The OC Experience :: Part Two

Part One if you missed it.

And I apologize for the length of this post in advance. Normally, I keep them a reasonable length, but I didn't want to forget anything about my trip!

SATURDAY NIGHT
Where did we leave off? Oh yes, we were watching European condom commercials. YouTube videos weren't all we squeezed into our Saturday night. I had been told about this place called The Goat on several occasions. That night I got to check it out in person and holy shit did we have a fabulous time. Sarah, Swaaaan and I met up with a few of their friends to get our drink on. Normally I'm a cranberry vodka kind of girl. No beer for me. Liquor is my friend. But Sarah and Swaaaan swear by the bar's pear cider, so I gave up my usual to try something new. Yeah so worth it.

We moved to the smoking area because "we only smoke when we drink, we only drink now and then, now and then when we're tired of being let down by men." It was pretty hilarious because California has the no smoking in public places law, same as Ohio. However this part of the bar was basically still joined to the rest of the place but covered by a porch like contraption (therefore it was technically "outside" - way to find loop holes). And this contraption leaked. All over our booth. Literally a stream of water started running like a river onto our table. So much for finishing that cigarette...

We spent the night chatting. Talking with the girls about love, heartbreak, hott "midwestern" boys that were playing shuffleboard, stalkers, random text messages, boys that can't make up their minds, and then laughing about how hypocritical I was considering I'm "dating" two guys at the same time and can't make up my own mind (well at least they have the same name right?). Talking with the guys about wrestling, politics, space, and that "really guys don't only talk sports - we swear".

I managed to not spend a single dime the entire night. Not that plenty of alcohol wasn't consumed. Trays of shots were making their way over to us far too often. Pitchers of pear cider were drained. Photos were taken with my camera that I don't remember. Ladies and gentlemen, we were hammered*.



Two o'clock rolled around and we were stalling at the bar. Swaaaan was "catching up" with an old friend and we weren't quite ready to leave. After obscenities were shouted into the loudspeaker we decided it was time to go. On our way out I was stopped by a guy I had seen earlier in the night. One that tried to pick me up, but thankfully R & P had managed to get me out of the situation. This time he approached me and put his hat on my head and then his sunglasses. Alright, so we may have taken a picture for proof of what this p-i-m-p made me wear. I looked thrilled right?



On the way to the car, Sarah managed to score us a cigarette. As I'm smoking, Swaaaan finds it appropriate to tackle me from behind to get the cancer stick away from me. Not because she was concerned for my health. No, she wanted it all to herself. This led to an all-out girl brawl in the middle of the parking lot. Arms flailing, laughter and butt smacking (my butt not hers).

The night ended with Sarah's roommate making us all mac & cheese, watching Eddie Izzard and drinking wine. Fun doesn't even begin to cover it.

SUNDAY
Slightly hungover + incredibly starving = greasy food from Ihop. And what a meal it was. I'm drooling just looking at the picture.



Over the course of the weekend I had become obsessed with palm trees. How many different kinds there were, how gorgeous some of them were, I even missed cute guys Sarah would point out as we were driving because I was oogling at them. So when we walked out of Ihop it was only natural that I was itching for a photo shoot with my new obsession.



Hollywood Boulevard was the next stop on the tour of California. We hadn't done much sightseeing, so I decided this was the one place I had to see before I left. Walking up and down the street I was busy observing. So many people were milling around, the movie premier of P.S. I Love You was taking place that day so there was a lot going on. Several costumed characters made appearances including the Cat and the Hat, the oldest Cinderella I have ever seen, Snoopy and more. Spongebob Squarepants was there as well and decided to hit on me even though tons of kids were around. Is it bad that I considered running away with him? I mean Spongebob is so damn cute.



My plane left at 6 so our last stop was to grab a bite to eat. I was told that I had to have an In and Out burger. For fast food it was pretty damn good. But what's up with the employees wearing diaper pins on their butts? I tried to get a picture, but didn't want to offend anyone.



COLUMBUS BOUND
I was definitely sad to leave California and head back to the chilling Columbus weather. I'm thinking Sarah didn't want me to leave either because we got lost on the way to the airport and I made it with only 1/2 an hour to spare before I had to catch my flight. We hugged goodbye and I dashed (literally) to my gate. The return flight wasn't too bad. I managed to catch a lot of z's. However, a certain passenger was keeping me from my slumber at the beginning of the flight.

On Skybus you are able to choose your seats (it's first come first serve seating), so when I scored a window seat in an empty aisle I was excited. But then someone took the aisle seat in my row. I look over and he's rather attractive, so I decide it's OK. He asks if I'm from Columbus or California. I told him Columbus. He's a student at OSU, so we proceeded with chitchatting about local bars, sites, etc. When we landed he asked to be my Facebook friend. I had to laugh, because what a world we live in now. Instead of exchanging numbers it's here's my name, find me on the internet. I haven't decided if I will yet or not. He's 22 but in boy years that's about 12.

After a rough landing due to fog I was SO ready to get off the plane. I turned on my phone and was greeted with 2 texts and a voicemail from FF wanting to get together. Our "relationship" has been so casual I hadn't even told him I was in California. Let's just say I cashed in my raincheck last night. Which could be the reason for my delayed post (sorry Swaaaan).

I LOVE California and can't wait to go back! I'll leave you with some more palm tree pictures. And how cool is it that there was a Michelle street?!



*DISCLAIMER: Michelle is normally not a smoking, boy-crazy lush. She was on vacation!

The OC Experience :: Part One

To sum up this weekend: California was a BLAST. Oh you want more details? OK, OK ;)

FRIDAY
The anticipation at the airport was high. GQ (C4 just wasn't working so Sarah and I came up with this nickname over the weekend) waited with me until I had to go through security. Kept telling me I would be fine and not to worry (and we may have shared a picture-perfect airport goodbye kiss). After all was said and done I think I was the most anxious before I even set foot on the plane! Take off and landing were sort of exciting and seeing both Columbus and Burbank lit up through the clouds was one of the coolest things I've experienced.

The flight was long, 5 1/2 hours due to strong headwinds. And on top of that we had a 2 hour delay so our original arrival time at Burbank airport of 5 p.m. ended up being 8. I exited the airport to find Sarah waiting for me, and of course had a SQUEE! moment. I thought I would be nervous meeting her for the first time, but it was more like reuniting with a long time friend. Hugs, laughter, making fun of me for overpacking and of course the palm tree discussion. They reminded me of something a little on the hairy side, but later in the trip my view was swayed. I may even be obsessed.

After landing, I had a voicemail from my high school friend Nate saying he knew I was flying in that night but couldn't remember when. He was having a small get together at his apartment and invited us over. We made the trip to Hollywood for a night of Superbad, burned popcorn, microwaved metal bowls, WINE and snakes. Yes, snakes. Normally I hate snakes but this one was sitting in his roommate's lap like a domesticated animal. Sort of adorable. Well, as adorable as a snake can be I guess. It was so good to see Nate, and we parted ways knowing we'd see each other again at Christmastime.

SATURDAY
Sarah and I had ourselves a morning of pampering at Rosey Toes, a nail salon on Balboa Island. Manicures, pedicures and girl talk. I wish I would have taken a picture of the inside of the shop. It was decked out in pink and black, and I swear in miniature it would have made a perfect Barbie house.



We made our way to Laguna Beach for lunch, but not without visiting "The Hills". I was amazed at how the houses are stacked one on top of the other. The road seemed to go on forever but the view at the top was breathtaking. I know what you're thinking, they're just mountains right? Cut me some slack - Ohio is one FLAT state.



Lunch was delicious. BBQ chicken pizza from BJ's and a cookies & cream pazookie (a cookie baked in a pizza pan). TO. DIE. FOR. Let's just say it was devoured in no time flat.



What is a vacation without shopping right? Shoes, sweaters, purses, new winter coats. Yeah, it was heaven. A few hundred dollars and tons of new clothes later, we decided we had worked up an appetite. Sarah's long time friend, Swaaaan met up with us for dinner at Island's (I'd just like to cut in here and say she is freakin hilarious and I'm so glad we met!). They have the biggest burgers I've ever seen. We knew we had to eat up because we had a long night of drinking ahead.



With our stomachs full and some time to waste before our bar escapades began - we laughed our asses off to some YouTube videos. Condom commercials in Europe are hilarious.

Tomorrow I will post Part Two! (Look forward to palm tree groping, drunk girl fights over cigarettes, Michelle as a pimp and my fling with Spongebob Squarepants - GOOD TIMES, GOOD TIMES.)

California Dreamin' On Such A Winter's Day

Woke up to this:



Hoping my flight isn't cancelled/delayed!! (Guess who's taking me to the airport? Yeah, I think he likes me.)

I will be spending my weekend in California with THIS FABULOUS GIRL:

1. to try to erase this day from my mind forever.
   
2. to verify that she is just that fabulous.
   
3. to see my long-time friend, Nate (he's the one on the bottom right).
   
4. to go out, dance with boys and have an all around good time!
   
5. to shop, get mani/pedis and sightsee too of course!

Stay warm my fellow midwesterners. I'll be back Monday to tell you all about it.

Oh, and did I mention this is my first time flying EVER? I may just pass out...

The Delete Radar

After a Gchat discussion with my IBFF last night, she informed me of a technical dating term I wasn't aware of. Yes folks, the "Delete Radar". Ever heard of it? Well let me explain.

You see, you randomly meet a guy. Have a little fun. Exchange numbers. Some time goes by, no call. Since there really wasn't anything substantial behind this "relationship" you're kind of over it. Maybe you've even forgotten about him a little. Then a random phone call or text happens. You chat a little. Catch up. Start thinking "OK, maybe he was really busy. He seems like a nice guy after all." More time goes by. You're back to being over it. He may have even been demoted to oh I don't know "FF" in your phone list. Not even deserving of a name. As your finger is sternly placed over the delete button, ready to erase the contact number forever suddenly you have a message from him again. Nothing meaningful or poignant. It may even have been about a certain football team making it to the national championships. A certain football team that you couldn't give two shits about.

Why? I mean clearly you're getting the classic he's just not that into you signals. Well, he can sense it. He knows you're close to deleting him forever and he's not quite ready for you to do that. He wants to leave you hanging. So, kindly respond with a witty remark. Go back and forth for awhile if you so choose. But really, he's not worth it. Conversation ends and the delete button is pressed. Next time you won't even recognize the number.

To my single lady friends: don't let his delete radar fool you. He's still just not that into you.
EDIT:: To be fair to my homeboys, yes girls do this too. I may just be a little bias ;)

My First Guest Post!

Today you should wander over to my lovely friend Sarah's blog - The Slightly Disorganized Mind. I attempted my first guest post ever, let me know what you think!

-- The conversation last night went surprisingly well. He thanked me for being an adult about everything. No feelings were hurt.

-- You really need to try these:



I'm telling you, they are the answer to peace in the Middle East. That was sort of corny I know, I'm sorry. I'm in that kind of mood today ;)