Hollywood without the stars

If you ever want to go to a film festival without the stars and paparrazzi check out www.danceswithfilms.com. This is how I spent my weekend. I actually had a full weekend off from work so I thought I would do some volunteer work that would help me meet people in the film industry. I had a great time passing out and counting ballots for the audience awards. I only got to watch some of the short pieces. Some were quite good. I was very impressed that all of these people had the creativity and passion to create these low budget, indie films. There were some people there that had bit parts in big budget movies but I didn't recognize anyone. The only "star" I recognized was Camryn Mannheim (I think that's how it's spelled). But I swear I handed a ballot to "Dr. Crusher." I actually tried to network and handed out 2 business cards. I hope something comes of it. I was just happy that I actually drove in LA by myself for the first time.

Today on my lunch break I noticed some strange activities in the center of the mall. As I walked closer I saw a sign posted "Warner Bros. is filming scenes for 'Cold Case.'" I thought that was interesting but unfortunately they weren't taping anything while I was there.

Jeff's Birthday

Let's take this time to examine some similarities and differences between Illinois and California.

1. Unlike Illinois dogs are everywhere in California. They are allowed in all of the stores and are just like children.

2. I love that fact that in California I can walk into any establishment and not have to worry about walking into a cloud of smoke.

3. There are mountains, enough said.

4. California is neverland. No ones ever grows up here (I like this).

5. Everything in California is about how you look.

6. Vegetarians have many more options in California.

7. My friends are all in Illinois.

8. Malls are malls where ever you go.

Oh well now onto my brother's birthday. As you might have expected it was nothing California related, we went to Dave and Buster's.

I also had my first California interview (Macy's doesn't count). I interviewed for an office manager position for a company called Bellytwins. Check out www.bellytwins.com. It was just like any other interview. I hope that my knowledge of dance helped though.

I am actually volunteering at a film festival tonight I will have details posted tomorrow.

I thought I would have many profound thoughts to write down every couple of days but I have not been using too many brain cells this week due to the extreme heat and the fact that the only thing I talk about right now is bras and underwear. I am trying to talk to my customers just in case the CEO of Disney is shopping for his wife. I have decided to try and learn something new everyday so I don't lose the last semblance of intelligence I used to have. I didn't learn anything new today but I did write a poem while I was waiting for my brother to finish his sword fighting class.

Vision Quest

Soul searching in a new world
Strange sights, strange sounds
New faces, new places
Same old me

Beyond my protective barrier
Dreams just past my fingertips
Voices churning in my head

Break my shell
Learning who I am
The spark keeps growing

Stoke the flames of adventure
Don't fall into the same routine

Destiny will guide my way

I'm on myspace

http://www.myspace.com/nmarchluk

Not Getting Any Younger

We have been out here 2 weeks now. I had my first full week of work, which is just as I remember retail, not too much fun. The problem is that Lingerie is not the place to meet straight single men and since I don't have money to hang out at clubs or anywhere else right now I have decided to finally give internet dating a try. I have already set up a myspace account (since that's free) and I plan on looking into other cheap dating services. Hopefully by next week I will have registered with at least one site.

Other than that nothing much has happened. We got the cable activated yesterday but still no internet service in the apartment. We have been spending lots of money at Target and Fry's trying to buy things for the apartment. Did I tell you that the Fry's out here is designed to look like a 50's Sci-Fi movie set. It is quite an interesting site. We still haven't taken the pictures of the place so hopefully next week there will be a link. My brother has met a couple of interesting people at work, including the actor who played "Little C" in "A Bronx Tale." I have not heard anything from any of the places I sent resumes to via the internet. Hopefully it's just because of the holiday weekend.

I wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July. Unfortunately we will not be able to see any fireworks this year.

Dad if I don't post again this week have a great birthday.