I Have Great Things To Do Today!

I Did It! New York Philharmonic performs free in Central Park - And Fireworks!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 14:16:00 +0000

Cross it off the list: New York Philharmonic performs free in Central Park - And Fireworks!

I didn't bring my camera, I wanted to focus on the music, but here's a photo from the New York Philharmonic's website.

As you can see, it was PACKED. I can only imagine this turnout was the result of the first and only other concert in Central Park being rained out.

But there's just something about laying out under the stars with a lunchbox full of cheese, crackers, and olives (and a thermos full of viognier,) that this town finds irresistible.

I'd like to think that the only interruption was the collective sigh of a grateful city, but as you can hear from this recording, people were enjoying this city-wide picnic... loudly! If you listen closely, you may hear soprano Measha Brueggergosman, who made her Philharmonic debut at this concert.

I'll miss stuff like this, but I'm moving to a place where the weather permits this sort of thing practically year-round, so I can't feel too badly about it...

I Did It! One Last Mets Game at Shea Stadium

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 00:56:00 +0000

Cross it off the list: One Last Mets Game at Shea Stadium

She was hot and spicy with taut, caramel-colored skin and soft buns...

...and that was just my sausage sandwich with peppers and onions!

I wanted to take a cheesecake photo of this ravishing beauty, but she was devoured all too quickly. This specimen was MUCH better than the one I ate at Yankee Stadium a few weeks ago.

I couldn't believe the progress that's been made on the construction of the new ballpark. The new construction butts right up against the outfield wall. It wouldn't surprise me at all if the construction crew makes a little cash on the side selling home run balls on eBay.

Old glory, my free giveaway hat, and construction cranes practically in the outfield.

Say what you will about the neon-colored atrocity that is Shea Stadium, but the seats are actually pretty comfy, the food is decent (I ate a sausage sandwich and ANOTHER Nathan's hot dog,) and the ushers aren't on power trips. At Yankee Stadium, the usher wouldn't let us take a quick photo from the lower level with the field in the background - even after we told him that it was the first trip to the stadium for one of the adorable toddlers we had with us. At Shea, there's a trick to it: blow straight past the usher, quickly scan the area containing your desired seating, pinpoint an empty seat, stride toward it confidently, and sit down as if you own the joint. This method has NEVER failed me. I bought an upper deck ticket and sat in the good seats. Once, I bought an upper deck ticket and sat IN THE OWNER'S BOX. I was not ejected. Not even when the owner showed up. You could never pull that off at the House that Ruth Built.

My beautiful neon-colored toilet... Shea Stadium.

Oh, and the beer's good too at Shea. I have found that there are two experiences that are greatly enhanced by being buzzed: baseball games and visiting museums.

It was Military Appreciation Day and discounted (maybe free?) tickets were available to all servicemen and women who attended in uniform. I'm pleased to see that members of our Armed Services were smart enough to reject the wearing of garments constructed of double-knit polyester in July in NYC. I saw virtually NO uniforms. Except for the guy who RE-ENLISTED RIGHT THERE ON THE FIELD at Shea during the pre-game festivities which included: a performance by the USO (so cute!), an appearance by the remaining Tuskegee Airmen, and a fighter jet flyover (LOUD.)

There were recruiters for each branch present (and man, did they look bored.) I'm all for supporting the troops, but I have to admit, I'm relieved to be too old (and possibly too fat and too stupid) to enlist. These are the same qualities which also preclude me from enlisting in both the Salvation Army or Old Navy.

I even got a great new Mets cap as part of a Jeep promotional giveaway... I anticipate using this to incur the wrath of Dodger fans on my inaugural trip to their stadium!

I Did It! Ride The Cyclone in Coney Island

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 01:37:00 +0000

Cross it off the list: Ride The Cyclone in Coney Island

There are many first person videos of the experience of riding the Coney Island Cyclone.

I cannot watch these videos without suffering flashbacks.

But we're getting ahead of ourselves. Let's begin at the beginning, shall we?

The Cyclone loomed large in the distance as I got off the subway.

"You don't scare me," I thought. I was younger and stupider then.

I foolishly thought it best to fortify myself for this adventure with some of the local "cuisine." It was off to Nathan's Hot Dogs for me.

I took a pass on the frog legs (Those could be potential princes I have not kissed yet!) and opted for the legendary franks.

Yum.

I don't think I've ever eaten anything that fast. Thus solidified, I soldiered onward.

As I stood in line for my $6 ticket (SIX dollars!) I heard the whoosh of the beast as it rushed by. Was I scared?!

Yes.

The intense rumbling made it sound like the entire thing was contructed from toothpicks and glue.

Nonetheless, I clambored up the stairs to what I felt in that moment was almost certain doom.

Whoosh.

There it goes again, shaking the entire structure.

I passed to the back of the loading platform, where I was able to check my backpack. This put me in the unenviable position of sitting in THE LAST CAR.

Why is this unenviable? Because you can't see where the drops are. You don't know you're about to plummet down until you hear all the cars in front of you yell some variation on "Oh, FUCK."

There was not one moment of this ride when I did not feel like I was about to die. I can't believe nobody ever has. I mean it.

Oh, and as for the potential for needing chiropractic care as a result:

I attempted to bring my blood pressure down to acceptable levels with what I thought would be a nice relaxing ride on The Wonder Wheel.

It looked innocuous enough... I didn't think anything of it when the ticket taker asked if I wanted "swinger, or no swinger." I giggled and replied, perhaps a bit too loudly, "I'm a SWINGER!" and was promptly directed to a different line.

What I didn't realize was that the innermost cars "swing." They're designed to travel on rails which, from a distance, appear to be the "spokes" of the wheel.

So basically, it combines Ferris wheel with roller coaster. This was not at all what I needed to recover from the Cyclone.

My view from The Cage of Death, er... I mean the Wonder Wheel

From now on, the only NYC thrill ride for me will remain, as it has ever been, the subway.

To Do: Phillies Game at Citizens Bank Park

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0000

To Do: Phillies Game at Citizens Bank Park.
Proposed Date: Sunday, July 29th vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates ("Arrrgh.")

The last Phillies game I went to was at Veterans' Stadium... its been a while. But my dear darling father is, for once, kicking the male children to the curb and giving *me* his spare season ticket.

A Phillies game with my "phather." A phitting phinish to my summer phestivities on the East Coast. Phat. (I am SO phunny!)

I Did It! Guest Bartend at the Gael Pub

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 22:39:00 +0000

Proprietor of the Gael Pub: "Hey! STOP groping the help!"

Me: "Sorry, Gene."

Proprietor of the Gael Pub: "No, I was talking to him." [points at regular bartender.]

Thus went our guest bartending stint at The Gael Pub.

Nicole (partner in guest bartending crime,) Fin (resident intoxicologist,) Me

When I mentioned to people that I was doing this, there was such unbridled envy! Apparently, this is something everyone has wanted to try in their lifetime. But anyone can guest bartend there - just sign up!

It was so much fun, I only broke one glass, and I made TIPS! (Which I then promptly gave back to the bar once my "shift" ended and we began buying drinks in earnest.)

Our adventure in hospitality services nearly didn't happen. Unbeknownst to us, a local softball team, fresh from the field of battle, was slated to enjoy their victory with the presentation of the league trophy later that night at the pub. Gene had attempted to contact me to cancel but failed to get through to me - even though I'd had my phone on me all day. A little research uncovered that Gene had taken down my number one digit off. Once there, he asked us if we'd consider rescheduling. I calmly explained that I was soon to be leaving town for good, I had invited A LOT of people, and it was my BIRTHDAY! We agreed that we'd bartend as planned and if we ended up being more trouble than help, they could throw us out.

It was awesome. If I ever decide I need a career change... this is it.

To Do: Brazilian Girls - SummerStage

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 20:34:00 +0000

To Do: Brazilian Girls - SummerStage

When: Sunday, July 22, 2007 From 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Central Park SummerStage

Brazilian Girls, Cat Empire, HIMALAYAS conducted by Kenny Wollesen & Jonathon Haffner

SummerStage is delighted to welcome back Brazilian Girls, the ultra-hip and wonderfully breezy groove band that first appeared at SummerStage two summers ago. For those who don’t know, only one of the Brazilian Girls is a girl (front-woman Sabina Sciubba) and none of them are actually from Brazil. But the name perfectly fits the globe-trotting vibe of their music, a playful mix of electronica, bossa nova, vintage French pop and rock. Their sophomore set Talk To La Bomb was released last year, and Spin magazine called it “multicultural, cosmopolitan, intellectual dance music: Ibiza meets punk, dub goes tango, trance gets smart.”

I've never been to SummerStage - I've generally found it too expensive - but you can't beat the price of this show... free. It'll be a fun way to chill on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

To Do: One Last Mets Game at Shea Stadium

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 19:10:00 +0000

To Do: One Last Mets Game at Shea Stadium
When: Sunday, July 15 at 1:10 p.m.

What: Military Appreciation Day at Shea

Join the New York Mets as we host Military Appreciation Day presented by Jeep on Sunday, July 15 at Shea Stadium. On Military Appreciation Day, the first 25,000 fans in attendance will receive a Mets cap, courtesy of Jeep.

We encourage all of our fans to bring items which will be collected into a large "care package" that will be sent to our troops serving overseas. We need your participation to make this an amazin' day!

Here is a list of acceptable items for donation:

Phone Cards
Pens - Black or Blue
Baby Wipes
Hand Sanitizers
Toothbrushes
Disposable Cameras
Batteries of all sizes
Chapstick w/sunscreen

I have so many fun memories of the day-glo colored toilet bowl that is Shea Stadium. Playoff wins, World Series losses, scuffles with Mr. Met, questionable eating choices...you name it. I've been on TV, the jumbo-tron... I've even infiltrated the press box and the private club.

I'm still on the fence about where this move leaves my team allegiances... if you have compelling Angels vs. Dodger arguments, let me know. [wink]

To Do: Design + DJs + Dancing at The Cooper-Hewitt

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 18:51:00 +0000

To Do: Design + DJs + Dancing at The Cooper-Hewitt
When: Friday, July 13, 2007 6:00-9:00 p.m.

What:

Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution
Summer Sessions 2007: Design + DJs + Dancing
July 6, 2007 - September 7, 2007, 6:00-9:00 p.m. Fridays
Free with Museum admission - Admission always free for Members

The Cooper-Hewitt plays host to a dance party in its lovely garden on Friday nights between July and September. I've attended in previous summers and it always draws a great crowd of friends and neighbors, young and old, singles and young marrieds with kids in tow. The DJs are terrific and the music is quiet enough that you can be social and chat it up. If that fails to entertain, take in the museum's design exhibitions and permanent collections.

They call the event Design + DJs + Dancing. I'm adding: + Drinks... there's a bar!

I Did It! Visit the Museum of Modern Art

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 00:37:00 +0000

Cross it off the list: Visit the Museum of Modern Art

I think I finally figured out why I put this off for so long...

I'm just not that into you, Modern Art. Its not you, its me.

The only exhibit that truly triggered a reaction in me was Dan Perjovschi's exhibition, Projects 85.

It covered an entire wall. The crowd stood, spellbound, attempting to absorb it all. I liked it all, but this portion stood out:

It wasn't a completely wasted experience - the place itself was picturesque and lunch in the modern cafeteria, Cafe 2, was unlike any dining experience I've ever had.

I'm disappointed, and raring to go for my next adventure...

To Do: Ride The Cyclone in Coney Island

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 03:20:00 +0000

What: Visit Coney Island and ride The Cyclone as it celebrates its 80th birthday.

When: A.S.A.P.

The Cyclone has consistently ranked at or near the top of every roller coaster top ten list published. It has been proclaimed the world's greatest by a broad spectrum of media institutions and roller coaster aficionados. Time Magazine quoted Charles Lindbergh as saying that a ride on the Cyclone was more thrilling than his historic first solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Emilio Franco, a mute since birth, regained his voice on the Cyclone, uttering his first words ever -- "I feel sick"! In April 2001, singer Nikki Lauren became the first person ever to present a live musical performance in the Cyclone's historic loading station.

As soon as I mentioned to friends that I needed to do this, as least two of them reported major health issues (some requiring chiropractic treatment) soon after they rode it.

This only makes me want to ride it more.

I guarantee that I am the only person you know who gets car sick without fail, but simply can't pass up a good roller coaster. The only question remaining is, will this upset my vomit streak?

If I chicken out (not likely,) there's always the Burlesque Master Class.

As a recovering Philly girl, I'm also looking forward to spending time on a boardwalk, like the ones I remember from childhood summers at the Jersey shore. I'll bet there's good eatin' to be done too!

To Do: Guest Bartend at the Gael Pub

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 17:27:00 +0000

Are you here as a result of the Evite? Welcome!

Poke around the site and get up to speed.

I so hope you can make it; its sure to be a blast.

I Did It! Visit The Cloisters of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 15:04:00 +0000

I Did It! Visit The Cloisters of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

It was so easy to appreciate the careful attention to detail that made my visit to The Cloisters like stepping back in time to medieval Europe.

The Cloisters was designed and built as a museum of works of art from the Middle Ages. Opened to the public in 1938, The Cloisters, with its neo-medieval architecture, provides a harmonious context for the exhibition of its important collection, which includes architectural fragments that have been incorporated into the fabric of the building iteslf. The unique setting allows the works of art to be installed in a manner suggesting their original functions and situations.

An hour's ride by public transit from the Metropolitan Museum's main branch delivered me to a picturesque idyll replete with tapestries, sculpture and gardens in bloom. Bliss.

Do YOU have Great Things to Do Today?

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 01:12:00 +0000

If there's anything one learns in a post-9/11 New York, its that life is too short not to have great things to do EVERY DAY. Keep your dance card full, friends, you never know when the music is going to stop.

XXOO,
Melissa

To Do: New York Philharmonic In Central Park - And Fireworks!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 21:28:00 +0000

What: New York Philharmonic performs free in Central Park - And Fireworks!
When: Wednesday, July 11, 8:00 pm

New York Philharmonic
Wednesday, July 11, 8:00 pm
Central Park - Great Lawn
Mid-Park from 79th to 85th Streets
Ludovic Morlot will conduct the New York Philharomonic:

Berlioz: Le Corsaire Overture
Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto featuring soloist Stefan Jackiw
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6, "Pathéthique"

The concert will be followed by a fireworks display.

This is just the thing to soothe the sting of disappointment caused by the Metropolitan Opera's performance in Central Park getting rained out.

If you can't make it on the 11th, there's another performance on the 17th:

New York Philharmonic
Tuesday, July 17, 8:00 pm
Central Park - Great Lawn
Mid-Park from 79th to 85th Streets
Sir Andrew Davis will conduct the New York Philharomonic:

Richard Strauss: Til Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks
Puccini, Massenet, Catalani, Weber: Various Arias featuring soprano Measha Brueggergosman
Mussorgsky/Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition

The concert will be followed by a fireworks display.

My standard picnicing rules apply. Please pass the wine, cheese and olives.

To Do: Visit The Cloisters of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 01:30:00 +0000

I have long been a great fan (and neighbor!) of the main branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art... its been like a second home to me, and I will truly miss the views from its roof, cocktails and music at the balcony bar, and visiting my Degas ballerinas.

I have always wanted to visit the Met's other branch, The Cloisters:

The Cloisters—described by Germain Bazin, former director of the Musée du Louvre in Paris, as "the crowning achievement of American museology"—is the branch of the Metropolitan Museum devoted to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. Located on four acres overlooking the Hudson River in northern Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park, the building incorporates elements from five medieval French cloisters—quadrangles enclosed by a roofed or vaulted passageway, or arcade—and from other monastic sites in southern France. Three of the cloisters reconstructed at the branch museum feature gardens planted according to horticultural information found in medieval treatises and poetry, garden documents and herbals, and medieval works of art, such as tapestries, stained-glass windows, and column capitals. Approximately five thousand works of art from medieval Europe, dating from about A.D. 800 with particular emphasis on the twelfth through fifteenth century, are exhibited in this unique and sympathetic context.

As soon as the crazy weather straightens itself out (soon? please?) I will hop a bus and get medieval on the Met's ass.

I Did It! One Last Game at Yankee Stadium

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 03:36:00 +0000

Cross it off the list: One Last Game at Yankee Stadium

Shhh... I have a secret.

I'm a Mets fan.

But the Opera in Central Park was rained out, so I infiltrated Yankee Stadium for one last game.

I was totally thrown off by two things: the weather, which somehow succeeded in being both cold AND muggy, and the Arizona Diamondbacks' uniforms, which used to be purple and teal. Now the Diamondbacks seem to be not-so-cleverly disguised as Philadelphia Phillies...

I'm so pleased that my trend of drinking beers bigger than my head continues unabated. I also indulged in a sausage sandwich with peppers and onions. I'll go anywhere for one of these - they are a totally welcome addition to my new Nothing But Donuts Diet. I'll be up to my ultimate fighting weight of about 165 in no time. [sigh]

Yankee Stadium is revered for its rich history, but when the crowd goes nutty and the joint literally starts shaking, you grab your photo op and GET OUT.

I'm glad I got to cross it off the list. Next stop, Shea Stadium.

Will This Be Me?

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 03:55:00 +0000

"Why leaving New York should be sadder than leaving any other city, I don't know. Some people who visit or who live here leave New York believing they never made the most of it, and a visitor is usually inclined to think the same. Unless you were miserable in New York, regret at how little you did or saw is a part of departure. I once heard a British professor say that New York was an old lover and that he hated the next farewell so strongly that he preferred not to visit again. He said this with genuine feeling."

--From "Bohemian New York" by Inigo Thomas

I Did It! QUIT MY JOB!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 02:09:00 +0000

This just in:

Its really happening - my time in NYC is coming to a close. The Boss Man is now informed that...

Can anyone suggest a good mover?

To Do: One Last Game at Yankee Stadium

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:56:00 +0000

What: One Last Game at Yankee Stadium

The Yankees organization has spent years developing plans for the self-financed stadium that will rise in Macombs Dam Park, adjacent to and north of the current field. Construction on the planned 51,000-seat park is expected to begin in 2006, and should conclude in time for the 2009 season.

Seems like the thing to do - one last game before they "yank" down Yankee stadium. Ha.

I Did It! 139th Running of the Belmont Stakes

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 03:48:00 +0000

Cross it off the list: 139th Running of the Belmont Stakes

Remember when I said I've never won a dime at Belmont?

I. hit. the. TRIFECTA.

To the tune of $131.50.

I think that bears repeating. I won. $131.50. By hitting the trifecta. At Belmont.

Behold:

And here is the moment I went from loser to winner, captured for posterity:

Ah, the face of VICTORY.

I Did It! Victorian Gardens at Central Park

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 00:21:00 +0000

Cross it off the list: Victorian Gardens at Central Park

The pictures really say it all. The rides were perfect for my 2-year-old niece and 3-year-old nephew. I honestly don't know which was more enjoyable, the amusements, or the looks on their faces as they took it all in.

I'll miss the little ones a lot when I go. They'll just have to come out to LA when they're older and take me to Disneyland!

I Did It! Thursday Night Campfire with Martin and Craig

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 23:07:00 +0000

Cross it off the list: Thursday Night Campfire with Martin and Craig

In a word? Divine.

I Did It! Get My Picture Taken With Smoking Hot Marines During Fleet Week

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Wed, 30 May 2007 04:00:00 +0000

Cross it off the list: Get My Picture Taken With Smoking Hot Marines During Fleet Week

"I don't know about this whole Fleet Week thing," remarked my well-meaning friend.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I keep seeing all these dudes dressed in white uniforms, but they're all old and fat."

"No, silly, those are SAILORS, do not allow them to distract you from the task at hand. Stick with Marines. Trust me."

I was dismayed to find that only ONE measly ship was docked here in Manhattan - all the rest were on Staten Island, thus throwing way off the USMC Hottie to Single Female Taxpayer ratio.

Staten Island was too far to go for my photo op.

I was just hanging out at a bar, minding my own business, ready to throw in the towel on this goal, when all of a sudden three fine specimens of USMC hotness presented themselves before me.

"Would you mind being in a photo with us?"

Whatnow?! Way to turn the tables, Fellas!

Needless to say, I was more than happy to pose for their photos, and they for mine:

USMC Hotness, Exhibit A

All three of their ages put together still rendered them too young for me. More Devil Pups than Devil Dogs, they still definitely fit the "Smokin' Hot" bill.

Just as quickly as they appeared, they disappeared into the night. As they slipped away, the handsomest among them murmured in my ear, "Thanks for making my night."

"How did I do that?" I asked, perplexed.

"Just by showing up here tonight, looking as beautiful as you do."

Awwww.... now that's smooth. They must teach 'em that in Boot Camp.

Semper Fi, indeed.

To Do: Thursday Night Campfire with Martin and Craig

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Sat, 19 May 2007 04:08:00 +0000

What: Thursday Night Campfire with Martin and Craig at the Gael Pub

The Gael Pub
1465 Third Ave.(bet. 82nd & 83rd)
New York, NY 10028-1926
212-517-4141

When: Thursday, May 24th

Martin and Craig bring the campfire along wherever they play, along with the relaxed, informal, no-rules-whatsoever atmosphere that comes along with it. Singing along is inevitable as the song choices combined with the completely-at-ease style with which they are delivered are all but guaranteed to have you tapping your foot, clapping your hands, and singing louder than you ever thought you could.

Expect a broad array of songs from all across the history of popular music, including some you'd never expect to hear in this setting. Expect passionate vocals. Expect masterful percussion. Expect a tapping foot (that would be yours). Expect a good ol' time. See you soon.

I see these guys every chance I get. If you were smart, you would too. They're sublime. I will miss them when I go. [sad face]

Bonus: If you get there at just the right time, you may even bear witness to an awe-inspiring performance by the US Olympic Synchronized Booty Shakin' Team (which consists of a drunken me and my very capable partner in crime.)

To Do: Annie Hall - HBO/Bryant Park Film Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Sat, 19 May 2007 03:54:00 +0000

What: Annie Hall - HBO/Bryant Park Film Festival

When: June, 18th at sunset

Turning thirty this year, 'Annie Hall' appears as fresh as ever. Neurotic N.Y. comic Alvy Singer looks back at various aspects of his life, including the women he has known. Annie may have been his one great love, but the relationship wasn't meant to be. For most fans, this is Woody Allen at his peak. 'Annie' took Oscars for Best Picture (beating out 'Star Wars'), Best Director (sorry Mr. Spielberg) and Best Script (a little California bashing is always fun). Diane Keaton, at her "la-di-da" finest, won a statuette too. Lobsters anyone? 94 Min. (1977) -- Jim Byerley

I can't believe I've never done this. I'm pretty sure its because NYC in June is generally hot, muggy, and buggy. And right around when they start spraying for West Nile virus. If nothing else, it will remind me of why I'm moving to LA. Ugh. Don't be surprised if I blow this one off...