Life in L.A.

Nothing like some ice coffee in the afternoon. I had a super long weekend, with many things planned out. By the way, isn't that an amazing shot! I went hiking and everything was super colorful. I just had to take a picture with my Ipod. Surprise it came out this nice.
Grammy's were today. Funny I had forgotten. When I went hiking today all I could see were helicopters all over downtown L.A.... I thought something happened and then I remembered what was going on. BTW ARCADE FIRE WON! Their album was fantastic, if you haven't taken a listen, please do!

http://www.mtv.com/videos/news/622216/arcade-fire-closes-grammys-after-album-of-the-year-win.jhtml#id=1657847

Right now I am sitting next to my brother as he listens to the Katy Perry album... :/ No idea, I wish I had a good reason why he is doing that, but I think he is attracted to her boobs. Well good for him I suppose.
Over the weekend I did some Vegas trip planning. Pretty much set to go at the beginning of April. I am very much excited since I have never been. Its going to probably be a night of madness and memories that I won't remember. After doing some Vegas planning, I headed out to the heart of Hollywood to meet my friends, one visiting from San Fran... I am always amazed by the people and things you come across in the Hollywood area. The fancy cars, the stylish dressed people, dogs who have better clothes than me, movie premieres, etc. It's a very surreal experience. When I was a kid, I used to think Hollywood was not real. My parents used to tell me that everyone is acting. I guess they really didn't want me to know the real reason why women were in every corner. Or why men were dressed as women. It was kind of awesome. But then I grew up and figured it out. Hollywood is pretty much real. All sorts of stories you hear about, from the wannabe actors to people who live in the area for decades. In Hollywood you can find people from all cultures, people who have failed, people who are succeeding, old buildings, new clubs. The list goes on and on. And I remembered how I was part of that for a while. Working in Hollywood is awesome, but it is draining, and you need to be prepared to not give up. Otherwise done deal. I always enjoy walking down Hollywood Blvd and Sunset. I just love to people watch and feel like I am somewhere else, some kind of fantasy. It feels far away from home. I need to go and do some photo shoots there soon.
I also remember going to shows in Hollywood and how easy it was to meet your favorite band for that matter see them perform. Every band comes to L.A., how can they not? They are all trying to make it. Pretty much growing up here was an experience and still is. There is so much I know about this city. There is so much this city has to offer. But yes it is a tough place to be. You get used to it though. I am glad I have experienced my Hollywood, now I am one of those people with stories to tell. Sometimes I wonder if i want to continue to have a career in Hollywood. At this point I am not sure. I am keeping my options open.
I know I have a lot of pictures today, so i'll explain briefly what they are. The Hives are one of my favorite bands I got to meet a while back. That was a pass I got so I can meet them and the card next to it with 1421 is the key card to the Coen Brothers hotel room when I was working at the press junket for True Grit :). The picture next to it are a bunch of trailers set up for a movie shoot. I guess there were shooting a film next to the park I run at. But many of us are used to seeing them all over the city.

I also had the opportunity to start laying out my map for stops for my upcoming road trip. There are many places to visit and it is so much fun to start listing them. I guess in some way it is hitting me that this trip is actually happening. I have always wanted to do something like this and now I finally am. As time progresses I know this map will start looking more organized and will have more locations pin pointed. It is going to be a long trip for sure. But I do love seeing all the locations I hope to visit. And I am truly excited, both for the vacation and to have my friend here. Hopefully it's going to be an awesome summer for both of us. Although I should probably learn how to swim since beaches are going to be a major stop.... Yeah I know, it's bad that I don't know... but I am going to try! Otherwise I am going to wear a cheesy life vest or those paddings that you wear on your shoulders haha... Oh god no... Nevermind, i'll just learn to swim.

Ok so I know Valentine's day is here. Which I honestly forgot all about until my co-worker brought Candy. Yeah it is a cute day. Of course we all have our opinion about that day. I just think it is pointless to have one day to show your love for someone. I think if you care for someone they need to know you care about them as much as possible. I hope I don't sound like I am angry at Valentine's Day. I am not. When I was a kid I used to love passing out candies and Valentine Day cards. Although I would never give away the "Be My Valentine" card... too much commitment there for a 6- year old haha. Scary for a kid to tell their crush, "hey be mine". Point is, hopefully regardless of Valentine's Day or not, you know that there are people out there that care about you everyday of the week.

Alright, I am going to go and listen to some more Arcade Fire. Hope everyone had a good weekend/ is having a good week. And if you live in L.A. enjoy the weather because it will rain Wed- Sat. You know, that is when most Angelinos forget to drive. We are horrible drivers in the rain. I am sure we wouldn't survive in the snow. I think the rainy weather should just give up and bring spring. March is just around the corner.. wow time flies by fast! I am almost 26 and that scares the balls off me!