California Love

Forget resolutions...I'm making a FUNgenda for 2010. I'll probably be keeping travels pretty domestic this year, which is fine; there are so many things to do in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, etc. So, I decided to make a list of fun things to do in 2010. Here's the short list:

Visit more museums. I've been to the "biggies" but there are still many museums that need exploring...MOCA in L.A., the Bowers Museum (they currently have a collection of gold and jewelry from Troy!), and the Laguna Art Museum are just a few I want to visit.

See (and read) more plays. Yes, I see many musicals, but there will be several Pulitzer Prize-winning plays showing locally in 2010, including Fences and Crimes of the Heart, and I want to get some cheap seats to see them. Some of the best writing I've ever read has been in play form. I'm excited to explore this new literary realm.

Re-enact the knife fight from Rebel Without a Cause at the Griffith Observatory. Just kidding. I might just quote a line or two from the movie instead. I've never been!

Get a hot dog at Pink's in Hollywood. They have vegetarian selections. I already checked online. And then maybe drive down to Venice, rent a beach cruiser, and ride up to the Santa Monica Pier.

Find some really good used bookstores. I'm getting a little sick of Barnes and Noble, plus used books are cheaper, and sometimes they smell so good. I also want to find an old typewriter.

Take a cooking class with Sam the Cooking Guy in San Diego. My dad and I love Sam's shows, so we've decided to take a class next year. It'll be like watching the show, only we can eat everything being made!

Speaking of San Diego, I'd also like to go to Petco Field to see a Padres game. I can't believe I've never been. This is a top priority for 2010.

Visit the Westwood Memorial Park and Hollywood Forever Cemetery. (Is that weird?)

Visit Salvation Mountain, kitsch at its finest. Huell Howser has convinced me that it's worth the trip! I'd love to chat with/interview its creator, Leonard Knight. I think it would be a memorable outing.

Go to Knott's Berry Farm and the San Diego Zoo; I haven't been to either place in over a decade.

Take pictures in front of the Chiat/Day Advertising Agency in L.A. and the Hollywood sign...I'm willing to drive through obscure L.A. neighborhoods and even hike for a perfectly framed shot...whatever it takes.

Visit the Bradbury Building in downtown L.A. where the last scene from 500 Days of Summer was filmed...it's gorgeous!

Anyone want to join me on my adventures?

2010 is going to be a fun year...let's fall in love with California.