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I'd Like to Thank the Academy...

I'm pretty sure that I have mentioned this before...but I am obsessed with the Academy Awards. Ever since that day in the fourth grade when my mother told me to go get dressed up in my Sunday best, we were watching the Academy Awards, I haven't missed a show.  In fact, I've been kind of tempted to find a way to fly into the states on February 24th so I can find a television that will broadcast the show in English for this year's show.  Once Jon Stewart was announced as the host, that seed of an idea turned into a full blown obsession. (I have a huge crush on this man, mostly because I find it incredibly attractive how much he loves his family.  And I have always loved a guy who could make me laugh, have you met my husband?)

Alas, the reality of my current living and financial situation--teacher in a developing nation--I had to give up the dream of seeing the awards live.  It won't even stream in on my computer, the detested "This Program is Not Available At Your Location" will be sure to pop up.  So what is a girl to do?

She travels to Hollywood during Christmas time, that's what she does.
    
Dave's mother, brother, and sister-in-law, agreed to pick us up in LA when we came to visit for the Christmas holidays.  After our plane touched down and our luggage was all accounted for, they took us on a whirlwind tour of the Hollywood hotspots.  We first went to the Chinese Theatre where all the greats cemented their hands and feet in cement.  It's true--I couldn't stop myself from being a complete tourist and had to take pictures of Jimmy Stewart's, Dean Martin's, and Clint Eastwood's squares.  We then walked down the sidewalks with the Hollywood star's of fame.  Alfred Hitchcock's star was the highlight for me.  We watched street performers (I might have had to dance with a couple and there might be video but that is in someone else's hands), and cruised through Bel Air.  And of course, we made a stop at the Kodak Theatre, home of the Academy Awards.  Touristy?  Yes.  Fun?  Absolutely.

As much fun as Hollywood was, we had an even better time with Dave's mom, brother, sister-in-law, and grandmother.  The California Richert Clan took us to Santa Barbara to show us around Heather's ol' college town.  We went on amazing hikes, visited Cambria for the Main Street Grill, and played a lot of Nerts (best. card. game. ever).  It was wonderful time and made us even more excited for them to visit us in Ecuador.  

Our states-side visit really was amazing, and we loved every minute of it.  It was a difficult thing for me to get back on the plane if I'm going to be completely honest.  And yes, right now I'm missing the luxuries of home; I'll just have to catch snip-its of Jon on YouTube and once again curb my coffee addiction.  But Ecuador has luxuries all of its own, why don't you all come and experience them? :) 

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