sha in LA

bloody blog

The last time I donated platelets happened to coincide with the annual volunteer party at the Pasadena Blood Donation center. There was a photographer who went around and documented the festivities. In doing so, I asked him to take a picture of me. Specifically he was able to get AMAZING shots of the needle being inserted into each arm. Only the non-squeamish will want to click on the following photos to see the action up close and personal.

First the Left arm.

Then the Right arm.

Viola! Now I’m ready to watch a movie.

Note the blankets and heated rice bags on me to keep me warm. Oh, and that orangish stuff on my arms is NOT blood, it's something they clean your skin with prior to sticking in the needle.

The next time you are at the Pasadena Blood Donation Center donating gooey red liquid, look for the photos, 2 of these along with others the photographer took are blown up and hanging around the office.

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trapped

Ever been locked in your bathroom? If so, how did you escape?

Yep, you guessed it; last night I was locked in my bathroom. The innards of the door handle broke and I was trapped. Luckily enough I have a window in my bathroom so I was able to yell to my upstairs neighbor, who also happens to have a spare key to my apartment. She was able to unscrew the door knob but still couldn’t get the essential piece extracted. Our only hope, a fireman! Or maybe just Zan, the friendly building “go to guy.” He saved the day by kicking in the door, just like in the movies. My hero!

Words of advice: If your bathroom has no windows and an old door handle, you may want to bring a phone in with you when you take a shower.

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temporary hiatus due to overextension of shannon

All apologies. I’ve been at the theatre every night (except last night) since last Tuesday in tech for my next production, Snowangel, which opens officially this Thursday. I’m a bit exhausted from that, lack of sufficient sleep and no exercise. This Sunday should be a day of errands however with City of Angels Fun Ride happening I think it may end up being a day of rest and recovery.

This Saturday I’m doing a private Historic Core Tour so I can’t invite people. I am doing a few public tours in the near future though:

Saturday May 6th - City Hall (11am)
Saturday May 20th – Historic Core
Saturday June 10th – USC

More info on the tours and how to sign up can be found here.

As always, drop me a note if you sign-up so I know to be on the lookout for ya'!

Back to the regularly scheduled programming next week, when this theatre madness is over.

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square one dining part 2

This past weekend came and went and I (gasp) didn't make it to my favorite neighborhood restaurant, Square One Dining. In part because I was comotose until 1pm on Saturday and had to be at the theatre by 3pm. Similar circumstances arose on Sunday but two hours earlier. Too bad because I've been dreaming about my new favorite lunch item, the Tuna Sandwich. This isn't just any ordinary sandwich...I can't explain it but trust me. Try it. Hey, I wouldn't steer my loyal readers wrong would I?? No. I was one of the first to proclaim my love of the Pressed Egg Sandwich then it get's all this good press, no pun intended. Oh, and if that just isn't your thing try the Chicken, Hazelnut and Citrus Salad with Frisee and Blood Rranges. Girls, this is the perfect light lunch. Can't wait for next Sunday.

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old fashioned gal

Recently I decided to get my hair cut. It had been over a year and my mane had become quite the unmanageable beast. Years ago I had short hair, not wanting to go too short I decided a nice chin length would be a suitable transition. I figured I'd still be able to wear it back if I wished. Unfortunately that didn't quite worked out the way I had planned. It's a bit too short to wear back so I'm forced to wear it down. Here's the thing, everyone I know has been commenting on it in a positive fashion, from old friends to new acquaintances. I don't understand - if all of a sudden I'm pretty, does that mean I looked like poo before???

I asked a good friend tonight to please explain why people are so fascinated with the concept of me wearign my hair down. He said "it's sexy." Hair pulled back as I used to wear is "old fashioned." Well hello! That makes sense; you should see my "grandma" apartment...not to mention the librarian chain connected to my sunglasses. My previous hairstyle completely fits my personality.

The funny thing is that I feel like I'm not being true to myself. This person with the new hairstyle is someone else and the real me is in hibernation. Me thinks that as soon as my hair grows out, and I am able, there will be a lot of disappointed friends of mine but one very happy Shannon.

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take me out to the ballpark

Went to my 1st (of hopefully many) Dodgers games tonight. The Cubs are in town and I know a good deal of Chicago fans so it was prime time to head over to Chavez Ravine. That, and the fact that the BIGGEST Cubs fan I know was able to score some fantastic tickets made for a short but memorable evening.

Clocking in at just under 2 hours the Dodgers wasted no time in leaving me feeling wholly unsatisfied. The Dodger Dog on the other hand...very satisfactory. What happened to all that pre-season talk about the great moves we made in the off season? I witnessed none of that. Could it have been the frantic picture taking? No. I can multi-task. On another note, I was looking forward to testing out the new padded seat upgrade. But nope, we missed it by ONE freaking row. Sheesh. The cupholders are a nice addition and of course the powers that be made sure that no spare piece of plastic went unadorned.

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you don't look a day over 50

Mike over at Franklin Avenue has been doing some math...or maybe boy-wonder, Evan, tipped him off and he decided to use a co-workers guise instead...whatever the reason he has realized that Los Angeles is celebrating 225 years of birth this year and wonders "when's the party?"

I think this is a perfect way to celebrate (scroll down to Sept. 4). Consider it on my calendar. Anyone wanna go with?

Monday, September 4th 6:00 am - 7:00 pm
Los Angeles City 225th Birthday
Los Angeles City 225th Birthday at Olvera Street
San Gabriel and Los Angeles’ shared history comes alive Monday, September 4, 2006, with “Los Pobladores – Walk to Los Angeles” celebrating Los Angeles’ 225th birthday.

The annual Walk represents a key chapter in California’s history, with the re-enactment of the nine-mile journey of the original Spanish settlers of Los Angeles, known as Los Pobladores, from San Gabriel Mission to the Los Angeles River where, on September 4, 1781, they founded El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles. The Walk coincides with Los Angeles’ actual founding date and planned birthday festivities at El Pueblo Historical Monument on Sunday, September 4th. Commemorate the founding of the City of Los Angeles with historic reenactments, artisan demonstrations, exhibits, food, and entertainment.

Everyone is invited to wake up early Monday morning, September 4th, lace up their walking shoes and join the 6:00 a.m. Walk celebrating San Gabriel and Los Angeles’ shared, living history. Join the descendants of Los Pobladores, San Gabriel and Los Angeles city officials and staff, walking clubs, residents, and others, as they re-enact the historic walk from San Gabriel Mission to found the City of Los Angeles.

Event information: 213. 625-5045 This event is free to the public!

* picture courtesy of me

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hot properties

I've spent lots of time here talking about the loft situation happening in Downtown. Mostly my preferences in this area has been toward the conversion of historic properties from commercial to residential. Well today I'd like to highlight something a bit different. New construction. Due to circumstances beyond my control I can't necessarily divulge exactly why I have decided to focus on new development. Just take it for what it's worth.

The specifics for today are three buildings all being built by South Group, a Portland based development company. Elleven, Luma and Evo. I haven't seen any of the buildings in person, only what's available on the respective websites however this past week I met 2 new residents of Elleven who recently moved in and they are ecstatic about their new home.

According to the website Luma is close to being fully occupied, even though the building isn't complete. What a strange occurence don't you think?? And an interest list is currently forming at Evo. If you're the type of person who is willing to take a chance on the possibility of South Park becoming the next "in" place to live and you have the funds necessary to do so then I highly suggest you check out these properties....or what you can of these properties.

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TPiR update

For all of you readers who already have your TiVO and VCR's ready for taping The Price is Right episode that I mentioned will be airing tomorrow, stop the presses. The airdate has been moved to April 26th. Sorry for the delay. I've been at the new job and have had limited computer access.

I'll hopefully get back into the swing of things shortly. Thanks for sticking with me through this period of re-adjustment.

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DCLX in a nutshell

I arrived in D.C. at 5:00am on Thursday morning. Picked up my rental at Thrifty, upgraded again at this location because of lack of economy vehicles...henceforth this will become a game I shall play with them. I wonder what car I'll be upgraded to next year. Got to Deb's (my fabulous hostess) at 6:30am. The weather forecast called for rain on Friday and Saturday so I knew I needed to get a nap in. My plan was to wake at noon and go into the city and walk along the Mall. People watch, contemplate and sense memory my past. Having grown up very nearby I spent much of my youth there - all kids in the area go there on school field trips at least once a year through elementary. Add to that relatives visiting the area, snow days and a dad who was a PE teacher that shared summer vacations with me and I definitely have many memories.

I got off the Metro at the Smithsonian stop and walked west along the mall towards the Washington Monument. My main goal was to visit the Korean Memorial as I had never seen in before. Along the way I also briefly looked at the World War II Memorial as well. Massive amounts of people were congregated there so I moved on quickly. I found my way to the Korean Memorial, then Lincoln and finally the tour de force, the Vietnam Memorial. I've been there numerous times and it still produces great amounts of tears. I simply cannot explain the impact one has at viewing a tiny slab of granite grow into progressively larger ones etched with thousands of names.

After that little purging of emotion it was a somber walk back to the Museum of America History for a quick look at the Ella Fitzgerald exhibit and a pit stop.

Back at Deb's I got ready for a dinner outing with Carrie and her mom for some Memphis style BBQ at Red, Hot & Blue. A craving that hit hard and sudden. After dinner it was off to the Jam Cellar in the historic Josephine Butler Center and the beginning of a fabulous weekend. Dancing, sleeping, eating and good times. Late nights were my favorite part of the weekend as usual.

Many thanks to my fabulous leads: Chris, Ryan, Hyong, Donnie, Jason x3, Charlie, Stan, Michael, Dorry, Guido, Mickey, Mike, Kevin, Issac, Nick and James. Without you I'd have just been a lonely little wallflower, instead you all made me feel like a princess.

proof

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