Wednesday, April 25, 2007

I Finally Got Four Wheels!

On the day of my last post, Jo had sent me an email forwarded from one of the ladies in her kids club in Dublin. Car for sale for only 2,000 euro. I sent her an email that day, and two days later was the owner of a '97 Suburu Legacy...and the US Ex-Pat car legacy continues...they were here for 2 years as well and were moving back to Chicago. It's running great and I cannot even begin to describe the freedom of being able to drive around, even though it was strange to drive on the other side of the road at first. Matt, the previous owner, was nice enough to give me a few tricks to keep myself sorted. eg. Always make sure as the driver that you are the one in the middle of the road. Funny enough, one of my co-workers Oz tried to buy the same car only 30 minutes later. He said he felt like he had bursted at the bubble with getting it. So weird because I wasn't really looking for a car so it felt like fate when it all happened so smoothly and easily. Happy Days!

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Happy Days!

I haven't written a bit so I thought I would sit still for a minute and give a quick catchup. Things have been going well here. The weather has been beautiful, it hasn't rained in three weeks until a little sprinkle last night and this afternoon and it's finally starting to warm up to the high 50's and mid 60's. I never thought that I would think that 50's and 60's was warm but my perspective has changed after a cold winter:)

I have had some really nice girly outings with Jo and Christine and last night I went into the city centre for the first time in a while with a co-worker and her flatmate and had a great time. We met some really nice people. I also got a massage today which was much needed and fabulous to have all the knots in my shoulders loosened up...although I have to admit I'm a little bit sore and probably will be for a day or two. I might buy a car here this week.

I'm heading to LA for Coachella this week...and then to Barcelona the following weekend. Really looking forward to both trips. I have to admit I've been a bit nervous about going home...I feel like the trip is going to fly by and I've been looking forward to it for so long that I can't believe it is finally here. I'm afraid I'm going to blink and miss it all, and it doesn't really feel like long enough to see everyone and take care of everything but I'll be back in June for Karen's wedding which will be wonderful and I'm really looking forward to that.

It amazes me how excitement and anticipation can build up and cause anxiety and tension as well...but I guess that's how you know you really care about something and I guess I've been more homesick than I admit or realize most of the time. I try typically to not worry about things that are out of my control but this feeling lately has been overwhelming so at this point I'm just trying to stay focused and live in the moment to really enjoy it. Thank God for my family and friends who have held my hand and walked me through these moments as I travel on this constantly changing and challenging journey. I truly cannot express my gratitude and appreciation enough.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

BEST of LA - The Lists

When moving to another country, one of the things I forgot to consider is all the little things I know about LA and my familiar routine that end up being a big deal when I am in unfamiliar territory. Everything from best sushi restaurant to best hairdressor to where to go on a sunny day to relax. The weather has been getting better here inspiring me to venture back out into Dublin to explore and I realize that unlike when I am in LA, I have to start all over with trial and error to find everything and anything.

So I thought I'd make a list of all my favorite places in Los Angeles that made my daily life more pleasurable and enjoyable.

This list is by no means inclusive but just a small bit of things I loved in LA that I would love to find in Dublin.

Favorite sushi restaurant: Banzai Sushi in Calabasas

Favorite hair salon/haircut: Umberto's in Beverly Hills - Carl James is the BEST!

Favorite facials and waxing: Colour Image in Woodland Hills - Brenda...couldn't imagine trusting anyone else:)

Favorite Make-up Artist: Marisa @ Sax in Beverly Hills

Favorite Breakfast: The Country Deli in Chatsworth

Favorite Bean Dip & Margaritas: Los Toros in Chatsworth, Casa Vega in Studio City

Favorite Mexican Food: El Rancho in Sherman Oaks

Favorite Discount Clothes Retailer: Loehmann's at the Beverly Center, Nordstrom's Rack in Woodland Hills

Favorite Italian Food: Topanga Pizza Kitchen in Woodland Hills or The Pizza Cookery for their rolls and fountain rootbeer, yum. Domenico's Italian Kitchen in Pasadena

Favorite Rock 'n Roll bar: The Cat Club in West Hollywood

Favorite Coffee House: Starbucks in Westwood Village

Favorite Greek food: California Pita & Grill in Sherman Oaks

Favorite Manicure/Pedicure: Beautiful Forever Nails & Spa

Favorite Produce: Studio City Farmer's Market

Favorite Grocery Store: Trader Joe's and Whole Foods in Sherman Oaks

Favorite Church: Cornerstone in Simi Valley

Favorite Sunday Brunch: Paradise Cove in Malibu

Favorite Beach: Free ZUMA in Malibu

Favorite Wine Tasting: Santa Barbara Wineries

Favorite Massages: Burke Williams Day Spa

Favorite Steak House: Mastro's in Beverly Hills

Favorite Clubs & Bars for Dancing/Drinks: The Viceroy, The Spider Club, Privilege, LAX, this list goes on and on and changes constantly...as all of the club goers know.

Favorite Afterhours Dancing: Avalon

I would love to see everyone add their favorites and uncover some new or hidden places to venture to.

Sunday, April 8, 2007

Happy Easter!

It's Easter Sunday and I'm in Dublin recovering from a nasty cold. I stayed home most of this week as it really knocked me out, couldn't get out of bed for 3 days this week. It was aweful. I am finally starting to feel better, thank goodness and am content to sit in the house watching TV and playing on the internet. Of course, I would rather be home with family celebrating the day, but soup and TV will have to do. I'm not feeling much up for a big event anyway.

I will be home in 2 1/2 weeks and I am really looking forward to being home for more reasons than I could list on a blog. It's going to be a very busy weekend... Coachella, Karen's bridal shower, seeing friends and family in between the planned events. It'll be 5 days of craziness and I am very excited to see everyone and breathe in some California sunshine. It's actually been getting warmer here, in the high 50's and sunny for the last week. Don't know how long it'll last but it's a nice change of pace from the continual cold and dark winter weather. It's just getting dark now and it's almost 9pm at night.

I watched "The Secret" on Friday night and it was interesting. It's about the theory of the law of attraction and basically says that we attract people and experiences based on our thought processes so if we have positive thoughts and energy, we will attract positive experiences, people and blessings and if we have negative thoughts and energy, we will attract negative experiences, people, etc. The power of the mind is powerful so to speak. It was an interesting motivational movie, worth watching. Put out there in the universe the things that we want, be specific and we will receive them, like the old saying, "Ask and you shall receive" or "Be careful what you wish for as you just might get it." I think it's useful in keeping one focused on positive energy and outlook and that life will transpire accordingly. Mostly, it reminded me of gratitude.

I have to say that there so many things in life that I have to be grateful for. I am grateful for the people that have supported me through this adventure. I am grateful for the opportunity to experience new cultures and countries. I am grateful to have a job that is rewarding doing something that I love. Mostly right now, I am grateful for the day I will get to return home and experience life with the people I love most.

Happy Easter! Love you all!