I. Love. LA.

I’ve been learning to be thankful for all the little things in life.  Most of the time, it’s the little things that make life worth living.  Don’t ever take things for granted.  You never know if you won’t see it again.  Kiss your mother.  Grab coffee with a friend.  Drive to Lake Arrowhead.  Chat with a stranger.  Eat food that blows your mind.  Spend an afternoon with a homeless man.  Leave him with a $10 bill instead of a $1 and eat the next meal at home.  Make a movie.  Appreciate the special people around you.  Give them random gifts.  Receive the ones they give without guilt.  Sometimes it’s harder to receive than to give.

I’ve already said you don’t have to pay like a king to eat like one.  The Hat proves my point.  SGV’s finest establishment brings you truly the best in heart-stopping fun.  Their claim to the best pastrami in town is unchallenged.  Let me warn you–it’s go big or go home here.  None of that weak stuff here!  A single order of the chili cheese fries (which is a must have) can feed four people.

Hustlers.  My friend Sam Kim changed my tipping habits.  Ever since he worked at a restaurant he realized that with all the hard work that comes with food service there is not much monetary compensation.  Tips, he told me, were pretty much the only thing that made anything worthwhile and after that experience he’s always sure to leave at least 20%.  Don’t be stingy with your tips ya’ll.  A laborer is worthy of his wages.

Excuse me.  ”The Best in the World.”  Oh hell yeah.

Pastrami Burger.  Woooooooow.

Fly Away Home

The Sundance Film Festival was an amazing experience, even with nearly no sleep, waiting in lines for day-of tickets, and the freezing cold (you have to understand, anything below sixty can be very traumatic for spoiled So-Cal bodies).  Brilliant films, beautiful snowy Utah scenery, and every three blocks you can find coffee shops any LA hipster can be proud of.  The drive back to the airport reminded us just how precious life is.  Mental note: Mazda 3 + Snow/Ice  = Epic Fail.

Calvin and Hobbes chucks vs. Leather Oxford laceup boots.  Classic battle of the classics.  Heather takes Round 1.

Legal-crack.

Crack-berry.

Jaeson = Crack-fiend.

Truly a weekend to remember.

Removing My Planks

It’s a new year.  A new look.  Even a new president.  This year the ball dropped without me.  That is, without me noticing–probably the first time since I can remember.  I was working alone at home when the fireworks went off.  My sister was at a coworkers party.  My mother and brother were at their church.  My father was touring through eastern Europe.  2009 came with a whisper and left me no evidence of 2008’s swift parting.

Yesterday was the first day of the year of the Ox.   I saw no red bags, no sticky cakes–only a cold latte and an abnormally cool California evening.  I went “0″ for “2″ this year, so it’s ironic that  I’ve been thinking of New Years Resolutions.  I’m not exactly known for my memory and taking the time to make sweeping goals I might not remember by the time Christmas rolls around isn’t exactly my style.  But this year was different.  This year I wanted things to change.  They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.  Good thing I’m only twenty four.

I’ve been noticing more things about myself that I don’t like.  I like that.  Not because I’m some super introspective guy, but because that means I’m growing.  I can deal with the wrinkles, the failures, and the pains if i know can get smarter, kinder, wiser, more patient.  I hope I never get so deluded and puffed up that I can’t admit my wrongs and change myself.  So this new year I’m trying to be sure to make a periodic eye check–just in case I’ve missed any two by fours.

Chinese New Year 2009 in Bellagio’s Conservatory

It’s almost here…

WTF 2

I was swinging by the shop Wednesday for some last minute shots of the 3sixteen x Sabrevision shades for an upcoming lookbook.  One of Ian’s (founder/owner of El Mercado) buddies Josiah stopped by with a pie from his dad’s pizza joint (Z Pizza) and a sixer of the most amazing brew I’ve ever laid eyes on.  Greatest.  Name.  Ever.  If you like dark lager, it’s not half bad.