Sunday, July 31, 2011

Day 6: A Picture of Something that Makes you Happy

I moved into the city about a week ago, and though I am totally thrilled to be living here, I am dearly missing my adopted niece and nephew.

I say they are adopted, because I'm not technically their aunt, but I call myself "Aunt Linds" and pretend that I am anyway.  I think I'm actually more like a 3rd cousin or something, but who bothers with these details?

I mean, look at them.



Two words: Doll. Babies.

If they don't make you smile, you might have something missing.

Like a soul.  

The end.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Day 5: A Song to Match your Mood

I've been thinking about this for awhile, and I'm a little afraid to admit the song that keeps coming to mind.

Okay, fine, this is a place of free expression and no judgment.

At least, that's what I tell myself on my nuttier days.

So the song is "You and Tequila" by Kenny Chesney.

Now, I would like to point out that neither a person (unless crazy agents are included) or any alcoholic substance is currently making me crazy, as the song implies.

No, but I simply love this song.  It's melodic and calm and peaceful, kinda how I'm feeling now.  It's becoming my new obsessively-stalk-every-radio-station-that-might-possibly-play-the-song kind of song.  I looooooooovvvvvveee it.  I love that it references Mulholland Drive and the getting away from the city lights.  Because I feel like this sometimes.

And Grace Potter's voice is amazing.

Every once in awhile, a song will come along that makes me get my guitar out, get the strings tuned, and play.  And then play and play every song I know and feel like a whole person again.

This song did that for me.

And what else can you really ask for?

Friday, July 29, 2011

Day # 4: Your Parents

When I told my mom what today's assignment was, she kindly asked me to skip this topic .

Rude, huh?

My parents: Obviously enablers of bad blogging habits.

I really don't know what she is afraid of.  I only blog positive, uplifting and image-improving things... Right?

I'll try to keep it that way today.  And when talking about these folks, there are hardly any negatives.

My parents are great.  I've been incredibly blessed to grow up under their care and wisdom.  They have provided an incredible example of a marriage that I hope to be able to repeat one day.  They never fail to entertain, support, love and advise.

And act nutty and make me laugh 'til I cry.

Things I've learned from my Mom:
How to be the best hostess (gardener, chef, entertainer) I could ever hope to be.
How to follow my dreams.
How to groom my own nails when I simply can't make it to the salon.
How to laugh at myself.
How to be look at the world as half-full.
How to ripen an avocado in one day flat.
How to feel compassion.
How to have no enemies.
How to love.

Things I've leaned from my Dad:
How to drive a car and a boat (at 13 years old.)
How to work for what you want.
How to throw like a boy.
How to do math.
How to be a leader.
How to snow ski like a boy. (I'm noticing a trend here...)
How to encourage.
How to tell jokes. (This one is a bit alarming.)
How to know what is important in life.


Mamasita and Dadio- I love you all more than you know.  For letting me move to California and act like a crazy dreamer.  For reading my blog.  And for not getting mad when I did this to my car mirror...

and blamed it on my lack of peripheral vision.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Day 3: Love is in the Air

#3: Your first love.

Easy as pie.

I saw Pearl Harbor when I was about 12 years old and I fell in deep, deep love with this film, the score from the film, and most importantly, Josh Hartnett.


It was truly a problem, for a good number of years.  My mom didn't allow to rent the video or, heaven forbid, buy it, because I literally had the thing memorized.  As in, I once spent three hours of a youth trip repeating the film to a group of very, very bored peers.


I bought the soundtrack and listened to it on repeat for approximately 3 years of my life.  True story, when I was 13 I started having to mow the yard every week for my family chore.  (Never mind the fact that my younger sister is very much 13 and still has not had the honor of riding the family lawn mower.  That's a story for a different day though.)

So, in the midst of this lawn mowing, I would listen to the Pearl Harbor soundtrack on repeat.  People, it was like an orchestra.  There were no words.

THIS IS VERY, VERY STRANGE FOR A TWEEN ON A LAWN MOWER.

But I was so incredibly consumed with this story, and the characters, and Josh Hartnett's last pleading words, and my obsession took off.

I would go into fits of panic when I saw his picture- his picture, people, at the store.  I would plead with my mother to rent the movie, but, thank the Lord, she tried to keep a reign on me.

It was true, true love.


And I still don't care what the critics say.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Off to La La Land

It is 10:55.  I just walked in my front door for the first time since 9:00 am this morning.

I've said it once and I'll say it again- this whole working thing is for the birds.

Speaking of birds, a very large one (must have been a vulture... gag) decided to... um, relieve himself all over my head today.  True story.  On the day I choose to wear my one dry clean item, a light blue silky blouse, and this luck comes upon me.  They say it is luck, I say it is horrifying and a great way to ruin one's hair.

Moving on... I almost forgot to stick to my challenge.  This is why I could never diet.  I'd simply forget that I wasn't supposed to have that caramel napoleon that I just had to pick up yesterday, and I'd ruin my diet every day.  

Like I do now.

Really though, when presented with something this beautiful, one does not say no.  At least, I don't say no.

Alas, here I am, to thrill and excite with more musings.  Today's assignment is to describe my blog name, so here goes.

I decided to move to LA somewhere around April, because of all kinds of serendipitous events and answered prayers.  I knew that I needed some way to keep in touch with all my lovelies back in Texas and decided to start blogging.  I'm pretty sure that "Live from La La Land" came to me in a vision, but the inspiration was that "LIVE" was supposed to be said like Ryan Seacrest would say it.  You know, ".........We're LLIIIIIIVVVVEEE from..." blah blah blah. 

And La La Land is just all too convenient, because  obviously L-A spells "La" and La La Land has always been code for "sleep" to me, and sleep is so closely related to dreams, and dreams are so closely related to a lack of a grip on reality, and a lack of a grip on reality is just totally LA.  

In other news, I saw an advance screening of Cowboys & Aliens tonight, and I have to say- I was pleasantly surprised.  For someone who thought Stephen Spielberg was pranking me when I first heard of this film, it managed to make me laugh, cry and totally cringe at the heinous special effects. 

Not a bad flick.

Until next next time... which will be tomorrow.  

Yes! Look at me go with my consistency!


Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Who do you think you are?

I'm back for Day 2- get excited!

(P.S. I met Stephen Moyer from True Blood exactly 3 minutes ago.  This job is pretty neat sometimes.)

(P.S.S. When I typed that title, I remembered a story that my parents used to tell me that I haven't heard in years.  Apparently at some point when I was a small child I was being rude and "smart alecky" as my mother used to say.  I was also in the bath at said time.  Anyway, my mom asked me, "Who exactly do you think you are, young lady," and I proceeded to stand up in the bathtub, put my hands on my hips and say "I am Lindsay Ann McClendon!")

Guess I had that whole confidence/stand up for yourself thing down.


I probably looked about like this then.  Goodness this photo looks downright vintage.  How old am I again?

Anyway, today's task on my daunting journey of self discovery is to introduce myself, post a recent picture of myself, and 15 interesting facts.

Sounds a little bland to me, but I'll try to keep things spicy.

Introduction:
Hi! If you're new here and don't know me, I guess I'll get some basics out of the way.  I am a recent college grad, living in LA and doing absolutely nothing related to my education.  I work in film casting, which basically means I answer phones all day.  And see the occasional super model.  It's really great for the self-esteem to stand beside Marissa Miller, by the way. Heh.

I like to talk about random things on here, and I like to use metaphors a lot.  And strange sayings that haven't been used in the average vocabulary since the 1970s.  And I love movies.  And TV.  And theatre.


Recent photo:
Confession: I suck at taking pictures.  I try so hard and tote my camera around with me everywhere I go, and I somehow end up with exactly 2 pictures per month.  Therefore, it takes a super-duper special occasion to warrant the use of the camera.  Like for example, my parents popping in to visit me for a night on my dad's company plane.  (I love the fact that my dad works in California.  It means that these visits just might happen at any point.)

You hear me, Dadio?
Here we are, in all our windblown glory.  Good folks, those parents of mine.

15 Interesting Facts:


1. I was once hit by a car.  Not my car, my person.  I had on a bright pink sweatshirt when this incident happened.  I survived.

2. If I had to pick one color of nail polish for the rest of my life, well, I would be devastated, but I would absolutely choose OPI's Vodka and Caviar.  It's the most beautiful, creamy, pure red you've ever seen.  (Is this interesting to anyone other than me?)

3. I was once told that if I was an animal, I'd be a meerkat.  This was the picture that accompanied that statement.
Still don't know how I feel about that one.

4. I am currently a recovering telogen effluvium patient.  Betcha don't know what that is, do ya?  You see, when you have too many surgeries close together (wisdom teeth, foreign object out of foot) and you Google image all of these surgeries beforehand, it causes severe cases of stress.  This stress coupled with anesthesia causes the hair follicles to wave a white flag and poop out.  It's really horrendous.  I am pleased to say, however, that I now have three heads worth of baby hairs coming in.  They stick out in funny directions and some are curly.  I have never had curly hair.  Things could get weird.  I'll be sure to post pics soon.

5. I have little to no peripheral vision.

6. I love chocolate and peanut butter, but I can't eat them together.  The combination makes me sick at my stomach, for some odd ball reason.

7.  I also don't eat fruit.  I will eat bananas and apples, if I must, but I'm sure not going to enjoy it.

8.  I have an uncanny ability for calling stars before they become stars.  You see, as I've mentioned before, I have loved Henry Cavill since I saw his handsome mug gracing my TV screen years ago.  Now he is Superman.  Chris Pine- same story.  Saw him in Princess Diaries, developed a huge crush, and now he is a big deal.  Now I simply have to wonder why no one in this town will pay me for my psychic abilities...

9. I have been stung by flying insects approximately 9 times, plus one scorpion sting.  That one was rough.

10. I want to be the Pioneer Woman.  She is wonderful and fabulous and creates the best recipes. Plus, she inspired this blogging venture, and just yesterday she added an entire "entertainment" section to her blog.  It's like she is reading my mind.  Or maybe she just wants to talk about her project in development from her book "Black Heels to Tractor Wheels."

11. The most played stations on my Pandora radio are Mumford and Sons radio and Broadway All Stars radio.  One part of me is so cool, and the other part is just a huge dork.

12. I am inexplicably moved by music videos, music, and even TV commercials.  I have been known to cry while watching the Kardashians, because some silly commercial will come on and break my heart.  Like that one with the missing puppy, and the girl says when the puppy is found, with the most joyful voice, "Sarah, you're home!" Gets me every time.  Who names their dog Sarah, though? Isn't that strange?

13. I am constantly in inner turmoil by the dilemma of having perfect long nails and being able to play my guitar.  The guitar typically wins.

14. One of my favorite parts of being a Californian is the availability of wonderful avocados.  They are everywhere, and they have become a major food group of mine.  This could be a problem...

15. I'm totally not that interesting.


Phew.  See y'all tomorrow!

Monday, July 25, 2011

30 Days to a Better Blogger

Didn't think I was coming back, didja?

I am pleased to announce that I have officially moved to La-La Land, and will no longer be commuting to Orange County for 2-3 hours a day, and will therefore have time to tend to my bloggie baby.  

One of my friends informed me that I was blogging less now than when I didn't live in LA, and I have to say that he is right.  This is annoying and dumb and must be rectified immediately.

Therefore, I have chosen to embark on the "30 Day Blogger Challenge." I credit my friend Alex Butts for this idea and inspiration, and I am totally not sure if I can do it.  Given my track record, it's looking like a stretch. Heck- at this point, two days is looking like a stretch.

I will persevere, however, jump back on this bandwagon, take life by the reigns, and carpe diem

Like, every diem.  

This is what we have to look forward to... Get ready for Day 23, it could get a bit melodramatic.

Day 0: The 30 Day Challenge Explanation and Description
Day 1: Introduce, recent picture of yourself, 15 interesting facts
Day 2: Meaning behind your blog name
Day 3: Your first love
Day 4: Your parents
Day 5: A song to match your mood
Day 6: A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7: Favorite movies
Day 8: A place you've traveled to
Day 9: A favorite picture of your best friend
Day 10: Something you're afraid of
Day 11: Favorite TV shows
Day 12: Something you don't leave the house without
Day 13: Goals
Day 14: A picture of you last year - how have you changed?
Day 15: Bible verse
Day 16: Dream house
Day 17: Something you're looking forward to
Day 18: Favorite Place to Eat
Day 19: Something you miss
Day 20: Nicknames
Day 21: Favorite Picture of yourself ALL TIME Why? 

Day 22: What's in your purse? 
Day 23: Favorite Movie 
Day 24: Something you've learned 
Day 25: Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26: Your Dream Wedding
Day 27: Original Photo of the city you live in
Day 28: Something that stresses you out
Day 29: 3 Wishes
Day 30: a picture of yourself this day and 5 good things that happened since you started the challenge

And now I simply must go to bed.  Er, go watch the season premiere of Entourage and then go to bed.   

A girl has to have her priorities, right?


Saturday, July 9, 2011

"Work, work, All week long..."

Quick! Name that country song!

Okay, it's Alan Jackson's "Good Time."  It's also becoming increasingly more popular on my radio, as my work hours become increasingly longer.

Coincidence? I think not.

You see, my radio and I have this cosmic connection.  For example, I have a bit of an unhealthy obsession with Selena Gomez's song "Who Says."  I literally stalk 20 on 20, Hits 1, The Blend, and The Pulse for this song.  I have heard it on all of these stations and I have a sort of fear of missing it while I am in the car.  When I stumble upon the last chorus of "Na na na na na na na na na na na na na!" and miss the rest of the song I feel an incredible amount of disappointment.


I know this is strange, and a sane person would just buy the dang song on iTunes.  But as I'm sure we've established, I am not exactly what you'd call sane.

Now, I feel like I must explain my obsession before you judge me more.  Here goes... "Who Says" came out right around the time I was leaving for California.  It's so inspirational.  I feel like it validates my entire decision to move out to this crazy land.  I swear, the line where she says, "Who says you can't be in movies, listen to me, listen TO me!" was written for me.  Not that I want to actually be in movies... but you catch my drift.  I cling to this song like a sort of lifeline, and if I don't hear it on my hour to hour-and-a-half drive each morning, I fear my day will be awful.

And no, I'm not superstitious.  At all.

So yes, I'm a big believer in the fate of Sirius XM radio DJ's choices and my life choices.  So lately, Alan Jackson's "Good Time" is simply taking over.


This could be due to the fact that I listen to country music more here than I ever did in Texas (I'm blaming this on whole "grass is always greener" theory) or the radio is just reading my mind again.  Because, borrowing Mr. Jackson's lyrics, I truly do work, work, all week long, punching the clock, dusk 'til dawn.  And by that I mean that I leave my house around 8am and get home around 9pm.

This is nuts, by the way, but I love it.

I do exciting things all day like figure out how to work phone systems, set up camcorders, make copies of scripts, and stalk actors.  It's fun.

(When I say "stalk," I mean it in a very professional manner, by the way.  My stalking involves calling their agent to ask about their availability, and if they are not available, which city I could find them in.  So not creepy at all.)

I have one small qualm with Mr. Jackson's lyrics, though.  Kinda the main point, actually.

When the week is done, all I want to do is sleep.  Mr. Jackson is tired, doesn't want to sleep but wants to have fun.


Looks like I'll be upping my caffeine intake.

Again.