"If you want something you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done."

My time in Monterey is slowly ticking away! In only 2 weeks, I will be done at the VNA (not complaining) and ALICIA WILL BE HERE FOR A VISIT!

As far as where I'll be heading next, I will start work at Kaiser LA Medical Center on September 9th, located on the outskirts of Hollywood. It will be nice to be out of my car and back in the hospital for a while! I spent this weekend with Nardos in LA, apartment-hunting and saying goodbye to Jeff and Hill for a while, as they'll head back to Michigan in a week. I've only got one traveler friend left in California, while the rest have all gone back to Michigan! 



Spending the weekend with Nardos was great, and I'm excited that I'll soon live within a half hour drive of her apartment and within an hour drive of Kevin's! I found a place in Los Feliz, within a mile of the hospital and very close to Griffith Park, cute downtown Los Feliz shops, and walking distance to stores - it'll be a good transition from living in Monterey and being able to walk/bike everywhere here too! I'll have a roommate again, (this time, her name is Lauren too, so she's gotta be awesome :-) which will be nice living in the city. 

I did a little bit of solo exploring while Nardos was out extra-ing in a movie scene, through the gardens at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and through the recognizable lights out front of the museum (seen in multiple movies).






The walk through the city was a nice way to ease back into some activity after last weekend's excitement. Kevin and his friend Jeff came to Monterey for the Spartan Beast race, a 12+ mile obstacle/mud/hill/torture race. We finished successfully, but definitely a little bruised, exhausted, and sore! 

 As far as tonight, I spent the afternoon and evening driving back to Monterey, though the beginning of my trip was stalled by this wildfire. Lots of fire fighters on scene (thank goodness!) and lots of traffic. Hopefully they have gotten it under control by now! 

And finally, who doesn't love baby animal photos? This is Ruby, who belongs to Natalia's future roommate. She has been staying with us on weekends to get to know our current kitty, Leeloo, a little better. Ruby just happens to think she owns the place! (until you turn on the shower :-D )