Twilight (Not the Movie, duh)

There was this beautiful sunset the other day. It was like the sky was on fire. Seriously, I didn't mess with these.

GRE Stuff

So I finally stopped being lazy and took the GRE this morning, about time, I haven't been in school since September. Anyway, I used the GRE people's prep book, studied a bit, and signed up to take it this morning. I'll ease your suspense, it went really well and I'm pretty happy with my scores. However, let me tell you, what bad timing. I woke up yesterday with the worst sore throat, a good sign you're getting the cold. So I dosed up on cold medicine, took a bunch of vitamin C and hoped I wouldn't get sick until after the test. Of course, I woke up this morning, after a terrible nights sleep, as I was so congested I couldn't even breath, and my cold had progressed considerably. I now had a fever, the shakes you get when you feel freezing but you're sweating, ear ache in both ears, still congestion and of course the original sore throat. But I had amped myself up to take the test today, and I wasn't about to throw the $140 it costs to take the test away and wait until they had another opening at the center. So head cold and all, I took the test, and I am so happy both to be done and with my scores. Okay, no more. I take most of the pictures I put on my blog, however this one Bre took, and I really like it, plus it looks like how the GRE would look if it were a picture.

iLike Movies

I recently re-evaluated a list I had made of my favorite movies, and all these made the cut, and I recommend them highly. Briefly:

1. The English Patient - So good, seriously, really good. This movie may be like a really good classic book though, it's pretty long, and some people may not have the stomach for it, but it's timeless and for a reason, because it's so good.
2. Lost in Translation - I love the cinematography, soundtrack, and it has the best use of comical circumstance/hilarious tragedy I've ever seen.
3. The Royal Tenenbaums - I never get tired of this film, I love it; it's witty, dark, ironic, and absurd and the soundtrack once again is incredible.
4. Kill Bill - This movie is incredibly gory, to the point where it is kind of funny even, and very entertaining as a whole.
5. Goodbye Lenin! - A foreign film, and once again another tragic-comedy, but this is also heartwarming and German.
6. Fargo - Wow, loved it, not too long, only an hour and a half; full of incredible dark humor, and the midwest.
7. The Science of Sleep - Foreign film, whimsical, conflicted, Michel Gondry, enough said.
8. Les Triplettes de Belleville - As far as animated films go, this is one of my favorites, I will say I think it may be a love it or hate it though; for me, it's artistic, odd yet kitchy, involves cycling, and fun to look at.

Vote: Check

To be completely honest I was undecided on a lot of things coming into this election, up until even this morning. I wasn't even sure I was going to vote until yesterday. But, I just got back from the polling place, and I voted. I'll be honest because it's my blog, I voted for "change" and a lot of the people I surround myself with did not think that was a good decision, which I think added to my indecision this time around. But fyi I Voted.

Why I Love Living In LA

I recently moved back to Los Angeles (a few months ago), and am so glad to be back. Of course, there is a lot to miss about Utah and Oregon (though I was only there for a few months), but I love LA. Anyway, I decided to create a weekly blog installment entitled "Why I love living in LA" (maybe not weekly, but whenever I decide to add another I will). These will come in no particular order, instead just what came to mind that day. So, Why I love Living in LA #1:

1. Inundation of cultural and artistic diversity.

There are so many gems to see in LA, some famous, most obscure to the majority of people. There are representations of so many cultures. You can eat at a Delicatessen for lunch and an Indian restaurant for dinner, or your choice of whatever food you want. I rode the bus to school last semester, and my bus went right by this mural on Sunset Blvd:

It received a little fame when Elliott Smith used it as the background for an album cover, however, so many expressions in the city, like this once was, are mainly known and appreciated mainly by locals, and are all over the city.

2. Unique Architecture/Infrastructure.

Some Personal Favorites:

The Getty - I love this place, definitely in my top 3.






The LA River - The commuter train I take shows some pretty fantastic views of the derelictness.




134 Freeway/Colorado Street Bridge (Pasadena Suicide Bridge) - I haven't taken any pictures of the 134, but you can see the whole city, and if it's clear out to Catalina Island, from the freeway as it winds on a mountainy ridge, you can also see the Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena, another of many gems.



3. Great Weather - how can you have a list about living in LA without mentioning the weather. Seriously it's incredible, it's november and 80 degrees, followed by a few days of rainy crisp weather, then some more warmth. I love it. I will admit it gets a little hot in the summer, but there are plenty of ways to stay cool...the beach. Sunny and warm and october when I took this. The second picture is a beautiful fall night in claremont, the city I grew up in.



Note: I did not take some of these pictures, but found them on the internet to illustrate WHY I LOVE LIVING IN LA.