Dan's Munchy Moments : Los Angeles Edition

Hello Friends! It is now time for another of Dan's Munchy Moment's, Los Angeles Edition. One of the few pleasures I enjoyed while in LA was the food, granted most of it did make me violently ill, its still delicious going down. To start of this food adventure, I will showcase Busy Bee's....

BUSY BEE'S - San Pedro

Busy Bees is located in San Pedro, near the lesser known landmark of the Korean Friendship Bell (which is really cool, lauren insert "it is totally not really cool, don't let him take you there!).  Busy Bee's is a Los Angeleno favorite, there they make an assortment of hot and cold sandwiches. The majority of their meats are all cooked in the same oil, making for a tangy and savory tasting sandwich. Their shop is located in a neighborhood, as to keep its roots to the people. Not only do they have a gigantic assortment of sandwiches, they also have on hand an extensive collection of chips and drinks. I had a hot pastrami sandwich with peppercinis to replace pickles, lo had a cheese and red sauce sandwich - which despite its simplicity, was an extremely delicious sandwich. The best part of the sammies we ate was they didn't make us sick, which is a first for me having eaten several in the past - but I still love every minute of it. 

Although they may be the best sandwiches of LA, I think Compagnos in Monterey is a little better....

Pink's - Hollywood

Don't believe the hype!!! The hot dogs were mediocre and made you feel like you were going to die. The only reason I would want to say it was good or remotely worth it is I would not want to admit that I waited over an hour in line, in the sun, for just a normal hot dog (which they weren't normal, they were gross). Although it may have a famous clientle, I would still say steer clear of the Dogville of Pinks. Lo got a chili cheese dog, I got the same thing with bacon. In theory, it sounds delicious. In presentation, it looks delicious. But in reality, it will tear a hole in your belly like a harpoon covered in dirt. Don't eat here. 

Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles - Long Beach (and anywhere else Black people are)

My experience at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles was quite pleasant. But we did have to go to the one in Long Beach, because the one on Pico received a "B" health rating - and there were too many dangers factors due to its scary location. The Roscoe's in downtown Long Beach had an "A" rating and had just as many white people as black people eating in it, which I think distracted from its true ambience. But Lauren insisted we experience the soul food that is Roscoes. The service was impeccable, the food was good, and the price was reasonable. Lo had waffles, grits, and sweet potatoes pie. I myself had 3 wings and a gigantic plate of french fries. And in honor of gross food combinations, I even made a good old bowl of Utah style fry sauce. The service was so kind, upon inquiring about the Mac' n Cheese (which is supposed to be one of their best items) we were given a free "sample size" bowl. Which actually was a normal meal size bowl! All for free! Roscoe's is good. 

All in all my experiences in LA have been horrible but yet 2/3 of these spots have warmed my heart and one wore out my belly. This concludes Dan's Munchy Moments, Los Angeles edition. (Do not go to LA, it is a waste of time.) (lauren edit: No, no it is not!!!)

- dan

Don't Drink the Rockstars!

Something enviably goes wrong. Always. This time it was Dan's kidneys. Things were all going according to plan Thursday night, by 9:00 pm we were packed and ready to depart for LA as soon as I got off work the next day. But then Dan got really bad lower back pain. Started shaking/ vomiting. We knew what this meant : KIDNEY STONES. He had a delightful experience with them his first day in the MTC, so he knew what was up - and thus we headed to the ER. After a quick 3.5 hour wait in a room filled with screaming hispanic babies, angry Arab DLI teachers, and an assortment of other late night people, we got put in a room. But by this point, THREE AND HALF HOURS AFTER WE CAME, Dan had already peed sufficient blood and experienced enough pain that he passed the stone. A five minute visit with a surly doctor resulted in a prescription, and us finally being free around 3 am. Awesome Night. As for the title, Dan was an energy drink addict when he had his first stone years ago, and he had his first Rockstar in quite a while the night before this stone. Coincidence? Probably. 

But I think they are disgusting, so I have my own theory: 

 Energy Drinks Kill.

Los Angeles, I'm Yours.

We escaped from Gloom Mountain for a little trip to LA because:

1) 45 consecutive days of overcast skies are not acceptable
when it's supposedly this season called "summer"

2) To celebrate two years of Bliss!!!

3) Summer vacation is mandatory. Even when you're not students.
Especially when you're not students.

It was a bit of a sacrifice on Dan's part to humor me and return to a land that I love, and he kinda hates. In all fairness, I'd probably have PTSD too if I spent two years knocking doors in Compton and trying to save the non-existent souls of the people of the ghetto. LA is a crazy place, the first day we were there, while driving down the 405 at 70 mph, the wheel of the rice rocket car in the lane next to us came flying off. The wheel flies in the air - missing maiming us by a few feet - while the car shoot sparks everywhere and careens of the road. Sweet. Oh Los Angeles, the excitement you bring....

Lo's Choice

morning run in the sun on hermosa beach - laying out and reading salacious magazines (while dan remains fully clothed, five fingers and all - walking venice beach to see all the crazies (including the nazi  pictured here) - eating a giant waffle bowl cold stone ice cream, for lunch. 

Dan's Choice

visiting the skirball jewish cultural museum - going in the skirball's awesome noah's ark exhibit (even though we're not 3 years old like the other patrons there) - not going to the beach where you have to wear SPF 100 to avoid an green oozing sunburn reminiscent of our honeymoon- eating dinner at Dan's all time favorite place: Red Robin (where we went EVERY date night we lived in provo)

Catalina Island

We took a ferry boat from san pedro harbor (where I was fascinated with the giant cargo ships and took a million pics of shipping containers haha) to catalina island. It was a fun 1.5 hour ride and the island was pretty sweet too.

zipline eco tour

While on the island we splurged and did a zipline eco tour. It consisted of 5 ziplines, that were long, and really really high up. I was soooo close to chickening out once I got on the first platform. But my fear of people making fun of me overcame my fear of heights and I did it! It turned out to be fun. But I'd never do it again. My palms still sweat just looking at the pictures. 

The one place Dan loves there? The temple. So we ended the trip with a session at the one thing keeping this iniquitous city from sliding into the sea. I hope that Temple keeps counterbalancing west hollywood for at least a few more years... Dan has a class break in the future, and I already know where I want to go...

Los Angeles I'm Yours 

(cue the Decemberist's song)

Two Years Of BLISS (sometimes)

( anniversary cupcakes at sprinkles in beverly hills)
 "Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just like people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, and most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is just like an old time rail journey ... delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride." — Gordon B. Hinckley

I love this quote. One thing I've gathered in my 24 months of matrimony is that it isn't all peaches. They are really hard times, really freaking awesome times, but mostly just moving along- not bad, not super good - times. 

Our first year of marriage I found somewhat challenging. Especially when I was sitting in an awful BYU married ward listening to another testimony/brag-imony of how someone's husband was the best in the world!!! He made dinner, cleaned the house, arranged floral boquets, was perfect in every way blah blah blah. I sat alone a pew listening to this, while I hadn't even seen my brand new husband in a couple months, let alone had him decoupage all our lamps. I felt a bit gypped. But everyone's life/marriage is different. They is no use comparing. Or if you do, in the words of the wise President Hinkley: you'll run around thinking you've been robbed. 

So if I could give advice to newly married Lauren, it would be something like this:

"Really enjoy the "bliss times", but don't stress that every moment isn't awesome and think that everyone else has marriages filled with nothing but sublime days. They don't. And don't stress that sometimes things are tough, and think that everyone else's lives flow so much more smoothly than yours. They don't. You're normal. And that's okay. Go with the flow, sometimes (a lot of times!) things don't go according to that master plan in your head. But it still works out how its supposed to.

You may think that its totally obvious to Dan that you're super angry if you give him the silent treatment. It's not. Just use your words. You know, communicate. Tell him when somethings wrong. Also, don't worry - You win the fight about having a top sheet on the bed." 

Our second year of Marriage was way better than the first. We lived together and learned more about each other- which always helps. 

I think that our relationship will just keep getting better, year after year.

I love Dan. He's a great husband who always makes me laugh, works hard, and tries to make me happy. I'm glad that we're bound together. Forever.

Here's to TWO YEARS. And hoping that we celebrate our 3rd anniversary not in freaking Monterey.

Amen. 

Jesus Wants Me for a...

 Sunbeam!

I love them, seriously. I was pretty skeptical when the bishop pulled me out of the friend making world that is relief society and put me in charge of giving 3 year olds the word of God. But, the Bishop was right. I love my calling. Every Sunday for almost the last year I'm so happy I get to hang out with, have my arm rubbed by, and hear the awesome things my little friends say.

Last week was my  co-teacher's last Sunday before moving. I made some very sunbeamy delights - whoopie pies rolled in sprinkles - as a goodbye treat. Except Sis. Graff made her own goodbye treats, haha. So the sunbeams didn't end up eating the whoopie pies. But I did. Many of them. 

The End of An Adventure

(carmel beach. self portrait w/ slr = tricky.)

I sadly bid my Kiersty Kat goodbye on Friday. I may have cried. Or maybe it was just raining on my face? (flight of the conchords reference). I really enjoyed having my sister/BFF here to hang out with, bake with, go to yoga with... She's just plain cool. We had some adventures, as is customary with MMA...

Point Lobos

We took kat out to Point Lobos, promising seals and otters galore! We always see bounteous wildlife here. Except, even the effing sea mammals think its too cold here, we saw nothing. 

I think they're in San Diego. Where we should be. 

the "world famous" monterey bay aquarium

went "ording"

Ording: Covertly exploring the abandoned Fort Ord. Taking Pictures. Stepping on glass. Etc. 

See how awesome Monterey is (said with sarcastic tone)? The sun hasn't shone here since May.

 But don't let that stop you. Come have your own MMA Today!

Today marks the 25th year my parents have been married! 

Whoa, thats a long time. I know that though its the most rewarding relationship in life, marriage isn't always easy. I appreciate the sacrifices, lack of selfishness, and hard work my parents have put into staying together and creating a happy family for me and my sisters.  

They have set a wonderful example of love. So basically, 

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM & DAD!

Sweat and Sweet Success

(one of the hard core ladies in our class, pic taken from the studios website)
Bikram Yoga 

I heard about it a while ago and I've been wanting to try it. But I'm a big fat chicken. So I waited and drug Kiersten along for moral support. Basically its 1.5 hours of yoga in 105 degree room with humidifiers going. You sweat. So much so, that you think you're going to die.

And basically, we died. Don't know if Bikram Yoga will be added to be ever growing myriad of half hearted hobbies...
(p.s., the guy next to me in class was a 200 lb beer bellied old guy, hairy chested with a huge gold necklace, wearing nothing but a speedo. Proudly. He is my body self confidence hero. And he wasn't half bad at yoga.)

A Baking Date
Katty and I both love to bake. So we busted out good old Martha's cupcake book and selected something that looked very difficult. We totally expected it to be a mass fail.

 But it wasn't!

Granted Kiersten handled the hard part of making the Sugar Spun Crowns.

Kitchen = trashed. But worth it for some sisterly baking bonding time.

I also got a package in the mail yesterday, always exciting. It contained a Blondie mix and a note:
"Hopefully you won't trip in your kitchen making these, haha. Just Trying to keep you safe.
Enjoy! Love, Denise"
(thats in reference to this incident) I had a good laugh at this one. Thank you Denise!
My mother in law is rad. I love her.
Now back to MMA-ing with the Kiersty Kat!