Top Left: My fiancé and I at the after show concert. Isn’t he hot?! 🙂 Top Right: The Hollywood sign Bottom Left: Denzel Washington & Jimmy Kimmel Middle: Darby Stanchfield (Abby from Scandal) Bottom Right: Mike Epps & I Who Doesn’t Love FREE Stuff? Ok so let me tell you. My fiancé and I flew out to Los Angeles, CA last Wednesday for the Jimmy Kimmel Live! show. We stayed at the Loews Hotel in Hollywood and got VIP treatment during the show. We had an incredible time in Hollywood! What made our trip even better was the fact that it was FREE. Our flight and hotel accommodations were covered by our local ABC affiliate. So here’s how we got the free trip. My fiancé saw a contest on the local news station searching for Jimmy Kimmel’s biggest fan. He wrote a 250 word essay proving why he’s Jimmy’s biggest fan and BAM… they chose his story and sent us a few dates when they could fly us out. I usually don’t win things and I certainly never apply for those contests that I see on TV or in magazines but shoot, I think I’m going to start! From now on I’m applying for every contest I can get my hands on… who doesn’t love free stuff? Cool Stuff/People We Saw 1. No Flex Zone- As soon as we got off the airport shuttle we started walking along Hollywood Boulevard to our hotel and we saw one of the brothers from Rae Sremmurd. If you don’t know the group, I’m sure you know the song… “No flex zone, no flex zone. They know better.” We saw the light skinned one. He was on the phone and my fiancé politely waved him down and congratulated him on his success. Lil man (don’t know his name) was so polite and appeared to be very gracious for the feedback. I’m really excited about this little siting because my younger siblings will appreciate it. I’ll get mad big sis cool points. So… yea lol. 2. Actor Denzel Washington– We saw Denzel at the Kimmel show. He was a featured guest and interviewee. As I’ve stated before, I don’t get as starstruck as I used to but I was thrilled to be sitting just feet away from Denzel. I mean, he’s a legend. We also got free tickets to see the Equalizer the night before the movie premiered so that was pretty cool. I really enjoyed the movie so that’s a plus. 3. Guitarist & Singer Dave Navarro- If you don’t know his name you definitely know his face. He was a member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and was once married to Carmen Electra. Dave was on the same flight as us and although he’s probably a nice guy, he did not look like he wanted to be bothered. Hey, I can only imagine what it’s like being a celebrity in a crowded airport. I wouldn’t want to be bothered either. 4.Comedian & Actor Mike Epps- Mike Epps was so cool. He walked by us in the airport and we chatted briefly and he asked us if we wanted a picture. 5. Hollywood Tour- We took a 2 hour Hollywood bus tour and luckily we had an exceptional tour guide. I’d recommend taking a bus tour if you plan on visiting Hollywood. The little district is filled with rich history. The tour bus took us to Rodeo Drive, Melrose Avenue, tons of celebrity mansions and local staples that celebrities frequent. My favorite stops were the Hollywood sign, the house Michael Jackson was renting before he died and Elvis Pressley’s former estate. We got the bus tickets for $40 total. You can always negotiate with the street salesman like we did! Reflection The Hollywood Walk of Fame was right around the corner from our hotel. One day as we were pacing up and down Hollywood Boulevard searching for new adventures, I noticed a small bouquet of flowers on one of the celebrity stars. As we got closer I realized that it was Robin Williams’. My heart sank. He was such an amazing actor. I’m a little too young to really appreciate his comedic career per se, but man did I love his movies! Especially the Disney movies. I was abruptly reminded of my own battle with depression as I gazed at the bouquet strategically placed on his star. It takes hard work and dedication for me to maintain peace of mind and a healthy mental state. Depression is no joke. In my reflection I was also reminded that our bank accounts, worldly possessions, friends, status or looks usually can’t independently make us happy or whole. I’m sure we can both name countless stars and socialites who appear to have it all but who struggle with depression, feelings of unhappiness or unworthiness. Lately I’ve been thinking about what’s really important to me. And what can keep me grounded and balanced so to speak. The word that I’m constantly meditating on is peace. I view peace as a state of tranquility and confidence that no person or situation can take away from me. Peace doesn’t equal complacency but instead composure. It’s intrinsic. It’s a decision. It’s power. Share Your Wisdom. Comment Below! Are you at peace? If so, how do you find your peace in the midst of chaos or depression? If you’re struggling to find peace, what do you think you need in order to welcome tranquility?
