Ok folks, pursuant to the last couple paragraphs on my last entry, I herewith give you the update: YIKES! Was I wrong about the guy! Or perhaps I was right in all the points I made, but the end result was wrong. OK, some of what I said was wrong b/c he was wrong. Case in point: so intent on waxing nostalgic about various TV trivia was he, that I soon found his references dated. Some of the TV shows he harped on were a couple years too adult, or advanced for my then-young age. But it was when we compared graduation years that he stated he graduated 3 years before me. That should put him 4 years older than me (since I skipped a grade). Yup, turns out he lied. But then he had the audacity to excuse himself, under the guise of, “but that’s okay b/c everybody does it.” “I didn’t”, I responded. “I stated my actual age”. The place was dull, unhip, and didn’t have a nice vibe in the least. In fact, on a street constantly modernizing itself, we ate in the place that seems to have stood still through time. His conversation was dull, his voice monotoned, and he never stopped talking. His subject matter was even duller, or perhaps “inane” as my mother said when I recounted several of his talking points. The full head of hair he so proudly remarked about in our pre-date conversation, was styled so poorly that it resembled a bad toupee. I was so aching to get out of there when we were done, that I agreed to the walk he suggested. But not the “to the beach” option; that would’ve been waaaay too much time spent w/him. Instead, I asked to turn around when we reached Lincoln, where we circled back. Hey, at least I got to experience Montana Ave. from a walker’s point of view for the 1st time.
When we departed he asked if I’d want to go out again. How could I hurt his feelings and bring down an entire 25 mile drive back to his home in so doing? I quickly decided I’d say yes, and then opt out later w/some sort of diplomatic reason. Soon after he left, he texted me, “great conversation with you today!”
It was? Obviously he went on a different date than I did! Or, did he feel it was great b/c he chose all the subject matter and I just responded?
Thankfully my mother was still enjoying her day-trip to The Palisades when I called her right away. This way I could join her! I got to the bench she described, and there she was, so darling. So adorable, in her little white hat, enjoying the gorgeously sunny winter day. The light was amazing, low sun and all. I discussed w/her the anatomy of said date, and she agreed w/me completely. That listening to someone talk about how and why they dry-clean their clothes; where they shop for bargains, and other mundane things in their life, did not a good date make. I had such a good time parlaying our conversations to mom, however, that it truly enhanced my day and turned a bad one into a great one! An hour or so later, mom opted to leave before darkness. I then went for a jog, which was a most gorgeous one, setting sun and all. The townspeople were out in full force, enjoying the view, photographing the sunset, walking dogs, jogging, sunning, reading, picnicking.
I went home fulfilled.
Monday night, I joined Marie-France as her guest at 2 events: The first, a reception thrown by Salma Hayek and Antonio Banderas at the Red O on Melrose for their feature animated film, Puss ‘N Boots. It was lovely! The food was great, drinks were amazing, and guests—mostly members of the Academy—were friendly. The restaurant’s vintage and rare “tequila museum” in a transparently-walled, swirling hall, was a high point for me.
Then we high-tailed it over to Soho House in West Hollywood to attend a screening of the Belgian film “Bull Head” with a discussion w/its director thereafter. What a brilliant film! Perhaps it’ll take the Academy? It’s received quite the buzz, I understand.
Tuesday I missed out on a UCLA lecture I wanted to attend, as I had to go to my house to oversee work being done on it, as well as pay Puf a deposit on further work. I finally chose the shade of paint color! His team are also currently reinforcing and retro-fitting the balcony railings, patching and repairing problem areas, warped gates, doors, etc. It’s not cheap but if it was anyone else, it’d cost more. And the quality wouldn’t be as careful and solid.
Wednesday we prepped more casting for our Bobble Bots job, for the next day—a combination of new talent and more callbacks. This super ultra low budg spot cost us more aggravation than any of the big ones we do, but with these clients, we’ve come to expect it. Still, it doesn’t make it any easier when they ask for the impossible and micro-manage our work each step of the way.
That night Marie France took me as her guest to another event: 2 more foreign film screenings, but this time back at the Academy—which is so close to me that it’s like a neighborhood visit. We saw the long, dull, impossible to endure Georgian contribution and a very good Moroccan contestant to the Foreign Language Award, with a respite in between with coffee and deserts in the lobby.
Thursday I had a doc appt. w/Dr. Anand in the morning, which was quick and went well. I spent a damned hour waiting in the lab, however. I ran my Thursday errands including my local farmer’s market shopping, showered, and then went downtown to pick up my at long-last repaired bracelets and ring. They all came out stunning! From there I went to the famed “The Gorbals” restaurant in the storied Alexandria Hotel, where I joined 19 other diners at our huge table and had a blast enjoying chef Ilan Hall’s brand of “Scottish Jewish” cooking. Wow, how inspired he is! His dishes are savory and filled with inside jokes, if you get Jewish cooking. After dinner, most of us then went on the illustrious Downtown Art Walk, which happens on and around that very block once a month. Wow! Can’t believe it took me so long to finally participate! Throngs and throngs of people meander from gallery to cafe to bar to performance space to DJ event to club, to perhaps the missing food trucks, and then more of same. The weather was great for this winter night. The art was pretty awful. The crowd was super cool. But in many ways, just like a metro version of Venice Beach boardwalk. Boardwalk-at-night, perhaps. Less the bulldogs and gangsters. Super arty looking folks, mostly hispanic though. But great to see them, and other “urban” folks get out and see and be art….
Friday slept in, worked out, and eventually made it over to the “East Side Jews” inaugural monthly Shabbat Dinner at Atwater Crossing (ATX), despite Amy & Family’s having opted out. It was a really nice event, albeit much better enjoyed if you bring along your posse, which I hope to do in the future—perhaps. I did meet a couple nice folks though, and perhaps will meet more at ensuing events.
Today (Saturday), slept in. Woke up w/a headache (probably from last night’s mashka?). Read, read read and watched clips online. then went to Vladimir’s yoga class, which was good but I’m still so rusty it’s embarrassing. Now I’m back and plan to just chill at home tonight. Went out 4 times last week so i need a rest. Tomorrow I meet up w/Bati Parnass at an interview to play the role of a “casting director” for a Mizrahi Israeli reality contest/show. Oi vey I’m so unprepared. Oh well, I’m playing myself, so what’s to prepare?
