Six Word Essay on Christmas:

I'm not ready to celebrate yet!

Twitter Me This...

Twitter is the High School of the Internet.
The funny thing is, the people you'd expect to be the popular "kids" are not necessarily the ones with the most "followers."
I'm still in disbelief that someone like Kim Kardashian has over eleven million followers!
Clearly the world is more influenced by fame, status and money than anything else.
We grew up being taught to "be a leader, not a follower."
Yet I wake up everyday and "follow" people on Twitter and ask them to "follow" me...
I guess I'm a victim of social media peer pressure! Now if you'll excuse me
I've got to go reply to @KimKardashian's last Tweet!

Mondays Are Brutal!

Working hard to stay focused,
Trying not to give into the stress.
Hours on the computer,
My eyes can still see the spinning rainbow wheel!
If just one email pays off I'll be grateful!

Back To The Grind!

After spending a wonderful week with family giving thanks, it's time to get back to the grind!
It's easy to get caught up in the fun.
It's much more difficult to get focused and back to work...
Nevertheless, tomorrow it's business as usual!
I have to admit, I'm excited to get back to work. We've got a lot of cool projects in the works- but they're not going to finish by themselves!

Game Day!

The perfect ending to a wonderful week of giving thanks with family...
A USC game with an amazing friend...
P.S. USC kicked UCLA's ass!
50 - 0

Safari Thanksgiving Day 6

Today was our last day at Disneyland.
Which means our family adventure has come to an end...
Make no mistake, we enjoyed every second of the expedition!
We studied animals in their natural habitats:
The lions and tigers and bears at the San Diego Wild Life Park-
The killer whales in their impressive water shows at Sea World-
And of course the thousands of wild, screaming amusement park creature in their lines at Disneyland-
Today we finished with a delicious dinner at the Blue Bayou in honor of the women who made this all possible.
Happy 70th Birthday Grandma Chris, I think the picture below sums up the rest! It was a wonderful trip!

Safari Thanksgiving Day 5

It's been a long day!
The safari is nearing the end...
So we thought we should Treet ourselves to a little holiday magic!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I hope that everyone had a wonderful day!

Safari Thanksgiving Day 4

Today was a long day!
My feet are tired and my legs are sore...
But I had a wonderful day with my niece and nephews!
Disneyland day one is officially complete!
Now if I could just figure out how to get out of this box!

Safari Thanksgiving Day 3

Slight break in the safari expedition...
The family has been keeping me busy!
I had to take a break from vacation to get a little work done.
After a day at the zoo and a trip to Sea World, I found myself in rehearsal with an entirely different type of animal today...
Children!
Never fear, I made it through another choreography rehearsal of Snow White and The Huntsman!
Too bad I feel like this now...  Don't worry, the safari continues bright and early tomorrow morning!

Safari Thanksgiving Day 2

Another day. Another adventure!
From our vantage point today we could sea the world! Any guess where we were?
We weren't at a the zoo... But there sure were a lot of animals! Oh there were a few fins as well!

Safari Thanksgiving Day 1

The weeklong family safari Thanksgiving began today!
Naturally we kicked it off at the San Diego Zoo- Safari Park...
Lions, and tigers and children... Oh my!

Life Lesson Number 2,976???.... I Lost Count!

I believe that people come into our lives for a reason. Honestly, I believe everything happens for a reason...
Occasionally it's tough for me to accept this thought-
Nevertheless, I've learned that every situation in life helps shape who we are as individuals.
I have friends that I've known my entire life, who continue to encourage me to shine.
I have friends that I've known for shorter periods of time that inspire me to grow.
I have friends who come in and out of my life, but we always pick up right where we left off.
And I have friends that were never really friends, but I didn't realize it, until it was too late.
The important thing for me to remember is that all of my friends, even the enemies disguised as friends, have taught me something valuable.

I can sum it all up with the lyrics from the beautiful song For Good from the amazing musical Wicked-
"Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But because I knew you, I have been changed for good."

Anonymous...

Dear Anonymous,
Some people say things to your face... others only have the strength to say things behind your back. Either is fine with me.
What I'm confused by, is the type of person who lacks the character to put a name on their opinion, information or accusations.
I share my thoughts, opinions, observations, short stories, personal challenges and much more on an open blog.  I've been doing so for over two years.
If you look back through past entries, you will see that I'm very open about my proudest achievements and most venerable moments alike.
It's safe to say that I've never written anything "anonymously."  My feeling is, if you can't stand behind the words you are saying, maybe you shouldn't be saying them...
Clearly not everyone feels the same way...
I suppose in certain instances; domestic abuse, child safety and witnessing a mob crime you might not want your name attached to the police report for personal safety.
Otherwise, I think it's just lame to attack someone namelessly~
I wrote a post a few days ago about an old friend who is no longer my friend.  I didn't mention their name because, just like posting anonymously, I think publicly bashing is unnecessary. (Until now.)
The point of my blog entry: Enjoy Your Facebook Friends was not to "get back" at an old friend.  It was to release my feelings and move on.  Which is why I started blogging in the first place.
So when I received an "anonymous" reply to my post from the "friend" in question, it only solidified my original feelings:
Some people have the balls to say one thing to your face...
...and another "anonymously."
Here is a post on my public "Wall" of Facebook from the former friend written one year earlier...



























And here is the "anonymous" downfall of our friendship just over a year later...

I will go on the record to say that I am so THANKFUL to have this delusional, self-centered, split personality, raging lunatic out of my life.  You want to act like the hero publicly and bash me "anonymously?" Too funny!
Yours Truly,
Matthew Shaffer

Disneyland Holiday Kickoff party!

Ringing in the holiday cheer!
It was a magical night at the magic kingdom...

Guilty...

It seems like the holiday kickoff comes early every year!
I swear I saw at least five people dressed up like Santa Clause for Halloween!
But I have to admit... This year I'm guilty too!
Hey, don't judge me! It's an inexpensive way to lift my spirits...

Still Dancing!

My body aches from head to toe;
I danced all weekend and feel old.
Class tonight was really rough-
Those teenage kids have way too much energy!
(I can't even think of a better rhyme.)
The end.

Lily!

My little dog Lily;

I love her so much.

Even though she can't help herself when it comes to eating things she's not supposed to.

Rocks, sheets, coffee tables...

And now Christmas ornament hangers?!?

Oh Lily!

You're going to give me a heart attack!

Remember When?

Remember when airlines used to show a movie on a cross country flight?
Now they charge you for a snack!
I guess that's progress-
Or capitalism at its finest...

Back In The Studio

I spent the day teaching and choreographing a group of talented dancers in Hartford, CT.
I'm always inspired when I have the opportunity to work with an eager new group of young artists.
It instantly reminds me of my journey as an aspiring entertainer.
It's rewarding to witness a new generation of dancers discovering their abilities, building their foundation and exploring their creative path.
The day went fast and furious. Acting, dancing, improvisation and technique over ten hours.
Though it felt wonderful in the moment, I know my body is going to be in total pain tomorrow!
Though my heart and soul still feels thirteen- my aches and pains remind me otherwise!

Living the Dream!

Slowly and surely the dream is coming to life...
It's so rewarding to see a lifetime of passion, determination and hard work come together in a way far more inspiring than I ever imagined!
Today, I feel proud.

Happy Hour!

When the day is long 

and the stress is high

I'm thankful for friends,

and a happy vibe!

Buckle Up!

If you want to get anywhere in life, you can't always take the safe route! 
You have to go off-roading! 
It can be bumpy~ but detours are necessary. 
Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Enjoy Your Facebook Friends.

As suspected, my instinct was correct.

Despite all of my better judgment and intuition, I met up with an estranged friend in need last night.

The evening started off with his passive-aggressive behavior directed at me.
As the night continued, so did his nasty remarks and false accusations.
The evening ended with him inches away from my face, screaming
at the top of his lungs in a crowded bar in Los Angeles.

This should come as no surprise to me-

The majority of our nine year friendship revolved around his need to lash out
at the people he considered his "closest" friends.

The sad fact is, he has completely alienated everyone who actually cared about him.  

I've never met a person who could brag about having over two thousand "friends" on Facebook, while standing alone in a bar after attacking the only person who actually showed up to support him.

As I walked away, I laughed. 

I no longer care what happens to him.
Besides, he doesn't need me...
He has plenty of friends on Facebook!

The Funny Thing About Friends...

They're always there for you when you need them...

But remember... you have to be there when they need you too!

(Just a little reminder to myself.)

So I'm going to man up, be the "bigger" person and go help a friend in need!

A Catholic Make-Over?!?

I guess it's inevitable...
In a society driven by social media, celebrity, youth, yoga, pilates, rebranding and enlightenment- it seems everyone is focused on appealing to the masses...
So natural the Catholic Mass gets a facelift!
I guess it's progress? The last time the Catholic Church modified their services was in 1965.
I was baptized Catholic and grew up in the Catholic Church. I want to be very clear, my family gave both me and my sister the choice in the matter.
 I was never forced to attend mass, catechism or confession.
I did so on my own accord for several reasons;
1. I LOVED the theatrics of mass.
2. I felt safe with my thoughts and sharing them with someone who would listen, but never verbally answer.
3. I thoroughly enjoyed the smell of the incense.
There are other more important reasons, all of which are personal and therefore I will not share those thoughts.
The point is- I find comfort in the hour a week I spend in meditation.
Apparently a large population of practicing Catholics do as well...
Today, it was announced that over the next several weeks the Catholic mass will be getting a world wide overhaul!
As a combined effort of the Popes' in more recent years responding to the dwindling number of Catholics attending weekly services- The Vatican has decided to step into the light. They want the Catholic Church to be more user friendly. More in line with a spiritual enlightenment...
Did I even hear our priest mention meditation?
(A word that most Catholics associate with New Age thinking.)
I guess some people aren't familiar with the monistaries and convents where speaking is prohibit.
Anyway, I couldn't help but get a little chuckle in church this morning when the priest talked about the new phrases being added and the new moments of silence and mediation.
On the one hand I'm proud that the Catholic Church is trying to rebrand their faith for a new generation and perhaps even shed the nasty scandals that have stained the sacred robes.
Still, another part of me can't help but question how changing a few silly words is going to draw in new audience? In the meantime, it will no doubtedly piss off a large part of the older audience that still remain covered in a black veil each week...
If the Catholic Church was really interested in repopulating the pews they should draw on Hollywood, and take a note from movies like Sister Act and the celebrity TV evangelists who manage to pack in thousands of people a week in their enormous arenas.
People do want change- they're craving it from everywhere!
But they want it to appeal to them. They want to be inspired. They want to be entertained. They want to sing like a contestant on The Voice. They want to stand up dance down the aisles...
They don't want another opportunity to kneel!

Game Day!

I admit, I'm not a huge football fan.

But when you're the son of the worlds biggest Denver Bronco's fan (my mom, not my dad!) then you learn how to enjoy a weekend of football.

Today was no exception...

In honor of my favorite USC loving friends I hosted a college game day party!

Complete with homemade chili and all the fixin's.

It was the perfect feast of food, booze and friends!

So even though the game of the century turned out to be a fumble...

The party did not!

Networking...

Necessary to
Engage.
Take action!
Work
On
Reaching out.
Keep
Industry professionals
Needing your
Gift!

Snow White Rehearsal

Snot covered clothes,

Dirty sticky hands,

Cuts and bruises crusted with blood,

Stinky farts and laughter-

Working with children is always an adventure!

Working 9 to 5... Is No Way To Make a Living!

I spent the entire day working on the computer.

God, I'm so thankful I don't have a 9 to 5 office job-

If I had to stare at a monitor five days a week, all day long you would NEVER see me on Facebook or any other social website!

Don't even get me started on the stupid rainbow spinning track wheel!!!

Now, it's time to release the day;

I'm really looking forward to a lovely dinner party with friends tonight.

As for tomorrow...

Well, that will come soon enough.

Four Days of Halloween

Recovering from a four day weekend extravaganza;

I danced with the famous spirits at the Hollywood Forever cemetery-

I rocked the night away at a birthday party in Hollywood,

I toasted the nuptials of Ric and Jane at their wedding in Palm Springs,

I partied with friends at the Halloween Parade in West Hollywood,

Now it's time to sleep!