This is my account of moving from Chicago to LA. The primary audience is my parents, so I have self-edited these experiences as needed.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

More Care Packages!





Last week, my mom sent me a massive care packages that also included some goodies for my officemates. This week, Bridgette's mom sent her a care package that include treats for all of us, too! (Editors note: all the women picture above are in their 30s and still enjoy getting care packages that contain food, clothing, newspaper articles and assorted tolietries).

Thanksgiving Day – Trivial Pursuit Massacre


The evening of Thanksgiving I made everyone play Celebrity Charades again. I was relentless with the game-playing. Total taskmaster. As the elder in the group, I felt the need to wear an apron and boss everyone around the entire night. Then...we played Trivial Pursuit and it was a bloodbath. It was the "couples" versus the "singles" and they murdered us. Not to mention the fact that the combined ages of the marrieds is about 25. To be fair, Andrew has written a book, Wendy is a nurse, and Ry has his CPA. Even with Jess's KU handicap:), they were at an advantage. JD works for the Oprah network and the rest of us all work for Sundance. I guess this means I need to start studying up for next year. Or marry an author or a CPA. Whichever comes first.:)



Thanksgiving Day





Jessica and I made a pretty-much -from-scratch Thanksgiving Dinner. I was particularly proud of my homemade gravy (first time!) and Jess’s cheddar/jalepeno/cornbread biscuits. My friends Rosie, Lisa and Siohban came over and our cousin Wendy and her husband Andrew. It was so, so nice to have friends and family over. It was wonderful and homey even though I’m far from home. I was worried the day might feel lonely and homesick, but it actually felt very full. I know I’m being a bit sappy, but Thanksgiving is a time for those types of sentiments, right?

Wild Turkey Wednesday





On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the McGee’s celebrate Wild Turkey Wednesday. Mainly that just means drinking Wild Turkey and playing games. Jessica (the newest McGee) made a pear punch with WT. Everyone came over to play charades (a version called Celebrity that I love where you write down the names of famous people and then act it out). It was way fun since I love playing games and didn’t play much over the last 5 years or so. I almost psychotically appreciate when people will play games with me now. Siohban was the funniest “Oh my god. So, I’m really depressed and dating Paul Thomas Anderson. Who am I?” Also, for some reason there were two Brad Pitts in the mix and everyone kept pointing to Ryan. We also played apples to apples (Angi lost! HAHAHA. Just kidding. I mean, she did lose, but the funniest part was how mad she got). Um, I also made everyone play Catchphrase. Man, I guess I do love games.

Dinner Party in Malibu



Siohban and I went to the most amazing dinner party in Malibu a few weeks ago. I didn’t take any pictures, so I put up an old one of S. It was one of those evenings that reminds you that it’s possible to live a really big, rich, full life. The house was amazing, natch, but the people were extremely cool (the wife started a surfing magazine, one was a filmmaker working on a project in Russia, a hairdresser, a guy who looked like a farmer and owned a cashmere company, a Brazilian husband and wife and a couple that owned an antiques shop). And Siohban and me. The food was a-m-a-z-i-n-g. Lots of cheese and pate and tapenade for starters. Loads of wine that we drank under heat lamps outside by the pool by the outdoor fireplace. I know I sound like a TOTAL SAP, but it’s nice when the world stops spinning for a bit and you feel like you’re in the right place. I know, I know, I’ll stop. J But, crazy-interesting people, great food and a fantastic atmosphere. More of these nights, please.