Labor Day weekend was a blast because Melissa came to visit L.A. and the long weekend made it perfect to do some serious tourist traps!  We were THOSE people on the walk of fame with our heads down taking pictures of famous names.  Probably the biggest surprise of Hollywood Blvd was how unglamorous the area is.  For example, just across from the Kodak Theater where the Oscars are held is a row of medical marijuana shops (the only thing medical looking about them was the worker wore a white coat...) and t-shirt vendors.  I have a feeling those will be out of the camera shot during the Oscars next February...  

Next on our tour was Venice Beach to see the muscle men and street performers.  Again, more 'medical' marijuana stores here,  muuuuccchhh more.... so much that I'm not even sure if it is illegal in California or if the police just turn a blind eye to all the 18 year old skateboarders with chronic and debilitating back pain...  Either way, if people watching is your thing, Venice Beach is the place for you -  Melissa and I enjoyed the rollerblading, turban wearing, guitar playing man!

Labor Day itself was very relaxing and Mel and I made my housemate a carrot cake for her birthday - sooo good.  We had a great time and we'll have to find more tourist traps when she visits again.  Back to work though for the week and things are starting to pick up!