I spent the day packing ebay sales and replying to charity cause inquiries and posts. I was informed of a new wetland park in central LA that the Harbor Freeway bus goes right past so I stopped on my way downtown. As I left the train station at home, there was a well used scooter being donated in the platform trash so I had SP come take it home for me. What a blessing cause I had been fighting the temptation to invest $30 on one for weeks.

The South LA Wetland Park was blocks in to the gang territories of Compton but the bike ride seemed safe in the light.

On the bus there was a great character behind me. He struck up a smooth conversation with the lady next to him and he had her interested right up to the point where he started talkin about being fresh out of prison, on his way to get public assistance, with 6 children, part time work, and he was a retired jigalo dancer before holding his ex hostage.

I hope this gent gets some spiritual training on how to ease into these issues.

Once I arrived at the park there was a nice fence all the way around it but they didn’t install the litter catcher at the base. The park was beautiful but had not been mulched yet and the mud was catching a lot of the litter putting the fowl at risk of choking.

I hope they have benches in the plans for the path. There was at least one gate that was unlocked without a path so visitors were tromping the delicate seedlings.  8+(

As I sat typing away, I noticed the high school soccer field across the street. I was suddenly lifted to a new level at the discovery I could play a palada at the same visit.

I was inspired to locate the park committe and volunter to attach my city service grant time to them. 20 hours a month.

If I had at least one wealthy sponsor for the Helping Hands Charity, I would have been able to pay the maintenance and tow fee for the single mom having car problems. A gent was looking the car over to help her find the problem so I moved on.

I pray everyday I will get one of my successful followers to sponsor a charge account to help those in life threatening situations. Today was another day I cried a bit as I was forced to watch unsuccesful in the task. It was not the worst gang hood but it was far from safe and the weather was 40 and rainy/windy.

The park also needs wind breaks, weatherproof print literature, ground brush, recycling bins and year round shade trees.

I went back to the bus and moved on to SI to help coach me Boyle Heights kids. The bus ride was a memorable one. The driver was having a bad moment due to her route timing and break being delayed from a break down. The bike rack was full which 99% of the time means I have to wait for the next one which meant I would have been late for my kids practice.

Yet another blessing from beyond came as the lady in all her negativity, politely told me I could carry the bike until a rack opened. Wow. So many blessings today.

On the bus we had a great group chat between some Americorp volunteers and us as well.  I learned not only do the schools run students in half days, they also rotate vacation months like college semesters to help reduce the over population.

After practice, I crashed early because I was volunteering for Dodger Stadium park maintenance at 7am Tuesday.

The city of Santa Monica and most courts in big cities are under staffed in the present economy so mailed payments can go weeks without processing. I learned this was the case with me and only one of my $50 payments were recorded. I had to pay the $184 unaccounted for and then deal with Chase to cancel and refund my money order.

While I was in line a lady walked in front of two of us sitting on the bench like we were not there. The other guy cut her off and gave her some looks. About 10 minutes later he was astonished I did not react so he told her I was in front of her politely and she said she didn’t realize it then appoligized. We exchanged stories and her $480 ticket for running a yellow light on camera was much worse so I told her I was in no hurry and it was against my monk beliefs to seek retribution.

The manager behind the counter overheard my story of being an unfair victim, monk missionary and having a lost payment so on my way out she caught me in the lobby and offered to run a trace on my payment and wait with me as I got confirmation from the bank for cashing.

My Helping Hands story had remained with her since my first visit in November so she went out of her way to catch me. Her kind soul is one we rarely encounter in life and a great example of who I return extra love towards. I asked her what her deepest stress in life was so I could pray and seek solutions for it.

IT WAS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF WHO IS EXTRA WORTHY OF MATCHING WELL-OFF SPONSORSHIP GRANTS WITH.

After I was done at the court I caught the bus to Shhmokewear. As soon as I arrived at SI Will was ready to go to our Topanga Earth Day meeting.

It was nice to see some new faces like back stage coordinator and silk dancer, Sparrow. We made a lot of progress on individual committee goals. I got more connected with recycling and obtaining seed packets.

Once we got back to the office we had a meeting with the Shiggar supplier and negotiatged a shared CHAMPS table to reduce or costs 66%.

Tuesday was a normal day of garden yoga and late night work. Wednesday I was back to training the neighborhood kids soccer.

At the end of Thursday we went downtown for display supplies and then had chinese food next to a gorgeous girl who was interested in handing out our promo cards.

When I got back I looked up the H.E.L.P. Horse rescue ranch and posted their recent donation by a Helping Hands Supporter. I was then notified that the founder, Jerry Owens, had just passed away.
I changed all the facebook and website notices so the progress of supporters would continue to the next closest rescue organization.

I then put together a press release to spread the word that Jerry’s life work was going un-noticed and a historical memorial should be erected on a spot of the ranch before a housing developer bull dozes everything.

Friday, after connecting with some Holland buyers, I headed home. We were going to a singles party for Mardi Gras in Longbeach this night.

The party was full of rich retired beach house cougars so we stayed just long enough for SP to practice his moves. Danny Woo came along and locked up at the bar the whole time. I was proud of SP as his confidence was up and he mingled with a target I pointed out.

Saturday we got our work done by 3 and then hit a dead head show at the lighthouse on Hermosa Pier. It was rockin and I was surrounded by over 6 godesses’ at any one time. Three of them came up to me with #s in hand on their way out at the end.

From there SP wanted to head home so I said I would take a cab. I wanted to hit the Blues Club Grammy party and dance club all night. I met recent divorcee named Timmieu who kept me company and danced with me all night. She even gave me a ride home but locked up at the chance for more. I’m a second date guy so I gave her a warm hug and thanked her for the ride.

Sunday, I worked on my Helping Hand flyers for the Grammys at the Staple Center and then headed down to the biggest party of the year in LA.

Being in the lobby of the Grammys is almost as cool as being inside. Well, ok, not really but it is fun to be surrounded by Americas most loved artists. Thousands of fancy dresses everywhere. I watched a couple try to get in by taking an access pass from people leaving. They got drilled by 5 ticket checkers and waited 20 minutes before finally being sent back out of the lobby. Tickets to the grammy event where $500-2500 and the after party was another $200. So much waste and irresponsibility by the upper class.

I understand half of them are compted for the artists but the rest could put that funding into a charity like the Helping Hands Network and we good improve life for thousands of causes.

So ridiculous that events like this have gotten so far out of control financially.

After everyone had made there way into the party and I had my pictures and videos done, I boarded the train back home.

Monday, January 30, I went and spent 4 hours of my life getting processed for a California food grant so I would have more ability to help people in situations like Julia’s.

I had to wait 1 hour in line to get in the building, 1 hour to get to the check in desk and 1.5 hours to meet my processor and another 30 minutes to complete the application. The end result was that I should get the funding by Friday. I then went to a different department to learn how the emergency services work for those unable to work and denied other benefits.

California only requires a state id with an address to give $221 and free medical to those who wait in line and complete the paper work. The system does not seem to inspire the people to get part time jobs though because if they have any reported tax income they are disqualified from the program and only given food benefits.

The free medical system saves the average american thousands per year and is very tempting to exchange in place of a tax declaring job.

Tuesday, I went and biked the strand from Hermosa to Del Ray with Sean and then got a few hours of work done at night. We ate at Hennesey’s on the Pier overlooking the beach. Tuesday’s is 2 for 1 burgers. We paid $5 each for gourmet burgers and chips and pickles. I enjoyed a soy earth burger with pineapple and avacado.

Wednesday, I was able to get a bunch done and then when SP came home he suggested we go use a coupon for dinner at a local bar’s trivia night event. The service at Suzy’s was not too friendly but the food was average. We were so far behind the leaders by the end of the 3rd round that we gave up and went home.

By the time we got home it was late and I didn’t feel like focusing on more work.

Thursday, Sean went to the gym and did errands all day while I got listings done. A web client of his has 10 guest passes on his work days at the Leno Comedy club in Hermosa so we made plans to use them this day. SP picked me up at 7 and we were off.

For the price of two $4 dolllar sodas I was sitting front center to meet Paul Reiser from “Mad About You” and Kirk Fox from SNL. Kirk is Pauly Shores best friend who helped him film “The Death of Pauly”.  There was also an amazing juggler who made the top 10 on Americas Got Talent. He juggled a bowling ball, hatchet and golf ball. He also bounced a pin behind his back and kicked it back in front and continued juggling.

Friday I needed to pay my final $134 at Santa Monica court. I waited until 2p expecting to pay it online. When I logged in the system had not credited my payments so I had to rush to the train and hope I could make it to the courthouse before 4:30.

I got there at 4:50 and made the best of the trip by enjoying the sunset from the Bluffs park.  There were some performers in the park I had not met before on this night. There was a pirate with 3 trained parrots, a cat woman and a Madonna singer.

After an hour of moonlight yoga I headed back home to focus on more eBay listings.

Saturday I did a swim workout and then continued to lock myself down in order to get all the charity items listed on eBay. If I would have completed my goal I would have gone to The Musical Mammal’s Fashion show downtown all night but it wasn’t meant to be.

Sunday, Feb. 5th, was Super Bowl Sunday so we invited friends over and made some friendly bets on the commercials. Our friend Danny Woo was a bit over excited when a Giants player with a similar name wood be called by the announcers. The more he drank, the louder he got. Somehow I was able to get everything listed by the end of the night amongst the partying.

My favorite commercials were the M&M nude party, the Sketchers Moonwalking dog and the Perfect Dream Hyundai.

It was our slowest week ever work wise so moral was low. We made plans to take everyone to a huge mansion party with the Expansion and Greatful Friday tribes to give them something to be excited towards for the week.

The week was filled with the normal Terrets of Scott, Blaines DJ mixing, and Mr. Davids stories about the acting on the set of his short film. I did some extra bike exploring during lunches to improve the odds of meeting an interesting girl but that was about it for things out of the norm.

The weekend was packed with excitement. Friday, Sean stopped by and took Blaine and I to the greatful Friday and Expansion tribes party at the Humingbird Ranch mansion in Semi valley. We wanted to get there by 9 to get our free VIP entries. If you arrive later you draw attention and upset the $20 ticket holders and our event organizer friends. Once we got in touch with the organizer, Alex came and brought us our wristbands.

Once inside the horse stable area, there were painters, tat artists, screen printers, and jewelry makers everywhere. There was a stage suspended above the dance floor in the show room and a bar and DJ in side rooms.

About 10:30 Will, Scott, Dave and Foundation showed up to complete our 7 man entourage.

Every 30 minutes there would be fire performers and silk rope dancers. It was a great vibe but I again failed to connect to anyone of interest and was ready to leave around 2a.

We swapped Blaine for Scott and headed back to SI headquarters. As we approached the Burbank exit off the i5 Sean ran us out of gas. Luckily we coasted off the freeway and 3 blocks from a gas station. Sean started to call triple A and I used my new phone to locate the nearest gas station and got out to walk for gas. I found a few plastic containers to fill and returned with them long before roadside assistance was anywhere near.

We got back to SI about 3:30 and just as I was falling a sleep the rest of the crew came in to start the after hours party. There was going to be no sleep for me now but I pulled the blanket over my head and tried.

Around 9:30 I forced my self up to prepare for the Chinatown new years festival and parade. As I arrived, I met an amazing girl named Zara. She just moved from Paris to volunteer with Human Hope to save victims caught in human trafficking. We shared some travel stories and exchanged information before she headed to a conference at the convention center.

The entertainment on the main stage was amazing and the parade was exciting as well. The first act was a dancing dragon routine. Some other acts included juggling, flex yoga and hoop jumping. The parade was full of great acts. My favorites included some universal studio vehicles including a bat mobile, General Lee and Scoobies Mystery Van.

The dancing dragons were everywhere in all colors but there was no candy or fireworks due to city ordinances. The finali act on stage for Saturday night was a professional dance team led by a gymnast that could move her body upside down on one single arm. The strength and balance was something only imagined by a comic super hero.

After the parade we headed back to Sean’s to recover from 30+ hours of excitement.

Sunday, I went to Santa Monica to hang out in the park on the bluffs. On the bus I met a couple Australian boys traveling the Americas over the winter and a female body builder from South Carolina.

I biked the mile long park and then picked an interesting girl to chat with. An attractive girl had a bunch of bags around her indicating she was homeless so I sat by her and we talked about her story.

Julia and her family had been evicted for pot complaints by neighbors and then she broke her foot and lost her job. Her mom was looking for work and her brother only had part time work. Evicting someone with a medical card in California for self medicating is a violation of the fair housing act but they can not find an attorney to take their case.

I gave her what money I had and told her to scan her art at the library and send it to me so we could help her raise money. Next, I went down to the north end of the park and picked a spot with a lot of cute girls to relax.

I sat on the fence in plane view and worked on carving some wood. My bronze tanned, muscular physique covered in shinny oil was too much to resist as one after another they lined up to see if I was a movie star or model of some type.

By the time the sun set, I had 5 new phone numbers but only 1 would intice me to follow up. Of the bunch, a couple doctors kept the conversation going the longest. One was an alternative medical specialist focused on natural healing. I was interested enough that I added her on facebook but I had a feeling she was not interested in working out much so I didn’t ask her out.

My favorite of the group was an anastesiaologist who talked about her favorite running trails and medical insurance fraud. She watched the final 30 minutes of the sunset with me, told me to txt her to workout sometime and then we parted ways.

It was a good day.

The week before I met a beautiful girl named Kim at the local Subway so I stopped by again hoping to see her but no such luck.

The week was our lowest selling and I had to even use my check to cover all the staffs pay. Moral was low and it was difficult to focus.

I did the usual things like gardening and coaching. About the only exciting thing for the week was Mr. David “Raou Raou” and his acting premier stories and the Sundance film festival. David began filming this week and each night he came home full of exciting reflections. The director had the perfect plot and script for a first time acting musician like David.

The plot is set as a woman wakes up one morning to discover the government and media have forced her to participate in using her home for a filmed reality show. She has to accept David as a roommate and struggling street musician and try to go about her normal life while befriending him. It is perfect for allowing the couple to act natural and go with the flow.

Friday night, Will and Sean were going to setup at a party in Hollywood to sell Shhmokewear but I was burnt out and decided to go to the house and browse internet profiles. Sean crawled in around 6am soaked from working our outdoor booth in the rain.

Saturday I went to hang out at the coffee shops and met some interesting ladies. One was from Lincoln Nebraska so our conversation coninued on while watching most of the sunset.

My usual meditation spot was flooded from all the rain the night before. The pond was 6ft. Above flood stage and all you could see was the top of benches and the playground.

Sunday, we had another friend of Sean’s come over to watch the football games. Woo was a minor gambler betting on the Patriots and Niners. The Patriots won by a dropped Raven pass in the end zone and the Niners lost in OT because their kick return man fumbled allowing the Giants an easy field goal.

The rest of the week was filled with work tasks and little night life.

I trained with the college kids Tuesday morning and helped coach the 11year olds Wednesday.

Friday, Sean came and rescued me from work and took me to a group campout at the Big Pines mountain. We got set up just before dark and sat by the fire in the 30 degree night as long as we could.

The next morning we went hiking with a couple to the peak. It was 3 miles up and took just under 2 hours. Sean went back to the car and a bit later I realized I had the keys so I headed back. I saw a hikeable gully, knowing the trail cut back below, I slid down it and cut off 30 minutes.

There was one spot in the gully where the snow was waist high and I had to climb around. I love the rush you get when you come out of the wild and see that sure sign of civilization.

I walked back to camp and got the fire going. 5 meetup friends had set up new camps to join us. Soon after making lunch our Shhmokewear beat boxer,  the Mammal, showed up. He lives in the next town over and works at the ski resort on the Wrightwood Range next door.

Gabe headed back to town a little after 7 and we started dinner. By 10p everyone was too cold to continue so we let the fire die and headed to the car to watch a movie in comfort. It was relaxing enough that we stayed there the rest of the night.

Come sunrise Sunday morning we decided to take the scenic highway 2 through the mountain passes back to Glendale pass. We packed everything up and everyone said good bye before parting ways.

Driving the mountain peaks was amazing. The terrain is similar to Colorado but the climate is Mediterainian and has a limited 30 degree temperature swing year round. There were several spots recovering from fires and overall the 50 mile stretch from Wrightwood had only 2 businesses with resources. Our highest point reached 8400 feet and was so rugged that the road department left emergency vehicles on pull overs every 15 miles during the winter.

As we past from the east to west side of the San Gabriels there was one final ranch camground and cafe and then the city skyline was back in view. Once you see signs of the city all the thoughts involved return and you lose that feeling of being out in the wild.

We took a lot of great photos and then turned on to the freeway. Once we returned home it was time for the wonderful moment where you wash all that weekend of dirt and camp smoke off. One really learns to appreciate the primping after days of living wild.

We relaxed in the pool, ordered a pizza, and then I cut my hair and shaved. We ended the night with cookies, ice cream and the Giants beating the packers with Sean’s friend Aaron.

I took the train to the end of the parade route in Pasadena and then biked the entire parade route with the floats when I could get away with it. For my family watching on tv you could see me when they zoomed out at times. I wandered around the floats and got some good picts. I put my hat on the fence while removing my shirt and didn’t realize it until I was about 2 miles down the route.

I got some great photos, My favorites where those that showed the after effects with the streets covered in litter and the gian empty bleachers.

I headed for the stadium to tailgate next. After handing out some Shhmokewear cards and circling the stadium I got a bunch of water for the protestors from a nice Oregon lady running a tailgate party.

After handing filling up there bottles I picked the USC tailgate to watch the game. It was a great party put on by a bunch of LA County sheriffs. They where hammered and handing free barbaque and beers like crazy. They accepted me quickly after I started placing $5 side bets.

Another visitor passed out in their chair so the deputies picked up the chair and put him in the back of a pickup in the next row over. We played the bean bag game through halftime and I got the hottest single girl in the crowd to partner up with me.

Late in the game, Wisconsin had a turnover that ended up being the losing factor for them in the 35-48 loss. I then biked ahead of traffic to the sports bar back on main street to watch the Oklahoma St. V. Stanford game

The work week was normal until Will got back Wed night. A lot of our time was spent trying to get Brian to agree to a resolution agreement. My weeks big accomplishments were the completion of the balance sheets and beginning of Annual meeting agenda and statements. This included calculating company value and stock value per share.

The weekend started with no big plans but we considered going hiking and camping in the Malibu hills.

I was tired of not having a womans company on the weekend so I decided to focus 100% of my attention on finding a girlfriend in South Bay.

Friday I went to the Sharks Cove sports bar. I got online and renewed my singles ads and said hello to several girls signed up for the meetup hike the next morning.

Saturday I went back to the  Sports bar to watch the Lions lose to the Saints. 3 beautiful college ladies sat beside me and we kept each other company through the game. Two of them had ties to Nebraska so we kept the conversation flowing quite well.

After the game was over the bar switches to a live music scene. During the switch I went to the coffee shop in hopes of finding a more intelligent conversation. With no interesting girls to be found I returned to the bar. By midnight I gave up and biked back to the house half snookered and lonely.

Saturday morning I hit the pool and hot tub and Sean went to a morning boot camp workout. He has been doing a great job of sticking to his workout resolution. I went biking around the neighborhood and prayed I would meet a good girl in the botanical meditation garden.

After striking out there, Sean picked me up to go try another meetup hike in Griffith park. This one was going to a Pine forest location that was new to me so I was excited.

I met a few interesting ladies but forgot to bring my information so I didn’t hand my number out. The most attractive prospect was a nice Asian mom from Austin. I told her my profile pict on meetup so she could find me easily and then introduced her to Sean and looked for another friend to make.

I was not getting a great vibe from anyone so I often wandered solo to give others a chance to approach me. The few that did where not relationship material so I felt like the afternoon was wasted.

Saturday night I went back to the Gardens and beach but again met no one of interest.

Sunday, I went to the Del Amo mall down the street and spent the day wandering whole foods and athletic stores introducing myself and handing out my number. Again, I felt like I struck out. I watched the sunset and moon rise in my favorite garden while checking for replies to my ads and then went home sad again with no hope for the future.

Next week it will be back to camping in nature and a shallow shot at finding happiness for several more days.

+++++++++++++++++++++

Poetry For the Week

Your life is never what you want it.
So far from perfection.
You close your eyes and picture the changes.
Imagine the missing pieces.
Let the lonliness transcend you.
Its so brooken, yet so near perfect.

You wander the streets with your eyes wide open.
Looking in the isles of the market,
the empty chairs around you,
the beach blankets surround you.
No one beside you…
Its so brooken, yet your life is so well spoken.

Once upon a time you found it.
But time and time again love is lost.
Is life’s destiny to serve others without a ground?
Its so broken, yet you get your fix by combining it all.
Love, happiness, & dedication to pursuit of a healthy community

It is all within view. When will you grasp it?
Reel it in and become one. Embrace it.
It appears so broken, but look beyond the wall.
Through that crack in the mirror is the future.

A future so bright, yet so pleasing,
You don’t need to shade yourself any longer.

This is a heads up on a solar bill, LB713, that is in the Natural Resources Committee (NRC) and may die if it does not get letters of support this week. LB713 amends the Solar Access Law in Nebraska (passed in 1979) to include solar rights for all persons in Nebraska, making it necessary for existing covenants to allow solar installations in their respective areas. There are scattered laws and variants on solar rights across the US, and if we act together we may help push for revision of our current law to reflect some of the highest possible standards in the nation. A suggested summary of talking points is listed below, please edit them to reflect your style, and if you have a personal story about your area please include it in your letter to the NRC.

This is a time when you make a difference for our state. Please write your letter today.

Points:

Restrictive covenants on neighborhoods and towns (Blair, for example) prevent people who are interested in installing solar panels, whether warm air, hot water, or photovoltaic, from being able to install them. This is not fair to those who own property in restricted areas who may not have known they were restricted when they purchased their property or only recently decided they would like to explore installing some solar panels. Adding solar rights to the current law will ensure uniform rights for all citizens across Nebraska.

Restrictive covenants thwart economic developments, it only guarantees our continued dependence on fossil fuels. Nebraska imports over 90% of its energy, while we are rated in the top 10 in the nation for wind and solar. Not having solar rights included in the solar access law prevents current and future solar developments in the state.

A fossil fuel dollar only passes through the local economy once, while a renewable energy dollar passes through the economy 8 to 11 times. We must reduce the drag on our economy from the use of fossil fuel. Every time we import energy we export investment dollars vital to fueling our economy. Passing the revision of the Solar Access Law to include solar rights for all Nebraska citizens will remove a strong obstacle to development of solar in Nebraska.

In the 1980s when renewable energy was growing steadily, thousands of people were employed in the industry across the state. Current installers are unable to work with the early adopters in the affluent neighborhoods due to restrictive covenants against solar.

By comparison, restrictive covenants like this were not allowing satellite dishes to be installed on homes. A federal law was passed to allow satellite dish installation on all homes. Nebraska has the opportunity to lead the way in what will be an eventual national law prohibiting restriction to individual solar rights.

The solar access law was passed in 1979, and was a very forward thinking piece of legislation. The hard work has been done for us, now it is up to the next generation of citizens to see that it reflects the best current forward thinking to ensure solar rights for all Nebraskans. We want solar rights written into the current solar access law.

There are 4 links for your review below. The first two are background information on LB713 and contact information for the Natural Resources Committee, and the next two are two technical information on solar rights laws if you are interested in deeper reading.

For Letters:

LB713 Background and January 18th transcript: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=15103

Natural Resources Committee Members and Emails: http://news.legislature.ne.gov/nat/

For Research:

http://dsireusa.org/solar/solarpolicyguide/?id=19

http://128.197.26.4/law/central/jd/organizations/journals/bulr/documents/BRONIN.pdf

Thank you for your time and consideration of support for LB713 and in supporting solar rights for all Nebraskans.

Sincerely,

Rita Corell

Linda helped identify some key branding concepts after we enjoyed some nice lunch conversation and then we went our separate ways. Carson City was full of small specialty shops. It was upscale like Rodeo Drive in some areas and then in another section there were middle class chains like Macy’s.

It was quite a challenge getting from Manhattan to Carson City and then to Boyle Heights for work all by bus. When a person with a scooter needs a ride it takes 5 extra minutes on and off and on this day there were two such riders. Time just seemed to fly by and it was 4 by the time I started working.

The week was full of double duties again as acting CEO while Will enjoyed time with his family in Ohio. I only got to workout 2 days, yoga 2 sessions, and lift one day. Thursday, I got an hour soccer workout in with some 20 something club players. That was the highlight of my personal week.

This was the busiest shopping week and the last of the year so my whole week was full of tallying financial numbers.

On Friday, by the time I did the FedEx drop, open a PO box, eat, transfer payroll payments and pack it was 7:30.  By the time I was on the couch relaxing it was 9:30 and I needed to rest up for a wild NYE at Universal Studios and City.

Sean went to the gym while I swam in our pool Saturday morning and then we headed to Chinatown to park for free. We took the train to Universal Studios but failed to meet any attractive girls. We paid $15 to get in to City walk shopping village and shuttled up the hill. It was another $77 to get into the theme park so we just walked around the free concert stages.

We got in the front row and sat down for an hour waiting for the music to start. I kept noticing some very attractive girls a few rows back and closer to the MTV camera but I didn’t try to push my way to them. I regretted not getting closer to get the Shhmokwear.com name on the jumbo tron more. I did get it on a few times when a camera zoomed in on my phone sticker while a band member stood by me.

Sean had a genius reaction! He put a card in the stiching of Slashes hat and it stayed there for the last hour of the show. The cameras zoomed in on it every few minutes. It was the best marketing ploy ever. We plastered the tables with cards and then I struck up a great conversation with 2 Russian model sisters.

Sean and I talked to them all the way to the train and then on the train to Hollywood Blvd. They didn’t want to get a drink with us but I did get them my numbers and we talked about driving them around the beach for lunch the next day.

The models ended up being the girls I was checking out behind us the whole concert!

As we were walking the stars, two more hot girls asked us to help them get the ones dress out of a purse zipper. We ended up talking for several minutes and gave them my numbers.

If Sean was more confident I would have told the Russians to come swim in our pool and stay the night so they could have breakfast on the beach with us.

As we arrived back to Union station we got separated. Sean ended up going the wrong way on a train while I sat on the platform waiting for him. He got frustrated with me cause I commented his new years resolution was to lose weight while talkin to a girl he liked.

It lead to fait though cause I met a great girl named Ashley on the platform and she told me all about the Rose parade and then offered to meet for lunch after the parade. She even texted me after saying bye to tell me goodnight.

Sunday, I made us blackberry pancakes and then headed to meet the Russian modeling sisters Ana and Lesha at Manhattan pier. We spent the day layin on the beach and playing volleyball and then they had to catch their bus back to Hollywood before sunset.

After they left I mingled with Husker alumni sitting next to me. They just retired in LA from North Platte and their beautiful sorority daughter was wearing her house sweatshirt making it easy for me to profile and pick them out of the crowd.

As I watched them from the pier, the father had an embarassing moment. He was changing behind his towel facing his daughter when the wind blew his towel off…. talk about an image burning in that poor girls memory.

After watching the sunset and completing another weekend without true love I returned home. Sean had prepared the most amazing fresh veggie platter with a cheese samon and brocoli baked in a crosaint. It was my favorite gourmet SP meal yet.

Tuesday was spent doing a practice run on Will’s tasks to limit questions while he was in Ohio.

Wednesday was spent improving sales systems with Sean and then coaching my 11 year old soccer stars. It was the winter solstice so I got the Shhmokewear Entourage in the van and took everyone to a ceremony followed by a full night of live music and dancing.

The Solstice ceremony was a bunch of kind loving people sitting on the floor of a large coffee and art establishment sharing thoughts about improving the community. Bells and other Indian music vibes were being carried around those in the circle as well as burning sage for purification. After the talking was concluding, bands and DJs started playing until the sun came up.

Thursday my soccer kids had a scrimmage scheduled only a mile away so I was excited to see them in a game situation. They did great for playing kids 3 years older then them. They were ahead the whole second half before a last minute goal tied it.

Friday I got everyone paid, improved our inventroy process, edited contracts and improved forms before heading off to the Chavez community gardens and Mariachi plaza. I met with the director of the garden projects, Irene Pena and we talked about joint charity efforts for about an hour before I headed over to Mariachi.

The plaza was filled with dancers, musicians, farmers produce and other fun vendors. I was a few minutes behind on the train getting to an xmas light hike with Sung at the Greek Theatre.

I pulled up to the Greek just in time to jump in the hike line and meet Sung. The group had just finished their hot cocoa and muffins and started mobilizing. Along the hike a nice belly dance instructor and fitness coach named Anja with Czechoslovakian roots. We walked the hike to the peak of Mt. Hollywood and then the group did some trivia questions for prizes. By the time we made it back to Griffith observatory we were pretty snookered from our bottle of wine. Anja was still enjoying our company but she took a bathroom detour and a beautiful Russian girl started talking to me. It was hard to keep both girls entertained but Sean had my back. The Russian Vegan was deep in conversation with me the first 10 minutes down while Sean and Anja talked. Then I reached a good point to get back to Anja.

As we reached the end we invited both girls to come to the Korean Spa with us to finish the night. As we were leaving I noticed the most fluffy skunk ever waddling beside us.

In Hollywood even the skunks are high maintenance. Seriously, on our way to the Korean spa after our hike, a skunk was walking along the curb and it was all shinny and fluffy like it just walked out of a salon.

The first spa was family oriented and coed so they profile strictly. They asked if we had been partying and Sean let it slip we just had wine so they refused to let us in. The second Spa was more mature so sobriety did not matter. It was great to spend the evening in a hot wet sauna, dry sauna, jet massage shower, hot salt tub, ice tub, hot shave and lounge room for $20.

We returned to get my stuff from the office and then headed home. After we recovered around noon on Saturday, we went out doing some window shopping then relaxed with some movies at home.

Sunday morning, we got up at 8 and went to the beach to workout and do yoga. We then returned home for breakfast. Sean went to his moms the rest of the day and I went back to the beach to play volleyball.

The rest of the day I talked to friends and family and shared my travel blog and edited stories and photos. I was really feeling the pain from being alone these holidays. My life is nearly perfect and full of wild adventures and I live free and in the moment. I am in perfect health, with an ideal diet and strong muscular body and most say I am very attractive and have the most amazing green blue eyes….yet the biggest thing, the most important to me… the one thing I would give it all up for… a true soul mate and supportive woman….. still alludes me!