Eye-Opening Shows

It's Sunday which means it's my day to take a nice long walk around my neighborhood...today was no different than any other Sunday other than it was 85 degrees outside and we are going through a major heat-wave here in California and I believe there's been record-breaking temperatures all over the US!  Needless to say, it was really hot outside and while I know it's good for me to get outside, do a little exercise, and enjoy the sun, I was happy when I was back at my apartment an hour later.

This week has been pretty busy with Jury Duty, work, and spending time with friends so I was looking forward to a low-key Sunday afternoon.  I was flipping through the channels and saw there was a new episode of 'Intervention' on A&E.  I only caught the last 10 minutes or so but rather than changing the channel I kept it on because I got totally wrapped into this show called 'Beyond Scared Straight.' 

I'm a fan of 'Intervention' because it's one of the few shows that can make me laugh, cry, and feel positive in my life, all in one show.  That show tugs at my heart strings when I see the pain an addict causes to his family and friends, and how they just want him or her to get the necessary help to create a better life for themselves.  There's been many a time where I've wanted to help out at a counseling or rehab center to be a positive influence on someone's life but I've also realized as I've gotten older that you can't change anyone; they have to want to change for themselves, they have to want to be better, and seek help on their own when he or she is ready.  Their family needs to support them when they are ready and help in any way they can but they can't enable them during the process or be a significant part of their life when they're causing trouble or going through an addiction.  I can't imagine how difficult it must be to walk away for the betterment of helping someone, afraid that they may hurt themselves or die or be killed because of their choices, and the guilt that a mother or father could hold because of this, but what's better, watching them slowly kill themselves or pushing them to be better and find someone to help them work through their issues and be a positive force in their life?  Even though every story doesn't have a happy ending it's the ones that do that show it is possible and everyone can find their happiness.

This show 'Beyond Scared Straight' introduces a few kids that are At-Risk or causing trouble while they are minors, whether it's stealing, drugs, assault, or tagging, and taking them to a prison to see what life is like behind bars.  These kids come out, cocky as all get out, and after going through a pat-down and meeting a few inmates who are helping to run this program, suddenly become silent and respectful.  The inmates introduce themselves, why they are in prison, some are spending the rest of their lives there, while others are eligible for parole 50 years from now, and would rather die in prison than spend their life living there.  I think it's a humbling experience for these kids to see what it's really like behind bars and if they continue to follow the path they are choosing by committing crimes they could end up like one of the inmates.  An interesting fact I didn't know about California is that there is a 3-Strike Rule, which means, no matter what you do, on your third strike, you will go to jail and they will try to get you the longest sentence without any regard to what you're doing.  They walk through the showers, finding out that 10 guys are all shower at the same time and are designated to certain shower heads by race or hometown, and at Christmas time a year ago, one guy came in and killed 9 guys because he couldn't handle being alone for his first Christmas.  You aren't guaranteed a day when you're in prison, and a lot of people try to commit suicide because they'd rather be dead than spend their life in jail.  I think one of the most interesting things about the show was how adamant the inmates were about helping these kids and making them realize what their life will be like, and if they can even help one person, they've done something that they can be proud of.  The show ends with an update on all the kids, and in the episode I watched, all of them had made advances in school, had jobs, were trying to get ready for college, and had quit all the criminal activity.  Even though it's hard to watch this show sends a great message to kids and families to take time and make sure you're spending quality time with your children, support and love them, communicate with them, and give them positive role models to look up to, and it allows them to see what their life could be like if they make even one bad decision.  I think this show definitely helps kids see the negative effects of crime versus the positive and exciting aspect of it and at the very least, it's a completely different perspective than they're probably used to.

So, now that I've had an emotional hour I think it's time to watch something positive.  How about some Joey time, and a little Joey Special called Two Pizza's!!  I'll be there for you, my 'Friends.'

A Day in the Life of a Stand In

So yesterday I was doing my typical submissions on LA Casting & Actors Access throughout my day, in between my work-outs, and finishing up of my taxes (I finished my State Taxes yesterday, and am all done), when I got a phone call from a Production Company.  She asked if I was available on Thursday for the Stand-In job, remembering that I'd just submitted for that no more than a half hour ago, and they were looking for someone Hispanic, or at the very least mixed.  So I can play Hispanic, let's add that to the resume!  I was supposed to work at Irish Times, and I had already told the girl I was working for, two weeks ago, that I would cover for her.  I told the Production Company to give me 10 minutes and I would see what I could do.  After calling 5 people, I got a response from the lovely, Christa, that she would cover for me...thank goodness!!  So I called the PC back and told them I would be available and she said she would send the information right over. 

From the information, I knew I was working as a Stand-In, had a decent rate, it was for Disney, and I needed to be in Hollywood, hair and make-up ready at 8 am.  I had Karaoke that night so I knew it was going to be a long day on set today!

My alarm woke me up at 6:30 am and I got ready for my day.  Grabbing my sweater before I headed out the door and arrived in Hollywood, at Hollywood Center Studios 15 minutes early!  As soon as I got on set one of the Production Assistant's asked if I had eaten breakfast, and told me to grab something to eat.  The day was starting off with a bang!  I grabbed some eggs, turkey and vegetarian sausage, lots of fruit, and a croissant.   I met the other stand-in for the day, and sat down to eat my amazing breakfast, and then waited, and waited, and waited.  Over 2 hours later, and we finally got called to set!  It was freezing in the building and I was hoping under the lights it would feel better, but they were really challenging us, or trying to keep us awake.  The cold was actually my saving grace, since I was going on just about 4 hours of sleep, and I was so glad I had grabbed my sweater!

So what does a Stand In do?  Well, when they're setting the lighting, getting the set just right, putting all the props in, and figuring out all the details, the Stand In's, stand in, for the actors while they are getting their hair and make-up done, going to wardrobe, eating, or rehearsing their lines.  I actually was really glad to be doing it, because it got me on a set, I was able to talk to a bunch of the Crew and learn some things, plus, it's experience!  So once the set is all ready, then the actors come in and do their thing while the camera's are rolling...and that's when the magic happens.

I was standing in for Valery Ortiz, a latina girl with green eyes, and we actually do look a little bit alike, so I see why I was called to work.  She's one of ABC Family's Hosts, and the shoot was for the new Spring Promo's for ABC Family which is owned by Disney.  They were also shooting some shots for Acuvue as well.  The really cool thing about being her Stand In, was that when we were hitting our marks, I was able to do her lines, while reading from the teleprompter, thus, giving me an opportunity to work on my Prompter & Cold Reading Skills in front of a huge crew!  Basically, I took Hosting Classes today!  Valery was incredible, she was very professional, made very few mistakes for a long day, and was really fun to watch.  

Throughout the day, we were on set, and then off, while the actors were in, or while the crew was changing the set around for different shots.  While Daniel (the other stand in) and I, waited, we ate.  Craft Service was spectacular...dried fruit, strawberries, banana's, crackers and different kinds of cheeses, little snacks and munchies, desserts, tea, and more!  It was actually overwhelming, and kind of sad, because I couldn't eat any of the candy.  Lent is almost over and I can't wait to eat some Sour Patch Kids and drink a Root Beer!!  Around 1 pm we broke for an awesome Catered Lunch.  I chatted with some of the crew, they were all free-lanced, but this particular crew works together at least once a month, and they shoot these promo's on a regular basis.  One of the crew guys was even trying to buy an airplane, and made an offer to someone in Wisconsin!

After Lunch we went back to work, and finally at 6:30 pm they cut Daniel and I for the day.  I was literally so exhausted, even though I didn't really do anything.  Grazing on food all day long, getting practically no sleep, and being on my feet on and off for 10 hours really took it out of me, and I was so excited to come home and just hang on the couch.

So here I sit...writing my blog, drinking a cup of hot tea, certainly not eating anything anytime soon and catching up on some American Idol.  It's almost 9:30, and that might be my bedtime tonight!

We have to get back to the island!

After months of suspense, excitement, laughs, and tears, it was time to watch the Series Finale of 'Lost' last night.  I had a little viewing party with some friends, and spent a good part of the night with happy tears running down my cheeks along with shock and a little confusion.  The End.

I got hooked the first episode I saw of 'Lost,' and couldn't wait to continue with all 6 seasons, and find out what was really going on with the island and all the other questions viewers alike have.  I am proud to say that I felt like I really understood what was going on throughout the series, and could predict certain happenings, before most would, but was still shocked to see an ending like this.  I got scared about halfway through watching all the episodes, that what if the ending wasn't a happy one, would it be worth taking the time to watch the show?  I was pleasantly surprised to see a very thoughtful ending, that gave the viewer the opportunity to take it as they wanted to, in whatever direction it would mean to the viewer.  It certainly left a lot for discussion, but as the show started in the beginning, there was the faith believers and the logical ones.  You had to decide which side you were on and I felt happy with my choice.

While there is so much more to be said, I'm going to leave this on a good note, and would happily discuss more with anyone who wants to chat!

Today I spent some time studying and analyzing a few scenes I have for an audition tomorrow.  I took Acting Classes in Los Angeles with Joseph Pearlman and really learned a lot from him.  I definitely feel like my Theatre Degree from Winona State University, along with the professors, prepared me well for looking at a script and knowing what I needed to do, to best study and be ready for whatever would be given to me.  Joseph really built on the ideas and foundation I had, and with his guidance, I feel much stronger about my audition technique and approach.  

The series I'm auditioning for tomorrow is a comedic horror short film series.  So it should be quite interesting, and I'm really looking forward to it!

2012 and 28

This is my year...it's 2012, I'm 28, and I feel optimistic about new opportunities on the horizon!  Hopefully, it will be a successful and happy year for all.

I decided with this New Year to start something I've wanted to do for a while, write about what makes me happy, inspire others, and just tell funny stories.

My goal for this year is to do something creative or artistic every day.  At least once a day, whether it's acting, singing, dancing, writing, drawing, cooking, dreaming, etc.

I always pray for patience, but I've been going to yoga more regularly and I hope that will help me to find peace within myself.  And I want to smile more and make others smile :)

Driving down County Road P in Wisconsin.  Views like this make me smile :)

So in catching up with the past couple days, on New Year's Day, January 1st, I spent the majority of the day watching a marathon of The Cross-Fit Games, which seriously sucked me in, and also inspired me to start my week off on Monday with a strong work-out.  I succeeded in that!  Later that evening, I started watching a new Television Series, 'Prison Break.'  WOW!  I really enjoyed watching the actor's performances, which were incredible, and the show is so riveting, I can't help but compliment the excellent writing, as well as directing, and all the cast and crew.  I just have to say, one day...

On January 2nd, I started my journal for this year of 2012, where I'm also going to list the best part of my day, and of course, keep some things private, because other than that, I'm a pretty open book.  So the creativity flowed as I realized, it was time to start my blog.  What am I going to write about in this blog?  Well, one of the first things that comes to my mind is food.  I love it, if I could eat all day long, I would.  Love.  Every person should have it, and while sometimes it's hard to find, even though there are bad times that come with the good, it's so worth it.  The dreams I have and challenges I face.  We're all in this together.

So as the morning of January 3rd starts, I've designed a lay-out and am posting my first entry.  Here we go...it's going to be a crazy and exciting ride <3