A rant and some pics

It's how funny how we strive to be independent; we strive to be individuals, and stand up for what we believe in. However, sometimes you have to back down and digress no matter how much you may disagree, just because there isn't another option. The state of California has passed a law that everyone needs to have a food handler's license or something. Therefore, I also need to have one. The catch: you have to take it on YOUR own time, with YOUR own money, because if you don't? Well, then you should probably start looking for a different job. I don't agree with this because if this is something that is mandatory to have for work, then your work should be paying for it. A Lifeguard certification was mandatory to be a lifeguard, we were made to take the re-certification each year, but were compensated for our time and did not have to pay for the class. Unfortunately, I have to take the test because I still need a job. I know it doesn't seem like that big of an issue, it's just a test, right? What's the big deal? The problem is that it's ethically wrong. Eh. Whatever. I'm done with my rant. On another note, I have some pretty cool pictures. :)

THURSDAY JUNE 30, 2011

I went to lunch today at this West Hollywood staple dive burger joint with Mattie and Lo. The burger stand is run by the cutest asian family, and Sonya (one of the workers) knows all of her customers. When you get your burger, you also get a picture drawn by Sonya on your paper plate. The pictures alone, as well as their complimentary sayings, are enough to make your day. :)

WEDNESDAY JUNE 29, 2011

Amidst the chaos, the traffic, and the stress, we must remember that through it all, Life truly is beautiful. "Life is Beautiful." This picture was taken on La Brea just south of Fountain.

Another piece of sidewalk graffiti...

Again, I was walking home, and my eyes wandered to the sidewalk ahead where a phrase was written, "Master the Moment." Perfect. I'm always talking of living in the moment, breathing in each day. Now here, at a time when I'm trying my best to get back to that place, that grounded, centered beautiful place, I find this phrase. How perfect. How surreal. How true. Don't just live in the moment, "Master the Moment."

SHOTS!

I was working today and happened to be in the back room getting some cups when I hear: "SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS! Frank! We're doing family shots; get out here!" And the picture above is what was waiting for me. Lined up on the bar were shots of espresso for everyone (mine was a chai latte shot because I'm still not drinking coffee). And so, together, all of us "cheers," drank, hugged, laughed, and continued on with our day. It's moments like these that make me love the people I'm blessed to have around. There's always something funny, and yet meaningful to make the day that much better. Taking our "family shots" is just one of those. :)

A walk and a pancake.

I walked to work this morning. I listened to a pretty good mix on my ipod that kept me moving, kept me happy. Then, out of nowhere, I wanted pancakes. and sausage. and orange juice. and a cafe misto. So, on my way to work (because I was going to be really early), I stopped at the ihop, which just happens to be conveniently placed near the bucks. I walked in, didn't even look at the menu, and ordered my pancakes. and sausage. and orange juice. It was AMAZING and truly the best way to start my way. I got to work and ordered a misto. Phenomenal. I then opened my book, enjoyed the 1/4 cup of coffee (I can't drink that much anymore, so weird), and began my day peacefully and happily content. My advice to you: always follow your heart...even if it leads you to pancakes; you will be much happier for it after. :)

SUNDAY JUNE 26, 2011

I don't know if this is cheating or not, but I didn't take this picture. HOWEVER, it was sent to me by my good friend, Valerie (who has an impeccable eye, eh?) who was thinking of me, so that counts right? She headed to the park for a little head clearing, and this (among other facets of nature's beauty) is what she saw. For me, this kind of acts as a reminder to let all of the stress go and just take in the simple things in life that can literally alter your mood and your entire day...such as a daisy.

SATURDAY JUNE 25, 2011

You would think I was on my way to the zoo, however you would be wrong...It's just a normal walk home from work on Melrose. What I love most about the specific area that I live in is the ever present art. There's always some new art being constructed; this includes the little boutiques, as well. The store front windows are something to be reckoned with. The sides of buildings are always being redecorated with some symbolic painting or phrase. These little blue prints brought a little smile to my face. I don't know if that was the intention, but that was the result...and I liked it.

FRIDAY JUNE 24, 2011

Well, tonight was our official closing night for "Hamlet: Prince of Darkness." Although, we have been extended for four weekends beginning July 8th, so it's not officially over. I am just so thankful that I have had the opportunity to work on "Shudder" here, as well as "Hamlet...;" it truly has been a blessing. Not only am I able to practice what I love doing, but I have had the opportunity to make many new friends. Through what this theatre has offered me, I have changed so much as an artist and an individual. Again, I am so thankful, and I look forward to future projects.

A bit of magic...

The past few days have been somewhat amazing. Sometimes you need to remind yourself to take a little vacation from stress, from life, and remember to breathe and have fun. Luckily, my best friend Julie arrived in town just in time. We had an amazing last few days adventuring through Los Angeles making new friends, seeing old friends, sharing past stories, creating new memories, and laughing way too much. I felt like I was on vacation. I feel like I got a breath of fresh air. I feel ready to take on the world. Here are some pictures from the last few days.

THURSDAY JUNE 23, 2011

This picture of the sunset from my bedroom window doesn't exactly give it justice. I love sitting at my computer, or on my bed, and watching the sun set. It's always has a relaxing and calming effect after a long day.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 22, 2011

Amazing Friends + Trip to Disneyland = A Truly Magical Day. TJ, Julie, Terah, and I in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle. It's amazing how one man has changed the world with his innovative ideas, positivity, passion for art, and love of life. It's also amazing how he has created his own world, in which, it is a sin to be unhappy. It truly is the happiest place on earth, and I feel lucky to have spent a day there with some amazing people. It was also a reminder to me that any dream can come true of you pursue it. After all, for Disney, "it all started with a mouse..."

TUESDAY JUNE 21, 2011

LA excites, thrills, and surprises me so many times a day. Julie and I traveled to the Getty Museum and spent this beautiful afternoon taking in art, scenery, and the beautiful view of Los Angeles from the hilltop. The Getty was landscaped with beautiful gardens to compliment the gorgeous architecture. This was one of my favorite pictures of the day. I love the angles of the tree versus the building, as well as the pink of the tree upon the white of the building beneath the bright and zealous blue of the sky.

MONDAY JUNE 20, 2011

There's always those people that become a part of your life and make it a zillion times better just by being in it. Julie is one of those people in mine.

SUNDAY JUNE 19, 2011

So, I came back to work late this evening to check what time I worked the next day, and I found the sink in the back to be overflowing with bubbles, or foam. Obviously, my first inclination is to have a foam fight and throw foam at someone. So, I grabbed my co-worker and good friend and asked (with utter excitement, I might add) if she would have a foam fight with me. She was just as excited. We proceeded to go in the back room and throw the foam at each other. Sounds lame, but it was one of the funnest things ever. I laughed so hard that night that I definitely cried. Laughing until you cry = win.

A little walk...

It's amazing how much you miss in life if you take the faster route...When I first got the job at Starbucks, I used to walk to and from work everyday - a little over a mile and a half. For a while now, I've been so busy that I've been driving. Today, I walked. I had "me" time. Weird to say that, but it was time just for me - to kind of get centered and into my own first thing in the morning. On my walk home, I ran into three different friends on three separate occasions. First off, what a small world. Secondly, I wouldn't have had these encounters if I hadn't decided to take the longer route - to walk instead of drive. I also wouldn't have been able to take in everything that I've been merely bypassing for the past several months.

SATURDAY JUNE 18, 2011

My picture for today is something I've passed everyday, but never took a moment to stop and appreciate. My task for you: take the long way. Life isn't about reaching your destination, but what you encounter and learn throughout the journey.

FRIDAY JUNE 17, 2011

"Tuesdays at 4" has been picked up for another performance. There's no way I can miss being a part of this amazing group and the performance. Therefore, I have made myself a piggy bank and will begin saving all of my change so that I will be able to get to NYC by the date of the performance - September 23, 2011.

What once was alive lives on...

THURSDAY JUNE 16, 2011

I was given this rose on opening night of "Hamlet..." from a friend. It's been dead for a bit, but has still been up on my shelf in the vase. Sure, it was "dead," but was it ever really dead? It still lived on. I still appreciated it's beauty, it's significance. The funny thing about a rose is that it is just as beautiful in death as it is in life...and it continues to live on, just in a different form.

Delayed Pics, but Pics of my life. :)

Here are the pictures from the last few days. I love the differentiation between them all, however they all involve taking in the world around you, breathing in every moment of every day, and really allowing it take effect.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 15, 2011

This is what I see everyday when I pull into and out of work. It seems unreal. All of my life I have dreamed of living in the sun with the palm trees near the ocean...and now I am living that dream.

TUESDAY JUNE 14, 2011

It's amazing how you literally and figuratively leave an imprint on the world and the people you encounter.

MONDAY JUNE 14, 2011

You know those random days that you and a couple friends have the same day off and you end up adventuring/doing nothing/laughing way too much? This was my Monday. Samantha, Patrick, and I spent pretty much the whole day together. This was from the scene in our life where we went to KMart to get a Little Caesar's five dollar pizza, and we all realized we needed to buy things...then Patrick discovered the cart escalator to bring the cart from upstairs to downstairs, and vice versa. It was a pretty magical moment for him, pretty hilarious moment for all those involved watching the excitement. Perfect day off = success.

Today is your day...

I'll be the first to admit when I haven't been myself, and lately, I've found that I've been in that state. Why? Who ever really knows why? However, last night, amidst the stress that I was under, I cracked. I literally cracked up. I was having a glass of wine with a friend and going over some paperwork for my promotion at Starbucks. I was so tense and stressed about all of it that I literally created a tense knot in my back (which still hurts today, by the way). That is not normal. Or healthy. Or me. Amidst the paperwork, the researching, the definitions, and coming up with my answers for today's interview, I started laughing. Uncontrollably. This laughter lasted for about 25 minutes. Mixed with the laughing was crying. Mixed with the crying was smiling. Mixed with the smiling was tears. My stomach hurt from laughing. My eyes were raw from me rubbing the tears. My face hurt from smiling. Then it came to a halt, and I came into my own. I realized that I have been working on what other people have wanted me to work on. I have been doing things because it would be better for other people. I wanted the promotion because I knew I would be a great leader for the other Starbucks partners. Where was I in this equation? When did my feelings, emotions, thoughts come into play? That's where the problem lies: they didn't. I had become such a "yes, man" with so many of the situations that I forgot to pay attention to the person I should be paying a lot more attention to...me. When this revelation came about, it felt like a GINORMOUS weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. I felt the clouds part and the sun shine through. I felt free, and what a glorious feeling. It's funny because I have become such a stronger and more confident individual through the years and have steered away from the "yes, man" mentality. I felt like a completely different human being when I woke up today. I feel taller. I feel stronger. I feel like I radiate energy to everything around me. I feel beautiful. I feel like me again...and man, is that an amazing feeling.

To help with my straightening my act up, I've given up coffee. So far, I've gone three days...which may not seem like a lot...However, if you were drinking as much coffee as I was, and worked at starbucks, it would seem like a huge feat to go three whole days. Well, this morning, I broke my promise to myself and got a small coffee. The cool thing is: I didn't even drink 1/4 of the cup and I was finished. AMAZING! I'm making small strides, but the efforts are paying off. I was consuming wayyyyyy too much coffee and espresso and I could feel it altering me, which prompted the change. I'm so proud of myself for doing this, for sticking to it, and for it actually making a difference.

Today I found out that "Hamlet: Prince of Darkness" will be extended for four more weekends through to the end of July, and is still the LA Times Critic's Choice! This is so amazing and exciting. Every show has been sold out, and we only have two more weeks left of this run. I'm so thrilled to be a part of this production. I also began work on the series with the Project Studio Film on Sunday. They have about twelve episodes written and ready to be shot. This is such an exciting opportunity, as well. They're currently prepping to shop the series around to different networks to get picked up. Whoo! We shall see. And my last bit of performance news: "Tuesdays at 4" was asked to perform at the 92nd St. YMCA in NYC at the end of September. This is a huge theatre space with a large clientele of senior adults. This is such an amazing opportunity and I cannot wait to be a part of this brilliant performance once again. :)

I will post the pictures for yesterday, as well as today, later this evening, but first I'd like to leave you with a song. Shania Twain has a new song out; it came out Sunday actually, and this song is so amazing. The lyrics, the groove, her voice - everything about it is perfect, and it perfectly correlates with my life right now. Enjoy. :)

Apologies for the Delay...

I am so sorry that I was unable to sit down and write a pasting this weekend. However, that does not mean that I did not continue to have my little eyes on the world and find a picture to snap and share. :) So, this post will have my pictures from the weekend: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Enjoy.

SUNDAY JUNE 12, 2011

I love acting. This is how I spend many of my evenings - going over scripts, making notes, writing notes based off of the other notes that will in turn correlate somehow with the script or the character. I absolutely love all of the work that goes into being an actor and cannot think of another way I'd rather spend everyday of my life.

SATURDAY JUNE 11, 2011

This is why I love where I live. The scenery around me is consistently beautiful, and there are always different sights to see. Beauty is found everywhere, and I'm finding so much more of it lately. This picture was taken on the pier in Hermosa Beach.

FRIDAY JUNE 10, 2011

When I saw this, the first thing I thought of was "One door closes, and another door opens." Therefore, I had to take a picture. Something about the angles, the door itself, the sun shining through in the upper corner; it's has a mystical and magical sort of element to it. The gates to your mind, to your creativity.

A Hot Dog on a gloomy day.

Everyone that knows me knows that I am not necessarily a hot dog type of person...however, today I stepped out of the box and tried one of the famous Pink's Hot Dogs located at Melrose and LaBrea. It's one of those classic places that, if you are visiting LA or living here, you have to go to Pink's. Everyone knows of it, and everyone loves it. I mean, what's not to love about a hot dog that comes with pretty much anything you want on it? The hot dog I had today was called the "Lord of the Rings" hot dog (as recommended per TJ), and it was pretty much amazing. I mean, come on - a 9'' hot dog layered with onion rings and drizzled with a sweet and tangy bbq sauce? That plus the company of an amazing friend? You simply cannot go wrong with that combination.

Although I have only been doing this photo challenge project (as I like to call it), for only about six days so far, I have already felt a complete change. I am noticing that I am legitimately taking in everything around me, not just observing, but studying it and really allowing all of the things surrounding me to have an effect. I am beginning to notice little nuances I never took notice of before, buildings, birds, trees, people, signs - things I was just bypassing everyday and not giving a second thought to. Through this project this far, I have become a better human being because I am taking in every piece of beauty around me. I am beginning to find the beauty in everything, and to be completely honest, it is actually already starting to become difficult to post only ONE picture from the day. I'm finding myself taking a few and ending up with options to post. What is absolutely amazing is that my goal with this project was to awaken myself and my senses, to ground me and to take more of a notice in the world, and in just six days it has done exactly that. I'm excited to see how much more of the world I will be taking in and admiring throughout the other 359 days...and after.

I hope you are enjoying my photo challenge as much as I am. :)

A touch of fire

El Compadre = my favorite little mexican restaurant.

This little restaurant = love. The atmosphere, the live mariachi band, the unbelievable chips and salsa, the amazing food, and the out-of-this-world margaritas served with...wait for it...a flame on top. This place has won over my heart and is one of those places that I go to with good friends. From the outside, you'd probably bypass the building, but the exquisite and unique personality that bursts from within is a true testament that you cannot judge a book by its cover.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Sometimes you need to let go of all of your petty issues and problems and take a deep breath of fresh air. One of my favorite things about living in Los Angeles is that you can do just that...in just five minutes time. I went on a hike today with a friend to clear my mind and bring myself back to a centered and grounded place after a not so good day. It worked. Sometimes that's all you need: a view of nature and a breath of fresh air to clear your mind and bring you back to what is really important in life. This picture is taken from Runyon Canyon, ten minutes away from the traffic congested (and people congested) Hollywood Blvd. Gorgeous. Beautiful. Breathtaking. Mind Freeing.

Beauty is all around.

I didn't know what to take a picture of today...and then I looked up for inspiration. Little did I know that my inspiration would be found right there above me. These trees are found all over, and they're beautiful. Most of the time they're located on opposite sides of the street so as to make a canopy or entrance of sorts into a different time and place. There is one that a friend and I sit by in a park where we have conversations about life, career, friends, and pretty much anything and everything. It's funny how one simple thing can bring forth so many memories and awaken all of the different senses.

Appreciating Life

I have a lot to say because of events that occurred this morning...but I'm just going to say: Appreciate Life. Live every moment to its fullest. Tell those you love that you love them. Never take anything or anyone for granted because you never know when they can be taken away from you. Live and Love.

My picture today is of the LA Times. The show that I am currently in, "Hamlet: Prince of Darkness," is featured under the Critics' Choices section in the Entertainment section. I am so excited and thrilled to be a part of this production, and to get such a positive response from audience members is amazing.

My First Picture

Picture Number One:

A Cup of Coffee

This is the way I start almost every day. A cup of coffee is what gathers friends, family, deep conversation, reunions, first dates, love. A cup of coffee is a simplistic thing, yet can hold so much meaning. This cup of coffee was made by some of my closest friends, and just happens to be located at my first job in LA.

A New Adventure...

So...I have come up with my next adventure; it directly correlates with the way I think about life, about taking it all in. My friend, Patrick, introduced me to a man named Jonathan Harris. Well, not a personal introduction, but an introduction to his ideas. He began a quest to take a picture every day starting with the day he turned 30. "A simple ritual of taking one photo each day and posting it online, along with a short story, beginning the day I turned 30." I think this is a brilliant and amazing idea, and I am truly excited to accept this challenge. I will begin this endeavor tomorrow and continue for one year. 365 days of not letting the moments slip by, of taking in all of the beauty around me, and 365 days of love captured on film...er...memory card, in whatever form. I will also include a little caption with each photo. I choose tomorrow because tomorrow marks my 7 month anniversary in LA, and also the same weekend I moved out of NYC last year. (Wow! It's been a whole year already?!?!) It's a big day/weekend, and what better way to commemorate exploring life than to continue to capture the moments.

To view my inspiration for this project, please check out Jonathan's website at: http://number27.org/today.php. If interested (and I recommend), click on the "short video" link after the quote to watch a really sweet slideshow of all of his pictures.

I will continue to write in my blog as I have been, but I will be making it a point to post a picture every day, even if no thoughts are needed to be written out. I hope you are as excited for this project as I am, and I cannot wait to see what is in store.

Breathe in the life. Capture the moments.

The Road...

Have you ever wondered why some people are given obstacles in life. Some are given small hurdles. Some are given amazing attitudes. Some are given pessimistic viewpoints. Some are given everything with no effort. Some have to work their butt off to get where they would like to be...why does any one person get the specific road that they are destined to travel upon, and why do some have a smooth paved road, whereas others have the gravely and rocky back road; potholes and all? One of many of life's unanswerable, and yet, intriguing questions.

Throughout the past few weeks I have learned the real value of a true friend; I have felt what it is like to be that true friend, as well. I know the feeling already because I have many true friends. However, lately I have been so caught up in every other materialistic and unimportant (to an extant) event in my life, that I have been forgetting to take in those around me; to truly appreciate them. I have been wrapped up in my own selfishness of "I'm tired" or "I'm busy" to even take a deep breath and realize the weather had changed and the sun was beaming and lighting up the sky. Who is this person? Well, it's definitely not the me I know. It took a friend crying on my shoulder for me to wake up and realize that I was living in a blur. I talk so much of stopping and taking everything in, yet I have fallen weakness to my own advice. I suppose that is normal when one has a ridiculous amount of stress...but it's just an excuse. Stress is just matter that we build up; negative matter at that. It's unnecessary, and all it really does is get us sick or unnerved. Once I woke up from this foggy haze, things began to click a little better. Productivity was at a high again. Optimism and positivity were at a mezzo forte. And I was beginning to take in the breeze, the sun, the sounds, the world. Poetic/Dramatic? Maybe. True? Absolutely. I allowed my life to spiral down, but I have regained control and am now climbing back up the stairs to s

uccess. Life brings with it obstacles. With these obstacles come lessons. With these lessons come hurdles. Instead of backing away, I will run full force and leap over the hurdles...I can't wait to see what's waiting near the finish line. Wait. I take that back...I can't wait to see what lies along the path to get to the finish line. Isn't that what life's about anyway? Not reaching the end, but taking in everything throughout the journey that you travel upon to get there.

On the road to LA; another part of my journey...