To Live & Die In LA

Packed up on Tuesday, stopped by the shop, which had this line going out the door at 9am for Zion Narrows gear (there was prob 30 or more people in that shop that morning) and buckled in JR to act as my DJ for the 8 hour ride.

I said a farewell to the beautiful canyon walls of Utah and headed into Arizona. Enjoy this video of my drive (pretty incredible!)

Chris and Rebecca's entrance to their apartment

Went through Nevada and straight to Cali and of course, paid $4.25 for gas in a little rinky dink town that was playing Mystikal's "Shake Ya Ass" when I got out to pump *classy*.  When I pulled onto Hollywood Boulevard it was remarkably relieving and I felt at home, but then I hit that traffic and was a little annoyed at remembering when I lived here. My brother, Chris, and I went to the store to get stuff for beers and burgers where I was greeted by a huge LA cockroach at the U-Scan while buying coconut water . Welcome to Cali. By the way, Taste of Nirvana Coconut Water is not my favorite - so the search continues!

The next morning I got to enjoy eggs and kale breakfast with vegan butter and wheat toast and a cup a joe (both my brothers can cook). Then I played with these adorable dogs who steal my bed every morning when I get out of of it. Would you kick them out though? I mean look at 'em! Lucky and Mojo (Toby was probably busy pouting). Listened to a little Ray Charles in the morning which was very nice.

Delicious "Lunch in a Cup" shake later (swiss chard, banana, pineapple, berries, apple, greek yogurt, kefir, etc) Rebecca loves the fact that this extremely healthy drink full of nutrients is served in a Dos Equis glass. Rebecca headed out to see her caster (she makes beautiful jewelry which I will also show you) and Chris and I went to his agents to talk to them in Studio City (awesome!). I made a vegetarian meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans and a nice hefeweizen. I added some stuff on the fly (oatmeal, kale, bread) but I was sure to use the secret sauce and it tasted pretty good for "fake loaf". I could def. be a vegetarian. We ended the night watching "Raising Arizona". For some reason I pass out every night by like 10pm (sad.)

This morning, Rebecca the beautiful Italian Stallion, made us blueberry pie cinnamon whole wheat pancakes (nom nom). If you are interested in the recipe, here it is: Blueberry Pie Pancakes  I would like to note that she was out of cinnamon, so she used allspice and it was outta this world!  Brought out some B.B. King for this morning wake-up.

Moldings for necklaces by Rebecca

She also showed me how she makes her shell casing jewelry (sounds gnarly? Yea, that's cuz it is!) She makes a mold, shoots the wax, takes the time to etch all the detail into every piece and then sends it to her caster who makes a mold, melts the wax, shoots the melted bullet casing into it and then cools it. She is exceedingly talented and I'm more than impressed with her jewelry and the time she puts into it! Check out her website here to see the awesome epicness: Spina Designs - Recycled Shell Casing Jewelry

Cooled wax after she "shot it"

Today might be a hang around Hollywood and LA day and then tomorrow we might venture into San Diego and check it out. I'll be sure to drink another coconut water and possibly a horchata (I would do this all on Venice Beach but it's just too damn cold here right now).  Peace Out!

PS - HUGE thanks to Chris and Rebecca cuz I have never been happier to be back in LA!