So as some of you may already know, my grandmother unfortunately passed away around a week ago. I booked a flight home the very next day and have been at home, spending time with my family ever since.
It has been an extremely emotional time for everyone in my family and I am very fortunate to be here during this hard time. My grandfather isn't doing well, so I have spent a lot of time with him. Losing my grandmother is a huge change for him considering they were married for fifty-three years. I feel very bad for him, and I really hope that he is able to pull through this. He is very strong, so I believe that he will be able to.
Although my trip home wasn't because of the happiest of reasons, I am still very glad I am able to be home to experience some of my all-time favorite weather here in Indiana. The fall is my favorite time! Just the other evening I really needed to get out of the house, so I threw my boots and my sweater on, stopped by Starbucks and grabbed a Pumpkin Spice Latte (#PSL #BASICGAY), and hit the back country roads; driving with the windows down and the cool sixty degree air filling the car. I just continued to drive west, knowing that eventually I would hit a road that I recognized. For that 30 minutes to an hour though, I didn't have any obligations. No worries or stresses. I just simply enjoyed my favorite weather and belted to my favorite songs.
I did have my occasional moments of deep thinking along the way. Especially when I put on my favorite male cover of Home from The Wiz. Considering that I am home and the fact that since I have moved to LA I have been struggling quite a bit with the change. This classic song really got me thinking about how much I truly do love home regardless of the occasional bigotry and hatred I have to experience here. Also, my grandmothers passing has brought together my family near and far and it's allowed me to realize just how much love and affection, just as the song says, is truly there.
These feelings along with my favorite fall weather inspired me to take some fantastic photos in South Bend. You can see them on my Instagram, @Lathanial. I am uploading them every day, so check them out. My love for photography has always been there, but it has definitely grown recently. I hope everyone likes my work!
Sorry, again, everyone for the large delay in the posts. There has just been a lot going on. I forget how theraputic it is to write though, so I hope to keep this up. Although I do say that every time. Still though!
Well, until next time....
XOXO,
Lathanial
Monday, October 13, 2014
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Taking on A LOT!
Hey Friends!!!
I know that it has been forever since I have updated this and I apologize! Life has been so busy and I have certainly been taking on A LOT! LA has been a lot of fun so far. I've had the pleasure of seeing some people that I haven't seen in a while, meeting a bunch of new people, and going places I have never gone before. Let me just make you a little list of things I have taken on....
I was pretty happy with my first hair cut at Super Cuts. An older gentleman cut it for me and he did a nice job on it. For Super Cuts, I was impressed. I decided to go for a run either that day or the day after and it was alright. It wasn't too hot out so it was fine, but I am beginning to think that I truly do have exercised induced asthma because it is very hard to breathe while I am running. I would get an inhaler, but that's another story.....
The job hunt and interviews are going very well. It has been a pleasure meeting the people that I have met so far here in LA. I have a few more planned this week and next week as well. I will be sure to keep you all updated as to whether or not I hear back from anyone. While on interviews, I was able to check out West Hollywood during the day, which is much different than at night. I decided to stop by Coffee Bean and try an iced coffee to compare it to Starbucks, since, from what I have heard, they are Starbucks' competition out here on the west coast. Where as on the east coast they have more Dunkin' Donuts, which people love, but I'm not a fan. I would like to just take this moment to tell you why... You see people are always saying well Dunkin' is cheaper. Actually my iced coffee at Starbucks is only 2 something where as Dunkin's is 3 something. Also, Dunkin' does not have soy or almond milk which I get at Starbucks, and even the Coffee Bean, because I am lactose intolerant. I have heard that Dunkin' may add that and I hope they do! Their flavor is alright, but the Coffee Bean was surprising delicious with their powder flavorings instead of liquid syrups. Their ice was somehow better as well. I'm not really sure what it was about it, but it was just very light, refreshing, and delicious.
While walking through WeHo that day, I also discovered Crossroads Trading Company which is basically a larger Plato's Closet and, because of the location, had more to choose from in the guys department too. They buy and resell brand name clothing basically. I had so much fun looking through the clothes and accessories there! I enjoyed it so much that when I noticed the HIRING sign at the register I quickly jumped on this wonderful opportunity. Unfortunately, after the interview process, I was not hired, but that is quite alright. I am confident that I will be hired someplace soon.
Speaking of Crossroads.... the name must be popular because I also went to a vegan restaurant on Melrose called Crossroads. My roommate Shane's boyfriend Michael is a server there, so we decided to go for brunch a couple Sundays ago. It was delicious! It was amazing knowing that I could eat anything they had there! The coffee was superb and their "Chicken and Waffles" dish was out of this world. The syrup had a slight BBQ flavor too hit to add to the chicken side of the dish, while still having the traditional maple syrup flavor and consistency. I had a delicious croissant with a wonderful dipping sauce that I forget now, as well as a side of fruit. It was an over all amazing experience and I would tell anyone to try it at least once! It is fairly pricey, but as I said, at least a one time visit is worth it. The atmosphere is adorable as well! Beautiful chandeliers with a visible bar and booths in a L around the restaurant. I do believe I have some photos I can share.
So yes.... I have had some great experiences so far here in Los Angeles, as I take on as much as I can. There are days where I stay in and binge on Pretty Little Liars and there are days that I go out, as well. Those out days also happen in binges. Just like Thursday, Friday, and Saturday where I hung out with new friends all three days and the alcohol kept flowing. These were some beautifully enjoyable days that I wouldn't trade for anything, despite the sickness I now have from the lack of sleep. Being in Los Angeles, even only a few weeks, has had its serious ups and downs already. I am remaining positive and hopeful and I still have so many more sights to see and friends to visit with. Plus, as we enter the winter months the weather will be oh so very worth it.
Until next time my friends.... and hopefully next time will be sooner than now. It is time to take on my bed that, despite the fact it is a twin and in a closet, is very comfortable!
Good night all!
XOXO,
Lathanial
I know that it has been forever since I have updated this and I apologize! Life has been so busy and I have certainly been taking on A LOT! LA has been a lot of fun so far. I've had the pleasure of seeing some people that I haven't seen in a while, meeting a bunch of new people, and going places I have never gone before. Let me just make you a little list of things I have taken on....
- The LA Metro. Scary and unreliable for the most part. My feet are more trust worthy.
- My first LA haircut.
- My first run. And did I stick to it? Of course not. HA.
- The job hunt and interviews. It's going well!
- The Coffee Bean. Starbucks' rival out here.
- WEHO! During the day too. So I remember it.
- Crossroads Restaurant and the clothing store.
I was pretty happy with my first hair cut at Super Cuts. An older gentleman cut it for me and he did a nice job on it. For Super Cuts, I was impressed. I decided to go for a run either that day or the day after and it was alright. It wasn't too hot out so it was fine, but I am beginning to think that I truly do have exercised induced asthma because it is very hard to breathe while I am running. I would get an inhaler, but that's another story.....
The job hunt and interviews are going very well. It has been a pleasure meeting the people that I have met so far here in LA. I have a few more planned this week and next week as well. I will be sure to keep you all updated as to whether or not I hear back from anyone. While on interviews, I was able to check out West Hollywood during the day, which is much different than at night. I decided to stop by Coffee Bean and try an iced coffee to compare it to Starbucks, since, from what I have heard, they are Starbucks' competition out here on the west coast. Where as on the east coast they have more Dunkin' Donuts, which people love, but I'm not a fan. I would like to just take this moment to tell you why... You see people are always saying well Dunkin' is cheaper. Actually my iced coffee at Starbucks is only 2 something where as Dunkin's is 3 something. Also, Dunkin' does not have soy or almond milk which I get at Starbucks, and even the Coffee Bean, because I am lactose intolerant. I have heard that Dunkin' may add that and I hope they do! Their flavor is alright, but the Coffee Bean was surprising delicious with their powder flavorings instead of liquid syrups. Their ice was somehow better as well. I'm not really sure what it was about it, but it was just very light, refreshing, and delicious.
While walking through WeHo that day, I also discovered Crossroads Trading Company which is basically a larger Plato's Closet and, because of the location, had more to choose from in the guys department too. They buy and resell brand name clothing basically. I had so much fun looking through the clothes and accessories there! I enjoyed it so much that when I noticed the HIRING sign at the register I quickly jumped on this wonderful opportunity. Unfortunately, after the interview process, I was not hired, but that is quite alright. I am confident that I will be hired someplace soon.
Speaking of Crossroads.... the name must be popular because I also went to a vegan restaurant on Melrose called Crossroads. My roommate Shane's boyfriend Michael is a server there, so we decided to go for brunch a couple Sundays ago. It was delicious! It was amazing knowing that I could eat anything they had there! The coffee was superb and their "Chicken and Waffles" dish was out of this world. The syrup had a slight BBQ flavor too hit to add to the chicken side of the dish, while still having the traditional maple syrup flavor and consistency. I had a delicious croissant with a wonderful dipping sauce that I forget now, as well as a side of fruit. It was an over all amazing experience and I would tell anyone to try it at least once! It is fairly pricey, but as I said, at least a one time visit is worth it. The atmosphere is adorable as well! Beautiful chandeliers with a visible bar and booths in a L around the restaurant. I do believe I have some photos I can share.
So yes.... I have had some great experiences so far here in Los Angeles, as I take on as much as I can. There are days where I stay in and binge on Pretty Little Liars and there are days that I go out, as well. Those out days also happen in binges. Just like Thursday, Friday, and Saturday where I hung out with new friends all three days and the alcohol kept flowing. These were some beautifully enjoyable days that I wouldn't trade for anything, despite the sickness I now have from the lack of sleep. Being in Los Angeles, even only a few weeks, has had its serious ups and downs already. I am remaining positive and hopeful and I still have so many more sights to see and friends to visit with. Plus, as we enter the winter months the weather will be oh so very worth it.
Until next time my friends.... and hopefully next time will be sooner than now. It is time to take on my bed that, despite the fact it is a twin and in a closet, is very comfortable!
Good night all!
XOXO,
Lathanial
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Taking on the HEAT!
Since the moment I stepped on to California soil I don't think the temperature has dropped below ninety degrees. This, of course, poses a plethora of interesting issues for a person....
1) Thinking, motivation, and productivity flies out the window.
2) One can give up smelling nice because sweat is your new accessory.
3) You begin to become delusional and dream of skinny dipping in kiddy pools.
At this very moment even I find it hard to think of what to type because the heat just, literally, sucks my thoughts out of me. A cold shower sounds wonderful right now or maybe I will just fill up the bath tub with cold water and skinny dip, although that is really just a very cold bath. Either way, it sounds wonderful!
In other news, I finally have an official closet room and I must say I am happy with the way it looks. It is cute and quaint, which really just means crazy small, according to the hosts of HGTV's Love It or List It. But I love my small closet.
My friend Devlyn told me I should watch Parks and Rec. He claims it is one of the best single cam sitcoms. I have heard great things about the show from many different people, but haven't taken the time to watch it. So far I like it; very funny and well filmed. I will continue watching it I think, especially since I am from Indiana and it is set there. So thank you Devlyn for the official reference.
So today has consisted of obtaining a mattress, getting coffee and mailing a package, officially unpacking and organizing, tons of temperature snapchats as seen below, and watching this show. We will see what tonight holds for me. Most likely cleaning more, which I do very well might I add.
XOXO,
Lathanial
1) Thinking, motivation, and productivity flies out the window.
2) One can give up smelling nice because sweat is your new accessory.
3) You begin to become delusional and dream of skinny dipping in kiddy pools.
At this very moment even I find it hard to think of what to type because the heat just, literally, sucks my thoughts out of me. A cold shower sounds wonderful right now or maybe I will just fill up the bath tub with cold water and skinny dip, although that is really just a very cold bath. Either way, it sounds wonderful!
In other news, I finally have an official closet room and I must say I am happy with the way it looks. It is cute and quaint, which really just means crazy small, according to the hosts of HGTV's Love It or List It. But I love my small closet.
My friend Devlyn told me I should watch Parks and Rec. He claims it is one of the best single cam sitcoms. I have heard great things about the show from many different people, but haven't taken the time to watch it. So far I like it; very funny and well filmed. I will continue watching it I think, especially since I am from Indiana and it is set there. So thank you Devlyn for the official reference.
So today has consisted of obtaining a mattress, getting coffee and mailing a package, officially unpacking and organizing, tons of temperature snapchats as seen below, and watching this show. We will see what tonight holds for me. Most likely cleaning more, which I do very well might I add.
XOXO,
Lathanial
Monday, September 15, 2014
First Monday....
I am half way through my first Monday in Los Angeles. Most people hate Monday's, myself included, but this Monday was not bad. This could, and most likely, is because I didn't HAVE to be awake today. Although, I am finding that I am waking up earlier than normal and, the thing is, I want to wake up. I wake with the sun, and although it is hot and we don't have air conditioning in our apartment, I don't mind getting up and starting my day.
I should probably begin by explaining my situation and where I am as a human in my life journey, so that we are all on the same page... I just recently graduated from Ball State University located in Muncie, IN in May. I visited Los Angeles with my best friend Marisa and then after a summer in Illinois decided to move out and pursue a career in casting/talent management. My ex-boyfriend, but still great friend, Jeremy, lives here in the Miracle Mile area with roommates, Shane and Justin. They offered me their large dining room closet for a decent price and so here I am.
I am currently sitting at Starbucks, escaping the heat after having gone grocery shopping and having lunch, and I am planning the rest of my day. I have a few goals for the today that I will be completing after this entry. I personally am a very goal oriented individual and run very well on a daily goals / to-do list. My goals today include making my closet a home, mailing a package, going to Target, and on the way to Target, using the LA Metro for the first time. Having moved here just on Wednesday the 10th, everything is completely new to me and my life is full of brand new experiences every single day. At times it can be scary and a lot to take in, but I love it! The thrill of new adventures is wonderful and I enjoy it so much!
Since Wednesday I have been fortunate enough to experience a plethora of events including going out in West Hollywood with the roomies and seeing The Simpsons take the Hollywood Bowl with Eric, Michael, and new friends! I am so thankful for the experiences I have had so far and I look forward to so many more as I begin this new and wonderful time in my life. I am driven, optimistic, and determined. I will be taking on LA with my friends and family near and far, who support me 100 percent, 24/7, and all of you here that are following my blog.
Many more adventures to come as I tackle the job hunt this week!
XOXO,
Lathanial
I should probably begin by explaining my situation and where I am as a human in my life journey, so that we are all on the same page... I just recently graduated from Ball State University located in Muncie, IN in May. I visited Los Angeles with my best friend Marisa and then after a summer in Illinois decided to move out and pursue a career in casting/talent management. My ex-boyfriend, but still great friend, Jeremy, lives here in the Miracle Mile area with roommates, Shane and Justin. They offered me their large dining room closet for a decent price and so here I am.
I am currently sitting at Starbucks, escaping the heat after having gone grocery shopping and having lunch, and I am planning the rest of my day. I have a few goals for the today that I will be completing after this entry. I personally am a very goal oriented individual and run very well on a daily goals / to-do list. My goals today include making my closet a home, mailing a package, going to Target, and on the way to Target, using the LA Metro for the first time. Having moved here just on Wednesday the 10th, everything is completely new to me and my life is full of brand new experiences every single day. At times it can be scary and a lot to take in, but I love it! The thrill of new adventures is wonderful and I enjoy it so much!
Since Wednesday I have been fortunate enough to experience a plethora of events including going out in West Hollywood with the roomies and seeing The Simpsons take the Hollywood Bowl with Eric, Michael, and new friends! I am so thankful for the experiences I have had so far and I look forward to so many more as I begin this new and wonderful time in my life. I am driven, optimistic, and determined. I will be taking on LA with my friends and family near and far, who support me 100 percent, 24/7, and all of you here that are following my blog.
Many more adventures to come as I tackle the job hunt this week!
XOXO,
Lathanial
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