray!). After I picked Heather up we checked out of the hotel and drove around through Calabasas (saw Dash), through the Santa Monica Mts, and then along the coast in Malibu.

We found a public beach access that was hidden and walked down the many stairs to dip our toes in the Pacific.

I had a little mishap where the waves rushed in a little faster than I thought and kind of soaked my jeans (that I was planning on wearing on the drive home...). The waves were also kind of enough to give me a complimentary leg exfoliation as it shoved sand up under the bottom of my jeans with the water. My legs immediately started burning and broke out in a rash...but really, what did I expect. That dark cloud is tricky. Luckily, I outsmarted it and changed into a dress before we stopped at a little hole in the wall seafood place across the street from the ocean.

We sat in silence eating our yummy fresh fish tacos, sipping on wine (that we provided ourselves because we are savvy like that) and watched a bunch of dolphins swimming in the ocean. I've never seen that many dolphins together at once and they were pretty active in one spot for a long time. It was a very peaceful to end our little trip. It made it difficult to leave the lovely setting and head back across the dessert. But hey, we had to get back to reality and head back to one of the "Other Desert Cities".

Maybe next time I'm back, I'll be revealing my own star.

Sarah Gets Her Quilt

A couple of years ago (gosh, has it been that long already?) my step mom, Patty, made me an awesome quilt for my birthday. She used only black, white, and green fabric. Basically it was perfect. My friend, Sarah, saw it and instantly became jealous and threw a fit and wanted one too. Ok, so it wasn't exactly like we were in 2nd grade, but she did talk about my quilt a lot and asked if Patty would be interested in making her one if she paid her. I mentioned Sarah's deep desire to own a Patty quilt and Patty agreed to get started on a black, white, and red quilt for Sarah.

It takes awhile for a quilt to be constructed. So over the following months I had to endure Sarah's multiple comments on how excited she was for her quilt. She waited patiently while bragging to her family how she would soon be getting her very own custom made quilt in the mail. When the day finally arrived that the quilt should come in, Sarah was rearing to go. It just so happened that it was the same day she received her PHR certification in the mail at work. She said if the quilt came the same day it would be the best day ever. And wouldn't you know, it did.

I let Sarah do the honors of checking my mail to see if there was the coveted "you have a package slip". We held our breath, crossed our fingers, and turned the key to find the prize waiting for us inside!

So we went into the manager's office and picked up the package. Can you tell she was excited?

So we walked (well Sarah practically skipped) back to my apartment to open the package (which was very carefully packaged and taped at every corner).

Inside was her very own quilt,that she kept reminding me no one else had. (Also she mentioned not sharing with her boyfriend or dog)

I swear the girl was about to pee her pants she was so excited. Instead she modeled her new prized possession.

Then wrapped herself up like a burrito.

Then multiple happy dances around the apartment ensued.

It was so fun to see a friend so happy. Thank you Patty for making her day and her dream come true. Would have been nice if there was a least a lil something for me in the package (sigh), but I got lots of satisfaction from watching Sarah dance haha.

So Happy Quilt Day to you, Sarah. You deserve it!

But, I still think mine is way cooler...just saying :)

Mental Health Day

Due to the unfortunate chain of events that happened last weekend (please refer to previous posts) and work frustrations, I headed the advice from some concerned friends to take a "mental health day". Aka play hooky from work (Technically it isn't playing hooky as I can use my PTO days any way I like, but it makes me sound more bad ass if I say it like that). For once, it was convenient timing where work didn't NEED me that day and I decided I deserved a day of "relaxation" to make up for the stressful Sunday. Most people would sit around in the pjs all day and watch Judge Judy or something to that effect in order to recharge

and gain back their mental health. I, on the other hand, decided to "bake my feelings".

The day started off alright. I only slept in a little (due to a horrid dream where I failed the math portion of the GRE...can you tell I'm worried?), made some coffee, and sat down to blog part two of my worst day ever tale.

I then made a grocery list and ran to the store to stock up on supplies. While cruising through the aisles, I decided that I don't make a real dinner enough (why would I when cereal is oh so delicious and convenient?). Lasagna popped into my head and I started picking up the

necessary ingredients. It had been some time since I baked a lasagna so I had to get a little help from my mom to make sure I wasn't forgetting anything. (I swear I always end up calling her

when I'm in the grocery story. It usually goes like this "Hi Mom, if you were bread crumbs,

where would you be hiding in the grocery store?").

After my adventure to the store, I went straight to the kitchen, put on my apron that Sarah cross stitched just for me and got to work. So far this story might seem like a pretty good mental health day. Coffee, writing, errands, and a little baking. You would be right if I was a sane person. But no, oh no, I am not. I can't just relax and make a little batch of cookies. I decide to jump off the high dive straight into the deep end of insanity.

I baked up a storm. Literally. You should have seen the kitchen.

It started off with lasagna. So I made the noodles, browned the meat, mixed the cheeses, chopped the parsley, layered it together and cooked it half way (I was saving it for the next day's dinner).

While this was going on, I was letting bread dough rise, because I decided to make 3 pans of cinnamon rolls. (Must have been an attempted to get back at Sunday when they were locked inside).

While the lasagna was in the oven, and the bread dough was rising, I whipped up some banana bread since my roommate, Emily, said I could have the bananas she bought.

And then sugar cookie dough.

And then I made the bread dough into yummy cinnamon rolls,

Let them rise,

and baked them.

Then I rolled out dozens of sugar cookies (using a portion of my dear cookie cutter collection).

I told you I was insane.

It was quite a balancing act in the kitchen. I was in the zone. Disaster zone? Maybe, but I didn't care. (Told you I'm bad ass).

Mid the manic bake fest, my friend Heather stopped by. As she was watching me buzz around the kitchen, she looked at me and asked "Are YOU OK?". My friends know me so well, and I think I scared her with my mental health day AND extreme bake mode turned on high.I assured her that I was really fine. I just needed to bake. And then that got me thinking, why do I bake so

much? Especially to deal with emotions? The obvious reason is the long line of amazing bakers in my family. Baking was something I grew up doing. (Literally, I just watched an old home movie where I was baking cookies when I was 3). But the reason I think I'm drawn to the kitchen during times of stress, is to block out the thinking. I'm concentrating on the recipe (sometimes defiantly straying) and creating something yummy and positive to put back out in

the world. I don't have time to let my brain over analyze everything. Because I do that...for

everything. It's so difficult to stop, unless I'm in the kitchen.

So although, it might have appeared that I went insane (and believe me I stopped midway and questioned myself as well - when I looked up and saw the pile of dishes),

I think I was really just getting it all out by forcing myself to shut off my mind for one day. My feet didn't get a break on the day off as they were standing on tile for 8 hours, but thankfully my brain did and that was exactly the point.

Because Heather is such a great friend, she brought some champagne to celebrate a day of Mental Health with me. So we toasted to dealing with the real world and sipped the bubbly as I rolled out the cookies and Heather documented the experience so artistically.

I pretended to throw a dough heart at her

Then she pretended to throw it back at me

Then she really did...

right down my shirt.

And then we laughed really hard.

So at the conclusion of my Mental Health day, I felt confident that I has put enough warm gooey positive things back out into the world to make up for my dark cloud days. I fed some warm treats to Heather and my roommates and in the morning sent off half of the baked goods to the Fiesta Bowl offices and took the other half to the Ballet for my colleagues. The compliments were more than generous and all was good in the world again...

...But just in case you were wondering, the dark cloud made an appearance as I was doing the dishes and I knocked over and subsequently broke a glass vase. (Darn you, dark cloud...)

Contact VH1, This was the WORST DAY EVER (part 2)

A thought came to my mind as I sat on a stranger's couch. My car was parked out front. In the sales office spot. That was clearly marked that was off limits during office hours. Go figure that I was able to get a visitor's spot all weekend until Saturday night when I had to park in a restricted spot. I planned on moving it before 10 because I'd be going to dance anyways. Hmmm, just a slight little problem now. I could just imagine seeing my car towed off into theblinding sun as I sat helpless. (Because OF COURSE I only have one key. I mean, really). Melissa, bless her heart, wrote a note with her phone number begging the office to not tow my car as I was having a series of unfortunate events and was not able to move it. We dropped it in the overnight box and crossed our fingers.

As I was thanking Melissa for the millionth time for saving me from an excruciating sunburn and possible heat stroke, I see the beautiful sight of Veronica's Toyota pull into the parking lot. The first thing out of Veronica's mouth? "Things like this only happen to you and my brother, Mark. You have a dark cloud over you". It took me off guard for a second (only a second)

because then I realized she is totally right. Bad things happen to everyone at some point, but the odd unexplainable chain of unfortunate events usually just happen to me (and Mark).

We searched around the outside of the building one more time, just in case Veronica could pick a screen door or something and then we got into the air conditioned car. We headed back to our apartment, dog proofed the place and then collapsed on the couch out of exhaustion and shock. If you have never been to AZ in the middle of the summer, you wouldn't understand. But there is something so intense about the heat that a short trip to your car can cause exhaustion. Trying to break into someone's home for a couple hours off and on in the heat? Double that exhaustion.

My "relaxing" didn't last long. I'm a baker. I bake when I'm stressed, upset, or really happy. I headed to the kitchen and Mia and I whipped up some chocolate croissants.

Then back to the couch to discuss the events of the day (and try to laugh off the absurdity) and wait for the spare key. Jordan's mother-in-law was on her way back from Prescott and would use her spare key to let me in at 6:0o pm. That would give me just enough time to tiddy up the condo and pick up Chris and Jordan from the arrivals gate.

The call came and we packed up Mia (who was so anxious to be in her own domain, poor dog probably thought we were kidnapping her or something). I was so thankful for all the help and anxious to let everyone return back to their normal Sunday life without having to save me. When we got in the car, I did something really stupid. Like, really really stupid. Have you ever just been so frustrated that you throw your hands up in the air and ask the universe "What else could go wrong?! or be a little defiant like me and say "What else do you have to throw at me,( aka bring it on)". Here's a little hint. Never, ever (under any circumstances) do that. The

Universe does not appreciate being challenged.

Not more than 5 minutes later did Veronica's phone ring. It was Jordan saying that Nancy (the mother-in-law) was at the house with the key. But, (here's the kicker) "Did Rachel bolt the door by any chance?". As I heard the words coming out of Veronica's mouth, I'm sure my jaw dropped. If you will kindly remember back to the happier part of this tale, I came home Saturday night and locked the door before I went to bed. Locking the door included using all the locks that they provided on the door. So yes, I not only locked the door, I bolted it, and put the chain across the top. I'm not one to freak out about locks. I don't really think about it or worry about being safe. But they had all the locks! Wouldn't it be weird if I didn't use the locks? I felt responsible for their home and if they felt the need to triple lock, then who was I to not grant their wishes? Turns out, they were there for decoration or something because they too did not feel the need to triple lock. Or so I found out later anyways....oye.

So now the story gets fun. This is the part that the men will perk up (pretty sure that's only you Dad), because it involves big trucks, ladders, tools, and breaking things. And ladies, it's a perk that men in uniform drive the big truck. Too bad when I got locked out in the morning I forgot to bring my makeup and matching clothes...

Anyways, so we get to the house to see Nancy has opened the door a crack but the bolt impedes us still. We try calling a locksmith to find out that they cannot help us one bit. We get word from Jordan and Chris that they took an earlier flight and will deal with it when they get home. Well, I felt horribly guilty to leave this mess upon them when they return at night from their vacations, especially knowing that Chris just ran a half marathon in the morning. From my old

cross country days, I know that one is usually pooped post race. Nancy decided that there had to be a way for someone to fix this, so she calls the fire department. They then tell us to call a different fire department (see nothing is easy when I'm around). Firemen do not usually come to aid breaking and entering. For some reason though, they decided to make an exception in our case. So we wait in the heat. And finally a big yellow fire truck pulls in. And out climb about 5 guys. (gotta focus on the positive)

Poor Mia was terrified of the truck so we hung out by the sliding glass door as the men did their work.

First they tried the door.

Then they tried the sliding glass door.

Then they climbed up to try the second story sliding glass door.

No luck.

A neighbor suggested popping out the kitchen window. So they decided that was the only option. They worked, and worked while Mia and I waited and waited from the other side peeking into the condo from the very locked sliding glass door.

Suddenly, someone is coming through the house to let me in. Hooorrraaaay!! Except, now I see that they didn't enter with luck. My dark cloud complicated things. The window cracked in the process. So the window had to go. But the firemen were tidy and cleaned up their glass pieces, took our names and departed.

At this point, finally getting into the condo, finally having access to my things and knowing that my car didn't get towed, I should have sighed with relief. But the guilt set in. My dark cloud had caused so many people to give up their happy sundays. And now my friends were without a window. Welcome Home Whitlach Family!

I have a feeling that dog sitting is in my past. Everyone should think very very carefully before offering me that job. Now how am I ever going to make money?

I immediately went home to the safety of my own room with a glass of wine. Seriously, what a day. Funny thing was, the next day I found out that I never returned the house key. So guess who was locked out Monday after work? Jordan. Go figure, the dark cloud continues...

Contact VH1, This was the WORST DAY EVER (part 1)

There once was a 25 year old girl who was helping out a friend by dogsitting/condo sitting while her friend and husband took a weekend trip to San Diego. Although the girl was jealous that she was not the one leaving the valley, she decided that the weekend would be a staycation. So as she drove away from the departures gate (honestly, it is just plain cruel to have to drive AWAY from the departures gate. One should be walking into the departures sliding glass doors. anywho...) The girl had red hair and very pale skin. (Ok ok if you haven't guessed it the girl is me and this is a true story).

Saturday was a splendid little staycation day. Jordan had left helfpul coffeepot directions and was sweet enough to leave me baking ingredients and cinnamon rolls for breakfast. (She knows me so well). I went to the farmers market with my friend Chris and then treated myself to the new book I've been waiting to read. I was thinking to myself how all day Sunday would be spent with Mia the dog in the air conditioned condo baking and reading. Doesn't that sound like a nice little Sunday? I sure thought so. (In a movie this is where the "duh duh duh" music would come in).

Saturday night was great as I was lucky enough to get some tickets in a suite for the Cardinal's pres-season game. (I must admit, I was feeling pretty cool at that point). After the game, some friends and I went out for some drinks and then I went home to Mia the dog, locked the front door, set my alarm so I could take Mia out at a decent time, and went to sleep.

When my alarm went off at 8:00 am I reminded myself that I was being responsible for another life and sleeping in was not an option. Also, I was going to be productive and go to a few dance exercise classes. As I rolled out of bed, I hesitated as I reached for my robe. I was just in a slip nightgown, I could easily throw my robe over, sneak out with the dog and then slip back in bed within ten minutes...hmmm tempting. But alas, I decided to semi start my day off early and threw on a bra, running shorts and tank top. They didn't match, but hey the effort of being clothed was a start and I was only taking the dog out to do her business after all. I hardly expected to see anyone else out at that hour anyways (Scottsdale is a young city, I was definitely not the only one out late the night before I'm sure).

So I walk downstairs, throw a longing look at the coffee and cinnamon rolls and grab the leash. In a few minutes the sweet taste of breakfast would be mine. Just a few minutes of responsibility and I could reward myself. The sun was pretty bright to my sleepy eyes and Mia took care of business pretty quickly. It was going to be a scorcher (when isn't it?) and I think Mia was excited to get back into the air conditioned condo as well. One little teeny tiny problem. The sliding glass door (that I had just come out of) wouldn't budge. Oops, I thought to myself. Silly me was so sleepy I was trying to get into the wrong condo. I mean I did just come out of the door and there isn't a way to lock it from the outside after all....wait, no this was Jordan's porch and that is my stuff sitting on the table inside. (Try the door with a little more gusto. Still nothing). That stuff of mine inside? Oh yeah, my phone. With all my contacts. That I do not have memorized (darn you technology!). Oh and my purse that holds my car keys, I.D. and money. Sooooo basically any tool that I would need in order to solve the problem of being locked out of the house. Suddenly I realize just how hot it is outside. Three minutes outside, no problem. Five minutes outside, getting kind of warm. 40 Minutes outside, feeling it! Did I mention it was especially hot this day? Couldn't be a cool 104 degree day, oh no, that would be too easy. It was 111 degrees. And I swear there was some humidity thrown in on top for fun.

I'm starting to feel the panic rise inside. I'm locked out of a condo that the owners are out of town. Any information to contact someone else was in the said locked condo. My keys were locked out of reach so I could not drive to safety. I took a deep breath and thought of my options (after I silently cursed myself for not knowing how to be cool and mcgyver things). I could find a way to climb onto the bedroom balcony and try that door? But I knew it would be locked and I'm not the best with heights. I could cry (I really wanted to do this one, but didn't see how that would help, plus if I saw someone they would run away instead of saving me). Or, I could start walking to my apartment...that would probably take 1.5 hours to complete. In the heat. With no sunscreen. No water. And in flipflops none the less.

Just then I heard the neighbor step outside to smoke. Let me just tell you, I was so happy that she was a smoker. I mean really, they say smoking kills, but they might be lying. In this case, she just saved my life. Because I was about to start a journey that would have surely resulted in a bad sunburn and dehydration. So thank you neighbor Melissa for sacrificing your lungs for my safety.

The euphoria of seeing another human wore off as she offered to let me use her phone...but what number would I dial? Because again, the darn technology is too easy and I don't memorize numbers! After sitting in the poor woman's house for awhile as she tries calling neighbors to help me break in, I realize that I can email my friends' work addresses and they will see it on their phones. I'm so excited at this idea and Melissa turns on her computer. Hmm interesting, not connecting to the internet. What you say? The internet doesn't work when I NEED it as my only form of communication? Why of course! Melissa jokes about how I must be cursed because that was just too many things to go wrong in one scenario. Hahahaha funny joke Melissa, no really, it's funny because...oh god, it's so true.

Luckily (hahah luckily, so funny to use this in this fun little tale) Melissa let me use her blackberry to email Jordan and my roommate Veronica. After waiting, my SOS was recieved and Jordan called to start the rescue process. She called to wake up Veronica and she would come pick me and Mia up until we could find someone with a spare key. Things seemed to be looking up and that dark cloud looming over my head was going to spread apart and let the rays of sunshine start pouring down, right?.....Welllllll..... -to be continued-

Rock n Roll ain't noise pollution...

It's actually great therapy. Now that I can play (or attempt to play) 2 whole rock songs and am learning my 3rd, it's become a great release. It's actually comparable to dance for me. When I'm a work, I just think of the chords and can't wait to get home and practice. Of course, it always sounds way better in my head at work than when I'm actually playing at home...but it will get there one day. And then, I will be so good that I will have my own band. And my band will tour. And then I can quit my job. So then I won't have to sit at work thinking about playing, but get paid to play. Yes yes, I'm liking this very much. If only there was a need for a hesitant and inexperienced genre/sound out there. If that niche ever opens up, I've got it cornered for sure.

Until then, I just pretend I'm Dave Grohl. Watch this with your eyes squinted and pretend along with me.

Mile High

In my attempt to escape the heat of AZ, get some good quality girl time, and visit a new city, I made a quick weekend getaway to Denver. I had never been, but only heard amazing things. I was curious to see what this wonderful city was all about. I must admit, it is pretty spectacular.

Since I'm looking for a new city to live, I found myself rating, weighing, and considering all aspects of Denver throughout our packed trip of activities. Here's my report.

Reasons Denver is a "me" city:

Green all around! Lots of grass, even downtown.

Flowers

Water-creeks and lakes are galore.

Beautiful Weather. It gets the best of both worlds -no humidity and no desert heat stroke. (And I'd get a little taste of winter)

THE NEIGHBORHOODS. So many cute areas with their own boutiques, coffee shops, bars, whatever you need!

The architecture. It's just ascetically pleasing to me.

Pauses:

I am not a super active out doorsy person- I would feel guilty for this laziness compared to everyone else who are constantly on the go hiking, biking, running, etc...but this could be a push I need right?

High Altitude - I'd have to learn to bake all over again!

I would need to get a dog. Everyone else has one, maybe it's a requirement?

I'm guessing the cost of living would be a bit high.

Overall, I didn't feel like I HAD to move to Denver, but it did give me hope that the type of new living environment I need is out there. I think I should keep doing these city visits to compare and find my new locale. Who wants to pay for the next one?