stupidest things i have ever done

so, while in a recent quick trip to use the restroom here on the lmu campus, i was reminded of the stupidest things i have ever done. and they both involve my cel phone. so, reader, you are probably wondering why a lavatory trip is bringing up such feelings of deja vu.....well, let me explain.

INCIDENT 1: about 2 years ago, i was using the bathroom in my own home. i had my cel phone in my back pocket (you can probably see where this is going). a minor thought crossed my head along the lines of: "wow. you should probably take your cel phone out of the back pocket before you go to the restroom." I vehemently ignored thought. Proceeded to use facilities and phone fell in toilet as pants came down. I had a freak out because I didn't want to have to buy a new phone. That moment was immediately replaced by an "OH SHIT" when I realized....'screw the phone. i may have to buy a new toilet.' The phone was not able to be seen and had sunken into the abyss of the toilet hole. Thankfully, some various kitchen tools (which have since been discarded) aided me in the removal of the phone.

INCIDENT 2: about 1 year, 10 months ago. Yes, in the same window as destruction of phone in incident 1. In a stressful hurry, I put all belongings on top of my car as I fumbled for keys in a purse that was too big and too cluttered. Regathered belongings, hurried to gallery to install show. When my boyfriend at the time failed to show up at gallery on time, I went to call him. Wait, where did my phone go? Minor freakout. He shows up, missing phone is forgotten....until when pulling into my driveway, my headlights illuminated the smashed mess that was my phone. Yes. I drove over my cel phone with my car.

i sleep in a nest

so, i totally had this revelation this morning: i kind of shape my bed to be nestlike. you know, surrounded by pillows of all sizes. 6 to be exact. i woke up, surrounded by this circle of multisized pillows and a blanket on top. perhaps i was a bird in a previous life.

ode to google maps........

Science of not getting enough sleep.....

So, I have been on the go for the past 48 hours. I can account for my whereabouts and going-ons for the last two days down to the minutes. With the exception of the 12 hours combined sleep, the 48 hours were spent doing a variety of things like working, classes, going to a collage workshop, homework, computer labs, printing, more homework, more printing, reading, orientation night for my summer program and a 45 minute phone call to my beloved Nathaniel. So when the final class of the day ended today, I was so looking forward to some couching and sleep time. Imagine my surprise when my dear friend Nick called and expressed interest in going to the Michel Gondry meet and greet. Nick, another recent Phoenician transplant, lives in Long Beach so while we had talked about the possibility of going to see the man of film and video fame, I was kind of thinking that it may not happen.

We left Venice around 6:30 and made our way up to Family Bookstore. (2 plugs in one week, Family!!) When we arrived we were greeted with a long line down spewing out the door on down Fairfax. Some treats were picked up at Canter's and we staked our place. Stood. Took a few steps forward. Listened to a man play drums. Chatted. Etc. Around 8:36 or so, we were finally at the front and I had to ask:

me: "So, are you TOTALLY tired of people taking pictures with you?"
michel: (in beautiful accent) "no, but my eyes are a little bit.......(trailed off)
me: ok, we will be quick.

so, i get ready to take a picture of Nick and MIchel and 1, 2, 3...."CHEESE"

BATTERY DEAD

I look at both of them still, still smiling in anticipation of the flash, and report the news and laughed.

I didn't see a bigger smile from Mr. Gondry all evening!

Lucky for us, we had a back up camera and were able to take some do-overs. He signed our comics. Made small talk. All in all, the science of not sleeping equates to a fun filled meet and greet evening with Michel Gondry.

nb: look at camera when picture is being taken.

Most Excellent Bookstore

This evening brought me to the Family bookstore in Los Angeles for the Sublife graphic novel release/signing. The author, John Pham is a nice guy. If graphic novels are your niche, check it out:

So, this was the first time that I had ever been to Family, and I was super impressed. The first book I happened to set my hands on (literally, leaning on the table, my hand brushed on it mid-conversation) was Sophie Calle's "Appointment" book in which she does a series of photos and vignettes inspired by her trip to Siggy Freud's house. One of my favorite art books ever. With that, I had to do some serious investigating of stock.

Browsing around was easier said than done. The tiny shop, while cozy and perfect for an afternoon or evening book stroll, was super crowded with artist/musician/graphic novel enthusiasts occupying the narrow rows. Despite the crowd, I was able to gather they had an art section/photo/literature/graphic novels/magazines/dvds/some vinyl/zines/printed art (including some Miranda July text screenprints) and even a rack of traditional comics by the door. It was visual pleasure in there. An artist's delight. I left mid signing and headed over to Canter's to get a delicious pastry and to begin reading, "Exit Wounds", one of my purchases for the evening.

I think Family will be seeing me sooner rather than later as Michel Gondry is going to be there THIS Wednesday signing and discussing his new comic AND his new book. AWESOME! Check it out: www.familylosangeles.com/

save as "hot drummer"

so when i am talking about my boyfriends, it usually means well, my boyfriends in flight of the conchords.....umm, my boyfriend gael garcia bernal, jude law is another one and how could i forget my boyfriend crispin glover.

but another man has joined the ranks. the drummer from kings of leon. yes their show rocked, but what rocked even more was the jumbotron in which this beautiful drummer was showcased and all of his drumming glory. i pretty much had the WORST day of my life today (missed the stills and about 5 other things that i am too emotionally involved with at this point to write about). however, give me like 24 hours and i may be able to turn these catastrophes into chuckles. we shall see, we shall see. i will leave you with this reader, another image i saved as "hot drummer 2".

Organic Pop Tarts?

Let me preface this by stating that if you are a fan of the said toaster pastry mentioned above, then this may not be the blog for you. Also, let me clarify. The 'organic pop tarts' are not pop tarts. They are 'toaster pastries'. For me to call them pop tarts is blasphemous. They can not even play in the amateur leagues under the majors of sweetened and fortified breakfast foods.

FIrst and foremost, pop tarts have history. Just look to the above image. The pop tarts of yore are sans frosting. Let me nominate the genius who suggested the addition of extra sugar for a macarthur grant. The pop tart of today is sheer perfection. The frosted cherry? Heaven. To those who critique my eating selections? A pop tart and coffee: less than 250 calories. Pales in comparison to a grande latte with a blueberry muffin. However, my selection of a pop tart and coffee cant compare to the healthier choice of orange juice and oatmeal so we will go back to the point of this entry: the organi-sizing of a toaster pastry.

So, while perusing the aisles at Whole Foods, I take a turn down the cookie/granola lane. I see these familiar rectangular shaped boxes and am happy to see that the purveyor of healthy eating decided to welcome such a traditionally unhealthy food. I look at the flavors and settle for a "cherry/pomegranate" blend of fruit filling......frosting and sprinkles included. 3.49. Not bad. Just about .50 more than regular pop tarts. When I arrived home, I decided to open these bad boys up. Horrific discovery number 1: only three pouches. Normally pop tarts come in packs of 8. The healthy ones? 6. So I open up the silver pouch and am amazed at the frosting ratio deception. Not much on my tart. On the box he was much more covered in deliciousness. So the moment arrives and I bit into the tart. Can I just say that whole grains DO NOT belong in a pop tart. Dry, little filling and even less frosting.

While a majority of things are wonderful when organic (burgers, veggies, fruits) the lesson learned is that fortified sugar breakfast foods are not. Here on out, my breakfast pastry allegiance is with Kellogg's...........