Mas California

Hello Friends,

Sorry that it has taken me a few days to post a new update on our lives, but we are in sunny southern California. It's a bit difficult to sit inside and write when the beach is a half mile away. Before I get into what we've been up to, let me answer my mom's questions in her most recent comment. The Indians traded Cliff Lee. They are now looking at trading Victor Martinez (our best player) to the scum of the Earth, the Boston Red Sox. What do I think? Well Tribe fans, get ready to experience the Cleveland Indians of 2003-2006. We are in full-on rebuilding mode. Expect to see a different manager next year, and don't be surprised if we are so bad in 2010 that the Kansas City Royals finish with a better record. It would be nice to see some life from the Tribe at the end of the season to save Wedge's job, but don't count on it. As a Cleveland sports fan, I now have three things to look forward to. (1) Tailgating and drinking my way through another horrific Browns season. (2) OSU football - winning just enough games to make it to a BCS bowl game and get blown away by an SEC team. (3) King James leading the Cavs to a championship and ending the 46 year drought of Cleveland professional sports (yes, I actually believe this). Enough Cleveland sports venting, here's what we've been up to...

Our past few days in LA were some of the best I've had on this trip. We spent two nights in Westwood on UCLA's campus with Rachel. She moved in on Tuesday to get ready for law school. Once again, Sam and I were the first guests to spend the night. The majority of the night was spent catching up with Rachel, and then we went out to a couple places around Westwood Village. First, the Westwood Brewing Co. is the most disappointing brew pub around. They had a $3 bottle special, only they were sold out of about 20 kinds of beer and had 4 types left. Weak. The best part was that Mickey Davis (Christie's sister) met us there for a few beverages and was kind enough to pick up the tab and treat us to some free drinks. She gave us - well really Rachel - the scoop on living in LA, all the fun stuff to do, and what to watch out for. We also spent some time talking about the upcoming wedding and how much fun we're going to have, of course. When Mickey decided to call it a night (it must suck to have a job), Rachel, Sam and I went across the street to a kick-ass Mexican (go figure) restaurant for dinner. Unfortunately, the kitchen was closed so we didn't get much of a dinner. What we did get were giant margaritas and the best guacamole I've ever had - no joke. The manager brought out a huge tray with all the ingredients, sliced and scooped the avocado, added in onions, tomatoes, cilantro, etc., threw in some hot peppers, and squeezed the juice from a lime to top it off. He asked smooth or chunky (chunky obviously), and wallah, the best guac ever!

The only word to describe our last day in LA is perfect. Here's a quick rundown. Rachel and I spent most of the day at the beach. We bummed on the beach, walked from south Santa Monica to the Venice Pier, and walked back north on the Venice boardwalk. This place is slowly becoming one of my favorite's in the country. I think I've mentioned it before, but there simply isn't a better people watching spot. So we headed back to Westwood after a full beach day, cleaned ourselves up, and got ready to celebrate Sam's birthday!!!

We first went to a small diner in Westwood for dinner. I had a turkey burger with avocado. I only mention that because I absolutely love how Californians put avocado on everything. So to celebrate, we drove down the road to Santa Monica to a place called Cabo Cantina. This place has something that most bars I've been to wouldn't even be smart enough to think of. It has late night happy hour, in addition to its normal happy hour. So from 10:30 to 12:30, ALL drinks are two-for-one. In other words, order a beer, get two. Order a margarita, get a double or get two. Order a birthday shot for Sam, get one for yourself. You get the idea. What made it even better was that we had an OU reunion to celebrate. Our good friend Sara was in town from Chicago, staying with Ashley and McKenzie. Plus Rachel joined us and Sam's friend Brittany was there as well. Seven Bobcats all drinking together in LA. We decided that we have absolutely no school spirit until drinking is involved. "Sam, drink that faster. You call yourself a bobcat?" After Cabo, we went to a bar down the street to end the night. The only important thing to note is this: Sam had three guys around her at once talking to her about the baseball trip. As you all could have easily guessed, telling a guy in a bar that you're on a baseball roadtrip to see every MLB stadium will most certainly get his attention - especially if you're a cute blonde. Definitely a successful bday celebration for Sam!

Yesterday was a bittersweet goodbye to LA. On one hand I was psyched to go to San Diego (who wouldn't be?), but on the other hand I was sad to leave LA and some of my very best friends. But the show must go on, so we drove to SD after a quick pit stop to pick up my credit card from Cabo Cantina! Bonehead move Matt. I spent yesterday with my cousin Jess and her boyfriend Alex, while Sam took the car and headed to her high school friend Evan's place. Jess, Alex, and I walked the rocks/cliffs along the beach and enjoyed happy hour at South Beach Bar & Grill - my favorite place in Ocean Beach. We enjoyed fish tacos and $3 pint night. After spending a few hours drinking and people watching as beach-goers passed by, we headed back to their apartment to chill in the hot tub and crash early. I was pretty drained from our stint in LA, but I'm refreshed today and ready to take on the Padres game. I think I slept for 10 to 11 hours last night, but it was a well-need rest. I'll be checking back in in a few days, so please stay tuned to read more about San Diego and the Bay Area. Adios!

Matt