Sam's Blog

Link: http://www.weezer.com/

The weekend went by fast. I was fortunate enough to have three visitors this weekend. Andrea came back to LA/San Diego for a wedding, Roni came up to hang out with her cousin and me, and Josh’s parents stopped by on their way back home from the OC.

Friday started off with dinner with Shahab and Emily and her cousin Jenny and her husband Derek. We all used to play poker regularly at one point last year, but with Emily in Port Hueneme now, we haven’t been playing much. Derek always has great stories to tell us about life in New Zealand or his summer camp job in Michigan. Much fun with mojitos and Mexican food. Josh and I hopped over to St. Nick’s after dinner and met up with the gang. Andrea loves that place and every time she is in town, we must go there. This time was a bit exciting because her friend from graduate school, Leslie was visiting as well (they were all down here for a wedding of one of their old classmates). We walked in and they quickly alerted me to the fact that David Spade was sitting 20 ft. away from us. Cool. M loves him. I think he’s alright. But I didn’t want to disturb him, especially since he was with a lady friend. It was nice to see the gang and some of Nate’s old co-workers. They’re always fun.

Saturday was spent sleeping and cleaning. I met up with M and Roni for dinner at the new Cabo Cantina in Brentwood. It was actually really crowded and the food was pretty good. It seems like a fun place to go after work. I will remember it for later reference. We then went driving around Hollywood basically. We weren’t sure of where to go at all. We each had friends that were going to be in Hollywood, so we figure that we can just meet up with any one of them. We ended up at Bliss, but then found out that they were closed for 2 months. We then followed Bob over to White Lotus. They were kinda pricey, $20! For having that high of a cover, the club was okay, not spectacular. I liked that there was a dance floor and patio area. But the people there weren’t too interesting and Roni and I decided to go to The Well, where Nate and everyone else was at. It was a few blocks away, so we walked there and left M with her friends. She didn’t mind at all, so I was okay with it. I really like the lounge feel of The Well. Apparently, it’s Thom Yorke’s favorite bar in LA and I can see why. The people are hipsters and are very chill. It’s dark and has nice chairs and cheap drinks. It’s not too shabby at all. Roni is always a hoot to hang out with and we always drink a lot (except this time) when we get together. I am glad that we are better with maintaining our long distance friendship. She is awesome.

Sunday was one of my regular brunch days. I changed the venue and I think that it’s better than where we usually go. At least the ketchup is so much better. The food was yummy and I as glad to hang out with some of the gang. I was particularly glad that Lisa came. She will be super busy starting with session 101 of Orientation today. Yikes! It’s gonna be a long summer for her. But anyway, we went shopping and got manicures. It was awesome to finally hang out with her again. She is always fun and a great storyteller as well. I never really noticed it before, but she always has something funny and great to tell me, even if it’s about people I don’t really know. I got home after buying wineglasses and Josh’s parents were at the apartment visiting. We grabbed a quick dinner with them. They just got back from South Dakota and seem to be doing well. They were discussing Josh’s current car situation (since he really doesn’t have one right now because it’s being fixed by his brother) and about his future. The normal parent talks and whatnot. But it was lovely to see them. It seems like I hadn’t seen them in a really long time. I feel kinda disconnected from their family because of it. I totally forgot that his sister was in the Ukraine and little things like that. But his parents caught me up to the family news and such.

Today was fabulous at work. We had a breakfast function in Century City, where another branch of our company is located. I met the president and external vice president of our company. It was an honor because they have done so many great things to the company. It was my first social function at work and I realized that I lack social skills in things like that, which makes me believe that I cannot schmooze very well either. I know that I will learn and be more comfortable. It’s just a matter of time and having good memory skills. We had a “Burgers and Beer” Bash for lunch. It still feels weird for me to drink beer or any kind of alcohol during lunch and work hours. I grabbed a beer and a cheeseburger and sat back and watched the burger eating contest. One of our interns was representing our department, but he tied for third in the end. I had a lot of work to do, so I started on a lot of things and finished them throughout the day, except for some things. But work is going great and I am happy.

I had dinner with M tonight because she wanted to talk about a lot of things in her life. She is doing very well considering the craziness that is her life. But I am glad that we can hang out so spontaneously and that she relies on me at times. It’s a good feeling and I try as best as I can to be there for her. I hope you feel better M! Don’t think and overanalyze too much about your future. It’ll all work out! Appreciate the present time!!

My sister called and told me that my “fake” cousin’s grandfather just passed away this morning. I was really close to my cousin while growing up. But we have grown apart since college and I don’t see her or her family as much. I am really saddened, but it was expected in a lot of ways. His health has been declining over the last few years. I hadn’t seen him in over 3 years and I feel bad for not making an effort to see him more recently, but I didn’t know that his situation was that bad. I just wish his family the best and RIP Grandpa.

S&TC quote of the day:
Big: I never really thought about it.
Carrie: Oh come on. Everybody wonders what happens after you die.
Big: I'm too busy wondering who's dinging my car in the garage. (Season 2 – Four Women and a Funeral)