"O" Yeah

My newest tattoo, courtesy of Dave Hatton

Okay, this is now officially the longest I've gone without blogging. Yes, I'm still being hip. Yes, I'm still trying new places. Yes, I'm still gettin' my workout on. Although, I am ever so fortunate to have a full time job that takes up the majority of my time, which hinders my blogging updates. I've finally reached my career goal of becoming a full time elementary school teacher. I work at an amazing school in the San Fernando Valley and teach 20 adorable second graders who, as chatty as they can be, truly light up my days. Even though my voice is shot and my energy drained, I can look back on these seven post-college years and see that all the dedication, hard work, and trying times have led me here. I'm a teacher. This is where I want to be.

And now, your reviews for the day:

Red O 8155 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046

Holy shit. Without a doubt, one of the best restaurants I've ever eaten in. Created by Rick Bayless, winner of "Top Chef Masters," this Mexican joint has the perfect combination of taste, ambiance, and Los Angeles class. My cousin chose this place for his birthday and, although I knew the bill would be a pretty penny, it was WELL worth it. Our menu looked something like this (mind you, there were seven of us): Albacore tuna ceviche, Yellow-Fin tuna ceviche, chicken en mole poblano, beef short rib sope, pork belly sope, duck taquitos, fresh corn and goat cheese tamales, Oaxacan chicken tamale (my bro and I weren't fans of this one), crab and shrimp enchiladas (O...M...G), Tinga Poblana, carne asada, goat cheese cheesecake (a little intense for me), bunuelos, and cajeta ice cream. Wowie zowie. The bill came to $60 per person, although take one bite of those pork belly sopes and you'll be running back for more. Rezzies are hard to snag, so book in advance. Parking is street or valet, and don't forget to check out the tequila bar attached to the restaurant. Who's with me??

Izaka-ya by Katsu-ya 8420 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles 90048

Hands down, one of the best sushi restaurants in LA. And, lucky me, it's a stone's throw from my apartment. Had a girls' night out here with one of my closest ladies, and we indulged. Miss O introduced me to the creamy rock shrimp tempura, which was out of this world. Combine that with baked crab, tuna on crispy rice, Robert rolls, fresh fish, sake, and good company, and you've got the perfect night out. It's pricey, but not much more than you'd pay at any other legit sushi joint. Make a reservation or you'll be locked in quite a wait. Parking is street or valet. When you're done, walk a few doors west and pop into St. Nick's for a drink or two. Mmm mmm good!

Velvet Grip Tattoo 7213.5 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles 90046

Dave Hatton rocks my world. He's a no frills artist who tells it like it is. He makes the experience vulgar and entertaining -- just how I like it -- and he does an amazing job. If you want a tattoo, go see Dave. Tell him I sent you.

Zumba

What's better than working out without realizing you're actually working out? Nothing! Zumba is a combination of Latin and African beats that works you from head to toe. Since my gym closed for renovation and my schedule leaves me very little time to even breathe, I needed a workout that would be convenient, yet successful. Drop $75 and you'll get the dvd series and toning sticks -- totally worth it. Don't be surprised if you look like a total jackass when doing the moves; fortunately, this is geared for the comfort of your own home. I shut my windows, close the blinds, and shake what my mama gave me (my apologies to the neighbors downstairs). You'll be sweating within the first 10 minutes and craving to move like the people in the video (keep dreaming). Oh, and yes, Beto looks like he smokes some serious crack. His eyes are a wee bit too dilated when they do those close-ups. You can't blame him, though. He's made an empire off of shaking his hips. Rock on, Beto. Rock on.

Download this:

History (feat. Will Young) by Groove Armada and Mr. McGee by Zero 7, both of which make me very, very happy.

And, finally I will leave you with this quote for the day, which is a little insight into my life at the moment:

"When I come to the edge of all the light
I know, and am about to step off into the
darkness of the unknown, FAITH is knowing
one of two things will happen ...

Either there will be something solid to
stand on or I will be taught how to fly."