After busting my booty all week on those fine projects called work, I felt I deserved a little me time. The hot tub at the gym I belong to is a great place to unwind. I take my earplugs and eye mask to block out the site and sound of splashing, squealing children and enjoy 30 minutes of sensory deprivation. A quick icy pool dip shocks my system, leaving me recharged and ready to rock, if a little jelly-legged. Everyone should really try IN-CITY POLAR DIPPING.

Tuesday, Nov. 2

An e-mail from COLLEGE GUY JASON pops up. I dated him a year ago, and he's like, "Hey, wanna go have lunch?" I'm like, "Uhh, that's weird. It's been 10 months since we talked." Then I'm like, "Sure why not" and made plans for Thursday.

Thursday, Nov. 4

For two years I have been eyeing the MANILA CENTER DINER every time I drive by. Timing is always against me, except today. Today I say, "Let's eat lunch at Manila Café." So College Guy and I go be brave. The place is a little creepy (red plastic tablecloths and fake white flowers). Maybe it's a front for something else? The food is mainly authentic Philippino. I have this  APPETIZERS ONLY rule for new places that seem sketchy.  College Guy and I tried out LUMPAI - yummy, non-greasy beef and veggie FILIPINO TAQUITOS  (12 for $4.95). Guzzling San Miguel beer, somehow the spice of the beef and bite of the beer tied together perfectly. For that short moment, the plastic chair with ripped seat was not so uncomfortable.

Lunch becomes 5:30 p.m. We head for HAPPY HOUR AT MAGOO'S on 21st. BARTENDER JAIME makes the most potent drinks around.  After six games of pool (College Guy 4/Ginger 2), we skip back through the neighborhood for some grub at JAZZBONES and a little funky genius from DANNY GODINEZ. HOMETOWN CELEBRITY DOUG MACKEY is in the house, and GO MUSIC shares my pan-fried Cajun oysters.  At 9 p.m., our group moves en masse to THE SWISS PUB for REGAN LANE'S THURSDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB, held every first Thursday. THE CLOVES rocked my world with their incredible harmonies. BARTENDER RED served MISTRESS MARY and I spiced mulled wine.  Dougie wore my furry black scarf as a hairpiece. Go Music took a turn winding it around his head à la turban fro, then continued his hip hop PhD sermon. Our table in the back was quite the spectacle.  Sorry Regan.

Friday, Nov. 5

WEEKLY VOLCANO ART CRITIC ALEC CLAYTON. Art guru.  Author.  Painter.  Wow, what an amazing guy. His new book, a collection of essays on art, was just released and a reception was held at BRICK & MORTAR GALLERY. Alec talked on art and answered questions. Not once did I feel un-savvy in the art department. He used to teach art to college kiddies, so he talks pretty.  Smooth treated me to dinner and some very nice wine. ROCK STAR BILLY from Hilborne joined us for the book signing reception and had some very in-depth questions for Alec. After the mingling was done, Smooth and I talked of retiring to our separate abodes for television night. Once outside, though, the truck auto-piloted down Pacific Avenue to LA COSTA MEXICAN CANTINA. The bench seat was dirty, and the table was so sticky I put napkins under my elbows. Don't get me started on the pre-made margarita's they served us.  It was all sour mix. Yuck!  I'd rate their DRAG SHOW a three, and that's being generous.  Am I pissed about paying $7 for a pack of KOOL's? Hell yeah, I am. With intentions of going to SPANAWAY'S COWGIRL UP for bull riding, we only made it as far as McCABE'S AMERICAN CAFE. The difference between people dancing to country and people dancing to hip -hop, house or rock?  COUNTRY PEOPLE ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE THEY'RE HAVING FUN, not just posing to music.  Will I go back? Ummm ... .probably not.  Will Smooth?  Hot chicks are hard to ignore.