Can someone help me?

Can someone help teach me how to make my blog (and my myspace page too if you're really super cool) all pretty and colorful? It really can't be that hard, but I have no clue how. Please please please???

LA - From A Tourist's POV, It's Not So Bad

So I'm still not fully recovered from this weekend, but it was totally worth it. Mere and Steve's visit was pretty much just what I needed (and the Thai Place drunken noodle frozen and transported from Boston didn't hurt either), except for now I'm all sad that they are gone. I almost cried and the only reason I didn't is that I was trying to figure out how to get us back to a street we had actually heard of once we left the airport while John was simultaneously driving and talking on the phone.

Annnnyway... we did more sightseeing and touristy-type stuff than I thought we could pack into those 2 days: Hollywood sign, Mullholland Drive, Brady Bunch house, Beverly Hills, Playboy Mansion (well the gate at least...), Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Walk of Fame, Graumans Chinese Theater, Sunset Strip, Malibu, Mt. St. Mary's College (filming location for Harbor High School on the OC for those who were about to say that that isn't a "Hollywood landmark"), Newport Beach and I feel like I'm forgetting something but that's all I can think of right now.

My point being that, for pretty much the first time since we moved here, I didn't completely and totally miss Boston. Oh sure that only lasted a few days and I am still coming back, but I think it will be a little easier to survive until then...

Love That Dirty Water...

Since leaving it on that day in August, I have come to realize (although I must say I never doubted the fact) that Boston is, and probably always will be my home. Yes, even during brief or extended periods of time when I am not there - such as now. I suppose it's possible that I merely am accustomed to the details and that I could essentially feel the way I do about any city I could have ended up going to school in. Somehow I think this is not the case.

It may have something to do with the fact that I fell in love with the city the moment the plane touched the ground the first time I went there on a business trip with my dad a whole year before I needed to start worrying about potential college destinations. It could also be because I had to overcome several obstacles to get there (mainly those set in the way by my mother). No matter what "it" is, the truth is that I miss Boston. Alot.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), circumstances - especially those of the financial persuasion - prevent me from returning sooner rather than later. So, I have decided to enjoy the time and opportunities I have here and now and know that I will hold a special place in my heart for the city I will inevitably return to.

That said, I think it's time to start my list of things I miss about Boston. Not comprehensive by any means, in no particular order and I'm sure I'll come up with more along the way, but here goes:
1. The people, obviously. I don't mean the general population, I mean those few special people. You know who you are. I won't get any sappier than necessary right now because I'm at work and I don't want to start crying.
2. The food. Thai Place, Anna's, Brown Sugar, Finagle a Bagel, Zaftigs, the list goes on....
3. The pad thai. They have this weird red sauce kind here. Not good at all.
4. Fenway Park. I can see Dodger Stadium from where I sit in the office, but it's obviously NOT the same thing even if several former Sox will be playing there. The Fenway magic cannot be duplicated.
5. The T. This is both true and not true. The thing is, I miss not HAVING to drive everywhere, especially when it comes to going out. Cabs are also not as prevalent here because LA residents apparently see no issues with driving under the influence. I do NOT miss the T being late, being slow, being packed, being generally inefficient. It hasn't been that long since my commuting with the masses days. There is definitely something to be said for having the personal space a car having a car provides.
6. While we're on the subject, the nightlife. And by nightlife, I mean how easy it is to not be able to participate in what does exist here if you aren't rich enough to take overpriced cabs everywhere or to hire a driver or if you refuse to drive drunk. I guess once you are spoiled with having 15 or so decent to good bars in comfortable walking distance, it's difficult to adjust.
7. The weather. I'll say it, but I'll deny saying it. I miss the snow. I miss the cold. I miss being able to go home after a freezing cold commute and curl up on the couch with a blanket, or five. I miss being able to justifiably wear cute snow hats, scarves and the like. I'm sure I would be complaining if I had all of these things, but since I don't, I miss them.
8. Brookline. Such a silly little place, really. It might as well be part of Boston, but it's not. I'm not sure what to say about it, but I miss it.
9. Grilling. I'm sure places do exist here where you can own your own grill, but I don't live in one of those places. They have these thoughtful, yet painfully disgusting "community" grills. Gas and charcoal. Picnic area included. Nice idea, but no thanks. I'd rather not cook on a grate that has NEVER been cleaned and that is infested with ants. I haven't had corn or a decent home-cooked hamburger since leaving Boston and I'm guaranteed not to unless I A #1. Move or B # 2. Make a friend with access to private charcoal grill. We'll see what happens...
10. School. This is all-inclusive. I mean every person, place, experience, class, test, crappy dining hall dinner, awkward GSU encounters, my job - everything. Everything and everyone that made my time there what it was. People, places, and things may have changed since and this may have all been long gone before I left Boston, but I miss it just the same.