Not that you have to believe me, but the sleeve with the white stripe behind me is actually Rickey Minor of American Idol fame - as in, "Thanks to Rickey Minor and the band!" :)
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We made it! Our first time back home to visit since we moved to New Zealand. It is a strange feeling. So far Jocelyn has noticed certain things like veering to the left when passing someone walking head on instead of right (jut like driving) and saying things like "Cheers" and "Ta" in restaurants and stores when the American term would be a simple "Thank you" Funny how quickly you can get into a new routine. Also, our hearts have dropped a few times while passengers in Cynthia's car when she turns a corner since we feel like she is turning into the wrong lane and into oncoming traffic. LOL
The first day we picked up a few things and treated ourselves to Chipotle for dinner. Even chain Mexican food is better here than in NZ! Sorry Kiwis. We got an excellent night's sleep surprisingly since we were not sure how our body clocks would adjust. We think we were just so exhausted from the travel even though we slept on the plane.
The next morning we met one of Joelyn's college friends, Courtney. Jocelyn also travelled with Court through Europe when they lived in London together so there is quite a history there. She has lived in LA since college and Jocelyn tries to catch up with her whenever she is here. Courtney works on Brothers and Sisters if any of you are fans! :) We went out to a restaurant called Toast and it was yummy! We took advantage of sitting outside since we just came from Winter!
The rest of the day we went to an outdoor mall where we bought Cynthia her birthday gift: a more than fabulous BCBG dress for her birthday festivities! She looked amazing in it and we just couldn't resist! Jocelyn may have bought a few things as well ;-) We stopped to have a late lunch at an Italian restaurant at the shopping center and then we drove Trey to the airport to bid him farewell while he goes to his conference in Alaska.
Jocelyn and Cynthia grabbed Subway and some wine on the way home. At the Liquor store, Jocelyn discovered that Cynthia's local liquor store ACTUALLY carries NZ 42 Below vodka!!! Then, Cynthia's friend Derek came over and watched a movie with the girls. It was a great, quiet night.
Full Day #2 left the girls to their own devices. Joc and Cyn went to the Camrillo Outlet stores about an hour away from LA where Jocelyn single handedly ended the recession. You're welcome ;-) Betsey Johnson (where Cyn got fabulous birthday shoes to match her fabulous dress), Coach, Saks 5th Avenue, Juicy Couture, Neiman Marcus.....the list goes on! They refuse to divulge how many hours they were there. Let's just say that if Dr. Drew had a shopping intervention show, Jocelyn and Cynthia would be candidates!! The girls had good old Johnny Rockets American 50' style diner for lunch and the infamous In N Out Burger for dinner. That's a whole lotta fast food but it was YUM!
Today Jocelyn started the day by enjoying a lovely breakfast with Cynthia's landlord while Cyn went to work and then on to a great lunch in Melrose at Taste with her college friend Angela. It had been more than 10 years since the girls has seen each other and they talked, drank iced tea and ate for hours!! The girls vowed to never let so much time go by. It was an excellent afternoon spent on their divine patio across from Vera Wang. On the drive home there was even the LA experience of seeing paparazzi camped out outside one of the stores hoping for a glimpse of whichever celeb was shopping inside. Jocelyn hopes to see Ang at least one more time before they leave. It is amazing how friends can just pick up right where you left off and yet find each other again at the most perfect time.
Tonight the girls went to Mr. Chow for a very special girl's night out. The food was awesome. It was packed and very loud. Seated next to Jocelyn and Cynthia was Rickey Minor of American Idol fame and apparently even though Jocelyn lived in Boston for 9 years, it took coming to LA to see Doc Rivers, coach of the Boston Celtics up close and personal at Mr. Chow! :)
Tomorrow is Robertson shopping: Kitson, Lisa Kline, etc. Hope the credit card still works ;-) Tomorrow evening at long last, Jocelyn's parents arrive!!!
Much more to come!!
