Good Morning, Westbourne Capital Management...

Now I'm at work. I've been home for less than three days and I'm already back into my old summer routine, waking up at 8 in the morning and rushing off to work at my exciting desk job. If only money wasn't so damn important (or if I HAD any)- I'd be relaxing at the Ritz Carlton somehere in San Diego and eating their delicious nachos by the pool. Let's pretend it's warm outside too. OK, I know I can't complain about the weather but it's really not THAT much warmer here in LA than Portland. I mean, it is...but...yeah, I guess you get used to it quickly here because I'm already too cold in the morning to get out of bed. I had to wear a jacket AND coat this morning, so that really tells you something. It's cold.

Anyway, the last three days have been great. Ulrika Molly Burke picked me up from the airport because my parents don't love me and she took me to my house where we got ready for the concert. I missed Molly sooooo much!!! Birte arrived soon after and we all (Molly, Birte, my parents, sister, Alex and I) decided to meet at Tip's, a Thai restaurant where the owners have become friends of the family. Everyone who works there is related- it is truly a family business. A while back, they had some problems with some kind of building regulations that they were clueless on, and my dad took it upon himself to help them out. He helped get their business back together, now following all the government restrictions, and today it is a thriving restaurant with ultra-cheap and delicious food and, most of all, wonderfully friendly service. Once in awhile, they give us presents from Thailand such as bottles of those origami paper stars, cookies and chocolates. Every time I go to Tip's, I feel like part of the family. We've been going there for about 14 years now, maybe more, and I love taking everyone I know, both to support their business and give them the experience that I love. Mostly because I love the food.

So we went to Tip's and then walked a block to the Wiltern, where my dad works (upstairs where the flags are, not FOR the Wiltern) and where the 311 concert was. Alien Ant Farm opened and then 311 played until 11. We all thought it ended a bit early- don't commercial popular bands' concerts usually end around midnight? The concert was great, and it was even better being with Molly and Birte again. We left the Wiltern and drove back to my house where we all squeezed into my bed and stayed up talking.

The next morning I woke up bright and early to run to Planned Parenthood for some anti-baby pills. Thank you KC for introducing me to such a wonderful name for birth control and Malka for giving me two months worth when I realized I would actually be having sex. A lot. Except when I'm not with Alejandro of course. So this time I got my own. I forced Alex to go with me because I REALLY didn't want to go but knew I had to. Being with him made it a million times easier. Maybe even a billion. He acted like my bitch, getting the paperwork and clipboard and even bringing a pen- probably because he knew I was uncomfortable, and he loves me. It was finally over and we went to Benihanas for lunch. I got more fried rice than Alex. Hah.

That night was Alex's cousin, Jesus' 18th birthday party. So I met the son of God. Jealous much? Anyway...I'll explain the night. Alex picked up his bong from home and we drove for what seemed like forever into the valley past Chesebro where the Umheys live (and that's FAR). We were told the party was starting around 9-10 and we got there around 10:15 I think. No one was there. Apparently it changed to start around 11. So I met Jesus' parents (Alex's aunt and uncle), both of whom were sweet- but especially his mom. Now I love her because she said I was pretty. She must be crazy but I love her all the same. My favorite people at the party were Jesus and Edwin. Edwin is also Alex's cousin and goes to UC San Jose. They were both freakin hilarious. I wanted to bust out my mexican voice to accompany Edwin's but I was too shy and I didn't want to embarrass myself. They had Alex and I guard Jesus' room to stop people from hooking up in it. They didn't say WE couldn't do anything.

Anyway, we had fun. I had to be home sometime between the party and going to the zoo, so we drove home at 5-something. I didn't get home until after six, and then I snuck back to my room that isn't connected to the rest of the house, and went to sleep. I was dead tired and only got to sleep a couple hours before waking up to go to the zoo. Alex sure monopolized my time this weekend. He woke me up and I went to pick him up. I called my boss to figure out my hours and Malka on the long drive to Alex's house in the ghetto. I miss my Malka and I need her back soon. KC too. I need to call her. She can call me too though, the stupid whore. JKJK I love you. I'll call you both when I'm off work at one. I miss all my reedies, dammit. If I were rich I would totally fly them ALL out to LA to visit me.

So we went to the zoo. Why does everyone think that's weird? You don't have to be 6 years old to go to the zoo and enjoy it. We had bunches of fun and Alex even witnessed a lion mating session. He was a real one minute "man". Unfortunately, there was no elefant or camel riding. I want to put up some pictures we took but I'll have to do that later when I can find the cord to transfer the pics to my sister's computer.

I dropped Alex off and haven't seen him since. I should count the number of hours we spent together since I've been home. I know it's a hell of a lot. It's so hard letting go of him, even when I know it will only be a day until we see each other again.

Let's jump to today, Monday the 19th of December. I realized a couple days ago how close it is to Christmas. And my family doesn't even have a tree. No Christmas lights, no tree. How fucking sad. Even my dorm had Christmas lights. Either way, I have to buy people presents- and FAST. I need to make Ulrika's blanket and figure out how to get everyone else that I love presents without spending shitloads of money. I have some creative ideas but not enough. I have to try my hardest not to empty out my bank account. I can rationalize that I can spend money because I'll be working and earning money all break. Hopefully lots of money. I think I'll increase my hours starting tomorrow. I'll work 9-4 or something. And I'll probably be incredibly bored and write blogs at least twice a day. This will be the backlash that KC and Malka are asking for. If you want me to write blogs, then FINE I will. You just wait, you'll be swamped with all the reading I give you. Maybe I'll even start my own novel. Hah.

When I said let's jump to today, I had intended to write about my plans for the rest of the day but somehow I got sidetracked. Around 2:00, I'm going to Benke's house with Ulrika and Fragola Beans. We're all going to hang out, maybe eat some late lunch, and then go Christmas shopping. I don't know where we're going but I have a feeling that Fragola and Benke will be the only ones buying expensive gifts. Speaking of which, what the hell should I get my family for Christmas??? I'll have to brainstorm that later. Anyway, I know there will be a good fill of gossip at this meeting, tons of catching up. We have bunches to talk about, since much has gone on in the four(?) months since I've seen Benke. I can't wait! Well, I'm off to pretend that I have something to do in this last hour before I get off work. Peace and chicken grease.