Social Media Saturday

I've:
Texted,
Tweeted,
Tumblred,
Facebooked,
Instagramed,
Vined,
Blogged,
and sent my last email.
I think it's safe to say that social media is here to stay-
Now I'm off to enjoy my day!

Just When You've Got it All Figured Out...

Reality hits.
You remember that life (no matter how much you fight it) is full of unexpected situations;
An opportunity comes along to perform on your dream TV show,
OR
You get a phone call informing you that the wonderful job that you've been confirmed on, gets canceled- leaving you jobless for three months!
It happens.
It's life.
Dealing with the reaction to the news, positive or negative, is also a huge factor in the game of life.
I continue to learn, and relearn that life is a daring adventure,
Much like whitewater rafting.
One minute you're smiling, high on the rapids- dry and happy.
Then, out of nowhere, you're tossed out of the raft, into the violent water, and left praying that you don't get pulled under or hit a rock.
Somehow, you find a way to get back in the boat, and eventually back on top.
All you can do is fight for the things you want, and continue to say yes to opportunities.
You can't plan life-
But you can decide how to react.
Release the fear, and focus on how to rebound.
Stay positive and take action.  Every single step forward, is a step in the right direction.

Lap Dogs

We have two small dogs;
A Yorkie and a Shih Tzu.
Ginger, the Yorkie, is a 5 pound prima donna-
Lily, the Shih Tzu, is a tubby 11 pound, pound puppy.
Both are adorable, cuddly puppies who LOVE to bury their heads in a nice warm lap.
Just don't expect either one to fetch anything for you,
Lily will chase and play tug-of-war, but she has yet to master the art of catch and return.
Still, I love my puppies.
Even when the hog the entire bed and steal all of the covers.

Lets Do Lunch!

Today is one of those Hollywood days-
Finalizing our new press kit,
Coffee meeting with our manager,
Strategizing with our production partner,
Lunch meeting with network executives on the lot.
Hiking the Hollywood Hills,
And hopefully booking a gig...
All before lunch!
#SoHollywood

Six Word Essay on Auditions

Waiting for the phone to ring.

Annoying, Shitty, Downstairs Neighbor

When the annoying downstairs neighbor gets me down;
Playing music with the bass pumped up to full blast until 2 AM, four days in a row...
I don't get mad-
I wake up EARLY Monday morning, put my favorite tap shoes on, and start cleaning my house.
I vacum while choreographing a heavy time step,
I dust in the middle of my cramp rolls (extra loud on the heel drops.)
I empty the dishwasher in the middle of a shim-sham and belt out the high note in my best audition song!
Because the fact is, some people are just shitty, disrespectful, unaware human beings that think the world revolves around them.
Truthfully, I don't mind neighbors throwing a wild dinner party or holding a club night in their home, as long as it's not a nightly occasion.
But when it's day four of what sounds like Lady Gaga and Britney Spears wrestling over the last mound of cocaine-
I'm going to fight fire with HEAVY, syncopated tap combinations that involve rearranging almost every piece of furniture I own!

SUNday!

Church,
Hike,
Journal,
Creativity,
And now the beach.
I LOVE my SUNdays.
The continued focus on balance.

When You Party Until 2 AM...

You sleep until NOON.
I HATE wasting days because of laziness.
Still, an adventure is always fun, and last night was no exception.

Better Luck Next Week... A Motivational Reminder:

I don't really believe in luck,
Mostly I just use the word as a point of reference.
I spent most of this week in a groggy, mopey, uninspired state of mind-
The kind of mental and emotional place that will get me nowhere fast!
I think we're all entitled to at least one or two moments like this a year;
But that is it.
I am a healthy, talented, hard working, intelligent and fun person,
I have absolutely no reason to let one day of my life pass without finding a happy moment!
So, release, relax and roll on!
Okay, the pep talk's over...

Out of Darkness

Darkness is always near,

But can only effect you when you allow it to be more than a break from the light-

It's easy to sleep in negativity,

It is just as simple to flip a switch and awake with light!

Our greatest accomplishments wait to thrive in the warm glow!

Social Media Mind-Warp!

Texting and Tweeting and Tagging oh my!
Spent 45 minutes surfing YouTube,
Before heading over to Facebook- where I was lost in an endless chain of shared social media satisfying.
Then off to Instagram for a photo bouquet...
I spend too much time using electronic devises, that are meant to help me connect to people!

Side Note:

Some days you've just got to give yourself a break...
AKA-
Movie Matinee!
#ILoveLA
#IndustryResearch

Monday Back in LA!

After a a summer on tour,
I'm so grateful to be back in town.
Hustling for meetings,
Creative writing sessions,
and
Maybe even a Monday morning movie matinee?
It's so good to be back in LA!

Sunday Chores!

Woke up early to get things done.
After church and a Starbucks it was off to work!
Hair cuts for the puppies,
Dust and sweep,
Cleaning the kitchen,
Bills,
emails,
The list goes on,
But Sunday evening is time for fun.
Enough work, writing too.
I'm chilling with friends.

Back In LA

The sun is out,
The skies are blue,
Gorgeous tans,
Tight bodies-
Surrounded by healthy, happy, smiling people.
I LOVE LA!

Colorado

Rocky Mountains,

Blue skies,

And my family-

This was a wonderful visit!

The Thing About Family...

No matter how much they annoy you,
Through all life's ups and downs;
My truth with family-
They'll always come around.
Their love is unconditional,
Yes, it may be with emotion,
But nothing will break our bond.
Pure love.

A Dream Is a Gift Your Heart Needs...

I got to see my grandpa Shaffer in my last dream before I woke up this morning.
It was so nice to hear his voice,
Give him a hug and say I love you.
The dream was so real, I could smell him!
I'm so grateful for those moments with him,
Even if it is in a dream-
I still get to see him from time to time, and remember his impact on my life.

Six Word Essay on Colorado

Crunchy granola mountain men are hot.

Vacation!

As much as I hate traveling,
I'm so happy to spend some time off-
Colorado in August is always beautiful.
Looking forward to time with my family.
First trip without gram;
I'm sure there will be some rough patches,
But I'm here to live in the moment and enjoy my family.
PLUS- I get to sleep in. (I got up at 7:30 am instead of 6!)
Life is good.

Daily Truth:

I have Faith and passion-

I am an unstoppable force!

So Long NYC!

Hit it,

And quit it!

That's how you do New York City...

I was in the Big Apple for one whole day-

Just enough time to see some good friends, walk through Times Square and remember just how stressful the city can be.

Now I'm on the NJ Transit headed to Atlantic City.

The NYC skyline safely in the distance behind me,

It doesn't look so tough looking back.

New York, Brooklyn?!

I thought the saying was New York, New York!
Nevertheless, I'm on a couch in Brooklyn visiting with my friends in the city.
Flashback to eight years ago, when I used to live in NYC, and you NEVER would have found me in Brooklyn! NEVER.
NOT because it wasn't safe, or hip, or cool.
It just wasn't The Big Apple!
When I was a kid growing up, I never dreamed about moving to Brooklyn-
No offense. It just wasn't part of the Broadway experience.
So after PLENTY of ribbing and clichéd jokes, I decided to give Brooklyn a chance...
I mean, I didn't really have a choice, that's where their house is, and I needed a bed to sleep in!
All I can say is that I was wrong.
Their tree-lined street is gorgeous. Their apartment is charming. The food and culture rivals anything I've seen in Manhattan, and they live right next to a spectacular park!
The only down side-
Two subway transfers and 20 minutes to get to midtown...
#YouCan'tHaveEverything!

I Saw The Sign

Every year, we usually end up with tickets to the Hollywood Bowl.

I love it.

The music, culture, friends, food wine and people watching-

It's the perfect LA moment!

Last night was special for me. Not because Steve Martin was performing, though he was very entertaining.

One of my favorite moments at the Bowl, is as the sun sets behind the Hollywood Hills, the dusk heightens the romantic atmosphere-

Then, I always see it, right near the famous Hollywood sign, there's a gigantic Cross lite up.

I see that Cross on every trip to the bowl, and each time it feels like the first- a significant sign just for me.

"Remember Matthew, God is with you. You are safe. You have nothing to fear."

Last night however, I did not see that Cross.

It turns out the seats that we'd been given were perfectly placed in a gorgeous section of the outdoor theatre, and right next to us was a very lovely old tree hiding the Cross.

It suddenly dawned on me,

"Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it's not there."

It was the most brilliant analogy for Faith.

It came at the exact moment in my life that I needed it.

After losing my gram, the doubt and questioning of my path and purpose in life began to seep in like a slow killing poison. 

I miss her so much, and no matter how many times I've tried to release my pain, my downward spiral continued.

I was remind last night, that in no way is my lack of Faith or sadness serving God or the spirit of my grandma. 

My time on this earth is short-

God has had a magnificent presence in everything good in my life.

I'd rather spend whatever time I have here filled with; happiness, hope, passion, love and Faith.

Whether I can see it or not, God has a path for me, I have to trust that it's there.

Six Word Essay on Mixed Messages...

Please get your story straight ASAP!

Tuesday...

It came and went without me.
I did some stuff,
But not enough,
And now it's almost Wednesday!

God is Real To Me...

In every blessing,
Opportunity,
and failure-
In my happiest moments,
and my darkest fears-
Every trace of doubt is removed, at the exact moment that I need to remember or feel His presence.
Through all my setbacks, questions and successes-
I believe in His path.

Six Word Essay on Food! ...Again

I love to eat so much!

Creative Juices!

This morning I'm getting my creative juices flowing again!
Looking forward to shooting a fun sketch for Funny or Die.
Whether I'm working on my own projects,
or in this case, helping a friend out,
I'm always grateful I get to do what I love.
If you're passionate about your job,
It's a lot more fun to go to work...
Especially at 8:00 am on a Saturday!

Up, Up and Away!

I'm feeling much better about myself now that I'm back in LA.
When I'm on the road I lose track of the things that are most important to me.
My quality of life, family, goals and faith are what keep me grounded and motivated,
When I'm on tour, I don't have enough time to focus on maintaining balance.
But I'm back in LA and I'm up, up and away!
Working towards accomplishing more of my dreams.
One day at a time.

Shake It Off...

The process of release is slow sometimes-
The point is that I'm trying.
Holding onto pain and the past, will not help my future.
I have to shake it off!
1, 2, 3...
Shake it off, shake it off!
(I think I understand the origin of that song!)

Enough!

How long can I spend in sadness and self-doubt?
Don't answer that question!
Because the only answer is-
Too long! I've spent too long in this emotional mind frame.
If I've learned anything from the death of my gram,
It's that time does not stand still.
Life continues.
Whether I'm on board or not.
So as long as I'm here, I MUST use my time, creativity, energy and spirit to better myself and others.
You're either living or dying.
I refuse to die without living.

Release. Trust. Release.

Woke up with a pit in my stomach...
Again.
I've got a lot on my mind-
Missing my gram,
Turmoil with dad,
Wanting to start a family of my own,
Ready to buy a home,
Striving to continue building my career,
How to afford everything and still spend time with loved ones...
I know that worrying about all of this isn't helping me achieve any of it!
Ordinarily I'm really good at releasing the fear, and focusing on efforts to accomplish each of these goals and dreams.
But after losing my gram, I STILL haven't found my rhythm of release and trust.
I know that I was placed here for a purpose,
I believe there is a path for my passion and spirit,
I have to release my fear,
And trust in my faith!

AdventureLAND

So far, my summer has been filled with work, travel and more work!
Notice I said "travel" and NOT vacation.
This weekend I did get to enjoy a weekend of wine, friends and wedding festivities in Napa, which was a nice treat.
But today, my summer vacation really takes off-
I'm going to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom with my niece and nephews!
The only thing I love more that family fun...
Is family fun on a roller coaster!
So without further ado,
I'm off to AdventureLAND!!!

Life In A Bag!

Waking up in a different bed, in a different city-

Clothes you're so sick of wearing,

Does this smell clean enough?

Driving 30 miles to make an appearance,

Then back on the road for the next gig.

Lack of sleep,

PLUS

Lack of gym,

Equals: raging, tired, emotional fatty!

All part of living life out of a bag.

Six Word Essay on Rehearsal Dinners

Don't drink too much or else!

Wedding in Napa

Day 1
Wine bus that seats sixteen;
Five vineyards on the tour-
Tastings, tastings, tastings galore!
BBQ at the bride and groom to be's gorgeous house.
Day 2
Sleep in and a late brunch,
Champagne toast with the bride to be-
Rehearsal (dress tech!)
Rehearsal dinner and dancing!
Day 3
Wedding day!
Sleep in,
Lounge by the pool,
Ceremony,
Cocktail hour in a champagne cave,
Dinner is served,
Dancing on a cliffside bluff,
A drunken wonderful time!
Day 4
Brunch with the Bride and Groom.
More pool time,
Lazy afternoon.
I LOVE weddings like this!
Congratulations Bevin and Lee

Big Belly Blues!

Sitting at the airport waiting to board another flight.

Traveling has its advantages and disadvantages-

My number one complaint,

The disgusting feeling I experience after spending weeks eating non-organic, gross, fried, salty chain restaurant food!

Coupled with the lack of a regular workout regimen,

And I feel like a bloated water buffalo-

No, worse.

An uncomfortable Buddha wearing clothes that are too tight!

Mental Wondering

I've got a lot on my mind.
No matter how hard I try,
My ability to "release" has been suspended.
Missing gram,
Getting married,
Spending the past month working away from home,
Setting up meetings,
Planning a fall work schedule,
Stressing about what's next,
Angry that I can't seem to achieve balance right now,
Upset that I'm angry.
The choice to release all of this and trust in my FAITH remains,
Yet I continue to drown myself deeper the pool of thoughts in my mind.
I need a life preserver from my mental wondering!

HIt Snooze

Blaring in my ear,
It's way to soon.
I just got to sleep!
HIT SNOOZE!
How many times can you hit snooze anyway?
I guess we'll find out.

Life in a Hotel

Living out of a carry on is so much fun;
Miss matched clothes,
Full of wrinkles.
Clean or dirty? It's a guessing game!
Airline vouchers, balled up receipts and random business cards, shoved in various sections of your brief case,
A laptop that doubles as your television set,
(Thank you Netflix!)
Maid service, but don't get used to this!
No one is going to pick up your dirty towels at home.
You're also never going to find a bed that is as inviting as the one you have at home.
Life in a hotel isn't all bad-
I mean you can get room service,
Free (crappy) toiletries,
and occasionally a wonderful pool to hang out at!
But I am so ready to return to my walk-in closet and familiar home!

Remembering Gram

The past three weeks since my grandmas death has been full of ups and downs-

I've been swamped with work, which has provided a needed distraction, but the moments of intense sadness and loss still overwhelm me. 

When I first wake in the morning is generally the worst.

Still, I'm able to recognize that all of the sad thoughts, regrets and wishing for a different outcome, won't bring gram back to me-

Nor will it encourage me to continue to pursue the goals and dreams that I have been working for my entire life. No one believed in me more or wanted these dreams to manifest for me more than gram did.

She understood my passion, inspired me to work at my dreams and never give up!

So rather than allowing the despair to conquer the spirit that my gram ignited in me-

I must celebrate her memory and her spirt that lives on in me.

I owe her the honor of continuing to be that man she believed I could be.

I have to release the negative and embrace her light.

I know she'll continue to inspire me to shine!

Blessed

I have my health,

My family and friends.

My passion and creativity continue to thrive,

A beautiful home filled with puppies and love,

Food and water- I've never gone without.

Despite the loss and setbacks in life,

I'm grateful. 

I know I have been blessed with wonderful opportunities, and I must remind myself to be thankful for the beauty in my life.

Six Word Essay on Airports

Transferring terminals for a layover sucks!

Coffee!!

The smell alone is killing me...

This line is so ridiculous!

Why must all these people take so long?

Have you never been to a Starbucks before?!

Raging!!!

Six Word Essay On Sleep

I never get enough of it!

Life on Tour

Bloated and tired,
I lack sleep.
Trying to catch up on "life" at home,
While working and living out of a bag.
It's fun for a day in every new city...
Then it just becomes another hotel room that IS NOT your home.
Friends are near to keep you smiling,
Even if your laughing at the conditions.
Grateful for the opportunities,
Just wish I could go to the bathroom...

I'm Up!

I'm up two hours before I'd like to be...
I'm up two hours before I need to be...
I'm up for a call time that I WON'T get paid for...
I'm up for NO reason at all...
I'm up because it's my job, and I'll do it with a smile...
I'm up on tour, and wish I was at home with my family!
I'M UP!

Life on Tour

Eat, sleep, work, travel-
Pause: to return home for my gram's funeral-
Back on the road;
Eat, sleep, work, travel-
Pause: to get married! An event that we planned in half a day (while catching connecting flights at two different airports.
One night at home as a married man-
Then;
Travel, eat, sleep, work...
Life on tour never gets dull.
I work twice as hard to stay focused, active, creative, outgoing and happy while I'm out of LA.
Otherwise, I'd just be a cranky biathc!

It's Official!

After 11 years of happiness, love, success and a lot of laughter...
It is official!!!
I didn't think I'd feel a "change" but I was wrong-
Nothing would have prepared me for how huge an impact yesterday was.
I'm so blessed to be surrounded by a loving, accepting group of friends and of course my family!
Here's to a lifetime of continued joy!

Tying The Knot

After 11 wonderful years,
A proposition of hate,
And a ruling for Equality-
Love will prevail today.
Jeff and I are tying the knot.
There's never been a person in my life that has influenced, inspired, challenged or loved me more!
I hope that I can be that for him too!
For the rest of our lives.

Forced Happiness

It's a goal of mine to remain happy-
Grateful for the blessing (and there are a lot of them) that I have in my life.
Nevertheless, I have those days when I wake up, and the weight of the world is on my shoulders.
Dealing with the loss of my grandma has been tough.
I know life goes on, and I've thrown myself into my job and creative projects to ease the pain-
But this morning I woke up and I just can't shake it off...
It's in these moments that I default to something I refer to as:
Force Happiness.
I'm not happy in any way,
But I lie to my self, and tell myself that if I pretend to be happy I will trick my mind into believing it.
I'm not sure that its working, but it's better than walking around in a state of depression.

The Art of Packing

When you spend half your life living out of a suitcase, you get used to packing.

The secret is to fold your clothes and then roll them up like a burrito. 

You can stack twice as much that way!

It also helps if you buy clothes that can be worn in a number of matching combinations, allowing you several outfits without overpacking!

Life on Tour

Laying in bed awake,
If I fall asleep now I'll get 4 hours of sleep.
I have to work all day tomorrow!
Finally pass out...
Time to wake up,
I hope I stay awake today!
#IMissMyOwnBed.

Missing Gram

Woke up feeling sad,

Really missing Gram.

Her spirit is around, I know.

I just wish I could call her and hear her voice.

Trying to remember that she's no longer in pain,

I just wish I could say the same.

A Lot of Beer

...and a lack of sleep makes for a long day in the theatre!

Life on Tour

Day 1-

I'm up early,

Ready for a Starbucks session:

Iced tall coffee with soy,

Post my blog entry,

Write in my journal,

Catch up on email,

Post my Instagram, (Social Media!!)

I'm focused on staying in shape and committed to my daily goals.

Finding balance on tour is NOT impossible...

It just takes losing sleep.

Airport Goodbyes

Once again at an airport.

I've always associated airports with sadness-

Despite the fact that happy times come from visiting family and friends,

Not to mention awesome vacations...

Yet my lasting memories of airports is always from the end of a wonderful visit.

Saying goodbye.

This trip is especially difficult, because I had to say goodbye to my gram for the last time.

I'm always thankful for new adventures, but going to the airport is always bittersweet.

I've spent my adult life leaving people curbside.

I'll never get used to it.

But I'm learning to deal with it.

...very slowly.

Guardian Angel

Losing gram this week was extremely devastating.
She was my best friend;
No one has ever inspired me,
Or believed in me more.
She was the first person I shared my victories with,
She eased the sting of my setbacks.
She reminded me of my accomplishments,
She knew my worth, and had faith in my talent.
I know that my life will go on,
I imagine the pain will never fully go away-
I just keep reminding myself that I could not have a better person as my guardian angel!
I trust that she will be up there working double time.
And nobody is more charmingly persistent,
Or effective at convincing people to take a chance!
I love you gram.

RIP Gram

The worst part of life, is saying goodbye to the ones you love most.

Gram is no longer in pain-

That's the only comforting thought.

I will miss hearing her voice.

#Sad #LongDay

In Memory of Sharlene (Gram) Shaffer 1936 - 2013

Sharlene Marie Shaffer, 77, of Florence, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2013 with her family by her side. Sharlene was born in Canon City, CO on May 6, 1936 to Mike and Mary (Moschetti) Brator. After graduating from Florence High School, Sharlene began her journey as a wife, mother, grandmother, and community role model. She married her high school sweetheart, Anthony Lawrence Shaffer, and remained happily married for 54 years, until Anthony's passing in 2009.
Sharlene was an active member of her sorority Epsilon Sigma Alpha- the Omega Chi chapter, and just received her 45 year pin. Sharlene was a true leader. She used her creativity, intelligence and outgoing personality in every aspect of her life. She was passionate about every project, job or adventure she took on, including her involvement with St. Benedict's church, the Pioneer Day Board, the Library Board, Fremont County Democratic Committee, working at St. Joseph's Manor, in addition to co-owning Shaffer's Still with her husband for 15 years.
Her favorite pass times always involved her family and friends. She loved trips to Las Vegas and Cripple Creek, playing bingo, dancing at Karaoke, playing in multiple Pinochle clubs, volunteering in her community and bragging about her grandkids.
Sharlene was preceded in death by her husband; Anthony Lawrence Shaffer, parents; Mike and Mary (Moschetti) Brator, and many other cherished relatives. She is survived by her son Tony (Louise), grandchildren; Matthew, Shiree, Julianne, and Abby, great- grandchildren; Kellyn, Seth and Olivia, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

The Price Of Death

Never mind the emotional loss,
I'm shocked and overwhelmed with how much it cost to die.
Everything has a price tag!
On the positive side;
There has been a nonstop barrage of;
donuts, deli platters, cheese plates, veggie trays, fruit salads and beverages!
...and plenty of company to eat, remember, cry and rejoice!
#IMissMyGram

Remembering Gram

It's too painful to write about this right now,
But I'm fighting to celebrate my grams life, rather than mourn it...
May 6, 1936 ~ June 29, 2013

An Unexpected Trip Home...

Last minute trip out of town,
I wish I could say it's for fun...
Gram is not well,
Struggling with Parkinson's.
She's tired, weak and not eating.
Every journey has a destination,
But the best adventures end too soon!
This is the hardest part of life-

Technology Is Fun!

I just downloaded a new photo application for my iPhone.
I've spent the past forty minutes playing around with innovative ways to crop my niece and superimpose her onto funny backgrounds...
Yes, instead of working,
I've been playing with my iPhone.
So basically, not much has change since I was a teenager playing on my Nintendo Game Boy!

I HATE It When...

Something is returned to me via mail because of "incorrect information."
Really?
Because I have a copy, i.e. PROOF that I filled out your shitty form "correctly!"
So now I'm keeping an accurate record of every document and piece of correspondence...
That's right, I'm building a case against your ass!
...and have a great day!

Marriage Equality

The opportunity for two consenting adults that love one another, to proclaim their love in a ceremony with their friends and family-
Now every couple, straight or gay, will have the same rights, obligations and protection under the eyes of the law.
It's a good day in LA!

Random Thought

Remember how much fun summer vacation used to be?
The anticipation of the last day of school.
Then; summer camps, pool parties, beach days, sleeping until 2 PM, watching TV all day, dates at the movie theatre, cruising the mall with friends, trips to visit family, weeknight sleepovers, camping out in the back yard, NO WORK!!!
Oh how fun it would be if adults had three months off in the summer too!

The Thing About Death...

Death is the universal common denominator-

We know we can't escape it, 

Yet we fight to stay young, healthy, active...

We ignore the signs in our aging loved ones.

They deny it too.

No matter how sick, old, tired, hurt or in pain-

I can't imagine anyone is really ever ready to leave this earth.

It's a great unknown.

For many, Faith helps ease the idea and transition,

Still, when faced with death up close and personal,

We fight what we aren't willing to admit-

Death is the worst part of life.

Customer Service...

Used to be with a smile,

Now it's with an automated voice machine...

Lame!

Freeway

People driving in little bubbles,

Selfish, swerving, probably on their phone.

Danger lurks from lane to lane,

So fast, yet so incredibly slow.

Traffic creeps where there's construction,

Cops are waiting near "on ramps."

How can 5 lanes be filled with cars-

All in their own little isolated world.

Wake up people, cars are weapons, and you are driving like an asshole!

Note From The Road...

No matter how much sleep you get the night before, you're never ready for a 5 AM tech call!

Cracked!

Woke up with a stiff neck,
Rolled over to crack my back and instant pain ensued!
The older I get, the more my body aches...
Soon, I'll have to do a warm-up just to get out of bed!

Life Lessons:

If you want to accomplish a project,

Start it!

If you've started a project, 

Get it done!

If you want to complain about how hard it is:

You're not ready to accomplish the project!

Poor Little Shih Tzu

Poor Little Shih Tzu

With an injured leg.

Her Yorkie sister is doing her best to comfort her.

Puppies can't tell us what's wrong with them,

They just curl up in a ball with sad eyes.

Coffee. A Poem

The smell is intense, it wakes me up-

Oh how I need it in my big cup.

I can't get things done, until I'm awake,

So get me some coffee for goodness sake!

Mass, Brunch, Beach, True Blood

Sunday,

Fun day.

Friends, Faith and Food!

Trapped In The Carpool Lane

Little HOV,

So fast and easy... usually.

But then you follow a car so slow,

You want to drive them off the road!

Dinner Party with Friends!

Pop the cork,

The dancing begins,

Appetizers passed,

Then dinner with friends,

Lot's of champagne, wine and food-

Went to bed early...

Got up late!

Fix It!

I hate that awful feeling...
When you've made something wrong,
Make it right as soon as possible.
Otherwise it will slowly begin to eat away at you from the inside out.
Not to mention, it's just the right thing to do.

Rise and Hike!

I love waking up early in LA-

The sun is still hiding behind the morning marine layer,

The streets are calm, and so am I.

A hike through the hills surrounding my house,

It's easy to meditate and enjoy the magical Los Angeles skyline.

I'm reminded of how gorgeous LA is.

As I take in the smell of the jasmine and lavender that fill the air, 

I appreciate how easy life can be.

I'm inspired to keep my calm, focused, energy throughout the day.

Now is the perfect time to create!

Some Days...

Just F_CKING PISS ME OFF!
That's all.

Monday Media Madness!

It's always tough getting started.

A pile on the desk, emails galore and the inevitable phone calls...

I like to start on Facebook.  I figure, at least I'm online and headed in the right direction...

Just don't let two hours pass before you realize that all you've done is "like" peoples pet pictures!

Time to get some real work done.
 And by that I mean, I need to figure out what I'm going to Tweet today...
 I'm losing Twitter Followers by the dozens!

Social Media turns my Mondays into madness.

Never Too Old...

A wise woman (my grandma) once told me, "you're never too old..."
I loved hearing that from hear then, and I think about it often now.
I believe that it's never too late to do what we are passionate about pursuing.
Just as I believe you're never too old to have fun, party and stay out late...
It just hurts a lot more, a lot sooner and takes a lot longer to recover!

Saturday In LA... a Poem.

I'm not on the road,
I'm in LA!
Spending my weekend without work,
just PLAY!
A weekend off is a nice change of pace...
But don't get to used to it,
Next weekend, I'm back in the race!

I Love LA.

The view of downtown from my house at night is stunning.

I love LA.

A Trip To The Museum...

Because sometimes life is just too serious:

It's Go Time!

The work is done.
Blood, sweat and tears, poured into endless hours of writing, shooting and editing.
Today, preparation meets opportunity...
It's time to close the deal!

Work, Work, Work.

When you don't have a day job,
There are no set rules...
You'd think that would be a good thing?!
Not at all.
Because there is no defined structure,
One tends to feel obligated to "take action" or "do something" the minute you think of a project or task that needs to be completed.
Translation:
Waking up in the middle of the night to go to your office to add the final touch to that pitch proposal!
...which means no sleep last night, and yet here I am, back in my office working!
Some call it "independent contractor,"
I call it: "around the clock hustler."

Monday Mission

To finish six projects that are in various stages, take a hike, run errands, catch up on some Reality TV (to write our next parody) and spend some time with a dear friend...

I guess I should start by getting out of bed!

Just another manic Monday~

Daily Reminder:

You're not getting any younger!

Eat well, stretch often, stay healthy-

And laugh A LOT!

Traffic Jam! A Poem...

Even on Saturday there's traffic in LA?!

5 Lane Freeway, shut down to one lane-

Late for work,

Nothing but rage!

I HATE When...

People put words in my mouth!
Don't tell me what you think I'm going to say, listen to what I'm saying.
And yes, I "sound angry," because I AM ANGRY!
That's what happens when people tell me what they "think" I'm feeling.
R-A-G-E!

Random Observation:

Our downstairs neighbor is playing Madonna really loud right now...

Actually, always.

He's twenty-something...

I remember that.

Carb Overload!

Last night I ate 4 servings of spaghetti and meatballs...
Today: Water, lettuce and a hand full of nuts,
Nobody likes a fatty!

So LA!

Creative meeting at Starbucks in West Hollywood,
Development meeting at Aroma Cafe in Studio City,
Hike in Beverly Hills,
Production in Hollywood,
Dinner party with friends at home-
A full day of meetings with LA peeps.
So LA.

A Childhood Dream

The desire sparked early-

No plan. 

Just faith and passion.

One opportunity grew into the next,

Becoming a career.

Now working towards new adventures;

Nothing happens over night-

But with every step the dream manifests.

Six Word Essay on Following Your Passion...

Brutal and gratifying all at once!

I Get Paid For This?!

Japanese Steakhouse Dinner,

Water park adventure,

Late night drinks in the hot tub,

Adventures with friends,

Watching dancers perform all day...

I have a good life!

Time To Fly!

My work week is starting...

Up at 4 AM,

Airport by 5:15 AM

Boarded by 6:22 AM

Sitting on runway... Time unknown!

The glamorous life of a weekend warrior!

Six Word Essay on Long Days

I need to go to bed!

Run, Run, Run...

Wake up early,
On the go.
Errands,
Cleaning,
Appointments...
Vacation isn't always a break-
Sometimes it's the same routine in a different city.

Project!

I love a project.

Today I'm helping my sister-in-law organize her garage.

It's filled with things you think you're going to use again, and never do...

Junk!

And I LOVE to play:

Keep, Trash, Giveaway!

It satisfies my OCD, and gives me a sense of accomplishment!

Plus, it's a free workout.

Early to Rise

Up with the sun-
The birds are certainly happy,
and loud!
I love the smell of morning air,
Wet grass,
Coffee brewing.
With an early start, you increase the life of your day by double!
Finishing an entire days worth of work in the first 2 hours of the morning...
Making the most of a head start.

Dear India...

I’m sure you’re a beautiful country.
Your food, culture and films are lovely.
It’s not your fault that American companies have decided to outsource their customer service…
I know that questions get lost in translation.
But please, put down the script and stop repeating everything back to me.
That is not an answer. It’s my question repeated.
So FUCKING annoying.
Of course, I’m completely aware that the real culprit is the CHEAP ASS,
MONEY HUNGRY, WORTHLESS, AMERICAN GREED-FILLED, CORPORATION that decided to OUTSOURCE in the first place.

A Trip To Costco...

Everyone's larger...

I mean EVERYTHING! 

21st Century Lifestyle...

300 miles away from home or the office;
Last minute "urgent" work to be done...
The industry never stops!
Pop in to the nearest Starbucks:
Coffee and WiFi ASAP!
With my MacBook Pro, my iPhone and Skype I can conquer anything!
The best part, no one even needs to know I'm on vacation!
Social media, technology and a fast paced lifestyle can be overwhelming...
It can also allow you to live a life ANYWHERE!

Validation

It takes Faith to release fear, remove doubt and trust that what's meant to be will be...

It's overwhelmingly validating when you're rewarded with a sign that confirms you're on the right path.

No matter how many times I have to relearn this lesson, I'm always grateful when (no matter how unsure I am that I will succeed) I receive another confirmation!

Creativity and Productivity!

In order to be creative you have to stay productive.

In order to be productive you have to stay creative.

It's a viscous cycle!

Random Observation...

People spend all of their time standing in line, online.

Monday Madness...

Schedule meetings,
Return phone calls,
Answer emails,
Run errands,
Preproduction,
Creative writing,
Meditation,
and somehow manage to work in a workout?!
It must be Monday!

Gigs

God 

I'm

Good

Stringing jobs together.

Random Observation...

When I wear a tie, I look JUST LIKE my dad! 

Coffee Thoughts...

People that hover the Starbucks counter carefully observing the barista make their custom coffee creations drive me absoLATTE crazy!

Last Day In Bliss...

Morning stretch,

Spa Breakfast,

Yoga,

A dip in the pool followed by a hot tub bath,

Steam room detox,

Salt scrub and shower...

Today is the last day of our birthday spa getaway.

I can't wait to come back!

The Relaxation Continues

I spend the majority of my weeks overachieving... 

This week will not be one of them!

The spa getaway has been EXTENDED!!!

Spa Retreat

The air is clean,
Sage, lavender, jasmine and eucalyptus awake the senses.
Cucumber and orange spa water invigorate the body.
Morning stretch class, followed by yoga strengthening,
Coffee and fruit poolside.
Spa massage, steam room, sauna and salt scrub!
Another dip in the pool,
Dinner at the steakhouse,
A glass of wine in the hot tub...
Sleep, wake and repeat!
I love a spa retreat!

Non Dairy

I woke up to a painful side-ache...
A reminder that I'm getting older and have to give up some of my favorite foods.
Happy Birthday!
Now, say goodbye to cheese...

Birthday Aftermath

Wide awake.
Ready to work,
35 years old and I finally figured out how to party like an "aging" ROCKSTAR!
Drink less alcohol and more water.
Stay hydrated!

If You Have To Work On Your Birthday...

Make sure you have awesome friends who will through a surprise birthday party in your hotel room on tour!
...Looks like my 35th year is off to a wonderful start.
I'm heathy, happy doing what I love and have the worlds best family and friends!

You Cannot Do Everything At Once...

I put too much pressure on myself to do it all.
Classic overachiever-
Thankfully, I'm getting much better at letting go...
And, saying "No."
I can't please everyone, or do everything anymore.
If I don't get to "it" today,
I'm positive I'll make it a priority tomorrow.
...or the day after!

DMV

Remember when going to the DMV was an all day event?
I'm pleased to report that my Driver's License renewal only took 22 minutes from start to finish!
Thanks to the online appointment I booked!
That and the failing economy-
A sure factor in motivating DMV employees that their job is easily replaced...
All I know is that I got fast service, with a friendly smile.
I didn't even have to retake the written test...
That was a pleasant early birthday present!

Beach Day! ...again.

I have plenty of work that needs to get done,
But a day in the sun sure sounds fun.
Life is short, and I believe in balance.
So I'm taking a beach day!
Don't judge me...

Grey LA

Even overcast and gloomy,
LA is a vibrant city.
Everywhere you look tan people casually stroll along in their neon colored skinny jeans, bold patterns and over-the-top designer sneakers...
It might be; "fake" "trying too hard" or "ridiculous."
But it sure makes me smile when the sun won't!
I love LA!

Motivated!

I woke up today with a renewed motivation!
New projects on the horizon,
Plenty of work to get done.
Staying focused and positive is always the way for me...
I'm proud of my past, grateful for my present and excited about my future!

Travel Days...

Up too early,
I NEED coffee ASAP!
Meet in the lobby,
Waiting for the stragglers...
Airport: TSA... Don't even get me started.
Boarding group 5?!
Which is really 10 after First Class Executive EVERYTHING.
Can't wait to get back to LA!
I HATE travel days.

Utah

Gorgeous mountains capped in snow,
Blue skies stretched as far as the eye can see,
Friendly faces smiling bright-
No alcohol anywhere!

An Orchestra At Night...

Fire alarms ringing every fifteen minutes,
Car horns on Sunset blare so loud-
Helicopters hovering and circling the skies.
I want to go to bed,
But all I do is cry.
No sleep!

Back To Yoga!

Breath in and out,
Bend and stretch,
Release life's shit and really cleanse.
Mind, body, soul-
Yoga is my happy place in LA.
After a busy month,
I'm so glad to get back on the mat!

Productivity.

Active,

Creative,

Focused,

Driven,

Determined,

Relentless,

Multitasking,

The ability to get things done, in unlikely circumstances.

Results take action!

Remember:

Gods plan in bigger than yours.

PAID!

The glorious feeling I get from paying bills.
That wonderful moment when you realize you don't owe anything...
At least for the 16 days before the next bill cycle!
Money coming in, makes money going out, a little easier to swallow.
Work, work, work... Bills, bills, bills.
That's life!

Flip Flops

Light and easy,
They're so chill,
Summer's near and I feel like getting my feet ready...
So I'm wearing them with my light weight dress pants.
Deal with it!