I had been a nanny for a year since graduating college. Suffocating beneath a mountain of debt accumulated from student loans, I decided it would be a great idea to sink into a profession that offered no benefits, health insurance or retirement plan... Not to mention a pityful salary. A third of my weekly earnings go directly to rent. How much do I pay for 1 room in the attic of a stranger's Long Island home? $150 a week. Not to worry... I have done more with my 6-figure education; I am also a hostess at a country club on weekends.
After years of itching to flee the confines of the safe and secure blue-collar town which held me captive, I vowed I would not repeat the cycle and remain trapped. Within weeks of my 18th birthday I was on a train to the nearest coast. To appease my family, I enrolled in a college--using it as an excuse to escape to an area where things actually happen. I declared my major as Broadcast Journalism, and before unpacking was already attending a meeting to become part of the newspaper staff. I was writing my first article before my first class began. Each week I had at least one article in print. My sections were News and Entertainment, with the occassional Feature story. When the auditions for the campus television station rolled around halfway through September, I eagerly prepared--for THAT was where I ultimately wanted to be. I only wrote to build a portfolio (each article was pressed into a scrapbook) to present at interviews. I yearned to be in front of the camera. Where this compulsion originated is a story for another blog...let's just say, it has been a nagging, burning desire since I was 7 years old.
I am going to speed up the intro. I did not obtain a spot on the television station the first semester. I did, however, win an award entitled "Best New Writer in Entertainment" at the end of my first semester, and earned a co-host position on the television station my second semester. After more pressure from my logical family (who forever have my best interest at heart,) I switched majors to Elementary Education. This decision has haunted me for years. It was a safety net that was intended to satisfy my mother, brother and grandfather (all of whom fret about me constantly.) However, it only worked for my remaining years of college. It was a temporary bandaid, not a permanent remedy. Too soon the time came for me to start "applying" to schools to be a teacher-- benefits! Health insurance! Retirement plan! 401K!!! Yes... what a quaint and stable existence. A mirror of my mother's life... the precise plan I had dreaded..and dedicated my life to avoiding.
Pardon the rant. Allow me to pick up where I left off--I had been a nanny for a year since graduating college. Moving to NY 6 years ago in order to be close to an exciting city thriving with opportunity, I had little chance to take advantage of the area. When I read the college brochure, 25 miles from the city seemed fairly close...until you take into account the fact that it costs 9 or 12 dollars (depending upon whether or not you're traveling Peak or off-peak) EACH WAY for a Long Island Rail Road ticket to Penn Station... and who can find the time to make it between working 2 jobs, taking on a full class load, internships, and school clubs and activities. I do take full responsibility. It is up to each of us to make the most of our situation at any given time. Especially around the end of my sophomore year, when it came time to find an internship (the reason the school was so geographically appealing--a NYC media-based internship!) The pressure from family, as well as my own fears, insecurities and self-doubt, resulted in my bailing and seeking the refuge of a "safe" degree (which I NEVER intended to use.) After graduating, I needed fast fash (rent money,) STAT. This lead to a trap of working 2 jobs, 7 days a week just to support living in the area. Which, for the past 14 months can only be described as my living in a stranger's attic. What is the point of working soo hard to afford such shitty circumstances, sacrificing and suffering, to live in the land of opportunity....when all I can do here is work to stay here? Well... I finally quit my full-time job. I left on good terms; I gave my boss two week's notice, and last Friday they children threw me a party, complete with pizza, munchkins, ice pops, a Full House on DVD marathon, decorations, cards, homemade jewelery and cards from both the kids and parents. It was enormously touching actually. It was a special day for me. Knowing I would be going into the city frequently, as I made it clear I would be dedicating my time to auditions, the mother got me a month's LIRR card (a value of $175) for August and a new purse, because, as the little girl put it, "the one you always carry is ripping and the zipper is broken and we can tell you needed a new one." Sweet and mildly insulting... but it was extremely touching. What really got me was the mother's card, as it was all about dream chasing... "Success comes to people like YOU--Best of luck as you pursue your dreams..." Hallmark really has thought of every occassion.
It has been exactly 1 week since I made dream-chasing my full time job. Here is the week in review.
Friday night: I came "home" (side bar: In this blog, the word "home" will ALWAYS appear in quotations, as the blogger does not currently have a conventional home. My mom sold our house in Pennsylvania over a year ago and moved back in with her parents... and, as I mentioned before, I rent a room in an old lady's attic...so there is no "home," just similations of such in the form of places I am allowed to go and sleep.) I came "home" feeling melancholy... yet, after the celebration the family gave me, I also felt appreciated and almost loved. It was a strangely ambivalent mood. The 'warm and fuzzy' feeling mixed with an amost ominous sense of being lost. Internally shouting, "I am free!!!!" While simultaneously internalizing, "Holy shit--I am unemployed......" the latter portion being considerably less exciting. To further complicate things, I cannot tell my landlord that I am unemployed, because she will fret constantly (jittery personality type,) adding further stress on me. I have no doubt that I will be able to pay rent every week, but it will put her on edge to know that I will no longer be gainfully employed full-time.
Saturday: I woke up with this wonderful feeling of freedom. I remember my first thought being, "From now on, each day will bring hope and promise." Despite the fact that I knew I was working at the country club from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., I still had this tremendous intuition that from now on, each day would be productive. Where as before, everyday was filled with work work work (which, don't get me wrong, is an important part of the dream chasing process, as we still need to support ourselves!) Now, I would either be working to pay rent, or attending an audition or meeting of some sort. Finally... this is the day that it set it. This was the time in my life I have waited for from the time I was 7 years old. The CHANCE to pursue my dream whole-heartedly. I may not make it. I may end up a first grade teacher in Iowa.......but I'm going to go down swinging.
Sunday: ...will live in infamy. There was an audition being held in Soho. The online posting read "1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn." It was for a short film. Judy Bowman, a very noteworthy NYC casting director, was handling the audition. I couldn't wait. I found a script online, picked 1 part for which I wanted to try out, and put on my Sunday best. Being a weekend, the train ticket was off-peak. (Remember, the LIRR pass that was a gift from my former employer was for the full month of August, this was halfway through July.) Now, I usually buy a one-way at the LI train station, and another from Penn when I'm ready to return. However, one of those cloudy, inexplicable flashes of intuition probed me to buy a two-way that day. So I did, and placed the ticket in my purse as opposed to in my wallet (where all tickets and passes usually go.) A train and subway ride latter and I was walking the streets of Soho by 4 p.m. (it has been less than a week and I already feel as though I have learned a lifetime's worth of invaluable lessons...for instance, I am cringing to read how late I was for this audition! Live and learn, kids...) By 4:20 I was arriving, script, headshot and resume in hand, at the Holiday Inn where I was astonished by the mass of gorgeous human beings anxiously awaiting their turn. Each of them with either a handheld mirror or the script in their hands, the line wrapped around the lobby. I was then informed that there was a separate line to sign-in. I was THEN told that they were "cutting off" auditions............ I never got a chance to read. I left irritated and disappointed. The worst kind of frustration--the kind you feel towards yourself. They did not cancel the auditions... hundreds of hopefuls who made it their priority got a shot. That's all I expect, just a chance. So I walked the terrible, crowded streets of Soho griping about the roughtly $20 in travel I wasted coming into the city.... trying to search for a way to validate the trip. Just when I had admitted defeat and begun the shuffle back to the subway station, I felt my tattered bag shift and suddenly feel lighter on my shoulder. I whipped around in time to see a man abruptly leave the mass of people behind me and walk across the street. Instinctively, I checked my bag, with an urgent inner-outburst of, "my wallet!!" Yes.... this small-town dream chaser was pick-pocketed. I am NOT a victim! It was my fault, it was a large bright yellow bag with a broken zipper that was continuously open, with the wallet laying on top...just an irresistible invitation to a rotten thief. Remember the aforementioned brand new, nice, beautiful, SAFE bag the family I worked for bought me because the little girl said I NEEDED a new bag? That's called foreshadowing, kids. So-- my subway card, the month of August LIRR pass, $65 and my driver's license were really the only items of value to be mourned. As well as my spirits (but only for a short time :-) THANK GOD i had bought a 2-way ticket and placed it in my purse and not in my wallet.... but now how to get to Penn Station from Soho? Well, you walk about 40 blocks North of course ! It was about 5 in the afternoon on a nice sunny summer day... safe, comfortable...... I can't complain. As my dad said, "you've learned an invaluable lesson, 65 bucks and a long walk? You got off easy." How very Danny Tanner of him.
Monday: I went to the beach with one of my managers from the country club. More on my deep love for the sea in another post. But trust me, it was a productive day. I got a tan, I got exercise (when I go to the beach, I play in the waves... burns several cals,) good networking for my job, the only source of income I have left, and it replenished my soul. I also went to the gym later that night.
Tuesday: I went into the city for a meeting with a talent "development" company--that was a scam. They wanted 100 bucks "for pictures"... I went to another meeting with a legitimate firm...where I got denied. And an audition at CBS for a dating game show! Sounded like a lot of fun! Haven't heard from them :-(
Wednesday: This was a fun evening! An audition for a reality TV pilot! The flamboyant and boisterous producer wanted it to differ from most casting calls. So he rented a small bar; you know, one of those narrow, cramped NYC spots. The posting said 6:30-10 p.m... Honey, I got there at 5. I stood there chatting up the first few members of the crew that showed up! I opened the place, haha. And, by God, I was the first one to appear on that audition tape. I met a bunch of great girls, several of whom were at the Soho audition!!! After filling out a questioniairre and being interviewed off-camera, I answered 1 question on-camera (what do you hope to gain from this exerpience?) ... we were then directed to go upstairs to the lounge area and relax if we had the time, as the producer wanted to speak with us individually. Oh, I had time. So I went, had a diet soda, chatted with the other hopefuls about everything you'd expect aspiring actresses and actors to discuss (rent, auditions, headshots, moving to the west coast, improv classes, etc...) Finally the producer came around (with a camera!) and bluh bluh bluh... I haven't heard from this prospect either, but it was a great experience.
Thursday: Last night! GREAT great night. At 4:30 p.m. I get a facebook invitation from an old college friend (gotta keep those Media Majors contacts) about an event up-up town (109th St.) at a bar. Apparently The Today Show cameras were going to be there. Well, that's all I needed to do my hair REAL quick, throw a Demo in my bag (one that zipped!!) and hop on a train. I had no idea what the segment was about. When I got there, I tried to relax and act casual... finally the cameras arrived, and to my surprise, a pretty host was present! I figured they would just be getting a quick shot of the crowd...but they did a whole segment. While they were in one corner interviewing a group of people, I approached someone who looked important to me (good enough,) and asked her if I could be on. She said, "sure, what's your name? ....I'll have her come over to you soon." Easy enough... so apparently the segment was on pick-up lines! (Now the bar setting makes sense.) So I figured the approach would be how ANNOYING us girls get (the hot host and myself) by these laaaame pick-up lines that guys try....but apparently the hot host was trying to get some numbers herself!!!! hahaha it was sooo funny (clearly just for laughs/just for the cameras)... So she says to me, "Let's go pick up a guy!!!" (on cam) I'm like-- "ok! Let's go!" hahahahaha (Aside: I'm NOT the bar type, and am sure as HELLL not the type of girl to go pick up a guy! Besides, at this point in my life, I am so immersed in pursuing a career in one of the most difficult industries, that getting a guy is the last thing on my mind and agenda.) I will do anyyyyything for face time (you will see a lot of this phrase) So I go up to this random guy ( on camera) and say, "Heyy...I lost my number, can I have yours?" I kid you not...to which he replies, looking into the camera like a dear in the headlights, "I'm married." I played it off, laughed, 'ohhhhh that hurts...' looked into the camera and said, "he's a good one!" then back to him, "Give this tape to your wife for an anniversary gift, it's golden..." then I looked at this friend and said, "How bout you? I can see your left hand, you cant lie to me! There's nothin on it" Then the host took over... because ya know, that's her job ;-) Then the important looking behind-the-scenes woman (don't you love my official-sounding, professional media terms?) came up to me and said, "we're gonna have you do it again over here," and one of the camera girls laughed, "you're so funny, you'll do anything!" hahaha she catches on quick! So we went up to this cute guy and the host and I did that bit where we go, "don't we know you from somewhere? Yeahhhh!!!! You... yeah! You don't remember us??" it was cute... so that was it, and the important looking woman asked for my name for the segment. She started to get out a pen but, as it was a dark bar, she just asked if I had a card... I said, "I have something better than that," and I gave her my broadcasting demo--a DVD which has my first and last name and phone number clearly printed--IN BOLD--on the front. Of course I was nervous, because you never know if these people are going to get annoyed ...but she reacted quite well to it. A little surprised, she was just like "oh! That's perfefct.."and I said, "Do you have any Productions Assistant jobs available right now? I know I'm not qualified yet to be on the air..." she replied, nicely, "I don't know, I don't work in the human resources division, but I will pass this along to someone who does." Didn't really believe her...but she was quite sweet. Funniest part of all, minutes later the third guy we approached came up and bought me a drink (diet coke with lemon) and chatted me up, asking for my number, etc...... turns out his cousin works for The Today Show and he was a plant. When the host and crew saw us talking all closely, the host exclaimed, "we made a match FOR REAL!!" hah... Before the important looking woman left for the night, I shook her hand, and she said, "Good luck," again...very nicely...but I doubt if anything more will come of it. That being said, I had a great time!
Friday: A meeting here on Long Island, 3 miles away from "home," ...another scam. Show me the door. Yawn.
Well now you're up to speed! Tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday I work at the country club. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 8 a.m. respectively.
Monday I have a shoot scheduled to be an extra in a bar (a " bar patron" if you will) for a new TV show called "Bar Tender Wars"? I think? Or something... doesn't matter. It takes place 2-6 in the city. I get to wear a pretty cocktail dress! Excited!!! :-)
After years of itching to flee the confines of the safe and secure blue-collar town which held me captive, I vowed I would not repeat the cycle and remain trapped. Within weeks of my 18th birthday I was on a train to the nearest coast. To appease my family, I enrolled in a college--using it as an excuse to escape to an area where things actually happen. I declared my major as Broadcast Journalism, and before unpacking was already attending a meeting to become part of the newspaper staff. I was writing my first article before my first class began. Each week I had at least one article in print. My sections were News and Entertainment, with the occassional Feature story. When the auditions for the campus television station rolled around halfway through September, I eagerly prepared--for THAT was where I ultimately wanted to be. I only wrote to build a portfolio (each article was pressed into a scrapbook) to present at interviews. I yearned to be in front of the camera. Where this compulsion originated is a story for another blog...let's just say, it has been a nagging, burning desire since I was 7 years old.
I am going to speed up the intro. I did not obtain a spot on the television station the first semester. I did, however, win an award entitled "Best New Writer in Entertainment" at the end of my first semester, and earned a co-host position on the television station my second semester. After more pressure from my logical family (who forever have my best interest at heart,) I switched majors to Elementary Education. This decision has haunted me for years. It was a safety net that was intended to satisfy my mother, brother and grandfather (all of whom fret about me constantly.) However, it only worked for my remaining years of college. It was a temporary bandaid, not a permanent remedy. Too soon the time came for me to start "applying" to schools to be a teacher-- benefits! Health insurance! Retirement plan! 401K!!! Yes... what a quaint and stable existence. A mirror of my mother's life... the precise plan I had dreaded..and dedicated my life to avoiding.
Pardon the rant. Allow me to pick up where I left off--I had been a nanny for a year since graduating college. Moving to NY 6 years ago in order to be close to an exciting city thriving with opportunity, I had little chance to take advantage of the area. When I read the college brochure, 25 miles from the city seemed fairly close...until you take into account the fact that it costs 9 or 12 dollars (depending upon whether or not you're traveling Peak or off-peak) EACH WAY for a Long Island Rail Road ticket to Penn Station... and who can find the time to make it between working 2 jobs, taking on a full class load, internships, and school clubs and activities. I do take full responsibility. It is up to each of us to make the most of our situation at any given time. Especially around the end of my sophomore year, when it came time to find an internship (the reason the school was so geographically appealing--a NYC media-based internship!) The pressure from family, as well as my own fears, insecurities and self-doubt, resulted in my bailing and seeking the refuge of a "safe" degree (which I NEVER intended to use.) After graduating, I needed fast fash (rent money,) STAT. This lead to a trap of working 2 jobs, 7 days a week just to support living in the area. Which, for the past 14 months can only be described as my living in a stranger's attic. What is the point of working soo hard to afford such shitty circumstances, sacrificing and suffering, to live in the land of opportunity....when all I can do here is work to stay here? Well... I finally quit my full-time job. I left on good terms; I gave my boss two week's notice, and last Friday they children threw me a party, complete with pizza, munchkins, ice pops, a Full House on DVD marathon, decorations, cards, homemade jewelery and cards from both the kids and parents. It was enormously touching actually. It was a special day for me. Knowing I would be going into the city frequently, as I made it clear I would be dedicating my time to auditions, the mother got me a month's LIRR card (a value of $175) for August and a new purse, because, as the little girl put it, "the one you always carry is ripping and the zipper is broken and we can tell you needed a new one." Sweet and mildly insulting... but it was extremely touching. What really got me was the mother's card, as it was all about dream chasing... "Success comes to people like YOU--Best of luck as you pursue your dreams..." Hallmark really has thought of every occassion.
It has been exactly 1 week since I made dream-chasing my full time job. Here is the week in review.
Friday night: I came "home" (side bar: In this blog, the word "home" will ALWAYS appear in quotations, as the blogger does not currently have a conventional home. My mom sold our house in Pennsylvania over a year ago and moved back in with her parents... and, as I mentioned before, I rent a room in an old lady's attic...so there is no "home," just similations of such in the form of places I am allowed to go and sleep.) I came "home" feeling melancholy... yet, after the celebration the family gave me, I also felt appreciated and almost loved. It was a strangely ambivalent mood. The 'warm and fuzzy' feeling mixed with an amost ominous sense of being lost. Internally shouting, "I am free!!!!" While simultaneously internalizing, "Holy shit--I am unemployed......" the latter portion being considerably less exciting. To further complicate things, I cannot tell my landlord that I am unemployed, because she will fret constantly (jittery personality type,) adding further stress on me. I have no doubt that I will be able to pay rent every week, but it will put her on edge to know that I will no longer be gainfully employed full-time.
Saturday: I woke up with this wonderful feeling of freedom. I remember my first thought being, "From now on, each day will bring hope and promise." Despite the fact that I knew I was working at the country club from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., I still had this tremendous intuition that from now on, each day would be productive. Where as before, everyday was filled with work work work (which, don't get me wrong, is an important part of the dream chasing process, as we still need to support ourselves!) Now, I would either be working to pay rent, or attending an audition or meeting of some sort. Finally... this is the day that it set it. This was the time in my life I have waited for from the time I was 7 years old. The CHANCE to pursue my dream whole-heartedly. I may not make it. I may end up a first grade teacher in Iowa.......but I'm going to go down swinging.
Sunday: ...will live in infamy. There was an audition being held in Soho. The online posting read "1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn." It was for a short film. Judy Bowman, a very noteworthy NYC casting director, was handling the audition. I couldn't wait. I found a script online, picked 1 part for which I wanted to try out, and put on my Sunday best. Being a weekend, the train ticket was off-peak. (Remember, the LIRR pass that was a gift from my former employer was for the full month of August, this was halfway through July.) Now, I usually buy a one-way at the LI train station, and another from Penn when I'm ready to return. However, one of those cloudy, inexplicable flashes of intuition probed me to buy a two-way that day. So I did, and placed the ticket in my purse as opposed to in my wallet (where all tickets and passes usually go.) A train and subway ride latter and I was walking the streets of Soho by 4 p.m. (it has been less than a week and I already feel as though I have learned a lifetime's worth of invaluable lessons...for instance, I am cringing to read how late I was for this audition! Live and learn, kids...) By 4:20 I was arriving, script, headshot and resume in hand, at the Holiday Inn where I was astonished by the mass of gorgeous human beings anxiously awaiting their turn. Each of them with either a handheld mirror or the script in their hands, the line wrapped around the lobby. I was then informed that there was a separate line to sign-in. I was THEN told that they were "cutting off" auditions............ I never got a chance to read. I left irritated and disappointed. The worst kind of frustration--the kind you feel towards yourself. They did not cancel the auditions... hundreds of hopefuls who made it their priority got a shot. That's all I expect, just a chance. So I walked the terrible, crowded streets of Soho griping about the roughtly $20 in travel I wasted coming into the city.... trying to search for a way to validate the trip. Just when I had admitted defeat and begun the shuffle back to the subway station, I felt my tattered bag shift and suddenly feel lighter on my shoulder. I whipped around in time to see a man abruptly leave the mass of people behind me and walk across the street. Instinctively, I checked my bag, with an urgent inner-outburst of, "my wallet!!" Yes.... this small-town dream chaser was pick-pocketed. I am NOT a victim! It was my fault, it was a large bright yellow bag with a broken zipper that was continuously open, with the wallet laying on top...just an irresistible invitation to a rotten thief. Remember the aforementioned brand new, nice, beautiful, SAFE bag the family I worked for bought me because the little girl said I NEEDED a new bag? That's called foreshadowing, kids. So-- my subway card, the month of August LIRR pass, $65 and my driver's license were really the only items of value to be mourned. As well as my spirits (but only for a short time :-) THANK GOD i had bought a 2-way ticket and placed it in my purse and not in my wallet.... but now how to get to Penn Station from Soho? Well, you walk about 40 blocks North of course ! It was about 5 in the afternoon on a nice sunny summer day... safe, comfortable...... I can't complain. As my dad said, "you've learned an invaluable lesson, 65 bucks and a long walk? You got off easy." How very Danny Tanner of him.
Monday: I went to the beach with one of my managers from the country club. More on my deep love for the sea in another post. But trust me, it was a productive day. I got a tan, I got exercise (when I go to the beach, I play in the waves... burns several cals,) good networking for my job, the only source of income I have left, and it replenished my soul. I also went to the gym later that night.
Tuesday: I went into the city for a meeting with a talent "development" company--that was a scam. They wanted 100 bucks "for pictures"... I went to another meeting with a legitimate firm...where I got denied. And an audition at CBS for a dating game show! Sounded like a lot of fun! Haven't heard from them :-(
Wednesday: This was a fun evening! An audition for a reality TV pilot! The flamboyant and boisterous producer wanted it to differ from most casting calls. So he rented a small bar; you know, one of those narrow, cramped NYC spots. The posting said 6:30-10 p.m... Honey, I got there at 5. I stood there chatting up the first few members of the crew that showed up! I opened the place, haha. And, by God, I was the first one to appear on that audition tape. I met a bunch of great girls, several of whom were at the Soho audition!!! After filling out a questioniairre and being interviewed off-camera, I answered 1 question on-camera (what do you hope to gain from this exerpience?) ... we were then directed to go upstairs to the lounge area and relax if we had the time, as the producer wanted to speak with us individually. Oh, I had time. So I went, had a diet soda, chatted with the other hopefuls about everything you'd expect aspiring actresses and actors to discuss (rent, auditions, headshots, moving to the west coast, improv classes, etc...) Finally the producer came around (with a camera!) and bluh bluh bluh... I haven't heard from this prospect either, but it was a great experience.
Thursday: Last night! GREAT great night. At 4:30 p.m. I get a facebook invitation from an old college friend (gotta keep those Media Majors contacts) about an event up-up town (109th St.) at a bar. Apparently The Today Show cameras were going to be there. Well, that's all I needed to do my hair REAL quick, throw a Demo in my bag (one that zipped!!) and hop on a train. I had no idea what the segment was about. When I got there, I tried to relax and act casual... finally the cameras arrived, and to my surprise, a pretty host was present! I figured they would just be getting a quick shot of the crowd...but they did a whole segment. While they were in one corner interviewing a group of people, I approached someone who looked important to me (good enough,) and asked her if I could be on. She said, "sure, what's your name? ....I'll have her come over to you soon." Easy enough... so apparently the segment was on pick-up lines! (Now the bar setting makes sense.) So I figured the approach would be how ANNOYING us girls get (the hot host and myself) by these laaaame pick-up lines that guys try....but apparently the hot host was trying to get some numbers herself!!!! hahaha it was sooo funny (clearly just for laughs/just for the cameras)... So she says to me, "Let's go pick up a guy!!!" (on cam) I'm like-- "ok! Let's go!" hahahahaha (Aside: I'm NOT the bar type, and am sure as HELLL not the type of girl to go pick up a guy! Besides, at this point in my life, I am so immersed in pursuing a career in one of the most difficult industries, that getting a guy is the last thing on my mind and agenda.) I will do anyyyyything for face time (you will see a lot of this phrase) So I go up to this random guy ( on camera) and say, "Heyy...I lost my number, can I have yours?" I kid you not...to which he replies, looking into the camera like a dear in the headlights, "I'm married." I played it off, laughed, 'ohhhhh that hurts...' looked into the camera and said, "he's a good one!" then back to him, "Give this tape to your wife for an anniversary gift, it's golden..." then I looked at this friend and said, "How bout you? I can see your left hand, you cant lie to me! There's nothin on it" Then the host took over... because ya know, that's her job ;-) Then the important looking behind-the-scenes woman (don't you love my official-sounding, professional media terms?) came up to me and said, "we're gonna have you do it again over here," and one of the camera girls laughed, "you're so funny, you'll do anything!" hahaha she catches on quick! So we went up to this cute guy and the host and I did that bit where we go, "don't we know you from somewhere? Yeahhhh!!!! You... yeah! You don't remember us??" it was cute... so that was it, and the important looking woman asked for my name for the segment. She started to get out a pen but, as it was a dark bar, she just asked if I had a card... I said, "I have something better than that," and I gave her my broadcasting demo--a DVD which has my first and last name and phone number clearly printed--IN BOLD--on the front. Of course I was nervous, because you never know if these people are going to get annoyed ...but she reacted quite well to it. A little surprised, she was just like "oh! That's perfefct.."and I said, "Do you have any Productions Assistant jobs available right now? I know I'm not qualified yet to be on the air..." she replied, nicely, "I don't know, I don't work in the human resources division, but I will pass this along to someone who does." Didn't really believe her...but she was quite sweet. Funniest part of all, minutes later the third guy we approached came up and bought me a drink (diet coke with lemon) and chatted me up, asking for my number, etc...... turns out his cousin works for The Today Show and he was a plant. When the host and crew saw us talking all closely, the host exclaimed, "we made a match FOR REAL!!" hah... Before the important looking woman left for the night, I shook her hand, and she said, "Good luck," again...very nicely...but I doubt if anything more will come of it. That being said, I had a great time!
Friday: A meeting here on Long Island, 3 miles away from "home," ...another scam. Show me the door. Yawn.
Well now you're up to speed! Tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday I work at the country club. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 8 a.m. respectively.
Monday I have a shoot scheduled to be an extra in a bar (a " bar patron" if you will) for a new TV show called "Bar Tender Wars"? I think? Or something... doesn't matter. It takes place 2-6 in the city. I get to wear a pretty cocktail dress! Excited!!! :-)
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