Palm Springs

  

Happy Retirement, Mama.

Over the last thirty years my mom comforted the souls of countless animals and their humans, but today is the day she hangs up her hat in Veterinarian Medicine and pursues her dreams on the road. May the next chapter bring you joy.

#53 in Progress

Of all the war books I have read, The Things They Carried was the most intimate and profound.

 Green shoes to mark the occasion. Otherwise it’s a no fun work night to finish preparing for tomorrow’s show in Atlanta.

Happy Birthday to My Big Sister.

#100 Done

#100: Watch the Full Season of The Wire. Many critics call it the best dramatic series of all time. Not sure how I missed it the first time around, but it is truly a masterpiece. The creator took what seemed like a million characters and perfectly orchestrated a flawless story over a precise five seasons.

A Vegas cleanse dinner with Devin.

The tables were ice cold, but the Strip didn’t disappoint.

The new Sinatra show is spot on. Close your eyes and you hear Frank.

New York’s Shake Shack has planted roots on the West Coast, lines and all.

Silly Daughter Questions



#33 in Progress



 Getting a little country. Rascal Flatts at the Hard Rock.

 After last night’s massacre, it seemed entirely practical to spend money and get something physical back in return.

 Still not addressing the elephant in my stomach.

 Good luck to start the day. Upgraded to the presidential spa suite due to scheduling conflicts.

 It was a slaughter on the tables.

Up in the Air



#24 Done

#24 Get a physical Pending blood work, I’m overweight, but relatively healthy.

My daughter joined the Clean Club for the first time today. You must clean and jerk your body weight. I would have to be the hulk to be a member.

Started the 85 degree day with a carne asada burrito and it just kept getting better. Poolside champagne at the legendary Sunset Marquis hotel. A deep massage. Felt guilty, so we decided to end the day with some productive chores that included planting succulents in the back yard.

Attended Brit’s end of the year soccer banquet where her team bid adieu to five departing seniors. Only two more years away for Brit which will no doubt come too soon.

Just one of those days.

This could be the tipping point.

#6 in Progress

Enjoyed a Sloppier Joe from newly opened Ledlow in downtown LA. Looks like we’re on track to complete #6 three times over.

#6 in Progress

Discovered Red Bird housed in a former downtown LA Cathedral. Excellent food.

Happy 65th Birthday, Tom.

Lunch at the Pattern Bar in the Fashion District. I used to be a writer.

#6 in Progress: Holy Mole

Guelaguetza is a historical and authentic Oaxacan restaurant in the heart of Koreatown. The moles were many, but I have never seen a mezcal selection like it. Over 90 choices.

#85 Done

#85: Start drinking green tea on a regular basis Despite new reports that three cups of coffee a day is perfectly healthy, I have weaned myself off of it and have switched to green tea. A month strong.

 Watching a family friend play the legendary Troubador in West Hollywood.

Bob Seger at The Forum

A great show.

#6 in Progress

Discovered this gem in Culver City. The Wallace. A great dinner with Dad and Georgeanne before Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band.

#6 In Progress

Tom O’Shanters. Old School LA. Where Walt Disney used to eat.

#6 In Progress

#6: Try 10 New LA Restaurants Enjoyed The Nice Guy with clients. Good burger.

Still watching the big show from home.

My Predictions

Best Picture: Boyhood (It was better than average, but Whiplash remains my favorite) Best Actress: Julianne Moore (Haven’t seen her movie, but she has won everything else) Best Actor: Eddie Redmayne (I know Michael Keaton is the frontrunner, but Eddie’s performance was spot on) Best Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette (Because she has also won everything else. Very weak category this year) Best Supporting Actor:…

Great to see Brittany play the majority of minutes in all three games at the Big West Spring Tournament at UC Irvine. Finally having asthma medicine has done her wonders.

#5 NOT In Progress

#5: N’awlins I just canceled our April trip to French Quarter Fest in New Orleans in favor of some work obligations. Work over life? This could be the end.

#10 in Progress

#10: Reduce our energy bill by 30% First gas bill of the year is a whopping 109% less than last year.

#6 in Progress

#6: Try 10 New LA Restaurants A group finally refurbished the La Cana ruins that have looked like the upper right photo for as long as we’ve lived here. Service left much to be desired, but great looking space.

I gave five bucks to Chewy for the pic and the Storm Trooper was all bent out of shape.

Our Valentine’s Day came with some sacrifice. UCR played their first Spring scrimmage against a powerhouse San Diego State team. Brittany scored the first goal in the second half of what would become a 5-0 rout.

#33 in progress

#33 lounge by 5 hotel pools

Going to try and message all of the LAFI issues out of our muscles.

#58 Done

#58 Become Platinum at the Cosmopolitan. Car Service. Room upgrade. Amazing food. I know they’re getting the better deal, but it’s nice to be appreciated as a “loser”.

Sonia doesn’t eat breakfast like a girl.

#100 in Progress

Many call it the best dramatic television series of all time. The first season makes a good case. Next up, season two.

As tax season approaches, I need to be reminded why I stay in California.