January 10, 2004
After leaving Third Street, we went over to Jason & Nicky’s and I wowed everyone with my enchilada cooking skills. We started to watch ‘A Mighty Wind’ but it wasn’t keeping anyone’s attention so we began playing DVD Trivial Pursuit. Good times! It was girls against boys and the girls won.
January 11, 2004
Both Casey and I are still feeling stuffy and sick. We bought some cold and sinus medicine yesterday but are still feeling congested. Since we had no choice but to leave the apartment for food, we drove down to the pier. We walked up and down the pier but there wasn’t any REAL food only carnie-type stuff. After walking around a bit we settled on Ye Olde Kings’ Head for fish and chips. It was palatable but not worthy of being in the Zagat Guide (which it is). The people are authentic Brits in appearance and manners.
January 12, 2004
The keys I was given at Geddes (for my internship) don’t work. I had to wait in the hallway (again) until someone else showed up. I was given someone else’s keys for tomorrow so I’m hoping theirs will work. We finally started getting some of our mail today although we’re concerned because all of it was addressed here but two magazines and those were brand new issues. We’re wondering if our old post man just now (as in today) put in the change of address form. Casey found out while looking online that his company has quite a few openings in the Springs. Bad timing but at least there’s hope when we want to move back.
January 13, 2004
I drove up to Malibu today. It’s kinda scary to think what would happen if there was a tidal wave, mudslide, earthquake, or any other act of God to this area. They’re only 16 feet above sea level and on pretty unstable ground. As I was driving I noticed landscaping tarp material draped over portions of the hills with sand bags attached. I got to a certain point and decided to drive on a residential road to see what I came across. I came to Pepperdine University and wanted to turn around, the guard instead allowed me to drive through the campus and come out on the other side. It is a beautiful campus with a view on three sides of the ocean and mountains. The view probably has something to do with the exorbitantly high cost of tuition. On the way back, the 4-Runner started flaking out again (big surprise) like it did on the way home from A-Basin. It’s always something with that POS. When I got home the mail still wasn’t here and it was 4. Are we ever going to get this mail situation worked out?! Casey’s going to call again tomorrow. We’re getting things addressed to us at the new address but nothing forwarded from the old. If you have any checks, money, flowers, or other gifts please send any mail to us at the new address.
January 14, 2004
I called Alan again today to see how the inspection on Monday went since he never called me back. He said that the building passed one inspection and failed the other. He said there’s another inspection happening tomorrow and he’ll call me tomorrow evening to let me know how it goes. I’ll probably end up having to call him back on Friday morning. I went to Marshall’s today after my internship. I’m glad I did because it is so much better than the one at home. I saw a pair of Earl Jeans which normally retail for $110 for $25. It seems that our mail situation is getting straightened out. I’m still a little concerned though because I got something from U.C.L.A. today that was written on December 19, postmarked on December 30, had a reply by date of January 9, and didn’t get here until today.
For dinner tonight we went to the Bistro of Santa Monica. We were forced into getting valet parking because they didn’t have any regular parking in the lot and the next street parking available was a couple blocks away. You pay for convenience. We splurged on dinner after watching our spending this month. It was worth it but I’m glad we waited till the day before payday cause we could have bought at least another day of meals with what we spent. It was yummy Northern Italian food and seafood.
January 15, 2004
Today is my Friday because I get Fridays off from my internship. Sadly, Casey has Monday off and Geddes doesn’t observe it as a holiday so I have to go in. At least it’ll only be in the morning. We are now eating dinner at Lulu’s Blue Plate, where earlier today the Osbournes dined beneath a banner from Sharon that said “Welcome Home Ozzy.” Sadly, I was at Target and did not see this. I’m still waiting to see a celebrity since moving here. I thought it’d be a lot easier.