Sam's Blog

Link: http://www.systemofadown.com/

I had a FANTASTIC weekend. It was a perfect balance of mellowness and busyness throughout. It was crammed with a lot of events, but it didn’t feel that way. I had to forgo some events due to scheduling and car issues, such as Negin’s bridal shower in Ventura and Dan’s (director of the Animation Workshop at UCLA) annual 4th of July bash. So I am bummed about missing those events, but I was fortunate enough to be able to attend other ones throughout the weekend.

Work was nice on Friday. I was able to leave at 1pm and I was so happy because I could do all of my errands that I hadn’t had any time to do. I got my brakes fixed, a new bathing suit, mailed gifts and letters, returned a few things, and went to happy hour at Islands. We all haven’t been to Island’s in a really long time. I kinda missed all of the waiters there. There were a few new ones, but our regular waiter was working a different area this time. Josh and I later hung out with Régis and Donna and grabbed some yummy frozen yogurt. They’re a fun couple and it’s always nice to chat with them.

Saturday was very relaxing and just what Josh and I needed. We finally were able to enjoy each other’s company during the day for once. That night, M and I were going to go out with a few of her friends. We picked up a friend from the airport, but the baggage claim took a really long time and by the time we got back, the guest list closed at The Highlands (a club in Hollywood that tries to be cool). So we were forced to stand in line because of that, but we waited for a long time and the guys at the door were being jackasses and were very rude. I didn’t want to go there in the first place, but half of our group was already inside and there was a $20 cover. I hate paying covers. So after a while, some of us left and went to The Arsenal instead. It was a totally different scene and much more calm and less pretentious. It suited us better.

Sunday, Josh and I went to Michelle’s parent’s house for her annual BBQ. Her mom makes excellent Korean BBQ and Michelle likes to grill it even though she’s a vegetarian. Met some cool people and went swimming and hung out mainly with Lindsay (whom I haven’t seen in a really long time). It was lovely and the weather was perfect, even for Arcadia.

I went to Matt’s BBQ on Monday. It was a small and intimate get together and I had great fun. Josh went to Dan’s party instead. I was sad that I missed it because I had been going to it for the last two years, but I will probably go next year. I am glad that Nadja and her brother made an appearance. I hardly see her nowadays. Some of us climbed to the roof of Matt’s building in Hollywood and watched a fireworks show. It was a bit far away, so I didn’t bother taking any pictures of it. I met more people there and it was nice. I like getting to know my friend’s friends. It’s always fun and safe and almost natural. The circle slowly gets bigger every year. It’s a nice thought.

I had to attend an official orientation today. It wasn’t too bad. I learned a lot about my company and its corporate partners and such. It’s nice to be a part of a huge family and to know that the company will take care of me. I realized that I had my first goof at work. It was partially my fault, but it was correctable. They’re cool because they know that I am still learning and gave me a break. I basically started off in sink-or-swim mode, so I guess it’s expected. There is another new girl on the New York side, so between both of us, there were things that were supposed to happen that didn’t. But I was able to fix it with some help. I am glad that it was taken care of. I just need to learn the nitty-gritty before I become more comfortable in my job. But I like it and I like going in everyday thus far.

For dinner with M tonight, we spiced it up a bit since she had visitors in town. We went with a few of her friends to Versailles, a lovely Cuban restaurant near my apartment. They have the best garlic chicken that will leave your mouth tasting like garlic for a few days (I kid you not). Anil is leaving back to Miami tonight, but Juan Julio will be here for a few more days. I am glad that I am getting to know some of M’s friends better. They are mostly all very swell people and they have a lot of patience and understanding (you have to be or else you cannot be M’s friend, she’ll drive you crazy! Hehe).

And the countdown starts for the arrival of Andrea from Denver. She will be back this weekend and she already has all of her days planned out. She’s good like that. (And this is for you Andrea: I saw Michael Madsen in a Coffee Bean the other day, on Olympic and Bundy. It’s been kinda slow with celebrity sightings lately.)

And as requested, I added a link to my Flickr account to the left side, on the menu bar. I hope that helps! Enjoy!

S&TC quote of the day:
“The only thing that I have ever successfully made in the kitchen is a mess. And several little fires.” – Carrie (Season 4 – Sex and the Country)