Under The Weather

I think there was something bad in my Mexican salad Sunday night at Fiesta Cantina on Santa Monica. Let's just say I had a sour stomach later that night and all day yesterday. Ugh. Starting to get my appetite back today, though.

Celebrity sightings: Clu Gulager from "Project Greenlight" at brunch on Sunday and Damon Pease from "Queer Eye for the Straight Girl" (who got into a fight with security) and James Getzlaff from "Boy Meets Boy" at Fiesta Cantina.

Bewitched

One word: Painful. Do not bother spending your money on this film -- it sucks. Will Ferrell does his goofy schtick and Shirley MacLaine is completely underused. Why did she even do this movie? Does she need a paycheck that bad? In fact, why did Nicole Kidman and Michael Caine do this movie? Ugh! I need to go take a shower after seeing that crap.

Guess Who's Coming To, Er, The Office?

Today was an interesting day at the office. A couple of clients stopped by to sign papers and pick up some checks, including Leonard Maltin's wife, then Fawn Hall (remember her from the Oliver North, Iran Contra scandal?) and -- drum roll, please -- Sidney Poitier! Yep, I met thee Sidney Poitier today. And what a class act he is. Such the gentleman and very dapper. Actually, he sat at my desk to do his business, and when we were left alone in the office together, he asked me for a pen. I offered mine, but he wouldn't accept it, so I found him another one to use. He is a very nice man and it was an honor to meet him.

Yesterday, I had my meeting with screenwriter Zak Penn. He offered some great advice and to send a script to his wife at New Line for coverage. It was a pleasure to chat with the man behind X2 and the upcoming X-MEN 3 and I feel very fortunate for his generous offer.

Later, my boss' husband offered me a position assisting him two days a week in the morning, as his assistant is leaving to produce a reality show for 13 weeks. Apparently, he produces TV shows and TV movies that shoot in Vancouver. I could use the extra money, experience and contacts, so it's all good!

Last night, I went to the Four Seasons with my friend Susan for a "poolside chat" with screenwriter Stuart Beattie (COLLATERAL) and some other LA-based writers. Well, it wasn't poolside, but in a garden, which was fine. But why not just call it a garden chat? Anyway, afterwards, we enjoyed some cocktails at the bar -- $16 for a watermelon martini -- and a plate of delicious French fries.

I must say it's been a good last two days.

Day One

It was the first day of my new job ... and I survived. All I did was draft several letters, one to authorize the distribution of Shirley MacLaine's pension fund; another to dispute a tax charge from New York State for supermodel Amber Valletta; another to deposit checks for a stuntman and for soap actress Melody Scott Thomas' daughter. Yawn. However, it's interesting to be privy to their personal information, such as home addresses and phone numbers. And I learned my boss is the executor to Dean Martin's estate and Shirley MacLaine is her son's godmother.

But it's strange. As close as I may appear to be to the stars, I still feel so far away .....

Malibu, Baby

Yesterday, I went out for brunch with my roommate and his friend. Later, Ken and Phillip drove me up the coast to Malibu for fresh seafood. On the way back, we drove through the Malibu hills into the Valley and up and over Coldwater Canyon back to the "flats" (the LA basin). It was beautiful! Stopped in West Hollywood for ice cream before going home. They showed me the Osbourne's house, too. So many gorgeous homes in LA. I wanna be rich!

And today, I went for brunch yet again with my friend Susan and a group from NYU around the corner from my apartment. Then, I went to Starbucks in Larchmont Village to finish reading this independent script I'm doing product placement for. It's a snoozer.

The other day I had to move my car to a new spot with a private garage door, so Justin Guarini could have our "prime spot" because he pays more. It's cool to a have our own entrance, but it's not easy maneveuring my car into it, especially with my big boat of a car. But as long as Justin is happy, I'm happy. :D

Celebrity sightings: Shane West who plays the rock doctor on "ER" at the Griddle on Sunset for brunch yesterday. And another "ER" cast member today, Sara Gilbert walking down Larchmont with her girlfriend and their baby.

New Job

Well, I went on my interview today and was extended an offer to start on Monday .... and I accepted. It's working for a business manager who handles various entertainers' money, including Sydney Poitier and Shirley MacLaine. Gosh, I hope I did the right thing. I always second guess myself. Well, at least it's a pay check. If I don't like it, I can always leave. Why am I so nervous? I guess because it's my first job in LA and my first new job in five and a half years, and I don't want to screw it up. It's change that scares me and working for new people. So, another new adventure awaits me. Keep your fingers crossed and wish me luck! :D

Easy Come, Easy Go

Well, my temp assignment for Monday was cancelled. They decided to keep the person they have now, as opposed to retraining somebody else. Then, I almost had a job today at Paramount, however, I called back too late and lost it. No worries, I have an interview today and another interview scheduled for Tuesday.

PS: I forget to mention earlier I saw STAR WARS: EPISODE III at the Arclight, which is a domed theater with a gigantic screen. Anyway, the dialogue was laughable. And that stupid iguana Obi Wan rode was so annoying. And did they really have to imply Anakin killed the young Jedis. Completely unnecessary. Actually, the whole movie was completely unnecessary. It was all back story. My favorite LOL moment was when Darth Vader takes his first steps. It was such the Frankenstein moment. Please tell me it was an homage to FRANKENSTEIN ...

Batman Begins

Four words: Best Batman Movie Ever!

Celebrity sighting: Joey Fatone sat a few seats away from me. He was in N'Sync, right?

Earthquake!!!

We just had a 5.3 earthquake! My whole bedroom just shook for about 5 seconds. I was sitting at my desk and my chair and desk shook. Scared the crap outta me!! My heart is still rapidly beating.

Job #1

Got my first temp assignment this morning for Monday. It's an executive assistant position for a top level executive at SAG (Screen Actor's Guild). Don't know how long it will last, as it's for an extended maternity leave. I'm guessing at least two weeks, which means I should be able to pay for July's rent! Talk about cutting it close ...

Forget to mention, the screenwriter Zak Penn (X-MEN 2, X-MEN 3) contacted me via email and I made an appointment to see him with one of his, ahem, two assistants. However, he had to reschedule. Now I have to reschedule my appointment with him next week due to my new temp assignment. I also have to reschedule an interview I had set up for Tuesday. Damn!

Never did get to meet with Mr. Movie Star's producing partner. As soon as I arrived in LA he stopped replying to my emails and doesn't return my phone calls. How fucking rude! Unless he's just super-busy, I don't know. The bizarre thing is he told our mutual friend to give me the production company number and his cell phone number. "People are strange when you're a stranger ..." Ten bucks, if you can tell me the group who sings that song.

Also forgot to mention, I will be assisting an independent producer who needs an assistant while she goes on-location to shoot a film in Indiana. Some of the things I can do from home, so it should work out just fine. She's a good contact to have and I need an LA credit on my resume.

Celebrity sightings: forgot to mention several from last week and this past weekend -- Noah Wyle on the beach walk in Santa Monica; Robert Grant who plays Ben on "Queer as Folk" at Whole Foods; and in the gay Pride Parade: Paris and Kathy Hilton, Wilson Cruz, Dana Delaney, attorney Gloria Allred and one of the Apprentice contestants watching the parade (the black chick everyone ganged up on and said she was crazy. Stacey, I think?).

Four Weeks And Counting

I have been in Los Angeles now a little over four weeks. And I have a few more surreal LA moments to share:

Saturday I had lunch with a new friend in Santa Monica and on my way home, I witnessed a horrific car accident on the 10 freeway. I didn't see how it happened, but as it was happening. I was in the far left lane, when I suddenly saw a dust cloud to my right. Within the cloud was an SUV rolling over several times until it landed upside down on its roof! I pulled over to the shoulder and saw a man laying in front of the SUV face down on the pavement. Apparently, he had been ejected from the vehicle. Not a good sign. So I called 911 for the second time in my life (the first was only three weeks prior during my first night in my new apartment -- see below). Unfortunately, I couldn't get over to the crash victims because there were several lanes of traffic separating us. However, several people were assisting them. I did see the other passenger in the car holding the man on the pavement in his arms who was bleeding profusely down his face. I departed after the police and fire department arrived. Alas, I don't know if the man made it or not. It didn't look good, that's all I have to say.

Then, on Sunday morning sometime between 8 and 9am, I was awakened by a cacophony of birds chirping, when my bed started to shake .... Yes, it was my first official California tremor. I later learned Palm Springs experienced a 5.5 earthquake and it was felt as far east as LA.

Last night, I'm watching TV when a special weather alert flashes by on screen. Well, living on the east coast we would get those same weather alerts for, say, a severe thunderstorm or flooding. But no, this was for -- get this -- a TSUNAMI warning!!! I was like, what?! Did I read that right?! Sure enough there was a 7.0 earthquake off the northern California coast, and as a precaution, they evacuated the west coast. I learned Crescent City, CA had a tsunami strike their town in 1964 that wiped out 29 city blocks and killed 11 people. So it can happen. But thankfully, there was no tidal wave this time, only a slight rise in the water level. Whew!

Other than that still pounding the pavement looking for work and meeting and networking, etc. I really have to get back into my writing ASAP, though.

Celebrity sighting: At Starbucks today I saw Jennifer Coolidge from LEGALLY BLONDE and TV’s “Joey”.

Made It To LA

Sorry for the disappearing act, but I have been *crazy busy* ever since I set foot in Cailfornia. The dust is just now starting to settle. Sort of. Now I'm pounding the pavement looking for work. Can you believe most offices, other than Hollywood related, require corporate business attire? Sorry, but I left those clothes back home, LOL! I thought everything would be super-casual. I had to go buy a tie the night before an interview that requested business attire. Blech!

Anyway, things are going well. It's been a trip and a half, that's for darn sure! The first night I arrived in LA I was whisked off to a charity event at Paramount Studios on the NY back lot (it looked just like NY, too, except for the palm trees in the surrounding area) and we met the actress Jeri Ryan, who starred in one of the Star Trek series and Boston Public (not to mention, her former husband -- a Senator from Illinois -- was involved in a scandal that allowed Obama to win in IL). Well, she invited us back to her restaurant for drinks. So here I am the first night in LA attending a party at Paramount and hanging out with a TV star! Not a bad start to my adventure, eh? :)

A night later, my new roommate's Jeep was stolen off the street in West Hollywood. He lost everything -- his wallet, credit cards, cell phone ... and the keys to our apartment. Luckily, he had an Oregon driver's license at the time with a different address. But wait, it gets better, or I should say worse. After filing a police report, he was walking down Sunset toward a friend's place ... when he was mugged ... at gun point! Yep, all in one night his car was stolen and he was mugged!! Can you believe it?! I think NY is safer than LA!!

Then, a day later, my first night in the apartment, there's a domestic disturbance like I've never heard before. So I opened my front door to see all the neighbors in shock watching this man hit this woman outside his front door. Of course, immediately, I called 911 for the first time in my life ... and was put on hold for five minutes before an operator answered! They sent the police and -- get this -- a police helicopter! The chopper hovered over our open-air courtyard with the spotlight sweeping over the building!!! It was right out of a movie I tell you!! And no, I don't live in South Central, LOL!! Justin Guarini from "American Idol" lives in our building, so it can't be that bad. Then again, I guess that doesn't say too much about his career. :)

So that was my welcome to LA!!! :D

Other than that drama, I've been busy buying furniture, unpacking and settling in. Also, I've been meeting new people and networking. I attended the LA premiere of EMPIRE FALLS at the Director's Guild, as well. We went to Palm Springs over Memorial Day weekend and that was absolutely beautiful. 90+ degree weather and snow still on the mountains! Actually, the weather has been perfect ever since I arrived (sunny and warm, high 70's and 80's, low 60's), except for the past two days it's been cloudy.

Only a few celebrity sightings to report: Kitty Carlisle Hart at the airport when I arrived (she looks great!), Jeri Ryan and Doris Roberts from "Everyone Loves Raymond" at Baja Fresh, one of my new favorite Mexican fast food joints. Oh, and that guy who made the first infomercial -- "it slices, it dices!" -- at lunch in Beverly Hills.