Union Man!

It became official today, I submitted my paperwork to join SAG. It feels good. Mostly because I have realized that I am less interested in pursuing film work just for the reward of it. Me, I like the stage. I am thrilled to have achieved this rite of passage. This was one of the things I wanted to achieve out here and can thiumphantly check that box on my card. Let's see what else I have to finish here before I can move on to the next level?

Soon to fly...

The work has continued, at least through tomorrow. As it stands now, Tiff and I will be hitting the road for Chicago next week. I won't lie, seeing both the Mile High City and the Windy in one-trip sounds pretty good. It's going to be a little harder than just a sightseeing trip though.

Life seems full of contrasts right now. As soon as I have time off during business hours, I will be going down to the SAG office here in LA and join the union. I am glad for that. I have worked with but a handful of days off in the last 2 months. That should mean financial security. However, the adage of the more you make the more you spend seems to be true. My initiation fee and a new apartment could mean I am back to square one. Maybe life is but a big game of Monopoly, cross Go and get $200... land on the wrong space and the $200 is going back. Then you do it again.

Sometimes I miss smoking.

Then again, I deplore weakness and am trying to see that crutch as just that sort of beast. At least to me.Life is changing. Keep stepping forward. Is it better to be thrilled by life, innocently? Is that "just perfect?"

I wonder sometimes.

Congrats Duo Team!

It is a true treat to watch two friends get married sometimes. A greater treat is getting the chance to gather with other close friends and enjoy together. Our limited circle of friends gathered in Minneapolis in Cody's over-flowing apartment by Friday morning. By 8 am we were on our way to the North Shore, an area most of us had but a vague idea of its whereabouts.

The trip to the great Northern wilderness was wonderful. I forgot how clean air can brighten the spirits, especially now that I can smell it. Plus, I finally got to smell the rain!! Yes!Nate and Karren's wedding was amazing as well. After receiving invitations made from recycled Elephant poo and being told only to bring a "Betsy pie" as a gift, I knew it would be a unique weddin all around. Their vows brought tears to all of our eyes. Then the dancing. Dudes and dogs in kilts, home-brew, mead, star-lit heavens, and one over worked iPod playlist... it was awsome!

I even had a few days in Minneapolis after to take a tour by Segway with my favorite trolley driver. For those that enjoyed Mr. Lyman's inventive stylings before, it's better than ever. Either that or I was just too amused by balancing on one of those things. I think it may actually have been both.

Back in LA, life is returning to its unfortunate pace. So much ahead. Thanks Duo Team, for finally deciding to become a bigger, better superhero.

Keep going with the "good idea."

Scientologists don't want me

Simple as that. I was trudging the hot streets when I spied a solo Scientologist far from her safe street (ie Hollywood Blvd.). A word to her credit, she was alone on the corner of Sunset and Vine on a holiday weekend trying to talk to people in a blistering 108 degree afternoon. I don't know many people that would want to stand out there, let alone try to talk to people about their belief. That's as far as my credit goes. I decide on my way back to chat with her, a la Rollin's style. Hey, she's on a city street... fair game. She aproaches every person in front of me as I am walking towards her with no takers. Well, then she sees me and walks out of my way. I turn after I pass and she is going after the couple behind me.
Guess I don't get the free L. Ron Hubbard book.

My checks match my license...

It seems a running diatribe, the moving from LA rant. I am not so much interested in discussing that factor right now. I know I will be here a shade longer. I accept that for now. Hell, it hasn't been all bad. I got to be in a huge Toys R Us commercial last week for a day instead of PA'ing for them. That was great. I now have a ticking clock for joining SAG too, the letter arrived today. Looks like I am to evolve as a performer to union. I am excited. My true passion is in live performances so I don't care if I never spend a blistering weekend in a condemnable tannery doing another artsy student film that will disappear with said student.

I am in need of a place to live though while still in LA. I am so tempted to keep my apt. on my own and just try and pony up the extra dough. That does not seem smart though given SAG wants its hefty initiation fee and the US Dept. of Education wants me to actually start paying them back. I am also entertaining the idea of just wandering a bit. I have big trips coming up over the next few months and when I am here working, I really just need a bed and a shower. Have Jeep, will travel?

I am sad though for so many reasons to see this chapter coming to a close. Even staying on Beachwood, it won't be the same. That is a huge understatement. So where to go, where to go... it's hard playing Ouji by yourself, you know you're cheating.