Tuesday day 4, we set off after classes for the La Brea Tar Pit and a museum showing of over 100 Star Wars costumes from all 6 movies.

The sky had cleared up a bit so it was much more comfortable and nice to be out. We drove from the 405 all the way down Wilshire just checking things out on our way to the Tar Pit.

The tar pit was cool and it’s just one of those things you have to see if you are in the area. We didn’t go through the museum, I figured I would save that for another visit.

We then headed towards downtown to the museum. Glen wanted to park in the $6 paid parking and I thought lets save some money and take a meter. We didn’t have any change so Glen ran in and got some. We found a meter around the side and saw a large SUV drive in and park and we went in behind them got out and put in 40 minutes on the meter.

After we got out of the museum I saw we had 3 minutes left on the meter but a ticket on the car. Turns out it wasn’t for the meter it was because apparently that parking area was no parking from 3 to 7 and since it was no after 3 we got a ticket.

This is terrible considering I would never park in a place I wasn’t suppose to park and every environment situation gave us false confidence in it being ok to park there. The SUV was large and blocked the sign as it parked at the same time as we did. Seeing another park there we didn’t think twice about it being illegal to park at that time.

We went to great lengths to get change and make sure we followed all the rules as we knew them. So needless to say the $65 ticket depressed me and still does. I’ve never gotten a parking ticket in my life.

Also the rental car we have had Utah plates so it was even sending the message that we clearly weren’t familiar with parking in downtown LA.

Parking ticket aside the museum gallery showing was a once in a lifetime chance to see over 100 costumes from all six Star Wars films.

We got to see the costumes very close up and since we were almost the only ones there I had the chance of a lifetime seeing such a display. I took lots of photos and marveled at seeing the items close up.

Besides just the costumes they also had some creature masks and all the light sabers as well as a display of Wookie items and weapons.

After the museum and the fact that it was late and I was depressed about the ticket we headed back to the hotel. Also the Macromedia party was happening that night so we wanted to be sure and get back before 7pm.

The party was at Disney’s California Adventure on the classic boardwalk area they have. I have to say this was the best party ever at a Macromedia Conference. Since it was a Disney park the whole this was spotless clean and professional.

The boardwalk carnival games were all free and we were able to win prizes. I worked like mad at the game where you throw the softball into a basket to win two stuffed dragons for the boys but was only able to win one. Glen who won every time he tried gave me one of his so I would have two.

I also wanted to win Brandi a prize and finally after many tries I won a fish stuffed animal at the game where you race against 9 other people by moving your character forward throwing balls in these holes.

The food was very good as usual and it was a good time.

I didn’t bring my camera to the party this year because I just wanted to have a good time and not worry about it.

Here are some pictures from that day:
(The Star Wars Photos will come in a post all by themselves next)