Canadian Buffoon's DISmeet vacation - 09/14 - Bowled Over

[pkondz]

Wife asked about going, but I couldn't stomach plopping down a few hundred dollars for one day tickets and express pass.

Really... it should be free
don't you think?

It's just rides after all.

Plus I didn't want to cheat on the mouse...we're in an exclusive relationship still. Maybe in a few more years we'll get bored of each other and open it up a little bit.

Nothing worse than seeing
a giant mouse cry.

I can't imagine tearing both at the same time. What the hell were you doing?

Well....

Cast your eyes back to Ponzi
in Grade 12 on track day.
He'd already run a few heats
in the 100 and was in the final.

I didn't have a trainer to tell me different,
so I was doing high kicks to loosen up.

Apparently this is a very bad idea.

I ran the race and tied with another fellow.
So... I was the fastest in my grade
and tied for fastest in the school. Cool!

That afternoon, after school was over,
I was walking down the street to the bus stop.
It pulled up. Crap! If I don't catch it,
it'll be 30 minutes for the next one.
(Do NOT get me started on the Winnipeg
transit system!!!)

I ran for the bus.
Or rather... I tried.
I took one stride with my right leg
and felt the hammy rip,
but before I could stop, I'd already
begun my left stride...

and ripped that one too.

I could hardly move.

And...


I missed the bus.

So like subway sandwiches??? but nicer.

That I understand.

Google doesn't know my walking speed!

It should. What kinda
crummy app is this?

Plus it was a nice day and that walk is peaceful. Also allowed me to talk to my dad on the phone for 30 minutes.

Okay. I'll give you that one.

I actually used my brita water bottle. Another pro-tip -- do NOT use the water filter with a carbonated alcoholic drink. OMG -- that was horrid.

I actually used the same shoes from October -- so perhaps they had too much mileage already? I also didn't use new socks this time.

I went to a running place
(coincidentally called "The Running Room")
and I got socks guaranteed not
to give you blisters.

So far... whether it's the shoes
or the socks...
No blisters.

hard to describe...but for me it was too bright and open. Every other signature restaurant I've been to feels more intimate. They need to turn down the lights by 50% or so, change the color palette a bit, and break up the seating areas so it's not just one big *** room in the middle. It has some interesting architectural stuff on the beams, but they're so high up you don't notice them at all. Chairs also looked kind of cheap to me -- just didn't really dig the vibe. It felt dated. It was also less than half full (although we didn't eat until after 8:30) -- so it didn't have that excitement level to it like you get at a busy place.

Hmmm... doesn't sound appealing.
I like a particular restaurant here.
But will never go to one location
for just that reason.
It's like a big barn.

the food was very good though.

That helps, though.

I do like the ambiance of the lounge next to it, so if I went back to the lodge -- I would probably just hit up the lounge for drinks and a few apps.

Gotcha.

 

[pkondz]

Hi. I feel like I should chime in.

Hi, Jenny!
to the TR!

It was nice to meet you at Alison’s.

It was nice meeting you too!
Glad you came by!

I’m going to start reading from the beginning.

You have my deepest condolences.
New update coming up hopefully tonight.

 

[pkondz]

Wow! I made it before you were too far in (I guess).

Yes you did!
Long time no see, stranger!

I've been lagging a bit on
the updates.

But to the TR!

Not sure where this report is heading but always love a good tale.

Well, if you figure it out,
let me know!

I've been dealing with real life and believe me it isn't much fun sometimes! Sometimes people suck. Just saying. But other people don't, so I'm focusing on them!

Oh boy...
You just said a mouthful.
There's a reason why
the updates are taking longer.



Hope things smooth out for you.

Enjoying the Harley tour. I actually had HD as a business to evaluate during my master's program. Mostly I know they were great, then they sucked, then they were great again! (Did I get that right?).

You did HD as a business evaluation?
Okay... that's cool!

And... yes. You got it right.

 

[pkondz]

Either would work. Just needs to be 8 ounces.

That's what everyone tells me!

So... You're saying... size matters.
Not consistency.

Just so we're clear, here.

 

[pkondz]

The World's Most Expensive Donut


We interrupt your regularly
(okay, okay... irregularly)
scheduled TR for a brief hiatus.
A pause.
A step in another direction.

Here I am, minding my own business;
happily telling all of you
all about my wonderful road trip,
which will be followed by a
wonderful trip to Disney World...


And everyone insists that I stop
and talk about something
completely different!


Sheesh!
I can take a hint, ya know!



So... as instructed,
nay... commanded...
I give you a quick
jaunt to the opposite coast.

It's gonna be a whirlwind trip,
so buckle up and hold onto
your loved ones.

(Or don't. I'm not judging.)



(Well, okay. I am a little...
But only a little.)



Early mornings suck.
Really early mornings, really suck.
Stupid early mornings especially suck!

But a stupid early morning
that will culminate in finding myself
on vacation?


That's acceptable.


So even though the cab came
at three a.m., I was in a good mood.

I arrived at CYWG
about half an hour later.
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
You know what we call it here?
You'd think maybe JAR?


No. We call it....



Wait for it...




The airport.
Not even capitalized.
Don't you think calling it
"The Airport" would be better
than "the airport"?
I personally think it's a capital idea.
No wait... I personally don't care.
I knew it was one of those.


For a few extra bucks,
I'd upgraded the seats
on both flights
(Winnipeg to Calgary
Calgary to Los Angeles)
to "Plus" seats.
It means more leg room,
a "free" meal and priority boarding.

I never used to worry about boarding.
I'd sit and relax while all the sheep
jostled for position to get on the plane.
Ha! I'd wait until everyone was on,
then casually sashay up to the podium
and calmly board the aircraft with panache.
And a carrion.


That was before airlines started
charging for checked bags.
Now everyone brings on all their
worldly possessions and tries
to squeeze them into the overhead bin
above their seat,
their spouse's seat,
their kids' seats,
and, more importantly...
my seat.

I do not like stowing my dead carrion
under the seat in front of me.
That is where my feet go.

So.... now, I either get dibs
on boarding...

Or I jostle for position and
try to be at the front of the line.

Baaaaa....

Eventually the plane arrives in LA,
and even better, I am on it
when it does.
("Where are you going?"
"LA"
"Business or pleasure?"
"Pleasure."
"Why do you look constipated?"
)

Luggage is not lost.
Another plus.
(Although rumour has it
that if your luggage gets lost
you get unlimited Fast Passes.)

After a couple missteps,
I find the National Car rental shuttle
and get my car.
A work perk I get is I get to pick
the car I want in the "Emerald Aisle"
and unlimited miles.
I decide to pick a Nissan Rogue.
Why? Because it makes me sound
debonair.
"You rogue, sir."

Trust me, I need all the help I can get.


Hmmm... Rogue. When I look at it,
it looks like it should be pronounced
"Row Goo".
Which makes it sound like a pasta sauce.

Mmmmmm.... pasta...

Sorry...
Where was I?
Right. California.
Car rental.
Rogue.


An added bonus is that it has
onboard GPS, so Betty
(my trusty, albeit naggy, GPS)
stays packed away.

I plug in the hotel to the GPS
and set out.
That's my goal for today.
Get to the hotel.
It's already afternoon
and the hotel is in Anaheim.
So.... that's about an hour
and a quarter away.
Or, in LA traffic,
approximately thirty six hours.
Not including bathroom breaks.

I eventually get to the hotel
and get checked in.

I didn't take photos of the room.
I've kinda stopped doing that,
unless it's really remarkable.

But I did take this photo.
Notice anything odd about it?

Yes, that's my stuff.
I'd already unpacked and
settled in when I took this shot.
Actually, it might even have been
from the next day.
So it's not that it had someone
else's stuff in it or anything.

No. You don't have to zoom in
or anything. It's obvious
once you know what to look for.


Hey! I've got an idea!
Why don't we skip ahead
to the next day,
since this one was
incredibly boring!!!



Okay. Now that I'm here...
The next day that is.
(And about time you got here.
Sheesh! We're waiting ya know!)
I have a little unfinished business
to take care of.

Two things, actually.
1. On my previous
(and at the time only
trip to California.)
I had tried to get a poker chip
at a Harley store near the airport.
And it was closed.
Hah! Not this time!
2. Kay (my youngest daughter)
and I wanted to see the Hollywood sign..
And, except for a brief shining moment,
we never did.

So those two things were first on the docket!

And... I'd already messed up.

Remember the onboard GPS?
Well, since I didn't use Betty,
I didn't need to use the saved
hotel location she had.
And I also forgot that the
Harley shop that was also saved,
was only 15 minutes from LAX
and was supposed to be
the very first thing I did.
So now it went to the last thing
I'd do.
(It didn't work out that way,
but we'll get to that in due time.)

I set out with Hollywood & Vine
punched into the GPS,
via Rodeo Drive.
Hollywood sign, here I come!

I had no intention of stopping
at Rodeo Drive, but just felt
like taking another peek.
I drove by and enjoyed
reliving a few memories.

"Skirts! Up to 50% off!
Now only $2,000!"

As I drove on towards Hollywood & Vine,
I passed the In-N-Out that
Kay and I had been to.
I knew I was close...

And the GPS kept right on past it
and kept going.

And right about then...

It's Hollywood and Highland
that I need.
I pulled over,
reprogrammed the GPS...
Phew. Only passed it
by a couple blocks.
I made two left turns,
a right and a left and
pulled into the parking lot.

I wandered around the area just a little.
I wanted to see this again:

But only spent a minute or two.
I was hungry, so...

What the heck.
I sashayed down to In-N-Out
and had a burger.
Not bad! Better than I remembered.


But you know what's better
than a burger and fries?
Well, okay... nothing.
But you know what's
a close second?

Chocolate.

mmmmm.....

You can grab a bag and fill
it with deliciousness.
And that's just what I did.
Oh... and I also grabbed
a chocolate chip cookie
for the walk.
You know.

Energy.

(Because a cheeseburger
and fries isn't enough.)


Okay. Time to see this sign.
I zipped up to the top floor
of Hollywood & Highland
and found a walkway
with people standing around.
Has to be it, right?

Right.

Okay! So.... there it is.

Grand total time spent looking
at sign I'd spent one year
trying to see.

About 5 seconds.

I honestly spent more time
cropping the photo of the sign
than I did looking at it.


So.... there's that.


Doesn't matter.
I have bigger fish to fry.
Well... the sign's pretty big,
so... different fish.
And not fish.
Rabbit.

or duck...

I arrived at Warner Bros
mid to late afternoon.
I pulled into the parkade
and asked if they still
had tours going.
I could have booked online,
but I honestly didn't know
what time I might get there.
Or even if I would get there.

The gate attendant took my $15
and told me that they are told
when the tours are sold out
so I was good to go.
Sweet!
I parked the car and took
the elevator up.

Oh boy! This was going to be good!
At least that's what @franandaj
told me.
So if it sucked, I could blame her.

Either way, a win/win.


Anyway, I was pretty stoked.
I mean just look at all those
classic movies! Oh boy!

I walked up to the ticket desk
and was told they were sold out.


oh


"Would you like tickets for tomorrow?"
Well, it'll cost me another $15 in parking, so....



I got a ticket for noon the next day.


And on the way out... a little karma.
I thought I'd stop at the parking booth,
just to let them know that the tours were
sold out.
More to prevent any other guests from
paying for parking and being disappointed.
I wasn't blaming the attendant for anything.
The attendant asked me if I'd bought a ticket
for tomorrow.
I nodded yes.
The attendant thanked me and wrote on
my ticket that it was good for tomorrow.

Nice! I hadn't asked for that,
so was pleased that she did that.


Okay..... now what?

Well, there was one thing
that was relatively close by...

I had no plans of going to Universal...
But Universal CityWalk is free, so...

Why not?


Why not? I'll tell you why not.

I arrived at the parking garage
and had a choice.
I could pay for valet parking
which runs $35...
(plus tip, I presume)
Or I could pay for regular
parking and shell out $25
and have to take an elevator.

I really don't mind elevators.
Unless someone farts.
Then I mind.
So I always try to be the one
who farts first on the elevator.
The best defense is being
offensive first, right?

I know some of you are
nodding in agreement.


Well I was kidding.
What's your excuse?

I just breath hold.
I can now hold my breath
for over three minutes.

That usually dictates the
floor that I'm getting off at.


After paying a small fortune
for parking and leaving
my mark on the elevator...



I wandered around CityWalk.

I took a grand total of one photo.

You're welcome.
This is the kind of clutch
TR writing that you can
depend on around here!

Look, you want more?
Go to my last TR.

I popped in and out of a handful
of shops, but... nothing really
jumped out at me.
Which is good, because
who wants crap jumping on them??




Before I left, though,
I spotted the one store that
grabbed my attention.

Voodoo doughnuts.

I picked out a donut
and pointed it out.
The lady behind me
didn't really care.
I didn't take a photo of it,
because I had them bag it
for later noshing at the hotel.

And when "later" happened,
I noshed before I remembered to shoot.

So rather than show you a donut
with two bites taken out of it,
here's the one I got:

Chocolate frosting, Oreo cookies, and peanut butter.

Yumm!

And so over the top rich that after two bites...
I was done.

It was enough.

So..... I basically spent $25
(plus the cost of the donut)
for two bites.

World's most expensive donut!



But before I get back to the hotel...

I left Universal
(with THE WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE DONUT!!!!)
and decided I had time for two quick stops.

They weren't overly out of the way, so...
again... why not?

The first stop was an HD shop
in Glendale.
Poker chip and run!


The second stop...
I'd heard of the Frank Gehry
designed Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Here's a little tidbit of trivia,
courtesy of that font of knowledge...
No, not Google... Wikipedia:

After the construction, modifications were made to the Founders Room exterior; while most of the building's exterior was designed with stainless steel given a matte finish, the Founders Room and Children's Amphitheater were designed with highly polished mirror-like panels. The reflective qualities of the surface were amplified by the concave sections of the Founders Room walls. Some residents of the neighboring condominiums suffered glare caused by sunlight that was reflected off these surfaces and concentrated in a manner similar to a parabolic mirror. The resulting heat made some rooms of nearby condominiums unbearably warm, caused the air-conditioning costs of these residents to skyrocket and created hot spots on adjacent sidewalks of as much as 140 °F (60 °C). There was also the increased risk of traffic accidents due to blinding sunlight reflected from the polished surfaces. After complaints from neighboring buildings and residents, the owners asked Gehry Partners to come up with a solution. Their response was a computer analysis of the building's surfaces identifying the offending panels. In 2005 these were dulled by lightly sanding the panels to eliminate unwanted glare.


So.... who wouldn't want to see
a building that allowed you
to cook eggs on the sidewalk??
And since I was kinda in the area...

I drove over and found an open
meter on the street about a block away.

I had just enough change for...

Eight minutes.
Okay! GO!!!!!

The building is visually arresting
to say the least.

I climbed some stairs
(not the ones shown)
and walked around the building.

Truly a gorgeous building.


Whelp! My eight minutes are up.
I high-tailed it back to the car.
Luckily traffic back to the hotel
wasn't too bad so it only took
an hour or two.

And that was the start
of my California adventure.


Coming up:
More adventures, a few DISmeets,
a Disney Day and a Grand Prix.


Oh....

And did you see it?

Brothers And A Pier​

 

[Steppesister]

So... as instructed,
nay... commanded...
I give you a quick
jaunt to the opposite coast.

I'm pretty sure I said "pretty please" but may have to go back and check.

But a stupid early morning
that will culminate in finding myself
on vacation?


That's acceptable.

Nothing is easier to get out of bed for than a vacation! But especially a Disney vacation!

I personally think it's a capital idea.

<slow golf clap, followed quickly by a deep eye roll>

then casually sashay up to the podium
and calmly board the aircraft with panache.
And a carrion.

You're doing it alll wrong. If you ever board one of my planes, A) you can't bring on any carrion and, B) only sauntering will work.

(Although rumour has it
that if your luggage gets lost
you get unlimited Fast Passes.)

If I pack ALL of my underwear in my luggage, it's GUARANTEED to be lost. And the only FiPs I got were... nope. No FiPs. Only TR fodder.

But I did take this photo.
Notice anything odd about it?

No trash can? No towels?? No clue.

But you know what's better
than a burger and fries?

Yes, a burger from Tommy's.

Grand total time spent looking
at sign I'd spent one year
trying to see.

About 5 seconds.

There are so many far better things to do in the area.

Oh boy! This was going to be good!
At least that's what @franandaj
told me.
So if it sucked, I could blame her.

Hey @franandaj doncha love how he throws you under the bus?!

The attendant thanked me and wrote on
my ticket that it was good for tomorrow.

Score!!!

The best defense is being
offensive first, right?

Yes, that's why I always blame them on my patients.

Voodoo doughnuts.

You do realize my hood is home to the Voodoo....

I'd heard of the Frank Gehry
designed Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Not to lure you here or anything, but ummm, the Mo Pop Musuem in Seattle is also a Gehry work, there is a Chihuly Musuem right next door, and not far away is a Japanese Garden. Not to mention Voodoo, and Pikes Market. Just sayin'....

Lovely abstract!! Me likey!

Oh, and yes, I did see him... he stands out amongst a crowd.

 

[pkondz]

I'm pretty sure I said "pretty please" but may have to go back and check.

I believe you did!

Nothing is easier to get out of bed for than a vacation! But especially a Disney vacation!

<slow golf clap, followed quickly by a deep eye roll>

So impressed
and disgusted.


Not bad!

You're doing it alll wrong. If you ever board one of my planes, A) you can't bring on any carrion and, B) only sauntering will work.

And how is the pilot license acquisition going?

If I pack ALL of my underwear in my luggage, it's GUARANTEED to be lost.

YMMV.

And the only FiPs I got were... nope. No FiPs. Only TR fodder.

Well, some readers get them!

No trash can? No towels?? No clue.

Good eye.
The trash can is behind
the wall and the towels
are in the shower.

Nope. Something else.

Yes, a burger from Tommy's.

I have to try this place obviously.

Hey @franandaj doncha love how he throws you under the bus?!

Yes, that's why I always blame them on my patients.

You do realize my hood is home to the Voodoo....

It is? Well!
Now I can say I've
been to Portland.

Not to lure you here or anything, but ummm, the Mo Pop Musuem in Seattle is also a Gehry work, there is a Chihuly Musuem right next door, and not far away is a Japanese Garden. Not to mention Voodoo, and Pikes Market. Just sayin'....

oooooohhhh...
(Put's Seattle on the bucket list.)

Lovely abstract!! Me likey!

Thanks!

Oh, and yes, I did see him... he stands out amongst a crowd.

 

[Steppesister]

Handicapped room??

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Here I am, minding my own business;
happily telling all of you
all about my wonderful road trip,
which will be followed by a
wonderful trip to Disney World...


And everyone insists that I stop
and talk about something
completely different!

That was easy. I can't believe that worked!

Sheesh!
I can take a hint, ya know!

Great! Next, please mail me a bag of unmarked, untraceable thousand-dollar bills (U.S.).

Early mornings suck.
Really early mornings, really suck.
Stupid early mornings especially suck!

Agreed.

But a stupid early morning
that will culminate in finding myself
on vacation?


That's acceptable.

Also agreed. That's really the only acceptable reason.

Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
You know what we call it here?
You'd think maybe JAR?


No. We call it....



Wait for it...




The airport.

Well. That was anti-climactic.

("Where are you going?"
"LA"
"Business or pleasure?"
"Pleasure."
"Why do you look constipated?"
)

There it is!

I decide to pick a Nissan Rogue.
Why? Because it makes me sound
debonair.
"You rogue, sir."

I like it. We can run with that.

"Your name?"

"Pkondz...just Pkondz."

Hmmm... Rogue. When I look at it,
it looks like it should be pronounced
"Row Goo".
Which makes it sound like a pasta sauce.

I dunno, "goo" never really makes anything sound appetizing.

It's already afternoon
and the hotel is in Anaheim.
So.... that's about an hour
and a quarter away.
Or, in LA traffic,
approximately thirty six hours.

But I did take this photo.
Notice anything odd about it?

It's hard to notice things that aren't there, but I think I eventually figured it out. And I really, really hope you never had to take a dump.

Hey! I've got an idea!
Why don't we skip ahead
to the next day,
since this one was
incredibly boring!!!

Wow, best TR ever!

Okay. Now that I'm here...
The next day that is.
(And about time you got here.
Sheesh! We're waiting ya know!)

Sorry. My flux capacitor has been on the fritz lately.

And I also forgot that the
Harley shop that was also saved,
was only 15 minutes from LAX
and was supposed to be
the very first thing I did.
So now it went to the last thing
I'd do.

"Skirts! Up to 50% off!
Now only $2,000!"

Not bad if they come with a TV in them.

But you know what's better
than a burger and fries?

A burger and fries with bacon. Duh.

Oh... and I also grabbed
a chocolate chip cookie
for the walk.
You know.

Energy.

Right. Of course. Why else would anyone eat a cookie?

Right.

Okay! So.... there it is.

Grand total time spent looking
at sign I'd spent one year
trying to see.

About 5 seconds.

Not sure what else you could have done there, though.

The gate attendant took my $15
and told me that they are told
when the tours are sold out
so I was good to go.
Sweet!

Perfect! What could possibly go wrong?

Oh boy! This was going to be good!
At least that's what @franandaj
told me.
So if it sucked, I could blame her.

Excellent plan. I'd totally do the same thing!

I walked up to the ticket desk
and was told they were sold out.


oh

D'oh.

What we have here....is failure to communicate.

And on the way out... a little karma.
I thought I'd stop at the parking booth,
just to let them know that the tours were
sold out.
More to prevent any other guests from
paying for parking and being disappointed.
I wasn't blaming the attendant for anything.
The attendant asked me if I'd bought a ticket
for tomorrow.
I nodded yes.
The attendant thanked me and wrote on
my ticket that it was good for tomorrow.

Sweet! That was nice.

But Universal CityWalk is free, so...

Why not?


Why not? I'll tell you why not.

I arrived at the parking garage
and had a choice.
I could pay for valet parking
which runs $35...
(plus tip, I presume)
Or I could pay for regular
parking and shell out $25
and have to take an elevator.

This sounds...familiar somehow.

I really don't mind elevators.
Unless someone farts.
Then I mind.
So I always try to be the one
who farts first on the elevator.
The best defense is being
offensive first, right?

I know some of you are
nodding in agreement.

You have to mark your territory, establish your dominance. Survival of the fittest.

Well I was kidding.
What's your excuse?

Um, I mean....well....

I'm a jerk.

After paying a small fortune
for parking and leaving
my mark on the elevator...

Attaboy.

I took a grand total of one photo.

And there it is.

Look, you want more?
Go to my last TR.

Nah. Too much work.

I popped in and out of a handful
of shops, but... nothing really
jumped out at me.
Which is good, because
who wants crap jumping on them??

You know...that's an excellent point.

Chocolate frosting, Oreo cookies, and peanut butter.

Oh, man. That looks amazing!

So..... I basically spent $25
(plus the cost of the donut)
for two bites.

World's most expensive donut!

Wow. So, yeah...I hope it was good!

I'd heard of the Frank Gehry
designed Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Saw that in the Steve Carell movie version of Get Smart, which is hugely underrated.

Truly a gorgeous building.

I dunno...every time I see a Frank Gehry building (like the Pritzker Pavilion in Chicago), I think the same thing: it looks like a bunch of crumpled-up tin foil to me. Maybe it's the engineer in me, but...I don't get it, myself. I will now prepare to be flamed.

And did you see it?

Yes! If ever there were a place where he belonged....

 

[pkondz]

Handicapped room??

Nope!

 

[juniorbugman]

But I did take this photo.
Notice anything odd about it?

Yes I can't find the toilet paper roll. Where is it hiding?
Also found the hidden gem - he wants to be with his buddies.

Okay. Time to see this sign.
I zipped up to the top floor
of Hollywood & Highland
and found a walkway
with people standing around.
Has to be it, right?

Hey your view of the sign was better than mine.

Glad you had a good first day and got lots done.
Can't say that I would be eating that donut. Not my cup of tea.

Oh and Happy May the Fourth be with you day.

 

[MeghanEmily]

For a few extra bucks,
I'd upgraded the seats
on both flights
(Winnipeg to Calgary
Calgary to Los Angeles)
to "Plus" seats.
It means more leg room,
a "free" meal and priority boarding.

Yes!! I have much love for the Plus seats.

"Why do you look constipated?"

Hmm...I'm beginning to wonder why this is an ongoing trend. Maybe this is something you should analyze a bit...

I wanted to see this again:

Cool!! Looks like Hollywood Studios...but bigger...and...real-er.

I honestly spent more time
cropping the photo of the sign
than I did looking at it.

The attendant asked me if I'd bought a ticket
for tomorrow.
I nodded yes.
The attendant thanked me and wrote on
my ticket that it was good for tomorrow.

Nice! I hadn't asked for that,
so was pleased that she did that.

How nice! Only fair since they kind of led you astray a bit.

Chocolate frosting, Oreo cookies, and peanut butter.

Yumm!

And so over the top rich that after two bites...
I was done.

Oh my goodness. Sinful.

Neat! I've heard of this hall before. We actually briefly discussed it in one of my music classes once. I like the photos you took of it!

 

[vamassey1]

So... You're saying... size matters.
Not consistency.

Just so we're clear, here.

Now that's a hard one. I may have to think on it awhile.

But a stupid early morning
that will culminate in finding myself
on vacation?


That's acceptable.

Always!

Luggage is not lost.

I can't believe you had luggage and not just a carryon.

Chocolate.

Love Chocolate!

I walked up to the ticket desk
and was told they were sold out.

Aww man that just stinks.

The attendant thanked me and wrote on
my ticket that it was good for tomorrow.

That's a little better.

Chocolate frosting, Oreo cookies, and peanut butter.

Too sweet for me.

The first stop was an HD shop
in Glendale.
Poker chip and run!

Success!

So.... who wouldn't want to see
a building that allowed you
to cook eggs on the sidewalk??
And since I was kinda in the area...

Very interesting. Love learning new tidbits.

And did you see it?

I think so, but it was a little bland with no color.

 

[pkondz]

That was easy. I can't believe that worked!

You thought I'd need more???

Great! Next, please mail me a bag of unmarked, untraceable thousand-dollar bills (U.S.).

These do?

Well. That was anti-climactic.

It's like you've never
read my TRs before.

There it is!

Well...
I actually almost forgot
to include it.
But some things
just need to be maintained.



No idea why, really.

I like it. We can run with that.

"Your name?"

"Pkondz...just Pkondz."

Vodka martini, shaken not stirred,
make it a slushy.

I dunno, "goo" never really makes anything sound appetizing.

It's hard to notice things that aren't there, but I think I eventually figured it out. And I really, really hope you never had to take a dump.

Well.... that's when I
noticed it.

Wow, best TR ever!

I excel at mediocrity.

Sorry. My flux capacitor has been on the fritz lately.

Where's a lightning bolt
when you need one??

Not bad if they come with a TV in them.

A burger and fries with bacon. Duh.

Well, sure...
And two patties.
And four slices of cheese.

But in general... a burger.

Not sure what else you could have done there, though.

Where's the light show?
Where are the fireworks?

Excellent plan. I'd totally do the same thing!

Always blame others for your mistakes.
It's the battle cry of the current generation.

What we have here....is failure to communicate.

This sounds...familiar somehow.

See why I asked?

You have to mark your territory, establish your dominance. Survival of the fittest.

Dude!!
Well....


yeah.

Um, I mean....well....

I'm a jerk.

Attaboy.

Nah. Too much work.

Good call.

Oh, man. That looks amazing!

It was... pretty darned good!
Just... so much sweetness.
I think I became diabetic
just looking at it.

Wow. So, yeah...I hope it was good!

It was... at least
two bites of it was.

Saw that in the Steve Carell movie version of Get Smart, which is hugely underrated.

You know...
I seriously considered mentioning that.
I really liked that movie.
So much that I bought a copy.

I dunno...every time I see a Frank Gehry building (like the Pritzker Pavilion in Chicago), I think the same thing: it looks like a bunch of crumpled-up tin foil to me. Maybe it's the engineer in me, but...I don't get it, myself. I will now prepare to be flamed.

Nah. The best thing about modern
architecture, is that form doesn't
have to follow function quite so
rigidly.
I have no problem if the form
an architect choses does not meet
everyone's idea of beauty.

Actually, kinda glad it doesn't.
If everyone liked it... then it
would be boring.

And I've seen the Pritzker Pavilion.

Yes! If ever there were a place where he belonged....

 

[pkondz]

Yes I can't find the toilet paper roll. Where is it hiding?

Also found the hidden gem - he wants to be with his buddies.

Of course. Don't we all?
Except when we want
to be alone.
Or to blow up the Earth
because it's obscuring
our view of Venus.

Hey your view of the sign was better than mine.

Whoa.
Is that smoke or fog or smog or?

Glad you had a good first day and got lots done.
Can't say that I would be eating that donut. Not my cup of tea.

It's not tea.
It's a donut.

I only managed two bites.
Just too much.

My whole system shut down.

Oh and Happy May the Fourth be with you day.

Same to you!

Or should I say:

 

[pkondz]

Yes!! I have much love for the Plus seats.

What's not to love?
Priority boarding.
Don't have to worry about
your carry-on.
(I actually was told that.
I arrived late at the gate
and they told me not
to worry since I was in Plus.)
Bottle of water.
Occasional hot towels.
Free food.
Leg room!
Arm room!
(I love that table
in between the seats.)

Hmm...I'm beginning to wonder why this is an ongoing trend. Maybe this is something you should analyze a bit...

Maybe I should practice
my facial expressions
in the mirror?

Ha! Joke's on you!
I tried that.
Mirror cracked.

Cool!! Looks like Hollywood Studios...but bigger...and...real-er.

And yet both the same.
No ride there.

How nice! Only fair since they kind of led you astray a bit.

Unexpected.
And appreciated!

Oh my goodness. Sinful.

I only sinned a little.

Neat! I've heard of this hall before. We actually briefly discussed it in one of my music classes once. I like the photos you took of it!

Thanks!

 

[pkondz]

Now that's a hard one. I may have to think on it awhile.

I can't believe you had luggage and not just a carryon.

Depends on the trip.
I knew I'd have to wear
something other than
shorts and a Tee.
Plus... um...

Well, you'll see.

Love Chocolate!

Aww man that just stinks.

Stay tuned.

Too sweet for me.

Because you're sweet enough.
Of course.
Totally get that.

Success!

Yuss!

Very interesting. Love learning new tidbits.

I think so, but it was a little bland with no color.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Notice anything odd about it?

No TP?

My whole system shut down

Maybe that’s good since there’s no TP.

 

[pkondz]

No TP?

Good eyes.

Maybe that’s good since there’s no TP.

 

[franandaj]

OK, I'll be back to comment on the whole thing when I get caught up elsewhere and get my next update up, but I'll comment on the "what's wrong with this picture?"

Me: Man that felt good! I'm so glad to not be carrying THAT around inside me! Where's the.....? Oh crap!

ETA: I didn't see the previous posters comment. I've been looking at that picture for the last hour and it finally hit me!

ETA again: OK that was weird.....the only comments I saw were Liesa's, but you put that up last night and people have been commenting all day. The DIS is being weird on me!