HI guys!  Happy Friday!  I've been in a kind of weird, lethargic mood lately.  I think it's probably the combination of being jobless and Olena not being home for so long, that puts me in the state of mind where I don't feel like anyone would mind if I didn't get out of bed all day.  I actually don't have much to say this week as far as blogging goes, but I do have some photos I wanted to share!  Paul came out here for a week with Vinny, and it felt so good to see them out here.  It was like a slice of home being introduced to my new life, and it was so comforting!  They came out here at the perfect time, too, because it was such a great distraction, and I needed an excuse to get out of my house and be happy.  They rented a convertible, and we drove all around Los Angeles.  

This is my view from the backseat:

I will not-so-patiently be waiting for Paul and Vinny to get back here.  It was such a refreshing visit.  Living in California, I am in constant longing for home, but with them here home didn't feel as far away.  And to see the glimmer in one of my best friend's eyes as he explored his potential future home was amazing.  It reminded me that while Los Angeles can be quite a lonely place sometimes, it sparks something in it's visitors.  It ignites a passion and a drive previously dimmed by doubt and fear.  It reminded me that I'm in the right place, and I could use a reminder every once and a while.  Hurry back Paul.

Last weekend, I agreed to dog sit for my friend's father, and I know I'm like in my mid-twenties and my ideal night should be out dancing and drinking with friends and meeting a cute guy and having my way with him, but this is actually what my ideal night consists of.  PJs, a Netflix marathon, and couch cuddles with two pups.  I'm about ready to adopt one of these precious animals.  Anyone in the LA area, holler at me if you ever need a petsitter!

Cooper is on the left, and Emma is on the right.  Cooper is about 12 years old I believe, and Emma is around 6.  They are two of the kindest dogs who love each other so much.  My favorite photo is the close up of the two of them where Cooper looks like she's comforting Emma.  They were both upset that their dad was gone for the weekend, but they were helping each other get through it, and I was in a corner melting into a puddle.

So remember that time Olena, Lauren and I went to Joshua Tree? I don't know if I've talked about it enough, you might not remember.  Well we did.  And we took some souvenirs back with us, like this cactus that Olena took home.  The other day I was doing some admin from my home office, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw that the cactus had bloomed!  It was gorgeous, so of course I had to get a few shots, which of course led to the cactus falling on top of me and me pulling out pricks for the next half hour.  But look how pretty!

The last event I'm including in this weekly roundup is my trip to The Broad Museum with my friend Jen! She had purchased tickets two months in advance, so when the day came I very happily volunteered to accompany her.  I'm so glad that I did, too.  We had such a good time.  I'm not the biggest museum person in the world.  There is so much I don't understand about art, and most of the time I'm sure if I say what I'm actually feeling about a particular piece, I'll offend everyone in the room.  Museums are usually too stuffy and pretentious for me to enjoy, but for whatever reason, I really enjoyed this one.  That's not to say there wasn't a ton of art that had me feeling like the artist made a game out of how much idiots would pay for adult scribble, but there was a lot that I actually connected with, and could, at the very least, appreciate.  

So we took the metro into downtown, LA, which was a weird experience for me.  I had to keep reminding myself that I was in Los Angeles, because it automatically felt like New York or London.  I honestly completely forgot Los Angeles even had a transportation system, and I think I'm going to start using it more.  I love that feeling of burying yourself in a book for a commute, and stepping off an escalator into a part of the city that's vibrant and alive and not at all where you started.   

Jen and I stared at this painting for a good twenty minutes.  Initially we just wanted to sit for a while so we found a bench, and it was situated right in front of this painting.  After five minutes of us both staring at it, we began to try to dissect it.  I still have no idea what it's trying to showcase, but maybe the art is that it got two people to stare at it for twenty minutes and spark conversation.  Is that all art is?  Cause I could get down with that.  

This masterpiece was tucked away in a corner by an elevator and was easily my favorite piece in the entire museum.  I was completely in awe.  It's a painting, not a photograph.  The detail, the color, everything about it, I could have stared at it for hours.  

And finally, we made it to the Infinity Room, which was just as magical as it looks.  Unfortunately you're only allowed 45 seconds inside, so if you're lucky enough to have more than one opportunity to go, take it.  45 seconds was not nearly enough time to truly appreciate this beauty.

Alright, well, that's all I've got for you today!  I'm gonna plan some day trips for myself, to keep busy and keep that energy level high.  I'm submitting myself for acting gigs every hour of every day, so as long as my family stays patient, I promise I'll finally have updates for you all very soon!  Keep your chin up always, and make the most of your weekend! 

xo