Sam's Blog

Link: http://www.billyjoel.com/intro2005/index.html

So I am back to a semi-normal schedule. It was an extremely busy week and I kept trying to post but was never able to finish it. I volunteered at the Alumni Association again. It's cool to be an Ambassador for that organization. I feel good when I go and see that it's beneficial to all of the members. It's a nice feeling and the workshop that we sponsored was very successful.

I was also able to meet up with old friends for drinks during happy hour and it was an excellent time. We had a mini Orientation reunion that consisted of Lindsay, Jono, Michelle, Isy, Gabe and Jesse. We had a really good time and caught up on each others lives. It's been so long since we've all seen each other together. We need to do it more often, yes indeedy.

On Friday night, we all gathered to pay our respects to the last 4 episodes of Arrested Development. Though they may be picked up for another season, it's entirely possible that it may not happen. They did a very good job with the ending though. They made it as though it was their series finale and it was funny and sad all at the same time. We (Josh, Nate, and Marty) went over to Lisa's place and grabbed some Tito's and sat there and enjoyed the 2 hour spectacle that was before me. I didn't care that it was the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. I think Fox put them up against the Olympics on purpose so no one will watch it. But I, along with many others, were watching it and it was fabulous. Now that it is all over, I am really sad. The DVDs will be out eventually but nothing can replace the show. I wish that it can go on and on like The Simpsons or Married with Children and other crappy Fox shows that they let go on what felt like forever and ever. The Simpsons still has its moments, but it's not what it used to be. Sigh. Another good show is gone.

Saturday night was an interesting experience. Josh and I went to Cha Cha Cha for Priti's birthday dinner. It was yummy Carribean food and they had good sangria. We then went over to Tripp's place to hang out with Kurt and others (Rachael and Keren) and we hopped over to The Golden Gopher to meet up with Charley for her 21st birthday extravaganza. But I found it to be crowded and really unnecessarily loud and small. It was nice to see Kurt again and he seems to be doing pretty well. The bar was what Tripp called, "The whitest bar that he has ever been to," which says a lot because he is from Virginia. It's not too shabby for downtown LA, but it doesn't help that there were prostitutes hanging around Josh's car when we got out of the bar. I guess we were in their territory.

This morning was wonderful. It was 80 degrees out and clear skies. I felt somewhat guilty going out with a skirt and flip flops while the east coast is being covered by 25 inches of snow. I find it so hard to comprehend. But my logic is that they chose to live there knowing that there will be snow, so they should be prepared. I hope they are, it sounds like it's a pretty bad storm. But as I sit on the patio of Highland Grounds, I am reminded of what a great city LA can be. We all gathered up, the usual suspects for our monthly brunches, plus a few new faces. I like that there are more and more people that come to brunch. It's always nice to get to know more people. We had a friendly garden gnome on our table that took a liking to Nate. The food was yummy and I think everyone had a good time. I think that we are going to make that a permanent residency for our monthly brunches. I uploaded the pictures of this weekend here, so check them out when you get a chance. After brunch, Alexis and I hung out in her apartment complex and soaked up the sun near her pool. It felt awesome to relax and chat and do arts and crafts. It was really relaxing and was the perfect thing to do on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

I had dinner with Lisa tonight. Just me and her. I haven't hung out with her in a while (the Arrested Development party doesn't count). I think she is in a good place for the most part. I am proud of her for finally accomplishing one of her goals that she's had for a while. It's good to know that everything is going to work out in the end. Go Lisa! She keeps me grounded and it's nice to have her around.

A very special Happy Birthday to Amy P. (Her birthday was yesterday.) I'm sorry you had to get the flu on your birthday. I hope you live it up when you feel better! Get well soon!!