Just Some Random Things

Remember when Von Dutch was really cool and popular? We all wanted to look like Ashton, and were willing to pay for it.

I was just walking down the street and saw a middle-aged, average-looking guy in a Von Dutch shirt, and thought...you know, he probably got that at CVS or WalMart. I wouldn't be surprised if my dad has a Von Dutch shirt - and my Dad is not one for brand names. He's happy with a nice pair of Wranglers and a fleece zip-up from Sam's Club. Gotta love him!

Next, what the F*$K do you mean you won't accept a passport as a form of ID to get a drink at a bar? The damn thing gets me in and out of the country. I'm just saying. Get over yourself, and think for a second.

Finally, I broke the 125 pound mark. I'll be back up to 127 tomorrow, but still.

PS. Favorite Person of the Day= Last Night, Keith at Metro Station - hooked up the V.I.P. Woot, Woot!

Neat! Eye Jewelry!

No Such Thing as a Free Ride?

I beg to differ. As I waited at the bus stop yesterday, with my Thanksgiving Day grocery bags, I realized...this route may not be running today. A yellow cab-van pulled into the gas station next to me, so I asked the lady,"Are you on duty?"

She was, and asked where I was going. I told her. She then said, "This may not seem very professional, but I'm going to give you the ride."

Isn't that amazing? I tried to give her some cash when she dropped me off, but she wouldn't take it. Can you say FPOTD? There are genuinely nice people in this world. I've met a lot of them lately.

The bus driver on the way home let me ride for free too. I didn't ask. He just let me. Nice people. The driver had to work all day, which made me sad. His son was in town from Sacramento, and he had miss out on a nice holiday with his son. He was so positive though. He said, "There are a lot of people less fortunate than us." I agree.

I am very thankful for everything in my life, although, life has been hard lately. I've been hard on myself, and whenever I get an ounce of confidence back, someone or something pushes me back down again. I've had to walk a lot over the past few days, and it's nice to have that thinking time.

I'm a lucky girl, and I know God is looking out for me. He's been dropping me hints all over the place. But, I'm definitely being tested too. I'm just going through one of those downs where something great is going to happen soon, and make this crappy stage seem so silly.

Thanksgiving Rick-Roll

It's Thanksgiving, and I attempted to find the Macy's parade on TV this morning, but then decided to youtube and talk to my family on the phone instead. That parade is fun, but it can get a little boring. Figures, look what I missed:




How funny is that?! America got Rick-rolled. It's so cool how online media and social networks have made it super easy to promote yourself without spending a dime. Even if it's something as silly as a Rick-Roll. Viral video has become a part of the "word-of-mouth" marketing strategy. I love it.

Damn Bus!

I started taking the bus yesterday - what a clusterf**k this is going to be! I got off of work, and found exactly $1.25 in change in my purse. As I exited the building, I saw the red bus at the stop and the crosswalk was a go, so I ran over to catch it. Made it, YAY!

Then, the F-ing bus got on the freeway. I was on the wrong damn bus. WTF!!! So, I get off at, yes...the Getty Center (that's how far out of the way I went). I work in Sherman Oaks. I called Guy, so he could transfer some money from saving into my checking so I could take out the $20 required to pull out cash from an ATM. Great...now all I need is an ATM. I asked a man outside, and he said I would have to take the tram up to the Getty Center lobby, and there is one in there.

So, I took the tram, which was a pretty ride, but then when I got to the ATM...it wasn't working. At that point, I was defeated. I figured I would just hope that the bus driver would have a heart, and let me on for free.

When I got down to the stop, the man that told me where the ATM was, asked if I found it okay. I told him that it was broken, and he offered me the money I needed to get back on the bus. He was so kind. Everything had gone wrong, and he saved the day. I just started to cry. He said, "Don't cry. It's the Good Lord. God Bless You." It was true. I believe God sent that man to help me out.

So my ATM angel is my favorite person today.

I'm at the office right now, so I'm going to take off and get a little rest before tonight. As my shirt reads, "I'm going somewhere better later." That would be LADY GAGA at Apple Lounge!

Happy Thanksgiving Eve.

Ugly AND Skanky

We posted the YTC video from the BSB concert, and somebody commented with: "I remember. you were the ugly chick with the skanky dress." - or something like that. Errrrrrrrrrrrrrr...

I was trying to be pretty and skanky - but at least I pulled off one of the goals :)

Anyway, that comment has bothered me all day, but my husband, and favorite person of the day, just said some really nice things to make it all better. As long as he thinks I'm beautiful, that's all that matters.

I hope I make him feel as good as he makes me feel.

So, to the love of my life - YOU'RE MY FAVORITE! XOXO!



Another thing I've been obsessing over today: JQ and I are going to Lady Gaga tomorrow night at Apple Lounge. Can't wait!

Holy Guac and Chips!

I got home from the faux wedding shoot yesterday and apparently I missed nine calls - all from Alissa. Obviously, something was up.

When I finally got in touch with her, she asked "Will you do me a favor? Will you meet Nick Carter for me?"

I think I could possibly be up for that! LOL! What a riot! She hooked up soundcheck and meet and greet passes, PLUS two tickets to the show. Sam and I were going to meet at the venue around 8:00 to beg for tickets, but now we had to be there by 4:00!

I called Sam and she was out with some friends, and had to ditch them to get home and get ready. There was a lot of waiting outside. We were at the venue for eight hours - but we met the boys and got some pics.


While we were waiting outside for will call to open, Vanessa called. She wanted to come too, but didn't have a ticket. The girl in front of us, Melody, was a sweetheart and donated her extra ticket to Vanessa. We all had a great time and got some brilliant pics and footage!

Obviously, Favorite Person of the Day goes to Alissa. She always helps people out. I mean the woman is a goddess in the eyes of City of Hope. She's just amazing, and I'll never forget the day she cheered my broken-hearted, drunk ass up in the hotel lobby with a story about the clown costume she wore to a Halloween party when she was in middle school.

She deserves all the good karma in the world, and I hope to one day repay her for everything she has done for me and my family. She is certainly a Heidemann favorite.

Half awake

What a fun day! We did the photo shoot. Dee Dee rocked the makeup, and Vanessa was amazing and shot me for like 4 or 5 hours. We got some really great pics. I think I may look to "mature" for the style I was going for in the record shoot, but hey, it was worth a try. The Knitting Factory photos were more my style.

Have to say, my favorite person of the day is Vanessa, the photographer. She's truly incredible. She just moved here from Switzerland two years ago to learn English. I thought she was from here...she speaks the language with such American flare.

She loves meeting celebrities too. She met Eminem 24 times. Love that! Oh, and she met AJ McLean at a MAC store. He was buying makeup...have to admit, kind of a turn off.

Check out Vanessa's site: http://www.swissphotography.co.cc/.

Lynn called today, Alissa's trying to get me Backstreet tickets. She's losing her voice, and still trying. Alissa, DJ Will (Knitting Factory contact) and Dee Dee (deedeekelly.net)are honorable mentions in the FPOTD category.

It's weird seeing professional pictures of me. I certainly wasn't cut out for modeling, but what the hell.

Tomorrow, we do the mock wedding shoot. Gotta try get this makeup off, and go to bed. Peace!

Big Weekend Ahead

It's Friday, and I have a big weekend ahead of me. I'm getting some photos done for acting purposes. I'm really excited about it. I was able to find a makeup artist and photographer to work on trade - so that's excellent.

In exchange for my shots, I'm getting some taken in my wedding dress for the photographer to use in her portfolio. Sean is going to be my faux husband. I wish Guy was here because I'd like to get some decent pics with him. Our wedding photographer was super cheesy.

This one isn't so bad, but you get the point. It's so generic. There's nothing artistic about them.
Then tomorrow night is JQ's birthday party at One Sunset. Sunday night is the Backstreet Boys concert!

Next week, we get out of work at 1:00 on Wednesday, and then have the rest of the week off. Thanksgiving Baby. The fun spot is Reid and Cindy's this year.

Today, I went to the most beautiful funeral service I have ever been too. It was for a co-worker - Andrew Ashwood. He was the President of Fox Sports Radio. I didn't know him very well, but I hung out with him and his wife a couple times. They were really fun to be around.

The displays in the church lobby were beautiful -all of Andrew's passes for sports events, his favorite jerseys, and tons of pictures.

The service today was truly a celebration of life. Andrew's friends from all different parts of his life came up and shared memories. The marketing team put together some touching video tributes. Andrew was a fun-loving person, who respected others, believed in himself, emanated positive vibes, kept his goals high and never gave up on them.

His catch phrase "Dare to be Great" was mentioned a lot during the service, and the whole church ended the memorial with a standing ovation and a big "Yeah Babe" (another one of his sayings) in unison.

Again, I wasn't close with Andrew, but I do remember how he'd put a smile on my face whenever he'd walk into the lobby and greet me. I was a receptionist - bored out of my mind, and pissed about my job, but he'd cheer me up. He made me feel like we were on the same level, just by his energy and persona. He didn't act superior...he made me feel included and important.

So today, my Favorite Person of the Day goes to Andrew. He will be missed. Heaven is lucky to have him.

Here's a link to a tribute Fox Sports did on Andrew: http://marketing.premiereradio.com/tribute/ashwood_tribute.mp3

Get Your Props On! Favorite Person of the Day!

To add a little spice to my blog, I decided to do "Favorite Person of the Day." Each day, I will feature a person that really tickled my fancy as of late, and deserves major props. This way, I'll never have an excuse not to post everyday.

So, here we go. Although you may think my first FPOTD should go to my husband (he's my favorite all the time), my parents, or perhaps JQ (who was born on this blessed day)...it's not. It's going to Bryan Duckworth.

Yup, don't know him super well, but we chatted a bit last night. I got to know his style and personality a little more. I have to say - he's legit. Smart, good heart, loves to have fun, and generally a nice guy...so today-Duckworth wins it.

Why I love B.D: Among many other qualities and talents: His last name. He mixes vodka with antioxidant-infused blueberry pomegranate juice. He doesn't know who Vince Neil is. He has a great arguement regarding Kurt Cobain's "suicide."

Mrs. Cindy Walker

One of my best friends got married recently. Looking at the pictures, I can see that it was a beautiful ceremony under a covered bridge with a beautiful setting of New England foliage. Simple, Intimate, and Romantic - very "in" now in the wedding world.

Cindy is a very inspiring, positive, and fun-loving person who made my single days here in Los Angeles less depressing.

We had a blast together: kayaking and body piercing in San Diego, meeting new friends wherever we went, and laughing constantly. She is one special person, and this guy, Matt, better be good to her, or I'll break his face.

I talked to him on the phone this weekend and he seemed like a gem. So, I'm happy.

I can't wait for them to visit us in Nashville.

Poor Man's Britney?

Guy says that Britney looks like me on the cover of her new album. I'm not seeing it, but I do make this face all the time.

Marilyn Monroe Quotes

I just read these, and had to post them before I forget them. Truly incredible and relative:

"I'm selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes. I am out of control and at times hard to handle, but if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."

"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go. Things go wrong so you can appreciate them when they're right. You believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."

McDonald's Rant

Just when I thought Mickey D's had redeemed itself with the new McCafe menu, this BS ensues:

Who's that in the front row?

This is from the Vegas show. Yeah, the one that I took a Greyhound bus to. I had about $40 for the day long trip, so I couldn't afford a ticket. Some sweet driver that worked on the tour actually bought me a ticket from a girl selling an extra. I somehow managed to make my way down to the front row where my girls were standing. Git 'er done!

That night/early morning, I went to my low-end casino hotel (Imperial Palace) to crash. Hey, it was only $120 on Priceline. Well, turns out that the type of room that I booked were all taken, so they had to put me a Penthouse room for the same price. Too bad I only had 8 hours to enjoy it.

Well, to balance out the good luck, my Greyhound broke down in Barstow, so we had to wait three hours for a new bus. While waiting, I saw a guy get left by his bus. He ran back into the station because he forgot his drink at McDonalds. I thought he was on a different bus, or I would have stopped it. Suddenly, I see him running after a departing bus. Then, as he's freaking out about what happened, he knocks over the drink that caused the whole mess. That must of sucked! Poor guy.

But Vegas was cool. I love those NKOTB girls. They are adorable.

This is for real!

Paparazzi Attention For Hire

I saw this in The Onion and had to validate it.



With packages starting as low as $500, you can have someone follow you around for 30 minutes, take your picture, and yell at you like you're famous.

What a waste of money, but yet a cool idea for a birthday gift or something. I'll just hire some actors/photographers for $20 a piece and have them do it. Craigslist that shiz.

www.celeb4aday.com

This is fun too.

Betty Beauty - Pubic Hair Dye




www.bettybeauty.com

All I want for Christmas

Yes, I've begun my Christmas wishlist.
Does this shirt not SCREAM "Chrystal!?"

Shirt: Ed Hardy Crystal Rock LA Rock on Overstock.com
Boots: Payless.com

The Mystery of Hatteras - Stay Blessed Andrew

My apartment building is so weird. One second, you're in the valley; then, you take a left turn into another dimension.

Out front we have a variety of automobiles: BMWs, Civics, beat-up P.O.Ss, and a strange gem of a vehicle airbrushed with flames and skulls that says metalrules.com or something of that nature.

A spiral chandelier gently lights the lobby, adding a soft glow to the exoskeletons of roaches that have moved on to their studio apartment in the sky. The people are great, but it's a wild mesh.

We have the man with the motorized cart that proudly displays a sticker of a handicapped man holding a bong. Much like the one below.

Then there's the dude with the parakeet, that starts tweet-tweetiling around 6:00 AM. I'm an early riser, so I don't mind. He's cute too. He sits on the guy's shoulder all day.

I love my neighbor. He's retired and finally working on his acting career. I can totally see him being in a movie- like an afterschool special or something. Nice guy, talkative guy, but a nice guy none-the-less.

My favorite is the man that always f*cks with Guy. He'll just pop out and be like, "What's up man? Have I told you that I've found my third eye? It's a gift." This man is so sweet, and Guy is so paranoid about him. He's a vet, and loves to sit outside and talk with neighbors after his nightly bike ride.

Our building manager is probably about 25 years old, which adds some contrast. Oh, and you can't forget the older man with the southern accent and huge glasses who you can tell has a heart of gold, and is always feeling mediocre. Not too happy, not too sad. I have yet to venture upstairs and see what that never-ending hallway holds.

What's extra dumpy about this place is that the apartments are so small, you have to lie in bed all the time. Guy and I compare it to the family's house in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

At first I was petrified to live here, now I'm fine with it . I feel like everyone's cool and the maintenance man makes me feel safe. I don't know why, but he does.

On a terribly sad note, one of my co-workers died today-Andrew Ashwood. He had cancer for awhile, and randomly had a heart attack a couple days ago. He was in a coma, and let go today. In a way I'm glad he went quickly, without feeling the full force of the cancer. The only good thing that comes from cancer, is that it opens your eyes and lets you tell your loved ones how much care. It puts things into perspective, and helps you discover what's really important. I'm glad Andrew got to experience that side of it. I'm just sorry he went so soon.

Material Girl

I just convinced Guy to buy me some heart-shaped sunglasses. I have this home video of me when I was about 6 years old swaying back-and-forth singing "Material Girl" with red heart-shaped sunglasses on. Those were the coolest things I owned back then - and now, 22 years later, I'm going to be rocking them again. This time in white!

I was reminded of their "awesomeness" after seeing Madonna wear them at her show at Dodgers Stadium last week. Watch the vid!

Hiking Silverlake

Saturday was a great day. Lorelei and I had decided to meet up at 8 AM for a Sierra Club hike around Silverlake. I cringed at the thought of 9 miles, but I needed a good workout and some "catch-up time" with my cuz. We didn't finish the hike until noon or so.

It was a gorgeous day, and I got to hear about Lorelei's adventures in the UK (on tour with her band, Film School) She got to hear about the clubs and concerts I've been to over the past couple months. I just love that chick. She's a laugh a minute, and has always had a good head on her shoulders. She's just one of those focused, confident people who are so refreshing to be around.

I put together a little video of the hike, but I think Lorelei and I are the only ones who will appreciate it. (It's to Beck's GhettoChip Malfunction Remix of "Hell Yes.")

We did 1,500 stairs, people! And walked 9 miles! Give us some credit. We were so close to turning around, but we were the youngest among a group of "fanny packs and hats that cover your neck," so we had to soldier up and finish. I'm proud of us.

Next hike: Sturtevant Falls...no joke. There's a waterfall with my maiden name in So Cal.

http://www.simpsoncity.com/hiking/sturtevant.html

After a nap, I got ready and picked up Joelle, who I haven't seen in forever. She has the most beautiful family. When I see those toddler twins, Asa and Zora, I can't help but be a little jealous of a cozy family life. Having your husband to watch TV with at night, and hearing your kids playing upstairs. Ahhh, someday.

We met up with Lynn and Lisa at The Icehouse in Pasadena, because Lynn was able score some tickets from Bob Zany. He was the headlining comedian that night. Funny stuff. The second comedian was really my style Andrew Norelli, or something like that. I was giggle monster during his set.

Andrew:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=472582

Bob:

http://www.bobzany.com/

Anyway, it was a nice calm day of bonding that I really needed. Lorelei, Joelle, Lynn, and Lisa (among a few others) are the people I respect most here in Los Angeles, and I got to see them all in one day. It was like therapy in a way.

Fun Videos

I bought a Flip cam a few months back, and I can't seem to put it down. My friends are ready to kill me. Here's a couple of vids I put together recently:

Lorelei, Guy, and I go to SpookyHouse:



Kim and Ken's Wedding:



Meeting New Kids on the Block:

The Dollar Story

Damn Right, We Can!

I just finished watching Barack Obama's acceptance speech on youtube for the 3rd time today. Every time I watch it, I feel the impact of what happened last night a little harder. I get chills. I tear up, and I thank God that I am alive to witness such a monumental day.

As I waited in line to vote yesterday morning, I watched the kids running into school waving goodbye to their parents, holding hands with their best friends, and just being young and happy. I started to think about how important the day was, and how much this means to their future. What kind of breakthrough will they be voting for in the years to come? It was intense.

This country has matured so much, and I am so proud of us. Of course, there's a lot of work to be done, but we are making progress, and I feel safe. I feel that Obama will listen to us, and will make decisions that will protect us. I trust him.

For the past couple of weeks, I've been negative. I've been afraid of something horrible happening, that would just set us back further. What if someone hurts him? Would it destroy all that we've accomplished?

We all know how Presidents get treated. What happens when the bliss fades and supporters are let down? Will we continue to respect President Obama, or will he be just another president that we can't wait to push out of office?

The fact is that I have to take it one day at a time, and believe in Americans. Trust that we have the patience and faith to make this country a better place. I have to say, last night was reassuring and I'm not scared anymore. The unity and celebration was off the charts.

It was like the Red Sox winning the World Series or New Years Eve. We tried to hit up the Obama gala at Century City Plaza, but there were so many people, the fire marshal stopped letting people in. People were honking and hanging out of cars yelling in victory.

We decided to make our way to Hollywood, and a usually busy area, was silent and quite desolate as we listened to Obama's acceptance speech on the radio - looking for parking. This was the moment that hit me the most. I felt a feeling similar to that of September 11th, but without the sadness.

It was quiet, an eerie silence, and as we drove down the street I noticed people huddled around TVs in bars and stores, hanging on to every word this amazing man had to say. On September 11th, I remember we invited the mailman into our apartment to watch the news reports. Although, it was so frightening and heart-crushing, there was an overwhelming sense of togetherness. That togetherness is what I felt last night.

Jennifer, Maryam and I were talking about how we've never seen excitement like this for a political candidate. I mean, we were at a club, dancing, drinking champagne, and people were chanting "Obama" and "Yes We Can" on the dance floor. I'll never forget it.