Ugh... I'm so out of shape!
You see, years ago, I was out at a club one night and some girl approached me about being on a roller derby team. I thought it sounded like a way cool thing to try, so I did, and for the next year-and-a-half, I was training with the Derby Dolls. This was while they were still looking for a location, trying to raise money for a track, and not competing in an official capacity yet. But, it was fun and it was great exercise. I had to quit because of work, and I was really sad about it. I just couldn't devote the time it took once we split into teams -- the practices, the fundraisers, the meetings -- all so time consuming. Fun, yes, but when one has a job with long hours, it's just not possible.
Anyway, now they are a bona-fide cultural revolution and I'm so excited for them! My friend emailed me yesterday and asked me some questions about roller derby -- she's thinking of joining a league up north. Well, just answering her email got me all excited and I decided to strap on those skates and go, go, go.
I did all of the prep work -- changed my wheels from indoor to outdoor (since I was going to skate around the neighborhood on my lunch break), checked the bearings, and looked for the safety gear. I wouldn't dream of skating without at least knee pads and wrist guards. It's not dorky, it's smart. I've seen a lot of broken bones.
Well, skating is not like riding a bicycle. I suck. After about ten minutes, my toes started cramping and I was getting shin splints. And my lower back hurt. That's just pathetic.
But I've resolved to get out there more often and get back in shape! I may not ever be a Derby Doll again, but I don't have to be a dork, either.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
California Condors in Flight
Most lesbians I know like to camp and hike -- at least to some degree. Big Sur is one of my favorite places for camping and hiking. We went there recently and had the privilege of seeing three California Condors -- the worlds rarest, most endangered bird (I think there are only about 140 or so in the wild) -- in flight right over us. Awesome. These birds have been around since prehistoric times and are the largest birds native to North America, with a wing span of about 9 feet. Like I said: Awesome.
Props to Rhonda for capturing them on video:
Props to Rhonda for capturing them on video:
Gimme Sugar - Episode 2
It's getting better, I must say...
I love that it's set in places that I know, and I love trying to figure out where they are in some scenes. Like... where the heck is there a Mexican restaurant with the Pacific Design Center in the background? Anyone know? From the angle, it looks like they were on Melrose, but I don't know of any Mexican restaurants on Melrose that are that close to the Pacific Design Center. Hmmm...
But the Margaritas looked good.
I love that it's set in places that I know, and I love trying to figure out where they are in some scenes. Like... where the heck is there a Mexican restaurant with the Pacific Design Center in the background? Anyone know? From the angle, it looks like they were on Melrose, but I don't know of any Mexican restaurants on Melrose that are that close to the Pacific Design Center. Hmmm...
But the Margaritas looked good.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Congratulations...
to all of you who are getting married today, tomorrow, ever or never. Whether you want to get married or not, this is an important milestone in equality.
It's funny -- "Sex and the City" made it okay for women to be single if they want to be. Now, same-sex couples can get married if they want to, at least in California and Massachusettes. I'm so thrilled to see we are moving in the right direction -- some day soon, we will all be able to live the way we want to -- straight or gay, married or not -- with whom we want to, regardless of gender, race, religion or ethnic background -- and no one will think it's unusual, or strange, or bad, or immoral, or whatever stupid, hateful people are saying to protest this ruling...
"What the world needs now
Is love, sweet love...
It's the only thing
That there's just too little of..."
So, CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who is getting married, and to everyone who is not. The world just got a little better today.
It's funny -- "Sex and the City" made it okay for women to be single if they want to be. Now, same-sex couples can get married if they want to, at least in California and Massachusettes. I'm so thrilled to see we are moving in the right direction -- some day soon, we will all be able to live the way we want to -- straight or gay, married or not -- with whom we want to, regardless of gender, race, religion or ethnic background -- and no one will think it's unusual, or strange, or bad, or immoral, or whatever stupid, hateful people are saying to protest this ruling...
"What the world needs now
Is love, sweet love...
It's the only thing
That there's just too little of..."
So, CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who is getting married, and to everyone who is not. The world just got a little better today.
Open to suggestions
So... here's this blog and I have a vague idea of what I want it to be, but it hasn't really found it's voice yet. Other than tips and reviews of lesbian night life in LA-LA Land... what do you want to hear about?
Should I have a weekly advice column?
Restaurant reviews?
Suggestions for day-time dates?
Profiles of women in our community?
Please do send me some suggestions -- I'm planning on kicking this up a notch in a few weeks and I need your help!
Thank you!!!!
Should I have a weekly advice column?
Restaurant reviews?
Suggestions for day-time dates?
Profiles of women in our community?
Please do send me some suggestions -- I'm planning on kicking this up a notch in a few weeks and I need your help!
Thank you!!!!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Gimme Sugar and other treats
Just a quick note that the first episode of "Gimme Sugar" is screening tonight at Here Lounge. In honor of the occasion, the Fuse girls have brought in a free taco bar, from which you can munch. Doesn't that sound enticing and vaguely erotic?
If you've seen it and tacos aren't your thing, lots of girls hit the Normandie Room tonight as well. Sure, there's still a fair crowd at East/West, but as that scene dies, more and more girls are going back to the old haunts, like Here and the Norm.
If you've seen it and tacos aren't your thing, lots of girls hit the Normandie Room tonight as well. Sure, there's still a fair crowd at East/West, but as that scene dies, more and more girls are going back to the old haunts, like Here and the Norm.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Eleven
There's a certain boy who is the master of the door at lesbian clubs and I just love him so much. I'm so happy to call him one of my best friends. We had such a great time last night at Eleven with Charlene from Gimme Sugar and DJ Saratonin. Charming ladies, both of them.
The night was a bit more quiet than usual. I'm guessing most people are still recovering -- physically, emotionally (ouch!) and financially -- from Pride. But, I always have fun with by boy!
There was some hot film crew from France there... I think I need to find out more about that! :-)
Oh... tonight is Booby Trap, which apparently attracts a crowd of the best of the East Side and the WeHo girls... hmmm... will have to check that out soon -- maybe next week. I hear the girls that go there are not as "rough" as the girls at the Eagle on Wednesdays. I do like the Eagle scene sometimes, don't get me wrong, but I'm not a regular. If anyone has gone to Booby Trap has a comment about it, let me know.
The night was a bit more quiet than usual. I'm guessing most people are still recovering -- physically, emotionally (ouch!) and financially -- from Pride. But, I always have fun with by boy!
There was some hot film crew from France there... I think I need to find out more about that! :-)
Oh... tonight is Booby Trap, which apparently attracts a crowd of the best of the East Side and the WeHo girls... hmmm... will have to check that out soon -- maybe next week. I hear the girls that go there are not as "rough" as the girls at the Eagle on Wednesdays. I do like the Eagle scene sometimes, don't get me wrong, but I'm not a regular. If anyone has gone to Booby Trap has a comment about it, let me know.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Gay Shame
There's nothing proud about Gay Pride... not when you're stumbling around drunk and making out with random people (not me this year... but you get the picture).
So to recap:
Long Beach Pride -- I will never go again. It used to be mullet pride, and that was okay because you could go and feel really good about yourself and your fashion sense. Now, however, it's ghetto pride, and you might get your ass kicked if you do the wrong thing -- like look in someone's general direction while waiting for beer, or something like that.
SCARY! Not for me...
So, on to L.A. Pride!!! Yay! I just love Los Angeles Pride -- you don't even have to go in to the festival to have a good time since the fun happens on the streets of WeHo.
I was nursing a sinus infection, so I missed Friday night, but apparently that was pretty wild. Friends made out and friends hooked up and I MISSED it! Guess the Dyke March got everyone juiced up (no pun intended... okay, maybe it was a little intended), and then Truck Stop kept the mood flowin'. I'm so sad I missed out on this action.
Saturday, some went to the Dyke March in Silverlake. Why are there two anyway? People... get it together! I mean, really...
I went to the Fuse Events party at Republic... no marching, just drinking and dancing. That event was FUN! The venue was really amazing, too. I did leave a tad early, though, since I was still a little congested and I wanted to save myself for Gay Shame Sunday... the most shameful day of all, traditionally.
Sooooo SUNDAY... the parade! Yay! We went to hang out with our friends who always bring Jell-O shots to the parade (love friends like that, don't you?). We were definitely a rowdy bunch. After, a brief stint at the Normandie Room, my favorite neighborhood bar, and then on to the Abbey where, thankfully, my friend had reserved a cabana and invited us to join her. We didn't have to wait in line -- sweet! And the cabana had table service, so no waiting for drinks, either. Of course, the tab was SHOCKING, but then, it was worth it. I got WASTED. Hell, we all got wasted. There was drunk maudlin' crying going on (You have no idea how much your friendship means to me... boo hoo hoo), friends frantically hiding from some "bad kissers" they'd just randomly made out with, gay boy drama, and other stuff I keep vaguely remembering. Ahhh, good times (I think).
And then, I watched Gimme Sugar. Made me SO GLAD that I'm not in my 20s anymore. I don't remember ever being that silly at that age, but I'm sure I was. I'm rooting for them to figure it out. As far as reality shows go, it was fun and entertaining.
On a side note -- I love Truck Stop, and I'm in my 30s. I don't know where all the 30-somethings are in Gimme Sugar, but they're there at the club. Guess when you're older you're too smart to get suckered into airing your dirty laundry on television.
Ah, youth.
So to recap:
Long Beach Pride -- I will never go again. It used to be mullet pride, and that was okay because you could go and feel really good about yourself and your fashion sense. Now, however, it's ghetto pride, and you might get your ass kicked if you do the wrong thing -- like look in someone's general direction while waiting for beer, or something like that.
SCARY! Not for me...
So, on to L.A. Pride!!! Yay! I just love Los Angeles Pride -- you don't even have to go in to the festival to have a good time since the fun happens on the streets of WeHo.
I was nursing a sinus infection, so I missed Friday night, but apparently that was pretty wild. Friends made out and friends hooked up and I MISSED it! Guess the Dyke March got everyone juiced up (no pun intended... okay, maybe it was a little intended), and then Truck Stop kept the mood flowin'. I'm so sad I missed out on this action.
Saturday, some went to the Dyke March in Silverlake. Why are there two anyway? People... get it together! I mean, really...
I went to the Fuse Events party at Republic... no marching, just drinking and dancing. That event was FUN! The venue was really amazing, too. I did leave a tad early, though, since I was still a little congested and I wanted to save myself for Gay Shame Sunday... the most shameful day of all, traditionally.
Sooooo SUNDAY... the parade! Yay! We went to hang out with our friends who always bring Jell-O shots to the parade (love friends like that, don't you?). We were definitely a rowdy bunch. After, a brief stint at the Normandie Room, my favorite neighborhood bar, and then on to the Abbey where, thankfully, my friend had reserved a cabana and invited us to join her. We didn't have to wait in line -- sweet! And the cabana had table service, so no waiting for drinks, either. Of course, the tab was SHOCKING, but then, it was worth it. I got WASTED. Hell, we all got wasted. There was drunk maudlin' crying going on (You have no idea how much your friendship means to me... boo hoo hoo), friends frantically hiding from some "bad kissers" they'd just randomly made out with, gay boy drama, and other stuff I keep vaguely remembering. Ahhh, good times (I think).
And then, I watched Gimme Sugar. Made me SO GLAD that I'm not in my 20s anymore. I don't remember ever being that silly at that age, but I'm sure I was. I'm rooting for them to figure it out. As far as reality shows go, it was fun and entertaining.
On a side note -- I love Truck Stop, and I'm in my 30s. I don't know where all the 30-somethings are in Gimme Sugar, but they're there at the club. Guess when you're older you're too smart to get suckered into airing your dirty laundry on television.
Ah, youth.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Thursday!
Okay, so I'm late in posting this -- cut me some slack -- I was out on business meetings all day yesterday (yes, after a night of drinking and merrymaking... that's how I roll sometimes) and at least I'm posting!
Ah, Thursday night was interesting. Before hitting the town, I went to an event at the Los Angeles Press Club -- it was a reunion of the former staff of the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner. Are some of you too young to remember the Herald-Examiner? Or maybe you're not from L.A.? Well, either way, here's the skinny: The HerEx was an afternoon paper in Los Angeles that folded in 1989. I won't get into the details -- Google it if you're interested. The former staffers laughed and cried and told some wonderful stories of their time on this paper. It made me sad because everything they were saying played to my idealistic fantasies of the newspaper biz -- all the reasons why I wanted to be a journalist -- the busy newsroom with phones ringing constantly, the reporters shouting to each other across the room, eccentric editors supporting wild story ideas, drinking during lunch and going back to write an awesome story. You know -- REAL journalism! Truth, justice, the American way! Not the white-washed, insipid, regurgitated wire crap we have nowadays.
Here comes a rant: The ONLY thing that keeps us "free" is our free press. And now, we have newspapers folding by the dozens, and even the giants are laying off reporters and staff at alarming rates. Our news consists of stories that people want to hear -- Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, and other blah, blah, blah. Gone are the days of Woodward and Bernstein -- gritty investigative journalism that resulted in the resignation of a President and the exposure of the Watergate scandal. What sorts of checks and balances do we have in this country when journalists don't have the manpower, the resources and the support to pursue real stories? Bloggers don't pick up the slack, either ... bloggers blog about things that interest them -- and don't think for a minute they aren't biased!
Okay... so that's heavy and that was on my mind as I met my friends at the Normandie Room. Thank goodness for the Norm and it's bartenders -- famous for STRONG drinks -- thank you, Tyler! It's become our favorite way to start off our evenings in WeHo -- a stiff drink and some pool -- before heading out to the other lezzie hot spots.
On to East/West where we were meeting some more friends. I'm kind of over this place -- same crowd, same over-priced drinks, same music... and the furniture is not placed for optimum flow. If you have to go to the restroom, just be prepared to spend about 40 minutes or more away from your friends -- pushing through the crowd, waiting in line for one of the two stalls that are usually occupied by groups of three or more doing drugs (of course, you CAN use one of the urinals, I suppose... ahem), and pushing your way back. Although -- is it just me, or are the crowds here dwindling of late? It does seem to be getting easier to push your way around in there.
Soooo.... we decided to head over to Here. Here on Thursdays used to be my very favorite night out -- until it got a little ghetto, that is. But, surprisingly, it seems that the promoters have really done their best to de-ghetto-fy the evening -- just be sure you're not wearing a hoodie or you won't get in. This is part of the anti-ghetto dress code, I suppose. We had a great time! The music was great, people were dancing, and there were cute girls for my friends to check out. We have decided we're going back to Here on Thursdays more often, especially now that summer is around the corner and they have such a great outdoor space. Too bad the trees have gotten so tall -- I remember you could hide in the branches if you wanted to... well, that's another story for another day (or not)...
Ah, Thursday night was interesting. Before hitting the town, I went to an event at the Los Angeles Press Club -- it was a reunion of the former staff of the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner. Are some of you too young to remember the Herald-Examiner? Or maybe you're not from L.A.? Well, either way, here's the skinny: The HerEx was an afternoon paper in Los Angeles that folded in 1989. I won't get into the details -- Google it if you're interested. The former staffers laughed and cried and told some wonderful stories of their time on this paper. It made me sad because everything they were saying played to my idealistic fantasies of the newspaper biz -- all the reasons why I wanted to be a journalist -- the busy newsroom with phones ringing constantly, the reporters shouting to each other across the room, eccentric editors supporting wild story ideas, drinking during lunch and going back to write an awesome story. You know -- REAL journalism! Truth, justice, the American way! Not the white-washed, insipid, regurgitated wire crap we have nowadays.
Here comes a rant: The ONLY thing that keeps us "free" is our free press. And now, we have newspapers folding by the dozens, and even the giants are laying off reporters and staff at alarming rates. Our news consists of stories that people want to hear -- Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, and other blah, blah, blah. Gone are the days of Woodward and Bernstein -- gritty investigative journalism that resulted in the resignation of a President and the exposure of the Watergate scandal. What sorts of checks and balances do we have in this country when journalists don't have the manpower, the resources and the support to pursue real stories? Bloggers don't pick up the slack, either ... bloggers blog about things that interest them -- and don't think for a minute they aren't biased!
Okay... so that's heavy and that was on my mind as I met my friends at the Normandie Room. Thank goodness for the Norm and it's bartenders -- famous for STRONG drinks -- thank you, Tyler! It's become our favorite way to start off our evenings in WeHo -- a stiff drink and some pool -- before heading out to the other lezzie hot spots.
On to East/West where we were meeting some more friends. I'm kind of over this place -- same crowd, same over-priced drinks, same music... and the furniture is not placed for optimum flow. If you have to go to the restroom, just be prepared to spend about 40 minutes or more away from your friends -- pushing through the crowd, waiting in line for one of the two stalls that are usually occupied by groups of three or more doing drugs (of course, you CAN use one of the urinals, I suppose... ahem), and pushing your way back. Although -- is it just me, or are the crowds here dwindling of late? It does seem to be getting easier to push your way around in there.
Soooo.... we decided to head over to Here. Here on Thursdays used to be my very favorite night out -- until it got a little ghetto, that is. But, surprisingly, it seems that the promoters have really done their best to de-ghetto-fy the evening -- just be sure you're not wearing a hoodie or you won't get in. This is part of the anti-ghetto dress code, I suppose. We had a great time! The music was great, people were dancing, and there were cute girls for my friends to check out. We have decided we're going back to Here on Thursdays more often, especially now that summer is around the corner and they have such a great outdoor space. Too bad the trees have gotten so tall -- I remember you could hide in the branches if you wanted to... well, that's another story for another day (or not)...
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
So much to catch up on...
It's been a busy winter and I have neglected my duties to the L.A. Lesbians -- well, it's not like I have a huge readership -- YET -- anyway.... ahem....
So, I'm making an effort to catch up a bit and keep you posted on some haps....
Ah... the L Word... interesting season, isn't it? I think it's pretty good so far... started a bit slow, but it's really heated up. Times at the Falcon for the L Word watching have been more than a little interesting as well. Paris Hilton showed up a few times and riled up all the lezzies. Alas, she's "straight." But then, that's how most lezzies start out, right? Okay, okay.... maybe she is, but at least she thinks lezzies are "hot," and, hey... "That's hot."
And in a case of life imitating art, Linda and Michelle of Fuse Events, in conjunction with Ilene Chaiken of L Word fame and OurChart.com, brought Turkish Oil Wrestling to life in the form of FYKE on Saturday, March 1. Six sexy female competitors, Michelle Wolff as ref and Elizabeth Keener as the MC -- Talk about HOT! I went nuts -- and I'm definitely not the only one. Those girls went at it and it was amazing to see. Even better -- okay, not better, but cool, too -- I saw girls out I hadn't seen in years! Ah... lesbians and their tendency to "knit" when they meet someone.... I asked a few why they were out for the event and the response was universal, "Are you KIDDING? Miss THIS?!?!?!"
There was danger in the air as girls slipped and slid in the oil, sometimes even off the stage and into the crowd. The oil was flying everywhere and those too close to the ring got quite greasy. Thankfully, I know the secret to getting oil out of clothes: Pat baby powder on the oil spots and let it sit a bit, then wash as usual. The baby powder absorbs the oil -- or most of it -- and the washing then gets rid of it and the oil it absorbed. Genius!
The next FYKE battle will be during Dinah Shore Weekend in Palm Springs. Skip the white parties, ladies. I mean, let's be real: How many lesbians do you know that actually look good in white? In MARCH? You know what I'm saying? Am I right? Okay... so, skip the white parties and see some real action. And, since it's at Hunters, you'll be able to get a real drink from a real bartender, too.Ah, speaking of Dinah... how EXCITING!!!! The split a few years ago between Club Skirts and the Girl Bar peeps left the road open for other promoters to enter the mix. So, in addition to having the option of paying $80 - $100 to spend the night in a hotel conference room with bad lighting, drink tickets and long lines, you can now find events -- smaller events, granted, for better or worse -- for much less money that cater to your tastes -- Like FYKE on Friday or Michelle's XXX on Saturday featuring Spinderella ($40). There may be more, and I'll keep you posted as I hear of it.
Here are some links to help you make your Dinah decisions:
Friday, January 4, 2008
The L Word Premiere!
Yes! Finally! A new season of the L Word is upon us! We WILL be at the Falcon with a few hundred of our best friends watching the premiere that night! Yay!
Okay, okay... it is a little bit melodramatic, but don't lie -- you know you can find something of yourself and your friends in the characters and the drama they live. I mean... right? Right!
The only plot line that was seriously stupid was when Bette kidnapped the baby. Remember that? You don't? Maybe because it was a cliff-hanger that was subsequently completely dropped from the next season. WTF? Guess they realized how stupid that was and just decided to hope no one would remember.
Oh... and Jenny. Can't stand Jenny and I haven't liked her from the get-go. Sorry, but if I had a friend like that, well... I WOULDN'T have a friend like that. I'd tell her to do herself a favor and go back to whatever shithole, podunk town she came from. Or, maybe they kicked her out, too. That girl is a mess.
And the pictures above are Daniella Sea and Anne Ramsay -- L Word cast members who were snapped at the Itty Bitty Titty Committee premiere.
Resolutions for the New Year
1) I will blog regularly. I think I got bored with it since, really, the scene doesn't change that often. So, I've decided to write about all things -- a hodge-podge of lezzie life, if you will, from the perspective of a professional, 30-something that actually still goes out and has fun, that is.
2) I will lose weight and get in better shape. Had to throw that in -- isn't that the standard resolution? Well... this year, I REALLY MEAN IT! From now on, that is... forget about that Mexican food I had last night (oh, so delicious... oh, so evil...)
2) I will lose weight and get in better shape. Had to throw that in -- isn't that the standard resolution? Well... this year, I REALLY MEAN IT! From now on, that is... forget about that Mexican food I had last night (oh, so delicious... oh, so evil...)
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