Send My Love (To Your New Lover)

Yep. So that's my favorite Adele song, next to Hello, I Miss You, When We Were Young, Remedy, Water Under The Bridge, River Lea, Love In The Dark, Million Years Ago, All I Ask and Sweetest Devotion. (And yes, that's all of them).

*Update: I also love "Water Under the Bridge": If you're gonna let me down, let me down gently/Don't pretend that you don't want me/Our love ain't water under the bridge/If you're gonna let me down, let me down gently. 

OMG CHILLS.

--> So then Sam was like, "apparently it's about her bf - she was like waiting for him to fuck up but he never did and she was like oh, this is new." [lololol].

I obviously needed to take a break from my social media cleanse (no FB posting, no Insta, no Snap) to sing the praises of the goddess that is Adele. (I don't even care that this is like the most #basic thing ever, bc like Adele.) 

Once I go back on social media, Imma just post videos of me singing all the songs. Forever. It'll just be me in my snowflake pajamas tearing this shit upppp. PS I've also only had shots of espresso and pecan pie today, so I am AMPED.

Adele really inspires my most terrifyingly dramatic moments, i.e. ill-founded texts to the guys I'm dating with ambiguous and simultaneously empty threats of abandonment and irritation. [God forbid I leave a voicemail.]

Last night's outfit

So in other news, hit up an opera last night. There is no way to make this sound less geriatric: as soon as the curtain went up for Moby Dick, I was asleep, wrapped in Aline's soft AF scarf. We met up with my old friend, Devon, and his charming husband last night -  (Peter might be my new favorite person) - for some (insert grimace) white wine and cheese. 

So before I harp too much on the utter boredom that is Moby Dick, I am so excited for the LA Opera's 30 Under 30. Just the best deal, the best seats. But Moby Dick. I never was able to make it through the bloody book. I don't know why I thought I could the the opera. Best sleep I've gotten since my preschool naps.

In other news, this week has been a challenge. Between MIA clients, settlement negotiations up the wazoo, and wayyyy to many mornings in court, I am so excited for this weekend, including happy hour plans, Hunger Games and Santa Barbara with Aline for a quick girls weekend. 

This photo summarizes my life right now. 

Love this face

Gift Guide #1 AKA...

... Things I bought for other people but then kept for myself. Whoops.

[Insert theoretical and poetic spiel about being a mindful consumer] OR rather, we all spend too much money on things we don't need. We might as well purchase high quality goods that won't hurt the world, and gasp, might even help someone else. AKA don't be an ass. Any little bit helps.

1. Grounds and Hounds Coffee Co. ($15) -> fair trade organic coffee. My favorite blend so far is, Paper and Slippers, a medium roast, with notes of chocolate and blackberry. 20% of proceeds go to no-kill rescue shelters. (I may have teared up reading their website.)

2. Juniper Ridge Campfire Incense in White Sage ($12) -> a self-named "wilderness distillery," all products are sustainably harvested. It reminds me of summers in the desert and oddly enough, my yoga studio. Perfectly calming and not sweet.

3.  Krochet Kids Headband ($24) - Besides being founded by three attractive males, the tenets of this company include empowerment and employment helping individuals in Peru and Uganda create and sell handmade products. They also help in mentorship and education.

4. Neal's Yard Dairy Cheese (varies) - My favorite dairy with my favorite cheese: stilchelton, but it's a seasonal cheese. I just picked up some Adrahan - a bold Irish cheese. Soft and stinky. Yum. (I just ate it for breakfast as my desk).

ALSO I REALLY REALLY WANT THIS vase + docking stand - THATS A HINT.

In other news, I'm trying out the Pomodoro Technique at work, deleted social media accts from my phone for the week - as close as I'm going to get to a cleanse, and have decided to not wear makeup at work when I'm not in court and don't have a depo scheduled. Caking my face with shit when all I do is stare at a computer is rather useless and I'm far happier naked (faced).

The Rundown

I've just finished my seventh court day in 12 business days, which is about six more than I'm generally used to. Trial on hearing conferences on expedited trials plus depositions, conferences, luncheons, and seminars. This lawyering thing is really impinging on the whole yoga/coffee/hike/puppy cuddle/wine routine I'd been honing.

But I've been learning so much and having a great time in addition to attending at least 2-3 networking events a week - these range from lunches with filmmakers to speed networking (sort of like online dating) to alumni events. Hopefully, all the running around will pay off soon.

In the meantime, I've been challenging myself in cooking, traveling a lot, and keeping up with my writing.

THE RUNDOWN:

Three weekends ago, I hit up Oregon with my mom to visit my brother and dad. Highlights - hot yoga with my brother and a visit to the waterfalls with my mom.

The next weekend, in SF, I was lucky enough to see El Vy at the Independent, plus the regular routine of Four Barrel, Dolores, Zeitgeist and a visit to Mission Cheese (with my loves - Rob, Feliz, Tawsh, Will, Ladi and Christable). A satisfying and well-executed dinner at Aster with Joe was a beautiful way to end the trip. (Actually tho, the McGriddle with Christable in the car on the way to the airport was pretty epic). Also saw Art Garfunkel with the family that weekend.

Last week, aside from lovely dinner with Jaimie and Jeff and Ellie's too fast, but amazing, visit, I also saw Gloria Steinem in conversation with Melissa McCarthy. I do think MM was a bit out of her league, but she was endearing while Steinem was effortlessly cool and inspirational.

This weekend was yoga, wine and oysters with Anthony, chillin with Jeff, bloody Marys and 90s singalong with Lexi (visiting from NYC!), Nathalie and Joanna, and the Farmers Market and Silverlake walking tour with Jaimie. The weekend culminated in an organic farmers market feast for Evan and Michael with pan seared salmon, miso quinoa, quail eggs, ginger/garlic brussels and Szechwan carrots. It was an experimental comfort food meets asian fusion meets healthy sort of.

THE FUTURE:

So what's next? Aside from battling the loud winds at night, I have two court days this week, an opera of Moby Dick, a trip to Santa Barbara, and Thanksgiving/Friendsgiving before I launch into my holiday party planning :)

I'm also in a nesting mood and feeling rather content with everything right now. That isn't to say I'm not going to sign up for that pottery class or that I'll stop networking, but my anxiety has sort of stabilized. The panic about where I'll be in six months has worn off a more centered focus in efforts to get "there."

I've been thinking a lot recently on the topic of self-presentation/preservation. I very often laugh off things or crack jokes to avoid hard conversations. Then after going with the flow for probably too long, I blow a gasket over a misused semi-colon and then boom: World War III. And there are topics that I'm naturally evasive about and if I am caught off guard about them, I shut down (or crack a joke about rainbows or something equally inane). Now I'm skilled in my defense mechanisms, but I think it's time to calm down on that front. I'm far more fun when I'm not dissecting yours and my id, ego, and superego.

Instead, I'll be playing with the interactive meal planner by the NY Times and planning my next trip. xx.

Music to Cure Insomnia After Effects

It's struggle city today. I'm drinking a mocha pondering my life choices while doing the finishing touches on three trials briefs on issues I neither care about nor fully understand. My saving grace today is an illuminating call this morning re: service provision for trauma survivors and a networking event tonight at Impact Hub.

Anywho, here's some new/old/random music I'm into today including my favorite Beatle, George Harrison, new Grimes and El Vy, some embarrassing Beibs and the Editors.

Cornucopia - Fall Weekend 1

walking the "green carpet" at the EMAs

Abundant is really the right word for the last few days. And perhaps the next few weeks. Aside from work and yoga and cuddling Sophie, I have a networking event on Wed., Jacy is coming to town, flight to Portland on Friday, then SF (for El Vy!), Art Garfunkel, Ellie(!) comes to town, a Gloria Steinam talk and then the UCLA football game, plus Interview with a Bruin and Thanksgiving. Geez. Imma have to up my B12 and Maca doses.

front row glam

This past week was amazing, partly bc I put some of my wandering thoughts to rest. I'm just chillin right now and feeling great about it.

I'm way too excited about chicken

Last Thursday, I made a dinner menu straight from Saveur. Now I don't usually do this, because why would I ever need to follow a recipe? But I've been a bit bored of food lately (and lost the weight to prove it, with the exception of triple cream brie). So I made a sage roasted chicken, roasted radishes with thyme, roasted garlic cheddar mashed potatoes, and an autumnal butternut squash, arugula salad. Michael, Evan, Jamie and Jeff came over and gave it pretty good reviews. It was a lovely, light fall meal. But a bit boring. I'm still on the hunt for another crown jewel meal to add to my repertoire (banh mi tacos, sweet potato gnocchi, dutch oven ribs, white wine poached salmon).

The Gorgeous Rahia

Friday, I had an awful conference at LAX, only made worth it for an impromptu happy hour with my beautiful friend Rahia. We had so much to catch up on, it was rapid-fire question and answer sesh. We met in Manhattan Beach at the Rockefeller, which is a few blocks from the beach and has a pretty decent wine selection.

Cotton Jones at the Satellite

Later, G$ (Grant) headed up for a backyard happy hour with me before we headed to the Satellite for the Cotton Jones show. My other Michael had told me years ago to see them live, and quite randomly I realized they were playing in LA and coerced Grant into coming with me. They did not disappoint - genuine, earnest and traditional folk. I was alllll about it. Then of course we finished the night off by taking an Uber to Taco Zone for mulitas de suaderos. Lake walk and Blue Bottle in the AM was the best way to start the weekend. [And also, just a note, I am soooooo lucky to have Mr. Hartwell in my life. He always cheers me up, grounds me and inspires me. Love that dude].

grant waiting for mulitas

I had the conference again Saturday morning. Which wiped me out. But my old friend Kelsey hit me up randomly to go to the Environmental Media Association (EMA) Awards and Gala. Totally amazing red carpet event, which honored, among others, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kristin Davis, and Don Henley (of the Eagles) for their work. Very rarely do I have a chance to glam out AND also talk to influential people about my work in social justice, but this was the event to do so. I had such an amazing time and hope that I get to do more things like that in the future.

Sunday I was meant to go to Joshua Tree with Jamie and Jeff. But we had a bit of a late start, so I ran a few errands, met Aline for a quick breakfast and hung out with an old friend for the afternoon. Later, Jamie and Jeff prepared an authentic, light and heartfelt tapas meal and I fell into bed satiated and exhausted.

THE MULITA 

Loki's Afoot plus Cotton Jones and the Peach Kings #music

I wish I was talking about Tom Hiddleston, because I wouldn't mind him wandering around in my vicinity. But I'm referring to the proper Loki, the god of mischief. The last 24 hours have been a comedy of errors and malfeasances.

1. My boss and I got in a blowout fight over a miscommunication, that culminated in an additional three squabbles and an "I love you dearly" before I took for a baked good and dart-throwing.

2. I broke my wine opener in the cork. The second one this week. Apparently I've lost the Midas touch. (Um, how many mythology references can I use today?)

3. Cut my hand open using a knife to open the wine.

4. Walked Sophie down the drugstore for bandaids. Left with biotin (to make my hair grow faster #regret) and a new wine opener. No bandaids.

Trying to look put-together.  #fail

5. Left for yoga twenty minutes early. Couldn't find parking bc of a Back to the Future screening. Turned around.

6. Sophie then spilled the hard-fought red wine onto the white carpet. Note to everyone ever: the Honest Stain Remover is effing magic.

7. Woke up this morning. Only decaf coffee beans and some bad milk.

*Special thanks to Annie Wilkes for bringing over brie, fried chicken, and ice cream last night in an attempt to mend my broken spirit. I love you.

So anywho, I'm feeling a bit like Sisyphus pushing a goddamn boulder up a mountain. lol jk. I just wanted to make another reference.

Overall, life is good. Moving in quirky directions, but entertaining.

However, I just bought tickets to Cotton Jones, the Peach Kings and the LACMA Rain Room. So boom.
Making a Saveur-inspired Roast Chicken dinner tonight for Michael and Evan and looking forward to picking up some fresh flowers. Bc it's the little things, like making a beautiful meal and inhaling pumpkin cheesecake.

Love you.

Listen, Do, Eat

Yeah. So the last couple of weeks have been bittersweet. Bffl comes to visit, bffl moves to Montreal. Last minute trips planned. Last minute trips cancelled. Trial prepped for. Trial cancelled. Food poisoning. Sangria induced self-haircut. Blah blah blah. Champagne problems.

Cutting off your own braid? Bad idea?

I have to say despite the last few rocky days, life is pretty stable. With the chill in the air, I'm feeling more domestic and introspective right now. The Ted Hughes poetry, the Feist on repeat and lavender hot chocolate are probably helping.

Listen:

Gwen Stefani's heartbreaking new song, "Used to Love You", about her ex-husband. It's enough to just refrain from relationships altogether.

The National and Laura Mayberry (Chvrches) did "I Need My Girl" together at Treasure Island this weekend. Then I cried. And played it again.

Sort of obsessed with Post-Malone's White Iverson right now and everything Fetty Wap. (Don't judge).

Do:

One Down Dog, Silverlake - Yoga Flow. So sweaty, so good. Really intense vinyasa that leaves me "glowing" (read: dead tired, sweaty AF, and read to conquer the world/anger prevention).

Post-yoga basic-ness

Pilates Plus, Silverlake - SPX Extreme with Angie: I fainted the first time I did her class. It still makes me want to vomit, but in the best way possible. Also her playlists are 90s hiphop amazingness - Dre, Destiny's Child, JLo, Ja Rule and everything in between. We also talk about poutine in the middle of doing planks, so Angie is basically my soulmate.

Taco Zone lines

Brew your own beer: I just ordered stuff online from Urban Brewery. This could be an epic failure, or I could end up opening my own brewing company a la the Three Weavers. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Eat:

Mulitas ("Little Mule") de Sauderos from Taco Zone: OMG - an oasis in the Vons parking lot off of Montana and Alvarado. Jaimie and Jeff had to wrangle Cassi and I over there Saturday night. But OMG. Two fried corn tortillas smothered in delicious jack(?) cheese, brisket and salsas made from god himself. My appetite has been non existent for the last few days, but this $2 piece of heaven makes me want to sell my soul.

Sunday at home

L and E Oyster Bar - The Daily Dozen ($30) - Basically the best deal in town. They offer an affordable Sancerre (my only white wine) and delicious, well prepared oysters. It's a great date night/girls night/taking my dog on the town place.

My mom's house: We had Lauren over for a farewell brunch. Though she is coming back at Christmas, I love excuses to make my mom day drink. We had sangria and Ceasars (tequila, clamato juice, worchester, jalapeños, and other delicious things) plus a salad nicoise and tiramisu. Then I decided to cut my braid off - just braided it, grabbed some child safe scissors and lopped it off. Only about 8 inches. It was a little cray.