My LA trip, complete with many, many photos!

[leighblack]

I flew out to smoggy LA on Friday morning, after Jess was kind enough to bring me to the airport. My flight was fairly uneventful. Except where the rube next to me, punched me in the arm while taking off his button down shirt. Then he tried to make small talk with me. Yeah, no. You punched me, you doofus!

vampirecarly was at LAX to pick me up. She's so adorable and beautiful with her baby belly! Don't let her tell you any different. Luggage was collected, then we were off to Tito's Tacos for lunch. Mmmmm...Good mexican food! Always a wonderful thing. We got extra tacos and brought them to Mr. Carly at work. Because what would a visit to LA be without visiting the Skummy one at work?? I was so close to Dracula's castle at Universal, yet so far away.

After that, there was a lot of lounging going on. I got to meet Carly's new puppy, Dozer, who is quite adorable. And active - very active. I have the bite marks on my hands to prove it. Carly worked on some food prep for the baby shower the next day, while I hemmed the straps on my new top. It sucks to have a short torso, because tops are made for people with actual sized torsos. We ended up watching all five hours of VH1's 100 Most Metal Moments. Most of the choices were rather lame, but it was still entertaining. I'm not sure what look it is Muscat is going for, but it's not good, whatever it is. Oh, and God rules. At least, according to Styper fans he does. It became our catch phrase for the weekend.

Somewhere in the middle of all that, Carly & I were going to go hang out somewhere. Skum threw a hissy fit because he wanted to go to Orgy and pretty soon he was ranting at Carly about everything he's apparently been holding in for the past few months. I like Skum, really I do. But, you know, there's a time and a place, and that was not it. I feel bad for Carly, because I know she gets embarrassed about it. Especially since this is the second big blowout that I've been there to witness. But, whatever... Skum apologized to me and left.

Carly and I decided to Denny's and grab some food. We thought it would be okay, since it was after dinnertime and well before bar rush. Boy, were we wrong. There was a guy hanging outside the Denny's who told me "God bless you." Just another addition to my God Rules weekend, I guess. We got inside, and it was packed. There were apparently three wait people, and they were all serving this huge party next to us. There were 12-15 all around this table. And it was the oddest thing, because they kept bringing their food out one dish at a time. Someone would bring out a salad, and then a couple minutes later, someone would bring out a sandwich, etc. It was so weird! But entertainment for us, as it took forever for us to place our order and get food. Then a few people at the other table started laughing at something. Like, laughing so hard there were tears. Carly & I felt very left out since we had no idea what was so entertaining.

We went back to the apartment at pretty much crashed. I was exhausted. Carly apologized for not being able to go out and do stuff, but I wasn't really expecting to. I did know she was pregnant before I planned the trip. I was okay with it all being low-key. I slept pretty well, which was amazing since I had Carly's cat, Mokey, curled up next to me for most of the night. I was pretty tired!

After we finally got moving around on Sat morning, Carly got a phone call and told me we'd be going to meet someone for breakfast, who'd also be able to help with the shower stuff. Miss Oblivious that I am, just agreed and went along with it. We were picking this mystery person up at the Holiday Inn by the Burbank airport, which Carly didn't really know how to get to. We ended up driving around aimlessly, trying to get directions from the Holiday Inn people and generally getting confused. Carly had forgotten her cell phone, so asked me to call Ann. I'm all "Ann knows where this place is?" Really, I'm not normally that dense. So, the surprise that annfromdetroit was in town and would be joining us at the shower, was sort of ruined. But not entirely ruined. And any time I get to see my Annie is great, no matter what! We finally found the hotel, after being able to see it, but not able to find a through street. Hugs and love were shared around.

It took so damn long to find Ann that we skipped breakfast. We watched Carly make melon balls with the world's smallest melon baller for a while, then finally pitched in to help out some. Ann & I were starving though, and made a trip down to the 7-11 for some chow and snacks for Carly's shower. (Funny how Carly and showers just go together, isn't it??) We hauled everything down to the pool area, where the shower was taking place and kind of waited. Ann & I "worked out" on some of the machines in the gym. And then we waited some more, as no one showed up for a while. Carly started getting really pissed off, as her best friend Wanda was supposed to be there. She finally showed up an hour late without an apology. Carly was upset, and went upstairs to chill for a while. Unfortunately, Wanda followed her. Ugh! There were some other issues going on between them and it was all just making Carly pretty miserable. Wanda was pretty oblivious to the reason Carly was upset, which didn't help any.

Then, during all of that, Ann was trying to find out what was up with her boy. He was supposed to call and maybe swing by the shower, but she hadn't heard from him. Finally he called, to say that he'd decided to fly back to Phoenix that night, instead of in the morning, as it was his son's birthday the next day. This was bad for Ann, as she was now going to be stuck in LA for the night without a place to stay. Plus, they had planned to spend this weekend together, and he was leaving. So, she was not happy and Carly was not happy. Well, so good so far.


Ann's opinion of all the drama

I ended up taking Ann back to the Holiday Inn, so she could talk to the boy and figure things out. She was, of course, welcome to crash with all of us, so she at least had a place to stay. I hadn't gotten more than a couple blocks from the hotel, when she called me and asked if I'd pick her back up at 5. Seriously, boys are stupid.

I made it back to the shower for the remains of the gift opening. Carly seemed to be in better mood, which was nice. Presents are always good, I suppose.


Skummy & Carly

I got them a bunch of little things, including a bib I had made that says "My Daddy is Evil" and a little beanie that says "Future Headbanger." The shower turned into a lot of hanging out, and watching Dozer wander around the patio area. And after some investigation, it was determined that Dozer is in fact a girl, not a boy. Not at all. It was nice to just kick back and enjoy the weather. After all the rain we've had at home, I was ready for some sun! We finally cleaned everything up, and I headed back to the hotel to get Ann. (I know the way to the Burbank Holiday Inn really well now)

When I got there, she asked if I'd take the boy to the airport, since he'd missed his shuttle. Sure, why not? It was sort of on the way. So yes, I finally got to meet him after all this time. And if he wasn't being such a doofus about the whole situation, I would probably have a better opinion of him. But since he makes Ann so miserable so much of the time, I can't say that I'm real impressed. Hopefully, the happy times are enough to hold her over.

As selfish as I am, I was just happy that I'd get to see more of Ann. She originally wasn't sure that she'd want to go out, but had decided that it would be just the thing. We lounged around the apartment for a while, and watched the most horrible movie, Down and Out With the Dolls. That Coyote Shivers guy everyone is so crazy about is in it. Still, nothing could redeem it. It was just a bad movie. Ann & I were almost just as entertained by Wanda and the two hours it took to put her makeup on as we were by the movie. Julee, she puts your makeup time to shame!

We also watched another movie featuring Coyote, as we watched the video from Carly & Skummy's wedding. I thought Ann & I were going to hyperventilate, we were laughing so damn hard. OMG, Skum cried through the WHOLE ceremony! Like a big blubbering baby. I'm sorry, but it was funny as hell. Skummy kept yelling from the other room to stop laughing, which only made us laugh more. I believe Ann referred to him as a huge pussy, but I wasn't going to go that far.

Finally, everyone was ready. Four goth kids and Ann with her blonde hair and blue jeans. I'm sure we looked a little weird. Wanda was going to pick someone up, so she left to do her own thing. Carly was very ticked off at her by this point, so this was a good thing. We drove through the hills and into Hollywood. I was concerned that Carly was going to over-exert herself, so we were trying to make the evening as easy as possible.

We did a lap around The Rainbow before heading for The Whisky for the show. We managed to find Tiffanie and I finally got to meet Patrick. Very nice guy and they are very sweet together. I'm so happy for her, especially after everything she put up with from Chad.

We wandered down to The Whisky and Ann found a table. This is good, as Carly needed to sit for as long as she could. I proceeded to get completely wasted on Red Bull & Vodkas. But that's me, get drunk early and enjoy the show as I'm sobering up. I was wandering up and down the stairs for a while, until I wasn't sure I wouldn't fall, and just stayed on the main floor. Some horrible band was playing, Flexxx Broncos or something like that, and I was enjoying them in my inebriated state.

Somewhere in all of that, DJ Eric Ill came over and gave me a big hug. I met him at the show last year and he had been nice enough to send me some pristine flyers from the show. I'm didn't really think he'd remember me, but apparently he did. I think he was talking to me, but I'm sure I just looked at him like I was in shock. Alcohol - not always a good thing. I also ran into Noele and Kristie, who I'd also met last year. Kristie was 8 months pregnant herself, so she was manning the merch table. I bought the DVD from last year's show from her and we talked for a while.

My Killingbird boys came in, and much love was exchanged. I just the hugest, most wonderful hug from August. Skyla was in quite a haze, but still glad to see me. Auggie and Christian both were just pleased as all hell that I'd fly out for the show. Like I'd miss two of my favorite bands! Since I was drunk, everyone else needed to be to, so I was going around buying drinks. I have no idea how much I spent on alcohol. A lot. Ann came down to check on me and make sure that I wasn't buying myself anything more to drink, but I know my limit. I wanted to be sure to remember the show! Auggie invited me to the after-party, but I would never ditch out on Carly like that, so I said no. Still, I wanted to say YES!! in the worst way. Oh yes, the August lust is still in full effect. I adore him! (And I probably shouldn't write that, since he'll more than likely read this, but he'd have to be completely stupid not to have figured it out by now, so I guess it doesn't matter)

I kept getting teased while Killingbird was setting up their stuff. I'm sure I was making complete googly eyes at Auggie the whole time. They finally came on and they sounded great! I just love them to death!! I took so many photos of them. And I managed to jump around and sing all the songs like a big geek. I like to enjoy myself! Christian thanked "all the people who flew in for the show, from places like Minnesota" during the show. Carly said that she cheered for me from the balcony. Apparently, Ann had found someone she knew and was talking to him about me during the show. I guess I'm the kind of fan a band wants to have, or something like that, since I'm willing to go anywhere and everywhere to see them.


Skyla


Christian


Gaz


August

They ended all too soon, without playing my favorite song. *cries* Carly came down to watch the show and I bolted for the bathroom. I have never had to pee that bad! When I made it back, the Carly Security force was forming. It was our goal to form a big circle around her, so she wouldn't get shoved. It worked out pretty good, but there wasn't a lot of shoving anyways. In fact, the place wasn't really that packed. Quite a shame! August came by and brought Carly & I water, which was totally sweet. My voice wouldn't have made it through BBJ without it. I saw Taime at one point, and heard that there were some other "rock stars" there. But when you're jammed in the front, you miss out on those things.

Blackboard Jungle came on before too long and they sounded amazing! A million times better than they sounded last year!! Skummy was wandering around, as was Ann, but Carly, Wanda and I hung out up front. Even though she's quite preggers, Carly was doing pretty good. She still managed to jump around and enjoy herself. I took even more photos during BBJ's show.


Kenny Price


Dave Zink

During the show, they brought out some special guests, including Davy Vain. I thought Carly was going to die right there, as she adores Vain. Booger, Killingbird's drummer, came up and rocked out with us while Davy was singing. They also managed to find Eric Stacy, formerly of Faster Pussycat, to join them for a song. I'm not sure how that happened. Yes, his hair is still bad.


Davy Vain


Eric Stacy

BBJ played a Jet 68 song, which is/was Kenny's other band. Britt went around handing Jet 68 CDs to the crowd, which was quite amusing. I managed to snag myself one, which made me very happy! It was all over way quickly. I could have listened to them play for hours! I managed to get Dave to give me the set list, because I'll need it for my scrapbook.

After the show, we managed to snag a bunch of people for photos. Carly got her pic taken with Davy, which made her extremely happy. I talked to Joel, Kenny & Dave and thanked them all for the wonderful show.


Joel Faith & Me


Carly, Kenny & I


Dave & Me

I'd found Skyla for a photo, but was beginning to freak out that Auggie had already left. I wanted to say goodbye! I finally spotted him and made a bee line for him. We got a photo together and Skyla started pouting 'cause he didn't get to be in it. So the obligatory sammich picture was taken too. Mmmmm...sammich.


Skyla & Me


August & I


August, Me & Skyla

I talked to August for a bit, trying to delay our departure a little, even though I know Carly was ready to leave. I asked if they were planning to do a Michigan run of shows again this year and he said that they were trying for August or Sept. I was all "I'll be gone at the beginning of August, so don't do it then." He laughed and said that they wouldn't do it in August then. But YAY!!! Shows!!! I couldn't have been happier. I finally said goodbye and gave him a big hug.

Britt was outside, and Carly seemed to be okay enough for another few minutes, so I went over to talk to him. We got a photo together and he was very pleased that I had flown in for the show. He told me that I looked familiar, and once I mentioned that I was on his MySpace list, he seemed to remember me. He told me that if I needed anything, I just needed to email him and let him know. I did say that I wanted a flyer from the show. He looked around for one, but no one had any. So, I said I'd email him my address and he said that he'd send me all kinds of stuff. We'll see about that, I've been promised "stuff" before.


Britt & I

We were all very tired and since Ann had to be at the airport early in the morning, we crashed hard once we got back to the apartment. Wanda had left before the end of the show and didn't show up until the next morning. Without a phone call. Classy. I had strange dreams about shows and chasing people through Hollywood, before waking up with Ann at 7:15am. I probably only got about 2 1/2 hours of sleep, but figured that I'd crash out on the plane. I took Ann to the airport and then Carly & I went back out to get some of my film developed. We had to go to two different Walgreen's, but it finally worked out for us.

We got back to the apartment and chilled. I think the show was a little hard for Carly, but she said it was worth it. We watched parts of the BBJ DVD and laughed and how dorky we both looked on it. I helped her with some computer stuff and installed some new software that I had brought her. Wanda and Carly finally had a long talk to work things out. I packed my stuff up and we picked up my photos on the way to LAX. I'd have to say that some of them turned out pretty good!

These trips always go by so quick, and it was hard to leave, but that's how it happens. I wish I could have been there a few more days! Carly dropped me off and more hugs were exchanged. My hopes of crashing out on the plane were dashed as the annoying couple next to me talked nonstop during the entire flight. That was not enjoyable. Jess & Josh picked me up and I stumbled home to crash out for a while. I'll be getting the rest of my photos developed today and I hope to have them all posted this weekend.

All in all, it was a wonderful trip & I am very, very, very happy that I was able to go!!

Comments

Tee hee how fun !

[jawakimchee.livejournal.com]

Leigh, I love your trip/show/ analysis entries- you keep them so fun and interesting. Good read !!
1) Carly is so glowing and adorable in her pics !
2) I have an extra long torso and freakishly short legs- so I feel ya there- I wish I was a seamstress (or even one who knows a fucking thing about a sewing machine)
3) Probably accidental, but I loved that you used Denny's as a verb- I often like to Denny's as well.
4) YAY ANN !!
5) That top you wore is sooooo cute and original!
6) For some reason during both my pregnancies I was not in show going mode- yet there was always a show or two I couldnt miss in teh last month or two- bad idea but ya gotta do what ya gotta do.
7) I will definitely have to check out KB this time w/ you guys in Sept if they come.

Re: Tee hee how fun !

[leighblack.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I do try to get in a lot of details. Otherwise, I'll forget things later on, since I'm getting old and forgetful.

Nope, I didn't mean to use Denny's as a verb, but it does seem to work, doesn't it?

My top is actually cuter than the pics show, as it has laces up the front. Kind of like a corset. I wasn't sure about the green, but I think it looked okay.

YES YES YES!!! You will definitely have to join us for Killingbird!

Re: Tee hee how fun !

[jawakimchee.livejournal.com]

I left one out-
-Eric Stacy- AAAAACCCCCCCKKKKKKK !!!!

Giggle

[vampirecarly.livejournal.com]

Glad everyone gets a chuckle out of the shower reference. It's something I guess I'll never live down. Not that I'd want to. ;)

Good synapsis Leigh.

Is it next year yet? I miss the BBJ guys!

Found out later that Skummy and Taime were laughing at me from the balcony. Taime commented that I had "Lots of energy!"

Re: Giggle

[leighblack.livejournal.com]

Thank you. *bows*

I know! I miss them. I miss Killingbird. I miss August. I miss you. I miss Ann. But...I did hear back from Britt. Apparently, he is really sending me stuff!

Dear lord, I hope T didn't recognize me as that girl who stalks Faster. I was bouncing around more than you were.

[xiolablux.livejournal.com]

"Funny how Carly and showers just go together, isn't it??"

Bwwaahhahhhaa. Sorry, that was damn funny. Glad you had a good time!!!

[rockerlee.livejournal.com]

I was also giggling about the "Carly and showers" comment...lol She looks SOOOOO cute. I swear, that glow just makes women look so happy and cute, even when they don't quite feel that way.

I am SOOOO jealous I missed this show!!!! I hope I get to see KB when they come back out to the midwest. I'm kicking myself for not going last time.

Glad you had fun!

[daughterofglam.livejournal.com]

How much fun!!!
Glad to hear the trip was fun *hugs*

[cyberwuzzle.livejournal.com]

Wow, Leigh, sounds like it was lots of fun. Great pics, too. You look adorable.

Glad you had a good time!

[leighblack.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I managed to sober up a little bit before photo time, so I look a little more normal.