I was up late and woke up early again today – way earlier than I needed to be. I’m really not getting my beauty sleep!
I tried Eric a few times, but he didn’t answer the phone. I figured he was in a VICKS and NYQUIL-induced stupor (I was right!). I DID hear from my friend Marygrace, and we had a great time catching up. I really miss my friends in NY. When I talk to them, and then think about going home and actually getting to see them, it really makes me happy. Hear that, NY? Peppy’s comin’ home!
I spent at least an hour voting for Stacie (on and off while I answered emails, checked out FACEBOOK, and had breakfast).
I finally talked to Eric and he said he was feeling better, but was still very much “under the weather.”
I started to get ready for my day out with Tifney. I wasn’t sure what to wear to a biker movie, so I just wore my black jeans, a red camisole with a black sweater over it and my red patent leather sandals. I also wore a fabric purse I bought in New Orleans which has pictures of skulls and roses all over it. I figured it was biker-appropriate! If it wasn’t so hot out, I would have worn my black leather biker jacket (which is really Eric’s).
I needed to get some cash, so I walked across the street to CITIBANK and took out some money. As I was walking back to the apartment I saw Tifney and Josh pull up. I had asked all the girls to get me boxes from the office and Tifney brought me three, so we left Josh in the car and threw them in the apartment before heading to Starbucks.
Once we all had our drinks in hand, we headed north on I-5 to Encinitas (about 20 miles). It was supposed to rain all weekend, but it was such a gorgeous day. We had a nice drive and got there a little before noon, but the movie started at 1:00pm and we didn't think we had time to eat, so we decided to just hang out with all the bikers in front of the theatre, buy tickets, see the movie, and then eat lunch afterwards.
The historic La Paloma Theatre was built in 1928 and has great character, including Spanish-style architecture, mosaics, tile work, and details.
I got to meet a lot of the Girlz to Graceland – the 10 women who rode their Harleys from San Diego to Memphis and back in order to donate their time and toys to children at a homeless shelter called PRESLEY PLACE.
The movie didn’t start until almost 1:30pm, but it was just an hour long and held my interest the entire time. I know traveling across the country is an adventure, but doing it on a bike is something I don’t think I could do. Not only did they ride in 118 degree weather (you should see the “sunglass tans” they all had), but they also rode through thunder, rain, and cold snaps. At least they slept in nice motels or hotels every night!
The camaraderie and sisterhood they experienced, right from the start, was apparent and was a beautiful thing to see. One of the girls is ill with cancer and was only able to ride part of the way with them. Unfortunately, she now has stage 4 cancer and was unable to attend the filming today. The movie is dedicated to her, and it was very touching.
After the movie the Girlz got on stage and did a Q&A and they raffled off some prizes to raise money for their friend. Then, we left and went down the block to a pizza place for lunch. By now, I was starving. Tifney and I split a salad with grilled shrimp and a “macaroni and cheese with lobster” appetizer. It was the perfect amount of food and the mac and cheese with lobster was SO good. Who would ever think to put those two things together?
After lunch we drove back to Clairemont and they dropped me off. I had a wonderful day and it was another great adventure in San Diego!
Tifney, and her childhood friend, Jett, whose idea it was to drive to Graceland, and who inspired the movie!
When I got back to the apartment I called Eric, but he told me he just took more NYQUIL and was falling asleep, so I told him I’d talk to him tomorrow. Then, I started watching another reality show I love – PETER PERFECT – where this famous hair stylist, Peter Ishkhans, goes to failing businesses and helps them create an image and style for themselves AND their businesses. It’s a great show and he’s such a cutie!
The "Girlz to Graceland" after the movie, answering questions from the audience.
Unfortunately (or fortunately – however you look at it), as I was watching my eyes started to close so I took a nap. I didn’t wake up until afte 8:00pm. My sleeping routine is so off-kilter right now!
I had a bowl of cereal for dinner (Special K Chocolately Delight) and continued to vote for Stacie. I have to get up early again tomorrow, because I’m going to the Farmer’s Market in Hillcrest with Elsa and Rosemary, and then we are going to La Jolla for lunch and a movie (Revolutionary Road). Should be another fun day with friends. What could be better than that?