Kid at heart.

 SUNDAY DECEMBER 9, 2012

 I made myself a pancake breakfast this morning complete with soy sausage, orange juice, and maple syrup (duh).  On the last one,  decided to try to and make a Mickey pancake...and it worked!  I guess I'm just a kid at heart (which is totally ok by me).  My kids are going to love me some day.  I'll settle for being Mark and Julie's baby's favorite uncle for the time being.  :)

SATURDAY DECEMBER 8, 2012

 Crystal sent me this today; it was from last night.  Little Oscar is outside staring at us while we were getting our tea and waiting for us to come outside.  I just love him so much. 

FRIDAY DECEMBER 7, 2012

 Crystal, Oscar, and I hung out on Larchmont and got vegan cookies and tea from Babycakes.  (I highly recommend - delicious!)  After our night together I always laugh when I think back at our conversations because they're always the randomest.  We ponder life, acting, people, we get emotional, we get serious, we laugh until we're crying.  It's pretty great to have a friend that you have no filter with.  And then Oscar just makes life better in every way, too.  He was so excited to see me that he started doing that deer prance jumping up and down thing he does when he sees me. haha.  So great.

 THURSDAY DECEMBER 6, 2012

 Emilee was in town!  Her job sends her to LA sometimes and this was the first time we've been able to get together when she's visited.  I headed down to Marina and had a drink and hung out with her and a couple of her friends.  It was so nice to chill, catch up, and be in each others' company.  It's really awesome that we've still been able to maintain a great friendship even though we don't talk for months at a time.  But then again, I have a few people in my life who are the same way.  You don't talk for months, but then you're together, no time has passed.  I feel very lucky to have those kinds of people in my life.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 5, 2012

 Tis the season...to be wrapping gifts. Whoo!  I love getting people gifts, sending random "I'm thinking of you" cards, and having an opportunity to make someone smile.  So, I have begun wrapping the few gifts I have here, as well as the stocking stuffers for Matt, Mattie, and Lo.  Our annual family Christmas before Christmas is in a couple of weeks, but you know me - I like to be prepared. :)

TUESDAY DECEMBER 4, 2012

 Sides! Yay!  I love that I now have a purpose to be going over sides (scenes), developing a character, rehearsing.  I'm in two different casting director workshops right now: one with Lisa Ystrom (Suburgatory) and another with Matt Kane (Go On, The New Normal, Whitney).  They gave us scenes that we had to prepare and bring in.  Anyway, I love this stuff and it makes  me so happy.  Hopefully good things come of this.  So far, it's going well.  :)

MONDAY DECEMBER 3, 2012

 

 Whit sent me this picture today of her and Dinah from Thanksgiving.  So cute!  I just absolutely love them both so much and everytime I see this picture, it brings a huge smile to my face.  I feel so blessed to have met some truly wonderful people in my life, and to be calling them family today.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 2, 2012

 Today was Mark and Julie's baby shower thrown by my mom and Danielle.  It was jungle themed, to go along with the baby's bedroom.  This is the candy table, with the giant cake in the background.  So cute.  They did an absolutely wonderful job.  But then again, when don't they?

SATURDAY DECEMBER 1, 2012

 I got a soy peppermint mocha before I started my shift at work, and Lo gave me a heart in it.  It's the little things like this that bring a smile to your face.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 30, 2012

 I watched the Pig this weekend.  She is such a funny little diva.  Julie and Anth headed off to AZ to visit Julie's mom, so I headed to Santa Monica to do some "pig-sitting."

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29, 2012

 

 For a while now, I've been wanting to read a biography on Walt Disney.  So, I finally ended up at Barnes & Noble and picked up one.  His story is a very fascinating one.  I didn't realize how much "failure" he had or his financial struggles, even through his successful years.  I didn't realize how many people really didn't believe in him or his ideas - again, even through his successful years.  It's a pretty inspiring story.  No wonder everything had to have the "Walt" seal of approval - because it needed to be exactly the way he envisioned or else the dream wouldn't come alive.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2012

 Hat.  Apron.  Sometimes I find work to be overrunning my life.  I work forty hours.  I get calls outside of work.  I dream about it.  That's not ok.  I make coffee.  I'm not undermining my job - because it's definitely a bit harder than it actually seems.  However, someone's job, no matter what it is, shouldn't dictate and over take someone's life.  That's when an intervention of sorts is needed...and I did just that.  I was becoming overwhelmed, so I started finding new hobbies, making new plans, meditating.  The result?  A whole lot less stress and I leave work when I clock out.

Dreams Faltered but Strengthened

 TUESDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2012

 I had a rough day today.  I was down on myself.  I thought back to all of the negative, nasty people in my life who have doubted me, who made fun of me, who didn't believe in me - until I began to figure out who I was and surrounding myself with great energied people.  People say you are your harshest critic, but for a lot of my life, I was a far nicer critic on myself than people I encountered - peers, friends, teachers.  However, through it all, my passion, my drive, my pursuit of my dream never faltered, and although I may not be where I would like to be just yet financially or career-wise, I am on my way.  I am respected by fellow actors and directors.  Casting Directors praise me in their workshops.  The just hasn't been quite right yet, but it will be.  And because I believe, I know my wants, my visions, my dreams - they'll come true.

This is a little plaque I have that Danielle bought me one year for Christmas.  This is what turned my negative thoughts into positive ones, and steered me in the right direction again.  "If you can dream it, you can do it."  Absolutely.

MONDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2012

 I spent the day at Disneyland.  (Mom, that annual pass you got me for my birthday has definitely already paid off. Thank you!!)  We purposely went to watch the show "World of Color" in California Adventure.  What a show it was.  Lights, lasers, water, mist, fountains, images, projections, music, syncopation  - all of it was beautiful, breathtaking, and a visual masterpiece.  

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2012

 

 Julie and I skyped.  This picture is clearly one of the best we've ever taken together. ha. just kidding.  I love my skype dates with my best friends from the other coast...but it always makes me a little sad because I wish I could be physically in their company.  Soon enough.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2012

 

 I hiked for the first time in a while today.  I forget how much it really helps me clear my thoughts, negative or clouded, and helps me grip with reality, goals, and ideas.  I always get to a sort of zen state afterward that's both rewarding and freeing.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2012

 

 The puppies.  The tree was up, and therefore, it was photoshoot time with Cassie and Lola.  I just love these puppies so much and cannot wait to give them huge hugs when I am home in a month.  

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 22, 2012

 Thanksgiving Dinner at Mattie's.  I made turkey, tofurkey, cheezy pototaoes, corn, stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes, broccoli rice, gravy, and rolls...and for whatever reason, I doubled the servings of everything.  (I'm not used to cooking for more than one!)  Of course we had plenty of wine and pumpkin pie, as well.  It was a nice, chill, relaxing Thanksgiving.  It definitely made me realize all of the things that I am thankful for and have to be thankful for.  I am so blessed to have met and become friends with all of the beautiful people in my life.  What a journey it has been so far, and I cannot wait to continue enjoying the ride.

 WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2012

 I have said it before (many times), and I will probably say it again (many more times), but I am so very thankful for technology.  Because of video communication technology (did I sound smart?), I was able to video chat with the family in Michigan, as well as Nicholas and Katie in Atlanta to celebrate my mom's birthday.  So, we were virtually and literally able to sing Happy Birthday.  So awesome.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2012

Best Friend Day at The Grove with Lauren.  We saw "Wreck It Ralph" and walked around just a little bit while soaking up the Christmas magic that was around us.  Lauren is one of those people that you can count on to lift your spirits, laugh with, and have a good time with - always guaranteed.  Very lucky to have her in my life.

Thankful and Blessed.

 MONDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2012

 Some nights, the best thing to do is stay in and have a movie night by yourself.  So, I made myself some popcorn, poured a little bit of pineapple coconut water in a glass, and threw on one of my favorite all time movies, "Grease."  I haven't watched this movie in forever, but have been wanting to.  Let me tell you, I am just as much in love with it as I was when I was younger.  There's a reason this movie is a classic and timeless.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2012

 Karaoke night.  Sundays are generally the only night I tend to go out, and it's after I close.  We head to Barney's Beanery right down the street from work; they have karaoke.  This night, we had a small group of people, which was a lot of fun.  Nick, myself, Scott, and Steph singing "Total Eclipse of the Heart."  Pretty epic.  Really funny.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2012

"Friendsgiving" Dinner over at Matt's.  Matt had a bunch of his friends over at his place down in Redondo Beach for a Thanksgiving potluck dinner.  So much fun.  Here are pictures of Melissa, Casey, and I, as well as with Brynn and Matt.  I am so thankful to have them as my family out here.  It's comforting and humbling to know they're only a phone call and a drive away.  I am blessed to have become best friends with Jamie nine years ago, and have her family become mine.  People are definitely brought into our lives for specific reasons.  Love it.

 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2012

Very rarely do I drive in rain, this was the beginning of a two day stint driving in the rain.  It's a beautiful city in the sunlight, but for some reason, it's just as beautiful in the rain, as well.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2012

 I went to the LA Zoo with Nick and Scott.  I said I'd be happy just to see the elephants.  The first thing we run into?  The elephants - at feeding time.  So, I got to see them oh, so close to me.  Elephants are such beautiful beings.  I want to give an elephant a big hug one day. :)

 WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2012

 

 Disney day with my friend, Drew.  It was so amazing and stress free.  We didn't wait in line for longer than five minutes for anything.  We talked, walked around, and laughed all day.  I love Disney, but I absolutely love it when it's decorated for the holidays.  Christmas is my favorite holiday; I just love everything about it (except the crazy shoppers...which is why I don't go shopping. :)  There's no way the Christmas decorations can't make you smile.  I think I get it from my mom, she always made Christmas a big deal with decoration, playing in the snow, making cookies, playing Christmas music, and watching Christmas movies.  Anyway, we were about to leave Disney, and they lit up with the castle with "snow."  Absolutely beautiful.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 13, 2012

 I met up with Crystal today at Urth Cafe.  (Delicious almond milk green tea lattes, fyi.)  We've been trying to meet up for literally two months; we texted each other every week and our schedules just kept conflicting.  It's just so nice to have that friend that knows you so well and you can just relax, talk about life, and share different ideas and beliefs.  I am very thankful for her in my life, and can hardly believe it's already been eight years that we've been friends - four of which we never lived in the same state.  Crazy.

MONDAY NOVEMBER 12, 2012

 Happy Veteran's Day!  This drink was literally dedicated to all of my friends and family that have served the country.  It was never easy, them being away, but we all owe so much to them.  Thank you!

 SUNDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2012

 I am obsessed with Cream of Broccoli soup.  When I worked at Macy's, I always used to go to Le Pain on the 8th Floor to grab it.  At The Hallmark, I made Whitney always check to see if they had it when she would make her salads at Whole Foods.  Now, I always check over at Subway for it while at work.  It's so delicious and totally hits the spot every single time.  I'm currently looking for a vegan recipe for it...which could spell trouble because I would be making/eating it all of the time.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2012

 Edamame!!!!  I am obsessed with this food - soy beans in a pod.  They have a whole bag at Trader Joe's for only $1.30.  I was cold and was talking to one of the workers at the bank when I was bringing the deposit from work over, and she was telling me I might be low on iron and I should have some edamame.  (No one really needs to tell me twice to eat this, love it!)  Apparently, it has a good amount of iron in it.  After buying the bag, I realized it does, as well as a good amount of protein, and with me being a vegetarian now, that is good news to me. :)  So, yay to eating more edamame.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2012

 I walked outside and saw....snow clouds?  Well, that was my first thought, at least.  Snow clouds and palm trees?  Where do I live?  ha.  Luckily, it did not snow.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2012

 On my way to work, I decided I wanted pancakes.  Since I was going to be pretty early anyway, I decided to stop at IHOP and grab some pumpkin pancakes and a glass of orange juice.  Let me tell you, what a great decision and an awesome way to start my day.  (p.s. that lump of white on the back of my place is a whole lot of butter that they gave me. ew.  I clearly didn't use it.)

 WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2012

 I spend so much time in my car.  I take for granted a lot of my the things I see.  Today, I happened to look in my side view mirror and just really realize how beautiful it is around me.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2012

...and Obama is our new President!  What a crazy election process.  I love being out at a bar or public place when the president is announced because the excitement in the air is contagious and awesome.  When he won in 2008, I was at Studio 5 in NYC.  We ended class early and watched the election, then went out to one of the bars.  People are hugging and high fiving on the streets, buying randoms shots at the bar; it's a togetherness you barely see.  What I didn't like about the election, though, was how divided everyone was.  I get it - everyone has their opinions, but the hateful remarks and negative reactions were just sickening.  The only way anything will get better anywhere is by everyone working together.  Republican, Democrat, White, Black, Gay, Straight, Poor, Rich - we're all living beings that should be working together and using our ideas to make our country our better place, not by working against each other.  And so, I say "Four More Years" to the man who is fair and willing to listen and work together for everyone's best interest.

Live. Laugh. Love

I've come to realize over the course of the past few weeks that I hinder myself from being social.  I go to lunch.  I grab a drink.  But I don't allow myself to relax because I feel I have too much to do.  That's stupid.  I made a goal, and am currently sticking to it (as you will see) to make sure I am experiencing my life.  To make sure I am not holding myself back.  To make sure I am staying on track with my goals and dreams, but also staying on track with being a social, outgoing, adventurous being.  So, my task for you, is to make sure you are living life also.  To make sure that you make that time for yourself, for the friends you haven't seen in a while, to laugh.  I realized (after I laughed so much this weekend) that I haven't laughed, I mean, truly laughed, in a while.  And that's not ok.  Laughter breathes life.  Live.  Laugh.  Love.  Right?

MONDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2012

 

 Beach day with Mattie!  (The pic is Mattie jumping into the waves.) We randomly decided to head to the beach because the temperature was in the 90's.  So, we headed on over to Will Roger's beach and played in the waves!  Yes, I finally went into the ocean.  After being here for two years, I finally went into the ocean over my waist.  It was such a relaxing day.  We laid out, talked, wrote, AND saw dolphins.  You know it's always an AMAZING day when I see dolphins.  :)  Loving life.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2012

 *Today marks my two anniversary in LA*

 

 I headed down to Santa Monica to have dinner and watch a movie with Julie and Anthony, but stopped at the beach beforehand.  I just had an urge to see the sunset.  I stood there for about 45 minutes and just thought.  about everything.  It helped ground me, to realize what is important in life, and to not let the little things bother me.  There is so much more out there in the world. It's a beautiful place.  The evening ended up being a great one - Julie made an excellent dinner and we watched (dare I say it) Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1.  Julie made us!  ha ha.  Anyway, great company, great laughs, great times.  Love having them as my family out here.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 3, 2012

 Casey invited us to go tailgating with her, Brynn, and some of their friends for the UCLA vs. U of A game.  What a blast.  We played gamed, grilled, drank, and again, laughed a ton.  I haven't tailgated since college, so it was definitely a fun experience, and very different.  We were there for the company and the experience, not to just drink.  Such a lovely day.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 2, 2012

 

 Melissa came out to join us at and have a drink.  Michigan in the house! ha.  I'm a nerd.  Anyway, it was so wonderful to have two people that I love, from home, in the same place.  They're such wonderful friends with terrific energy and I am truly blessed to have them in my life.  We talked so much, laughed a ridiculous amount, were weirdos, and obviously had a photo session.  Perfect night.  (This was actually from the night before, but it was after midnight, so it counts as this day. :)

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 1, 2012

Sean was in town for a day!  He is en route to Portland, Oregon and decided to take the long way from Phoenix and drive up the coast.  So, he stopped for a day in Costa Mesa to visit his friend, Lindsey, then spent the next day with me.  We went to Santa Monica and walked the beach, had a drink on the pier, ate some Thai, and obviously talked a lot and caught up.  It was such an amazing day.  It's so awesome the people that you are blessed with in your life that continue to be there as time goes on even through distance and all that life throws at you.  This year marks us being friends for nine years.  Crazy!

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 31, 2012

 Halloween has arrived.  Here we are as Harry Potter characters.  Alesha as Luna Lovegood, Myself as Harry Potter, and Mattie as Draco Malfoy.  We worked all night amidst the craziness that was West Hollywood's Halloween Festival.  Although it was wildly busy, we definitely made the night fun with great music, being goofs, and dancing while helping customers.  Definitely a good time even though we were working.

 TUESDAY OCTOBER 30, 2012

 I needed to think.  To clear my mind.  To write.  To reflect.  So, I naturally headed to the beach.  It was foggy and cold, so I was wrapped up in my scarf and long sleeves, but it was well worth it.  I left refreshed and ready to take on the world.  Note: need to remember to make time for self.

MONDAY OCTOBER 29, 2012

 Nick and I headed to the bar after a long day at work in costume!  He was Finn and I was Harry Potter.  It was karaoke night at Barney's.  I sang "New York, New York" in honor of all of my friends in NYC dealing with Hurricane Sandy.  Then we sang a duet to Ghostbusters.  The bar LOVED that one. So much fun.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 28, 2012

 Brunch at Alesha's.  Nick and I gathered over at her place and made pancakes, eggs, and mimosas.  That would be Tonks (the cat) drinking out of my mimosa.  She absolutely loves me and for whatever reason always wants to eat my food or drink from my glass.  Eh. Good thing I love animals. :)

SATURDAY OCTOBER 27, 2012

 

 Nick as Finn from AdventureTime and Me as a Newsie at Justin's Halloween Party. I love the creativity involved with coming up for costumes for Halloween.  Next year, I'm going to be something awesome...I just have to think of what it will be...

FRIDAY OCTOBER 26, 2012

 The Annual Halloween Party at Jim, Adam, and Jeremy's.  (Last year, I fell asleep through it and never made it.  oops.)  It was a blast catching up with all of my favorite people that I've met doing theatre out here, as well as meeting new people.  Here is Lauren, Jeremy, and I.  The three musketeers that haven't been together in quite some time.  Great night.  Always a good time.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 25, 2012

 Martin and I went out for happy hour today!  We try to do this as often as we can (which proves to be only about once a month/every two months) because our schedules conflict like crazy.  It's nice to sit and talk with him because he's so chill, is a great listener, and is great company.  I'm so thankful I've made such wonderful friends out here.  (By the way, he's eating fried pickles - Danielle's food of choice at a bar...I mean, always. :)

 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 23, 2012

 

 I decorated the store for Halloween!  Cobwebs and big spiders everywhere!  I love holidays and the excitement that comes with it.  Just by decorating the store, morale and positivity went up with the team.  It just goes to show a little team spirit can go a long way.

TUESDAY OCTOBER 23, 2012

 

My thoughts were proving to be insightful with a zen like quality.  I was warm and comfortable in my sweater sipping my pumpkin spice latte. I was content.  I captured the moment.  This is me.  Uninhibited. 

Disney, scarves, and mops, oh my!

 MONDAY OCTOBER 22, 2012

 Disney Monday Funday with Lauren and Mattie.  I had such a great day with these two filled with lots of talking (obviously), laughing (duh), and screaming (yay California Screamin'!).  I love having an annual pass because we can just take our time and do whatever we feel like doing.  There's no rush to fit anything in because we can always come another time and do it.  There's so much to do and see, and everytime we go it's a new experience.  Awesome.  We also got a lot of lovin' from our good friend Mickey Mouse while he was drumming in the parade, per usual.  Lots of kisses blown, the drum sticks pointing at me, and he even made a heart out of the drumsticks and pointed to me.  I love knowing someone in the parades; it makes me feel so special getting the attention when they go by. :)   The top left pic is of us on California Screamin' - Lauren's first time ever going on an upside down roller coaster.  She was freaked out.  The other two are of us waiting for the parade.  The last one is of me with Cruella (obviously).  So cool.  All in all, a terrific day.  I love being able to go on a magical vacation on my days off, only 30-40 minutes away. :)

SUNDAY OCTOBER 21, 2012

 

 I was feeling very New York tonight.  I got to wear jeans, a long sleeve shirt, a scarf, and my jacket because yes, it was cold enough.  Well, like 68, but still kind of chilly in terms of the 90 degree heat we've been having.  I'm not a big fashion person, but I really enjoy Fall clothes.  I love the pants, the light jacket, the scarf, the sweaters, the whole shebang.  I don't miss cold weather or snow by any means, but I do miss being able to wear clothes like this.  So, when I get the opportunity, I relish in it.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 20, 2012

 Julie and I skyped for TWO hours and carved pumpkins and drank pumpkin beer and talked...a lot.  (You can see me and my pumpkin in the upper left hand corner of the picture.)  I am so thankful for skype (per usual) because it allows for opportunities such as this to occur.  Whoever thought you'd be able to carve pumpkins with your best friend on the opposite side of the country while sitting in front of the computer screen?  Very thankful for technology such as this.  Beautiful way to spend my Saturday evening.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19, 2012

  

 I went out for Happy Hour with Leona, Mattie, Zachy, and Leon.  Such a great time.  We haven't all hung out outside of work since probably last year.  I need to make sure I make more time for happy hours, as weird as that sounds, because having a few hours to just talk out life with some friends is so worth it.  Free therapy and life ponderings. haha.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 18, 2012

 

 I saw this sign while driving and obviously had to take a picture.  How perfect.  I hope it makes everyone smile when they see it, and really has an effect. :)

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 17, 2012

 

 Mattie came over and we had movie night!  Chips + salsa + wine + Hocus Pocus.  Terrific October evening with great company.

TUESDAY OCTOBER 16, 2012

 

 I'm a Harry Potter nerd.  Everyone knows that.  Well, my family is. ha.  So is my friend, Alesha.  There is a store called Whimsic Alley not too far away from where my apartment is that is Harry Potter themed.  You walk in, and the place is designed as if you were in Diagon Alley, with storefronts on either side of you (yes, a makeshift alley with makeshift storefronts within a store.  Brilliant).  There's a costume store with house ties, scarves, robes, a wand store, toy store, mask store.  They even have butter beer (which I did not buy.  Next time.).  They have a smaller replica of the Great Hall, also.  Basically, I was the happiest boy for the thirty minutes we spent roaming around.  Now, to get my butt to Florida so I can go to Harry Potter world... :)

MONDAY OCTOBER 15, 2012

 

While at work, I asked Scott to clean floors.  He came back to me with the mop on his head.  Some days, I really love my job.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 14, 2012

 I moved my around.  No, big deal, right? eh. wrong.  I finally have it in a way where when you walk in it doesn't look like clutter central.  I don't have that much stuff, but the way my bookshelf was made it seem so cluttered because it was the first thing you would see when you walked in - a full five shelf book shelf.  Now, I have it on the opposite wall, so when you walk in, you see my bed.  Honestly, it's such a relieving feeling when you first walk in, more relaxing, which is exactly what I was going for.  yay.