Wicked Weekend!!!

I have looked forward to this weekend for 9 months. It all started when my boss came back from Denver after seeing the musical Wicked and telling us how much we all need to see it. My coworkers and I immediately got to work planning our "wicked weekend". The closest venue was LA so we thought why not? Plane tickets were purchased, rental vans reserved, hotel rooms booked, and other entertainment put together. Thirteen ladies ranging from ages 26-55 left early friday morning (with two of these ladies almost missing the plane) and arrived in Long Beach California ready to soak up the sun.

The first day we went to Universal studios. LA traffic was scary and I was one of the drivers who lived through it. Thank goodness for the GPS system. When we got there everyone had diferent ideas on what they wanted to do so each of the groups split up. There were no cliques and everyone was able to see what they wanted and what interested them. We had a great time. Later, we met up for dinner at Bubba Gumps with a little personal dancing from our waiters OW OW! Then attempted the scary drive home once again.


The next morning (after not much sleep), my roomies and I were up super early. After atempting to order Enchanted on the hotel tv, we bagged it and got dressed and then drove ten miles away for treats at Walmart. I have to tell you about my roomies. One was one of my best friend's, Maren, whom I have know for the last ten years. She and I have always had an amazing bond and I couldn't ask for a better friend. Her mom, Liz, also shared with us. She's my boss and a very good friend. We also have a close relationship so we were lucky to spend all that time together. After breakfast, we were once again headed to LA (with me in the driver's seat, scary). We got there early, parked, and then once again, everyone kind of split up to do their own thing. We wanted to tour the kodak theater (home of the Oscars) so we bought tickets to that and then toured the hollywood walk of fame. Hollywood is definately an interesting place with some interesting people. The tour of the Kodak theater was one of my favorite parts. I am of course awestruck by famous people (I read too many people magazines) so I loved picturing the stars sitting in the seats. Next was lunch and then off to WICKED!!! Wow is all I can say. It was amazing and I loved every minute of it. I only wished Scott could be there to share it with me.

After the play, I took one group of people in our van to tour the Hollywood hills and hopefully see some famous homes. I didn't count on Hollywood traffic and scary narrow streets. After sweating to death and a tension headache, that idea was bagged. So the two vans drove down to tour Rodeo drive. The shops were all closed up but you knew that they were expensive (saw a men's necktie for $300). There were some high school girls (paris hilton types) walking around with numerous bags. I can't even imagine their allowance. After experiencing an expensive dinner their, we drove home (getting more used to driving by now).


The next morning we spent in Long Beach. What a beautiful place. We decided to do some whale watching (thinking it was a short cruise of 45minutes). We weren't able to see any whales but we did see some dolphins and sea lions. The water was peaceful and the company was great. Then our three hour tour was done (yep, three hours). We didn't have much time for anything else but lunch. That was scrumptious and we decided the best food we'd had all trip (some went to PF Changs and some to Parkers steakhouse). We went to the airport and got into SLC late that night.


It was three great days of fun with some of the most wonderful people I know.