A Day In the Life

Jenny Jones' Latest Advice

2010-02-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

From Jenny Jones' Advice Column:

http://www.jennyjones.com/advice_column.shtml

Vicki writes...

Dear Jenny,
My daughter is 14 years old and I know I'm not supposed to pry but I looked in her room and found a note she either wrote or got that ended with, "Let's get high." Well I'm no dummy and I know she must be smoking pot. But here's what I'm confused about. If I confront her, she'll know I was snooping. What's even worse is that I did some drugs in my past (not any more!) so how can I tell her not to do it when I did? Please help.

My response...

Dear Vicki,
Whatever you did in your past, don't let it keep you from being the best parent you can be. Your daughter doesn't need to know you were snooping which, by the way I don't see as a problem. Why not sit her down to have "the talk" about sex, drugs, and boys, etc. You don't have to confront her or tell her you found the note, just make it part of a larger conversation. If she knows about your past, focus on the negative impact that drugs had on you. Tell her it's a different world today with a lot more dangers than when you were a teenager. You know that's true. It's tougher than ever to be a parent and I know it's not easy but you can do this. Find your own way to advise her about boys, sex, and drugs. It's your job to give her the best direction you can and keep that little voice of yours in her head. And the next time she's confronted with a risky situation, let's hope your voice is the loudest one she hears.
Jenny

WHAT? DO you even HAVE kids Jenny? Do you even know what a kid looks like?! You are too busy being so hung up on your stupid pet peeves and favorite things to really sit and think about how your advice is going to really make an impact on this woman's life and the life her stoner, slutty ass daughter. I am APPALLED that you feel you have any right to shell out advice. All you do is hang out with your gardener (see a diary entry from 1/27/10 http://www.jennyjones.com/dear_diary.shtml) !!!

Jenny, listen. I know life is SOOO Hard for you, and you have your mind on all sorts of things like bread pudding and trees in your yard, why don't you just give all this advice giving a rest, and let ME handle this question. You are just too old to know what a teenager wants/feels. I was a teenager a mere 7 years ago.

Dear Mikaela,
My daughter is 14 years old and I know I'm not supposed to pry but I looked in her room and found a note she either wrote or got that ended with, "Let's get high." Well I'm no dummy and I know she must be smoking pot. But here's what I'm confused about. If I confront her, she'll know I was snooping. What's even worse is that I did some drugs in my past (not any more!) so how can I tell her not to do it when I did? Please help.

My response...

you daughter a hoe.
Mikaela

Jenny Jones' Favorite Things

2010-01-28T13:49:00.000-08:00

Jenny Jones' Favorite Things:

http://www.jennyjones.com/qf_my_favorite_things.shtml

(from her website):

Tilt-a-whirls

Chocolate

The scene in Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo where Rob Schneider massages that gigantic foot. It makes me laugh 'til I cry every time.

A bath that’s just the right temperature

Concord grapes

Anything I bake myself

50% off the already reduced price

Pima cotton pajamas

Learning something new

My labelmaker

Wrapping presents

L’Occitane hand cream

Really Jenny?! Of all the things in the world, THESE are you favorite things?! Chocolate is a given. You can be more creative then this. Also, "Anything I bake myself" is pretty selfish, I have to say. That's like saying " When I look in the mirror!" or, " My everything about me!"

I challenge your favorite things with mine. Here goes:

NOT vomiting on rides!

Air

The scene in Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo where I am glad I never saw that stupid ass movie!!!!

A bath that’s just the right temperature, and when I don't drown during it!

Concord Hospital, cause guess what? I care about sick people getting better because I am NOT selfish!

Anything I myself, but also anything I others, cause I am giving! And NOT a selfish assface!

Not being a cheapskate!

Pima Community College, cause guess what?! I like people taking the initiative to get an education!

Learning something new... like how to not be a total jerkhole.

My labelmaker. I really do like these. They are practical and fun at the same time.

Rapping presence

L’Occitane hand cream. Especially for giving/receiving hj's. Nothing but the best for my HJ's!

Jenny Jones' Pet Peeves

2010-01-21T08:53:00.000-08:00

From Jenny Jones' website:

http://www.jennyjones.com/qf_pet_peeves.shtml

My Pet Peeves

* That wierd smell at Restoration Hardware
* Gay guys who dress better than I do
* Women who call me "honey"
* People standing next to me, talking on the cell phone
* Ice cream is fattening
* Bathing suits should be put into 4 categories: One piece; Two piece; Bikini; and Just Kill Me Now.
* Cell phones ringing at the movies. People, you're not that important.
* Servers in restaurants bring the food and asking, "Who ordered what?"
* People who say, "I tried." Just do it.
* Skinny women who say, "I forgot to eat."
* Perfume that stays in the room after they leave.
* Billions of dollars spent on weight loss programs. Eat less. Move more. Now give me the money.

Jenny, " Ice cream is fattening" is really more of an observation. It's like saying, " My pet peeve is dogs bark," or, " My pet peeve is frames are used to display photographs."

Jenny Jones, now you have forced me to make a list of "My Pet Peeves/Observations I Make," so here goes:

Mikaela's Pete Peeves/Observations I Make:

* That weird smell at the webby corner of my one finger to my other finger
* Straight guys pretending to be gay (I'm looking at you, Christopher Lowell)
* Women who call or use any electronic device. Women and electronics just don't mix!
* People standing next to me
* A door is used to go from one room to another, or to go from outside to inside
* Bath houses should be put into 4 categories: One piece; Two piece; Bikini; and Just Kill Me Now.
* Cell phones ringing at me. OH MY GOD WHY WON'T THEY STOP?! THE SOUNDS!!! THE SOUNDS!!!! THEY JUST WON'T STOP!
* Servers in restaurants who ask, "How are you doing?"
* People who say, "I tried." Um, no you didn't! I didn't even orgasm. GET BACK DOWN THERE AND FUCKING TRY HARDER YOU ASSHOLE!
* Skinny women who say, "I really respect you and everything you do. You really inspire me." UUUUm, get outta my face, ok?!
* Perfume that doesn't get rid of the blood smell.
* Billions of dollars spent on homeless children. Eat less. Move more. Now give me the money.

I GOT A JOB!!!

2009-04-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

It's true!!! Holy Balls! And it's a really fantastic job at that! The benefits are rad, and more importantly, the people are all very nice. I'm an Office Administrator. I administrate office all day! It's totally want I need in my life right now.

Here's my new plant I got for my new desk at my new job!:

I am really into plants right now. I currently have 7. I can't help myself! It's my current hobby. Watering plants once a week, however, does not really a hobby make. Which brings me to my true reason for this post: I have spent the better part of 8 months trying to get a job. It has been my goal, my second job, my hobby, if you will. I stopped doing anything creative, because I felt stifled and stressed. I focused all of my energy there and now, well, now I am free! Creatively speaking. I auditioned for a staged reading yesterday. It was my first audition in a VERY long time. I went home and fell apart. I felt so uncomfortable with putting myself out there. I used to not be this way. I have built a comfortable bubble around myself. In that bubble is Tony, my plants, Dr. Who reruns, and my job. Yesterday made me realize that I am only hurting my self esteem by keeping myself from life.

With all that lovely, deep epiphany stuff in mind, here's what I need. I need your help. YES, YOU! I want this blog to go back to it's original idea: to spend a day in the life of someone else. My post from August of 2006 was the perfect example of this. I spent a day at the Comic-Con convention, and a day in the life of a nerd. Now, here is where you come. Make suggestions! Post a comment about who you want to see me be! Some ideas I've been knocking back and forth are a day in the life of a police officer, a barista, a baseball player. Those are just some ideas, but I know you have something even better than those! I only ask that it is something that will not harm me physically, and something that is financially feasible ( I can't really travel to Italy to see what it's like to be an Italian chef, but I can go to Little Italy... see what I mean?). It may also need to be something that is done at night or on the weekends, but I can be more flexible there.

So please post a comment with your ideas. I will only publish posts that have a name attached to them. So all of you Anonymouses out there, sorry, you gotta own up to your ideas if you want to see them played out by yours truely.

Now I will leave you with something that has haunted me for years. Whenever I pull money out of an ATM at Washington Mutual, I am always greeted with a picture of Jay Leno on the dollar bill... did I miss a big new story?

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to your help!

What's next?

2009-03-13T12:16:00.000-07:00

I don't mean after life... well I kinda do. But in the more immediate sense, what should I do now? I have been looking for a job for a while now. I long while now. Since July. I left my most recent job in December ( I know... in this economy?! But I had to if I wanted to hold on to my sanity). I quit my improv team in September, because I was bored with improv. So, for a long time now I have been wandering. If you are an avid reader of this blog, you know it goes back even longer than the last 6 months. April 1st will be our 1 year anniversary back in Chicago. I could not be happier with that move back!!! Actually, in my day to day life, I am very happy! I am madly in love with Tony, I really love and adore my family and am SO happy they are mine, I am way into Dr. Who and have a major lady boner for David Tennant, I like the way my hair is growing out, I am really enjoying the new floral prints that are in this spring, OH and I have a lovely new fish named P. Hamilton Seales.

But still, it keeps echoing in my ear, "what now?" What am I supposed to do with my life? I have all these ideas, but none of them jump out at me. I want to write a solo show, I want to start a photography business, I want to do a play, I want to go to school to become a Zoologist/Astronomer/Astronaut/Teacher/Yoga Instructor/Good person who raises money for lotsa bad diseases and makes people better (do you need a Masters for that?!). I have all these ideas and nothing grabs my attention long enough. And I feel like time slips by and I am not doing anything. And if I got hit by a bus tomorrow, what would I have to show for this life, besides good hair? I am overthinking it, I guess. Everyone feels this way. But it doesn't make it any easier.

I am also really into plants right now. I haven't killed my plants yet. They are actually growing! And that's nice.

This is the picture that shows up at the end of Tony's Sudoku game on his phone. It's a Strawberry wearing a newsman's visor. He is staring contemplatively at the moon. I have no freaking idea what it means... but I get it.

Welcome Home, Foxy Brown!!!

2008-12-26T13:30:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Holiday!!! I am in Florida visiting my parents. Christmas was going great, until last evening when we got word that our friends' pug went missing. They were vacationing in Ohio visiting family, and she got out. I seriously did not sleep last night. I mean, I did, but not well. She was gone for all night, but, THANK GOD, they found her this morning!!!

This baby pug and her brother are my fave and I love them to death!!! I am so happy she's safe!!!

New Year's Resolution

2008-12-19T12:55:00.000-08:00

Oy Vey! It's that time again! Merry Holidays everyone!!! In honor of the holidays, as well as our impending doom (aka the recession), I quit my job!!! Incidentally, why is that the words recess and recession are so similar, yet have very different connotations... am I right? Ahhh political stand up. Yes, I quit my job. Sigh. I will not go into details, but suffice it to say, I am happier and much better off emotionally. I got some temp work this week, which gave me some hope!

As I was playing a receptionist, I started thinking, " I am back where I started."

This last year and half has been full of change for Tony and me. Since we landed in LA to now, I have felt stuck, in a rut, confused, lost. Like my life flooded with muddy water, and I have been taking a crappy bath in it ever since. Since deciding to walk away from what I thought my dream was, it seems like nothing will replace this dream I had for so long. What now? What do I want to accomplish to leave my mark on this world. I am truly in a quarter-life crisis. I know that a lot of 25 year olds go through this, but it doesn't make it any easier.

I was reading Oprah's magazine today (my mom would be so proud,) and it was all about how to change yourself for the better in the new year. I think it's safe to assume that every issue of her magazine is about how to change yourself for the better, but I have never read one until today. I have always considered myself to be a very self aware, reflective person. I often analyze my actions, how they effect others. I tend to over-think what I do, or how I act. And then it hit me. The last year and half, what I thought I was doing was analyzing my choices from the past year, and reflecting on my mistakes, when in fact I have been dwelling on them. Instead of being constructive and proactive about moving on and learning, I have been letting it hold me down. I am treading the muddy crappy bath water instead of grabbing a branch and pulling myself out (stupid metaphor, but you got it). So what if I don't have a damn thing figured out? I don't have to. I am not living my life to the fullest because I am letting my past decisions run my present, as opposed to letting them inform my present. So, I guess my New Year's resolution is going to be to let myself heal. I am too hard on myself. And to move on.

I obviously have some obstacles to overcome in my near future, like tonight I have to get some new winter boots,(because apparently snow makes holes in rain boots. No that isn't a pink polka dot, it's my sock!)

Oh and I also have to, ya know, get a new job!!! But the sheer fact that I had this realization today really made me feel better. I sort of felt like a mental weight has been lifted. I feel like that alone will make me have a better year in 2009.

I hope you all have a really fantastic holiday season!!! This is a picture of a dancing Santa ad on the internet that made me very happy. I don't think the picture can convey how 'gay dance club' this Santa was, but nevertheless, MERRY
CHRISTMAS/HAPPY HANUKKAH!!!

Love,
Mikaela

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TONY!!!

2008-12-10T13:34:00.000-08:00

Ok, ok, ok,OK I GET IT! I really SUCK at keeping up my blog!!! I'm working on it!

How have you been? I have been good! Just working on a few things that could change my life for the better. Well, enough about me, it's my man Tony's Birfday!!! It's the big 33. To quote Tony, " This is Jesus' birthday. So now I have to reflect on my life and say ' look how much Jesus did by the time he was my age! what am I doing with my life?" Well, I know that so far in your life, you have made me VERY happy and VERY lucky to have you!!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH and I can't WAIT to be your
bride!!!!!

As for the rest of you, I'll work on writing more, I promise!!!

Happy Holidays!

Love,
Mikaela

Smoking Kills...

2008-06-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

So I am not one to get all preachy about my beliefs. I think the only thing I get preachy about is wearing a helmet when biking or scootering ( I wonder why?).

But a few weeks ago, I was leaving a theatre I perform at regularly, and, well, I saw something that just reminded me how dangerous smoking can be:

Be careful out there...

HAPPY BIRFDAY JAMES!!!

2008-05-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

My friend James asked me to make a happy birthday post. His birthday is today. We celebrated by getting dinner at a vegetarian restaurant, then I watched as he, Tony, and our friend Bill ate large slices of cake in a very short amount of time.

James likes to remind me that I never post anything on here.

Happy Birthday James...

You're a real gem.

RIP Stinkberry...

2008-02-16T23:21:00.001-08:00

Scooter, Stinkberry. Born July 15, 2007- Died February 15th, 2008. Hit by a car. Survived by her owner and the love of her life, Mikaela. Mikaela walked away very banged up,

and in a TON of pain today. But otherwise ok. Stinkberry was not so lucky. She was dead on the scene. Stinkberry brought so much joy to her owner. They were best buds, and went everywhere together. She was so full of life, so young. In her short life, she really lived and travelled everywhere from Hollywood, to Beverly Hills, to Malibu. No funeral will be held, but please take a moment to remember her.

Goodbye Stinkberry. Thank you for the memories!!!

Hello Everyone!!!!

2008-01-09T10:20:00.000-08:00

Well, long time, no blog. I know, I know, I suck at this. Well, I've been on a hiatus with the Holidays, and some other stuff going on.

I have a big ol' announcement to make: Tony and I are moving back to Chicago!!! Now, before you get all worried that it's a bad thing, please calm yourself. It's a really good thing. Over the holidays, we were talking with my parents and my brother about how we just didn't like it here. And I kept saying how I've totally lost my motivation and passion to be an actor. It hit me that I don't want to achieve what I have always thought I wanted to achieve. I am happy acting on a smaller scale, but really, I don't want to be a commercial actor anymore. So, we realized, what's the point in being here then? We are selling everything and shipping the scooters and starting fresh. I'm REALLY excited about it, and really looking forward to the options I have in front of me. I have never EVER thought of something else to do with my life. I'm still going to do improv, I'd really like to coach and teach! But for now, I am on hiatus. I am also thinking of opening a vintage shop!!! Cool!

Anyhoo, just thought I would share this with my loyal readers. All 2 of you. As for the fate of this blog, I'm not totally sure what I'll do with it. maybe it'll go back to it's original purpose, A Day In The Life Of someone else's passion... we'll just have to see I guess.

Love,
Mikaela

That Was Quick!

2007-12-04T12:10:00.000-08:00

I guess not everyone takes 3 months to get something done:

Can't say I didn't try! I'll keep pluggin' away...

Good Morning from Los Angeles...

2007-12-04T11:45:00.000-08:00

Oh the wonders of technology!!! Here I am, it's morning for me (got up an hour ago), and I have just emailed my head shots and resume to an agent. A few months ago a friend recommended that I send my info to an agent friend of hers. That was September. Things move slower when you don't feel confident. But lately I am starting to feel better about things. Lately I have been trying to take small steps towards my goals. Today was a big step. A really big step. Regardless of whether or not I hear from her, I made a big professional move...

all while sitting here in my pjs.

Keep your fingers crossed!

Thanks for reading. I know these are few and far between as of late. But keep checking back once in a while. I love you!

Mikaela

A Reason I don't Want Fame...

2007-11-03T15:21:00.000-07:00

I thought I did. Or sometimes I think I do. But I have questioned it a lot since moving here. I've questioned everything. But this subject, the subject of my career, and what I am doing here, this has been questioned the most.

At work the other day, I was on break in the back of the restaurant, which faces an alley, which then faces a doctor's office. A pack of hungry paparazzi surrounded the alley.

When my coworker asked, we found out: Britney. She was at the doctor " for drugs or something," my coworker assumed. Over time, the number of paparazzi increased, until there were 40 or 50 of them.

Then she came out:

The picture isn't the best, but I am sure you can see them attack her. She then tried to get out of the alley, but they were on her car, flashbulbs in her face. They literally attacked her. I have never seen something so disgusting in my life.

The same questions resonates in my mind: What am I doing here?

Ok... so don't be mad...

2007-10-30T10:25:00.001-07:00

because I haven't posted. But in all honesty, my lack of posting (in my opinion), is a PERFECT representation of the natural progression of adjustment to LA. In other words, shit's been kinda tough. And when shit is tough, you may not really feel like posting about it.

Hi Everyone! How are you? I'm doing well, actually! I say shit's been tough, but it actually has been much better than it was the first few months here. My job is getting old, well the commute to my job is, so I am on the search for a new one. In fact, I just had an interview at a place that I can walk to (I WALKED! You don't really do that here!), and I may have gotten the job! My friend works there, so I need to confirm with her. It's a really nice outdoor restaurant, that's almost like a tree house. It'd be a nice change from all white uniforms and corporate rules. So we'll see. This would help me out a lot right now. My job (since it's all I seem to do) has been getting me down a bit. The money isn't as great as you'd think, and I am just sort of over it. So keep your fingers crossed!

Afro and Ohly just finished up some shows for the LA Comedy fest. They went super well! Especially our second show. We are going to try to get our show up at a few more places in town. I really love doing that. It brings me so much pleasure, and playing with Amanda is a blast.

The weather hasn't changed. It's weird, I keep waiting for cold. I miss it, actually. I am missing 40 degree weather. But I take comfort in knowing that instead of winter, I will get fall like weather.

I am getting my head shots on Friday! I am really excited because I have an agent I was recommended to go see, so once I get my head shots ready, I can go see her. Hopefully that'll yield something. This week I decided I need to start getting myself motivated. It's really easy to get stuck in a routine, and forget why you are here. But by looking for a new job and setting up my head shot appointment, I already feel like I am making progress.

So for the past few months, I have been adjusting. Not much happened, so please pardon the lack of posts. I will work on posting more. Just so long as you forgive my sporadicness.

Oh, so here are some pictures of the last few months.

This is me at work, Tired.

Here's a picture of a missing cat in my neighborhood. It looks like it's been taken hostage:

here is a picture of my neighbor giving me the finger. He's Australian. They do things like that:

And finally, the creme de la creme... a picture that Tony took, of a man downtown. He is wearing a blazer, smoking a pipe, and pushing a live bunny in a stroller:

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

A Beautiful Day In L.A.!

2007-09-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

First of all, I just noticed my last post was August 29th, and it certainly doesn't feel that long ago. September is already flying by! I know people say that a lot, but man is it ever true! It has been 3 days since the extreme heat left L.A. and I have to say, it has been the best days so far. The weather is perfect 70's with a light breeze. It is amazing how weather can mess with your moods. This morning, Amanda and I got up early and went on an hour long walk.

Today is my leisurely day of getting stuff done, catching up with people, and all around enjoying these activities, all while not feeling rushed. I never used to take days like these, and damn are they nice, and needed.

Finally, a HAPPY Post!

2007-08-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

Today I had my motorcycle license driving test. I had to get there, check in, then wait in line for a half hour along with the cars.

I think Stinkberry was a bit nervous, but she certainly didn't show it:

It was really hot out, so I kept having to take off my gear, then put it back on to move Stinkberry, then take it back off, etc.

I was DEFINITELY nervous!

Until some dude walked by and hocked a loogie. Then I got grossed out:

FINALLY I got to take the test. It consisted of going around some cones and going in a circle a few times without falling or putting my foot down. Because Stinkberry is an automatic, it was REALLY easy. And...

I PASSED!

This is paper Mikaela driving her scooter!

I made zero mistakes on my test! I wish life were as easy as that scooter test. I will say this, though. I had a great time last night. I went to see a friend's show at the Comedy Central Stage... pretty fancy! It was a really fun show, and afterwards I got to hang out with friends, and even ran into someone I knew from Chicago a few years back. She assured me that L.A. can be really mean and that the first 6 months suck. It's nice to know L.A. can be kind of a bitch to other people, and that it's not just Tony and me. And when I got home, we met our neighbors who are a REALLY nice, and we already made dinner plans.

So last night, for some reason, L.A. decided be nice to me. I guess it just sort of depends on what kind of mood she's in. Or, maybe it was because there was a full moon last night. Either way, I really appreciated it.

So I Have To Blog This

2007-08-28T00:40:00.000-07:00

So, my scooter got towed last Thursday. The Thursday before that, I came back to where I had parked it, to see it laying on it's side, knocked over. The week before that, a man told me, with EXTREME sarcasm and rudnessness in his voice, that if I didn't move my scooter (which was parked behind his tiny, white sport car), he would hit it. I kind of feel like my scooter right now. I know this is a symptom of adujusting, and that something great or midly nice will happen and I'll feel a bit better, but I dunno, today, I just feel knocked over.

I am posting this so that people who move here, or in general, and read this, will maybe be able to identify with what I am feeling. For those of you who know me, you can probably agree that I am a pretty positive person. So just know that all of this, the emotions, the fears, the worry, everything is adjusting. And it's normal... I hope.

Here is a picture of my odometer after I paid the $159.95 to get it back from the tow yard (never had a nickel in change felt so condescending):

No effing shit. 777. I took this picture sitting on my scooter immediately after picking it up. Tony said, " Hey! Maybe this means things will be lucky from now on!!!" And that keeps echoing in my mind when I get frustrated or feel down. He is amazing. I don't post that enough. Anyway, thanks for being my interweb therapist. Sorry for the depresso post. I am sure things will get better. It's an emotional roller coaster, and I bought the ticket. I just hope the drop at the end is worth it.

We had a storm!!!

2007-08-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

Sort of...

For anyone who has spent a spring or summer (or fall or winter, for that matter) in Chicago, you know the weather is all over the place: rain one minute, sun the next. Well, it's not like that in L.A. Seriously. Every single day has been gorgeous. The sun shines, it can get a bit hot, but once you get in the shade, it's 10 degrees cooler. Well, while I was at work a few days ago, we got rain!!! For about 2 minutes it rained. It made me want to cry, I was so happy to see the stuff!

Things are going ok. I worked 2 doubles in a row this weekend, which makes things a bit tough. I am pretty beat right now. But we have a trip back to Chicago at the end of September, and that's keeping me motivated. And I have my first rehearsal with an improv group tonight! So that is something new. I feel ok right now, besides being exhausted, I am just trying to keep things positive and remember that my working a ton is only temporary as we catch up. Believe it or not, the rainy weather actually helped make me happier.

Oh! P.S...

2007-08-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

Tonight Amanda's and my show, " Afro and Ohly Presents: We're Bringing Awkward Back" has it's closing night performance!!! If you are in L.A., or know someone who is, come see our show! It's going to be a blast!!!!!!!

Click here for more info!!!

Thanks you guys!

This one's for you James.

2007-08-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

That title sounds like something happened to my friend James. No, no, no. He's fine. A bit of a loser, but fine. He keeps telling me how I don't blog enough. Well, to be honest, I don't feel like I am doing enough to blog about!!!

Let me show you my day to day life:

Me...

At work.

Right now things are hectic. I work 6 days a week, a few doubles a week. I did a double yesterday, and am doing one this Saturday. Doubles are pretty exhausting, but somewhat lucrative. So far, this job is ok. Some days are good, some are awful. I think it's just a typical waiting tables job. Tony started his job this week and he really likes it, which is so nice. He seems happier, which is lovely and wonderful.

A friend from Chicago, (we'll call him Bill) was in town this last weekend. I, of course, was working the whole time, but we managed to meet up for dinner on Monday night. I felt bad because the second he walked through the door of the restaurant, I started crying. It was just nice to see a familiar face. I am actually doing ok emotionally, at least this week anyway. But it was just great to be able to enjoy a nice meal with a good friend. He had some good things to say overall/ He gave us a good outsiders perspective. I am SO glad I ended up being able to hang out with him. After that dinner, Tony and I decided it must go like this: for the first 6 months, you hate it here, and you do nothing but bitch about it. Then, after those 6 months, you get sick of bitching about it, so you just hate it and deal with it and become bitter. I really hope that's not the case.

I will say this. Yesterday, it was 10 degrees cooler than it's been, and as I scootered to work, I felt so happy and carefree. And it reminded me that once summer is done, it'll stay how it was yesterday, and not get to 12 below zero. And that made me smile.

Would You Like A Slice Of Cheesecake?

2007-08-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

Please? Listen, I am actually an actor, ok? I need to pay the bills and get new head shots. Just one slice. Come one. Seriously. Take this menu and get a cheesecake already!!! COME ON!!!!!!!!

Day three on my own as a server, and so far so good. I am surprised, but I am actually doing ok! I worked a double yesterday, and today was sort of rough. I am pretty beat. Tomorrow I will work a double. Trying to catch up on bills. Tony had a great interview today for a job that he is very excited about and that would pay twice as much as the video game nerd job he is at now. So that is good. Things are better than they were the other day. Thanks for the encouraging comments, everyone.

I just have to take it a day at a time and keep a smile on my face. And REALLY push the cheesecake!

Hey! It's been a while...

2007-08-09T01:03:00.000-07:00

Sorry about that. So, here's the thing. You move to LA to become famous, or be in movies, or tv, or whatever, right? You come here to make it. You come here to break into the biz. But here is a funny thing: Unless you are rich, or have the ability to survive without working a full time job, you have to get a job to stay afloat. Oh, but you have to make sure you that your schedule is free to audition. AND you need to not only make enough money to stay afloat, but also more than that to get your head shots printed so you can do a mailing so you can get an agent. AND you have to make sure to stay positive, and not get homesick or missing your friends and the easy life you had before you moved to be a starving actor, otherwise you will become depressed and regretful and not fun to be around, and then how can you make friends and connections and be able to market yourself fully?!?!?!??!?

I started working last Tuesday. Yesterday was my first day off. Up until tonight, I felt confused and lost and out of place at my new job. But, somehow, today I passed the Cheesecake Factory Certification part of training where you are cleared to actually wait on people. It's intense, let me tell you, but I am almost able to work on my own and start making tips. This past week has been rough, though. Really emotional. For both Tony and me. We miss home. But, I am trying to just remain positive, and not lose sight of my goals, and why we are even out here. My training hadn't been great up until this point, but tonight, I had a great trainer, and I waited on tables by myself, and I did really well! It gave me some hope, and I think I'll do ok over there. I think I can make good money and it'll be a good place to be.

I know these emotions are all apart of the process of adjusting to a new city, meeting new people, all that stuff. I just need to keep it in mind. No one ever said growing up was easy, and no one CERTAINLY ever said making it in Hollywood was easy, but for some reason I have convinced myself both were. I need to find the middle ground, and I am working on it. But for right now, for tonight, things are ok.

I don't really have a picture for this post, so I'll just choose one at random that makes me happy:

Thanks for listening to me babble on. I love you all! And if I don't know you, well, I probably still love you.

Hey

2007-08-09T01:02:00.001-07:00

Afro and Ohly Presents: We're Bringing Awkward Back!

2007-07-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

YEP! You guessed it! Our show if finally opening!!! YAY! We open this Thursday for 4 weeks at the I.O. West Mainstage. We are feverishly rehearsing and eagerly awaiting opening night. Here is Ohly, working on the script:

And here is said script:

We really hope we have a good showing. This is our first show in 2 years and it promises to be our best!

Check out our myspace link to the right!

Also, I start at the Cheesecake Factory this week, and Tony starts his new job playing video games for a living! It promises to be an exciting week!

Today I Became A Woman...

2007-07-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

That is awful dramatic, huh? It's not really true, I became a woman a couple of years back. BUT today WAS the best extra day I did. Why, you ask? I am glad you did! Today I got to work on a show with Peter Krause. Yes, THE Peter Krause of Six Feet Under and Sports Night fame. It was the first time on set that I actually was star struck! I am fairly certain I freaked him out, as I could not stop looking at him. And, more importantly, I walk behind him in a shot. AWESOME!!!! Here are some pics:

This is me, wearing a wool dress, wool sweater, and turtleneck (it takes place in NYC and was supposed to be cold out. In actuality, it was 95 degress out).

The hair lady did my hair weird, and made it look like a toupee. I was so bummed, I hope Peter wasn't put off by it.

Here he is taking a break, as I awkwardly tried to get a picture of him. He totally knew I was doing it, too. This is when he started to get nervous, I think.

He is very handsome in person! This is him doing a different take of the shot where I walk behind him. The back lighting makes him look so angelic. Have I become creepy?

I don't care if I have!!! This is my first case of star struckedness, and I handled it ok. Well, not really, better than I could have, I suppose. I know these pictures suck, but without asking him for a picture, this was the best I could do. He made eye contact with me, and I am pretty sure he gave me a dirty look towards the end of the day. I suppose no one wants to be stared at. Hopefully next time, I will get up the courage to say hello, or at least not be so weird.

The Best Extra Job I Have Had So Far...

2007-07-19T01:53:00.000-07:00

I just got in, nice and late, from an extra job playing a distiller employee on a new show called Cane. It has Jimmy Smits, that dude with the thick accent from Suddenly Susan, and Hector Elizondo, who was awesome!!! I was featured as a cake girl, who presents a cake to Jimmy Smits. Hector was so cool, and talked to me and this other girl. At one point I rolled the cart over his foot (yeah, I am known for being graceful) and that simple act prompted him to tell a story of how he used to dance and sing in New York, 43 years ago. He then went on to tell us his philosophy on life, which is, " to pay attention."

Right now, though, my main concern is making rent...

But my hopes are much higher than they were two days ago, as I am booked through Friday (I sound SOOO HOLLYWOOD), and Tony is also finally getting booked for extra work. We may actually make it! I got hired at the Cheesecake Factory, did I mention that? It's late. Anyhoo, once that starts in a few weeks, things will be great, but for now, it's late nights, early call times, and talking to celebs. PS yesterday I worked on Shark, and Kevin Pollack made fun of my outfit.

This sure beats being a receptionist...

I've, um, arrived?

2007-07-16T20:45:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, my dad sent me an email with a link to a website for the Chelsea Handler show, Chelsea Lately. They were looking for people to do bits or be audience members for the show. I emailed them my head shot and resume... hey, it's show biz... Well, today, they called me to ask a question on the show's premiere tonight. Not one to turn down an opportunity for exposure (that's what us actors do, am I right?) I agreed to tell a story about, yep, you guessed it, female Happy Endings. Not sure what that is? Look here

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060627125512AAJTC0V

as I do not feel like typing it out. I went and did the bit, and got to see Steve-O get shot in the butt with a BB gun.

Then this evening, I received a call from my mom and dad, THRILLED to see me on t.v. They are so proud of me, and as I said to my mom only moments ago, " Well, it's not every day that a daughter can make her parents proud by appearing on national television to discuss being pleasured by a total stranger."

I love my parents.

YAY!!! The Day is FINALLY Here!!!

2007-07-11T19:38:00.000-07:00

After months of dreaming and hoping and praying and dreaming some more, we finally got to ride our scooters off into the sun from the dealer.

This is Tony on his scooter (yet to be named):

And this is me on mine (Her name is Stinkberry, named after a popular frozen yogurt place here in L.A. named Pinkberry. But, because I am lactose intolerant, well, you get the idea...):

I have to say, I don't think I have ever had so much freaking fun in my life! I don't think I could ever go back to a car, it's so much fun!!!! Not to speak too soon, but I think I may be a better scooterer than a driver. I was rocking that thing all 15 miles we went.

Other than that things are looking ok. We pretty much need work immediately. We are helping a friend with some improv work shop stuff, but it's getting down to the wire. Tomorrow morning will be spent hard core applying for jobs and scootering everywhere. I am a person who tends to stress out very easily about money, but right now, I am just trying to keep things as positive as possible.

More on our lives in the sunny state of Cali as things develop.

My Trip to Las Vegas

2007-06-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

The T.V. show that is. Real quick, before I get into it, I will say the phrase " What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!" Was only uttered once by an extra, which I am happy about. If it had been anymore, my 3" heels from wardrobe would have been in someone's bhole... now, onto the deets (that's details. Industry lingo. What industry you say? um... ok. I just say it. Anyway...)

My call was originally 7:30, but got pushed back 8am. I woke up at 6am just to make sure I'd get there on time. I tend to over plan, or at least I thought... The casting place said to bring 3 costumes, and that the scene would be in a rock club, so jeans and t-shirts would be ok. I brought 5 t-shirts, thinking I was would be all set.

They said we need to have our hair and make up ready to go, as we are going out for a night on the town. This is me hoping I was rock and roll enough for them:

Then I arrived at a church in Hollywood, where we were put on a shuttle and driven 3 blocks away, to a local music venue LITERALLY 3 blocks away from where the shuttle left. I sat next to some girl who has lived here for 2 years pursuing acting, but had never been an extra, so we were in the same boat. I figured I had found a new friend! But the moment we got there, like many Hollywood relationships, ours fizzled and we parted ways. I wondered around for a bit, very confused. There were 100 or so other extras, so I finally asked some guy for help. He told me what to fill out on my voucher, and that I had to go to wardrobe. " Easy!" I thought. They'll just check me out, tell me I am awesome, and then I am on my way.

Well, this is me, 1 and 1/2 hours and 6 costume changes later:

Apparently the actual costumes needed to be, as I call it, "slutty casual." Everything I tried on that they gave me to try on, they just didn't seem to like. They finally settled a very cleavage revealing silky tank top thing. Oh I failed to mention that the changing tent (which was about 95 degrees) was across the lot, so I had to walk back and forth. They also gave me the aforementioned 3" heels, which another extra told me to ditch after our third walk back and forth to the music venue and I couldn't stand. Wardrobe was none the wiser!

We spent from 10am to 3pm going back and forth to the music venue, and listening to a joke 1980's heavey metal hair band, which I later found out is actually a real band who, by they way, was not at all afraid to flirt with the Go-Go dancers in the cages. Vegas baby!

Finally we had lunch at 3. I went through the line first, thinking I was pretty sly. I found out quickly from my new friend Allysandra ( and 19 year old college student who is home for the summer), that they hadn't actually called lunch for the background, but rather the crew should go first and what I did was rude. Then she told me to go ahead and eat, and who cares about the crew. So I did!

After lunch, we found out there were 4 scenes that needed to be filmed, and we had only done one. The crew guys estimated we'd be there till midnight. But I didn't mind this. At this point I had started to make a few friends and was having fun!

We spent post lunch doing more shots from the first scene and doing more club shots. Then came the time when they needed 20 people. The one thing I picked up on is, make sure you are around the crew who are making decisions about shots quickly, and make sure you are there with a big grin on your face! I got picked to be in the casino as one of the main characters was doing a walk through shot. I don't know who the actress was, as I don't watch the show, but that wasn't my main focus. My main focus was to get the hell on camera!!! They tell you at the casting agency not to look into camera, but I just couldn't help myself!!! I got put at a Baccarat table, RIGHT in the shot as the actress walked by. We were instructed that as she walked by, the table has a win. So, as she walked by, without making any noise, I jumped up and down as ridiculously as I could! I kept telling everyone between takes that I was winning.

They finally called wrap ( I sound so Hollywood!) at 8 and I was home by 9. And EXHAUSTED.

I spent 12 hours there, but I had a BLAST! So far, I think it's the best way I have ever earned money. AND I have an audition and interview on Monday, so things are looking good. As far as my scooter news goes, they are STILL waiting on parts to come in, but once they get them I can pick up the scooter pretty much right away. We are going to get Tony's tomorrow, though, so that's one at least. Keep checking back in, and thanks for reading!

HI!

2007-06-28T00:51:00.000-07:00

Fancy meeting you here! Me? Well, I've been enjoying my unemployment by doing nothing. Therefore I have had nothing to blog about. My apologies. I shouldn't say that, actually. On Monday we went to an extras casting place, and, surprise! I got a job tomorrow! I am going to be an extra on the show Las Vegas, which I have never seen. I am so excited!!!

Still no scooter, though. Sigh... They were supposed to get the part to fix my scooter today, but I guess they haven't. But last week, Tony and I went to try on helmets. So for now, I will leave you with this:

and say that hopefully there will be more pictures of me on the actual scooter. I will report back about tomorrow, as I am sure to see James Caan pick his nose or something. Also, Amanda and I have a run all set for August, AND we are going to be in a variety show on Saturday. Things are looking good!

The Good news is...

2007-06-19T20:16:00.001-07:00

I passed my motorcycle permit test! Well, I failed the first time, then waited ten minutes, then passed the second time. Woo HOO!!!!

The bad news is, the scooter place called and my scooter was damaged in transit. Bummer. We were going to go tomorrow to get them, too. But, it'll be ok. It should be in a week from today. So, for now, we're still walking everywhere and taking the bus.

I will say this, my calves have never been so freaking muscular.

And we just met an actor neighbor of ours. He is very friendly, and has been here for 7 years. It's nice to know we have a friend in the biz right above us.

Also, I was up late last night working on a video for Amanda and me. Things are looking super good for us right now. We may have a run lined up for August, as well as some other performances. I am way happy about it!!! It makes me feel like I am getting stuff done! Check out video by clicking the myspace link to your right, or the youtube link.

Thanks for stopping by! Talk to you soon! I love you!

A Saturday In L.A.

2007-06-16T15:03:00.000-07:00

Is just like one in Chicago. You sleep in, slowly wake up, go for a run, catch up on emails, etc., only when you are unemployed, every day is like that.

Not having a routine is a weird routine to have. I am certainly not adjusted yet. Don't get me wrong, I really do like it here, but I guess I had some sort of weird expectation, or maybe it was just the anticipation of something for so long, what ever it was, it hit me last night and I bawled. I sobbed like a baby. And today, I feel a TON better. Don't ever underestimate a good ol' fashioned sob. It's been a while since I cried till I fell asleep, and it felt good. Today, I woke up with that sadness cloud gone. Hopefully my tears of mourning for what was will have washed me clean, and now the future has some sun on the horizon. I know this is going to come and go, but for today, for right now, I am feeling good.

An update on my birth certificate situation: After running around yesterday and trying to get it expedited, my mom called last night and said " Oh yeah, we have it! We'll overnight it to you!" What?! Why didn't I check with them?! Again, I am a kid. So now I need to see if I can cancel my request by Monday, so I don't get charged. Ah the adventures I'm having.

An update on my art project: OK, so here it is!!! I have been wanting to do this for the last two years, and, yesterday, I FINALLY accomplished my goal:

That's right! I cut out Tony's and my head shots into a heart shape, then Decoupaged them onto our toilette seat! I am very happy with the results.

Now Tony and I are going to explore a park that has a Frank Lloyd Wright house at the top of a hill. Tony LOVES FLW (that's what the kids call him).

So, even though our days are similar, today feels different. Today feels brighter.

So Sometimes I Still Feel like a kid...

2007-06-15T13:25:00.001-07:00

But not in a cute, fun, youthful, "I see things as though they are new" kind of way. No it's more in a "I am really good at losing things" kind of way. Right now, I have to prolong our getting scooters because in California, you need a birth certificate to get your license. Now I am paying a pretty penny to have mine expedited. Fun! Oh, and I can't seem to find my social security card either, which I will need for jobs.

It's ok, though. We are taking this time off to catch up on sleep, get a TON of walking in, and we even managed to hang up a picture on our wall!

It's funny how when you work a job that you hate, you can't WAIT to be unemployed, and then when you are unemployed, it's hard to take advantage of it because you are worried about finding work. But, as I keep reminding myself, I need to take it a day at a time. Today, I am going to try to complete an art project I have had in mind for a while. I hope to get it done, and post a picture for you all to see.

Wish me luck!

A Retrospective of My Birthday...

2007-06-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

So, let me start by saying, I really enjoy Sex and the City. I used to LOVE it. Now it's the sort of thing where, if it's on, I'll watch it. But because of my previous obsession with the show, there will always be a special place in my heart for Sarah Jessica Parker. She has started a clothing line with these guys, Steve and Barry, and everything is under $20. It's a great idea and the clothes are very cute! A few days before my birthday, my mom sent me an email saying that SJP (that's what us fans call her) was going to be at the L.A. opening of the store. And because it is on my birthday, I should go meet her. I thought, why not? It'll be a fun adventure!

Ok, so we are getting our scooters this week, but as of my birthday, we were still vehicleless. SOOO we took the metro:

And then took a bus. It was only about 6 miles away, so not too bad. Surprisingly, the public transit system is alright here. No Chicago, of course, but definitely pretty easy to use.

So we got there an hour before she was supposed to be there. After 10 minutes we had gone through the whole store. So we just looked around some more. The place wasn't that packed, in fact, it was pretty dead considering SJP was about to make an appearance. We were thinking " It's L.A.Maybe people are just used to seeing celebs and it's not a big deal." Finally, about 10 minutes to noon (when she was supposed to be arrive), I asked an employee if she was going to be there. Her response? " She SHOULD be, I mean, it's our grand opening! It's a big deal!" It turns out, she was at the Manhattan store.

But not all was lost. We ended up walking home (6 miles!!!), and getting to see part of the city we hadn't seen yet.

For my birthday Tony got me this purse, which I am in love with!

And that night, we sang Karaoke, which I hadn't done for a while, it had been WAY too long. I think I sang 10 songs? Maybe more. It was awesome!

For some reason I went the Dollar store and bought prizes for my guests. These bunny ear things cracked me up, so I got some for Amanda and me.

All in all, a pretty good Bday! Today is the first day I have started to look for work. AH! It's starting to be real now. Stay tuned to find out what the hell I am doing with my life! YAY!

Greetings, From Sunny California!

2007-06-06T15:20:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone! I am sorry for the lack of posts. We should be getting our internet installed on Saturday, so expect many more frequent posts after that. Thanks to everyone for all of the super sweet comments. Things are going well, here. Right now, we are just spending our days unpacking and enjoying the new apt, and our evenings with Amanda and Mike exploring the city. This is a picture of my favorite section of our new shower curtain. I found it very appropriate:

I am keeping this brief, as we are at a coffee shop, and running out of internet time.

Oh a few quick things:

1. Saturday night I saw Bobcat Goldthwaite, whom I do a kick ass impression of. BUT I chickened out talking to him. AHH! I saw him at this late night comedy variety show, he was in the audience, so hopefully I'll run into him again, and maybe make an "impression" (sorry, couldn't resist).

2. If you are planning on moving here from Chicago, know that they don't have any Chase Banks out here... A good reason of why last week was so damn hectic. They hav every other bank BUT Chase. Just an FYI.

3. And lastly, tomorrow is my bday. YAY!!! Just wanted to say that.

Keep checking back, there will be new posts soon.

See ya!

WE DID IT!

2007-06-02T15:25:00.000-07:00

Well, we got a place!!! That parts done. What a relief! The apartment complex is like an all girls college campus in Georgia. The buildings are pink and there are winding paths and TONS of gardens. It's very secluded and quiet and just perfect!

This is the view from our front windows:

This is the view of our living room from our dining room. The walls are almost a lavenderish raisiny color. With the floor to ceiling windows open, the breeze makes the apartment very cool.

This is our bathroom. Those two doors on the right are closets. There are two other closets. We don't have enough stuff to fill up all of the extra space!!!

This is our kitchen. Tony took this picture. This is my favorite kitchen I have ever rented. The walls are a bright light purple, and you can't see it, but across from me there is a tiny door that, when opened, reveals a pull out ironing board. Awesome!

And finally, the first thing I hung on my wall is my bulldog calendar Amanda got me. It's my birthday month, after all.

After all of the stress of finally finding a place had dissipated, another stress wave hit me today... job time. But, for today, things are looking ok. For today, I will focus on unpacking, and enjoying this fine, sunny, California day.

Talk to you soon!

Hooray for Hollywood?

2007-05-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

Hello! Let me start out by saying, we made it! To L.A. I mean, not in the biz...yet. We arrived on Monday, as planned. We have spent the last two days looking for an apartment. Mike and Amanda have been unbelievably helpful, but right now we are running out of time on our truck rental, and we need to get a place fast. We applied for one, and were supposed to hear today, but haven't. I am not losing hope yet.

So far, the weather has been FANTASTIC:

A lot of the buildings here are very retro looking on the outside. Some places really play that up, and the apartments inside are gorgeous. Some, however, are not:

With all this hard work, I needed to take a moment and treat myself, so Amanda and I got manicures!

Oh, also, I keep forgetting that my birthday is next Thursday. I am never one to forget my birthday, in fact I tend to tell EVERYONE a month before, but with all of this hubbub with finding an apartment, it just keeps slipping my mind. Luckily, L.A. reminded me:

OH! On a break from apartment hunting, we stopped at a local diner for some coffee, and it is there that we had our first major celeb sightings. None other than Mr. Ron Jeremy, and Mr. Tony Hale of Arrested Development (Buster)!!!!!! I was way more excited about seeing Buster, but it was cool to see Ron Jeremy too. I didn't take pictures, because it just felt weird, so instead, I will leave with this picture I took of the Hollywood sign:

No, that's it. I promise. It's really blurry and uncertain, much like our immediate future, but hey, it's Hollywood!

Stay Tuned to see if we become officially homeless!

What Did You Do Yesterday?

2007-05-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

This is what we did:

As beautiful as the views of New Mexico and Arizona are, by the end of our 3rd day of driving, this view:

Started to feel like this:

But once we arrived in Tempe, the feel of solid, unmoving desert on our feet made it all worth while. We are staying here for the weekend to hang with Tony's family and enjoy the hundred degree heat.

Last night we got dinner with Tony's mom, before the rest of his family arrives today and tomorrow.

We had a great time, his mom is the sweetest lady! Today, we hit the outlet malls and enjoy a day of walking, as opposed to driving. YAY WALKING!

I am going to do my best to blog this weekend. If I don't get a chance, enjoy your holiday weekends. But stay tuned. Today I realized, we are 3 days away from arriving at Mike and Amanda's in L.A.!!!!

Southwestern United States, Be Gentle, It's My First Time...

2007-05-23T21:35:00.000-07:00

So, this is my first time driving through this part of the country. We visited Tony's mom in Arizona a year ago, but I have never actually driven through the desert. But, I am getting ahead of myself, I'll start with the beginning of our day.

We spent last night in Springfield, MO. My parents lived there for a few years, and I got to show Tony the house they had built:

It was really fun to see how much the area had built up in the last 5 years.

Then, after some bad traffic, we FINALLY got on the road. As you may remember, this was our 12 hour driving day. Well, we hit that goal, and then some. But we took many stops along the way to stretch our feet and enjoy Oklahoma, where we spent a good portion of the day. One of my two favorite things about OK was this guy:

We met him outside of a Kum and Go. Creepy.

For some reason, we decided to drive straight through to OK City and to wait and eat lunch there. Well, we ate at 8 am, and by 2pm, we were still an hour away from OK City. We were famished.

I almost died:

BUT luckily we hit downtown OK City. I wasn't that impressed... well, except for finding my second favorite thing about Oklahoma:

Diet Dr. Pepper in the fountain?! WHO DOES THAT?! I guess OK City does it!

Also, a side note, bug windshields are nasty:

But as the day wore on, we started to enter a very gorgeous part of the country: Northern Texas and New Mexico. I got see an entire field of energy windmills and my heart warmed.

As we left Texas for the New Mexico border, we were blessed with a gorgeous sunset that seemed to go on forever:

And as we entered the night of New Mexico, I ended up with my very own blurry UFO sighting picture:

Southwestern United States, you have won my heart.

Tomorrow, it's the deserts of Arizona. Stay tuned to find out if I get lost in a sand dune, or if Tony ends up a hippie in a VW bus, living off the land.

Goodbye Chicago

2007-05-22T22:26:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Missouri! Tony and I are stopped in Springfield, MO... sister city to Branson, MO! I spent 2 summers in this city, right out of high school. I like it here, and it will be fun to show Tony around tomorrow before we hit the road.

Today we were up by 7am to pick up the truck. As soon as we did, I got hit with the worst case of Diarrhea I have ever had in my life. Sorry for the vulgarity, but you have to understand, it was just Tony and me packing up the truck. So for about 3 hours I was useless. But around 11, I finally got my first wind (no pun intended).

Goodbye Apartment!

We finally hit the road by 2, and just now arrived at our hotel. It's after midnight, and tomorrow we have a 12 hour drive ahead of us.

I am having Tony do all of the driving, as I really don't feel good about driving a 10 foot truck around, plus he hates my driving, and I don't blame him, I hate my driving too.

As we left Chicago, many great memories came flooding back. This city has been my youth; my late teens to early twenties have been spent there. I met some of the most AMAZING people there, and have been VERY fortunate. This city is full of great, fun, sweet, wonderful, supportive people, and I will really miss it.

Goodbye Chicago.

And now, onto a new chapter in our lives. But first, we must make it through the southern United States, and then we need to find an apartment, OH yeah and find work...ok, ok, one thing at a time.

Good night everyone!

Progress

2007-05-21T15:24:00.001-07:00

While I was gone, Tony made some progress! Here is all of our stuff, stacked in the living room, ready to be loaded onto our truck tomorrow morning. That's right, those are my feet, as I sit here and blog about it.

Now I actually need to go and get the rest of the packing done.

My blogs will be a tad intermittent, as we are, well, MOVING TO L.A. TOMORROW!!! But please stay tuned, and enjoy such classic posts as, " A Day In the Life of a Nerd."

SEE YA ON THE ROAD!

My future...

2007-05-21T15:18:00.001-07:00

Also while home, I had my Tarot cards read. I asked " How will this move effect my life?" The reading basically said that the move is exactly right, and what I should be doing. However, the end result of my reading was that I am going to get rejected a lot and question whether it was the right move. So basically, it said I am going to be an actor...

Dear Interwebs,

2007-05-21T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hello. I am sorry it's been so long. I was home, visiting my family, and helping my parents out with some rearranging of their condo, and all of this before I move to L.A. I didn't mean to neglect you, but I was really busy, and I had SO many people to see, and then my computer died, and well, you know how it is. I leave tomorrow for L.A. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? It's so CRAZY! Are you going to miss me? Probably not, I mean, you ARE everwhere. HAHAH. ohhhh. Anyhoo, want to hear about my trip home?

This is the first thing I saw when I got off the plane:

I can't believe i ACTUALLY got to see the Aurora Borealis!

This is my niece and me at the Home Depot. I saw our shadows and felt like being a bit artistic.

Here is an actual picture of us looking OH SO glam and L.A.

I got to hang out with some friends from high school. These are my high school bffs Jess (middle) and Lizzo (right). This is the first time we had all been together since, well, for a long time.

And this is the picture of us where I laughed and spit all over Lizzo's face:

It's funny how, even after 6 years, the friendship dynamic was exactly the same. I love these ladies.

Then my friend Dylan came to hang out:

I adore Dylan, and though we don't talk too often, we still manage to not miss a beat when we DO hang out. He is very happy right now, and it's nice to see. He called a few other friends from High School, Danny, Sid, and Jim (not pictured), and they all cracked me up. I wish I could have hung out with them longer.

I also got to meet Jess' boyfriend Erik, who I ADORE!!! They are very cute together!

Erik is a DJ and plays at the restaurant Jess and I ate at. This is DJ name:

They are supposed to come visit me in L.A. this summer!

So, all in all, it was a wonderful trip. I got to see people from my past, and enjoy discussing my future, all while seeing people I love.

Well, I hope you enjoyed this letter, Interwebs. Keep it real. I Love you.

Mikaela

Well Hello There...

2007-05-15T13:47:00.000-07:00

It's been a while. My apologies. Things have been pretty hectic. Getting ready for the big move. I am done with work. We had a very fun going away party. Sunday night I had my last show with my improv team The Future. Before the show, everyone went around and said one thing they will miss about me, and the only thing I can remember is what Ryan said (he is behind me in this picture), " I'll miss the stuff under your fingernails." Thanks Ryan? I will miss these kids. They made me love improv again, which is a nice way to leave Chicago.

Hey, remember when I posted a picture about how far my packing has come?

Well this is how far I have come since then. Tony will be doing the packing since I have to leave. Sorry, baby...

Sorry Roomie...

2007-05-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

In the interest of using my days off next week for good, I decided to try and finish packing last night.

This is how far I got:

I feel bad for our roommate. Sorry dude...

My Friend Megan RULES!

2007-05-11T07:31:00.000-07:00

She got me this AWESOME Amy Sedaris book. I LOOOVE Amy Sedaris and want to work with her someday, so this is pretty fitting....

Megan and I go to lunch together every day. She is the most positive person I know, and helped me through some rough days. She is the best!!! I am going to miss her for sure!

The Goodbyes Begin

2007-05-11T07:18:00.000-07:00

I am really not too broken up about leaving here. I am way to excited for my future. But there are a few people I will miss. J is one of them (he would like to remain anonymous ... I don't blame him... if this blog weren't about my life, I'd want to remain anonymous too!). He has been a good friend, and as a going away gift, I gave him my rubber band ball. He was really touched.

I am really going to miss that ball...

You Take the Good, You Take the Bad...

2007-05-11T06:45:00.000-07:00

Well, through some weird discrepency, we didn't get the place in Amanda's building. I am bummed, but as my old geography teacher, Ms. Bohnsack, used to say, " Such is life."

On the upside, today is my last day of work, and I am LITERALLY doing cartwheels!

Also, I have decided to wear my sunglasses all day.

Think Negative, Think Positive

2007-05-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

My mom says to think positively and the things you want will come. Tony says to think negatively and you'll be surprised when the things you want actually happen.

We are still waiting to hear about the apartment. I am SO NERVOUS!

Home Sweet Home?

2007-05-09T07:18:00.000-07:00

SO yesterday afternoon we found out we needed to get the application in for the apartment in Amanda's building by, well, yesterday afternoon. They posted it online yesterday and started showing it. Well, I am a spazoid, and spent the entire afternoon/evening freaking out. We got the application faxed in, and Mike, Amanda's husband, was super awesome and got the application fee to the building manager, so everything is set. Now we wait to hear. Hopefully we'll find out today.

This is it:

Damn I hope this works out...

2007-05-08T06:50:00.000-07:00

Last night, after a nice walk and dinner outside at a delicious Mediterranean resturant, we came home to find this receipt in the mail:

It's for our scooters!!! I looked at it, then hid it away in a safe place, then not a moment later Tony said " What?! Where is it?! Let me see it!" Just seeing the words was like finding the golden ticket.

These are our scooters. Mine's pink.

My Last Monday EVER

2007-05-07T08:42:00.000-07:00

At my job that is. I couldn't be more thrilled. I'd like to think that a week from now I will be sleeping in late, not doing anything all day, and then continuing the trend the rest of the week. Unfortunately, I will be doing last minute packing, and getting ready to go home for 5 days. I am going home to get my head shots done, see my niece, and see my parents, possibly for the last time until Christmas. I haven't seen then since January, when I was home, which is a long time for us. I was back and forth a lot this last winter, as I lost my grandparents within a month of each other. That contributed largely to my wanting to move, just seeing what a wonderful life they had, and how happy their lives were. It was a good reminder that life is too short to waste it not doing what you love. I am really looking forward to seeing my parents.

Shedd your inhibitions

2007-05-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

Tony has never been to the Shedd Aquarium, so my friend Jaime hooked us up with some free tickets. There is a Komodo Dragon exhibit, but for some reason, we all had to walk through this crocodile's mouth and end up out of his bhole.

It was SO much fun! I really love Otters, and my favorite part of the whole day was when the person who was feeding the otters (not sure what his exact title is, Otter Feeder, maybe?) stuck his fist out, and the otter hit it. It was pretty hilarious.

OH and Tony bought me an otter in a hoodie! I am not usually one to buy stuffed animals, in fact, in the 2 years Tony and I have been together, he has not once given me a stuffed animal. I figured it'll be nice to have as a decoration in our apartment in L.A.

One Last Thaime..

2007-05-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

Last night, Tony and I went to dinner at our favorite Thai Place. They make the BEST Pad See Ewe in the city!

This is Tony. Isn't he cute?! He was going to get the Pad See Ewe because, as he put it, " This is the last time we'll ever eat here." We decided we'll get delivery from them the night before we move.

You gotta love a restaurant that puts the table number actually ON the table!

While we were at dinner, Amanda called me to tell me that there is an apartment open in her building, that is in our price range, has sliding doors into a courtyard, and a parking space in a garage for our scooters! This is me before I freaked out with excitement!!!

We don't have it yet, but Amanda is having her building manager hold it. I REALLY hope this works out!!!

Speaking of Amanda...

2007-05-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

So normally at my work (soon to be my former work, 6 more days!!!), myspace, youtube, craigslist, and other websites are blocked. But somehow, the fates are smiling on me this fine Thursday afternoon, and I am able to log onto MySpace and update my page that I share with my BFF Amanda. It is for our Sketch Group, Afro and Ohly. Check out the link, if you dare!

P.S. I am afro...

The Governator

2007-05-02T09:33:00.000-07:00

Am I the first to come up with that? God I hope so! Those who know me know that I have a real soft spot for Arnold Schwarzenegger. Last night we officially put down the deposit for our scooters, and today I have been researching all of the licensing info we need, so we can study up and be prepared. This page popped up on my screen, and my heart smiled.

Just to show you the extent of my love for Arnold, this is my T2 doll (Terminator 2, BEST MOVIE EVER MADE), and is currently purched on my windowsill:

Pictured with T2 is Tony. Contrary to what most think, he is NOT named after Tony, my boyfriend. He was a gift from Amanda and her husband Mike. Amanda is my bestest friend and sketch partner. We will be doing our sketch in L.A. That is a large reason why I wanted to move there in the first place. Amanda has been in L.A. for a year almost 2 years now. Her blog is linked, so you can get to know her!

Why is Chicago Giving Me the Finger?

2007-05-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

I have to say, I am not going to miss the CTA. I WILL miss the convience of public transportation, however I will NOT miss the smell of piss in the morning.

Because we want to be as environmentally friendly as we can in the city with the worst air pollution, Tony and I decided to get scooters. I am calling the scooter shop today to make sure they are in stock for when we get out there. I am SO EXCITED!

Someone's got a case of the FUNdays!

2007-04-30T12:25:00.000-07:00

It is GORGEOUS outside today! Not a cloud in the sky. I spent my lunch break hanging with my friend Megan and laying on a bench next to the river, soaking up the sun.

Then a giant boat came buy and spewed black smoke into the air. A great preview of my future: smog and sun.

The Phenomenauts

2007-04-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

This van was parked in front the resturant I brunched at yesterday. I ate with Tony and my friends Kate, Scot and Holly. We spent the meal trying to figure out what the crap was happening with this van. Finally Holly (who is in denial about our moving), noticed the name on the back of the van, the Phenomenauts. She googled them on her phone, and we found this on Wikipedia:

The Phenomenauts are a San Francisco Bay Area band that combine elements of rock and roll, pop, punk, New Wave, and rockabilly along with a futuristic science fiction theme, dubbing their style "Rocket Roll".

Sure enough, it had a California liscense plate.

I think I am going to LOVE California!

Hey, thanks for the bouquet, ahole!

2007-04-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

Tony and I were going through our finances today, a lovely Saturday morning activity, when I noticed I had CONSIDERABLY less money available on my credit card. I called the bank, and, to my dismay, someone had used my card number to purchase flowers at 2am this morning. Luckily I caught it in time, and they were able to reverse the charge.

Don't forget, Mother's Day is coming up... have YOU stolen a credit card number and used to get your mom HER bouquet?

Travis is my hero!!!

2007-04-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

If you are ever in Chicago, IL, and you need to get highlights and an adorable, managable, fashionable cut, please go see Travis at Orbit Salon, as he is an AMAZING hairdresser... L.A. here I come!!!

"It's bad luck!"

2007-04-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

I heard someone say this as they were leaving with their Umbrella opened. It got me thinking... is it really bad luck? I mean, do people REALLY believe in this anymore? In this day and age, with all sorts of advances in science, medicine, technology, is this something people still fear? SO, I am going to take a risk on behalf of humanity, and test this theory.

I snuck into a conference room and opened my umbrella. Well, I held it open. It's broken, but I haven't bought a new one because I am trying to save money to MOVE TO L.A. so gimme a break.

SO if we fail miserabley in the great Sunshine State, well, I'll know why.

EDIT!: Tony just told me FLORIDA is the Sunshine state. SINCE WHEN? Though FL has brought many great things to this country, like oranges, Justin Timberlake, and my parents' current residence, we are NOT moving to Florida. NO WAY IN HELL! So let's just pretend I wrote the GOLDEN STATE and move on from here.

Thanks Tony.

Happy Friday!

2007-04-27T07:34:00.000-07:00

Man I HATE when people say that. On the upside, I am getting new headshots in 2 weeks, and to celebrate, I have a hair appointment for tonight!!! My hair will be highlighted, and cut so that I stop looking like Doc Brown...

"MAHRTY!"

Damn, this envelope is pessimistic!

2007-04-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

One thing I will NOT miss about my job... mail. Signing for it, delivering it, metering it, etc.

Getting ready for the big MOVE

2007-04-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

So, as of tomorrow, I have 2 weeks left at my job, then I will officially be unemployed. This is me on the phone, and my reaction to the person on the other line when they asked for a hand job in the break room...

ok, that didn't actually happen, but how hilarious would that have been?! NO, instead I am sitting here, thinking about the move, fantasizing about things to come, reading LAist, and trying to push through.

OH by the way, my boyfriend of 2 years, Tony, and I are moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting/comedy. We leave May 22nd in a Budget truck filled with dreams... and our Ikea couch. We have grown tired of the Chicago scene (with the exception of our friends, the ease of getting around, the impending summer weather, and the endless number of eateries, bars, etc) and giving it a go. We have no idea what's going to happen, and a TON of ideas about what we want to happen. I have decided to do this blog so that you can all come along on our journey, watch us succeed and fail, but mostly because I want to add the phrase "Have you read my blog?" to my vernacular.

I hope to make this more of a photo blog, as photoing is a hobby of mine.

Stay tuned to find out if L.A. eats us up and spits us out OR if L.A. embraces us into it's silicone teat and bottle feeds us the sweet nectar of success. Welcome, I hope you enjoy yourself. Hey, you want an interweb hand job in the interweb break room? Yeah, I didn't think so...

A Day In the Life of a Nerd...

2006-08-07T15:49:00.000-07:00

Three weeks ago, I sat at work, drinking my iced coffee, basking in the glow of my cushy corpo gig, when my boyfriend, Tony, sent me an email. Not an unusual occurrence, I double clicked to reveal an astonishing email. It’s contents: a link… a link that would change out world forever… for the next three weeks.

The life changing link was for Wizard World 2006. That’s right, a real life Nerd Convention!!! This particular nerd convention was located in Rosemont, IL, nestled between Gibson’s steak house and O’Hare Airport, in the epicenter of nerd. It is there that our lives would change forever. It is there that we meet Veronica Mars. Ms. Kristen Bell (or KBell, as Tony affectionately named her), would be signing autographs to promote her show “Veronica Mars,” the CW and her new movie Fanboy (about a bunch of nerds). It is at this time that we decided we would meet her, she would fall in love with us, and she would agree to go get drinks with us that evening. And our lives would never be the same again.

I have always been one to enjoy Nerd watching. I am not going to lie, I think nerds are hilarious. Watching them, listening to them gab on about nerdy stuff, hearing their awkward speech and uncomfortable laughs, watching their sweaty palms canoodle with a new deck of Magic the Gathering cards. I love it. And I laugh it up. Hard.

Wizard World was my chance to enjoy two things I love: KBell, and laughing at nerds.

You may say to me ‘Mikaela, maybe you laugh at them because you wish could love something as much as they do, like a special edition comic book or Japanime Still.” To that, I would say, “ Hey nerd! Who let you into my apt?! Anyway, I have a life, and they are just sad little hobbits with dreams of touching boobies.” Either way I was going to be out of my element for 6 hours…. So I brought my camera.

The following is the day I spent immersing myself in a culture I know nothing about, and laughing my ass off at every lispy, sarcastic whisper, prepubescent moustache, and tightly gripped light saber.

As we leave the parking garage and head toward the Donald E Stephens Convention center in Rosemont, IL, my heart pounds and my stomach does the star wars kid, as I realize what I have gotten myself into. “Ok, this is it. You may be the hottest person there… be prepared for boner salutes.”

In the distance, there is a man dressed in Ghostbusters garb... a tribute to comedic legends of our time. I am frightened and I realize this is real. I don’t know the nerdy costumes that await me in this sea of untouched wieners aptly named “Wizard World,” but I know I must keep my camera in hand, and my photog’s eye sharp.

The shiny banner reads: “Welcome to Wizard World.” Translated into my language (the language of Cool) this shiny banner reads “Welcome to our world. Can I get you a Yoohoo? Please don’t sthpill it on my mom’s couch!!!”

The first thing I see when I enter. I can only assume the forms to be filled out are an IQ test, to see which rank of nerd you are. Those who fall below 150 will be sacrificed to a virgin.

A parade of storm troopers slowly hobbles by me, and the world around me spins. It may have been the heat, or possibly the stench of 11 year old boy, but I realize this is the first (and last?) time I will see a storm trooper up close. I was wrong. I think the only reason that the companywho makes these constumes continues to make these costumes is for nerd conventions like these. That must be a multimillion dollar company. But I digress…

Tony gets the tickets, and I am standing near the men’s bathroom, left to my own devices, and I realize I may be in for more than I bargained for. Is being surrounded by jocks of the mind really how I want to spend my Saturday? Then I remember… KBell. I must stay strong for KBell…

As we walk down the thin convention center carpet into nerd paradise, I am filled with something… excitement? I can’t put my finger on it. What could this be? Is it because I know I will meet my favorite TV sleuth in a mere matter of hours? Is it the fact that I know I am one of only a handful of people in this room who has sex with a real live actual person? Or is the fact that yesterday I got hit with a stomach flu, and have terrible diarrhea. I realize it’s the third (well, maybe a combination of all three, but for now, it’s definitely the third). We head towards the bathroom.

The women’s bathroom… desolate.

Being a super hero is a lonely, lonely, lonely life.

We We start down the isles upon isles of nerdmorbelia. I find comfort in the fact that these people convene here once a year. It’s nice to know they get out of the house that often.

Oh no! A heated game of Nerdopoly!!! Who’s gonna win?! And more importantly, who has a boner from their Wranglers being too tight?!

The ominous joker looks down upon his minions…"Do my bidding” he mischievously, as this sea of society’s misfits fights to be crowned king in the BO contest.

The awning for the snack shop: actually NOT the gayest thing here

Put your inhalers away, nerds, there’s still plenty of brain food left!

Amidst the belly laughs and snorkels that exit my mouth, I click away, in search of the nerdiest person there (a title, I realize, that has been fulfilled a thousand times over since we arrived, and we have only been here for 15 minutes, but you gotta have goals, am I right?).

But wait? Is that…. The Terminator? I am taken aback... how can something so COOL, be at a NERD convention? A long time admirer, and owner of the terminator trilogy, I can’t help but feel robbed. One of the nerds must have escaped in the night, atop his razor scooter, and stolen something from us a cool people: a symbol of awesome. “This is a mistake” I nervously laugh.

I overlook this crosspollination of nerd and normal, and pause for a picture with one of the cinema’s coolest evil robots. “Now, THIS is cool, GEEKS!” I scream in my head.

A nerd bends to fix his magical flying boot, and I wonder… did your mother make that costume? Did she get the track mark stains from your tighty whities? Or are they still lurking beneath your fabric, hugging your skin, like kryptonite of shame.

The fire exit dangles above the most flammable nerds in the building.

A fellow improviser!!! I see John O, and alert him of my plans to meet and befriend KBell.

Improv is something I found years ago, something I felt passionate about from the moment I entered the world of make believe. Something I could debate for hours. Not nerdy at all.

How many trees had to die to make these nerds’ fantasies come true? More importantly, how many 1 pound bag of peanut M&M’s were devoured during the making of these Nerdbles (nerd bibles)?

I slip past and sneak pic of an ACTUAL Nerd pledging something to what I can only assume is some higher ranking Nerd. I want to stay and see what exactly he is pledging, but a sea of nerds pushes me into the tide…

The dark lord of nerds… and his, um, elfin… prin..cess?

The light sabers flow like wine and the nerds fight to the death… in normal “ to the death” translates asone nerd buying another nerd nachos with cheese.

Huzzah! (Nerd for “hey, cool!”), we happen upon Jason C. another fellow improviser! He is working a booth for a local comic book store. He is working for store credit. I have always known Jason was a nerd, and found comfort in the fact that I had found my oracle, the one to advise me on this journey to my destiny. He informs us we must get in line by noon in order to get tickets to KBell’s signing.

Mikaela “We’re gonna ask her out! She’s totally going to hang with us tonight!”

Jason “No she's not.”

Mikaela “ What?”

Jason “If two strangers came up to you and asked to hang out, would you?”

Mikaela “If they were as cool as us, yeah!”

Jason “Good point.”

Noon. We have time. Now all we do is wait… and watch…. The nerds.

Jason informs us that around the corner, Three’s Company’s Joyce DeWitt (Janet), and Priscilla Barnes (Terri) are signing autographs. My best friend Amanda LOVES Three’s Company! I sneak in for a photo. Suddenly, it occurs to me “Amanda’s not a nerd! And Three’s Company is not at ALL nerdy. You got us again, nerds! I’ll let you have this one… but just this one last time!”

Then I see it! The reason we have trekked (pun wholeheartedly intended) to Rosemont, IL… KBell!!! This is where I find out the time and location in which KBell and I will meet, and become bffs. This is my destiny…

Tony “Well, the signing is not until 2:30. And it’s 10:30. I guess. Well, um, I guess we’ll just walk around.”

Tony secretly loves this, but is keeping his cool persona intact. He’ll buy something, but uh, only if, ya know, it’s on sale or whatever. I realized I lay down with a secret nerd every night. And I smile.

Storm trooper by night… gym teacher by day.

We take a smoke break. I need some time for the sweat stench to leave my clothes. I discover the coolest nerd of them all.

The time has come to get in line to purchase our tickets to meet the KBell. I have to crap again (this flu bug could not have come at a worse time!), and I know what I am feeling this time. EXCITEMENT!

We get in the line to get in the line to buy tickets to get in line to meet. The. K.Bell.

(by the way, that is not a typo. We literally have to get in a line, to get in a line, to get in a line to meet her...)

I make friends with the nerds in front of us. I figure it’s good to have one or two on your side. Anthony has driven here all the way from Wisconsin “It’s a two hour and 8 minute drive. It only took us 2 hours and 7 minutes!” He is wearing a Neptune High T-shirt, the fictional alma mater of KBell’s television character Veronica Mars.

Mikaela “You should have her sign it!”

Anthony “Yeah then I could have it framed.”

20 second pause

Anthony “Although I can’t have it framed… cause ya know, I got it personalized.”

Mikaela “Tony, you wrote my name all weird, it looks like Mikaels”

Tony “There, I fixed it. Is that better?”

Mikaela “Don’t fuck this up for me

As we await our future and daydream of the adventures we will have with KBell, I stumble upon the perfect nerd couple.

Mikaela “What if I start crying when I see her?!”

Anthony “I bet I am going to get all nervous and stumble over my words. I should have recorded something to say to her, and then played it to her when I got up there.”

Mikaela “What if you get up there and accidentally shit your pants?!”

Anthony “You’re really dark.”

I I actually found a nerd that was so nerdy, the other nerds thought he was a huge nerd.

]-- I am so anxious about meeting KBell. I know we are going to be bffs! I just know it!!!!

The autograph line. More waiting.

FINALLY we are called to get in line to meet KBell. She will be here in 45 minutes. As I survey the crowd, two things come to mind, 1. It’s really awesome that Veronica Mars has such a wide fan base! 2. We are the best dressed people there. She will totally love us.

We sit on the ground and wait. Tony looks the nerd gifts we received upon check in. I re-do my make up.

Mikaela "I want to look cute for her!!!!”

Tony “You DO look cute!”

Mikaela “Thanks!”

My new nerd friend Anthony and his friends, play Nintendo DS while we wait... Aka NDS. The abbreviation for nerds.

OH NO! I have to ‘rrhea again!!!!!! It’s too late; I must hold it for KBell. That sounds gross. Never mind. I meant, oh forget it.

The anticipation is building. The mood in the crowd shifts. People tense up as the clock clicks closer to 2:00. “She’s arriving soon, have your tickets ready!” The autograph handler shouts into the crowd of nervous dorks. I am among them, equally as nervous, and convinced I am about to meet my bff.

She arrives, Starbucks iced coffee in hand. I am 50 feet from the teen sleuth that figured out Aaron Echolls raped her best friend in season one. I can’t believe it. I go silent for a moment… This. Is. Awesome.

The line moves quickly, as we watch her talk to her fans. She is so sweet, caring, and attentive; you can tell she loves being here. She has a conversation with each and every one of her fans as they move through the line, their nerves akimbo.

It’s finally our turn. We are behind Anthony, who keeps it cool. He murmurs something to KBell, she stops, smiles, looka at him and says “Thank you, that’s so sweet!”

Then we go up.

Mikaela “Hey! I’m Mikaela!”

Tony “I’m Tony!”

KBell "Hi, nice to meet you!”

Mikaela “So we want to do a joke picture with you. Is that cool?”

KBell " Done, let’s do this. What do you need me to do?”

And the following is the result of our tenacity:

KBell totally gets us. She gets our humor, and fits in so perfectly!!!!! We're instant bffs!!! But alas, I am the only one who knows this. With not enough time to talk to her, and a huge line of nerds behind us, we fail to give her our hand written invitation for a date with us, the coolest people in the building. Despite this failure, we have succeeded in meeting her. Meeting KBell. The day was a triumph and our lives forever changed.

After we have met our new bff, we walk around for one last time. I still can’t believe I met her!!!!

I sit at a round table of nerds, my flu bug worsening. Once the adrenaline wore off, I realized just how shitty I felt. It was time to go. I sipped some water to regain my strength and we head toward the parking garage.

But not before sighting one last nerd. And I as we leave, I realized, that I completely nerded out about KBell. Maybe it was the wafting scent of freshly minted trading cards, or being surrounded by the haggling sounds of nerds enjoying their favorite pass time: comic book trading. But I actually became one of them, on my own terms. I didn’t get a boner for a rare Bobophet card, or anything really nerdy like that, but I did welcome the rush I got from seeing one of my favorite TV actresses. And I did stand in line for 3 hours waiting to meet her for a brief 30 seconds. But I was still the best smelling person there, and that gave me the strength to go on living, even though, inside me, was a little nerd. Ok, that sounds wrong, but you get the lesson.