Saturday

Yesterday was the annual event: "Invisible Art, Visible Artists", where the best editor nominees discuss their techniques at the Grauman's egyptian theatre. Jono and I scored great seats 4 rows in, and enjoyed listening to the editors share their tips and frustrations. This year's nominated films for editing are: Avatar (standard, although I don't think it deserves to be in this category), District 9 (woohoo for all the saffers!), Inglorious Bastards (a woman edited this film, interestingly- she edits all Tarantino's movies), The Hurtlocker and Precious. Afterwards Jono and I got to chat with Julian Clarke, District 9's editor. He's from Vancouver and this is his first big gig. I really liked him and found him very down to earth and genuinely excited about everything he's experiencing this weekend.

After this, we were ravenous and so stopped at the first little eatery we found, which happened to be Cafe Audrey. Apparently this little joint has been around for 3 years now, although this was the first we'd heard of it. It was absolutely delightful: the food was delish, decor was creative and it had good atmosphere: an old guy was playing piano for most of our time there: such fun!

After lunch we walked down Hollywood Blvd to where they were preparing for the Oscars.

A few months ago Nate & Jen told us about a outdoor shopping mall similar to the Grove being built in Glendale, so we decided to go find it. The Americana is definitely worth a visit! Here we wandered around, enjoying the fountain and 3 story Barnes & Noble. We also shared a cream puff from Papa Beard: tasty.

All in all it was a perfect day... the weather was even a bit gloomy: lovely!

Pork Skins

I found these at a little gas station convenience store along the way to Lake Tahoe. This is hardly my idea of a tasty snack: does anyone buy these??

Fender Bender

Today I had my first of the above. I was hoping to make it to old age without being in a car accident, but no, Mr. Dodge Ram had to drive into my backside this evening.

Now the fun and games of claiming insurance begins.

Our Wedding Videography Idol

I sometimes wonder what Jason Magbanua would think if he knew a couple was watching his every move a few thousand miles away. Jason shoots weddings in the Philippines, and he has become our standard for event videography: one we strive to attain (we are far from it). Sometimes his music choice is somewhat cheesy, but the shots & editing remain beautiful and captivating. Here is one of his latest videos.

Carla (Rica) Peralejo and Joe Bonifacio's Same Day Edit from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.

The Neighbours

The fact that it's February and the bachelors that live across from us still haven't taken down their christmas decorations leads me to believe that one of their girlfriends did the decorating, but that they have split up between then and now.

!Kooza

This weekend we had the privilege of going to see Cirque du Soleil's production Kooza. I remember seeing a promo for Cirque when I was about 14 in South Africa, and since that moment it had been a loose goal of mine to see them perform someday. Well, thanks to a very generous gift that "goal" was attained this weekend.

The entire production was incredibly well co-ordinated: from the sound, to lighting to the choice of music and costuming. I can't remember the last time I was so wowed by a performance.

Here are three videos highlighting Kooza. The trailer is poorer quality than I'd prefer, but I couldn't find a better one. The contortionist one is much better quality. The unicycle act was my favorite; I loved the french feel to it. And maybe it was my favorite because of the romantic aspect. enjoy!

Yep, he's pretty much amazing

On Monday Jono, me and a few of our friends went snowboarding. This was my first time, and I was pretty nervous but excited at the same time. Jono was born on a snowboard (pretty much) and is quite the pro: he's even done some snowboarding instruction in his time.

Deep down inside I was hoping to be a natural at this, that I would simply jump on the board and glide down the mountain effortlessly with people cheering and ooh-ing and aah-ing as I swoop by them. Needless to say: I'm NOT a natural. Far from it. More like a clumsy sloth staggering slash crawling down the bunny slope. I fell so many times I stopped counting and I have the black and blue bruises to show for it. It was not a pretty sight, not only because my limbs would be in 5 different directions at all times or because my butt was pushed out so far that my nose was almost touching the snow. No, because my attitude stank too. I just could not stand the fact that I couldn't do it. At one point in the day, after falling on my face yet again, I simply lay in the snow wailing:"I hate this, I never want to do this again! this was the stupidest idea ever!! We never should've come!". Do you see it? Yep, not a pretty sight in the slightest.

Now most people would shudder at this sight, and simply say :"Suck it up girly, you're not the first person to suck at this," and they would have every right to: I was being a brat. But Jono never once lost his patience with me. Every time I would throw a tantrum he would have a kind reply, encouraging me to try again. He spent the entire day helping me, when I know he would very much have wanted to take a few runs by himself. He sacrificed his own desires to place me before himself. Time after time he would guide me on my board and whenever I fell he would rush to help me up. He's incredible.

By the end of the day we had figured out a tactic that helped me a lot in learning the ropes, and I actually began to enjoy the sport: a little. I'll definitely give it another shot, and maybe it'll be a little easier the second time around. As we drove home that night, although tired and emotionally spent, I was completely content knowing that my husband loves me no matter how ugly I am inside and was reminded of the same love Christ has for us: unconditionally sacrificing himself even though we don't deserve it at all.