Saturday, June 30, 2012

Smoking In Restaurants

I guess because I live on a coast I'm a snob...
But I can't understand for the life of me why anyone would want to eat in a restaurant oozing with smoke!
I'm not a smoker, nor have I ever been-
But I'm that "friend" who always accompanies the smokers outside.
Mainly because it's fun to be social, and the "smokers club" is always interesting.
However, eating my healthy salad while breathing in the Camel unfiltered that the 200 pound man at the table next to me puffs on is just NASTY!
Dear Missouri-
Smoking in restaurants is just gross.
I felt like I was in Germany circa 1997...
It's not hip and cool, it's just smelly and wrong.

Friday, June 29, 2012

The Real Housewives of Orange County Parody

After two years of requests... we finally decided that Season 7 of The Real Housewives of Orange County was something that A Group Production could parody in our playful and oh so brutally honest way!  I give you The Real Housewives of Orange County Parody:

Hope you enjoy watching it as much as we did writing and shooting it!

Back in Branson

It seems like just yesterday I was sneaking into McGuffy's bar for an ice cold 20 oz Bud Light in a frosted mug, here in Branson after one of the evening shows at The Moon River theatre...
Alas, that was over twelve years ago!
I was twenty years old and felt invincible.
Naturally I've grown up a lot since then- 
I can no longer stay up until 4 AM and then roll into the theatre for a matinee the next day.  I also prefer wine over Bud Light (unless of course I'm at a beer pong tournament, a sporting event or eating pizza.)
However, I am happy to report that I still have that same great feeling when I walk onto a stage for the first time or get to perform.  
It's strange working in a place you've worked before after a full decade has passed.
In many ways time stands still, the smell of cedar still fills the air and the memories come flooding back!
Branson was my playground in my early twenties-
It will be interesting to see what fun adventures I can have (clearing throat) early thirties?!

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Focus Grasshopper

It's easy to find your Zen in a tropical paradise like Hawaii-
But to maintain calm in Los Angeles,
It requires a lot of focus!
The toughest part is remembering to let go...
Even when you have a set back,
Like that asshole who cut me off yesterday and almost caused a wreck-
I have to let it go.
The worst is waking up overwhelmed...
I didn't have that in Hawaii, why do I have it in LA?
Oh right, because I'm back in reality.
Ok-
Deep breath in and release.
That problem is only a only an issue because I haven't solved it yet.
Focus on the task at hand, apply positive action, cross it off the list and move on!
The grasshopper is learning.
...VERY slowly!

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Meetings, Auditions and Packing Oh My!

Back in Los Angeles for less than two days and already the action is packed.
I'm not complaining-
I actually appreciate the steady beat.
It's nice to take some time in a restful place like Hawaii to put things in perspective, step back and gather your thoughts.
It's also rewarding to return with a clear head and reinvigorated drive!
I'm ready for my week of meetings, auditions and a trip to competition town U.S.A.
Like my aunt always says,
"Work hard, play hard, vacation often!"
Now it's time to get to work...

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Out Of Paradise...

Why is it so much harder to wake up early in Los Angeles?
When I was in Hawaii I was up at 5:00 AM every morning.
Here in LA, I'm lucky if I can peel myself out of the bed by 8 AM!
I guess it's more fun to wake up with the sun, when it rises in paradise~
No matter how difficult it may be, my goal is to compromise...
I'm going to strive to wake up at 6 AM.
I just have to remember how much more I can accomplish when I don't sleep half the day away!
Like my Grandpa Smith always says,
"There's plenty of time to sleep when you're dead!"
Late to bed, early to rise, keeps a man living a full life!

Monday, June 25, 2012

AT&T Employees- Unfriendly and Alleged Gay Bashers?!

As a long standing customer of AT&T, I've always known that their employees were not the nicest group of customer service providers.  But based on the response to a video I posted on YouTube from one of their "alleged" employees, apparently they bash on the gays when they put customers on hold!

Here is the comment I received from a YouTube viewer that claims he is an employee of AT&T:
(Click on the above image to enlarge)
Here is the YouTube users YouTube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/SumKoon
Please feel free to let him know how you feel.




Remembering Grandpa's Spirit

It's hard to accept the idea that everything happens for a reason.
But the older l get, the more I discover the philosophy to be true. When my grandpa passed away in 2009, I wasn't sure how I would move forward. I had never lost a close loved one and the pain was deep.
I've mentioned in previous posts just how much my grandpa influenced my life. Even on his last day, he reminded me of how proud he was of me, and not to be sad. He knew he was dying, and he only thought of his family and their feelings.
This was how he lived his entire life.
He shared with me his unconditional love, support and wisdom.
After he passed, I began wearing one of his gold rings that my grandma gave me.
For me it was a reminder of him, of course. However it was more than that. The ring was a daily affirmation of his life and spirit. It encouraged me to remember his words, love, support and to make the most of every day.
I have worn the ring every day for over two and a half years.
After having it resized this past December to wear on a different finger, I got in this terrible habit of taking it off. The way the ring sat on my finger after being refitted was awkward.
I made a mental note to be careful. I did NOT want to lose this ring. It was was not worth more than a few hundred dollars, but the emotional attachment was irreplaceable.
On my flight to Hawaii last Sunday, I used the washroom on a layover flight in San Francisco. I took the ring off in the boarding area to reapply hand lotion and the ring must have fallen out of my pocket. It wasn't until we were taking off that I realized that it was gone.
Not exactly the way you want to start a long overdue and needed vacation in paradise!
When I arrived in Hawaii, I asked a flight attendant if a ring had been turned in. A passenger overheard me, and told me that they had found a ring in San Francisco and it was turned into lost and found.
At that moment, I decided that if it was meant to be, I would get the ring back.
I called United Airlines and filed a lost articles report. I had low expectations of ever seeing that solid gold ring again.
I released it and began enjoying my vacation.
While I was in Hawaii I was able to relax, regroup and regain a calm gratefulness. I spent hours at a time meditating in the healing waters. I felt centered. I remembered the power of positive energy and faith.
It's so easy to give into fear and self doubt. But when I took the time to check in with myself and sit quietly in the presence of God- everything was clear.
If I make time to meditate, journal and exercise, I feel centered and confident. Naturally, when I feel centered and confident I'm more readily available to succeed at the task or challenge in front of me.
In the still of my enlightenment, while floating in the ocean in Maui, I acknowledged that I have experienced so many amazing adventures. I've accomplished so many wonderful goals.
I have never gone without- and I can't help but believe it is in large part because of my faith.
Three days into my vacation I received a phone call from United.
They found my grandpa's ring and it was being mailed back to me.
It's funny, my grandpa was the man who (on his death bed) encouraged me to live a full life without fear and trust that "everything happens for a reason." Two and a half years later the loss and return of his ring, would once again encourage me to trust in myself and the journey that I am on.
Release the doubt and embrace faith!
I also learned something while the ring was missing; I understood that the wisdom, encouragement and memory of my grandpa was not in a ring-
It was in his spirit.
And his spirit is not in gold or even a photograph, rather his spirit lives inside of me.
It is in my heart and soul.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Side Note: Grandma's Parkinson's

I call grandma several times a day to remind her to take her medication-
She has Parkinson's disease and the pill she takes five times a day helps her to function and talk with more ease and regularity.
The only problem is if someone doesn't reminder her, she may forget to take it.
That's where I come in...
Aside from the fact that I've been talking to my grandma almost everyday since I left home at eighteen to follow my dreams, calling her to take her pill is an opportunity to visit with her and make sure she's well.
Lately however, she's been forgetting her phone in various places; restaurants, friends' houses, the car...
(Most likely because of her illness or ironically enough a side effect of her medicine.)
Regardless, it is frightening for me!
My mind begins to wonder.
When I finally get ahold of her, she feels bad.
That, of course is not my goal.
So today when I called and finally reached her- she started laughing.
Without my prompt she said, "you're going to have to start reminding me to check for my phone so that you can call me to take my pill!"
We both laughed out loud at the hilarious thought.
That's what I love and admire most about my grandma- her spirit has never ceases to shine, no matter what life throws her. Her faith is strong.
I hope to be as wealthy as her one day!

Hawaiian Holiday Day 7

The bags are packed, it's time to go-
Only a few hours left in tropical heaven.
We combed the lavender fields,
We swung from the trees into the deep pools of water at Twin Falls,
We sailed off to Lahaina,
We ate delicious meals and drank plenty of Lava Flows,
We watched the gorgeous sunset every night over the water;
But my favorite part was meditating in the healing ocean waters in paradise!
This was an enlightening journey for me-
I don't use the word vacation, because it was much more than that. This trip was healing. It was a reminder to release and surrender to the glory of God. Whatever form or version of Him you believe in, for me there's no mistake in the presence of something greater than I-
I get so caught up in making my life happen the way I want it to, but the lesson I remembered here in Hawaii is that something more wonderful and divine is at work.
When you're a kid you imagine what your life will be as a big picture, as you grow up you discover the bliss is captured in the frames between.
Aloha!

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Hawaiian Holiday Day 6

I was told that it was a Hawaiian tradition to stack rocks and offer up a prayer-
So when I spoke to my grandma yesterday and she asked me to place a rock with her name on it near the beach... I thought this would be the perfect compromise!
Now my grandma will have an ocean front view in Hawaii!

Friday, June 22, 2012

Hawaiian Holiday Day 5

Just when you think paradise couldn't get better...
There are several spots along the road to Hana where you will find hiking trails that bring you back to a hidden waterfall.
Yesterday, rather than taking the full trip to Hana (it's a must see while you're on Maui, but takes a full day.) Our goal was to swim in a waterfall and be back to Wailea for sunset Lava Flow's...
Mission accomplished!
We hiked back about two miles, the entire way surrounded by gorgeous trees, colorful vegetation and the winding river.
When we arrived at Twin Falls we were ready for a refreshing dive into the pond!
Just about anywhere you go on Maui, you will discover a secret treasure!
Aloha!

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Hawaiian Holiday Day 4

Good things come to people who get up at 5:00 AM every
morning on vacation in Hawaii...
On the fourth day- the sun rose up from behind Haleakala volcano!
It was an explosion of light and a burst of color.
Definitely worth the wait!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Hawaiian Holiday Day 3

Sunrise... Sunset!
Yesterday I woke up early to watch the sunrise, and saw nothing but grey skies!
Thankfully last night we had the pleasure of sipping multiple Lava Flows and eating the most outrageously decadent off-the-bone braised short ribs from the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a at the Grand Wailea while watching this sunset:

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Hawaiian Holiday Day 2


Not every sunrise is beautiful... even in Hawaii.
I woke up at 5 AM to witness the gorgeous pink, orange and purple sunrise that I heard my family bragging about yesterday morning.
Naturally today the skies were grey and cloudy.
But every cloud has a silver lining.  Literally.  There was a stunning silver lining that wrapped around the horizon.  The sun peaked through a cloud and the sky turned blue!
Every day is paradise in Hawaii!
Even when it's grey and cloudy!

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Accepting Loss...

Today should be a wonderful day-
After several incredibly stressful but highly productive months of work and creativity, I'm on my way to Hawaii for a week long vacation.
Paradise right?
Unfortunately my trip started off with an emotional misstep.
I have a terrible habit of removing my grandfathers ring that I'd started wearing after he passed away.
It was a simply solid gold class ring that he wore in high school and I've worn every day since his death.
While the ring itself was probably only worth a few hundred dollars, the emotional connection was priceless.
Somewhere between the bathroom and the terminal I took the ring off to apply some lotion hand lotion.
Ordinarily I take special care to put the ring in my pocket and return it to my finger as soon as I've finished the task at hand. This time I was careless.
The worst part is, I didn't realize the ring was no longer on my finger until the airplane was speeding down the runway.
After talking to the flight attendants I learned that the only thing I can do is contact the airport when I land in Hawaii to see if anyone has turned it in...
I'm devastated!
I have no one to blame but myself.
I've lost a piece of my grandfather that I wasn't ready to give up.
So it looks like my vacation is starting with sadness, guilt, punishment and the fact that I have to accept the kiss of my grandpa all over again...
And on Father's Day!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

The Sunset Strip Market

I was pleased to be a part of the launch of the KICK-ASS certified Farmers Market...
Every Thursday from 5-9 PM on The Sunset Strip in West Hollywood.
Live music, delicious food, wine tasting, fresh produce, cheeses, meats, breads and flowers too.
There's even a doggie day-care and a place to play games and fun activities.
It's awesome!
For more information check out www.SunsetStripMarket.com
And "Like" them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunsetStripMRKT




Wednesday, June 13, 2012

When You've Had a Long Day...

...and you have three more until you're on an airplane to paradise-
Order Chinese food, wait an hour to get it, chow down and then relax.
Tomorrow will get here soon enough!

Looking Back...

I try not to live in the past.
Life is short, so I'd rather spend my time enjoying the present-
Nevertheless, there are those moments when you can't resist the urge to sneak a peak of an old journal or photo album!
I just took a forty five minute parade down Memory Lane...
It's interesting to read your own writing from fifteen years ago.
Things have changed since then (mostly for the better.)
However, I'm more intrigued with what hasn't changed, and why?
My passion, determination and goals are very similar to those I possessed when I was still nineteen-
The only difference is that now I know how to use them!
I guess looking back from time to time can help me appreciate the opportunities and continue to fight for the people and things I love.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

It's Electric!


Here's a fun little class combination that I taught tonight in class!

Book It!

Only five short days away from a trip to Hawaii!!!
What relaxing vacation would be complete without a few juicy summer books to read?
I think I found the perfect summer selection-
I'm going to kick start the vacation reading Tina Fey's book Bossypants!
Who knows where I'll go from there...

Monday, June 11, 2012

Addicted to Crack TV!

I think it's no surprise that I'm a Reality TV crack junkie! I love watching people with no talent make total asses of themselves just to be on TV... I just forced myself to watch fifteen hours of this season's The Real Housewives of Orange County to prepare for another parody shoot! Seriously, you'd think I'd be over watching a bunch of rich, annoying, "housewives" by now- But I just saw a preview for tonight's new episode of The Real Housewives of New York and I can hardly contain myself!!! The crack is good!

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Happy Pride!

When we walked down to join the fabulous festivities-
This was the first thing we saw:

I guess you can say the gays know how to get trashed!

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Body Ache!

Nine hours on my feet-
Leaping and twirling like I was a kid.
My body reminds I am not!
I ache from head to toe...
But if was a fun day at the studio.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Dance Through The Pain!

Is what I try to tell myself when working with kids half my age...
It's just so upsetting that my body doesn't want to do the things that it used to do with ease!
I've turned into that choreographer who marks everything-
I never thought that day would come.
I've got to get back in shape.
Ballet barre here I come!

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Redeye

The goal is to fall asleep in the darkness and wake-up with the sunrise-
The fact is, it rarely happens.
Rather, you twist and turn constantly readjusting your seat.
Praying that you can trick yourself into a slumber before its too late.
Then, and without any warning, you're jarred awake as the plane slams down on the Tarmac.
I suggest plenty of pills for the inexperienced!
P.S. My eyes are more puffy and pink than red...

Monday, June 4, 2012

A parody PSA for Marriage Equality

I'm always excited to share the work that we do at A Group Production...
This parody PSA for Marriage Equality is our latest!  I think it's pretty funny. But more importantly, it has a massage!  ...or do I mean message?  Watch and see!

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Sundays...

SUNdays you just need to chill...
Today is that day!
Beautiful view of the ocean from our balcony-
Light cocktail in hand,
A puppy on either side of me,
and a blockbuster movie playing in the background!
Perfection.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Action!

Always
Challenging
To
Incorporate
Others
Needs...
But in the end, it was an awesome shoot and an excellent collaboration!

Friday, June 1, 2012

HIGHdiddelyDEE The Creative Life for Me!

I'm not happy unless I'm spending every second of the day working on something.
I can't sleep at night if I don't have:
A clear desk with all of the days projects complete,
and
A list of tasks I want to accomplish the following day.
Add on the fact that I'm out of town four times a month; choreographing, teaching and directing shows and it makes for a highly productive life.
The interesting thing is that I get so overwhelmed in the process that I forget that I can take a break...
I start to stress out and become less creative-
It's such a double edged sword!
Ugh....
If only I was a complete slacker! 
I'd have chill life on the beach.  Maybe a job as a barista at a local coffee house... Maybe not?
Oh well... that's just not me!