New Home and New Computer...

Today was a day off and I slept in...well I got up at 4am, then 7am, then 8am...finally resolving to get up and read around 9am.   Early mornings really do mess with my off day schedule.  After taking it easy and putting my stuff together, my cousin very generously drove me to my new living location for the next couple of weeks.  I was terribly grateful as my luggage weighs probably in excess of 50lbs, and lugging that up and down the subway stairs and then up to the fourth floor where I am staying would have probably had me laid out on the street somewhere.  (So thanks cuz!)

I made it up the 4 flights of stairs and am comfy in my solo living arrangements.  A friend and his girlfriend needed a house sitter while they are away on two different (almost congruent) trips and so it works out for me.

Each place I've 'lived' since my stint in NYC has had some benefits...my Queens locations have given me quality time with my cousins and a better knowledge of the Queens bus system.  My first Brooklyn location gave me a cushy bed in an air-condition room.  And this location gives me a quiet house alone, with a short walk to the subway.  So, all in all, God is certainly working it out.

As for the new computer...got an opportunity to buy a used Macbook from an IT guy for a really great price, with lots of different programs and in really great condition.  So now, my giant PC laptop can be my desktop computer once I get back to Cali...since it too is in really great condition, but is just too heavy to be completely portable.  Win-win.

At yesterday's Runway, we had a guest judge...I'm not really at liberty to tell who it is, but I will give some clues.  If you figure it out, good for you.  She's a multi-award winning singer/actor, with the initials BM.

Well, It's been a long hot day, and I just want to get this NY sticky off me...but here are some pictures highlights of the last couple of weeks.

Lady Liberty from afar

Empire state building from the top of the Atlas hotel

The Runway...without all the glam

One of our shooting locations

The New World Trade Center

HK on the Runway

The Wall Street Bull

Up to speed...

I'd like to say that this post will bring you up to speed with everything that's been going on here in NYC, but it won't.  I got off early today and had every intention of doing a bunch of different things...as it turns out, sleeping (boring, I know) was what took precedence.   So, after waking up from an undetermined amount of nap time, I'm giving yet another quick catch up...to be followed by a detailed account of events soon.

I guess the biggest thing has been my rise in 'status.'  I'm now back with the AD team as a set PA and so, get to do things (and not do things) regular PAs have to do.  Yay for the AD who has my back.  One of the things I get to do is babysit for her while I'm on the clock.  This draws some 'hateration' from other PAs as well as some of those slightly above my pay grade in the production department, but I don't really care.

I went out with Chicago to see the statue of Liberty, but that is a story in and of itself best suited for another time.  

Other events happened, but I can' barely keep my eyes open, so those too will be saved for another time.   Tomorrow I will be moving to my 4th living arrangements.  It's back in Brooklyn just further out....I can't complain though.  God has really kept and provided for me...not once have I really been in any serious trouble of being homeless at anytime during my NY stay...and that's awesome.

More another time...I promise...but I need to get back to sleep.  It seems I get so little of it.

Catching up...

There's so much to catch up on and I had planned on doing that today...but I am really tired, and I have a 5:30am call.  Maybe I'll catch up tomorrow.

I punched someone in the face!

Ok...maybe not.  Obviously not, as I am not writing this from a jail cell (thank God,) but I really, REALLY wanted to do some harm to my current 'boss' on PR.  (I'll be calling it that from now on since this season's shooting is really not to be know.)  Um, yeah...I also say 'boss' in quotes, because I just don't respect him.  Sure I can do my job, and probably with a smile and always to the best of my abilities, but truth of the matter is, I don't too much care for him.

Today was fine until the end of the day 'meeting,' where he annoyed me to know end.  Basically, I think he's hypocritical and not overly qualified for his position...marginally at best.  I completely realize that I've only had actual interaction with this guy for three days now, but I've observed a great deal in a short period of time and I am not all at impressed with what I've seen.  I'll say this and be done...Lead by example.

I was glad I came in early because I was able to leave right after this meeting, and I was hot.  That other 'Angel' I keep suppressed inside really wanted to come out, but instead, I put on some music and rode the train home...and calmed down in the process.

When I was walking home, I thought about how I really wished I had my best friend to vent with about this, which just made me all the more annoyed.

Then, straw that broke the camel's back (or my back in this case)...I got a call for an interview with NBCUniversal.  What?!?!?!?  I sat day in and day out in Cali hoping, nay praying that this call would come through and it comes through when I'm on the other side of the country, living like a nomad because I stepped out on faith and wanting to seriously give my 'boss' a good cussing out...and by cussing out, I mean tell him how little I think of him and then give him several reasons to substantiate my thoughts, thus making him feel beneath the scum of the earth.

I just couldn't believe it...and when I told her I wouldn't be back in town until mid-late August, and she said they just couldn't wait that long, my heart sank.  I regretted it as soon as I said it, and was so upset I could have spit blood.  (literally...I've done it before.)

After some encouraging words from my Mom, Delaware and even some agitating words from another friends, I calmed down...again.  I watched some Star Trek and got my mind off of everything.  I called the lady back and left her a message.  I prayed.  I read.  I updated this blog.  If this opportunity at NBCUniversal is for me, then something will happen and soon.  I'm sure of it.  If not, I'll gain an invaluable experience here in NYC and something even better will come sooner than later...of that I am sure.

Am I frustrated? Yes.  Am I a bit annoyed?  No doubt.  Do I know without a shadow of a doubt that God has RIDICULOUS blessings in store for me (in my film/tv career and otherwise?)  Absolutely.  Will I let how I am feeling/have felt today break me.  Never.  I press on.

Brooklyn Bridge...on the day off...

I needed to get out and away from the computer, so I trekked to the Brooklyn Bridge and over it, and then back over it and back to the apartment.  It was nice and breezy and I always love the view from up there.  You can see pretty much everything from the Statue of Liberty to the Chrysler Building...and despite the neighbor warning me that it was super hot outside, it actually wasn't too bad.  It was low 80s and breezy...my kind of weather!

When I got back from my walk, I got a text from my friend who's room I'm crashing in...and he told me he was letting someone else stay there for the weekend, and if I could be out by tomorrow.  It's a day earlier than he promised, but I guess beggers can't be choosers.   So, I'm not entirely sure where I will be staying tomorrow, but it won't be here.  It's all good though and I press on.

Day off...

Yesterday was my first day off (today is my second)...mainly because the show is still in pre-production, and so the production has to spread out the PAs giving us each 4 days this week.  Next week will start 5 or more days, and so I will enjoy this time off while I have it.

Yesterday after waking up super early, then falling back asleep, I woke up, read some, did some writing and then ventured out to the city.  It was basically an exploration day...and even though I may have looked like a tourist with my shorts, tee, sneakers and 'camelback' backpack, two different actual tourists asked me for directions...and I was able to help them both!

Later in the afternoon I went and spent lunchtime with my cousin.  We didn't eat, but we did hang out outside  in the garden on the property, and it was really fun.  My cousin doesn't normally go outside during lunch, so it was a nice time for her and I hope she continues to do it.  Nothing like a bit of fresh air to keep you going.

I also got a text from the AD asking if I was free to babysit for her that night.  I was and I did and me and the little one had a good time.  The AD got home way later than she had anticipated, and instead of paying my cab fare home, she gave me the option of sleeping there.  So I did.  It's a really nice apartment, right near Times Square, on the 44th floor with an amazing view of the city and the new World Trade Center...my kind of living.  Perhaps when I become a balla!  (or important enough to have a production company pay my expenses.)

I was sleeping on the couch, but when she got there she kept insisting I pull out the couch bed.  I didn't feel like it...so then she insisted that I sleep in the bed with her, and so I did.   I woke up early so I could come back to Brooklyn and feed my friend's cat.  Then I fell asleep.

The day is just barely into the afternoon, and I'm not sure what I'll do today.  I need to write, and I probably will.  It's a pretty day outside, but I'm a bit tired.  Maybe from my adventures in the city yesterday...maybe because I only slept a few hours last night.  Whatever the reason, maybe I'll address that first, then do some work, and eventually play outside.

I press on.

The First Couple of Days

The first few days on the job have been ok.  Nothing particularly fun, and while I like the people, I'm still getting to know them.  I do have some thoughts about a few people, but I will keep that to myself until further investigation.

This go round (at least to start out) I'm a Production PA...still bottom of the totem pole, but also bottom of the rung in departments.  As a Production PA I've doing a lot of driving, trash, cleaning...the silly stuff, Set PAs generally don't have to do.  It's all good though, hopefully when we start shooting I'll be back with my AD team...well, a little more.  I've been told on this show I'll mostly work with Production and they will use me when they need to.  I'm going to try and work my magic so that my time with the AD team outweighs my time with the Production team. (And by work my magic, I mean pray God works it out, and smile alot!)

I did get to do something I've never done before...I drove in the city, and not just drove...I drove a 15 passenger van in the city!  The thought of it made me a little nervous when I found out that was to be one of my responsibilities, but after actually doing it, it wasn't that bad.  Everything is close, it just takes a long time because mostly all the streets are one way.  Plus, since it's so crowded, not alot of fast driving takes place.

The AD is here, as well as the three of the 2nd ADs I've worked with before, and one other PA I worked with on MasterChef.  He actually has been promoted to 2nd AD too, which is great for him!  One of the 2nd ADs also offered to let me bunk on his couch if I needed to, since he knows about my current nomad life.  He's a really nice guy and I will take him up on his offer...he's staying in the city...but I will hold off on taking him up, since I would prefer to stay there closer to the end of the show...things tend to be a bit more stressful, or by that time I'll be so over long commutes so either way, it could work out.

I did get to see/speak to Tim Gunn yesterday.  He's so fancy!  I just spoke to him as he was walking out of the elevator and I was walking in.  He did speak, and seemed nice.  I've heard that he is and down to earth too (just a way better dressed version of a 'down to earth' guy)...but only time will tell if that's true.  But, boy, can he wear a suit!

Check out this promo for the current season...it starts July 19th, but don't look for my name...the Project Runway I'm working on will air at a later date.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Lifetime?v=QZa-VZ0w5XQ

As for the current living conditions, its really good.  I've got a room to myself, a very comfy bed, and not too bad of a commute.  This one will end on Saturday, but maybe I can just move to the living room.  Stay tuned...

New York!

I had pretty much all but completely dismissed the option of going to New York and working on Project Runway since things with living and flights weren't working out the way I would have liked.   Well, that was Monday.  Tuesday I chatted with my cousin, searched for flights and ultimately decided (rather abruptly) that I would come to New York...and I am here now.  I flew in on July 4th because it was significantly more cost effective.

Side note--I was a little bummed I wouldn't be able to see July 4th fireworks again this year, but as it turned out, I did get to see fireworks.  Lots of fireworks...probably every fireworks show (big and small) that took place from Chicago to new York.  The view from the airplane was unmatched and really cool.  It was like mini, colorful explosions all over the earth.  And that 'super' fireworks show was only trumped by the lighting show put on by God Himself.

In the distance there was bright, white flashing clouds, dazzling white, yellow and red bolts that skipped across the sky, and occasionally strikes that made it all the way to the ground.  It was truly something...and contrary to what the captain said, it didn't make the landing bumpy at all.

Back to New York...well, due to some mis-understandings with several parties, what I thought would be a relatively easy living arrangement, has turned into what looks to more of a 'nomad' lifestyle for me.  I'm not excited about it.  At all. But I'm going to make it work.   I even felt like throwing in the towel on this one and going back to Cali...I figured at least then I would have a place to lay my head.   I don't generally make abrupt decisions and situations like these are the reason why.  Don't get me wrong, I like adventure...but I like adventure in my playing, not in my living.  But it is definitely an experience and I will make the most of it.  I will not quit...mostly because I do like Project Runway and boy will it look good on my resume!

So for basically the rest of the summer, I am a New Yorker.  I will admit I have missed the city...not all parts of it (like filthy rats running around in the subway) but generally, yes.  And all the maneuvering through the city, subways and buses didn't leave me; it was like I'd never left.

I won't start work until Monday, so until then...I press on.