Leap Day

It's been a few days since the last post...I'm still fighting this cold (which is much better) and besides not much has happened over the last few days.  

I did manage to finish a book, start and finish two more books, write (a little) and do some tutoring.  Now I'm the fourth book since the weekend...I've been a reading fool!

Though none of that is incredibly interesting, this is.  There is a park behind my apartment, and yesterday I left the house and saw that it had basically been turned into a mini studio lot...complete with Starwaggons (where the actors stay between takes) large semi-trucks, portable offices, food/catering trucks, port-o-potties, and anything else you'd see on set.  

And since the set was so close to my place (I literally walk outside and there it is)...I decided to do what I've wanted to do for some time now...well at least since moving to LA...which is basically boguard my way into a job.  I saw the security officers placed at all the main entrances and anywhere that looked important, so I pretended to walk around the park to scope things out.  Finally I found an opening, and I walked onto the set.  I found a small group of people that looked like they were Production Assistants and so I hung out around them.  And sure enough, after a few minutes, someone that looked like an AD (or Assistant Director) came and told us to go 'lock up' the traffic on the opposite side of the park...basically just stop the walking traffic of the crew until that shot was done.  

Well one task led to another and another, until I the day was wrapped and I worked my first real live, studio funded TV show.  It was great, even though I didn't get paid.  Tomorrow's call time is 5:00am, and I fully plan on pulling my bones out of bed around 4:45am so that I'm there on time.  

The only problem with this day is that...unfortunately...it was all the imaginings of my mind. (Sorry.  If I couldn't actually make it happen today, I figured I'd write a semi-entertaining story to look back on.) NONE of that happened.  Well...some of it.  Yes, there was a big show shooting in my backyard, Yes, I've always wanted to 'crash' a set and just start working, and Yes it looked like a real set at the park.   But I didn't have enough courage to go through with it. 

"Happy Endings" Set at the park behind my house...
lots of Starwaggons, trucks, trailers and equipment.

Yesterday, I found a tiny bit of courage, pretended that I was going for a walk around the park and did get to talk to one of the drivers that was taking a smoking break.  She was a nice lady and gave me information about the shoot.  She told me it was "Happy Endings" (a TV show on ABC, which I've only watched once or twice and am not a huge fan of.)  She also told me that they would be shooting there until Thursday.  She asked me what I do, and I told her I am a writer/producer but I would work where ever to get a start...then I asked her if they were fully staffed for PA positions.  She didn't know, but told me to hang in there...and that I looked like I was going to make it as a writer, that I had lots of scripts in me.  That made me smile.  

Today, I looked up the show and found that a friend of one of my professors is a writer/Producer on the show.  I have emailed her in the past, but she never emailed me back.  Perhaps I will try to email her again.  I also spend a good bit of the day thinking about how I could get on the set and meet people.  There were security there, so it wasn't as easy as just walking on set.  And unfortunately I am a bit of a coward with things like this.  I know, I KNOW...I need to get over it and just do something crazy.  

Then, while I was trying to figure out a plan, a director friend of mine from NY called me.  I had sent him the last script I wrote to read and give me notes on and he was calling to do just that.  He gave me the best compliment.  He said "I've had to read a lot of bad scripts lately, but your was refreshingly good."  He then gave me some notes on things that needed work and ended with "The script is great in the direction it's going right now, but if you were to change it a little to go into this (referring to genre) direction, I would be all over this, and would love to direct it; it could really make some waves and draw attention to you as a writer...so please keep me posted with the revisions and what direction you ultimately want to take it."

We talked for over an hour, and he gave me much to think about (outside of how to sneak onto the Happy Endings shoot) and that was a great diversion.  Then I had to go to tutoring, but it was very nice to get his views...He's doing big things, and so I value his opinion.  

After returning home from tutoring, I passed the 'Lot' again...so it's hard not to think about doing something out of the ordinary for the possibility of helping my career.  I will sleep on it...Maybe I'll have some more courage tomorrow, or maybe not...we'll see.  Either way, I press on.

Oscar Weekend

Friday I was feeling better, so I went to the movies and saw MR DEEDS.  Overall, I thought it was a cute movie.  The cast was good with the exception of two characters, who in my humble opinion, either gave unbelievablely flat performances or over the top performances.  Who they are in particular doesn't matter...especially since one day I might get to work with them.  I also stayed for THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETY, which was very good.  If you're wanting to see some wholesome movies, either of those will fit the bill.

Saturday I went for a tutoring session, which went well.  The student seems to enjoy our time together, and I enjoy seeing and helping her improve.  After, Delaware and I went to Costco, which was the biggest mistake...only because it was Saturday afternoon, and its like Time's Square up in there; too many people looking every which way but the right way, ultimately holding up traffic for people with a purpose...(or worse, hitting them with their cart, then looking at you crazy.)

That night we went to see WANDERLUST, and if you want to see a funny, yet ridiculous and over the top, raunchy film...basically the opposite of a wholesome movie, then give it a go.

Sunday morning I went to church. The message was: Uncommon Surrender for Uncommon Favor...it was good, and gave me more to think about and strive towards.

Sunday of course was also the Oscars and I watched it with some like minded friends at a small party.  Delaware invited me to come to her house to watch it with her, but I got this invite first...and Delaware is not a fan of this guy, so we texted throughout the night.

I am most pleased with Octavia Spencer's win...(though I have my issues with how I feel the Academy views THE HELP)...but that is unimportant to my joy for her.  She is one of my new favorite people and I hope to work with her in the future.

I also...

Really loved Gweneth Paltrow's dress....Thought George Clooney and his 'arm candy' were best looking...thought Angelina Jolie and Rose Bryne need to eat something more than air...felt Viola Davis was snubbed...again (based mainly on where they seated her)...found out that (supposedly) Natalie Portman's necklace was worth 500 million...and came in second to last in the Oscar pool of the night...but it was fun.

Unfortunately my cough seemed to get worse when I woke up this morning, so hopefully it will get better ASAP!!!

And now...Off to bed...

On the Mend...

This cold has had me laid out for the past couple of days...particularly last night when I was so cold, and shaky and achy that I literally wanted to go to the hospital.  Needless to say, I didn't go.  I just wrapped up in lots of clothes and blankets, drank tea, took medicines and slept.  In the middle of the night, I woke up super hot, peeling of the layers of clothes and blankets and feeling a lot better.

Today was even better, except for my lungs which are still quite sore and don't feel like they have anywhere to expand.  But, I did get out and get some fresh air with a short, slow-paced walk around the park, which was nice.  Tomorrow I hope to feel even better...as I need to get some writing and work done.

Till then...

Birthday Weekend...

Delaware, as Abe Lincoln

Friday was the start of birthday celebrations for Delaware's birthday weekend.

Me, as a Secret Service Agent

Friday night The Crew went to a place called the L-bar, and it was pretty nice.  The venue was classy with lots of seating and a nice dance floor...and the music was a good mix of stuff I would dance to (and did) and stuff I would rather sit to (which I also did.)

Official Secret Service Badge...hehehe

Saturday I had to get up rather early (compared to how late I was out on Friday) for a tutoring session.  After the regular session, I took her to a job fair and helped her to apply for a job... (Which is kinda ironic, as I'm still looking for work...but come March I will be working.). Anyways, it was nice to help her and I am looking forward to a good report on Tuesday.

Mariachi Band at Casa Sanchez

Saturday night was the surprise party for Delaware at a Mexican restaurant called Casa Sanchez...and it was SO MUCH FUN!!!

Now I'm always one for surprises, so jumping out from the booth and putting trick candles on her giant cupcake was good fun...but the fact that we dressed like presidents and there was a mariachi band was just icing on the cake.   I actually dressed like a secret agent instead of a president, because...well, why not?  I will say, I was best dressed...and the mariachi band was phenomenal.  Can't wait to go again.

After dinner, everyone was supposed to go on a 'bar crawl' where you start at one bar and keep on going till you reach the last one. I opted out of this portion of the night, as I don't think drinking all night is fun, its not in the budget, and I was feeling a bit under the weather as it was.

As it turns out, Delaware was a bit pooped from the weekend's festivities and they called it a night after just one bar visit...so I didn't miss much.

Sunday morning I went to a meet up at the horse barn, where we focused on round pen work and lunging.  It was fun, and informative, and I even got some props from the trainer who said I looked like I knew what I was doing.

I wasn't feeling that well, so when I got home, I showered and basically crashed after taking some meds.

Today I felt a bit better...throat was feeling better, but a cough was forming as the day went on.

I ended the day with an actual birthday dinner (as today was Delaware(s actual birthday) at The Cheesecake Factory with just she and I...and it was good laughs and good fellowship.

Besides being sick...again...it was a good weekend.



Sent from my HTC on the Now Network from Sprint!

Rock of Ages

I did all my regular stuff today...read, wrote, worked out, looked for jobs...

Later I went to a screening of  ROCK OF AGES (the film version of the Broadway musical) and it was pretty good.  The music was really great.  I didn't realize how many old school 'Rock and Roll' songs I know, and subsequently ike.

I don't have a frame of reference as I've not seen the Broadway play, but I thought the cast was good...except the woman in the lead role.  Ugh...I was utterly annoyed every time she was on screen or opened her mouth to sing.  I don't think she's talented, her voice is nasaly and pitchy and even though she's considered cute, she's kinda run of the mill to me.  Ok...enough of her.  The rest of the movie was funny and had good music...the general plot was a bit predictable and eh, but the music more than made up for it.  So, when it comes out in June...what the heck, go see it.

Now...the other thing (other than the lead female character...oh, right.  I said enough of her) that annoyed me to no end was the guy sitting next to me.  I bring a book to these sorts of things because there's so much waiting around.  So, I was sitting on an aisle seat and there was a free seat to the left of me.  He asked if it was free, and I said yes and went back to reading my book...fine.  Except he kept trying to make small talk...by himself.  I smiled and nodded and tried nicely to give him the hint...'I'm reading, and don't really want to talk now.'

He continued to talk and talk and talk...then he wanted to ask me questions.  What do you do?  Where are you from?  Seriously?  I'M READING...that means, I don't want to be bothered, I don't want to talk and we're not friends...and besides that, I'm reading.  (it's kind of rude, yes...but only in my head, not in my actions) But, being a Southern girl, I was cordial and answered his questions.  I told him I'm a writer/producer and he automatically assumed I was unemployed, which kinda pissed me off.  You don't know me like that...(even though in this case it happens to be somewhat true.)

Then he talks (on and on) about how hard it is to get into the industry, how I need to do internships and network and work for free, how I need to have a business card on me at all times...(all of which I already know, have done and presently do.)  At this, I asked him what he did...and he's a teacher.  Not that I don't love teachers, but Gee, Mr. Teacher...your teaching experience does not an entertainment professional make.

I get enough of how hard it is in this business from people who are actually in the business (and a great deal from people who aren't...but think they know)...and it's annoying.  I mean, I am well aware of how hard it is...I live it every day...the only reason I don't give up is faith and reminders from family and friends about faith.  But to hear it from a stranger who is just talking just to talk is, ugh.  If he was on my right side, he might have got an 'involuntary' back-hand slap from the bionic arm.

Finally he said, 'Ok, I'll let you read your book.'  Really, because you could have let me do that 30 minutes ago when you sat down.  After a trip to the bathroom and what seemed like forever for the movie to start, I thought I was home free...till he turned to me a few minutes after the movie started and talked to me.  No, NO, NO!  Uh-huh.  Nope.  Not cool.  EVER!!!! I gave him a smile then leaned to the outside to give him the hint.  He was also those type of people who laugh and look to you to laugh with them.   Then he talked to me again...but this time he asked a question, and I quickly shook my head and gave him the hand.  He didn't talk to me any more...

...Until the end of the film when I got up to leave...he gave me his business card to call him if I wanted to be a teacher.   Um, who has a paper business card for recruiting teachers?  Then he walked with me as I was leaving the theater, and I was getting a little creeped out...so I ducked into the bathroom (which worked out since I actually had to go.)  When I came back out, he was coming out the bathroom, and looking around...I ducked behind a crowd and quickly got out of there....and made sure he didn't follow me to my car.

Now, he may have been trying to holla, but even if he wasn't old enough to be my father (which he was,) the fact that he talked to me during a movie, makes him COMPLETELY unacceptable.  Three strikes, NO GOLD STARS and no chance in hell for him.  Nope...and now I'm done with that.

I wanted to work the night away, but in light of my evening...I'm just going to go to sleep.

But check out the trailer if you want:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIt7Gm1U5MM

Highlights

The highlights of my day were tutoring and Bible Study.  That's all I got.

Valentine's Day...

Valentine's day was fine (though I don't believe in this holiday...no matter how hard Delaware tries to convince me that it is in honor of St. Valentine.)

After waking up extra early (and going to bed REALLY late) I did all my morning stuff so I could get in the shower since maintenance was supposed to shut the water off for emergency repairs.  Well, turns out they never did turn it off, so I could have slept in a bit.

I had plans to go see a screening of 'Romancing the Stone,' to be followed by Q&A with Kathleen Turner, but sadly I didn't think I would make it to my tutor session in time...so I decided to be responsible for the sake of my tutee. Sigh.

We did have a good session, and she's pretty advanced, so hopefully I can give her some more challenging stuff...like Shakespeare and Booker T. Washington!

After the session, I went to see a screening of 'This Means War.'  It was cute...and there were some parts that I actually laughed out loud.  The leading men were fun and handsome (except for Chris Pine's hair and Tom Hardy's teeth.)  Chelsea Handler was also in it, and she was pretty funny.  My pseudo-cousin however (Reese Witherspoon) was kinda...eh.  Parts of the film kinda dragged for me, but people around me were laughing non-stop, so maybe it's just me.   Once the 'war' was in full force, it was better.

You won't find any multi-layered characters or interesting plot points and twists...but...it is fun, and Mr. Pine and Mr. Hardy were good looking...so, see it during a matinee or do a two for one.

The shoulder on my 'bionic' arm hurt pretty much all day.  I'm not sure if I slept on it wrong, or messed something up in yesterday's workout,  but it was painful.  Hopefully it will be better tomorrow.

I had planned to get in a second work out, but my eyes say go to bed.  Even with the Vday parties going on around me, I don't think I'll have any troubles falling asleep tonight (though I hardly do.)  I blame watching The Bodyguard and Whitney Houston's Cinderella (with Brandy and Whoopi) that came on in the wee hours of  the morning.  Just couldn't not watch.  RIP Whitney Houston.

To bed I go...

Today I...

Cleaned house
Reorganized my desk
Worked on a spec script
Worked out
Watched a doc on when slavery really ended.
Spoke briefly with someone who could potentially have a job for me on a scripted show (will talk with him more later)
Went to Target
Read a bit
G-chatted with friends
Looked for apartments (just to see what's out there)

...and now, I'm off to bed...

Santa Anita Racetrack

A Day At the Races!

Sunday was a DAY AT THE RACES!!! ...Courtesy of one of the 'Meetup' groups I joined that is for Thoroughbred Racing enthusiasts.  

The morning started at about 9:30am, after I braved three different freeways to get to Arcadia where the Santa Anita Racetrack is located and the location of today's adventure.   Once I arrived, I met the group and we had breakfast at the 'Clockers Corner' where we watched several riders exercise their horses. 

I finished breakfast pretty quickly and then went inside to sign up with the HBO's new series, LUCK, as an extra.  I figured since I was already out there, why not give it a go.  The open auditions just happened to fall on the same day as our meetup. I'll find out later if they'll want me, but it didn't cost me anything, since I was already there. 

Soon after I returned from my 'audition' (which was really filling out some very brief paper work and taking a couple of photos) I joined the group for the barn tour, where we got the low down from one of the trainers, met some horses, and found out a little bit about getting into the racing business. One of the ladies in the group was a friend of the Meetup organizer, and she was a loud, 'know it all' who didn't know as much as she tried to seem like she did...so that was the only distraction...and by the looks on the faces of the other 14 or so people, I wasn't the only one. 

After the barn tour we got our tickets and went into the actual stadium and it was really pretty.  We immediately went to a betting seminar where we were given some brief lessons on having fun and 'investing' in the sport as a opposed to gambling and perhaps loosing our homes.   The betting seminar took place in the middle of the track (not sure what it's properly called) but it was there I was able to meet and briefly talk with some of the riders and horses from LUCK...they were getting their daily workout.

The end of the betting seminar led us into the next part of our day, which was watching the races from our box seats, and it was fun.  I only stayed for four of the nine races, but it was definitely something great to experience and I hope to do it again soon.  

The best part of the day was that all this was FREE...that's right, I paid, nada, zilch, nothing...well, except for the gas to get there (which wasn't too bad) and the two bucks I lost on a race (I had to put my newly acquired betting skills to use...)  In any event it was still a Free day of fun.

Parking: Free, Tour: Free, Seminar:Free, Track:Admittance:Free, Box seats:Free...Day at the Races:Priceless.

Here's a look at the day...

Where the day started with breakfast.

Our Breakfast view

The grounds.

Santa Anita.

Some of the sites

One of the 'Famous' horses from the TV show LUCK on HBO

This horse belongs to the trainer who gave us the tour...unfortunately, she didn't win her race.

Such a pretty mare...

Thank God for working brakes!

Friday, while I was on my way to the movies, a woman (mostly preoccupied with her cell phone and shopping bags) stepped out into the road as I was coming.   Now, in her defense she was at a crosswalk...and not one of the ones what are at a light...but one where pedestrians can walk out in the street and have the right away.  But, most sane people usually only step out with enough time for the car to see them.   This lady did not.

This is a place where the speed limit is like 10 because it goes through a strip of shops, so I wasn't going fast, but she did pop out of now where.  I don't think she even looked up till she was mid was across the street and realized I stopped pretty close to her.  I was like a movie...an old lady slowly walks across the street with her walker and groceries and a big truck has to screech its tires to stop just in the nick of time...except the lady was not old, did not have a walker, was more concerned with her phone than her life, and it wasn't a truck it was a cute (albeit dirty) Jetta, and there was no tire screech because the brakes and the tires are in great condition.

The good news is I didn't hit her...though since she seemed to move slower as she walked on, I did want to tap her a bit with my bumper...but (obviously) I didn't.

Saturday morning I went to the library to meet with a lady I am tutoring in the Adult Literacy Program, and the line was around the block to get into the library.  I was trying to figure out what was going on...were they giving away books? Computers? Movies? Jobs?  People were ready with empty boxes and shopping bags. After the doors opened, I realized it was the second Saturday of the month when they hold a used book sale.  Books, DVDs, Audio books and VHS tapes were priced between fifty cents and two dollars.  Pretty nice deal!

The lady I'm tutoring is from Iran and is really nice.   She brought her daughter with her, and she's starting her sophomore year of college.  I hope to have a lot of fun with my tutee while helping her improve her reading, writing and pronunciation skills...so that eventually she can get a job.  I'm hoping when my job(s) start it will still allow me to help her.

After working with her, I decided to spend some time doing some work for the next projects....since I was already here, might as well get a little work done.  I didn't spend the whole day though.  Only a few hours, but it was enough productivity for a Saturday.

Babysitter...

Today was also pretty uneventful, except for the fact that I got the chance to spend the afternoon babysitting a friend's three month old baby girl...and she was a cutie.

It was only the little one's second time without her parents since birth, and she did pretty good.  She did have a couple of brief moments of clarity, when she realized I was neither her mother or her father and subsequently told me about it via her baby talk...ahem, that is crying.  

But the day was generally cry free; she ate, she slept, she went the the bathroom, we played, we went for a stroll around the neighborhood, we talked and sang.  It was a good day.  But now I'm tired and I'm going to sleep...

Nothing much...

Over the past two days, not much has happened...interesting or otherwise...but...I did get a lead for a job on a scripted TV show/pilot from Delaware.  I contacted the man, but nothing back yet. I will call him again today, and keep you posted.

Sent from my HTC on the Now Network from Sprint!

A disturbing drive home...

I went out today, and on my way back there were cops speeding behind me, (which, unfortunately isn't uncommon.)  They came and drove past...and I thought nothing of it.  As I was driving in their direction, I saw where they stopped.  They were parked in front of a woman sprawled out in the middle of the road surrounded by a few others, but the emergency people weren't quite there yet.  The ambulances were coming behind me and the firetruck was coming from the direction I was headed in.

The traffic on the opposite side of the road was stopped by the police.  The traffic in my direction was still moving...but slowly.  And unfortunately I got a glimpse of the woman in the street...her eyes were opened and looked distant.  It was very disturbing.  I'm not sure if she was alive or not...and I didn't look long enough to find out.  I just started praying right then for her and her family.  I don't know what happened and I didn't see/hear anything on the news.

Shortly after, I passed by a 'bust' (I guess) at a restaurant.  There were about 5 cops in the parking lot, and they had two young black men and a young Hispanic woman detained, all in handcuffs.  It too was disturbing...and yet more evidence of why minorities are generally stereo-typed.  Maybe they were profiled or falsely accused...maybe not.  So then I began praying for them.

It has been a task to keep the woman's face out of my head...so I'm praying for sweet dreams.

Outside of the disturbances...I got some rest, got a call from a producer at Master Chef (which is a move in the right direction) and will likely get back to some of my own projects tomorrow...so, not a bad day...outside of the sites.

A Long Weekend...

It's been a long, but fun and even productive weekend...so here's the quick recap...

Friday
I wrote for the better part of the day.  Later I met Delaware and The Crew (which is what I think I will refer to them as...they are Delaware's friends that have welcomed me into their 'group') in West Hollywood at the Upright Citizen's Brigade Theater to see the 'Harvard Sailing Team' Comedy Group.   They were pretty funny...though very much lacking in diversity.

After the show we went to 'Birds' restaurant...again...they really love that place.   We hung out there till the wee hours of the morning, after which I came home, and managed to write...well, for only 10 minutes, then my body said GO TO SLEEP...so I did.

Saturday
I'd had plans to go to the movies and catch a two for one, but after being invited to go to a warehouse/club like place called 'Booty' that night, I figured I should say in and finish my script.   So I did just that until about 6pm when Delaware came over...we had dinner, got ready, and went to meet the Crew.   'Booty' was an...interesting place...there were a lot of 'hipsters,' loud 'house' music, white people witth no rhythm (sorry to my vanilla family...just stating the facts,) and weird people dancing on the stage wearing random masks ...but I did get to get my dance on, which I do like to do, and had fun with the Crew.  Will I go again...eh...who knows.  

I ended up being the designated driver by default...a couple in the group were just going to cab it home, but I took them instead.  Delaware spent the night and loved the Aerobed.  She woke up in the morning and forgot where she was.  While she slept, I wrote and finished the second draft of my script.

Sunday
I went to church...Delaware went home to prepare for the afternoon's Superbowl party she was hosting.  Church was a little slim for probably the same reason (Superbowl parties,) but the message was really good and I'm glad I went despite my tired eyes.  Afterwards, I cooked some queso and Corn pudding, which is now referred to by the Crew as 'Crack Bread' because they just can't get enough....then went over to Delaware's early to help prepare for the guests.

The partygoers were divided into three groups:  Go Patriots!, Go Giants! and 'Our team isn't playing so we're just here for the food and fellowship.' (both Delaware and myself, along with most of the group fell into the third category.)  It was fun though, and really pretty laid back.  People may have still been recovering from our visit to 'Booty.'

I helped Delaware clean up, watched everyone leave, then came home myself.  Now I will attempt to catch up on three days worth minimal sleep.

Almost to the finish line...

I've been writing pretty well this week and although I missed my initial deadline, I am pretty positive that I will finish this script by Saturday at the latest.   Then I can move on to the next project.

I will have to (in the next week and a half or so) start dividing my writing time between working time...as I will be working with the Acting Department at my school.  I did get the job and while I have not signed any papers yet, they are supposed to be emailed to me...after which I'll fill them out and then get a background check...and then get to it.

So...hopefully soon, I will have a busy schedule and lots to do, but actually getting paid for it while I am patiently waiting for my big break.  It's supposed to be part time to start, so I do plan on still being able to write...

That's about all for now...finish line for this particular script is in view.  I press on.