An embarrassment of riches in LaLa Land

Yesterday, I discovered an embarrassment of riches in LaLa Land.

Or, maybe, it was just an embarrassment. You’ll have to decide that for yourself. I recalibrated my mortification meter about a decade ago and now it hardly registers.

I just laugh a lot, and sometimes I sweat.

Yesterday I did plenty of both.

It all started at Lalaland, where I’d planned to pick up my banana cream iced chai latte and stroll with it, like the good folks here do, up to the Brentwood Farmer’s Market.

I chatted on the phone with my son Vinnie and daughter in-law Danni as I waited for my order. On a very busy Sunday in Lalaland (I’d already taken Benny the Wonder Dog for a walk, and enjoyed another stroll with my little LA burrito and her mom, and the coffee shop was hopping) I’d felt pretty smug about placing my order online.

I thought I heard my name, but that cup went to a very fit woman named Amora. Vinnie, from four states away, thought he heard my name too, but that cup went to a gentleman named George.

Time passed.

Eventually, I stepped up to the window.

“Excuse me, could you please check on an online order for me?”

The young lady rolled her eyes.

“Name?”

“Laura.”

“Can I see your receipt?”

I showed her.

“You ordered from the other Lalaland.”

What’s this? Two Lalalands? Who knew?

The young lady did.

“You can pick it up there,” she said. “It’s close.”

I told her I had walked and that I really wasn’t from around here.

“It’s right up Montana,” she said.

Gotcha.

So, off I hoofed.

The two coffee shops are only 2.5 miles from each other as the crow flies. They’re a good bit further as the Laura meanders.

I headed off on Montana, had a 50/50 shot on the direction. Chose wrong.

Eventually, I circled back and decided to abandon the drink and just go to the Farmer’s Market, as I originally planned.

I picked up some fresh fruits and veggies and headed home.

But wait! I still wanted my banana cream iced chai latte.

I consulted my phone and, this time, obediently followed my Apple map in the exact opposite direction I had been heading.

We walked and walked, my phone, my veggies and me. Eventually, we walked right out of Brentwood and into Santa Monica.

My gluteus was just starting to reach its maximus when I spotted the sign.

Lalaland!

I limped up to the window.

“Do you have a drink for Laura that has been sitting here a very long time?” I asked, two full hours after my original pickup time.

She did not.

I explained that I had ordered from the wrong Lalaland.

She asked what I had ordered and I told her.

Then, that angel of mercy said, “We’ll just make you a new one.”

“Do you want to see my receipt?”

“It’s ok. I believe you. Here you go,” she said and she handed me the most delicious drink I’ve ever tasted.

I sat down and enjoyed a few sips and then, as I stood to start my hike home, my phone died.

The wimp.

I navigated myself back, though, and I’m telling you, that drink was worth it!

It gets a little hectic, but life is still sweet here in LaLa land.