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| I mean, does she know about YouTube kitties? Surely they can lighten her up. |
"AH! My facebook friend didn't guess my Draw Something depiction of Usher!"
"♫ We could have had it AAAAAAALLLL ♫......."
Oh, go slap yourselves.
1
Rolling. (my eyes)
Posted by
*Mingni
No Business
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| I took this photo inside of a restaurant in the Venetian. At first it just disheartened me, now there's a poignancy to how miserable a place Las Vegas is. Bah Humbug. |
Every time I go to Vegas, I swear I'm never going again. But then, someone that I like goes on vacation there and I am lured by the proximity and the prospect of fun and fellowship with a friend I don't see often.
WELL THAT'S JUST QUITE ENOUGH. I am making this declaration that the city of Las Vegas is now blacklisted. I refuse to pour any more funds into plane tickets and gas to get there or otherwise support their local industry in any way. LET'S LEVEL IT AND BUILD A WILDLIFE RETREAT.
Don't believe me? Well, allow me to present my case.
TOP TEN REASONS TO HATE VEGAS.
10. Well crap, it's dirty. Is this still even America? This city is not 200 years old, and why would I believe that raw sewage once flowed from those streets? If I wanted to contract a skin infection from a sidewalk or door handle, I could go visit Mumbai, thankyouverymuch. Risk of illness must come at the reward of experience. Vegas gives the bad end of both.
09. Well crap, it's bright. Yes, the lights are spectacular. Yes, they're obnoxious. Get your message across, marketers. Don't punch me in the cornea with your show poster. Also, aren't we in a recession? Who pays for all of this? Don't we need the water you've chlorinated and pumped into your cheesy Euro-trash fountain to water fields for growing produce?!
08. Well crap, it's slutty. I know it's commonlaw, but people be acting crazy there. Oh, so being within the confines of city limits makes it okay to touch people in inappropriate places on the street? It makes it okay for 120 ft tall posters of busty blondes wearing an extension cords to be draped over hotel buildings? No wonder we have such a 'prosti-tot' epidemic with children today.
07. Well crap, it's drunk. There. are. no. limits. No bartender ever cuts anyone off, drinks get cheaper as people get drunker, open containers are displayed proudly, and no one gets apprehended for any misbehavior short of assault. I was literally seen at the Palms Lobby vomiting into a trash can, lifting my head only to run my fingers through the "sparkly black sand" (ahem, ashtray) in the top of the receptacle. No one batted an eyelash. Really? I deserved to be thrown into the drunk tank, and yet just carried on.
06. Well crap, it's needlessly stuck up. Well doesn't Vegas just think it's so hot? Everywhere you go, the environment just oozes over-confidence and status. Well ooouuur hotel places you in the lap of luxury.... dont weeeeee look hot because our receptionists are dancers...... don't yyoooooouuuuu aspire to seem as beautiful and virile and rich as weeeeeeee do? Snort. Get over yourself. You have no local culture except the sex trade. Shut up.
05. Well crap, it's BORING. So what the hell do you do there other than get drunk at night and sleep it off all day?! Geez. We had some free time in the afternoon the day we left and seriously couldn't think of anything to do. We left for the airport early. I can only sit by the pool for an hour, tops. I bring books, magazines, music, snacks, and whatever else I can think of to occupy my time. After about 20 minutes, I want to get in the water because I'm so bored of sitting there. After that, I want to leave and find a real interactive activity. My dad calls the event of ladies by the pool a "Pork Roast" and I guess I have to agree. I just feel like a burnt pig, slapped over a lounge chair.
04. Well crap, it's cheesy. Not the good kind, like when I get smushy about singing love songs. It's dirty cheesy. Cheap nonsense being sold everywhere, bad clothes, fake plants, real implants, climate controlled, and excessive. There is no character to the culture there, nothing to warm the heart. I need that in a place. More than I need a plastic long necked souvenir drink holder. Way more.
03. Well crap, what do I eat?! It's either disgusting buffets, overcrowded greasy chain restaurants, or stupidly over-swanky 'hot spots' (see item #06). I don't like any of those options. No fresh salads, no grocery stores in sight, not even a taco truck for the love! I just want a little bistro where I can have a salmon salad with fresh cucumbers. I ended up with froyo and food courts. Yeeeuuuuck.
02. Well crap, it's loud. Perhaps it's my increasing age but I am just as sound sensitive as ever. Do ALL of the slot machines have to make noise?! Do they HAVE to make THOSE noises?! Do these people know they're all in the same room? WHY IS THAT BILLBOARD YELLING AT ME. Does that band playing in Margaritaville know how bad they are?
01. Well crap, it's fat and lazy. I'm just gonna say it. Vegas is for people who don't know how to really be humans. They sit idly by the concrete and tile pool. They sit idly indoors in front of the slot machines. They sit idly at the bar drinking sugar-laden preservatives and artificial colors. They sit idly in strip clubs watching someone else exert themselves on a shiny pole. They sit idly in buffets and gorge themselves on horrendous food. I almost lost it while walking down the strip. You have to go over skywalks to cross a lot of the streets; there are stairs and there are escalators. Wanna guess how many people were on the stairs? Mostly just me. In contrast, people were lined up at the bottom AND TOP of every escalator. Seriously! In line! Waiting! People with no luggage, fully functional legs, and no screaming children in tow. EVEN GOING DOWN. All I could think about was my patient I had just left in LA, confined to bed because he was paralyzed. Oh, what he wouldn't give to run up those stairs. This was the defining moment for me; I just can't invest time and money in a place where people go to just be lazy pieces. I just plain have no business there.
Go love on all of the wonderful places in this world that love back. I'll meet you there.
Love Love Love.
Posted by
*Mingni
Say it Thrice.
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| Photo Credit |
So trust me, friends! When I say it, I mean it!
Watch Tristan's video:
And Of Monsters and Men:
And Avalanche City:
Posted by
*Mingni
Cut to What?
(My 201 class after our graduation show)
photo credit: John Haegle
After the holidays, I started classes at UCB, the improv and sketch theatre/school here in LA. If you don't know about it already, you should definitely read about it. There are so many improv schools/methods/shows/etc here in town, and deciding which to study is definitely enough to induce mind spinning psychosis. Every single one boasts a great reputation and a roster of known talents to lure young hopefuls. However, I encourage anyone interested to decide as I did: I study at the school whose shows I enjoy the most. Makes sense eh?Confession: when I first started taking classes here in LA, I didn't make improv study much of a priority. I mean, it's just making shit up as you go, right? Hell, I did that today when talking to parents at work. I had no idea what was going on with their child; they just needed some reassuring words and I made them up. So thus I put improv on the back burner and threw myself into scene study, convinced that was going to make me the best actor possible, and that improv is for silly actors who just want to laugh and have fun. Honestly, I thought I would be naturally good at it; and it wouldn't take long for me to acquire the skill.
So I 'got around' to taking my first improv series in January, all bright eyed and ready to take my rightful place as teachers pet.
(SHOE DROPS)
We open on Mingni leaving improv class, staring blankly out into the parking lot, unable to use her brain because it hurts.
Guys. Improv is hard. Anyone can stand up on a stage, act like an idiot, and get some cheap laughs. Improv actors take an idea, start with a statement, and create a comedic game that can be played and heightened for extended scenes, making laughs infinite. There are so many tools and concepts to remember; and it all has to be done on the fly. I can't tell you how many times I stood up in class, mouth agape with completely no idea where to go from where I was. Improv forces you to be at the mercy of your other players, and thrive. I am completely in love with this paradigm of improv acting: it's actually so structured. There are clear rules and strategy to every scene. At the same time, ANYTHING can happen. Isn't it just wonderful?! I have never been so challenged, frightened, and stressed. Nor have I ever been so inspired. Cheesy! Fantastic!
Posted by
*Mingni
We All Do; Do You Whoo?
Confession: I have been whoo-ing. Yes, whoo-ing.
You know. We all did it in college. Newly developed alcohol tolerance and summer camp antics, mixed with the stupidity of young adulthood. It happens. You whoo.
Remember the booze, giggling, heels, and self loathing in the morning hours? The new faces, electricity water spent on bar tabs, the sad photos and the raging cigarette headaches? (I know, they kill people. But when I whoo, it's something I do.)
Since graduating from college, I have turned my nose up to the whoo. The scene is just too scene-y. It's so contrived; spending way too much money and effort in earnest for attention. I mean, really. Aren't all clubs just full of overdressed people; looking over their shoulders at who else might be there? I get tired. First of all, I hate getting ready. I have about a 15 minute window of focus to direct toward preening. I hate choosing clothing. I hate wearing heels. I hate club music. I hate low lighting. I hate fruity drinks. I hate hangovers. and I hate the coordinating. I WILL DRIVE. I AM SOBER AND TIRED. GET IN THE CAR. DONT YELL OUT MY WINDOW. NO, I AM NOT TAKING YOU THROUGH TACO BELL.
Well friends, I find myself as a hypocrite, and last month was the Month of Whoo.
First of all, I have had a lot of house guests recently. According to my knowledge of hostess manners that I acquired from Sunday cartoons and 90s TV shows, the polite thing to do when entertaining is to do as your guests like to do. They all wanted to whoo, so I did too.
..... and then it was my birthday. Now, mind you, I'm not a huge birthday fanatic. Growing up, one was not encouraged or even allowed any kind of sense of entitlement surrounding this anniversary. According to my father, all I ever did on my birthday was pee my pants and cry. Any request for lenience of any kind in relation to a "but it's my biiiiiiiiiiirthday" whine was quickly nipped, and never uttered again. In my house, birthdays are not earned. You don't accomplish anything just by existing for another set number of days. So as a result, you will never catch me in any sort of sparkly head adornment or sash, screeching at my friends to make that day a categorical priority over everything else they may have going on in their lives.
But this year, I whoo-ed. I had previously said that I just wanted to go to the movies, but upon further thought decided that a nice casual beer somewhere would be just as acceptable. Cut to my girlfriend, telling me that she just got us on the list to some glitzy Hollywood nightclub. I had to draw the line. But still:
.... and then my recent bestie Ashley had a bunch of visitors in town to play. I like new friends so I shoehorned into the action and they were here to whoo. Well, we had to accommodate them, as well, right? So the whoo continued:
You know. We all did it in college. Newly developed alcohol tolerance and summer camp antics, mixed with the stupidity of young adulthood. It happens. You whoo.
Remember the booze, giggling, heels, and self loathing in the morning hours? The new faces, electricity water spent on bar tabs, the sad photos and the raging cigarette headaches? (I know, they kill people. But when I whoo, it's something I do.)
Since graduating from college, I have turned my nose up to the whoo. The scene is just too scene-y. It's so contrived; spending way too much money and effort in earnest for attention. I mean, really. Aren't all clubs just full of overdressed people; looking over their shoulders at who else might be there? I get tired. First of all, I hate getting ready. I have about a 15 minute window of focus to direct toward preening. I hate choosing clothing. I hate wearing heels. I hate club music. I hate low lighting. I hate fruity drinks. I hate hangovers. and I hate the coordinating. I WILL DRIVE. I AM SOBER AND TIRED. GET IN THE CAR. DONT YELL OUT MY WINDOW. NO, I AM NOT TAKING YOU THROUGH TACO BELL.
Well friends, I find myself as a hypocrite, and last month was the Month of Whoo.
First of all, I have had a lot of house guests recently. According to my knowledge of hostess manners that I acquired from Sunday cartoons and 90s TV shows, the polite thing to do when entertaining is to do as your guests like to do. They all wanted to whoo, so I did too.
But this year, I whoo-ed. I had previously said that I just wanted to go to the movies, but upon further thought decided that a nice casual beer somewhere would be just as acceptable. Cut to my girlfriend, telling me that she just got us on the list to some glitzy Hollywood nightclub. I had to draw the line. But still:
.... and then my recent bestie Ashley had a bunch of visitors in town to play. I like new friends so I shoehorned into the action and they were here to whoo. Well, we had to accommodate them, as well, right? So the whoo continued:
...and then, to really drive the Month of Ridiculousness home, I booked a last minute flight to Vegas to meet TL and her crew for one night of whoo. I hadn't seen her in a while and we need quality time, so I went and I whoo-ed.
Listen. I'm not saying I didn't have fun. I'm not saying I don't have some really delightful (albiet fuzzy) memories to giggle about later. I'm not saying I'm ever going to stop thinking young and chasing joy like mad. I'm definitely not saying this blog wont benefit from this step out of character and reasonable thinking. Oh trust me, tons of blog fodder for y'all to look forward to.
I'm just saying I'm still tired. Debauchery just isn't for me. Sometimes I act like it's so fun to be bad, rebellious and disregarding. I like the element of surprise and shocking people just as they think they have me figured out. So, I overcompensate and behave, well, childishly. Think I have authority issues? Fortunately, I came out of the cloud relatively unscathed, but definitely unfulfilled. Lessons I keep learning. Guess what? 26 year olds still act like 6 year olds. Betcha didnt know!
Seek real interaction, my friend. No need to spenf your life over-sauced and understimulated. Love Love Love.
Posted by
*Mingni
So Busy.
I know you must all be wondering what I've been up to. The truth is, I've been doing a lot of yoga, auditioning for really cool projects and really dumb stuff, falling in love and hate with improv, being awkward around attractive men, and then coming home and doing this:
Don't you want to invite me to your wedding?
Don't you want to invite me to your wedding?
Posted by
*Mingni
We all have our things....
PS- for the record, my friend's 'likes' were: guys who chew their nails (gross), guys with huge eyebrows, and guys that touch their hair. Who's the weird one now?!
Posted by
*Mingni
KungFu Biteme.
{via Postsecret}
How about a little racism to break up all of that gush I just posted? I stumbled upon this on the PostSecret website a while ago, and it hit too close to home to not share me own thoughts, eh?
Confession: I think I'm white. Actually, not only do I think I'm white, but a racist one at that! I don't have many Asian friends, I certainly have none with accents, and I would not be caught dead in an Asian army of people. Maybe I like being the only Asian, another reason to be the center of attention or something? Its the ugly truth. Yo stop, collaborate and listen:
I act Asian:
1. I really like Asian food. I eat a lot of rice, veggies, and cleanly. I put sesame oil on everything.
2. I drink tea, and quit coffee.
3. Ok fine, I think grades are important.....and maybe I take pride in doing math in my head.
4. My grandparents are worshipped and never, ever crossed.
5. I totally shuffle when I walk. I have been trying to break this habit for years. Nursing has really helped, at least I shuffle quickly now. Stay tuned.
6. I am a lactard. Totally lactose intolerant, just like 99.987253% of all Asians. This I cannot help.
7. Ok, I am also a terrible driver. After all of these years, Im starting to think it's inevitable. However, I redeem myself by having an excellent sense of direction. Let's roadtrip; I am an incredible map reader. My tyrant father made sure of this, and dammit I am thankful now.
8. I'm near-sighted? I don't know, running out of ideas! I have no eyelashes, no boobs, and a flat ass??
I do NOT act Asian:
1. I wear shoes in the house. This is the dumbest thing Asians do. I still get in hollering arguments with my mother over this. Somehow, EVERY TIME I go over there, she has 'just mopped'. Psht. If I just run back into the house for something, I AM NOT taking my shoes off! I sure as hell am not wearing those dumbass slippers inside, either. Furthermore, my mother seems to think darker colored soles are dirtier. 25 years, I have made no progress with her on this. (I already know to expect an email about this post, mostly for using the word 'ass'.)
2. I am so not a saver. Asians are known for squirreling their money away, spending only for status and stingily not ever enjoying it. Ya know, buying a huge house to show people how wealthy they are, and then cooking in the garage to not mess up the kitchen. They buy nice things, and wrap them in plastic and never use them. They save all of their money, accumulating piles of money, all the while wearing threadbare clothes and only driving rice burner 'economical' POS cars. I believe money is meant to be thrown around the world, invested in people and bringing joy and experience! Spread it! You don't come with it, you don't take it when you leave! We could all die tomorrow, make your life count TODAY. Asians.
3. Academia.... tires me to even speak of. I'm not sure what genetic anomaly was expressed in me, but I SO do not have the Asian overachiever characteristic. This was not for lack of trying. My parents didn't know what American schools were like, so they tried their best to give me the education my cousins got back in Red China. My mother was anxiety ridden that I didn't know my multiplication tables before kindergarten, so the summer before, we spent three months reciting and writing charts. I knew my multiplication to 11 at five years old. She had known hers to 15. I was 'behind'. I also was subject to home 'summer school' every year, which just led to an incredibly and precociously bored kid who then was skipped from third to fourth grade one year.... mostly because I was driving my teacher crazy. That's where the ambition ended. When I graduated college, I told my parents to make a big ass deal out of it, cuz I aint eva graduatin' from nothin eva again. I just dont have it, I cant sit still.
4. Let's be serious. I have never dated much of anyone, and I sure as hell am not dating another Asian. There is no attraction there. It's not a hard rule, I guess I might consider it...but definitely no computer engineers, no squinty-eyed, spiky-haired mama's boys, and NO ONE who doesn't know how to change a tire. THAT GOES FOR ALL RACES, in fact. Also, no one with any interest in Japanimation. Shudder. I know it's rude. Soorry, lawd!
5. As rocky as my relationship with my parents may be, I definitely am thankful for a few things. We have never had the 'overbearing dictator career path' situation. They never coerced me in any way regarding my life and direction. I have always had full rein of my choices as soon as I was an adult, and they have never batted an eyelash. Weeell, when I first told them I was going to be a nurse, they may have asked "oh, you mean a doctor?" at first, but that was just reflex. In fact, when I told them about the acting quarter life crisis, my dad just snorted and laughed, "I'm actually not surprised. You've always been overconfident and overdramatic". Is that supportive?
6. I loooooove exploring this wide world. Sure, Asians travel, but not like I do. Stereotypical Asians like touring places to 'see' things. That simply won't do for me. I gotta do things. I have to jump off of rocks, cannonball into the water, eat weird food and wander amongst the locals. Gathering in obnoxious groups with weird matching hats/flags/shirts etc while riding in buses, stopping to snap photos and listen to scripted commentary is just plain torture. In fact, when my dad and I plan vacations, we plan to avoid the Asians.
7. I respect personal boundaries. Asians have no regard for personal space. They have such reverence for family, and ZERO respect for strangers. They shove, push, cut in line, and throw elbows in all public arenas. I have gotten in actual verbal spats with rude commuters, unwilling to bow to their ridiculous behavior. Did you know that, in prep for the Beijing Olympics, the Commies declared every 11th (because 11 is two orderly lines) "national line up practice day"? That was the day the Asians were to practice lining up on public nicely, because guests would be coming soon. THAT IS JUST PATHETIC. But it was also quite necessary. My dad reports that it didn't work.
8. Good Lord their culture is cheesy. I can't stand it. I refuse to wear stuffed animals as handbags, use fruity smelling office supplies, or adorn my electronics with dangly cartoon animals and sparkly beads. It's like a entire society of overgrown toddlers. I shudder to report to you that my 27 year old cousin still loves cartoons and wears Snoopy on everything. Just can't stomach it. With my US passport came the cool card.
Ok so the lists even out. Whatever, just don't you dare call me a FOB. And no, I don't know where you can go for dim sum.
Love Love Love.
Posted by
*Mingni
Dream a Little Dream
quickbeforeyoulosepatiencewithmeIgottatellyouaboutmyhopesforthenewyear.
I got a commercial agent, I hope to get a theatrical agent!
I hope I get to go see my Grandma in China. I miss her so much it hurts.
I really hope to go to Europe with Coco and Molly. and probably need to meet Phelpsie at the Olympics.
I reeeeally hope really to go on another mission trip
I hope to somehow accomplish all of that while observing my 12K miles of less in an airplane. I already feel that resolution slipping.....
I hope to see my butthead baby sister more than once this year. Gulp, I suck.
I hope to catch the running bug again, and entertain the idea of yoga teacher training. Double gulp.
I hope to find a nursing job in LA that allows me to do all of this.
I hope to become conversational at speaking French. Did you know I've been learning in my car? Je comprends un peu le francais!
I hope all of your dreams come true. I really do. More than any other year, I feel like this is THE year for me and all of my loved ones. I don't know why; I just feel so fantastic for all of us.
OK, that was painfully cheesy. We now return to the previously scheduled snarky opinions and rude observations. I apologize and welcome all eye rolls.
Love Love Love.
{from the Mr. Brainwash Art show}
ten hopes:
I hope I get to go see my Grandma in China. I miss her so much it hurts.
I really hope to go to Europe with Coco and Molly. and probably need to meet Phelpsie at the Olympics.
I reeeeally hope really to go on another mission trip
I hope to somehow accomplish all of that while observing my 12K miles of less in an airplane. I already feel that resolution slipping.....
I hope to see my butthead baby sister more than once this year. Gulp, I suck.
I hope to catch the running bug again, and entertain the idea of yoga teacher training. Double gulp.
I hope to find a nursing job in LA that allows me to do all of this.
I hope to become conversational at speaking French. Did you know I've been learning in my car? Je comprends un peu le francais!
I hope all of your dreams come true. I really do. More than any other year, I feel like this is THE year for me and all of my loved ones. I don't know why; I just feel so fantastic for all of us.
OK, that was painfully cheesy. We now return to the previously scheduled snarky opinions and rude observations. I apologize and welcome all eye rolls.
Love Love Love.
Posted by
*Mingni
To Sum Up...
This is soooo lame, but I had such a banner year! This is the first year I stayed in one place since...a long time ago, the year I gave into my quarter life crisis, the year I finally made Delta Skymiles status via 80K miles in the air, the year of a thousand weddings, and year of so many other things. Forgive me, dear friends, but I must
Jan: Started the year still trying to figure out this quarter life crisis. I was logging a lot of hours doing background acting, and learning as much as I could about the acting industry. I just moved into my favorite neighborhood in LA (Silverlake) and I spent this month exploring and making friends. I also went out to Yuma, AZ to see my adopted grandparents for a week. We went to Salvation Mountain and basked in the sun, drinking cold beverages and playing cards.
Feb: I went up to Spokane to pack up and move out of my house. I found new renters, whom I love. I spent time with Sammy Lou, right before she turned two. She is growing up so quickly and I am so thankful that she still knows who I am, since she doesn't see me often enough. Thankfully Aunt Mimi still has her place and Terry Lynn does a good job of talking about me so she never forgets :) I also got to play with Lindsay, my blog cattle-prod, for her birthday here in LA. Im trying to convince her to always spend her birthday with me. I dragged her to my first pilot shoot. She was a real good sport about it. I also started real acting classes this month, and quit doing the background acting stuff. Blew my mind, changed everything for sure.
March: I turned 25 this month. Quarter century, meh whatever. I went to Vegas to watch my Zags win the WCC tourney, reunited with great people, made a little cash at the blackjack tables, and giggled the whole drive back to LA. Terry Lynn and Josh just happened to be there for the weekend as well, so I was able to see them and be stupid with their friends for a day as well. Apparently, the revertigo hit me hard that month. I also moved into my adorable guesthouse and signed my first lease since I left Spokane. That was a huuuuge deal for this gypsy soul and rambling woman.
April: Stace got a new job and was technically (f)unemployed for a few weeks so she spent her time wisely by flying out to see me here in LA. I made her go skydiving with me for my second jump. After a superdark vmail left on her parents machine, she made the leap of faith and loved it. In fact, she went on the record recently telling me that she would do it again. She shall regret that statement. I will make her live up to it. I spent Easter with Coco and Molly, sharing a meal with some lovely new friends. I also flew to Detroit for Sheriann's bridal shower. I met Peter's family, and got 'rushed' into the Hakim family via casino antics. Oy, story for later.
May: The weather this month was fantastic. I was outside almost every day, finding new hikes and galavanting about in this area. I flew up to Seattle for a week, including my friend Carly's wedding in Woodinville. Those two gorgeous kids threw a fabulous party, and the rain didnt even dampen the fun. I loved all of that time in Seattle; playing with my second family and seeing my Seatown friends. I gotta have a place there someday.
June: This month was consumed by the wedding of the decade. My BF from college, Sheriann, finally married her Peter. Ask me about their story sometime. You will vomit. I flew up to Portland for their a week of preparations, cried and danced through the nuptials, flew back to LA for three days of work, and then flew to Detroit for their second reception. So I wore my bridesmaids dress again....which was what all brides want, right? I also rekindled my love for Portland, and got to see Amy and David in that fantastic city.
July: The June gloom continued through this month in July, and I tried my best to not care. You could still find me hiking and running outside, determined to enjoy my summer. I also got to enjoy a Colombian Anniversary Festival this month, in prep for my So. America trip later. At the end of the month, I saw my dear friend Andrea marry Matt in Seattle. She is my oldest friend I have, and I was so so happy for the two of them. They are currently reaching their potentials, living in South Korea, teaching English and experiencing this wide wide world. Delicious. Oh yeah, that was the trip I ended up at Starbucks stuck for three hours on a Saturday morning with a case of beer....
August: I spent almost the entire month in Peru with my gay husband Nick and his boyfriend Aaron. In case you missed it, start reading about it here. It was truly life changing in so many ways, and if I ever see you in person, I really hope you ask me about it. I have such a love for South America and cannot wait to go back. Next time I think Argentina, yes? The end of the month saw Sammy and Terry Lynn coming to see me here in LA, and Sam's first (perhaps last) trip to Disneyland. That, you dont have to ask me about. Suffice it to say she was not ready, and my ovaries may have shriveled up in reproductive suicide. Sheesh.
September: This was the first month of the year that I didn't really go anywhere! I spent the month trying to get my act together-literally-taking classes, workshops, and finally doing the big mail out to all of the agencies accepting new talent. I did A LOT of yoga and went to church every Sunday. The weather here was HOT. I was outside quite a bit, enjoying the sunshine, finding new hikes and spending as much time as possible near the water.
October: This was the month of Coco! She was able to fly down for a quick weekend with a friend, and then I was able to go to Spokane for 10 days, which included her fabulous 30th birthday celebration. I renewed my love for my hometown, made some fantastic new friends, and snuggled my Sammy Lou as long as I could. This was a great month. I felt really loved and really close to God.
November: At the last minute, I changed my schedule around so that I could fly up to Spokane for a whirlwind 72 hours to attend Jasmine's wedding (remember, I lived with her in Kansas City? We grew up together....). That was a fantastic party and I am so thankful I was able to celebrate with her and her family. Her dear Grandpa Elmer passed away recently and I cannot say how thankful I am to get to see him there. He meant so much to me and my family and I will miss him dearly. I was juggling agent meetings this month, taking casting director workshops, and trying to keep calm amidst the madness of it all. For Thanksgiving, I impulse-purchased a flight to Boston to spend Turkey day with Stacy's family. Was able to see Sher and Peter, who drove out for the occasion. As an unwelcome surprise, I was deathly ill and we weren't able to do the Turkey Trot I intended on. Sheriann called it 'Divine Intervention'. Im still offended. I know, right?
December: I spent a wonderful 9 days in my beloved NYC to start out the month. A few months previous, I was itchy and noticed that I had plenty of miles to go somewhere for the end of the year and perhaps was feeling the need to pick myself up, so I booked this trip to my favorite city just to enjoy the place and spend some time with myself. It was so great. I wandered my favorite neighborhoods, bookshops, parks, coffeeshops, and shops for days. I spent time with Amanda doing happy hour. I went out to Hartford, CT to see Sheriann and Peter's marital compound. They came back into the city with me for the weekend and we all reconnected with friends. Maybe I got kicked out of my first bar.... and maybe the boys had some fun texting Someone on my phone that night. Maybe. For the holidays, my family came down to LA. We mostly drove each other crazy and my house was in ruins until after they left, but I feel good nonetheless about us all being together-it doesnt happen so often nowadays dontchaknow....
{We'll take a cup of kindess yet,
for Auld Lang Syne}
Outline 2011:
Jan: Started the year still trying to figure out this quarter life crisis. I was logging a lot of hours doing background acting, and learning as much as I could about the acting industry. I just moved into my favorite neighborhood in LA (Silverlake) and I spent this month exploring and making friends. I also went out to Yuma, AZ to see my adopted grandparents for a week. We went to Salvation Mountain and basked in the sun, drinking cold beverages and playing cards.
Feb: I went up to Spokane to pack up and move out of my house. I found new renters, whom I love. I spent time with Sammy Lou, right before she turned two. She is growing up so quickly and I am so thankful that she still knows who I am, since she doesn't see me often enough. Thankfully Aunt Mimi still has her place and Terry Lynn does a good job of talking about me so she never forgets :) I also got to play with Lindsay, my blog cattle-prod, for her birthday here in LA. Im trying to convince her to always spend her birthday with me. I dragged her to my first pilot shoot. She was a real good sport about it. I also started real acting classes this month, and quit doing the background acting stuff. Blew my mind, changed everything for sure.
March: I turned 25 this month. Quarter century, meh whatever. I went to Vegas to watch my Zags win the WCC tourney, reunited with great people, made a little cash at the blackjack tables, and giggled the whole drive back to LA. Terry Lynn and Josh just happened to be there for the weekend as well, so I was able to see them and be stupid with their friends for a day as well. Apparently, the revertigo hit me hard that month. I also moved into my adorable guesthouse and signed my first lease since I left Spokane. That was a huuuuge deal for this gypsy soul and rambling woman.
April: Stace got a new job and was technically (f)unemployed for a few weeks so she spent her time wisely by flying out to see me here in LA. I made her go skydiving with me for my second jump. After a superdark vmail left on her parents machine, she made the leap of faith and loved it. In fact, she went on the record recently telling me that she would do it again. She shall regret that statement. I will make her live up to it. I spent Easter with Coco and Molly, sharing a meal with some lovely new friends. I also flew to Detroit for Sheriann's bridal shower. I met Peter's family, and got 'rushed' into the Hakim family via casino antics. Oy, story for later.
May: The weather this month was fantastic. I was outside almost every day, finding new hikes and galavanting about in this area. I flew up to Seattle for a week, including my friend Carly's wedding in Woodinville. Those two gorgeous kids threw a fabulous party, and the rain didnt even dampen the fun. I loved all of that time in Seattle; playing with my second family and seeing my Seatown friends. I gotta have a place there someday.
June: This month was consumed by the wedding of the decade. My BF from college, Sheriann, finally married her Peter. Ask me about their story sometime. You will vomit. I flew up to Portland for their a week of preparations, cried and danced through the nuptials, flew back to LA for three days of work, and then flew to Detroit for their second reception. So I wore my bridesmaids dress again....which was what all brides want, right? I also rekindled my love for Portland, and got to see Amy and David in that fantastic city.
July: The June gloom continued through this month in July, and I tried my best to not care. You could still find me hiking and running outside, determined to enjoy my summer. I also got to enjoy a Colombian Anniversary Festival this month, in prep for my So. America trip later. At the end of the month, I saw my dear friend Andrea marry Matt in Seattle. She is my oldest friend I have, and I was so so happy for the two of them. They are currently reaching their potentials, living in South Korea, teaching English and experiencing this wide wide world. Delicious. Oh yeah, that was the trip I ended up at Starbucks stuck for three hours on a Saturday morning with a case of beer....
August: I spent almost the entire month in Peru with my gay husband Nick and his boyfriend Aaron. In case you missed it, start reading about it here. It was truly life changing in so many ways, and if I ever see you in person, I really hope you ask me about it. I have such a love for South America and cannot wait to go back. Next time I think Argentina, yes? The end of the month saw Sammy and Terry Lynn coming to see me here in LA, and Sam's first (perhaps last) trip to Disneyland. That, you dont have to ask me about. Suffice it to say she was not ready, and my ovaries may have shriveled up in reproductive suicide. Sheesh.
September: This was the first month of the year that I didn't really go anywhere! I spent the month trying to get my act together-literally-taking classes, workshops, and finally doing the big mail out to all of the agencies accepting new talent. I did A LOT of yoga and went to church every Sunday. The weather here was HOT. I was outside quite a bit, enjoying the sunshine, finding new hikes and spending as much time as possible near the water.
October: This was the month of Coco! She was able to fly down for a quick weekend with a friend, and then I was able to go to Spokane for 10 days, which included her fabulous 30th birthday celebration. I renewed my love for my hometown, made some fantastic new friends, and snuggled my Sammy Lou as long as I could. This was a great month. I felt really loved and really close to God.
November: At the last minute, I changed my schedule around so that I could fly up to Spokane for a whirlwind 72 hours to attend Jasmine's wedding (remember, I lived with her in Kansas City? We grew up together....). That was a fantastic party and I am so thankful I was able to celebrate with her and her family. Her dear Grandpa Elmer passed away recently and I cannot say how thankful I am to get to see him there. He meant so much to me and my family and I will miss him dearly. I was juggling agent meetings this month, taking casting director workshops, and trying to keep calm amidst the madness of it all. For Thanksgiving, I impulse-purchased a flight to Boston to spend Turkey day with Stacy's family. Was able to see Sher and Peter, who drove out for the occasion. As an unwelcome surprise, I was deathly ill and we weren't able to do the Turkey Trot I intended on. Sheriann called it 'Divine Intervention'. Im still offended. I know, right?
December: I spent a wonderful 9 days in my beloved NYC to start out the month. A few months previous, I was itchy and noticed that I had plenty of miles to go somewhere for the end of the year and perhaps was feeling the need to pick myself up, so I booked this trip to my favorite city just to enjoy the place and spend some time with myself. It was so great. I wandered my favorite neighborhoods, bookshops, parks, coffeeshops, and shops for days. I spent time with Amanda doing happy hour. I went out to Hartford, CT to see Sheriann and Peter's marital compound. They came back into the city with me for the weekend and we all reconnected with friends. Maybe I got kicked out of my first bar.... and maybe the boys had some fun texting Someone on my phone that night. Maybe. For the holidays, my family came down to LA. We mostly drove each other crazy and my house was in ruins until after they left, but I feel good nonetheless about us all being together-it doesnt happen so often nowadays dontchaknow....
{We'll take a cup of kindess yet,
for Auld Lang Syne}
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*Mingni
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