I've got something to tell you...

I'm not off my rocker.

Am I crazy? That's a tough question. Nah, I wouldn't say crazy... I would say, defiant, impatience and madly in love with family. As I'm sure some of you have probably guessed, or for those of you I've already told, this may not come as a surprise to you but for everyone else who doesn't have a clue... here goes... Phil and I are moving back to Canada. 


I know, it's funny isn't it? It took us months to find a perfect new home in LA, we finally do, start decorating it, even have a housewarming party and that same weekend we both came to the conclusion - our time in LA feels finished. Everything is turning out (as it almost always does) completely different from what I expected. But I know deep down inside, it's all for the right reasons.


Now let me be clear. Los Angeles is a beautiful city. We've been here for 2 and a half years and have both experienced and learned SO much, it's indescribable. I studied acting with one of the best teachers I've ever had the privilege of knowing (Mr. Robert Carnegie), discovered that although I love to act, I'm better at comedy and would rather make you laugh. I found the best vocal teacher I've ever had and have grown immensely in my vocal ability, all thanks to her amazing explanations (and my dedicated practicing). 


I've lived near a beach, had palm trees in my sight at all times, practiced Nichiren Buddhism (and chanted with musical legend, Herbie Hancock!) had the pleasure of showing many people the historical sights, fabulous restaurants and the beautiful scenery LA is made of. Partied in Hollywood, shopped til I dropped, danced ALOT, hiked, biked, walked, and ate delicious food. I've met incredibly creative people full of ambition and talent from all over North America... I've laughed a lot, cried a lot, missed people a lot, been disappointed and been pleasantly surprised, filled my 'book of life' with one more chapter and am completely satisfied with moving back to begin our new chapter!


I am so grateful and happy that Phil & I decided to embark on this beautiful adventure together - it certainly hasn't been easy but I appreciate everything in my life so much more because of it; having a supportive husband by my side, having family close by, living in a smaller city, and spending tons of time with my closest friends. So, when do we head back you ask?


... at the end of this month! SURPRISE!!!


ps. I turn 23 on June 13th! AND Phil turns 25 on June 18th!

FussyJussy welcomes Tam to LA...

I promise to start posting more once I work less.

Yah, I know I've said it before but I have no problem saying it again... becoming an adult is a shocker. Life is set up very odd. To begin with, life is about one thing; survival. As middle-class citizens (or upper class or even lower class) we have somehow managed to create an existence that tries to ignore the purpose of life. Most of us don't spend our days searching for food or protecting our homes from sabotage (at least, if you're reading this, I highly doubt you have to do the above stated). Listen, what I'm trying to say is... working full-time blows. There I said it. Yup, if I had it my way, I would be a lady of leisure. Isn't that a great title to carry? "Lady of Leisure"... *sigh, what a life to be lived. I'll get there one of these days, I promise. 

That being said, Miss Tamsyn and I had a wonderful 5 days together. It was really the first time we got to spend a good chunk of time just us... and we spent lots of time chatting, shopping, walking and planning our lives. Thankfully, Tam didn't care too much about seeing the typical LA spots (the ones I've seen 100000 times) so it gave us a chance to just chill and be a little lazy. Tam is spending the summer not too far from me and come September, we could be even closer to each other... like in the same city. Phil and I may or may not have a surprise to reveal but I don't want to open my mouth prematurely. I'll wait until things are finalized before I "spill the beans"... and no, I'm not pregnant... yet (hehehe). In the meantime, enjoy some of the pics Tam & I accumulated while she was in town. I am so thankful to have a friend like her in my life. Love you Tam <3

( at my lil housewarming get-together )

( out to dinner on Sunset Blvd. )

( mmm yummy at La Petit Four )

( out for drinks at Mastros in Bev Hills )

( dawny, tam & i at Mastros )

( this was my idea... i don't know )

( pink lips )

( up in the hills at Yamashiro for sushi )

( me being a kid )

( had to sneak one of me & my love )

The Beauty Bus Foundation

Giving the gift of beauty.

Oh how beauty makes us feel alive! I love how there are so many forms of beauty and how subjective the term is. Well, let me tell you... there is something beautiful about a group of people who have made a commitment to help others feel beautiful when they no longer have the strength. I feel privileged and honored to introduce to you a new non-profit organization called The Beauty Bus - a beautiful organization (lets see how many times I can use the word beautiful in this post) that caters to the terminally or chronically ill and their caregivers by providing them with beauty and grooming services, free of charge! We're talkin, manicure, pedicures, hair, makeup, facials... the works! What a wonderful way to give quality care and appreciation to those who need it most - and to remind them that they will always be beautiful.

The Beauty Bus is hosting their first ever Beauty Drive that will be held in beautiful Los Angeles on April 25th at The Mark for Events and starts at 11:30am. Tickets are a little on the pricey side ($125) however, $75 is tax deductible and I guarantee that you'll have a beautiful time full of beauty products, beauty professionals, a silent auction and a beautiful brunch. I mean really? Who doesn't LOVE brunch? 

I am thrilled to have learned of this organization and would like to get involved anyway I can. You'll most likely see me at the drive, if you do decide to dish out some dough for a fantastic cause (and live in the LA area of course) and if not, you can definitely learn about the various ways to volunteer through their website. Oh, and another big help would be to spread the word! Please retweet me if you're on Twitter or post me to your Facebook profile. It would be much appreciated! Sending love... 

A little bit of Justine...

Bonjour, je'mapelle Justine.

As our hunt continues for a new place to call home, I am reminded that yes, things could be worse. I think because I'm such a deep thinker, I try to break things down so that everything makes sense to me. For example, I was taught (as most are) to be honest, so I naturally want to be honest ALL the time. It's hard for me to hold anything in. I don't know why. Why can't we be honest all the time? If I have a thought, I just want to tell the world. Strange, huh? That being said, I am surprised at how much money landlords are asking for tiny apartments considering the state of the economy and the disastrous housing market here. At least fix the place up a bit? I know my standards are high, but the most important thing is obviously, cleanliness -- why would you show me a dirty apartment?

I promise from this day forward, I will not complain about the little things.

In happier news, I did have an audition for a hilarious play that I enjoyed so so much! It reminded me of how much I miss acting, and how I adore making you laugh. My fingers are crossed, but the experience itself was quite fun. I did get new headshots but we are going to do a re-shoot because we had limited outdoor lighting -- the day we decided to shoot was overcast in the sunshine state. Here's a sample of whats to come...

 If anyone in the LA area is looking for a great (and hysterical) photographer, please check out Jonny Marlow (this is his Facebook, he currently doesn't have a website however does have a portfolio on FB) He's fanfrickentastic. Oh! I have a new favorite blog... it's called Dottie Angel and is quite enchanting. I love blogs that are visually stimulating and attention to detail. I reeeaallllyyy love attention to detail.

Well folks, that's all I got right now... sending love your way <3

Save The Peak...!

SAVE THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN.

For those of you who live in LA (and those of you who don’t) you may have noticed a new message that the famous ‘HOLLYWOOD’ sign landmark has been sporting recently. It currently reads ‘SAVE PEAK’ from a distance or ‘SAVE the PEAK’ at a more up close view. This is part of a campaign that was started by Save Cahuenga Peak in hopes of raising enough money to save the land the sign sits on, as public space rather than having it bought by realtors and turning it into LA's "hottest" new neighborhood. The campaign needs to raise 12.5 million dollars in order to protect the land by adding it to the famous Griffith Park and maintaining it’s historic beauty.

There is always going to be a group of people that are “in it for the money”…it’s quite sad that this happens more often than not. That’s why the public must take the reigns and do what they can to save a piece of history. Who wants to gaze up at that magnificent landmark -- the landmark people from far and wide come to see – and instead see a bunch of over sized homes clouding the sign’s statement (and reminder)… YOU ARE IN HOLLYWOOD. The place where dreams come true (oh, wait… isn’t that Disney World?!) The bottom line is, we’ve got to SAVE PEAK!!!!! Please spread the word, follow them on Twitter, visit their site, and most important of all, donate what you can! Roughly about $4.5 million to go by April 14, 2010.

Thanks everyone :) Hope your week is going well.

I hate apartment hunting...

This sux.

Today, I hate apartment hunting. A lot. We gave our notice so we have to be out of our current residence by March 1st. 

That's in 2 weeks. 

LA - you are too expensive and if I want a place up to my standards, I'll have to fork out WAY too much money. More than you're worth.

The weather may be nice here, but guess what?! You're a little overrated. 

Please get over yourself. 

Rise above the typical here.

Thank you.

Wish us luck.

*better post to come :)

My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard...

Can you say Mmmm Milkshake?

For those of you living in Los Angeles, you should go to the cafe called MILK on Beverly! They have the yummiest, most gorgeous milkshakes I have ever seen & tasted. My two faves are The Milkie Way Malt and Mint Chocolate Crunch Shake... I know what you're thinking - "oh yeaaaahhhh, I could go for one of those right now." Also, if you're a Mac'N Cheese lover (which, clearly, I am) they have phenomenal Mac'N Cheese for $5 (on the kids menu). They make their own ice cream on the premises, which is probably why it is so tasty, as well as tons of yummy desserts...including red velvet cupcake poppers - mini cupcakes to pop in your mouth :) You can find MILK at:

7290 Beverly Blvd.

Los Angeles

Check out their cute site!

www.themilkshop.com

In other news, the new iPhone 3G S looks fabulous. Apple just keeps adding more amazing features to this smarter-than-smart phone - the only thing it doesn't do is your laundry...which should be next on their list. Phil is planning a 2 week trip back to our homeland of Canada to visit with friends and family. I look forward to the day when I can drop everything and hop on a plane to my mummy's house, just cause :) One daaaay...