Two Thousand Nine

I could be spending this post recapping the past decade. (I'm still in a little disbelief that we're somehow ending a decade!) But I figured I'd be a little less ambitious and recap 2009 only.

Kicked off 2009 by watching LSU win the Chick-fil-a bowl.

The boy and I moved into our first apartment.

Spend Valentine's Day at a wedding.

Slumdog Millionaire won the Oscar for Best Picture.

Went to the first series ever at LSU's New Alex Box Stadium kicking off a season where LSU baseball won the College World Series.

Spent 22 hours in California for Passover.

Went to Santa Cruz, California for my brother's college graduation.

Celebrated the boy's niece's 2nd birthday.

Went to an LSU football game, the first time I'd gone to one with the boy.

Bought the new Backstreet Boys cd.

Celebrated my 25th birthday.

Welcomed the boy's nephew into the world.

Celebrated mine and the boy's 3rd anniversary


Spent my first ever Thanksgiving with the boy's family.

Completed NaBloPoMo.

Had snowfall in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Celebrated my 1st blogoversary.

Spent Christmas in California. (A full recap of the trip will be coming... next year!)

I didn't think I was going to have a lot to include in this post, but turns out quite a lot of exciting things happened. Here's hoping 2010 is just as exciting!

Happy New Year!

~Shoshanah

Blogoversary Q & A

I've been wanting to do a Q&A session for a while, but I was a little scared as to the questions I was going to get. What if they were all questions I didn't want to answer, or even wasn't sure how to answer. But you all surprised me, and I loved all your questions. I've kept rereading them, and I've been awfully excited to answer them all! I was a little surprised that in general they seemed to fall in categories, and figured it would be easiest to organized the answers that way. I hope you enjoy reading the answers as much as I enjoyed answering them!

In General
Amber asked "What did you go to university for?"
In college I doubled majored in math and chemistry. And I went to grad school for a Masters in math.

Amber asked "What is your current career and is it what you'd hoped/planned to be doing?"
and
Classy in Philadelphia asked "What's your job?"
I do try to avoid talking about work in general, but I can let you all know I work in the insurance field. (And yes, I realize how little that narrows it down.) I actually had no idea what I wanted to be doing, and kind of fell into the whole situation and field. But I do think its a pretty good fit for me overall.

Crazy Shenanigans asked "I want to finish hearing about how you and the ended up together. You left us hanging WEEKS ago!!!"
Haha! You're right! I do have a full entry planed to answer this, so I will keep you waiting a little longer. How about I make a New Years resolution continue the story!

Abbie asked "What is your favorite season?"
I would probably say summer, most likely since I've always lived in fairly warm climates. I do like visiting the snow, but I'm not a fan of actually having to live in it.

Suz asked "Do you have any nicknames?"
Not really, people have tried but in general they tend to to stick for too long. I've had people have tried Shosh, Shoshie, or even Shaun, and the boy's niece has been calling me Aunt Sonna lately.

Traveling
Anais asked "I'd love to have a list of all the places you've been! Whenever you talk about a new one I'm like - OMG you've been there TOO!"
and
Baker Girl asked "I too would love to know all the places you've been. It seems like you're always throwing in some other place and I'm all 'Whoa she's been there too???'"
My parents gave me the traveling bug early. They decided that it would be a great idea to take me to Europe as a baby. I can't tell you all the countries I went to on this trip, since I don't quite remember. But I can tell you all I spent my 1st birthday skinny-dipping on the French Rivera. But the trips that actually count (excluding Mexico and Canada, both of which I have been to at one time or another, and various US States I've been to)
England - Summer 1998
Italy (& Nice,France) - Summer 2000
England (and Wales) - Thanksgiving 2003
France (Mainly Avignon & Paris) - Summer 2004
Japan - Spring 2008
Israel - Spring 2008

Lisa asked "Out of all the trips you've taken, which one is your favorite?"
and
Classy in Philadelphia asked "What's your favorite place to travel to?"
Its hard to choose, but I think I'd say my trip to France in 2004. I was there for 3 weeks on what my college called an "Intensive Study Abroad Course." I got to live with a host family, and at times felt like I was actually living in there. I think that's the main reason why I'd say it was my favorite, because I actually got to feel like I was living there.

Movies & Books
Anais asked "I know you love seeing movies - which is one of your favorite ones, the first one that comes to mind?"
I have to go with two, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and A Little Princess, the 1995 version.

Classy in Philadelphia asked "Because I love books, what's your favorite book?"
My favorite book series is the Betsy~Tacy series by Maude Hart Lovelace. It's a semi-autobiographical series (similar to the Little House on the Prairie books) that starts when the author is 5 and ends with her marriage. If you never heard of them I'd really recommend them all! They even re-released the high school books recently. But if I had to choose an actual singular book, it would probably be Gone with the Wind.

Lisa asked "Have you always been a big fan of going to movies or is this something you started doing when you started dating your boyfriend?"
and
Abbie asked "What sparked your interest in movies? And because the cost of going to the movies is ridiculous are you at all getting paid for going to see them?! (Ok, so the second part of this question is a joke...kind of!)"
I've always paid attention to movies. I've always looked at weekly box office reports, love watching the Oscars, and in general always knew what movies were coming out. And while I always had a list of movies I would want to see, and didn't see most of them. But the boy loves going to movies and actually makes a point to see them. So basically I the movie love has always been there, but the actually seeing part is somewhat new. And I wish someone was paying for my all tickets! (Although honestly the boy and I do try to split the cost.) But if someone wants to sponsor me, let me know!

Suz asked "How do you find the time to fit in so many movies and books into your schedule?"
With movies, its mainly what the boy and I do together. We don't really go out a lot, instead we spend most weekends at the movie. With reading, its a similar situation in that I make time for it before other things. Although I am a quick reader, so that helps. Normally I'll read before part or sometimes on my lunch break. But if its a really good book I'll pretty much read whenever I have a chance till I finish it.

From L.A. to LA
Katie asked"Do you plan on staying in Louisiana- is it home now?"
and
Lisa asked "Do you think you'll ever move back to California?"
I think in a perfect world I would like to move back to California. But the boy would rather not live in California. I think what is most like to happen is that we'll wind up living in a different state all together to try to be "fair" to both families. But luckily, the boy still has a few years left of grad school before we need to come to any type of decision.

Amanda asked "Clearly, there's a bit of difference between L.A. and LA (which is why your blog title works, lol) - what was the biggest "culture shock" moment you had after moving, and is it still surprising to you?"
Its funny because some of the biggest culture shock moments are actually due to some pretty small issues. First there's the fact that instead of sidewalks next to the round there tend to be huge ditches. I get that they're there to collect all the rainwater, but its still a little unsettling to me. And on a similar topic, the yellow lights in Louisiana are incredibly long! Silly thing to point out, but its a noticeable difference from California, and something you might want to pay attention to if you're from Louisiana going to a different state.

Abbie asked "What do you like most about Louisiana? What do you like least?(I absolutely fell in love with Louisiana when I was there over the summer and my husband's family is from there so I guess that's where my curiosity comes from!)
I do like the food, but how can you refer to Louisiana and not mention that. But I also think something that stuck out was a bit of the "Southern Charm." For example, I can't say I've ever had a guy go out of the way to open a door for me. And over 3 years into our relationship the boy still makes a point to open almost every door for me. While its something I've gotten used to, the idea of it still shocks me a little. And the least, I'm not a big fan of the weather. Or more specifically I really hate driving in the ridiculously scary rain that Louisiana gets.

Thanks everyone for all your questions! And if there's anything else I didn't quite answer, feel free to ask me in the comments and I'll respond there!

~Shoshanah

Did You Hear About Sherlock Avatar Up in the Air?

Yes, I did see quite a few movies in the past week or so. I think the best way to do it is to end with the movie I would recommend the most. Get ready!

Did You Hear about the Morgans?
A cute premise overall. A couple on the verge of divorce winds up having to go into witness protection TOGETHER in the middle of NOWHERE. Not the most original plot, but who's seeing this movie for that. The only real reason to see it are the actors. First there's Sarah Jessica Parker, whose character could be Carrie Bradshaw. Then there's Hugh Grant, and I don't think there's a movie I don't love him in. I thought they were great together. I think this would be the perfect movie to watch when its on TV on a lazy Sunday, but don't think you need to run out and see it before its out of the theater.

Sherlock Holmes
While this movie is only my third choice its more because the top two are so good, not that there's anything lacking in this. I wasn't really sure what to expect with this, or if I would enjoy it. But I was definitely pleasantly surprised. I do like being able to see how Sherlock Holmes is thinking when he's explaining how he solves a case. But even more so when he starts to plan out his actions in a fight. Then there's also Rachel McAdams, and while its not my favorite performance of hers, I don't think I've seen a movie she's been bad it. Its definitely worth going to see in theater... at least assuming you've already seen the next two movies.

Up in the Air
I knew basically what this movie was about before I saw it. George Clooney is a guy who goes around the country firing people and he mentors Anna Kendrick (aka Jessica from Twilight), but I wasn't quite sure how they were going to be able to turn that into a whole movie. Yet, they did and it wound up being a great movie. Both Anna Kendrick are really good, and definitely does deserve the Oscar nominations they are likely to get. Also interesting is the fact that some of the firing scenes include real footage of real people getting fired. While I did enjoy the movie throughout, it wasn't till the end I realized how much I loved it and how much it truly spoke to me. I would definitely recommend this, especially to all the other 20-somethings like me.

Avatar
This movie does live up to all the hype. First the images and scenery alone almost make up a good movie. And the 3-D is definitely worth it, so much so that at times you lose yourself and feel like you are actually part of the movie. But the movie and story itself are just as good as all the special effects. The boy loved it because it had more than enough fighting for me. I loved it because it had a great love story. Although, without trying to give to much away, I would have expected a slightly different ending coming from James Cameron. Interestingly enough, while this is a science fiction movie it wouldn't surprise me if it does wound up winning a Best Picture. I would definitely say this is another must see.

Yes, I do realize 2 out of these 4 movies I consider to be must see. But I do think if you see them you won't be disappointed. Anyone else have any must see movies they've seen? Or do you disagree with my choices?

~Shoshaanh

P.S. I'm answering all your questions tomorrow. So if there's anything else you want to know be sure to ask a questions here.

And The Winner Is...

I hope everyone is having happy holidays! I spent most of the past week celebrating with my family and can't wait to tell you all about it. I hope everyone received all the gifts they were hoping for, but if not I'm about to send one more gift one lucky reader's way.

But first I wanted to thank everyone who entered. I thought this would be a giveaway I would love and am glad to hear you all felt the same. I'm so excited that 19 of you entered and I wound up with a total of 39 entries. And for those of you who become followers for the giveaway, I hope you stick around and enjoy From L.A. to LA as much as I do.

But without further adieu the winner of the first ever From L.A. to LA giveaway is...

Classy in Philadelphia!

Your comment says you were hoping to receive The Last Summer (or You and Me). E-mail me at ShoshanahinLA(at)gmail(dot)com to let me know your address and if your choice has changed.

Once again thank you to everyone who entered!

~Shoshanah

P.S. If you haven't yet posted a question (here) for my 1st blogoversary Q&a session its not too late! I'll be answering all your questions later this week.

Blogoversary Giveaway

Announcing the first ever From L.A. to LA giveaway!

For anyone that's been around here long enough you might have noticed I like to read. And when I finish I book I do my best to post a small review. Partly to give advice to you all, but if I'm being honest its mainly to keep track of them all myself. But since I do want you all to try some of the books I've reviewed in honor of my first blogoversary, I'm giving away a copy of one of the books I've reviewed over the past year. And not just any book from the past year. But what ever book the winner wants! To help you all make your choice I've listed all the books I've reviewed that are eligible to be chosen along with a link to their original review. Good Luck on winning, but even harder good luck on choosing only one as your prize!

Blogoversary Eligible Books
American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld
Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner
Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster
Bright Lights, Big Ass by Jen Lancaster
Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
Diary of a Mad Bride By Laura Wolf
The Duggars: 20 and Counting by Michelle & Jim Bob Duggar
The Gatecrasher by Madeleine Wickman
The Host by Stephanie Meyer
Julie & Julia Julie Powell
The Kids are All Right by Diana Welch & Liz Welch with Amanda Welch & Dan Welch
The King's Confidante by Jean Plaidy
Labyrinth by Kate Moss
The Last Summer (of You & Me) by Ann Brashers
This Little Mommy Stayed Home by Samantha Wilde
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
Rattled by Christine Coppa
Rashi's Daughters Book III: Rachael by Maggie Anton
Sammy's House by Kristin Gore
Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
The Saturday Wife by Naomi Ragen
Sepulchre by Kate Mosse
Strike Zone by Kate Angell
Sliding Home by Kate Angell
The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelly

Now that you know what you can win, you might want to know how to enter! There will be three different ways to enter, and you can receive 1 entry for each. Which means each person can have up to 3 entries. The ways to enter are as followed:

1. Leave me a comment telling me what book you think you might want to pick.
   (No pressure, you can always change you mind if you win.)


2. Be (or become) a follower of From L.A. to LA


3. Post about this giveaway on your blog
   (Be sure to include your link in your comment)

You can post a comment for each entry or you can post one entry and let me know all the ways you are entering. You have until the end of the day on Saturday, December 26 to enter. (Think of it as a late Christmas present)

Good luck to all and I can't wait to see what book the winner chooses!

~Shoshanah

P.S. Its not to late to ask me any questions you're curious about! Check out my post from yesterday for more details on my Q&A session.

Questions?

Tomorrow is officially my 1 year blogoversary. "But, wait" you might be thinking, "I see entries in your archives dating back to 2007!" And you would be right. But if you read the entry I posted 364 days ago here you can see that when I made the decision to actually start blogging. That's the day I decided to write about more than trips I had taken and actually post regularly. That's actually when From L.A. to LA was born, because prior to that I was just going by "Shoshanah's Blog," which is not nearly as catchy.

I do realize I could have started a new at that point. But at that time I was afraid I'd have two almost empty blogs. But turns out I kept at it! Plus its fun to go back and see what I writing about back then.

So to honor the 1 year blogoversary of From L.A. to LA, I have a few ideas. First I'll be having a giveaway. I'll be posting all the details tomorrow, so be sure to come back and check it out. I think its a pretty awesome prize.

Second, I figure that you might have known me for a year, but how well do you really know me? So I figured this would be a perfect time to ask you all to submit questions. Whatever you want to know about me feel free to ask and I'll do my best to answer. Try to get your questions in by the end of the week, and I'll do my best to answer them all by the end of the year! And don't forget to stop by tomorrow to find out about my amazing giveaway!

~Shoshanah

8 Crazy Nights

I have four different boxes of Hanukkah candles, which means each night I try my best to mix it up.
The candles I used the 4th and 8th night are actually a presents from my parents this year. They have little Hanukkah designs all over them, and are so cute.
To all of you who have been celebrating this past week I hope you had a happy Hanukkah! And to everyone else I have you have both a Merry Christmas and Happy New YearAnd of course, Happy Holidays!

~Shoshanah