Thursday
Went to the LA Film Festival screening of Hot Rod at the Ford Amphitheatre with Jen and her husband. The movie was really funny, and the cast was awesome and even included a Groundling alum that I used to see perform back in the day.

Friday
Came home from work with a really unhappy stomach. I put my PJs on and went to bed early, missing out on Marissa’s drinks on the patio get together. Not happy.

Saturday
Fortunately, I woke up feeling much better. I went to WW and learned I am down 2.2 (for a total of seven), but I think that is partly due to switching from evening to morning weigh-ins. Whatever the reason, I’m happy. In the afternoon, I ran errands, including a trip to Pavilions where they have a special buy two 12-packs of Coke products, and get three free. Crazy good deal. Also, I did my walk/run thing, and used my Shuffle for the first time. The headphones kept popping out when I was running, but stayed in OK while I was walking. How do you get them to stay in all the time? I’m wondering if my ears are shaped weird or something.

That night, DG came over and we saw Sicko at the Arclight, went for Hawaiian BBQ for dinner, then came back to my apartment and hung out, playing with the settings on my new camera and stuff. It was fun. Sicko was a great film, yet incredibly sad. It reminded me of years back when I had Cigna insurance (worst company ever), and had to fight like mad to get a doctor-recommended Pap paid for. Cigna repeatedly told me they only cover one Pap a year, regardless if my doctor recommended an additional one following an abnormal result. Yes, seriously. Fortunately, I won the fight and it was eventually paid for.

Sunday
So much for sleeping in. I picked up my Little and took her to Venice Beach for the day. It was fun, but really frustrating at times. She absorbs everything her mother tells her, and doesn’t know what is made up and what is true. It’s sad. I know that’s really vague, but I don’t want to get into specifics here. Anyway, the weather was absolutely perfect down by the beach, and there was not a cloud in the sky.

Frustrated from my outing, I decided to do a little damage at Target. Unfortunately, the place was so packed that I had to wait 15 minutes for a shopping cart. Come on Target, splurge a little on a few more carts. While shopping, I treated myself to the new Jane Green book which I hope won’t be as disappointing as her last few. I also got a pair of sport headphones to try out, which I hope will stay in better than the iPod ones.

Now I have two loads of laundry in the machines, my air conditioning on, and I’m going to unpack my purchases and read. I so wish tomorrow was the holiday because I could sure use an extended weekend right about now.

Yes, they’re cupcakes.

Thanks to Keith, I spent entirely too long looking at this ecard site. It’s absolutely hysterical.
- - -
I finally booked my flight to Seattle! I’m so excited to see my cousin and his fiancee and go to Bumbershoot and hear awesome music. I also found out my aunt and uncle will be visiting then too, so I’m stoked.

Speaking of my aunt: When I was a kid, I would fly up and visit her in Palo Alto and she’d take me into the city for pizza and then we’d come back home and do each other nails (guess who had the better manicure). She’s in LA this week, so tonight, she and my sister and I are going for margaritas and Mexican food. Not exactly the same as 20 years ago, but just as special.
- - -
Since I’ve added jogging to my walking, I noticed I’ve been getting blisters on the sides of my toes. Anyone know a way to prevent this, besides putting band-aids there?

In related to walking news, the “sport headphones” I bought are a piece of junk so the search for the perfect headphones is back on. I need a pair that a) don’t hurt; b) stay in/on my ears comfortably; and c) won’t slip off when I sweat. Right now, I’m back to using old school headphones that came with my Sports Walkman (you remember it, it was bright yellow and has an armband, and it’s from um, 1990-something). Please help me find some new earphones so I can stop embarrassing myself.
- - -
Yesterday, my friend Karrin and I went to Randi and Michael’s really cute new place in humid and not-so-sunny-Santa Monica for a barbecue. The party was a lot of fun, I got to see Amy, Nanette and her husband Brent, and I made a mini cupcake flag for the occasion. It was a hit.
- - -
Can someone please tell me why the new Arrowhead bottles with the blue flip caps are near impossible to open?
- - -
This week’s question: What was the best dessert you’ve ever had, and where did you have it?
- - -
And that ends a really all over the place Thursday Things. I keep thinking today is Monday.

This weekend, I:

• Made even more cupcakes, this time for a friend’s housewarming party.
• Walked, twice!
• Met a cute boy with a cute dog while waiting for a walk signal to change. (I think they were on their way to Runyon.) He said he’s seen me walking before and asked for my phone number. I figured why not. Of course, he had to memorize it so I highly doubt I’ll hear from him, but it was flattering nonetheless. Especially considering I was sans makeup, in a baseball cap, and sweating.
• Slept in through my WW meeting. Oops.
• Attended said housewarming party where the cupcakes were a huge hit and I saw people I haven’t seen in years.
• Drove past the Burbank KWIK-E-MART during one of my two trips to Burbank and Glendale.
• Ran a million and one errands, did laundry, etc.
• Chipped a front tooth trying to open a bottle.
• Slept a ton.

Boring, I know.
- - -
In other news, I’m making a list of things I’d like to do this summer. So far I have:

• Go to more Dodger games. I already have free awesome, awesome seats and Dodger Dollars to an upcoming weekend game, I just need to figure out who I’m taking.
• Go to a Cinespia screening at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. I’ve never been!
• Go back to the Bowl.
• Take a cooking class.
• Go to the batting cages.
• Go to Disneyland. I haven’t been since The Ex and I got in a huge fight there years and years ago. Time for new memories.
• Go on multiple dates with a guy who doesn’t play games and calls the following day to ask me out again.
• Take a weekend road trip.

If you want to do any of the above (and um, I know you), let me know!
- - -
And finally, my birthday is coming up and instead of doing an orchestrated thing with friends like last year, I sorta just want to see a movie or do something chill after work (yeah, it’s on a weekday). Does this mean I’m getting old?

Yesterday I got this email from my mom, which was forwarded to her from a family friend, who received it from his attorney friend:

[Nice Jewish Man], an attorney in my office (good looking and successful – works in real estate/transactional dept.), is looking for a wife. Actually, his father, also an attorney in my office, has agreed to pay me to find a nice girl (Jew or Gentile) that will wed his son and reproduce so that he doesn’t have to come into my office to see the faces of adorable grandchildren every day (mine). He wants some of his own!

In any event, if you know of any qualified ladies (he’s a big sports fan – played college baseball) in the age range of 28-35, let’s get them a date.

PS – If the girl wants to see his picture (which doesn’t really do him justice) ahead of time, he’s on the [lawfirm] wedsite …oops, I mean website.

(I was just kidding about the payment, I just like the kid and I think he’s adorable!)

I told my mom no way, and reminded her that she is not allowed to set me up with people she herself has not met. Yes, we all know I have a thing for baseball players, but I’ve already done the Orange County attorney thing and it didn’t work out so well. Either time. Plus, just because we’re both single and Jewish means we’re a good match? Not necessarily.

Anyway, your thoughts?

Because so many of you asked: My birthday is a week from Tuesday and I’ll be 33. Woohoo. Or something. My coworkers and I are going to Meltdown for lunch and I am ridiculously excited. Is that so wrong? That night, I’m going to the movies with friends. Nice and chill.
- - -
I made cupcakes for my coworkers this week because they’re always whining about not getting leftovers. Reactions ranged from “ugh, the frosting is too sweet” (seriously, is this even possible?) to “How is Hilary not married?” Yeah well, if only it were that easy.
- - -
Tuesday night, I met a fellow Flickr-er for drinks at the Cat. He was really nice and I had a fun time chatting with him. (Hi Mr. Chips!)

Last night was a roundtable discussion for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters. I walked into the building with Keren (hi Keren!), a fellow Big Sister whom I have become friends with over the years. She mentioned she was going to say hi to her friend Caron (hi Caron!) who worked in the building, and I recognized her friend’s name as someone who used to comment on my blog, so I mentioned it to Keren. Keren brought Caron down to our meeting, and I got to meet her. It’s always such a trip to put a face to someone’s comments! And to make it an even smaller world, Caron and Marissa were in a graduate program together, and another guy Marissa knows (from school I think?) used to be a Big Brother.
- - -
In response to yesterday’s post: Final score: Mom: 1 billion; Hilary: 0 (not even my own sister?!) You all suck, whose side are you on anyway? I’ll keep you posted on the potential date.
- - -
I’m sad to have read that a Pinkberry is opening in my neighborhood, right by Rock and Roll Ralphs. My sister on the other hand, is ecstatic.
- - -
In TV news, am I the only one who isn’t finding this season of Top Chef as good as last season? And I think I’m over The Next Food Network Star. I don’t want any of them to win. I wanted Paul to win, dammit.
- - -
Turns out my awesome, free, Dodger tickets really aren’t so awesome. (Why are there two sections with the same number? I don’t get it.) But they are still free. One week from Sunday, who wants to go?
- - -
This week’s question: What is your favorite song? Does it have special meaning? Why do you like it?

This weekend I:

• Was ready to smash my iPod because while I was walking, it kept looping through the same two songs, both somewhat slow Guster songs which aren’t really conducive to a brisk walk. I don’t know what was going on, but it appears to have fixed itself. Weird.
• Tried on about 17 pair of smaller size pants that have been folded in my closet for entirely too long. They button and zip!
• Heard a buzzing sound and noticed The World’s Largest Bee hanging out above a lamp in my living room. I freaked out, realized I had no bug spray, and noticed the bee had flown into the lamp. I promptly covered the lamp with posterboard, bakery boxes, and what else–a cookie sheet–hoping it would suffocate and die. About two buzzing hours later, I brought the lamp out to my balcony and took the layers off before quickly closing the doorwall. Of course, when I went outside the following morning to bring the lamp in, the bee was dead inside it.
• Went to WW and am down .8 more which brings my total loss to 7.8 pounds. I’m happy. Ten more and I’ll be back to my former goal weight.
• Finally had time to try a new recipe. I made white chocolate brownies. They’re ugly, but yummy.
• Had sushi and watched Alpha Dog with DG on Saturday night. I think I’ve seen him more since we stopped dating than I did when we were dating.
• Spent Sunday night hanging out with Mr Chips. (Hi Mr Chips! Hi Mr Chips’ friend Abigail!) We saw the ASSSSCAT show at UCB (Andy Richter was in the audience), went to Palms Thai (yes, complete with Thai Elvis) for a late dinner, then hung out at my apartment past my bedtime. Zzzz.

It was a fun weekend without enough sleep and I am so bummed it’s Monday.

And in other news, my birthday is a week from tomorrow. If you really want to buy me something, I’d love this in birch or this (in any color, I’m not picky really) and I’ll make you free baked goods for life.

Follows is the email exchange between my mom and the initiator of the email that started it all. My commentary is in italics. I should also point out that I was under the impression Uncle Sid was going to check this guy out for me prior to the phone number swap. As it turns out, Uncle Sid is meeting the guy tomorrow, but the phone numbers have already been given. Not cool.

I rec’d info about [Nice Jewish Man] from [Uncle Sid]….I have a 32, almost 33, year old darling daughter. How tall is [Nice Jewish Man], Hilary is 5′9″. Hope he is taller than that. She goes out with guys who are 5′8″ and taller. (Thanks for looking out for me mom!) I am also anxious to be a GRANDMA (notice the caps there?) and my hubby is dying to be a grandparent also (I thought that’s why you guys got the dog?). We can empathize with [Nice Jewish Man's Dad] (Hello, what about Bethany? Why is it solely my responsibility to reproduce tomorrow?). Let me know.

Barbara
- - -
Barbara,

I’m back from [out of town]. I had an opportunity to speak with Sid this afternoon and he speaks very highly of your lovely daughter (Of course he does, this is a set up, people don’t talk smack. Not that there’s smack to talk of course.). If you agree, I think the best approach is for me to speak with [Nice Jewish Man] and either he and Hilary can arrange a meeting, or, if you’re inclined, we can arrange a “blind date”. (Arrange a blind date? Hahahaha! Soooooooo not gonna happen.) In all events, I think that we should strike while the iron’s hot! (I think it’s down to cool.)

Let me speak with [Nice Jewish Man] and I will get back with you later today.
- - -
I spoke with [Nice Jewish Man]. He is a willing “victim”. (Uh huh, sure he is.) He would be happy to call Hilary and they can take it from there. Can you send me Hilary’s phone number? Alternatively, she can call [Nice Jewish Man] here, if she would like (949) XXX-XXXX. (Yes, he’s in OC. And he’s an attorney. Blah. Maybe he moonlights as something else, like the optometrist I dated who moonlighted as an actor. It could happen.)

I hope this turns into something really fun for these kids. (Fun? Setups are not fun.)

Best to you ~

[Initiator]

I suddenly feel like a business transaction. Someone save me. Please. There are cupcakes in it for you. Lots and lots of cupcakes.

So here’s the deal. I won two tickets (on MySpace of all places) to see Guster (!) at the Orange County Fair on Wednesday, July 25. Toad The Wet Sprocket is opening (co-headlining?), along with a band I’ve never heard of called The 88. Indie 103 is sponsoring it, so how bad could they be? Okay, don’t answer that.

I know it’s on a work night and in OC, but if anyone (that I know) is up for an adventure and wants to go, let me know! It’s been too long since I’ve seen Brian play sans sticks.

Once again, this Ask… post is long overdue .

You know the rules: You ask me a question. I answer it. Unless I don’t want to, then I won’t. Post it in the comments or if you’re shy, send me an email. I’ll answer the questions next week.

You can read previous questions and answers here.
- - -
And totally unrelated, but since I’m sure you’re all wondering, no, Nice Jewish Man did not call last night. Maybe he won’t call at all! Ah ha!

I think I have developed an unhealthy obsession with the song Hey There Delilah. I just find it so romantic (I know, cheeseball) and would absolutely melt if someone were to write (or hell, even play) a song like that for me. Seriously. When the Rock Star offered to play his guitar for me, I was ready to offer him a lifetime supply of cookies. Of course, he then got hit by The Bus and I never heard from him again. Not quite the happy ending I was going for.
- - -
In TV news, is anyone else watching The Next Food Network Star? I had read about the JAG discrepancy online, but I didn’t realize they were going to get into it on the show. Interesting! And Top Chef–I want Hung to leave already; he’s such a bugger.
- - -
Guster released the dates for their fall tour and I’m so sad–they’re doing shows in SD and SF, but not LA. I am still holding out hope however, because there is an unscheduled day between those two shows, and LA would be a perfect fit. Cross those fingers!

In other Guster news, I won Guster at the Orange County fair tickets on MySpace of all places. The only problem is that the show is in OC, on a weekday, after work. Which means I’ll be sitting on the freeway while praying we get there on time. That’s why I told my other friend to count me out when she bought tickets for it last month. Nicole mentioned that she had wanted to go when she heard Toad was playing, but she didn’t buy tickets for the same reason. So, I’m going to decide in the next couple of days if we should brave the 405 or just do dinner in our ‘hood.
- - -
July is officially birthday month, and not just for me. I have four birthday celebrations to attend in the next two weeks. Fun, fun! Now if I could just find a plus one to take with me, I’d be all set.
- - -
Last weekend I bought that Body Glide stuff and some synthetic socks. Tonight I’ll actually be home before it starts to get dark, so I can finally try everything out.
- - -
In satiating a reader’s curiosity news, no, the hanging out with Mr. Chips nights were not dates, but I do have a new friend now.
- - -
And in Nice Jewish Man (NJM) news, he called last night. Of course, he called as soon as I got home from a meeting and had just sat down with my dinner and Top Chef on Tivo. I let it go to voicemail and will call him back tonight. From the tone of his very formal message, I feel like we’re setting up an important business deal or something.
- - -
Remember how a few weeks ago I had to get a new Bluetooth since mine was defective? Well, the new one has also died. I should be receiving Jabra headset number three in the mail this week.
- - -
In random news, it looks like my apartment building will finally be recycling. Yay!
- - -
Monday at work, my Little called me three times to ask about when I was taking her for ice cream (I didn’t have any, go me!) later that night. I don’t mind getting personal calls at work, but three of them in a two hour span asking about our ice cream outing was a little too much. I was really tired from not getting enough sleep the night before, and by the time I picked her up, my patience was pretty much shot. I then sat there for 45 minutes listening to her talk about wilderness camp, and was quickly fading. I felt really badly, because she has stuff going on at home and I know she needed someone to listen to her, but I just didn’t want to deal with it then. I feel like such a bad Big for not giving her one hundred percent.
- - -
In more cheerful news, Marissa and I are going to the Dodger game this Sunday. It’s my first game of the season and I am so excited. Also, there will be some matches there (my Little is out of town, hence my taking Marissa), so I’m hoping Cute Big will be there with his Little. Doubtful, but ya never know.
- - -
And finally, MySpace is prematurely aging me. When I searched for myself by first and last name (um, doesn’t everyone search for themselves?), it said I was 33. I still have five days left of being 32. What’s the deal MySpace?
- - -
There is no question of the week. Sorry. But for a change of pace, feel free to ask me something.

After a short game of phone tag, NJM and I spoke on the phone; as expected, he was very nice. Unfortunately, much of the conversation was filled with ummms, uhhhs, and awkward pauses, and aside from baseball (thank god for the Kirk Gibson story) and neither of us having met the other person involved in this set up (that’s right, he never met Uncle Sid), it didn’t appear we have much in common. Nor much to talk about. However, he does have a writer/producer brother who lives in LA. Maybe I should meet him.

Anyway, NJM said he’ll call me next week to make plans to get together. Stay tuned.

First, random stuff:

• Thursday night, this robbery turned murder happened about five minutes after I walked past the store. So horrible.
• Did you know you can click on Comments you’ve made on Flickr and see all of the comments you wrote as well as all of the comments others have written since you last commented? I really need to pay more attention to this stuff. So cool.
• Because ptwelve asked, (link only works in Firefox, anyone know why?) I have now used the Body Glide and synthetic socks twice and so far, no blisters! Once I figure out how to avoid calluses, I’ll be all set. I do have a pedicure scheduled for this coming weekend though.
• My birthday is Tuesday, in case you forgot.

And now on to the weekend.

Friday
I wore my smaller sized pants to work which was quite exciting for me. I then found out I was receiving not two, but four tickets to the OC Fair Guster show, then I read that Guster added an LA show to their fall tour. Yay, right? Well, not so much. I really don’t feel like driving down to OC after work on Wednesday, so I probably won’t go to that show. And so far, everyone I’ve asked about going to the fall show in LA won’t be around to go. So, now I may not be seeing them at all.

The day got considerably worse when I received an email from someone I love that said, among other things, “You are a terrible disappointment to me.” That sentence has continued to play nonstop in my head ever since, and every time it loops, there are tears that come along with it.

Saturday
Slept in, then went to WW. I am down 1.4 more, so my total weight loss is now 9.2 pounds. I asked about setting my goal weight and they said I can do it whenever, since I’m in the range for my height already. I’d like to lose 10 more pounds so I think I’ll set it at 10 less than where I’m at now. Julie and I are both now at the halfway point for the amount we’d like to lose so it looks like our spa weekend will be sometime in the winter. Yay!

During the day, I did regular weekend errands, then came home to catch up on emails, including two from Jdate guys with potential. Go figure. I log on to hide my profile, and I get two nice, normal emails. They both live in Orange County, although one is moving to LA in the next couple of months, and they are both creative types (yes, they are employed) and are into the arts.

That night, I attended Nanette and Brent’s joint 30th birthdays (ahh, to be 30 again) BBQ and party which was a lot of fun! I was really nervous about going by myself (I know, I need to get over this) and only knowing two other people there, but their friends were so nice and friendly (hi Jami!) that I ended up having a blast. And I finally got to meet Jenn as well!

Sunday
I again got to sleep in, then Marissa and I went to the Dodger game. I had free tickets and Dodger Dollars (courtesy of Big Brothers) and a free parking pass (offered to me by Mr. Chips’ friend Abigail, thanks Abigail!), so the game ended up costing me nothing. It was so damn hot in our seats that we actually moved up, into the shade because we were tired of sweating after only two innings.

Overall, a fabulous and social weekend, which was just what I needed given that my week, especially Friday, sucked like never before. Hopefully this coming week, birthday included, will be as wonderful as the weekend.

I’m 33! Which, I have been told, is still considered one’s early thirties. Just in case you had any doubt.

Anyway, here’s to hoping the morning of my birthday this year is a little better than the morning of my birthday last year and that I don’t sleep through my alarm or drop any toothbrushes in the toilet. (I posted this before I went to sleep. Obviously.)

And I’m sure the rest of the day will be good, considering Meltdown with coworkers is the plan for lunch, and going out with friends is the plan for after work. Then later this week, Bethany and I are having dinner with our aunt and uncle who are in from out of town. Lots of yummy food and good peeps.

Yay to being 33! Or um, something.

Thanks to everyone for the happy birthday comments! Between those, all the cards I got in the the mail, and phone calls from my friends and family, it was a wonderful reminder of how truly loved I am. Of course, as soon as I got to work, I managed to spill peanut butter on my just dry cleaned pants which resulted in a lovely oil spot. And the day just went completely downhill from there, resulting in the worst birthday ever. While it wasn’t the best way to start out 33, it is beginning to get better, and, as Esther pointed out, at least I wasn’t crucified.
- - -
Last night, I had a super fun and delicious dinner with my foodies aunt and uncle at Tasca. Two words: risotto fritters. Seriously, what could be better than fried risotto balls with fontina cheese in the middle? Pure heaven. Also, during dinner I learned that not only does my cousin Rachel read this (hi Rach!), but it appears my cousin Brett reads it too (hi Brett!).
- - -
In random news, I logged onto Friendster the other day and noticed a cute guy had checked me out. Turns out he’s a comic (I know, big surprise there) with a day job and used to perform at the same improv place as one of my friends. We exchanged a bunch of emails, spoke on the phone last night, and are going to chat again tonight to make plans for drinks.

In Jdate news, one of the OC guys will be traveling for a couple of weeks so I don’t know when I’ll meet him. Of course, he called while I was at dinner with my aunt and uncle, and when I saw the area code, I thought it was NJM. And the other one sent me an email saying he was at his parents’ house without Internet access, so I don’t know when I’ll hear from him again.

And in NJM news, there is no news. He hasn’t called to make plans, and I assume that’s because he found our phone conversation as riveting as I did. Oops, apparently I need to check my landline voicemail more often. NJM left a message while I was out for dinner Wednesday night.
- - -
This weekend is another fun filled one! I have a long overdue manicure/pedicure and haircut/color, another friend’s birthday party, and then on Sunday, Jen and I are going to dinner and to see Hairspray.
- - -
Anyone else watch The Next Food Network Star? I don’t think there could have possibly been a more boring season finale ever. Thank god for Tivo. And I haven’t watched Top Chef yet, so please, no spoilers!
- - -
Has anyone been to The Woods yet? It’s owned by the guys who own The Well (and Daddy’s). It’s in the old Lava Lounge spot. I want to check it out.
- - -
I haven’t forgotten about the Ask… post, I just haven’t had time to write out the answers. Sorry, but sometimes life gets in the way.
- - -
In other news, I leave for Seattle in five weeks. Could I be any more excited? Hell no.

Speaking of travel, my sister’s friend has a timeshare in Cabo she is trying to sell off three weeks of. Here are the deets:

This amazing hotel is located right on Cabo’s main ‘El Medano’ beach - one of the very few in Cabo that is completely safe for swimming in. It is right next door to the Office, the best location in Cabo! You can get a one or two bedroom unit depending on availability sleeping 4-6 people. Rooms have ocean facing views looking straight out to the Arches and Lands End. I have 3 weeks to sell and the dates are flexible but must be a Friday - Friday or Saturday - Saturday before November 2007. They are beautiful rooms, have a full kitchen with granite counters and a living room. High speed wireless internet. The property has 3 swimming pools, 3 restaurants, and is only a 5-10 minute walk to downtown Cabo and the marina.

Leave a comment or email me if you’re interested, and I can forward your info on to Elise.
- - -
This week’s question: What phrase do you find yourself using a lot? I have a tendency to say “It’s all good,” way too often.

Busy busy busy!

Friday
Got home from work and left NJM a message; we’re now officially playing phone tag. Then, I had a really exciting date…with the washing machines. After four loads of laundry, I felt we really connected.

Saturday
Slept in, skipped my WW meeting (partly because I slept through it and partly because I knew I gained from all the yummy birthday dinners and didn’t want to officially see the number; please don’t lecture me, I know I should have gone), then ran errands and headed out to the hot, hot, hot west part of the Valley for a manicure, pedicure, and hair cut and color. Came home, changed clothes, and headed out to the east part of the Valley for a friend’s birthday dinner. I expected to be home early because a large group from dinner was going to see Simpsons at 10:30 (I had no desire to see it), but instead I met up with some friends for drinks. On a related note, there was a guy at the party who had his bluetooth on his ear throughout the entire dinner and I kept wanting to yank it off.

Sunday
Slept in till nine (is it sad that is now considered sleeping in?), cleaned my apartment, then hit both the Beverly Center and Hollywood and Highland (I know, I am so brave) where I fought tourists, spent a total of $3 on parking, $80 on two shirts, and $5 on a soft pretzel and Diet Coke, then came home. I sat on the couch for about five minutes then decided I was bored and went through my cookbooks until I found a recipe for which I had all the ingredients. (Can you believe I was out of unsweetened chocolate? I know, neither can I.) I finally decided on the Perfection Pound Cake recipe by Dorie, and got cracking.

While the cake was in the oven, I relaxed and got dressed before my sister and her boyfriend (happy birthday Aaron!) picked me up, and we met my parents and aunt and uncle at where else–Vivoli–for dinner. Speaking of my aunt and uncle, it’s time for me to tell you guys about my cousin Jason (he’s the one I’m going to visit up in Seattle over Labor Day). He’s a most talented jazz musician, and he has a new album out now called The Jason Parker Quartet. Not only should you check out his music, but you should buy his album because it is pretty damn awesome! And if you’re Jewish, you might especially enjoy track number four, Tree Of Life.

Stay Tuned
Monday night I’m going to dinner and the movies with some friends for a belated birthday celebration. Tuesday night I’m meeting Friendster Guy for drinks. Wednesday night I’m doing something that I’ll fill you in on later in the week. Either Thursday or Friday night I hope to finally see Ann-Marie’s baby. And Saturday night I’m going to yet another birthday party. Another fun week!