my creative and collective ponderings.

I wanted to blog about moving to the fabulous Las Vegas...

2009-06-02T20:32:00.000-07:00

But I haven't found anything positive about it yet.

Keep tuned.

-Amber

its my day o f f

2008-08-27T23:33:00.000-07:00

Hello darling!

I have been thinking a lot lately and wanted to record my many scrambled goals, thoughts and questions rolling around in my head. Maybe it will help me to sleep better, who knows?

- I want to make a demo reel. Do I think I have good material for a great demo reel? Not really, but I can shorten it up to make the good reactions I have be the focus, instead of the horrible sound and cheezy lines... I don't know how to edit, so I will have to pick out a couple scenes I want and ask a friend to do it for free or cheap. (Which means low priority, which means I will have to wait forever for it to be done) But hey, I want the advantage of having a reel!

And hopefully that reel will get me work, better work, with which I can fashion a lovely new reel out of!

-I want to learn out to edit. I cannot possibly afford (time or my non-existent money) to go tot film school or anything elaborate. But I do own a lovely little macbook, with basic video editing software and I have youtube. You'd think I'd be able to make something useful out of it.... I wish someone could teach me how to edit a reel or little short films / music videos I might want to make. just for practice.

-I got a new job! God always has a way of reassuring me I'm not a total screwup when I feel hopeless and broke. I started at the Intercontinental Hotel Los Angeles Century City (yes, that is the full name) as a front desk agent thanks to my good friend actress and director, Anna. The job pays well, and it is my first full time job with benefits. I like this security! Being able to afford things and pay off my debt slowly but surely is fabulous. However I do not like being unavailable. I haven't been able to go to a single audition since I've started and I haven't had much of a social life either. But now that I am less worried about learning everyones names and the computer system (a real, complicated pain, i might add) I can focus on executing my precious time off on what I want. (which unfortunately, is damn near everything.)

-I've had to walk almost exactly a mile to work every day and I dont mind the walk, I feel good and my legs are adjusting to the demands of standing for 8 hours straight much better than I thought. I've also lost 2 pounds from walking. (no diet this month, i'm too broke to buy healthy foods, not too mention too tired to care much). However, I wish the hotel had a better parking solution, as I have to search and fight for a new spot every day on Pico...

-I cannot wait to find a new apartment in LA! I dont know how much I will be able to afford yet. I am thinking I'll be able to swing anywhere from 600-800 a month if it includes utilities and I don't need a new car :/

I haven't decided whether I would prefer having a roommate or not, I suppose it depends on the roommate. But here are some of the things I would like to see in my ideal apartment search:

1. Parking! Parking included, no fighting for a spot at my own place! I want my own parking spot or permit, and I need to feel safe parking and walking to my apartment.

2. Location. I need to be close to Century City/ West LA (my job and Ryan) while still being close to Hollywood and freeways for auditions. I am hoping to find something off Santa Monica Blvd, Olymipic or Pico.... all very busy, diverse areas near everything I need. Also considering West Hollywood, Beverly Hills (I know its ridiculously expensive and boring but it is so close to my work!!) and Santa Monica...

3. Space. The smaller the better. I'm never home and I never sleep. I just need a place to keep my crap. I do not want a lot of clutter or a lot to have to clean. a studio or loft would be superb for now until I can afford a nice apartment and a social life...

4. Perks. I would IDEALLY love to have a pool, fitness center, running trail nearby, and washer and dyer (I don't mind paying, I just need it there), and cable and wifi of some sort to use. I would also really really, really really, REALLY love rooftop access or a balcony with a great view. But I realize that is asking for more than my share of good luck in LA, so I'll stick with finding a safe place to park. ;)

5. Month to month rent would be ideal as I have no idea where I'll be in 6 months to a year from now. Also being able to get a kitten and keep it there would be nice! I want a little black kitten so badly!!!

My ideal roommate would be a 20-30 yr old female, clean and friendly. Preferably someone with high ambitions in the entertainment industry so we could understand if not support each other's goals not to mention crazy schedules and sleeping hours. Or someone who is quiet and doesn't mind me hardly ever being home. My ideal roommate would be a fellow actress or model or director who understands auditions, "image", pressure and creativity.

I think I've said too much but at least it's not swimming around in my head anymore. There. its out there, and if anyone wants to look for an apartment with me, I would be delighted! And I wont hold you to any of my ideals. They are just me thinking about what I would want....

-Does anyone know of a good place to sell computer parts? I have a 250 GB RAM for my PC laptop that I never used but my uncle threw away the damn packaging, it was worth $55.00. I would like to sell it if I could find the right place to go to.....

-Does anyone edit and put together demo reels for free or for trade? I can't imagine it would take long, I don't have much material :/

-I'm sad that I've spent the entire summer indoors. Not once have I gotten to get to the beach :(

-Yes, I do get discounts on many hotel chains now. Intercontinental, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Candlewood Suites, Staybridge Suites, Hotel Indigo, and Crowne Plaza. at least 20 % for me and 15% for friends and family depending on availability, so let me know if you need the hook up!

Blue Bloods the movie cast:

2008-08-20T02:26:00.000-07:00

There is no easy way to say that the Twilight series has come to an end (*tear) but ever since then I have been trying to find a decent book to get into. I run into a few good ones including the magical trilogy by Libba Bray "A Great and Terrible Beauty", "Rebel Angels" and "The Sweet Far Thing" (which is by far one of my favorite series now and I can't wait to list the cast for that as well, seeing how I fit the main character's desciption perfectly, muahaha..)

Anyhow this book, "Blue Bloods" is like Gossip Girl (NYC it-girls) and Twilight (vampires) put together.

What more could you need right?

(apparently a solid story line... the ending was very anti-climatic.)

However I still believe this could be made INTO a great movie, if they changed a few things to make it more interesting and less cheesy.

When reading the book I pictured this sweet, red headed texan character named Bliss to be played by one of my favorite actresses, Jayma Mays (Heroes) and so I thought it would be fun to cast it.

I dont really want to break down the book for you but fans of the book will recognize each character easily.

There are brother and sister twins in the book, Mimi and Jack Force who kinda had a thing together in a "past life" so I thought Blake Lively (who is also a perfect blonde vampire looking actress) and her real life beau Penn Bradgley (spelling) would be perfect for it since they also fit the book's description.

Alexis Bledel would be the main character, Schuyler (pronounced sky-lar) because she is the most beautiful dark haired, innocent blue eyed pale actress i could think of for the role. Her character is very goth and gritty.

I'm tired and i've been meaning to post this dream casting for a while now.

if you have any questions, complaints or better suggestions (i DARE you to find a better Bliss) let me know!

xoxo

oh and ps!

new episodes of GG start sept 1st! eeek!!!

pps!

Twilight the movie's release date has been changed to earlier than dec 12th! ill find out when!

My Dream

2008-07-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

I remember arriving at a beautiful old house in the country, with a long wooden fence around the backyard. It was a summer house of our or something, and we shared it with a few other girls and families, as it was huge. it had 3 stories above ground, each with a rustic balcony with sun chairs. the house was made of wood on the outside, like a cabin almost, but white plaster on the inside, well decorated and neat. Earlier in the dream we arrived through an elevator and looking at the buttons i realized this house had 16 stories to explore. we went to the top and settled in. I'm not sure who i was with, it was a girl. we went out to the balcony that over looked the other two lower balconies and the back yard. The back yard is set in a forrest, fenced in lightly with long wooden posts. it had a pretty rounded-yet-not-circled pool with plants near the deep end. there was people bbq-ing out back and they were all nice and happy.

I saw Mimi (my grandma, who raised me, so for everyones sake, ill just call her mom) arrive with 2 lady friends and settle in on the level right below me. as we were getting settled, i heard a shout and looked over the balcony on the 2nd level.

There was a big beautiful fire burning the forrest near our house. I asked them to put it out and they said we cant, but its fine, we need to get rid of some trees. I thought, alright, we can spare the fence and the trees but i hope it dosnt get closer bc we only have a garden hose.

Then I went inside and ran around the house looking for something and exploring. I met up with 2 other girls who ran up and down the many stairs with me. the middle step on every landing seemed to be a big dip, instead of a step. and oddly enough it was full of soft, slippery pasta noodles. Fettucine, actually. Mimi and her friends got changed while ran around the house doing god knows what. I remember overhearing it was Mimi's 65th birthday and i had forgotten how old she was.

Then I kinda woke up shut off my alarm and couldnt shake the dream, so i went into another one.

I was in a bed (yeah, no crap. haha) and the bed was half in, half out side a tall, shallow cave. the spiders started crawling in my bed so i squirmed and got out. when i got out, i was no longer half awake, but fully immersed in my new dream.

I was in a outside party with friends at night. there were two sides to the party, but i cant remember what. some really annoying girl was there, and i had to fix all her mistakes she made to the party. The party was good, but by the end of the dream i was struggling to escape the party.

when i gained half awakeness again i was thinking "get UP. get up. get up. get up! get up!!"

So I think the last dream had something to do with falling back asleep even though I knew I had to wake up to get to the bank on time. I woke up 10 mins past the bank closing. dangit!!! I cant never get to the bank on saturdays!

anyways, I know this is getting long but this is mostly for me anyways, as i believe dreams are a way of getting your attention about things. I can NEVER remember mine so I thought I'd write it down real quick before i did anything else and use the website Cassie gave me: www.dreammoods.com to decipher some of it.

-Grandmother- represents protection and unconditional love.

-Mother- Life, guidance and comfort. Dreaming that you are having a conversation with your Mom denotes a matter that has preoccupied your mind and you are not sure how to deal with it in your waking life. it indicates unresolved problems with her. Hearing her call out to you signifies you have been negligent in your duties and responsibilities, you are pursuing the wrong path. To hear your mom cry denotes illness or affliction.

-House being on fire- you need to undergo some transformation. also highlights passion and love for those around you.

-House- represents your own soul and self. the attic, or top, represents your intellect, the basement represents the unconscious. if the house is empty, it is feelings of insecurtiy. of the house is shifting, it suggests personal changes and changing your belief system. If you live with others in your waking life but dream that you live alone, you need to take your independence.

To clean your house, suggests needing to clear out thoughts and seeking self improvement.

If the house is old and run down, it represents your old beliefs, attitudes and how you used to think or feel. a situation in your current life may be bringing up those same feelings.

-Pool- a pool of water indicates that you need to understand and deal with your emotions, you need to dive right in (thats funny bc i stepped over the pool, very carefully.) alternatively, a pool may indicate your need for cleansing. you need to wash away the past.

-Smoking- signifies a need for a break. also indicates yu are trying to shield yourself and others against your emotions. you have trouble letting others in. (hahahahahahaha wow.)

-Steps/Stairs- efforts in achieving your goals, ambition and material gains.

-Pasta noodles- To see noodles in your dream signifies an abnormal appetite and desire.

-Cave- the cave signifies refuge or the unconscious mind.

-Party- suggests that you need to get out more and enjoy yourself. also a reflection of your social skills. if the party is good, you are confident, if it os bad, you are might lack social skills.

-Baby in pool- Babies may represent an aspect of yourself that is vulnerable and helpless. If you dream that you forgot you had a baby, then it suggests that you are trying to hide your own vulnerbilities. you do not want to let others know of you weaknesses.

-Elevator- Going up signifies that you will quickly rise to status and wealth. you may also have risen to a higher lever of consciousness and are looking at the world from an elevated viewpoint.

Thanks for reading. this particularly detailed dream has been very insightful!

xoxo

The Creeper aka El Viejo

2008-07-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

So I work at a Japanese food place.

There are several regular customers, though one always makes a point of standing out.

In fact there are so many regular customers that we have 5 Daniels. One Daniel always makes his stay more memorable than the rest.

The late 45 year old man works construction and drives a white construction van, other wise known to most young girls as a rape van. (you know, the dark windows, big side sliding door to just drive by and kidnap someone in, like in the movies?)

He is balding, and tries to cover it up by buzzing his salt and pepper hair. He leans entirely too far over the counter and smells like a construction worker, as in, sweat.

He had the nerve to ask me last week, "So when are you gonna go for a ride on my motorcycle?"

Me: (taken aback, regains composure, searching for an obvious excuse) "Oh, it's too hot for riding motorcycles, I don't think so."

Daniel: "Oh. Well then. Let me rephrase it. (Leers) When are you gonna go out on a date with me?"

Me: (studying his older-than-my-dad body) "Oh. *laughs hard* I'm taken."

Daniel: "Aw! Thats too bad ... Well, I guess I won't flirt with you anymore..."

Me: (under my breath) "yes please... don't"

.....................

NEXT DAY.

He returns.

I notice, to my dismay, I notice he does not have a wedding ring, which my spanish sushi maker friend Emily asked...

Daniel: "Hi there... You know you broke my heart yesterday."

Me: (glaring at his lewdness) "Oh, did I? Thats really too bad."

Daniel: laughs nervously, "You don't care much do you?"

Me: (putting extra ice in my glare, while smiling) "Nope."

................

TODAY.

I saw his phone order and dreaded the day already

. Oh, crap. HOw am I gonna avoid the creeper today. I really don;t want to have to deal with him.

So i found a prefect way to avoid the bastard.

I saw him get out of his rape van and i went straight into the bathroom and re-arranged my hair in several different fashionable styles before I decided I wanted to come out to a Daniel-free store.

It worked, and since there is no Spanish word for "Creepy Old man" Emily and I call him "El Viejo" when he is around... "The old man".

its pretty fun.

oh and whats better is I wont HAVE to deal with El Viejo anymore. or this fast food job anymore.

I just got a long waited job offer from Intercontinental Hotels as a front desk agent, full time at 13/hr!

This is the best day ever!

Goodbye fast food.

Goodbye minimum wage.

Goodbye El Viejo!

jobs.

2008-06-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

I thought for fun, and for most of my dear friends who have wondered about my mysterious work history, which is elusive, even to myself at times, I would post a fun list, oh, im also the queen of run-on sentences and bad grammar, so get used to it :)

I will start at the beginning of my employment journey. High school. McEachern High school to be exact.

Publix Supermarkets: My first job, forced upon me, in every literal sense by my Mimi, who not only believed in strong work ethic, but not able to spoil me, pushed me to apply as soon as legally possible, "or else". Mind you, "or else" in Mimi-talk meant horrific devastation on my part, including but not limited to: Groundation, Cell-phone confiscation, Sunday-morning-orange-rolls-depravation, good-cooking-depravation, constant nagging as well as phone nagging, and removing the door to my room, followed by my bathroom, if I did not comply, if none of these worked (and they usually did, despite my strong will to have a ferris buller-style summer) Mimi could always threaten to ship me back to California, although, those threats were usually saved for special occasions (like buying an eyebrow ring, skipping school, and hiding my boyfriend in the closet). But, we can laugh about it now! (I hope....) This was my longest job to date, spanning 3 years of my young life. I worked as a Cashier, Stock-girl (the only one, which was perfectly fine by me, seeing as I got spoiled and never had to show up on time or lift heavy things.) Dairy-girl* (*worst job ever, loading and unloading milk pallets that constantly broke and spoiled. Spent my entire shift in a feezer or fridge, pushing dairy around. ) and last but not least, the Bakery! I loved my job at the bakery even though by the time I finally got to the position I wanted ever since I started (decorating pastries and cakes) I had one month before I moved to California.
Bruster's Ice Cream: My first "second" job. I got this job after convincing Mimi this had the best benefits (free ice cream) by bringing her home our favorite "double chocolate chip" ice cream everyday. I worked this a few days a week, for a couple hours, mostly cleaning, gossiping to my openly gay theater friend/manager, Jay and "sampling" every flavor. One of the most fun jobs I've had. Carefree, silly and ice-cream and hot fudge everyday... mmmm.... Oh, and I instantly became more popular when my friends realized I was a free-ice cream giving Goddess. That doesnt hurt, either.
Forever 21: the second day I landed in california, I went job hunting. I didn't know anyone out here but my family, and I certainly couldnt stay up till 3 in the morning watching Zoolander in my undies, eating leftover pizza with my uncle, (trust me) so I went in search of fun loving girls like me. Enter Forever 21 asian chicks. I got hired the day of my interview and started working a couple days a week, seeing employees come and go like hot cakes. I worked there for a month before I realized 2 things about retail: 1. The girls that work here are fake. 2. Retail SUCKS. (especially the pay)
Johnny Carino's Italian: I quickly applied here, mostly out of the love for their garlic bread. It also had a huge NOW HIRING sign over its newly constructed building. I worked at Forever 21 and here for a while before sticking to real money. I eventually worked my way up to server, and met my first friend, Hannah. Hannah had sparkly eyeshadow and a cute blonde, emo hair cut. I knew we would be friends immediately. (Mostly out of missing my cute emo-haircutting friend Erin, back home). Hannah also cut hair and soon adopted my short pixie cut of 06. I made lots of money serving here and loved Carino's very much. My British friend Jane and I played several pranks on each other and I finally understood how people could love the place they worked. Sometimes we made fun of a fat angry woman called Kristen to ourselves. The evil Kristen eventually became a manager somehow. Then the Evil Kristen made my life a living hell, and after several servers threw in the towel and quit, I put in my two-weeks notice, convinced I would go to a better restaurant, one where GM's and managers were nice, and patient beings who didnt snap all the time, and micro-manage you. I've never quite found that restaurant...
Red Robin: I applied here mostly, again, out of the love for their steak fries. I got hired as a server, yet after training they made me host for 4 months. I made several friends here that have come and gone but most might remember Alli Byer. She was a server at the time and a friend of ours, Ashley, invited me over to her house for a post-halloween party. I had no friends and hated boys, having just broken up with my ex of 2 and a half years, so I obliged and made all of my current great friends there around her bonfire (Michaela, Brenda and Mike). I eventually made it to expo, with promise of becoming a server. After 6 months of barely being able to make rent off of a host/expo wage, I had to quit.
Life's A Beach: I'm not kidding. I worked here and Red Robin around the same time. I was desperate for a job, so I got a job somewhere I swore I would never step foot in, a tanning salon. I worked here for almost a year making many fun girl friends, meeting a girl named Michelle who ended up being a whole lot of fun. too much fun. That girl got me in way too much trouble (i.e: Nate, Vinnie) I eventually got so burnt out working every waking hour, I kept coming in late for work, and got fired for the first time in my life. (boo.) It was actually a pretty scary and dumb experience, and if you know me, you've heard the story...
Famous Dave's BBQ: Oh, Famous Dave's. I applied here out of no reason whatsoever! On a complete whim, I drove by and applied. I had orientation and training with the most handsome man I've ever laid my eyes on. He was thin (just the way I like 'em), with dark brown hair and impossibly blue eyes. We ended up in the same training groups and after explaining to me that he also was into acting and was a Christian, I was sold. I also became great friends with Michaela who was a host there and is one of my best friends today. I ended up quitting after Mother's From Hell, and I lost it, walking out of the restaurant with several other servers, after a manager accused me of drinking on the clock (I didnt even drink off the dang clock!) and several orders went missing all day. Ryan and I have been dating for a year and a half now :)
Starbuck's Coffee: I got this job out of desperation of not having a job all summer, after quitting Famous Dave's and almost giving up on the restaurant business altogether. I worked in the Simi Valley Mall, serving caramel frappucinos to 8th graders all day and making near minimum wage. I made several nice, optimistic friends there, who I was very sad to leave, when Quitting time came. I had started Extra work, or background work. I was working on real TV shows and movies. I was hopeful to become SAG soon and realized if I got a call in service to book me everyday, I could make more doing extra work than I could at Starbucks, so I quit Starbucks, walking blindly into the glamourous world of non-union extra work with nothing but my film experience to go on....... (which was none.)
Extra work: Basically being herded and treated like dumb, annoying cattle all day (literally over 12 hours a day) in different locations through out southern california, starting at 6am. I never saw my friends and put many miles on my car before realizing this wasn't going to cut it. The great part about extra work is that you get to meet all kinds of new people (actors, writers, models, etc) and get ideas and connections from that. You learn what to do (AND what NOT to do) very quickly doing extra work if you are observant. I have met one of my bestest friends on the set of "Caveman" (Show based off of Geico caveman commercials, now cancelled), Cassie. I eventually cancelled my call-in service because it wasnt very good and I wasnt getting enough work after the writer's strike, and my rent being raised, for not being in college. hoo-ray.
Redfish: I applied here, hoping for a good, fine-dining restaurant to work in, but since I had Maverick's call me back first, and training interfered with Mavrick's WORK schedule (where I could make money right away), I quit after 1 day, regretfully, hoping I made the right decision. (I was wrong.)
Maverick's Steakhouse: I worked here at the beginning of the year. At first I thought this was the coolest restaurant to work in yet, non-corporate! Our Christmas party was consisted of closing down the restaurant early, having homemade mexican food carne-asda and guacamole, as well as shots of Patron Silver for everyone and an open bar. But at the time I was not 21, so I did not indulge, lest my new boss think me a lush. Eventually Days got slow and business came to a lull. I trained a new girl who started gossip and drama no body wanted and pretty much got phased off the schedule over a misunderstanding. The misunderstanding being that, I have no idea what happened. One day my boss was buying me dinner and asking my opinion on the new lights/paint job, and the next, he was telling me if I didn't stop behaving poorly, I could just leave. whaaaaaat? *sigh* I wont even go into it....
The Secret Garden/Coco D' Amour: These 2 fine dining restaurants I almost forgot because I worked for them so briefly. I only worked there for my good British friend, Jane (See Johnny Carino's). She was a manager at both places, and you can even see what she is like when she is forced to be very serious on camera, go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw3BWxJ8cGs and just fast forward to 00:23 or 06:45 seconds for Jane :) I also Worked for Coco D' Amour, a fun, tropical little restaurant in Simi Valley that unfortunately didnt get enough business.
Sooki's Japanese Grille: This delicious, small version on Panda Express is located in the middle of nowhere (also know as a small part of T.O. called Newbury Park.) I work for a KOREAN man, who now owns the place, who makes sushi and shuffles in and out of the kitchen smiling and mumbling in half-korean-half-english, giving me gifts of fig-newtons or egg rolls when he likes me, and accuses me of stealing change from the tip jar. (we're talking nickels and dimes, here.) I make barely above minimum wage (which I understand, in california, its nothing, but in georgia, it would be enough per hour to get a two story home in Hiram complete with paved driveway and in ground swimming pool, but still. its minimum wage in california for a reason, its EXPENSIVE to live here!) I am currently weighing other employment options, as the last post suggests.

I really don't know how I've survived out here so far and it will be a miracle when I can pay another bill, much less rent anytime soon, but I'd still rather be here than anywhere else in the world. I love California. It's beautiful and full of the most interesting, driven people on the planet. Not to mention Ryan :)

I do hope you have enjoyed Amber's work history, in cliffnotes.

I also think

2008-06-26T01:17:00.000-07:00

sincerely, for the record, that Ryan should start a blog on here :(

fun math?

2008-06-26T00:10:00.000-07:00

thats right baby,

im back.

I have a brand new mac book. I'm pretty sure any ounce that Ryan does not own of my heart, belongs to Alice (my mac book's name). There is just simply too much to catch up on. First on my agenda.... to list my agenda, i suppose. let's use bullets.

fun math
list of jobs I've had in the small amount of time I've been offline.
Ryan
Christi
film and la la land
starting on whats inside my head, in the positive sense, lately. mainly life stories and secrets.

Very well, then.

Fun Math.

Yes, those two words did just come together, if only once.

I am looking into a proper job. You know, one with above minimum wage rates, health insurance and benefits? To tell you the truth I've never really considered this before but in talking to Christi *(a very helpful new friend i will get to later) I found that an insurance company is hiring RIGHT NEXT to my house. Literally, within walking distance. Starting at around 12 to 15 and hr full time, 8-5. I could really use that kind of money, especially after having to take out a payday loan for rent this month.

I've been thinking about said "cube" job for the past few days. These are the terms that I have come to. pro's and con's.

PRO'S: Money. around $480 a week, rounding down to the starting pay of 12 and hour. a week. and they pay weekly. Benefits. Wheter or not it comes with discounted health insurance plans (which im pretty sure it does) I would be able to afford to get my teeth cleaned, get birth control and adderall renewed. I can't even think of how fantastic that would be. and if i had adderall, i could work harder. Also, It is within walking distance from my house. I could save a ton of gas and car problems, and get into better shape! Also, if i ever wanted to transfer (which I couldnt ever see happening) I could transfer to any smaller office from corporate.
CON'S: It's tedious, and I'll be surrounded by people older than me that dont understand actors. Which I suppose doesnt really matter, but how can I pretend to be someone I'm not at lunch break? (I guess I could "act", hehe) It's from 8-5 every weekday (and no, i dont know that for sure. maybe i could work later in the day somehow, or 4 days a week instead of 5, incase central casting decides to passout SAG vouchers like hot cakes when I can't take them again. long story....) 8-5. More getting up early (which im NOT good at.) which would mean so many things; being late unless i could run to starbucks every morning or have adderall, not being able to have a social life as all my friends are servers and they start work at 5, have to see my family more, as i will have the EXACT same schedule as them (gag!) and I have a feeling i'll be seeing even LESS of Ryan. I'll be getting off work and he will either still be at work or be getting off around midnight..... in LA. and because I have to get up at 7 (at least) I wont be able to go out late. ever. Also, I risk having my family getting the idea that I'm suddenly becoming responsible and giving up on acting in some way, while at the same time disappointing my acting friends, thinking ive given up on my craft, by taking a life consuming "day job". Another worry is that I won't be any good at it, or i'll end up getting fired for waking up late or missing work for a film.... Or even worse, missing a film for work. It's true, you are constantly disappointing SOMEONE in this crazy industry...

Now keep in mind I'm mostly just getting my ideas sorted and venting right now. Also keep in mind that my pro's and con's are listed in order of importance for the most part.

$12/hr x 40/hrs a week = $480

$480 x 4 weeks = $1,920 a month.

right now im making about $400-600 a month. depending on how many hours i manage and how many gigs i land and how much i eat.

The next numbers is just for me, they dont make sense bc i've rounded up and not explained them....

cell bill= 140 on a bad month of overages.

wamu cc= 700 total to pay off

wells fargo cc= 2000 total to pay off

car insurance= 600, twice a yr, due next month.

rent= 300

bare minimum living expenses= 100/ month.

this month with loan (add $300)

140

600

100

300 for cc's

=1,740

anyway,

remaining cc debt= 2700 (rounded way up)

minus 1 month of work's paychecks= $780

minus 1 month of work's paychecks=$1,140 LEFT OVER.

*********So, 3 months of solid work, debt gone. I think I can do that...***************

I think I will try that.

hello?

2008-06-19T01:31:00.001-07:00

does this work?

R.I.P laptop...

2008-04-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

Last night, I finally got the new RAM needed for my laptop and sent it over to Jerry's house to have him install it and fix my laptop. Well, it didnt matter because by the time he got to it, the hard drive had crashed. CRASHED.

*sigh*

So, I either need a new hard drive around $100, and then try to install the new RAM $60, and then ty to fix it again.... or just buy a new laptop. (at least$500) I am not in a position to do ANYTING right now, unfortunately, as I have no real steady income. So, I'm not going to do anything about it, except use other people's computers (which dont work so well because my reume and most of my photos are on my laptop. Good news is, Jerry saved a backup of my data, mostly music and pictures, AND my resume (thank God!)

I am back to extra work right now. Today is my day off. Though tomorrow will be tricky, I have 3 birthdays to get to, after work (because ER called me back for thurs)! Cassie is having her 22nd bday (yay!) party in hollywood, which I can probably make ater work bc she stays up late. However, my grandma and cousin Tim are having their Bdays together at my house tomorrow afternoon! errrg... maybe I will see if I can do a night call tonight so I can be there tomorrow...hmm..

In the mean time, I have taken my focus off of acting for two reasons. One, it is STRESSING me out really bad, bc there are sooo so many things that I want to do, but can't do right now.

Two, bc I am broke and I barely have enough gas to get me to auditions and I need to focus on getting my credit cards paid off, getting my car fixed, getting my laptop fixed or buy a new one and focus on moving out of BFNohwere (aka simi), and I can't do any of that without a steady, good income. And I can't focus on making money if I'm focing on trying to act.

Unfotunately.

I'm not saying I'm quitting, or giving up. Just the opposite in fact. I am preparing myself for a career of rainy days, auditions and submissions, all of which I need money, a car and a laptop! As much as I hate it, I need to focus on money right now. I'm not saying that during this time I won't be doing little short films here and there that I can afford to do, but I wont be doing anything too time consuming. I don't know where I'll be working next, or even durning the hiatus, but I'll find something!

Promo work.... well, as me and my good friend Cassie have come to find, promo work is easy and a great source of money..... IF YOU EVER GET PAID! I worked an event for Latinconcepts inc back in March and I was about to call them AGAIN, (6th time) and demand to know where my check was... and then it just came in the mail today. whew! I got lucky. But one thing is for sure! I WILL NOT BE COUNTING ON PROMO WORK EVER AGAIN, UNLESS IT PAYS CASH SAME DAY.

I'll probably pick up a serving job and just work as much as humanly possible till have the money I need to move out... if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear em :)

Also, Ryan is finally moving out of Simi! (yaaay!)

As of June 1st (hey, that was my goal!) Ryan will move in with his college friends, Johnny and Jackson (who just happen to be a producer and an actor/writer). He will be living in LA, off of olympic/pico. I am so happy for him!

In the mean time, please keep me in your prayers as I rough it out these next few months....

xoxo

going green?

2008-04-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

I have recently become fascinated with the term "going green".

I have never been one to particularly care about the environment. I've always been one of those old fashioned, God-gave-us-animals-to-eat, fur-is-for-wearing, trees-are-for-paper kind of girl.

However, (maybe it's just living in LA, around a bunch of new age liberals?) I have recently been more aware of how much people waste. Not only that recycling is important, and I intend to be better about that (I go thru ALOT of water bottles a week), but putting less crap into your body and your home is also important.

I'm not sure what "Going Green" means. But, having just watched an Oprah earth day special, I am inclined to blog about it!

First, Recycling. Recycling has been around for a long time, and you can make money doing it! I used to save all my water bottles and soda cans and recycle them at Ralphs parking lot, along with bringing all my spare change I'd find in my room and my car, and make about 20 bucks just cleaning out my car! I do it about twice a year, when things really accumulate. You should try it if you ever have a day for cleaning and whatnot. It doesn't take long and you can make a major dent in land fills.

Next, Organic! What does organic mean?

Organic foods are produced without the use of conventional pesticides, artificial fertilizers , human waste, or sewage sludge, and they were processed without radiation or food additives. The livestock are reared without the routine use of antibiotics (which i think is a little weird) and without growth hormones (what woman needs MORE hormones!?) Organic food is better for you, and actually better for the livestock. Even though it is a little bit more expensive, it could be worth it just for the taste and quality. Studies show that organic apples are sweeter than regular apples, because there was no chemical ripening. (gross?!)

There are many things you can do to help the environment. Most of them are expensive, like Whole Foods, and Hybrid cars. But if you care to pick up your trash and show big companies that your money would rather go to environmentally friendly and healthy products, they will listen. Already, you cant go to a supermarket without seeing "organic" "less sodium" and "made from recycled paper" on lots of products. The market listens to what you spend your money on, so *IF* you have the luxury of choice, make the right one.

Hope this was helpful... I kinda feel like I'm just rattling now...

And yes, I'll still be having bacon for breakfast, my turkey sub for lunch and steak for dinner, because I there are some things a girl just can't give up. (fancy chocolates, manicures and a great shoe collection, just to name a few...)

xoxo

walking-bob-marley-song-am-i

2008-04-24T12:23:00.000-07:00

My internet is still down, I think it has something to do with my laptop, not the connection now... Bummer.

In any case!

Hello Lovelies!

I return, if only for a moment (and sadly, without pictures) to remind you, well, I'm still alive :)

I have been laid off from Mavericks, pretty much due to no reason at all. I have been unfairly phased off the schedule and I don't know why. I thought I would be moving out June 1st, but, as I have lost my job, and any source of income, that seems very hard to do right now. Also, my potential roomate is thinking about having her boyfriend move in instead...... what? ah, well, forget that!!

So after much worrying, stressing-out and praying, I have finally come to peace with my current situation. I have been rather depressed lately (as I get when I am broke) because of many factors:

I finally have all the time in the world to hang out, go out on auditions and do fun stuff, but no (gas or shopping) money to do it with. I never seem to have the time to enjoy my money, or the money to enjoy my free time (i.e. looking for a job).
Mimi was out visiting this week from Atlanta. It was a good visit, she stayed in my room for 3 nights and we got some really good talks in. However, as I greet her the first day, she says with her hands open for a hug "Ambie!! How are you!? I've missed you!! I have cancer!" ....what? just like that?! WHO DOES THAT! anyway, she is having surgery next week on her head to remove the cancerous lump, then allowing herself one day to recover before she goes back out to grand rapids!
When I finally get the guts and the research done to MOVE OUT on my OWN, my plans get foiled!

So, That is why I have been stressed and moody lately...

Good news-

After visiting with Mimi and having the prayer support of Ryan and Mimi the past few weeks, I am feeling a strange peace about everything. Like, Just like a walking-Bob-Marley-song-peacefulness. Its nice. And it's keeping me sane.

I'll probably be back to extra work until I figure out my next plan of attack, which is fine, but boring :(

k, I have to get off this computer now!

GOOD DAY!

At last I have a chance to blog!

2008-04-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

Hello lovers!

I return, if only for a while, from the sweet comfort of my boyfriends abode. I am using his internet for the time being, as my laptop is still unresponsive.

Lets catch up, shall we?

**WARNING: LONG BLOG AHEAD**

This past month I have had lots of wonderful things happen. and some bad things.

Lets start with my brand shiny new modeling agency, PEAK MODELS AND TALENT. Peak is based out of Valencia, and they are totally sweet, nice people. I have already had 2 audition opportunities since joining with them last month (better than I can say for my old agency... *cough...cough..S.A.S...cough*)

I look forward to more *paid* modeling jobs in the future, as well as fit modeling, which is wonderful!

Also I was offered a role in a short mini-series written by Matt Herington, the writer of another short I (and Cassie, oddly enough) were in earlier on in the year. However, it never finished because of editing/crew issues.

The series is about two brothers getting into a lot of trouble and always managing to get out of it, basically. (Sorry, Matt, I'm not very good at describing plots!)

I Play the older brothers (the more sensible one) girlfriend, who ends up being kidnapped and held hostage. It will only take one day of filming so far, though there are more episodes to be filmed. I will be shooting that Monday morning at 9am.

Which just so happens to be right BEFORE I get to see MIMI!!! :)

Mimi Is my grandma, but she raised me from 11yrs old to now, and she is who I consider a "Mom". She is fun, VERY PATIENT, and a very wonderful lady. I invited her out to cali-for-ni-a for some sun and good times over her 65th birthday. She is widowed and all alone in Georgia now that I left, so she (and I) are very excited to spend time together. I hope you all get to meet her while she is here, you'll love her.

One downer is, I need I new job.

And recently I have come to the goal that I want to move out of my room and into my own apartment by (around) June 1st.

I was paying off my credit cards (slowly but surely) and saving up a bit of money but something always happens when I do that... I am now getting my hours at work significantly cut. I went from 4-5 days a week, to 1 or none at all. I have tried everything I can to get more hours and make more money where I am at, but it just is not possible at this point. So after much deliberation, I have decided to do 1 of two things:

Get a new job or get a second job I can work Mon-Fri, and work my little butt off to save up as much money as possible until June, then put in my two weeks notice after I have already found a nice serving job in NoHo, and move into my new place, with a secured job, and start going out on auditions again, from time to time.

Submit submit submit. As much as possible for promo jobs, (mainly, bc they pay the best) and also modeling/acting gigs, and any temp gig I can get to make money here and there, while still going out on auditions and filming here and there. Hope that I get a great paying promo gig that will allow me to get a job in NoHo, and move into my own place.

I vote for situation number one, mostly because I'm sure it will work.

So if anybody knows of any great places that are hiring, let me know! I just applied at a hotel in Simi, for a front desk position. Boring? Yes, but it pays well, and I can amuse myself just about anywhere.

I also had a photoshoot at Studio A (just a little TFCD thing) with Ryan and Cassie. We had a great wardrobe stylist/Designer Brand1982, an MUA and several photographers and abour 7 models total. I got to wear a beautiful Brown grecian hand made gown and Cassie wore a fantastic flapper-length creamy, laced play dress. Ryan stuck mostly to headshots:)

I also had a fun shoot with JC Olivera in Simi, over by the old railroad station, and I cant wait to see how those came out! I'll post them asap, when I get them, but it might be awhile, as he travels quite a bit...

Last but not least, Cassie and I went to Malibu Beach today and caught up, both got "cute" little sun burns on our backs, and tomorrow, after my audition for a Sorority Web-series in LA at noon (yay!), we shall have a girl day! Full of pampering, nothing in particular, and pinkberry!

Good DAY!

no internets

2008-04-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

i know i know.

i havent been keeping up my blog.

my room is under-going construction, new door and finishing the windows, so there is not elecrticity most of the time and its very dark. i havent spent much time at home lately because of the fact that my room is a war zone, everything piled onto my bed by construction workers. yay.

I have been working all weekend and i worked this morning and now i am about to go back to work to cover somebody else's shift, because why? because i need the money!! duh.

Tomorrow i have the day off and Kevin, Dad and I are going to celebrate my little brothers birthday which was thursday. Happy 16th Birthday Brock!!

oh, and guess what? I have an agency again!

**PEAK MODELS**. check em out. www.peakmodels.com and no, im not giving my hopes up, thinking ill be a supermodel or anything, i just like to know that im being submitted for stuff:)

and the search for a legit agent continues....

oh and i wrapped "Room For Rent" yesterday and it was really funny, even though my part was very small... but you know what they say, there are no small parts... only small actors. and let me tell you, i was not small! lol.

oh and i saw the movie Leatherheads with my Dad yesterday. It was good, very "old hollywood" and fun. not the fastest-paced movie ever, but still worth seeing, probably with your parents. because thats who its aimed at.

gotta go back to work now!!

hopefully ill have an internet connection to call my own soon!!

xoxo

aye.

2008-04-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been a very bad blogger!!

I've been pretty busy. So busy I've pretty much lost track of things.

Hmmm.

Oh! I had a photoshoot after a long time of waiting with Timothy Whitfield with Timberwolf photography! It went great! He is such a nice guy and we got some great images in a very short amount of time.

I worked this weekend and just BARELY made rent. ugh. and rent is being raised 100 bucks next month because "I'm not in school". awesome. My family definately does not understand what i'm doing here. thats for sure. *le sigh* but thats ok, i still love them. As always, I'll take what I can get...

Monday I got to hang out with Michaela and Alli after months of seperation, literally. We jammed out to some new tunes I burned on a CD for her and worked out the past two days, which I really needed!!

Yesterday I slept in and parused (spelling?) Borders with short stack. Then I finally met up with Valeri (Bridal Photoshoot ) and got a disk of images from the shoot. She still has to mail me the model release and the photographers release and the Magic Castle Pass :(

Then I went over to the valley to hang out with Anna (actress from Morbid) and her 2 friends and we watched a funny little short she did for her directing class and had cake and champagne! The best way to end a day!

Today I have a few meetings, the first of which is for a modeling agency (well, they say modeling and talent, which dosnt really mean acting, but can mean tradeshows and promos) for a fit model interview (not print). Which is great because if they use me that would be a really easy and well paying job to have! That is at 2pm in Valencia. Then I have Work at 5.

Tomorrow I have a day full of photoshoots (I really dont know how this happens). First JC Olivera (from the Golden Globes and Getty Images) is coming all the way out to simi valley to shoot with me in a park (possible MUA, though she is M.I.A at the moment) and shoot 2-3 outfits real quick at 11am. then, at 530 I have to be out in West Covina for another Studio A photoshoot with Albert and JP (the MUA) who wants to do another crazy make up shoot (which I'm always down for!!) She wants to do a Marie Antionette theme :) fun!

Friday I need to pay some parking tickets and a fix-it-ticket and work at six.

This weekend I'll be working in the morning (barf) and shooting "Room For Rent" for reals this time, because it got cancelled last minute last tme by the AD messing up lol.

I know I'm leavingout stuff but I must get coffee and get ready for my interview!!

love you!

Acting is a JOB. and I'm applying...

2008-03-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

Listening to Tony The Beat by The Sounds.............................<3

Ok so I've had a lot of time to myself the past couple days but never have I been more active in my acting plans. I've been reading "Acting is a JOB" by Jason Pugatch. I am almost done after picking it up this afternoon.

It is mostly about acting in theater and in NYC, but the last half of it goes into film and tv, the unions, to train or not to train, Typecasting (very helpful), starting out in the biz, first impressions, agent interviews, the casting game and learning to never, ever, under any circumstance wear your hair in a ponytail when auditioning.

I am checkingout my test prints of our headshots tomorrow hopefully. I would have had them sooner, but I had no way of calling! (but I should have my new helio by thursday, thank God!)

After I actually recieve new headshots, I intend to get rid of them. as fast as possible. yes, it is still pilot season, and NO, I dont have an agent, but that dosnt mean I can't put my face out there when all the jobs are casting anyway. If someone needs a sassy freckled redhead, they will call me regardless of my union status or agent (I hope). Also I am going to take the advice of a lovely blonde 17 yr old's advice on landing an agent. I am going to Samuel French and getting a huge list of agents and letterheads and sending out my headshots and humble resume' (though I do have to say my resume is much improved from last year's 2 music video extra roles I had :o )

To all the agencies I can find... Ryan too. He is too good of an actor to NOT have an agent by now.

Then, depending on the response I get from that I will do 2 things.

-If I get a huge response (over 5 agencies wanting to meet up with me or sign me) I will move to hollywood as soon as possible and find a killer serving job and a cheap apartment so I can be more available for auditions if I sign with a decent agent. And I will keep my headshot.

-If I get no response (which is honestly what I'm expecting this late into the pilot season) I will get a second job, save up more money, get all new headshots, get them reprinted and get a few more lines on my resume filled up before I send out another mass-mailing of my spiffy new headshot and resume.

My friend Elisa (see pictured-->) moved here from Michigan in September and she already has an agent, by doing just what I laid out. Of course, she is 17. and her mom supports her. So I have that to go against. But I am happy that she had a great support network. It is so needed in this cutthroat biz. My family may think I am throwing my life away and not understand me, but Ryan is my support. He continues to encourage me and build me up when I feel overwhelmed, which is often! Everyone needs someone and I am very thankful that I have an understand boyfriend and supporter.

OH!

I forgot to blog about my filming experience on my first feature indie film!

Morbid: A Love Story!

I filmed allll day in the leading lady's aprmt in encino. Anna, the leading lady is hilarious and a great actress. Elisa, the 17 yr old blonde who plays the innocent best friend (my character countering by being bitchy party-girl) and reminded me alot of my friends back home, still innocent and very UN-LA. It was nice :)

Filming was long, yet we accomplished 12 pages in a day, which seemed great considering they were all different scenes! It was HOT and humid because the refigerator and a/c had to be turned off for noise. (the things you never think about as an actor...)

Anyway! I had a lot of fun and can't wait to film the "party" scene where I lead "Belle" into total debauchery! and I get to do my make up all crazy.

This weekend I get to film "Room For Rent", playing a fresh-out-of-rehab punk rocker looking for a room. that will be fun:)

Oh, and if youre wondering what to do on thursday, I'll be at the beach taking advantage of the perfect sunny weather that only LA gets this early in the year, seriously working on my tan.

good day!

out of reach, but still alive.

2008-03-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

Well last week totally kicked my butt.

Friday was high-speed greeting, running in high heels, inhaling very little food and scattering around to find comfortable flats (reasonably priced) in the hollywood and highland complex. This of course AFTER they forgot to tell us we could have worn black flats instead of 2 inch black patent leather heels. I was fortunate enough to find a comfy pair of black ballet flats at ALDO, even though they were NOT cheap. but my ankles were bleeding from pain, so I bought them 7 hours in to the Verizon "Winner's Circle" Banquet. I met a very nice promo girl from Long Beach, who does promo modeling full time, around getting her communications degree. She ALSO survives without an agent. See? Not everyone needs to be told how to get work. She survives on her references and Ed Hardy calls her back just about every week. We both agree having an agent would be nice (for promo work! NOT for acting. I would love an acting agent!) however, a promo agent would not work with, well, having a (social) life, as many events come last minute, and have long hours.

Also, on Thursday, I was trying to take a picture of Ryan and he deflected it by slapping the phone out of my hand, crashing to the floor. Supressing my inner panic-attack about to happen, I pick up the phone and inspect it, TRYING to not yell at my otherwise lovely boyfriend. My beautiful Helio Drift is broken. Snapped shut and off its little tracks. It wont even light up anymore.

Alas, he offered to pay for a new one (thus saving our relationship), as I had insurance on the phone and it would cost 50 bucks to replace it. However, I being the tech-savy actress that I am, yearned for a better version. I craved a faster, better, more useful sidekick of phones. So I upgraded to the Helio Ocean. It is the first dual slider, full numeric keypad and full keyboard. All the capabilities of an Iphone, except the Ipod and touch screen, which drives me crazy anyways. Unlike the Iphone, the Ocean can send Picture Messeges, not just recieve them. It has the same speed and memory as an Iphone, and it is the best mobile reciever to get Youtube and myspace, which come free. So as excited as I am to get my sleek new Helio Ocean (same number, don't worry:) I am tired of being out-of-the-loop. I DON'T EVEN KNOW THE DATE TODAY! I have not spoken to my friends or family, I missed shifts at work because they "called my phone", and I am now set back financially from buying a $200 phone, with speedy shipping, because I just can't take not having a cell anymore. Ah well. I just ate a handful of grapes. I wanted Subway, but I'm gonna have to settle for grapes, because I bought a stinkin new phone. I can't even call Ryan from my house phone, because he has a "long-distance" area code!!

grrr. sorry. just had to vent for a minute..

In other news! I went to church on Sunday with Ryan and quite enjoyed it. The pastor didn't preach, he spoke casually in a way yours truley could understand, all the while keeping my attention! Hooray! Also, my best friend of 8 years, Bekah got to spend Easter in the Holy Land. Lucky!! I want to go to Israel so badly!

Also, today I found 5 Borders gift cards in my purse. I (thanks to Cassie, my little Yoda) went to check out some good reads on acting. I ordered the much acclaimed "Hollywood, Here I come" by Cynthia (something?) and bought "Acting is a JOB" by Jason Pugatch (real life lessons about the biz, and taking your career seriously) also bought "Acting For The Camera" by Tony Barr (I havnt started reading this one yet but I stumbled across it today when it was supposed to be completely out-of-print. It is something I need to read, coming from a strictly theater background.) Even though I am cut out from the world, save gmail and my blog, I am keeping myself very happy playing the starving (literally) actress, alone in her own world of books, art and inspiration. Though I would much rather be at the beach with my friends, which was the original plan for today before the loss of my Helio.

I will let you know how the books are. Also I found a neat little paper-bound book called 200 best comedic monologues 2 mins and under. that has some funny stuff in there, and I almost bought it, but I figure I can always go back to that when I have an actual NEED for a monologue. I havnt, since I've moved out here. How sad.

This week shall go something like this:

Tomorrow: Work at 5ish.

Wednesday: Read for actors in a casting call. I volunteered to read andbe part of the "casting process" that has fascinated me for so long. I want to know what it's like on the "other" side of the table...

Thurs: work at 6ish.

Fri: work at 6ish.

Sat: Filming the short youtube-to-be short film about the strange people you find on craigslist "Room For Rent" ay 10 am, work at 2pm til 8ish?

Sun: work at 10am, unless I can somehow change it to a dinner shift. And I will try.

***************************

xoxo

This week filled up pretty fast!

2008-03-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

I picked up an extra shift tonight at work, so thats money in the bank.

Also I am a little excited. Amy and I have been looking around for rooms and apartments and lofts in NOHO (yay!) and Tarzana (egh.) SHe even has a 3rd roommate lined up that is a history major at Pepperdine U. The problem is we all want to live in different areas. I in Hollywood, Amy near Burbank and her friend near Pepperdine (Malibu). So we agreed on NoHo or the Valley near the freeways. With the 3rd roommate having good credit and willing to pay up to $1,000 for her own room, Amy and I will be saving some major money. We have had OK luck on craigslist. We are meeting up tomorrow to make a master roster of available rooms in sensible areas and then going driving around to check them out. If all goes well, and we manage a very cheap room, I might be actually moving out!!! whoo!! Now the problem is finding a job once I get out there that pays BANK. I could go back to extra work but I still don't think Non Union extra work is going to get me anywhere with rent... at least we will be near nice resturaunts so I can get another job doing my FAVORITE thing in the whole world again....waiting tables :(

Good news!

Ryan and I ordered our headshots today and I am very happy with paying 83 bucks for 100 prints! If you need cheap, good headshots printed out, check out http://www.imagexperts.com/ . You can upload your photo online, pick your own rad border and put your name on the bottom in any font/color you like. I chose to pick them up, because I didnt want to pay for shipping. They are right of Sunset Blvd in Hollywood. I'll let you know what they look like printed out.

They also do greeting cards, normal photos and (model and actors) BUSINESS CARDS!

Also I found out what I will be doing on Friday. Thanks to craigslist.org I will be doing promo work on fri. in Hollywood. It's for a Verizon banquet and awards ceremony for the nations top sellers. Its going to be very nice and look like the grammys basically. Me and one other girl will be greeting and handing out awards and looking pretty from 1pm-midnight. a little long, but I wouldn't be doing anything on a friday night anyways. I got a picture of what the girls will be wearing on friday. Its a black outfit with coat tails and a top hat and leggings. I just have to buy some black heels before then. (How do I not own black heels?!?)
<------- my uniform friday. HA!

oh well, looks like I'll just have to go shopping, boo hoo :}

************************************************

Tomorrow-

Meet up with Amy to narrow down apartments and drive by prospective rooms.

Thurs-

Memorize lines and Film "Restless" end scene. Meet up with V for CD and prints of the "Trash the Dress" Photoshoot and get me pass to the Magic Castle!!

Fri-

Promo work aaaaaaaaaalllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll day. 1pm-midnight in heels. eggh.

Sat-

Fiming my scene in "Morbid: A Love Story"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yay!!

Sun-

Happy Easter! I'll be closing work.

goodness me oh my

2008-03-16T21:55:00.000-07:00

I dont EVEN know.

Lately yours truly has been in an anxious/nervous flutter. However talking to R always helps. That, and I worked a pretty decent 4 shifts in 3 days, sufficently catching me up on my finances. That is, until rent is due :(

I got 1 day scheduled this coming week for work.

I picked up 1 shift on tuesday, possibly friday but I am starting to think I need to get a temporary, second job. I've thought about several options:

working an easy job that I wouldnt feel bad about quitting the day of an audition I couldnt get covered like Sally's Beauty Supply, a candy shop or a flower shop. However they pay min wage without tips.

Going back to extra work mon-wed. Its guarenteed money and its easy and allows time to think and plan and read. However I live at LEAST 45 mins from any studio, and being non-union, its not quite worth the drive or the drain.. and it takes away from audition slots.

Finding gigs on craigslist to do on my days off, like promotional jobs or even go-go dancing. as they both pay extremely well in most cases. However I'm not having much luck with the promo submissions (maybe they only like blondes?) and my laptop isnt reliable. Also I don't know enough about go-go dancing to feel brave enough to audition just yet.

I wish I could just act for a living, however I am not quite there just yet:)

*ANY advice or suggestions on how to save more money while being able to maintain my sanity and acting aspirations, please please do share!!

As for tomorrow, I have the day off and am going to sleep in, then go to the gym and work off all the fat I ate this weekend! Summer, here I come!

Zombie!!

2008-03-13T16:11:00.000-07:00

So Michaela came over one night and we were supposed to go see "The Other Bolyen Girl". Well, she was feeling sleepy so I said ok, we can do something else..

Then, after moments of pondering, I turn to my counterpart with a wild smile and ask, "How about you let me play with your face?"

I've been meaning to play around with with my old halloween paint/fake blood/latex.

(Michaela texting away, of course, this zombie comes with her helio attached to the hip.)

So, we spent the night in creating gashes and wounds and zombie make up for fun.

We later drove over to scare her brother in the middle of the night. payback for putting a toad under her bed ;)

Well I must say the blonde one makes a very cute zombie, if that were possible.

************************************

ps- I'll be working from this point on until monday so don't be exasperated when I cant come to you St Patty's Day parties or hang out, bc Im working every night and a lot of doubles this weekend. ITS MONEY MAKIN TIME!

film and music

2008-03-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

Today I was supposed to meet up with Naz, the director/writer of thr short film Restless I am in. We were supposed to do a short photoshoot with the other lead actress, so when she dies (sorry, I gave away the ending, lol) I can look at all the "old" photos of us and cry. Well the actress (we have not met yet so I don't know her name) has Chron's Disease, which is basically (IBS with blood problems) very very painful. Her disease flared up and she was hospitalized. We don't know when we will be able to finish filming, because we are waiting to hear back from her. However, I DID go out to Burbank anyways because Naz wanted to at least rehearse my shiny new monologue (Thanks Naz!)

Also I know this dosn't matter much but I have been spring cleaning my room and it looks gorgeous if I don't say so myself.

Yesterday I watched "She's The One" (older 90s movie) and though it was good I'm convinced there is no likeable character in that movie other than the old dad. That, and I am more convinced now than ever that Cameron Diaz is a hoe. Still, worth watching.

FILM UPDATES:

***************

I am filming Morbid: A Love Story (my first indie feature film!) next weekend! YAY!

Tommy Beaver's short dramatic film "The Student's Wife" is on hold while he writes a feature for (potentially) my favorite director of the moment, Jason Reitman (Thank You for Smoking, Juno) Which is fine, because I have a lot of films going on in a short amount of time.

I got the audition for the youtube/short film about the crazies you meet online called "Room For Rent". I auditioned for serveral roles (Mostly the Valley Girl and The Punk) and I got the call yesterday from Glenton Richards (director) letting me know I got the part of the Punk Rocker!! I'm actually really excited about this because it's really funny and I finally am not typecast as the flippin' girlfriend!!!!!!! :)

"Restless" the short film will obviously resume within the month, when the actress gets better, or they replace her.
************************************************

MUS!C

hey guess what! I have some new favorite bands! No, they're not rap this time... :(

I have found a new favorite genre: indie lo-fi. If you don't know what I mean think The White Stripes meets The Shins. Some good jams I've found that are mostly but not nessicarily "lo-fi" are:

The Kills-Very european british duo, similar to the White Stripes but with better voices. Check out "Wait"

Coconut Records- Jason Schwartzman made himself a band! Check out "West Coast".

The Blow- A (mostly) one-woman-band with a wonderous and childlike view of the world. Addictive tunes. Check out "Hey Boy".

Well, Thats all for now. I have to finish taxes, hit the gym as I am pitifully out of shape and hope hope HOPE that I don't have jury duty tomorrow morning!

xoxo

cassie's last night in LA

2008-03-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

Last wednesday was Cassie's last night in Hollywierd.

She is off to travel the country to film her documentary on Purty Balls.

Though I was still sicky, Cassie, Jason and I went to the Hotel Cafe in Hollywood and saw Courtney Jones play live. Courtney Jones is the new Vanessa Carlton, if you didn't know, and she's sweet as a kitten in person.

We had fun, persuring the town and hanging out with some of Cassie's old friends, had a short jam session at Jason's Sar's Bar. Cassie and I mostly hummed along while we admired people who are more gifted in music than we are... Our call in life is definately ACTING. Not singing... lol

Anyway, I am having laptop issuses. I cannot email pictures (it just dosnt show up) or post them on myspace (bc my laptop cant pull up myspace) or facebook (it freezes when I go to photos or make new album). I have been very frustrated trying to post pictures lately, finally, I am able to post pictures (one by one!) on blogger, so Cassie, this post is for you!

And God Speed on filming <3

thoughts.

2008-03-08T00:47:00.000-08:00

This post is mainly for me.

I have been out of comission this past.... month? due to a nasty sinus and ear infection that I just recently have found a perfect cure-formula that I follow religiously:

wakeup: take 2 excedrin for pounding headache, lay back down

get up when life-theatening pounding headache subsides, take amoxicillian.

blow nose for hours.

take mid-day amoxicillan.

blownose for hours, feel better. eat soup. throw soup up.

take night time amoxicillan.

blow nose as long as possible and take a heavy dose of Nyquil to fall alseep

Make sure my head is propped up on at least 2 pillows for drainage. fun.

Take 1 honey cold eeze lozenge to stop coughing.

repeat.

good news:

I lost 4 pounds and am feeling much better!!

bad news:

I lost hundreds of dollars by missing a lot of work and having my car fixed and dr bills. I feel completely out-of-wack and useless, not to mention socially unacceptable. I have been the biggest "flake" the past months, I don't even get phone calls anymore. Which is fine, because I really don't have time to "hang out" the only people I want to see are Ryan and my very close friends, or people to network with.

Which brings me to my goals.

This weekend, I can print out Ryan's new headshot from Lisa, which looks AMAZING, and it seems to be the sole joy/relief in my life right now. Also I hope to have Albert send me my new headshot to be printed.

Next weekend I start filming Morbid! YAY!! can't wait!

Tuesday: photoshoot with Naz, the Director of the new short film I am in (oh, yeah, I got the part!) titled "Restless". A man loses his family due to his work and his ego. His wife leaves him and I play the sister in law who breaks the bad news of his wife's untimely death to him at the end. The photoshoot will be pictures of me and my "sister". so when i'm looking at the "good old time" photos of us at the end, they will actually be of us. Shooting for that probably sometime within the next 2 weeks.

Today I had an audition for a short film about the strange people you meet on the internet (about putting an ad on craigslist for a roommate actually, lol). I got there WAY early, but ended up being able to talk to the directors a bit and get to know them. I think I did well, I made them laugh and they asked me to read several different ways and for more characters than I was slated to read for, so i think that is a good sign! We will know by monday...

Ryan got into a car accident yesterday, a fender-bender. He rear-ended a lady going about 10 mph. The damage wasnt too bad, as they were barely moving, but his bumper needs to be fixed. And his insurance will go up again :( I drove him to work (He started back standing-in on CSI) and we got there just in time. I hung out with Amy and her new(ish) boyfriend Nate in NoHo until Ryan finished with CSI around midnight and I drove him home. Hopefully Ryan's car will be back in running order by Monday.

Wednesday Cassie and I went to a concert of friend of hers with Jason and his friend and we met one of Cassie's old friend there who is also a singer. that was a lot of fun. But now Cassie is off to film her documentary in Las Vegas, TN and AL... I'm definately going to miss her while she is gone. errgg...

Happy Daylights Savings Time! Spring Forward! Lose an hour of sleep! Don't be late for work!

I know I want to be!

...coffee is going to be so sweet in the morning...

Restless is right

2008-03-03T18:51:00.000-08:00

Today I interviewed for a short film- "Restless".

I met up with the director and the lead actor at a starbucks in the valley. They were very young and sorta quiet, but nice. I think I got the part, but we will see. They gave me the script to look over, but they will let me know if I will get the part on wednesday... ok?
Well the script is very dramatic and is a 10 min short "to be sumbitted to film festivals"...
The director is 18.
He writes, directs and sometimes acts in his productions.
awesome.
Well, IF I get the part... it ought to be a quick shoot, and hopefully they will find it in their hearts to give me a copy sometime, so I can use it for my reel. I can always use crying scenes for a reel!

In other news on the Amber front:
I went shopping with Ryan today before he had to go to work and persuaded him to get a blue thermal shirt from AE. We almost got him some nice shoes too. (Baby steps, people.) It was suprisingly fun and I look forward to spending his money (on clothes for HIM) again! heee...

I started the antibiotics today and they make me a bit drowsy... so now, even though I have been chugging black coffee from starbucks all day, I am restless.

I have really enjoyed the responses on facebook about the headshots. I have gotten some really good feedback. hands down, the vote is for my second one (B) and Ryan's 1st. I emailed Albert to touch them up and he didn't think they were the best choices out of all the images we took!
*sigh*
So, I told him, well, you look at the images and send me a couple of what you think looks best, and ill show them to Ryan and we'll decide between our picks and yours. I just need headshots, but I want them to look good and of course I want my own photographers professional opinion! So after all that I may just use what Albert gives me, but then again, I might not. He told me I could "veto" his choices. So, we will see. Ryan and I are just desperate for headshots right now! We need them touched up and printed out all nice and pretty...

Tomorrow:
Amy the Aussie called me today and I think a reunion is in order. She is working for her mom's music and tv co. She mostly works in Reality tv as I understand, poor thing. But we might just move in together when we can scrape up the money. So we are tenatively set to go out to eat late tomorrow night and catch up.

Wed:
Find out if I made the short film "Restless". and meet up to read through the script.

Thurs:
Kevin's basketball game in the 'Nard. apparently its going to be a family affair.

Fri:
Closing work.

Sat:
opening work. :( Hopefully if Ryan isnt working I can go to Cornerstone Church's college night. Give that one more try.

Sun:
work at 5. Hopefully Ryan and I will be able to check out a new church, The Church of Rocky Peak.

Ryan and I are trying to find a good church we enjoy going to... We need to work on our "vertical" relationship.

Oh, I almost forgot! I thought I would never come, I got the shooting schedule for Morbid: A Love Story yesterday!!! YAY!!! I'm so so excited to start filming this! I start shooting March 15th and 16th and finish around May 3rd. The film will completely wrap in July.

PS-
If anyone needs a roomate in the next few months, send them my way! Looking to live in Hollywood, or as close to it as possible. ;)

hooray!

2008-03-02T21:20:00.000-08:00

I finally went to the urget care clinic in Oxnard today. I had to miss another day of work but WHO CARES!?! I HAVE ANTIBIOTICS!!!!!

AHAHAHAHAA!!

sorry *cough*cough* I get a little excited...

I'm just so happy that I can start getting better! Which means I can:

Go back to work and save money!

Go to auditions again!

Finish a list of things I need to get done!

And have a blossoming social life again!!!

WHOO HOOO!

*****************

In other news, I have been narrowing down our headshots to be touched up and printed.

Let me know what you think.

Exhibit A: a more serious, black Radiers jersey headshot (that has gotten a lot of good reviews, and it wasn't even supposed to be for a headshot!) EXHIBIT A:

Exhibit B: a happier, more commercial, sunny green and white polka-dotted shirt headshot, that still needs to be touched up and cropped. EXHIBIT B:

Ryan's I have narrowed down to three. The first one I like the best, even though I insisted on him wearing the blue shirt one, and making him shave his face, I still like the "bad-ass" black tattoo shirt better (shout out to http://www.wildrosetattooshirts.com/ !) and I like that his face looks kind but serious. RYAN 1:

The second black one is also good, but needs some color correction and touching up still. I like them both. RYAN 2:

The one I originally wanted him to use, in the blue shirt headshot. It is supposed to make him look younger and more likeable, but i dunno. the black shirt ones turned out pretty good. RYAN 3:

Lastly, there is also a really old one of his that I love, but for some reason he dosn't like. All of Ryan's needs to be touched up and or cropped still, but what you think?!?!?

**If you have NEVER commented on my blog before, NOW is the time to do it! I NEED your opinions! you don't have to have a blogger, you can comment under anonymous :)**

Thanks!!

sick, sick. sick-sick-sick.

2008-03-01T13:01:00.000-08:00

Greetings good readers of my blog.

Bad news and good news.

Good news is I have a Dr. Appt! (I have been sick with a "cold" for close to 3 weeks now)

I got into the ACE Program for Adults, which isn't quite health care (can't afford that just yet) but it is a beat little program through Ventura county that provides anyone older than 19 (that is independent and not well off) with the ability to see a Dr without having to pay a premium for health insurance, just a co-pay. So my co-pay for office visits are $15. not bad! I can even (supposedly, we will see) get generic perscriptions for next to nothing.

Bad News is the earliest appt. I could get was March 12th. almost 2 weeks from now. egghhhh. Well, I HOPE I won't still be sick 2 weeks from now, but it's worth having it checked out and meeting my first Dr. in 4 years anyway. I've been extremely blessed to have been able to survive without health insurance so long, especially with preivious serious blood and heart conditions that have left me hospitalized... I guess God was right when He said He wouldn't give you anything you couldn't handle...

************************************

CAR:

Well as some of you know, my car died on me last week. I finally got a new battery and alternator, which pretty much used up all my "rainy day" money I had saved up, and then some... so now I'm back to ground zero. Well, maybe even negative a few degrees.

I was looking in the paper this morning (and when I say morning, I mean noon) and found car ads. There are some really good monthly payments deals on civics and yaris'. I really like the yaris so I cut out an ad of it and put it on my mirror to remind me that I need to work etra hard these next few months to be able to make a good down payment on new car this summer. I think I can afford 146 a month! Now if I can just get BETTER so I can get more hours at work...

******************************************

Nothing much else is new. Ryan and I are both still sick and completely and misreably M.I.A from anything remotely social.

clouded

2008-02-27T15:41:00.000-08:00

I'm still sick... or sick again, I don't know. I got better for a day and I woke up sicker than ever this morning with a sore throat and a fever. I'm so sick of being sick. My body aches and my head feels clouded, hazey.

Good news is I have been working through my sick weekend. Also I got some snippets of last tuesday's photoshoot back from studio a. I don't know what I did to my make up but I think it worked out nicely and I might even be able to use some of them for headshots... but we will see.

Headshots seems to be the big debate this month.

Ryan and I both got new headshots done a week ago, and the goal was to have them touched up and ACTUALLY PRINTED by march...

thats not looking likely due to my slow computer and many (good, but not great) headshots to narrow down.

eghh. maybe I'm beinig to picky.

Meeting with Chad Orr with Orriginal Entertainment tonight to discuss I'm not sure what anymore, but it will be exciting.

Fiction Fix

2008-02-23T16:07:00.000-08:00

I just finished another Chuck Palahniuk novel.

"Survivor"

I love his books, they are like reading an action-packed movie. A real page-turner.

Well, the first page-turning author I've discovered since my nerdy J.K. Rowling bout.

He has written many novels including Invisible Monsters (if you like shocking), Diary (if you like a suprise ending) and Fight Club (if you like Brad Pitt, wait. Who doesnt?)

I got Survivor for Christmas and planned to read it two days, as I would have if I was still doing extra-work. But seeing as the WGA strike killed extra work, I took on the book much slower and it was originally hard for me to garner a strong interest. I still recommend this book, just for the ending. If you want to barrow it, just let me know.

About Survivor:

A satire of commercial culture, it is the story of Tender Branson, a member of the Creedish Church, a death cult. In it, every member learns how to be a servant for the human race—most of them are butlers and maids—and fear most human pleasures. They await a sign from God to tell them to deliver themselves unto Him, that is, commit suicide.
The sign finally comes, and a good ten years later, Tender becomes the last surviving member of the cult. He is thrown into mainstream culture and becomes a personal icon for many people.

The main themes of Survivor ar free will and commercialism. I especially enjoyed the free will theme. It really gets you thinking anf feeling about fate, free will and worry. How much do you believe in God? In yourself? How much do you leave up to fate? The future? The book wnats you to believe none of it matters until the end, but I disagree. It made me feel enev stronger in my beliefs, by challenging my faith and good common sense not to "off" my self when I feel sad.

A few interesting facts about Survivor:

The book's chapters and page numbers are put into reverse order - it begins with Chapter 47 on page 289 and ends with Chapter 1 on page 1, like his life is being told in order of importance, or backward.

The phrase "The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is Press Coverage" was used by the band Panic at the Disco as their first number one smash song title.

When the film rights to "Survivor" were first sold, no movie studio was willing to commit itself to adapting the novel. This was due to the fact that the protagonist of the novel hijacks a civil airplane and crashes it into the Australian outback. After the attacks on The Pentagon and World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 the movie studios apparently deemed the novel too controversial.

However, by early 2005 the project had been revived, and during his book tour for "Rant" Palahniuk announced that Survivor would start filming in December 2007.

I wonder who will star in his movies? Hmmm... Well, he can call me up anytime to be Feritilty Hollis! I even have the red hair :)

********************************

Still sick, but going into work tonight as nobody can cover for me.

Hopefully I'll be able to tivo the Oscars, so nobody tell me the results!!!

I'd also like to rent all the movies up for best film. I think eveyone should do that so they know who has been robbed, lol.

*************************************

What's next? I plan to finish "The Alchemist". A very inspiring book, great for any actor. I stopped reading it on set when the writers went on strike.

After that I have one book left of my all time guilty pleasure: Gossip Girl. The last book, Don't You Forget About Me, is all I have left until the tv series comes back to life :(

JP's Make Up Shoot

2008-02-21T01:06:00.000-08:00

Many results of Albert's Tuesday night's photography class are in.

Jennifer (or JP) Makeup Artistry wanted a canvas (face) for some cool, avant-garde colorful make up photos for her book. She has done plenty of pretty, natural, headshot makeup and wanted to show off her creative side. She hand made everything you see. the feathers and rhinestones were all indvidually hand glued on my face and painted over, brushed on and otherwise very carefully constructed. It was a lot of fun to watch. Not as fun to remove. lol.

Today, I had to cancel my photoshoot with Tim and that was very disappointing, I'm sure he thinks I'm a total flake now--- great.

My dad and I drove my car to the shop to get a new battery and a new alternater. I hope thats ALL thats wrong with it. The cost with labor is going to come to about $400. Which is about $100 more than I currently have saved up. HOORAY.

I spent all day without a car, realizing how much I used one. I contemplated buying a new car and taking out an auto loan. I checked out my credit score on freecreditreport.com (which is easy yes, but i wouldnt recommend it on account of they are going to charge me 15 bucks in 7 days unless I can figure out how to cancel a service I dont need before then... grr.)

My credit score is off right now 690 (which is ok, but I think it is actually better than that since one of my credit cards is almost payed off now.)

I have come to the decision that I will get my car fixed, drive it carefully, and easy until summer.

I will probably get another job (hopefully doing promotional modeling if I can get it) and pick up more hours at work. I will save up money for a down payment on a new car, trade in my old one or sell it myself and use that money for a bigger down payment. Once I have the new car insurance and payments under control, I'll move out to Hollywood, and hopefully have a chunk of cash saved up in case of an emergency, because my mommy and daddy dont support me like every other actor in LA.

No offese to anyone who has that luxury, but I really wish I had the financial support others do, or even a saftey net to rely on. Not, if I lose everything and get kicked out of an apartment, I will have to move back to georgia, as the situation is. I just feel a lot of pressure to sink or swim, especially out here in california.

I'm also very sick, egggh.

Which is another reason I had to cancel the photoshoot today, I'm coughing up my lungs and everything else and sneezing on anything that moves. Not so glamourous. But hey, it gives me time to clean my room and put up my new Breakfast at Tiffany's poster Ryan got me :)

My goals for tomorrow are:

Mail Edward my Morbid actor release

Deposit suprise paycheck

Pay car expenses, get car back.

Get started on taxes

Tackle my dresser

GET BETTER :( *sniff* sniff* *cough...*

I hate my car

2008-02-20T01:33:00.000-08:00

Let me start with I have been very stressed lately trying to get bills payed, keep up appointments and save money. I have had the most photoshoots lined up in one week EVER.
luckily, some of them have been pushed back. the first one was supposed to be last wednesday, woth JC Olivera from the Golden Globes but his schedule got too busy and now he has rescheduled for march when he gets back from Miami. Then saturday was the Bridal photoshoot at Santa Monica. Then Sunday was Ryan and my headshot day at Studio A in West Covina with Albert, David, and Lisa. We met a new MUA there that I actually met online a few months ago on craigslist (small world), responding to her post "Does anyone know any good photographers that need a good Make Up Artist?" Naturally I recommended her to Albert, hello.
Little did I know they started to work together, and she was excited to finally meet me! That was cool. The make up looked great and she asked if I could do some artistic make up for her book. I gladly agreed, and found out that she meant tuesday. So earlier today I went to West Covina AGAIN, to shoot for her make up book. I made some cash, which was nice.
However, all the feathers and glitter and spirit gum* she put on my face ruined my skin.
It took an hour to scrub off. my face it burning, and I look sunburned and strangled, and then punched in the cheast. awesome.

*Spirit Gum: Special glue (latex) used in Special FX make up and theater for sticking more make up or prostetics on. Drys fast, invisible. feels like shaving off your skin when removing. not fun.

ON MY GLORIOUS DRIVE HOME.
I get about half way home, to the 118 (thank God), my car starts to die on me.

The dashboard lights start to flicker, my check engine light has been flickering the past 2 days, but I didn't know what to do about it, especially without any money. My check engine light flickers and the radio goes out. Then the dashboard lights go out.
Then ALL the lights go out.
My car is still driving, now, completely in the dark, somewhere near the valley.
My car lights flick back on and off for a while, then my car starts sputtering and kicking back.
Then my car dies. STOPS. right on the freeway.
frustrated I honk my horn and turn on my hazard lights.
I sit in the middle of the lane for a good 2 minutes, furious. Daring a car to hit me. Please, hit me now, take me out of my misery.
Finally, I get my car to start again and go to the side of the road. I let my car sit, maybe get some energy back? The lights turn on real bright, and I start out again.
My car kicks back and gives out again, right next to Rocky Peak, in the mountains, next to nothing unless you count the remains of Charles Manson's cult hideout. awesome.
After a long, terrifying, ordeal of starting, braking, and gliding home, I am cancelling my photoshoot for tomorrow. I don't know whats wrong with my car, all I know is I certainly cannot afford it.
The sad part is I was really looking forward to meeting Timothy W tomorrow, he has worked with Cassie and I really like his work. Uggghhhh....

Well, I think I need to start looking at buying a new car. One that WONT DIE on me. I dont want to be scared to drive around anymore. This is too expensive.

ugggh...looks like Ill be living in Simi Valley longer than expected, unless I make some serious cash soon.

*barf*

well, the good news is the shoot went really well, (see above, one finished picture) and I made a new MUA friend :)

Valentines Day 08

2008-02-18T12:47:00.000-08:00

Ryan and I couldn't really be together on Valentine's Day because of work. However, He did bring over a DVD of Breakfast at Tiffany's the day before, and when I was at work, he brought over a large poster of Audrey Hepburn in black and pink, along with a fuzzy valentines day card completely in spanish and 2 boxes of ferraro rocher chocolates (my favorite!). Then he dressed up in a suit and tie and suprised me at work by making a reservation in my section, even though I barely had time to speak to him, I got to look at him, looking all handsome while customers yelled at me. It was nice. Then the next day we watched Roman Holiday and did absolutely nothing and it was much needed.

The day after VDAY, Michaela and I went on a mission.
A mission for Sprinkles Cupcakes.
We finally made our way to Beverly Hills, after much ado, to find the door wrapped around the building. We waited behind some sort of B-list celebrity while a van across the street snapped pictures.... umm... who in heck are they so excited about?
Anyway, Michaela had to pee so bad that since there were no public bathrooms on Rodeo Drive (shock me, shock me) we went to the Hollywood and Highland complex to park, get some lattes and eat our cupcakes.

Michaela was very impressed with her first glimpse of the Hollywood and Highland complex, and I promised to take her back there one day, when she was less scared of traffic and things like cars.

We got Ryan a Chai Latte flavored cupcake, Edward a Red Velvet cupcake and Micheala and I had chocolate sprinkled cupcakes of course.
I'm scared to even think about how many calories are in those things!

I wish I had taken pictures of this years valentines day. I took alot last year, but our plans were uninterrupted last year... But I do have fun pictures of the cupcake adventure, so there you go.

*************************************************************
I slept in so late today. It's glorious. Now I must go to the bank, pay my Helio bill and be a contributing member of society.

"Society, man!"
"Society!"
"SOCIETY!!!"

Alli's 20th Birthday Pictures!

2008-02-17T21:39:00.000-08:00

Happy 20th Birthday Alli B!

Linsey rented a fabulous limo for me, michaela and Alli Tuesday night. We suprised Alli when she got home from school that night and let her invite whomever she wanted. So she invited one of her new friends from school....... Great I don;t remember his name anymore because we liked him enough to deem him "nickname" worthy. He is a funny classmate of Alli's and they carpool to school so she invited him for dinner (because her boyfriend couldnt be there). She also invited the wonderful Mr. Haynie.

One of the pictures I took encapsules the night prefectly. It is a picture of Champagne glasses in the limo, next to Butters leg (that's his nickname.)

Butters got a pedicure that day to help a best friend with her grieving. getting Cinnabun-like swirls on his big toes, in green, thus gaining his nickname. (Butters.)

Alli stole a rose from the table we ate at as well as some sorf of candlestick. We don't know why.

Also pictured is the red wine Linsey had everyone try because it was just so mouth-watering-ly fantastic. I forget the brand. I don't drink wine.

Not only am I allergic, but it seems so cheap because its just so popular with alcoholics in denial... Not much appeal to me...

We spent the night dancing in the limo and listening to Alli try to talk to the waiters in spanish. Then after many attempts to bug everyone in the limo on the ride home with tickles, Michaela finally gets payback in the limo. Justice served, shortstack.

preview...

2008-02-17T01:30:00.001-08:00

I left my camera in the car and it dosnt feel right to do a whole post of exciting things without pictures. of which I have many. so skipping vday, my b.h. adventure and other things, here are some photos of todays brial photoshoot.

We met up onthe ever-crowded santa monica peir. The photographer hired a "groom" last minute, so I met a very cool actor/model named chris ( http://chrisconnell777.com/ ) and Jamie, Valarie's (boy?) friend and writer. It was nice speaking to an interesting and intelligent male model for once in my life. I doubt it will ever happen again, though. *sigh.*

There will be more photos touched up over the next 2 weeks, but she emailed me these tonight.

Tomorrow (Sunday, well today) Ryan and I both have the day off at the same time!!! so we are getting our headshots redone at Studio A!!!

ahh. I love albert. He's the best. We really needed new headshots. good ones. and frank fu will be there too!

bliss lists

2008-02-13T20:47:00.000-08:00

I love lists. They help me think and keep me motivated.

I think I knocked off a couple things today, though I would love to accomplish more (why? to make NEW lists of course!) Today I:

Did a huge load of laundry

Got both credit cards payed for the month

Went grocery shopping (well if you call getting relish, grocery shopping...)

Got my car's oil changed! Much overdue

Got part of Ryan's Valentine's Day present, which is pretty cool considering I got a great hook up from the Golden Globes...

Now My goals for this evening are:

Put away said laundry

sort through things I don't need, mostly clothes.

Plan a clothing exchange!

Exchange some books at Borders

Find where I can buy the indie film "Elvis and Anabelle"

Write Mimi a much needed letter

Memorize lines for "Morbid"

My goals for this Month:

Get stunning new headshots, with my name on them, get them printed out.

pay off rent and 1 credit card!

Of course I have alot more on my mind, but I have to give myself small goals to work on first. Otherwise, I will end up procrastinating the less-fun stuff. Like laundry.

I have had an absolutely BLISSFUL 3 days off work this week. Monday Cassie and I went to the beach and took advantage of a warm and sunny feb day! Jason joined us and we watched him learn how to surf (and swim). A day at the beach was much needed, and we all wanted to stay as long as possible, even though we were getting cold. I forgot how calming and beautiful the beach can be. It's like chicken soup for the soul, but WAY better than the books. Tomorrow is back to work (yes, on Valentine's Day) so hopefully, since I can't spend it with Ryan, I'll be making some cash! Come eat steak!!

I spent the night Monday night at Cassie's Hollywood apartment and we spent it with her super-chill roommate Chesley and her next door neighbor Jason. We hung out mostly in Jason's apartment (aka The Sar's Bar) and we had the most awesome dinner on the balcony, eating tofu-meat and pasta stir-fry that Jason made for the 3 girls. We looked like polygimists out there, 1 guy, three girls on the top of an apartment comples eating a candle lit dinner, but it was pleasant overlooking the hollywood lights and sounds all the same. Then they educated me on the movie I had been deprived of seeing for so many years "American Beauty". Wow. I loved it. I was very impressed, shocked, amused and stunned by this film. It was visually stunning, funny, well-acted and well written. It ended with Elliot Smith's version of the Beatles song "Because". *sigh* Breathtaking.

The next day I awoke craving the tasty chocolate chip banana pancakes we got last tiem I was over, from The Griddle in hollywood. Best pancakes ever! So Jason and Cassie indulged me once again.

Tuesday night I headed over to Alli's house to suprise her for her 20th birthday. Linsey rented a limo for us girls and took her out to dinner. We had a bunch of options open for dinner, but because it was a tuesday night and 10pm, our choices were running out for a party of 6! We finally (after many frantic phone calls in the limo, and many suggestions) ended up at the Pacific Dining Car. It is suprisingly open 24/7 and is very fancy. They have 2 locations, one in downtown LA, and the other in Santa Monica. We decided the one in santa monica would be pretty. However the one in LA is the OLDEST resturaunt in LA. Which is pretty cool. The inside to fthe resturaunt looks like the inside of a beautiful old train and the look was complete with white table cloths and candleabras. The food was excellent, yet pricey, and Alli kept trying to speak spanish to the poor waiter. Linsey did too, but thats ok, because she's from Brazil and speaks like 5 different lanuages fluently. Alli... not so much. Bless her heart. lol.

Thats all for now! I'm off to Borders!

XOXO

workin hard

2008-02-09T22:56:00.000-08:00

Ryan's 26th birthday was sooo much fun! We ended up at Fridays because Los Toros was very busy. I got him a black and white poster of "The Rat Pack" with frank sinatra and the original cast of oceans 11. Framed, on his wall. Now he actually looks live he LIVES in his room. Before, there was nothing on the walls. for two years. (are you kidding me?) I also threw in a gift certificate to Borders, because my man loves to read. And a suprisingly hard-to-find DVD of his favorite black and white film, Arsenic and Old Lace. Which I DEFINATELY RECOMMEND SEEING! It's a very funny dark comedy with Cary Grant. The acting is perfection.

I have been working all weekend, and I open tomorrow for breakfast. But then! I get 3 days off to chill. Possibly plan something for Alli's 20th Birthday on tuesday and lets not forget V-Day! Which might have to be postponed til the 15th this year, on account of everyone feels the need to not cook on V-Day. uggh. I hope I make some MONEYYYY if I can't be with Ryan. Also, I'm thinking of getting everyone Sprinkles Cupcakes for V-Day, if theyre not too expensive... Ill have to check that out. If not, Pinkberry is right close enough. (I'm obsessed with LA sweet trends if you cant tell. If you know of any others, please let me know!)

I have a boring list of things to do, which is really more for myself than anyone.

-Get car SMOG TESTED asap
-Get car aligned Monday, make appt.
-Possibly install my new car stereo/call Dad
-Clean room and get rid of EVERYTHING I don't use, except paints and pastels.
-Donate everything I don't use
-Plan a clothing exchange of free, unwanted clothes.
-Return all clothes I have barrowed back to Michaela (Half of my closet, lol) and get my own clothes back.
-Get Dad a new Bible (New American Standard?)
-Mail Mimi printed out pictures.
-Spend time with Grandma Jean, SOMEHOW. (she's very pitiful lately.)
-Get me some amazing, hair-transforming Bumble and Bumble shampoo.
-Memorize lines for "Morbid"

I *think* I might just have a prospective roommate situation. Amy is also looking to move out in two months! Now if I can just convince her to live in Hollywood, instead of manhattan beach or calabasas... :D

ATL, represent!

2008-02-07T20:54:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu9KBjAflK8

Man I love my cake, like that Ricky loves Lucy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVtaUkrmhlk

Shawty drop em to the ground like she ain't got manners
Too much booty for one man to handle...

I love these songs. The first one, I would have given my first born child to dance in. When will Amber finally get to be in a rap music video!?!? I mean REALLY.

the second song i love because it pumps me up like "Bombs over bagdhad" does and it uses my favorite slang word: BUCK.

I wanna be in a rap video so bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (and I want to be the lead girl, the only white chick gettin crunk with the rest of em!)

oh well, i can dream.... ;)

I was listening to these songs as i practiced my stretches for yoga and back-bending today. I have a lot of work to do to get back into gymnastic-shape....

happy hump day

2008-02-06T20:02:00.000-08:00

Yester day I worked the election polls. It was the longest day of my life.

It started at 6 am (6AM!) and ended at 10 pm. The polls are only open from 8am to 8 pm but we had to get there early to put up sign all over elementary school we awere at at, and it was freezing! I learned a lot about voting and how it works, it actually very well put together, they way they have everything thought of. At the end of the day I was light-headed from talking so fast, and trying to explain to almost everyone what non-partisan and american independant was, and the differences were. Many people were appaled to find out that they couldnt vote for the democratic side because they had registered AIP (American Independant party) which is actually not neutral, but its own 3rd party, with its own canidates. Which means, for the Primaries (and ONLY the primaries) you have to vote from your own partys' nominations. The Non-partisan people could choose to vote non-partisan, which has no nominations, because it isnt an actual party, but you could vote for the props being passed. Or the democrats and the AIP, in Ventura county, would allow you to also vote for one of thier cannidates. You could only vote on the Republican Ballot if you were already a registered Republican. (Again, this only matters in the primaries, in the actual election in the fall, anyone registered to vote can vote for any party, because its narrowed down)

This confused a lot of people.

At the end of the day we ran around un-taping all the signs, packing everything into thier original containers. We had to count all the ballots, the provisional ballots, the absentee ballots, the spoiled ballots and the electronic ones. Also I didnt know this, but apparently at the end of the polling process, each precinct HAS to post the immeadate electronic votes on the doors outside. So In my precinct, Hilary won by ONE vote (which i thought was interesting) and Huckabee got 28 out of 30 republican votes, which was shocking because I was rooting for him in the beginning, but I had NO idea he had a strong following!

It took us forever to put everything away correctly and each clerk had to sign or initial everything done. then at the end, all the votes were sealed in bags inside a small suitcase, which was to be taken to the firehouse (dont know why) to be hand counted and inspected. All the provisional ballots have to be hand counted for double voting and address verification, beacuse if you vote at the wrong precinct, or you name is not on the list for whatever reason, you have to fill out a provisional ballot, which later is hand inspected, to make sure nobody else in any other precinct voted under your name. Which is why on the news it will say "Kansas, 100%" or "Arizona 92%" that other 8% is the absentee ballots handed in or the provisional ballots still being hand sorted. But it dosnt matter if Obama gets 91%, you can still post it on the news, because even if Hilary were to get the other 9%, Obama would still have the majority.

Which is why your vote still counts as provisional, but it does usually get counted last, after the majority is figured.

I learned alot but I will never do that again! I signed up to vote by mail from now on, so I can look up what I'm voting for, take my time and make sure I remember to vote. You can change your party, voting address or choose to always have you voting ballots mailed to you at the DMV. its easy to fill out, and free to mail.

Hope this helps.

*********************

In other, even-less-exciting news, I got my first issue of NYLON magazine today, as a christmas gift from Urban Outfitters. They gave me a year subscription for free, isnt that nice? It's a musically independant and emo-friendly fashion mag. I love my Glamour, Allure and Seventeen -don't get me wrong- but it's nice to have a different view of things. And to feel emo again, without sacrificing my hair.

*****************************

Tomorrow I am meeting up with Valerie (a photographer) for a fitting. She is doing a brial portrait book (to book more weddings) and she saved this photoshoot for last, because it will ruin the dress she has. I believe I'll be doing my first photoshoot in a brial gown, AND submerged in water. fun fun.

****************************************

Also, one of my favorite movies of 2007 is out on DVD!

Across the Universe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm going to go buy it tonight!

*******************************************************

I saw a really good movie recently, that isn't mainstream. I always like it when people share good movies that are not big-theater-blockbusters, so I;ll share my little discovery with you too. I was wandering through Blockbuster when a little stack of brown DVDs caught my eye. Curious, I rented it and was pleasantly suprised. It's called "Rocket Science" and it's an optimistic view of life through a 15-yr-old High school boy who dreams of love, success and something more. He just so happens to have a horrible speech impediment.

The acting is great and it reminded me of high school, and if you have ever been on the debate team, or model UN, you can definately relate to this cute, quirky, "Juno"-esque film.

xoxo

v i c t o r y

2008-02-02T15:41:00.000-08:00

I am on cloud 9 right now!!!

I just got back from my "Morbid" Feature Horror film audition and I got the role of Laura, the spunky party friend! I had a good read, and at the end of the interview, the writer and casting director said, I usually tell people about the call backs at this point, but I've seen all the other girls and I want to be the first to tell you, the part is yours! and I was the first person they decided to cast! (that's never happened before!)

I'm feeling pretty good right now. I've made the last 2 auditions I had on the first day and they were both parts that I wanted and would look great on a reel! The producer for the Students Wife (dramatic short) is good friend with Jason Reitman (Juno, There Will Be Blood, Thank You For Smoking) who I love. I don't know if that means anything for me, but she obviously has good taste in directors and it's definatley a good connection to be had! Lauren (the producer) also wants to fully fund the short I'm doing so we can get a great beach front location to shoot on! Victory! But she wants to meet me to have a read-through because she is not convinced I can handle the crying scene at the end. If I have to earn my respect, I will try my hardest!!

I also *might* have a bridal photoshoot for this dress company, if I fit the dress. The fitting should be sometime next week, and I have to be drenched (in the ocean i think?) in the dress which will be fun! How fun to ruin an expensive gown while shooting? heck yeeeeeah. (Don't worry, I don't have brial-fever or anything, I just think it would be a fun photoshoot, and great for my book.)

I also met a director at the casting today who liked my red hair and asked if I had anything online he could look at as far as my acting goes. I gave him the link for my Forgettables episode 1 (which seems to win over alot of people, oddly enough) and my email address, then he told me he was looking for actress for his next 2 films. So I'm very glad that I initiated the conversation with him in the awkward waiting room, turns out it was worth me while, lol.

Also I have a full day session with my Albert from Studio A for new headshots in mid-feb. (I just have to decide on a hair color!) I really need new headshots. I must get some actually printed out this time! errg.

***************************************

On another note, I am working the elections this tuesday as a clerk!

That should be interesting. Looks like Huckabee and Ron Paul arent doing so well, and I like them. They are optimistic, humble and well spoken. Looks like it will be between Romney (barf) and McCain (double-barf) for the Republican primaries.

It will be interesting to see who wins, though I'm *probably* still voting for the underdog, Huckabee!!

Though I'm still able to be swayed... Just convince me: who is the best canidate (left or right)?

rambin' rosie

2008-02-02T02:57:00.000-08:00

*not only can I not sleep, and have thoughts running in and out of my head that I feel the need to ramble on about, but it's also johnny's nickname for me.

I bartended today at work! Which was fun until it got hectic.

My manager gave me some bumble and bumble gentle shampoo and super-rich conditioner, so after getting off work early and watching "Groundhog Day" in my pj's and eating left over spahgetti, I took a girly night in!

My milk and honey spa day I shall call it.

I am now in love with bumble and bumble products. they make my hair feel soft and lush.

I painted my nails, cleaned my room a bit and shopped for some shoes for ryan online til I gave up. Mostly because guys shoes are so expensive... and it's hard to shop for shoes you'd never wear.

Good news, I got the part in the short film tenatively titled "The Student's Wife" (Which he can't use because it's actually the name of a short story.) I am meeting up with Tommy (the director) and the producer chick next week if I ever have a day off! I am excited to do this short, not only because I'm desperate to film something, but because it will require a lot of work on my part to convey the unsettling depression this wife has.

I have an audition for Morbid horror film tomorrow/today. Excited about that, even though it's just for a supporting role, I really want a horror film under my belt...

random thoughts of the night:

-why cant hilary get along with anyone? not even democrats?

-what are the writers doing with thier time off?

-Is there such a thing as pure un-screwed around with spring water?

-I need to work out before spring gets here.

-who is the next neil simon? I'd like to work with him.

-Id like to go to new york. I'm not sure what I'd do with myself, other than be a tourist, but I want to go.

-I can't find my chuck books. who did i lend them to?

-I need to lay off caffiene.

remember that i love you =)

xoxo ramblin' rosie

red carpet fresh

2008-01-30T13:56:00.000-08:00

These are the pictures I got back from JC Olivera (Getty Images/Wire Images)

I look, mostly squinty and awkward, but first red carpet pictures are first red carpet pictures. I'll take it as a learning lesson. Always look sharp when there is a red carpet. Thats what I learned from the golden globes. oh, that and celebrities never introduce themselves.

ps- there was a picture with Myself, Cassie and "Creepy Craig" but I thought it better to never look at that again.

**************************

My audition/interview at the very pretentious artsy coffee shop went very well, even though I found out a little "backstory" about my interviewer... lol... big town, small world!

Today I just got the day off because there was too many people scheduled! I just paid my car insurance and now I am going to get on my responsiblities, ie. cleaning mr room, laundry, taking care of bills and addressing my finances. I hope I get all of this done soon, because I have a creative energy lately and I want to either make a quaility drawing out of it or try my hand at writing a short. or maybe polishing off the 2 I have started... (Bingo time! and "G.P.")

Friday is the day for making money.

Saturday is my "Morbid" audition! yeaaaaaaaaay horror flicks!!

************************************************************

guess who's 26th birthday is coming up soon???

RYAN'S! (I have great plans for that, just you wait :)

LAS VEGAS

2008-01-28T17:45:00.000-08:00

**warning: long blog ahead!**

First, we drove to vegas the night before my birthday, on monday. I made special playlists for everyone (with my snazzy new ipod) and jammed all the way to the bright lights. Once there, we checked in (after much ado) and went to the Venician. Cassie has a favorite dessert place there, so we had banana chocolate chip bread pudding, which was warm and sinfully fantasic.

Then as the clock struck 12, we headed over to the slots and played a couple of (very confusing, for me anyways) video games. I lost 5 dollars and won back 2 dollars and called it a night, haha.

I am not a good gambler, and I am so glad it does NOT appeal to me at ALL!

The next day, Tuesday, was the first day of the Concrete Convention, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center (that place was huge!). We worked for a water-proofing company called "AVM" (which, ironically, the owners were from Simi Valley! small world!) and had a nice booth set up in the huge South Hall on the convention center. We were to talk to people, be nice, hand out information and, well, generally, draw the rednecks in, while the owners came over and sold them products.

There were 4 girls and 3 guys. The 3 girls were me, Cassie (the cute blond, and good friend of mine from hollywood), Cleo ( cute asian girl with long raven hair, aka "giggles", from vegas) and Cidney (professional promo model, living in vegas and LA, looks just like Jessica Simpson).

The 3 main guys were Amir (the "A" in AVM) and owner. Bill and Pat were bothers that were also managers at AVM, and very dry, witty guys, I enjoyed talking to them all very much. Bill and Pat are from Simi Valley too and have daughters my age. If any skeezy-McGee's would try to hit on us or say something vile, Pat (big, bearded man) would come up and say, "you know they're all married right?" or "those are my daughters, don't talk about them like that." Which was awesome. and there were ALOT of skeezy-McGee rednecks. (its a concrete convention!)

We had a faux-put-put thing set up. a little golf course, made of water-proffed tiles. Needless to say it was very hard to get the ball in, without dumb luck. We raffled off a tool set and had fun making "Starbucks runs" in the morning, funded by Amir. It was that precious Caffiene that kept us alive, I swear. On the last day we took pictures and Cidney even took a short video of us spoofing the shady, womanizing, rednecks that hit on us all day. I am usually pretty good at ignoring it or letting it slide, but some of these guys were just rediculous. So ill post the video on here. It starts with me imatating a black man from Eygpt or something speaking in another language when playing golf and pointing at cassie, then his son comes up and translates all his filth for us. thank god, he lost the game. I can't imagine what he would have said.

On Tuesday we went dancing at Moon (at the top of the Palms hotel, and the roof opens up to show the moon) It was so much fun!

On our last day we went window shopping at the Vinecian and Caesars Palace and ate at a fancy Italian place above the Gondolas. Then on the ride home we ate arbys and saw the worlds biggest thermometer. whooo!!

I spent the night at Cassie's place and we went to the Griddle (hotspot in hollywood for breakfast, apparently. alot of actors go there and we had to wait an hour to eat!) and it was so delicious! I had chocolate chip banana pancakes! my favourite!

Then, in a very in a very "LA" fashion, we went to Sameul French Bookstore. I have always wanted to go there!!! They have every play or script you could ever imagine!!! so I bought my first copy of the weekly "Backstage West" (newspaper for actors with legit auditions in them) and 2 Neil Simon plays, Fools and Star-Spangeled-Girl, which I am very excited to read again!

I was very happy to get home and catch up on sleep and my nerdy internet rituals of myspace and craigslist. Tomorrow I have an interview for a dramatic short and the stangest callback ever. I recieved an email today for callback info for something i didnt even audition for! it is for a jj carpet print photoshoot. which is fine. I dont know what to bring or wear, because when i asked they said, its unimportant. The photographers website was amazing and has tears from several magazines including pictures of wrestlers, sarah silverman, snowboarders and children models... so I think ill check it out. I just wish I knew what the heck it was for!!! haha... oh well, half the battle is showing up!

Which remindes me i have coupons for Borders and alot of catching up to do...

Happiness is only real when shared.

2008-01-21T02:24:00.000-08:00

I just saw one of the best films called "Into The Wild".

Cassie has been telling me to see this for awhile, and imagine my suprise when Ryan get gets not only a mailed poll for him to vote on the SAG awards this year, but all the movies nominated! He has dvds of "Into the Wild" "Away from Her" (never heard of it, but im gonna watch it! ill let you know) "No Country for Old Men" "3:10 to Yuma" and a free ticket to see "There Will Be Blood" (out in theaters now). None of these dvds are released to DVD yet! how cool is that!

Now.

Imagine with me for a moment.

Imagine the most beautiful place you have ever been to. Where your favorite place in the world is, that you have visited.

For most people, it's childhood memories or vacations. Places like beaches, and lakes.

For me, its mountains. Either the majesty of the vast Grand Canyon that can ONLY be truly appreicated and understood in person. Or the Appalaician Mountains. The windy roads covered in deep wet green leaves with the sun shining through the tops of branches. The clear air and many rushing streams. I have been several times with family, friends, and mostly on church retreats, which explains why appriciation would be so well-tuned. I feel all alone, and all connected at the same time. Away from responsibilities, cars, polluted light and drama. Close to nature at it undisturbed best, and close to God. So close you feel the holy spirit wrap around you in the wind, because, seeing the view you have in front of you, you'd have to be stupid to not know there is a God. THATS the kind of beauty I'm talking about.

"Into the wild" explores precious view points like that.

Yeah, there is some stupid, "boo-hoo-my-childhood-sucks-and-thats-why-im-excused" backstory, but if you pay attention to the bold journey and determination, its very admirable.

Ryan read the book and I can see why it was made into a movie, the shots (espically in slow-motion) are breathtaking and mesmerizing. Also, in the LA homeless mission line, infront of a homless black guy, look for a cameo (there are a lot of cameos int his movie) from the grounds-keeper old man (with the cat?) in the Harry Potter movies.

worn out

2008-01-19T16:26:00.000-08:00

Today I went down to Santa Monica to audition for the short film (to be turned into a feature film kinda thing) "For Love".

I kinda reminds me of "Run, Lola, Run" or the more popular "5th Element".

It's a dark sci fi flick. I'm not really familiar with tha genre so thats why I went to check it out.

Apparently the main female is an andriod form space come to earth looking for love and only thing different about her is shes made of plastic. I know, kinda dull, but if put together right, it could look great on my reel:) So, we will see if I get the part.

In good news I got a new Ipod finally!

I had one of the very first nanos, no color either, lol. I rode that thing into the ground and it stopped working on its 4th or 5th year. So I definatly deserve a new one! and Johnny got me a huge discount, because he worked for Apple ;)

I got the black Ipod classic, 80gb!! and Jon got my name engraved on the back! neat!!

Its all very breathtakingly fabulous, but its taking 4 hours to get eveything switched over and loaded.

I almost fell into a much needed, heavenly, sleep when I realized I must go to work in 15 mins.

only to open tomorrow morning, and then work a double-shift. :/

I am so jacking a red bull tonight at work.

(.....j/k i'll pay for it!)

Needless to say, I am wearing thin. I have worked hard and been very productive (and clean! well my laundry is...) and I CANNOT WAIT FOR VEGAS.

Forever I love .... Craigslist...?

2008-01-16T21:29:00.000-08:00

Mood music: "Passion for Fashion" by the UK punk band We Smoke Fags. fun, dumb, music.

In my post work outfit of black slacks and a green safari vest to keep me warm, I start my daily intake of online hunting, or some might say stalking. Well, I love Craigslist.org

I find all my hair cuts, jobs, gigs and ideas there. Thanks to the lovely free little site started 10 years ago in san fransico, by none other than "Craig" himself, I have found what to do with myself lately, not limited to, but including:

Feb 2: audition for "Morbid"

The part is a supporting role of a young college student named Laura, she is fit and spunky. I am also fit and spunky. I've always wanted to be in a (cheezy) horror film!!! I don't know why but I'm so excited for this! I hope I get it and I get to have a dying scene, that would be rad. Good for my reel too hopefully. This is, unfortunatly an unpaid, student film, but I'm still jazzed about it.

In a few weeks: pictures from Getty Images

I finally got an email back from JC Olivera (from Wire and Getty Images). Not only will he get my pictures to me from the Golden Globe Swagg-fest, but he wants to shoot with me! joy! (I really don't need any new pictures, but he IS a pretty sweet connection to have, so I'll be happy to do a TFCD shoot, whatev.) And I get my picture with Hiro! (ok thats not his real name but you know who I'm talking about if you watch Heroes).

This Sat:Audition for feature (potentailly amazing or strange) sci-fi film

In Santa Monica Interactive Cafe at 12:45pm.

"Yes, I'll take a film interview on a nice day, right on the beach please!!" "yes ma'am." Its a strange futuristic film about andriods and its called "For Love"... so we shall see.

Tomorrow I have my only day off!!

Hopefully some tennis practice will be had.

Also determined to find a local place to find Backstage West, mostly for referance.

It could be the crazy emo music pumping through my room, but I just wanna dance right now.

...I just gave my room a rockin performance of fresh moves. Too bad you werent there to see it.

xoxo

here is the church and here is the steeple, we sure are cute for two ugly people, i dont see what anyone can see, in anyone else, but you...

2008-01-15T01:01:00.000-08:00

Listening to the Juno soundtrack, I am feeling very content.

It's like listening to my life through a very straightforward whisper. I dig it.

Today I didn't do much and it was absolutley wonderful.

Lindsey gave me some "3 Ballerina Tea" (diet tea) and it works so that's all I shall expand on that.

In good news, I am getting a new ipod! Jon works at the apple store and can get me his discount so hopefully in time for out trip to vegas, ill have some new tunes to listen too! victory.

my old one broke. but i had it for over 4 years.

Tuesday is the day for laundry, I dare say.

this week is for champions

2008-01-12T22:58:00.000-08:00

Sunday I had my "Film Noir" photoshoot at studio a.

Cassie joined me later and got some shots of her in the red carpet dress, which was gorgeous. Albert, Frank and Lisa were amazing and the MUA was phenomenal. THe make up was Very 40's. now i have some classy black and whites!

I started my one college class for this semester! Begining Tennis.

I am taking the class with McNugget, McNugget's Mama and Rick the 2nd best bartender in california. (the 1st of course being one Mr Ryan Haynie.)
I cannot wait to get an offical tennis skirt. talk about toned legs-here i come!

Tuesday i interviewed for a web episode for a comedy based in a gerocery store called "checking out". I got the part, to find out yesterday, they found the PERFECT girl for the part... and they would love to have me as a featured extra...

...fantastic, thanks.

wednesday I had 2 audi's. one for a teen comedy called "size zero the movie"... a comedy about 2 girls and 1 guy try a bunch of crazy fad diets to deal with thier weight issues...haha i thought it looked funny and true to some californians... so i memorized my lines and met the producer and i think i did really well actually. I kept the CD and producer laughing and when i was leaving the assistant lady walking me out said, "that was really good, actually. you did a REALLY good read!" and so i felt happy... but anyhoo.. heres hoping.

the other was for a dayplayer rate on a show called "Americas country fried home videos" starring bill ingval and i would be the waitress and the only other person on stage with him as he ntroced videos... again, i got it and they were asking me if i was comfortable pouring coffee and looking into the camera and whatnot and then, they told me the date, JAN 22! i had to decline bc not only is it my bday, but i would be out of state... i told him i was available before that but no... so i feel happy that i at least GOT it... and got to/had to decline bc i would be in vegas... lol what are the chances of that?

oh well ill be making more money in vegas and be with better company, having a blast.

thurs and fri Cassie, Ryan, Kevin and I passed out Shwag at the Secret Room Event for the 66th (?) annual golden globes. (which incidentaly wont air.) It was held at a gorgeously decorated store called "Metro Couture" in Brentwood. The owners are characters. One is very airy-fairy and the other.... well... very in charge... of everyone. no matter what.

I got to meet some very cool people, spot a few actors i recognized. A few people that i recognized were: Chyna Doll, Eddie (black guy from my Name is Earl), Hiro (on Heroes!!! i got a picture with him too! i was so stoked!), Chris (actor on Private Practice), Shaun Toub (shopkeeper in Crash, the kiterunner HE IS SUCH A BABY. I HAD TO INTRODUCE HIM BY NAME AND CREDITS TO EVERY VENDOR BECAUSE HIS PUBLICIST WASNT THERE, AND IT WAS TOO MUCH TO INTRODUCE HIMSELF. WTH?)

I just had to get that last part out. i used to look up to him, now i just see a spolied child.

All in all it was very fun and I learned a lot about how to act at red carpet events and how to quickly anticipate the needs/wants of others... I made friends with an actor named Roger Z. (cant spell his last name lol) he was in Find Me Guilty opposite vin diesel. He was very sweet and endearing man. NOT creepy or stuck up at all. I hope I meet him again, we really got along splendidly. Also, I figured out I have a gift for schmoozing and I think I could be a great personal assistant for certain people. Nice, very grateful and confused people, like Roger, who didnt speak english very well and told everyone who asked him confusing questions, (points to me) "She's the boss, ask her." I helped him pick out a great fit/color of jeans, jewelry for his sister and the right color pet supplies. I could definatly enjoy helping someone that nice shop or orgainze, but not a snappy, spolied celebrity, like i assume most of them are (sorry).
At the end we walked away with some great shwaggg! I got a bunch of skincare, lotions, candles, shampoo and hair products, brushes, makeup, jeans, tshirts/tanks, hypnotiq bottles, appeitite suppressants (yeah. organic too. tastes like lemon drops. whatev, i still prefer caffiene for that) and a bunch of coupons and gift certificates. oh and i finially got to try a Sprinkles brand cupcake! (Now I offically live in LA)

Today I passed out my left over/duplicate shwag to McNugget and Alli and Ryan's aunt. Because Lord knows I dont need all that stuff! Then McNugget and I went to Tapiocia Express for some stawberry-kiwi boba snows.

I <3 boba

*FYI: "McNugget" is one of Michaela's many nicknames. and "Boba" is little black yogurt curds put in smoothies or as the asians call them "snows" ill attach a pic of this delish drink. and "Sprinkles" is a decadently delicious cupcake botique in Beverly Hills and Hollywood that snobby-rich-blonde-bulimics that shop on Rodeo drive, eat while toting around a chanel bag and a tiny dog. Yeah, they're that good.

Also know that I've worked everyday except for the golden globe event days. So even though I am excited to film (well, im excited to film ANYTHING) tomorrow, (i dont know what im filming because its Jackson, and you never know with Jackson. he filmed The Forgettables episode.)

I am now completely exhausted.

Good day.

This is the life of a Go-Getta

2008-01-04T00:08:00.000-08:00

my past week can be surmised into this:

-work, work, work a double-shift, work.

-escaping to borders, taking refuge in its large, welcoming walls of books calling my name.

-drinking water, soda water and more water, as i gave up soda pop for '08.

-following the primaries and the iowa caucus. I am growing fond of Huckleberry and Obama, if I had to choose a president, though I'm not fond of any of them particularly. This is the first year I have not stuck to the right or the left. I feel very moderate in the moment. Fortunatley, Huckleberry and Obama WON the Iowa caucus.... and they were the underdogs.

-relaxing on my only day off with Ryan, being lazy for a whole day and watching the entire first 2 seasons of Heroes on DVD.

Nothing interesting presently. However...

next week is!

-Sunday is my black and white Film Noir photoshoot with my FAVORITE photographer in the whole wide world, Albert (Studio A Photography: http://www.studioaheadshots.com/ )

-Monday starts my Tennis class with Michaela and her mom and Rick (the bartender at work) and his gf. I've been working out my spaghetti arms in preparation a lot lately at the gym.

-Thurs and Fri Ryan, Kevin, Cassie and I will be passing out gift bags and be the celebrity traffic control to the GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS!!!!!!!!! The gift bags will be sooo sweet.

-Jan 22: MY 21ST BIRTHDAY

and the start of of stay in vegas for the convention until Jan 26th, i think. THAT will be something to write about, count on it.

Michaela's Suprise Kidnapping

2007-12-29T14:35:00.000-08:00

Michaela Marie Hoiland was spotted in a suspect green nissan sentra, Thursday, December 27th.

She was reportedly taken from her house Thursday night and blind-folded.

She was then willingly kidnapped and driven around Simi Valley.

Being left alone outside after the kidnapper dropped her off, and after being attacked by shouts and fireworks, she was rescued.

Here are some exclusive photos from the event.

Amber Plaster, reporting.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T17:52:00.000-08:00

Have a very merry Christmas.

It's nice having a day off from the world, isn't it? Off work, free of bills, and social obilgations. (except for reading my blog, of course!) Disconnected from your hectic cycle, visiting with those family members you get to (or can only stand to) see once a year. Well, Christmas was at my house this year, and you better believe it was bigger than ever!

The Plaster's love to eat. They like to cook, and then they eat what they cook.

This year my big redneck uncle (bless his nebraska born heart) bought a "Tur-duc-kin".

It is a huge TURKEY stuffed with DUCK, stuffed with CHICKEN.

Along with the garlic mashed potatos, crispy green bean casarole AND sliced HAM, it was delicious. and you better believe Amber had one of everything, twice.

Did I mention my most important New Years Resolution? Eating healthier, and less!

Well now that we're talking about New Years-EVE- that is...

**NEW YEARS EVE**

Every year we gather together to celebrate with our favorite party-goers, dancers, and bff's around a bottle of extra dry california champagne. If you don't care for the bubbly, and are at a bon-fire, as is the so cal way to party: I recommend coffee or hot chocolate with starbucks licquer, bailey's, or caramel-infused-khalua. I tried both for the first time last new years!

I attribute the success of that crazy party to those drinks, and that bon-fire.

Speaking of which... New Years Day is my 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY with Ryan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe how fast time flies, but it's been the best year yet. I keep that 25 yr old young and he keeps me focused. We both love God with all our hearts and have taught each other so much this past year. I'm so excited for '08!

However, much to my chargin, Ryan has to work New Year's Eve (closing the bar) and he OPENS it the next morning!!!! What kind of horrid manager from hades would do that to a bartender!?!?! there are like 6 to choose from, and he makes Ryan work the closing and opening shifts back to back.

----However. Ryan is the only bartender... So McNugget, Alli and myself are sure to be seen getting drinks all night before the ball drops. Then we will all go crash a party, head over to Alli's to watch the ball drop, or Ryan will sweep me off my feet and wisk me to santa monica and watch fireworks on the beach until the sun comes up and apologze for not remembering to ask off work for our anniversary, while impressing me with a fancy bottle of french champange and naming a star after me. Hopefully the last one ;)

If there are any pre or post new years parties, let me know!

Ryan and I made an attempt to send Christmas Cards this year, but we only got as far as taking snapshots. So here are some pictures from that.

***************************************************

Best and Worst:

Best part about Christmas: My Audrey Hepburn Calander and dvds. She is so classy! Just what I wanted! je adore audrey!!

Worst part about Christmas: Chicken Soup for the AMERICAN IDOL Soul. a la' my crazy, out of touch mother, who apparently is very misguided on what I want to be when I grow up.

*sigh*

*************************

New YEARS RESOLUTIONS::

1-Eat healthier (nore raw veggies and fruits and water) and less. By eating only when its light out, not later than 7pm. and cutting out ALL soda pop.

2-hitting the gym twice a week...hopefully.

3-work as much as possible,get as much overtime and tips as possible, spend none of it.

4-pay off all credit card debt

5-save up 5 grand to move out to hollywood

6-do as many free acting jobs i can in my spare time to build a reel/resume'

7-build my modeling book with recent 8x10s and find a great scene partner for practice.

8-leave my hair alone, so it grows long!

9- got to church, maybe even find one i like to go to more than once a year!

10-practice my art, and update my canvas.

whats yours??

C'mon, let me hear 'em!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sweeney Todd and Enchanted

2007-12-22T01:55:00.000-08:00

How does one begin to describe the beautifully crafted mind of Burton, Depp and Soundheim?

How does one compare the unrivaled joyfull, optimistic and bright minds of disney?

Last night I saw "Enchanted".

Tonight I saw the cult favorite musical put to the silver screen "Sweeney Todd"

Both films are shocks to your system in their own respects.

I'll begin with "Enchanted". Amy Adams stars in this Princess-comes-to-reality movie. Amy first got her start in 1999 in "Drop Dead Gorgeous" as Leslie, the 3rd runner up in a midwest beauty padgent. If you have not seen this film, and are a girl, I implore you to watch it as soon as humanly possible. She was also in "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby". Amy has an affinity towards playing innocene and purity. The first half of this movie is hilarious in its obvious mockery of perfection and happiness. The anamated Princess Giselle floats and flutters around the screen, singing to gay little animals and is dreaming of her prince. Said prince finds her, after rescuing her from a troll. She drops in to his arms and they fall in love at first sight and she looks at him and says "it's YOU i was dreaming of!!!!" and he smiles at her excitedly, and screams "we shall be married in the morning!!" and they gallop off into the sunset with birds singing. Well, I wont ruin the rest of it for you, but Princess gets a dose of reality when she meets a real life devorce lawyer. I know this sounds corny (well, the whole movie is-but) when princess Giselle finds out a couple is going to be seperated forever and ever, by devorce, she cries, and her heart is really hurt. It's almost like seeing a kid find out when Mom and Dad dont love each other anymore. It was so raw and pure and heatfelt, worth watching just for that I think. A very optimstic and warm film. I've never left a film feeling that light and in love than that.

I am glad I didn't know the WHOLE story behind "Sweeney Todd" before I saw it. It would have completly ruined the whole effect of shock for me. This musical ran on Broadway for several years before being considered into a film. Tim Burton directs this dark little gem, and I am grateful he did. He has a powerful sense of how to portray dark and otherwise insane observations into a story. This movie is a dark comedy, if you have skin thick enough for it. Otherwise, it is a tragidy. Tragidies need to be told. They compel you to pay attention and hope for another answear. The cast is perfect, a blend of theater trained broadway kids and name hollywood actors. It is best said by johnny depp: "how practical and inappropraite!" It is a very pracial means to an end and extremely inappropriate all at the same, tradgic, time. I do hope you'll watch this dark voyage into revenge. Also I hope you'll look up the composer, Stephen Soundheim on imdb.com. He has written some of the best scores for broadway and film over the past 4 decades! and the creator of Desperat Houswives has to this date, named every one of the episodes after his works, which i thought was very cool. If you see this movie and go look and the episode list on imdb, youll see one of the best songs "Beautiful Girls" is an episode title in the first season... I found that nerdy little tidbit too interesting not to share. I found the end of this film absoultely riviting. You must see the end of this film. (talk about a falling action)

well I hope you enjoed my movie blogging. Not to worry, I did not include any spoilers!

real quick

2007-12-18T11:52:00.000-08:00

i just got back from my hair show gig. I locked my damn keys in my car so micheala had to pick me up. I was STRANDED in LA, when it was raining! uggh. that sucked. right after I got my hair done too.
Nothing much new here, just worked all weekend, went to mavericks company christmas party last night, which was pretty cool. everyone was taking shots and we has carne asada. and i got to bring ryan too. except i was the onle one who didnt drink so that sucked a little, but honestly, i dont want my id taken away one friggin month before my 21st bday! so i stayed completely sober.

what do you do when you dont land that $950 modeling job? lock yourself out of youre car of course.
then what?

go get pink sprinkled happy donuts! duh!

lol ahhh, small pleasures.

i have today off work!

ryans doing a bud lite commercial in la today so its just me and my girls for adventures...

i know this was random but i dont have enough time to make an interseting post as of now.

SPiCE GiRLS!!

2007-12-13T13:59:00.000-08:00

I almost forgot to post about this!

I went to the Spice Girls Reunion Tour last weekend at the Staple Center in LA!

My friend Alli's Dad's company had box seats at the staples center and so we got 4 FREE box tickets!! And we didnt have to pay for parking either!! Such a miracle!!!!! None of us had eough money for the tickets which were really expensive so I was amazed we got the tickets last minute!

Seeing them was amazing. Their bodies are HOT! They are all in such great shape its rediculous! I want Geri's abs, holy crap mama. Even from up high I could see how in shape they were lol.

The crowd went wild the whole time and people of all ages were dancing like fools the ENTIRE NIGHT. They waved to us, we all waved back, even though it was impossible for them to see us, lol. But as they were singing "I'm giving you everything, all that joy can bring, yes I swear... and all that I want form you is a promise too, say you will be there... I'm giving you everything..." I really had so much awe and respect for this over-the-top girl band from the 90s. They give an amazing performance and it really inspired to perform for some reason. I want to make that many people happy, dance, scream, laugh and have great memories. They made SO MANY girls childhood happy, with good memories. I wish I could make people that happy. It was amazing to see. Even if they couldnt breathe in their tight get-ups, or walk easily in their crazy shoes they would crawl to the edge of the stage and wave and kiss and talk to the crowd every second they could. That is a band that loves their fans. Posh and Baby were crying at the end. It was adorable.

Sorry just had to nerd out on that.

Heres some pictures of the whole group.

Alli, me, michaela and Linsey.

I made a slight attempt to be Posh

and Micheala was Baby (of course)

We didnt get many pictures of the concert bc we wernt allowed cameras in.

RaG DoLL::::::::

2007-12-12T18:05:00.000-08:00

So I just got the pictures uploaded of my contortionist audition pics.

today...

I went christmas shopping vicariously through michaela today at kohls, bath and body works and best buy. fun.ish.

I assessed my financial bore and cleaned my room. and when i mean clean, i mean not really.

I danced.

I am going to take cute Christmas pictures with mcnugget and Ryan and maybe alli? not sure how exactly but i think we'll go find a big ol tree or a santa hat and take goofy pictures. or maybe we can find a black santa and sit on his lap! that would be rad.

.....submit, submit, submit....

Contortionist Audition

2007-12-10T20:12:00.000-08:00

I kid you not.
Well, I've been practicing all day, and stretching. There's a commercial out of it if I can get some great pictures done. The audition is for a commercial in San Francisco. I told the CD I couldnt drive all the way up there just to audition but he liked me enought to say, get some better pictures and I'll pass them on to the producer and we will see if we can use you, since you seem to be the best canidate. Guess he never saw this video because this chick is AMAZING. I want to be like HER when I grow up!! lol

http://akimages.metacafe.com/f/fvp/EmbedVideoPlayer_5.1.0.2.swf?itemID=891227&mediaURL=http://akvideos.metacafe.com/ItemFiles/%5BFrom%20www.metacafe.com%5D%20891227.5227786.11.flv&normalizedTitle=flexible_contortionist_paris&isViral=false&isWatermarked=false&postrollContentURL=http://akimages.metacafe.com/f/fvp/EmbedMiniCatalog_1.0.0.1.swf&networkingAllowed=true&

Well, I can now do a hair-pin.

hairpin -- A pose in which one kneels down, sits on top of the feet, and bends backwards until the top of the head comes into contact with the tailbone; it may also done with a starting position on hands and knees.

and now im going to yoga class at golds gym for extra practice.

we shall see if I can't get some decent pictures out of it...

...well, sort of.

2007-12-08T21:15:00.000-08:00

I'm terrible at updates and consistancy, I usually just dump everything exciting and newsworthy into one post and then forget all about blogging til a week later... anyhow.

This is Amber 9:15 pm Pacific Standard Time:

*currently listening to The Silversun Pickups (lazy eye) bc its the best.

-Well, I started training for Red Fish today. Training is now on going til Christmas!! That's forever! and because it starts at 2pm everyday, I wont be able to start training for Mavericks until the restaraunt opens, which is late december, and then the schedule will start at 5, not 2. So I only have one job, with No tips so far. and not many days off to do much else, which really dosnt matter, bc i have no money anyways. I cant even find gigs to fill up my time on trusty old craigslist!! errrg. feel my disappointment!!

-IT IS FREAKING FREEZING in simi valley right now! WHY!?! my bones have frost bite!

-'ykk' on your zipper, yes thank you outkast.

-Good news about being broke: I have become very creative in ways of amusement and getting used to old fashioned book reading and cleaning. Also, I have lost 7 pounds by not eating starbucks/fast food, well, any food really... because I dont have any and I won't buy it!

-Bad news about being broke: my debt keeps snowballing, and I wont be able to buy Christmas presents. Or pay my bills. Or get gas. Becasue I have negative money coming in.

-My short with Jackson, is up on youtube and funnyordie.com! so thats rad. I really loved filming it. check it out: http://youtube.com/watch?v=1MyichYvBPY I love comedy, I wish I could do more of it...

Well, I have reading to do!

goodnight, and goodluck...... haha. i crack myself up.

Praise Jesus. I have WORK!

2007-12-03T16:36:00.000-08:00

Interviewed with Red Fish, a new fine-dining (and when i say fine, I mean expensive) restaurant in the Simi Town Center. I talked to Nick, the GM for about an hour, he used to do lighting/rigging for cbs and wb so we clicked, although he was skeptical of my commitment, bc i have alot of jobs for a short amount of time, but i really cant help it, given the circumstances. He liked me but decided he wouldnt start me off as a server right away because i have no fine-dining experience. So I'll start out at another tipped-out position. Fine with me! Although I cant wait to serve/cocktail there, it seems really put together and nice. They have 1 server assistant for every 2 servers on and a beverage expo to take care of your non alcoholic drinks! what the? hey, if they want to spend money, let them. I'll be working here for dinners.

I got hired at Maverick's Steakhouse as a server for breakfast and lunches, starting saturday! They seem very sweet and laidback people. Geoff, dark hair, pictured, hired me on the spot and gave me the schedule I wanted! So I can tell we're going to be great friends :)

"She works hard for the money, so hard for it honey...."

hello dear {december}

2007-12-02T13:56:00.000-08:00

i suggest you download "Baby, it's cold outside" by dean martin. it's just pure goodness.

Nothing newsworthy but I thought I'd update all the same, you see.

_________________________________

-My visit to georgia went well. It was a beautiful, relaxing vacation. I finally feel like CA is home now. It's wierd... I fixed my old bike and rode it on the silver comet trail (a bike and horse trail that runs through the woods from atlanta to birmingham) and watched old alfred hitchcock movies with Mimi and looked at old photos. (I'm not as sweet as I used to be....to quote steel magnolias lol) and I got to see some of my old best friends, though I didnt get to see Erin or Jerimiah, dangit.

I did go out to dinner with shelly and saw Keens at work and got to slap her square on the tush before she knew i was even in the city. That was priceless.

I got to see Lauren, Allison and Keens again for 2 more days. Lauren and I got bored on a rainy day and had a rainy-day-photoshoot. pictures to follow :}

-I am in the process of making 2 cds. the ultimate Christmas cd for michaela, poor girl was trapped in palm springs with a bunch of brain dead marines this weekend (no offense if you have a brain and your serving our country....long story). and the 2nd cd (i wish i could make a mixed tape... that would make my lil emo heart burst with joy... oh well..) is for Ryan, a complete Hip Hop cd, so he can be ready for... well that which brings me to my next point...

-**~** *VEGAS!!* **~**

Cassie is doing promo modeling in vegas from January 22-26, yes my 21st Birthday. and I've done promo modeling before and I'll have my hotel and food and everything paid for and get paid 300 bucks a day for hanging out with Cassie and talking to people. pssssh! easiest job ever! I'm so so excited!! I always wanted to go to vegas, and for my 21st bday, I never dreamed I could go and get paid!! eek! ok, sorry just had to get that out.

-I just filmed an untilted web episode pilot (that Cassie is also in, even though shes in a different state the whole time, wierd lol) and I met Matt (writer and lead actor) at Union (train) Station in LA. Within the first 10 mins of blocking we got spotted by security and had to sign a release form. (At least they let us keep filming!!) Rob (co-writer and actor) was filming and it was a tiny hand held camera, no tripod or anything! I can't believe secutrity made a big deal about that! so strange, la. so strange. They were both really sweet and easy to work with, which was really nice.

-GOOD NEWS!

I finally got a job! I've been scouring restaurants around simi for a serving job and i got one going lunches at Maverick's Steakhouse. Thank God!! I'm so so thankful for that. I start next sat morning..... after the Spice Girls concert on friday!!! yeah you heard me. Alli's dad scored box tickets at the staples center and free parking so im basically having the best friday ever. I never got to see them as a kid when I was a huge scary 5th grader. So this is so awesome for me! and Michealaand Alli and Lindsey.... them too..... ;)

-I redecorated my box (room) last night at my dad's birthday party and put up black and white sketches of charcoal palm trees. 3 total. and the last one has colorful Christmas lights on it, just like the Corona commercial hehe. so thats my Christmas decorating...

~That's all folks!

this is how it went down

2007-11-30T00:58:00.000-08:00

****************
VEGAS CASSIE PICTURES:
lots of time for reading.
reading "skinny bitch" and swearing off all that is good and fatty.
working out and becoming a "skinny bitch"
becoming a vegan is fun times.
writing a very serious script.
*****************************

SAN DIEGO CASSIE PICTURES (as they actually happened):
thanksgiving at the kids table.
meeting the fam.
bonding with the ladies.
drinking with the boys (yes brady is frank sinatra)
drunk drunk...im drunk.

photoshoot and filming galore!

2007-11-20T20:21:00.000-08:00

After much ado, i return.

the photoshoot for the hair magazines went well. I got my hair cut and colored for free and well, picked up an extra $250 for showing up. I was a little intimitaded bc REAL models were there. they had their books of photos and tears from real magazines and one chick was from america's next top model. i forget her name. but shes from ohio. anyhoo... here are the before and after pics. i really really do not like the curly (aka poodle) pictures of me. so ill only post one of those...

micheala wants to get mexican food and see dan in real life so ill have to stop and finish later about filming.......

**eDiT**

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the photoshoot ended (mainly rushed bc the photographer had a family coming in next and we had to meet them outside so the family with 3 small children would walk into the right studio, the one i was in, not the one right next door, shooting porn. *nervous laughter*) I got a call from Ryan asking if I wanted to be in his friend Jackson's short film. Jackson has written a group of funny films for acting/reel/school reasons and finally got everyone and a real cameraman together to shoot and the one and only girl (co-writer, oddly enough) couldn't be there for some reason. (lucky me!!) So, basically I got good part in a funny short and i even got to work the boom and the camera for the last part of the evening.

we shot all day. from 4pm-midnight. the actual short will probably be like 5 mins long. heh... but it will be rad.

Im playing jackson's girlfriend and he forgets what they did on thier first date on their romantic dinner. she gets pissed and leaves and he stalls by choking, while trying to remember the details. its more involved than that, and its really, REALLY FUNNY, so ill just stop here and let you watch it when it comes out.

dont worry ill post a link as soon as i get one;)

going to Powder Springs,well, marrietta, well, atlanta, georgia, that is. for turkey day. >

good day.

Prisoner of 2nd Ave

2007-11-18T01:45:00.000-08:00

eek!

the play was awesome. its at the beverly hills playhouse, look it up.

more to come.....

ps-i love ryan. end.

oh santa monica <3

2007-11-13T23:18:00.001-08:00

met up with Brian from Shadowmind productions today in santa monica at the coffee bean near 3rd st promanade, man, a lot of interviews take place there! as i was leaving, i heard to guys at a bench saying, "now before you read this i want you to know our company takes new..." and another couple on the phone with an agent, giving directions and asking about a commercial fitting. it was great! and i was there as one of the people doing buisness! I got there with ryan about 45 mins early. i thought traffic was going to take forever.... anyway, I got there early and the other chick fighting for the role never showed up! so i got the part in the commercial! victory!

ryan and i are working together tomorrow, whoot whoot! FINALLY. CSI (IN CHATSWORTH!! CLOSE TO SIMI!!!) bar fight scene tomorrow, yay!

what else?
oh i tried pinkberry for the first time. de-lish.

good day.

weekend sandwitch

2007-11-12T14:51:00.000-08:00

Got the images from the NXNW rehearsal back! yay! cant wait to film it nice and proper.

I filmed a short (very short) commercial for the LG "Life is Good" commercial contest on youtube. it was a very sweet concept, and I had a lot of fun filming in Santa Monica with Grant (from NxNW) and Matthew (the director). Voting starts Nov 14-20th, so check it out, view it as much as you like, which is hopefully a lot, and vote for it on thursday! here it is: http://youtube.com/watch?v=5HTrSrmYLkI

Well the writer's strike seems to be killing not only the tv shows, but extra work all together. So I am at home, trying to be productive as one can be without getting out the windex and taking it out on my room. I'm not worried, something else will come my way in terms of work.

Yesterday it rained and i think Micheala lost her mind. Although, I learned old, 35mm, film cameras are more fun than digital, it also forces you to not screw up the picture.

Saturday, I went to Aura Nightclub in studio city to see Cassie's friend, Matty do stand up. I got to see Paul for a second (we still need to eat crepes and feel important), meet cassie's friend Devon, and basically drag Micheala around LA and look more confused than an asian tourist at Disneyland. But saturday was fun. at least the early part of the night was. When we got back to Simi we were forced to go to a birthday party (it was nice) but Alex was so rediculous and generally hazardous to everyone in the car that I wished I had gone home early. Look whos the floozy now, Alex. Look who the floozy is now.

Tomorrow Im off work, meeting up with brian for the commercial interview! I hope it gets picked up nationally.

livestrong!

2007-11-08T19:25:00.001-08:00

-I performed my North by Northwest scene at CSUN today with the lovely director Miguel, very sweet kid, and Grant, playing Rogder Thorhill. It was all very classy and fun. We spoke like old, glamourous actors did, when men where men, and women where dames. Ahh. I love that movie. I suggest renting it asap, if you are my friend.

-The writers are still on strike. I think I understand why now, and I support the WGA. The writers literally MAKE the show and deserve to make AS MUCH as the producers (who dont do anything, other than invest, and make more money than God.) This is what you can do to understand why our favorite shows like Lost, 24 and the Office are going off air until further notice, and viewing this clip can rack up views and comments and help the wga's strike to (hopefully) be as short as possible.

---> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6hqP0c0_gw

-bad news. my aunt Nancy has be diagnosed with skin cancer in her legs and hip, and its spread aggressivly over the past month. She is old, and generally healthy otherwise though. I think shes like 60-65ish. She is my dad's oldest sibling, and only sister. (as is the plaster family, one girl per family..)

-good news. Ryan landed the MAD TV skit!!!!!!!! he films it tomorrow. Ill let you know when it airs. My boyfriend, on one of my favorite tv shows, as Lance Armstrong. lol.

-filming a short, heart warming bit for youtube.com tomorrow early morning in santa monica, then I work on "Chuck" (yay! i like that show) at 3pm (yay for late call times!) It should be good for reel material.

-chewing on a mini popcorn bag until Micheala arrives....... red robin here we come.

long day.

2007-11-07T21:40:00.001-08:00

at least i can pay rent.

North by Northwest

2007-11-06T18:04:00.000-08:00

I skipped out on the M Talent interview today. I got a bad/sketch vibe from them and I had a horrible headache. First of all, I know as a former model, I have heard of M Talent but never as commercail work (which is what i want). Secondly, They called ME. I submitted to nothing. Which is unusual. When I asked how they got my name and number, she said a casting director passed my name her way. when I asked who she said she couldnt remember who. hmmm. no thank you.

I did go to my North by Northwest rehearsal today.
Its a student project at CSUN. A remake of the classic Alfred Hitchcock thriller/spy movie North by Northwest. I love that movie! I even got Ryan to come with me to the audition and he got the role of Cary Grant! yay! (although, it was strange to audition with him, surreal, i guess.)
However, Ryan is loyal to his regual job on CSI as a lead stand-in, and had to turn down the role later to not let the producers at CSI down in case they needed him. (In other exciting news, Ryan got a call this morning and is one out of 3 guys chosen to play Lance Armstrong on a MAD TV skit!!! how cool would that be? I guess he does, kinda, look like Lance...)

I met Ryan's replacement today at CSUN. He reminds me alot of Brady and can actually act! which is great bc I was expecting for such a last minute replacement to be clueless. We had a great read thru and Miguel (the director) will tape it at the end so we can have it for our reel. (yes!! i need a reel...) It's too bad Ryan couldnt be "Rodger" but its ok, I'd much rather see him (ACTING) on MAD TV! that would be a huge resume builder, there.

I got my dvd from "Pluto's Demotion'' today. That was a horrible day. really really unprofessional and horribly done, bc we were missing, well, the CREW. there was the actors and the director. thats it. so sound is horrible and it looks so forced and cheap, but hey, its always fun to see "Staring Amber Rose Plaster" on your TV. That'll never get old, thats for sure;) Its so so bad, but I laughed out loud for like 10 mins after watching it. So micheala is on her way over now to watch it and grab a bite to eat.

-I'm working on Caveman again tomorrow! I like that show. Everyone's NICE.

-THUR: North by Northwest performance 2-4pm
then the job search continues til sundown.

-FRI: I might possibly have to do audience work on deal or no deal. (EWW EWW EWW i hate it.....*groans*) if Jen cant find a show. dang writers strike...

sat/sun im free so far, if Im not selling my blood plasma or bone marrow for money by then. yaaaaaaaaaay for the starving actress life.

Rodger: I know, I look familiar.
Eve: Yes.
Rodger: Lots of people say that, it must be something about my face.
Eve: It's a nice face.
Rodger: You think so?
Eve: I wouldnt say so if I didnt mean it.
Rodger: Oh, youre that type.
Eve: What type?
Rodger: Honest.

happy birthday, blog!

2007-11-04T16:54:00.000-08:00

the finer points:

-i finally got a snazzy new email [gmail]
-it came with a snazzy blog option, which i have not had in a very long time.
-i miss having a blog (xanga).
-Cassie, my nice actress friend has one, and its quite marvalous.
-because of the writers strike, i'm out fo a job for today.
-i now have a clean room, gas in my car and a lot of time STILL left over.

I'm not sure who will read this. I don't suppose I will broadcast it (This, my own daily newspaper) to myspace "friends". Just the people I care about talking to. Don't you feel special? Well, you ought to, I'm very exclusive ;)

You know, I will make this my optimistic blog. I must admit my last blog (*cough*..xanga) or two (*cough*cough* ..livejournal) had a very "emo" (yes, that is short for "emotional", family) feel to it. I need to focus on the positive and be grateful for my life. Everything I have. I have a family that....well......puts up with me (I would say believes in me but lets not lie) and a wonderful, reliable, sweet boyfriend. Who just so happens to be in the same unfortunate career choice as me. He understands almost everything I go through, career wise, and is my encourager and well, ill stop now, before you all puke. Ryan is wonderful and I do not know what I'd do without him.

I have been sumbitting submitting submitting like crazy this weekend. I'm very stressed about my financial (or lack there of) situation. But, I have been praying so hard, and working hard to make checks come in the mail however I can. I'm not above working crap jobs, I just can't have them last long, or interfere with auditions (which I am getting more of, even if I'm not landing them....) or extra work. I know it sounds stupid but extra work is important to me. I've learned so much already. I work long, long, NON union (uggggghhhh) hours but I get to be on set. I get to talk to the BEST people about my career and life choices. I know there are creeps and weirdos on set, but plainly put, I just don't talk to them. I have had the fortune of meeting a few great girls (SO RARE to find in LA!) on set who have actually helped me and given me great advice (Cassie from Cavemen, Hollis from Cane, Asia from Moonlight and Gretchen from E.R.). Asia taught me how to act on set, stay happy and impress the hell out of people when you feel like crap. Hollis gives me hope for having a relationship, much less a marriage in hollywood. She and her opera singer husband are so cute and hardworking. Gretchen is headstrong. She is older than me and still going after her dreams, even if it means riding a bike all over LA. Cassie. where do I begin? Cassie is one of the few friends I feel I click with. If we were in the same high school together, we'd be buddies, for sure. She is so happy and has been a great influence and role model for an aspiring actress. I love that she is completely drama-free and nice, not catty. which is hard to find in this buisness. and Brady, her boyfriend is awesome too. We had the cutest little double date at roscoe's chicken and waffles. hehe brady can be the life of the party, which is fun, because i thought he was shy i when i first met him:)

I get to go out to the ATL for thanksgiving! yay! ill be gone thurs-tues that weekend.

Ryan and I have been dating for 10 months now :)
He's really stressed from work, so I think I'ma go scoop up Micheala and we'll bake cookies and bring it to him.... plus, i just want cookies :} (<---thats my mischiet smile, btw)

Thats all for now. when i get to a computer that will actually let me upload pictures, ill put some up.

~good day.

my creative and collective ponderings.

I wanted to blog about moving to the fabulous Las Vegas...

its my day o f f

Blue Bloods the movie cast:

My Dream

The Creeper aka El Viejo

jobs.

I also think

fun math?

hello?

R.I.P laptop...

going green?

walking-bob-marley-song-am-i

At last I have a chance to blog!

no internets

aye.

Acting is a JOB. and I'm applying...

out of reach, but still alive.

This week filled up pretty fast!

goodness me oh my

Zombie!!

film and music

cassie's last night in LA

thoughts.

Restless is right

hooray!

sick, sick. sick-sick-sick.

clouded

Fiction Fix

JP's Make Up Shoot

I hate my car

Valentines Day 08

Alli's 20th Birthday Pictures!

preview...

bliss lists

workin hard

ATL, represent!

happy hump day

v i c t o r y

rambin' rosie

red carpet fresh

**LAS VEGAS**

Happiness is only real when shared.

worn out

Forever I love .... Craigslist...?

here is the church and here is the steeple, we sure are cute for two ugly people, i dont see what anyone can see, in anyone else, but you...

this week is for champions

This is the life of a Go-Getta

Michaela's Suprise Kidnapping

Merry Christmas!

Sweeney Todd and Enchanted

real quick

SPiCE GiRLS!!

RaG DoLL::::::::

Contortionist Audition

...well, sort of.

Praise Jesus. I have WORK!

hello dear {december}

this is how it went down

photoshoot and filming galore!

Prisoner of 2nd Ave

oh santa monica <3

weekend sandwitch

livestrong!

long day.

North by Northwest

happy birthday, blog!

LAS VEGAS