Before we say good-bye

I feel like there are dozens of places in Pasadena that I haven't given their proper due in this here blog. So in the intetest of fairness, as well as fear of forgetting, a few shout-outs:

1. City Hall
We went to an outdoor concert of the Pasadena Pops, free in celebration of the gorgeously renovated City Hall. The concent wasn't very good -- a long of banging and screeching. But the show-before-the-show was utterly charming: a sing-a-long of mostly tunes from The Sound of Music accompanied by food trucks (we hit up the apple and cherry pie). With fond memories safely in tow, we tried to walk through City Hall on every stroll, guessing ahead of time how many photo shoots would be in process. The architecture and gardens are so gorgeous, it's a popular spot for brides, proud parents, and commercial producers. (Just for the record, I'm well ahead in the guessing department.)

2. Ricky Bobby's
We don't know the actual name of this burger joint. One day, we chatted with the "Ricky" or the "Bobby" while Matt sucked down a thousand calorie milk shake. The owner assured us we'd love the wet bean burrito. I have no doubt. I like how we can smell the fries long before we see the neon sign.

3. Vroman's
I'm not partial to chain or indie bookstore. I'll take books however I can get them (although they must be new, as I'm quite the cootie phobe). But Vroman's is something special. It's the size of a city block, but indie through and through. The best part?  No matter my mood, I am gair-un-TEED to love the first book I lay hands on. Seriously. Not a Friday goes by that I don't say, "Matt ...? Can I get a new book at Vroman's?" He smiles. And I buy three. At least.

4. ArcLight
I know I blogged about this 75 posts or so ago, but ArcLight deserves a special good-bye. I first went to this theater when Matt was in China. I was feeling sorry for myself, so after buying a stack of books at Vroman's, I headed to the closest theater to our apartment, ready to watch anything that would make me feel less lonesome. The movie stunk (something with Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks that involved scooters and community college -- blech). The theater was extravagent, though, even by L.A. standards, so much so that I knew I'd take Matt as soon as he got home.

Honestly? I thought he'd find it stuffy and pretentious, but since I couldn't adequately explain the personal greeter, the seat selection machine, and the lobby big enough for a safe landing of Air Force One, I took him.

Dang it, he loved it. I mean, loved it. He is not the least bit fazed by spending $29 for two tickets (that does not include so much as a pack of Skittles) and whines like an overtired toddler if we find ourselves at some other theater. He happily added a line item for "ArcLight" to our monthly budget. Right after to Vroman's.

We have something like 40 hours left in Pasadena. I wonder if we can make it to all four before we hit the road.