Happy Christmas!

Well, the husband and I had a very nice, mellow holiday this year. We did the traditional British Christmas, with crackers and ghost stories. I really didn't realize that ghost stories are a British tradition on Christmas, but they are. Consider "A Christmas Carol" by Dickens - totally a ghost story. And just this morning I realized there's a carol that has the line "there'll be scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmas' long long ago". So that had to come from somewhere, right? I'd never thought about it before. Anyway, it was nice.

It did rain, so we couldn't take Sofie to the park but she seemed ok curled up on the couch with her pack. I did manage to take her over there today but it's windy and cold and we didn't stay as long as she would have liked. But then we never do.

I'll have to post pics of our gifts, since we only did a small exchange. I got a jewelry box, the husband got an Alex Ross print of Captain Marvel, and the family got a Halloween Cat and a new Dept 56 building.

Anyway, I've got off until Monday and I'm hoping to get the rest of the living room painted. I packed up all the dvd's and video tapes and moved the shelving away from the wall. I have to defrost the paint brushes and we're all set.

Star Sighting

I went to set today to hand out paychecks and got to chat with Kelsey Grammer. One of the hair stylists was reading a book and hula-hooping and we decided it was a bit showy and made the rest of us look bad. KG seems like a very nice guy - nicer then a lot of the stars I've met.

Other than that the show is going well. The crew is well-behaved and the shooting is still on time. We go on a 2 week hiatus starting next week and even though I still have to work a few days to pay for this week, I should get some extra time off and I'm looking forward to it.

Sofie's still coming to work a couple of days a week and people ask after her when she not there. They want me to bring her to set but we've been at a school for 2 weeks and I don't think they'd appreciate it. I'm going to get her a Santa suit for the Christmas party tomorrow - I'm sure she'll be a hit.

Shoot Day 1

We started shooting today and the DP is trying to renegotiate his contract. What a bastard. He waits until the 1st day of shooting, when he has us over a barrel, to comment that he wants overtime and meal penalties on top of his $8k per week.

Frankly, he's one of the lowest paid DP's I've ever worked with so I'd already asked the question about meal penalties - just figured he'd want them to supplement his income. The answer was an unequivocal "no way!" I guess someone should have asked him first... We've wasted a lot of time trying to deal with the whole thing and the worst part is he's so small-time, he doesn't even know what he IS entitled to get under the union contract.

Another lovely bit of news - we may be shooting over Christmas instead of taking a 2 week hiatus. They'd probably give off the 25th and 26th, and Jan 1st, but work the rest of the time. I hope people haven't booked plane tickets yet. Not that it really matters to me. I was going to have to work anyway. The burden of payroll...

Sad

My Uncle Mark died after a car accident on Monday night. My cousin was driving him and my Aunt Pat to a basketball game when they got t-boned on an icy road. A passenger in the other car was ejected and died at the scene. My cousin is fine, my aunt has 2 broken legs and minor whiplash.

The whole thing just totally sucks but my aunt won't be able to make it to my uncle's funeral and that makes me saddest.

Correction

When I said the easternmost point, I meant in the contiguous US. If I ever make it to Alaska I'll be sure to note the difference!

Even so, you can't drive to Semisopochnoi Island and it doesn't have a lighthouse.

Red Stripes

Ok, some car company (I think) has an ad going where these guys drive out to the easternmost point in the US on December 31st in order to be the first to watch the New Year arrive. They do not indicate where that point is, only that they go every year...

If you've been reading this blog, you know I have been to that point, and it's near Lubec Maine - West Quoddy Lighthouse to be precise. It's an easy Google search to suss this fact out. As a matter of fact, there's a picture on the internet of the West Quoddy Lighthouse in all its easternmost glory. I take great pride in the fact I've been there and I think the people who have made the trek probably feel the same.

So what bugs me, to the point I don't recall what product the commercial is trying to sell me, is that the West Quoddy Lighthouse has vivid red and white horizontal stripes and the one in the commercial DOES NOT! How hard would it have been for these people to look up on the internet and say "well, the real one is striped, maybe we ought to do some post production work and give ours stripes, too?" I mean, really... it's just sad and lazy for them to not do some homework.

The husband thinks I'm a loon for caring, since Jack Bauer drives across LA county in 20 minutes on 24 when the reality is more like 2+ hours and other shows/movies make changes that only locals would know about. But these people are touting the fact that their product can get to a specific point on Dec 31st for an important, emotionally charged moment, then they don't even get the most basic details right. I just can't trust someone who can't look up a lighthouse in Wiki. How do I even know they knew there's a lighthouse there? For all I know they just used one because it looked pretty or some such bullshit.

It makes me crazy.

Been Sick

I went home sick on Thursday and spent most of the weekend in bed sleeping. I feel better but I had to come into work today and catch up on the payroll since it's a short week with the holiday. I've gotten done what I have to do at the office and now I'm going to take the rest home with me. I shall sit on the couch with Sofie and the kitties and process timecards until I'm done or until I'm wiped out, whichever happens first.

Be nice to your payroll person.

Ocean Of Feathers

When the husband went out to get the mail on Tuesday, he said he opened the patio door and there was an ocean of feathers in the walkway. He looked to the left and there was a hawk with a destroyed pigeon in its beak. He said it looked at him and flew away with the pigeon.

I noticed the feathers and blood stains when I took Sofie out for her walk. I kind of thought maybe a bird had hit a window and crashed. It didn't really explain all the blood, but I would never have guessed a hawk/pigeon battle.

Probably not much of a battle.

And kind of awkward coming after the preggers post.

BIG NEWS!

DEBBY IS PREGNANT!!!

She's due April 5th, 2009 and is having a girl.

They haven't settled on a name yet.

Whew, I feel better.

Tuesday

I have something I want to blog about but I can't spill the beans. If a certain person is reading this, please let me know if it's ok or not. I'm dying over here!

Anyways, I share my current office with the 1st (R) and the clerk (S). S got R to sign up for Facebook and she's trying to get me to join. I've always been against having a Facebook or MySpace account, mostly because I'm 37 and it seems like something for the younger generation. But after listening to them talk about it I'm kind of intrigued. Not that I really want to connect with random people from high school, but because there are a couple of people I want to find. But I'm not sure it's the right thing for me and the whole debate seems a bit stupid.

Sofie went in and had a bath today. She really needed it after rolling around in the fertilizer that's been spread on several lawns in the neighborhood. Man that stuff is nasty, but it does grow the grass. She'll be coming in to work tomorrow. M actually came in yesterday and said "there's nothing good about today that wouldn't be better with Sofie here." The husband doesn't believe me but it's true. There's something about having a dog in the office that makes everybody smile.

Sunday

The fires aren't really near us, but the smoke is affecting the whole valley to the point we didn't take Sofie to the dog park today. The air quality is just bad enough to be uncomfortable and having her running around in it probably wasn't a good idea.

I did go out to a Clean House yard sale. They've started listing them on their website and it shows. There was a crowd of people waiting to get in and once you did, you could barely turn around. If I go to anymore I'll wait and go later in the day. It's not like they had anything I wanted anyway. I've got a pretty specific list of stuff that I want and I don't see the point in wasting money on stop-gap stuff.

How cool is it that Obama is going on YouTube? I finally got a chance to watch his address and I really feel like it's an opportunity to bring the country together in a new way. I know Presidents have always done radio addresses, but I couldn't tell you one person I know of who's ever listened to one. I just hope he uses them for more than just flag-waving and dishing out the party line.

The only other thing I managed today was painting another portion of the living room before I ran out of paint. All that's left is the wall right behind the tv and dvd's, which will have to be packed up and moved before I can paint there. I'm debating staining the shelving before putting it back up. It would look less college-dorm if I did. Either way, I need more paint before anything else.

Updates

Well, I went with dying and cutting. My hair is short again, at least in the back. I've gotten a lot of compliments on how cute it is and I do like it better short than long. It was a nice experiment and I'm glad I tried it, but short is it for me. As for the color, it's going to take a bit of work to make that happen and still look good and there wasn't enough warning on Saturday for D to do it. I'm going to continue thinking about that and we'll see what I decide in 6 weeks.

Other than that I got another wall in the living room painted and the cat window perches put up. I did screw up the paint already by putting the tension curtain rod back in. When I went to adjust it it peeled the paint off. I'm going to have to take it down, fix the spots, then wait for it to get really dry before I put the rod back in.

Work is damn boring. We probably have 75 people on the crew and about 20 of them are being paid by the construction accountant. The dancers are only rehearsing so they aren't that hard to pay, even though there are 20 of them. Basically I sit in front of my computer surfing and watching Heroes (still). It's blatant but no one cares. It's not like they're all that busy either.

I did tell the 1st asst that I was burned out and wanted to quit, but I'm not going to. With the economy like it is and all the stuff I want to do/buy, it'd be stupid. I'll try and take some time off when this one is done. I was hoping to have 2 weeks at Christmas but now it seems people will be working and everyone else has plans so I have to cover. Eh, not like that's anything new...

Hair Choice

Tomorrow I'm going to get my hair done. The plan is to get the roots touched up and maybe a trim but I'm seriously considering getting it all chopped off and going back to my natural color. I just don't look good with long hair and the color upkeep is too expensive - there are other things I'd rather be spending that money on... I'm also kind of interested to see how gray I am under all that dye.

In other news, not much going on here in CA. The husband and I are thinking about going away for Thanksgiving but our first choice is booked. We may end up going to our standby up in Big Bear but we haven't decided.

Tonight we have a birthday bowling party to go to for the guy who owns the comic shop/frame shop we frequent. I'm hoping they have an arcade since I can't bowl that much.

Waiting For Change

I voted this morning before coming in to work and all day I've been antsy to get some sort of word as to how it's going. I'm not a political person, meaning I believe what I believe but I don't really want to discuss it, but I find myself increasingly concerned the wrong man will win and that will be the end of our country.

All of the great societies of the past eventually declined and came to an end. There's no reason to think America will be any different. But did the people of those societies know it was happening or was it just over one day? Are we in the decline? It's a scary thought and one that makes me worry for the children I know.

Whatever happens today, I can only hope that things change for the better and soon.

My Poor Car

I drove my car to work today so I could bring Sofie (in her Underdog costume). I parked in the lot and went inside. Later, the POC came looking for me and said one of the PA's had backed the office mini-van into my car, leaving a nasty scrap down the front left side. It was an accident and the guy feels terrible about it. I don't feel too bad about it at all. It's still drivable and the production will be paying for the repairs.

Another of the guys drove it up to the shop today to have it looked at and it'll take 3 days to fix - I really haven't had to do anything about it at all. Of course, I found out the side-view mirror was broken off and is now taped on until it goes back to the shop.

So there's the bad news and the good news for the day.

At least Sofie was a hit in her costume.

Another One

Once again, I have found a blog I enjoy, read through the archives, and realized they've stopped writing. AARRGGHH! Of course, this particular blog was by a call girl and had some NSFW photos in it, so reading it at work was a bit of a hazard. But still... why does this happen?

I guess the good ones move and the rest of us plod along forever.

Office Dog

Sofie came to work with me yesterday and was a hit. Everybody thinks she's just the sweetest dog - even the director stopped and scratched her bottom. I don't think she'll be going to work with me everyday like she did in Boston, but a couple of days a week will probably work out. I'm going to bring her on Halloween in her Underdog costume.

I've been riding the Vespa almost everyday and I still love it. I just wish I could get a side-car or a rig of some sort to carry Sofie on it. Then she really could come to work every day!

Meh

I'm bored. I don't want to surf the internet anymore. I've eaten my lunch and I'm waiting for my copies of the Exhibit G's (I should have finished my work before I gave the originals back). I just got back my timecards so I suppose I can start on those. It will get busy, I know, but this part just kills me.

I'm Going To Live Forever...

Ok, it's just about the end of my first day on Fame. It's pretty much the same first day as every other show I've worked on. Get in, meet some people, unpack, set up, and start digging through the crap that's been piling up on my desk. Luckily the 1st on this show worked as my clerk so she was able to keep things under control for me. I got the payroll done, reinstalled my scanner program, and alphabetized the start cards. Tomorrow I will actually do something with them.

I only took a week off and only did about half of what I wanted to do but it was nice and relaxing. I got half of the living room painted (Apple Butter), took Sofie to the dog park every day, and napped. I even managed some cleaning and got the rest of my magnet collection up.

We start shooting Dec 3rd and should be done around Feb 20th (w/ 2 weeks off at Xmas). I've been warned the hardest part of my job will be paying all of the dancers. I guess I'd better have a closer look at the SAG contract.

Sofie and Stella

Sofie and her sister Stella when they were about 3 months old and up for adoption.

The Hotel Caper Part 2

Dear Mr. D,

Thank you for staying with us in Woburn, Ma, during the production of The Movie. I understand you had questions this morning regarding the charges to your guest room folio for the terry products.

Please know that the Hotel keeps strict records of all our guest activity, when it affects guest service, hotel product and profitability. This includes every telephone call, including the number dialed and how long the call was for. We know exactly what movies guests watch, even if the title does not show on the receipt, and what time it was watched. We know exactly what time room service orders are called, and exactly what was ordered, down to the extra hollandaise on someone’s Eggs Benedict.

We also keep diligent records of every guest call to the front desk, what they ask for and what we brought them. This could be for cleaning services, assistance with high speed internet, directions on using the telephone, or amenities. The amenities (toothpaste, comb, razor, lotion) we give to our guests with our compliments. The terrycloth items (bathrobes, towels) and bathroom carpets are expected to be returned.

The attached spreadsheet outlines the dates we brought items to room 227, during your stay, and what the items were. The first spreadsheet, entitled “Mr. D,” delineates what the hotel has not received back from 227 as of July 3, 2008. The second spreadsheet, lists the items that the Hotel witnessed were in room 227 on July 3, 2008 and are now, as of July 4, 2008, no longer in the guest room 227.

These items have been charged to the credit card that you have on file for incidentals. Of course, once all of these items have been returned in perfect condition, the Hotel will most cheerfully refund the charges.

We thank you for your kind understanding.
Sincerely,
CS
General Manager
Hotel in Woburn

The Hotel Caper Part 1

From: CS (General Manager of Hotel in Woburn)
Sent: Thursday, July 03, 2008
To: CM (Travel Coordinator and Heinous Bitch)
Subject: Mr. D

Dear CM,

Thank you for taking the time to hear my concerns.

To recap:
Mr. D has been staying in Room 227 for the duration of his time in Woburn. Since 4/21/2008, sporadically at first and then almost every day the past two weeks, he has been calling for 2 robes, 4 extra bath towels, 4 washcloths and 2 hand towels. These items, once sent to his room, do not return into our inventory.

Last Tuesday, Mr. D spoke to my Executive Housekeeper in the evening and asked for 2 robes. In the morning, he called her and asked for 2 more robes, which she questioned. He became very angry with her, stating that she just needed to “bring him what he asks for” and then that his “parents are in town”.

On Sunday, June 29th, Mr. D brought 7 large boxes including 2 (see through) plastic totes to the front desk. He asked that we have them shipped FedEx for him, and we agreed. As it was a Sunday, and FedEx does not pick up, we did not call them. On Monday morning, Mr. D came to the Front Desk and became quite hostile with 2 of my staff members when he was told the boxes were not called in yet. During this, it was discovered that he had called in the order himself. My Executive Assistant and my Front Office Manager went to the Front Desk to diffuse the situation, and after Mr. D calmed down and went back to his room, the FOM looked at the plastic totes and realized that they had bundles of towels and washcloths in them. One of the cloths had the tag turned up to face out, and it clearly had a “hotel trademark” on it.

They allowed the boxes to be picked up, and Mr. D kept the tracking number slips. This morning we called FedEx and asked if they would help us to learn if the boxes were shipped and where.

They told us the boxes were delivered to a Salon in California (HD), to Mr. D’s attention.
While I know there are many items that he called for that were not logged at the front desk onto our Guest Alert Sheet (how we track guest needs and whether or not the needs are met), I do know that he currently has several items in his room, hidden in the drawers and closet (11 washcloths, 2 robes, 4 towels) over and above what is already placed in his room for normal guest usage.

What I have documentation on as far as what was brought to him is as follows (along with the price)
16 Robes ($1280.00)
9 Bath Rugs ($468.00)
36 Bath Towels ($1440.00)
22 Hand Towels ($484.00)
47 Wash Cloths ($376.00)
All Totaling $4048.00

Please let me know how to proceed.

Thank you,
CS
General Manager
Hotel in Woburn

Star Sighting & Gossip

I forgot to mention I saw Ron Rifkin riding a bicycle on the Disney lot last Friday as H and I walked out to the parking garage. He’s more handsome in real life.

Gossip From The Costume Dept:
Big Star only wears cashmere socks. Not only that, he wears them home at the end of the day, so he gets a new pair daily. Those things aren’t cheap and when you realize we shot for something like 70 days, that’s a lot of socks.

More Gossip From The Costume Dept:
Semi-Big Star got a new pair of boxer briefs every day and also wore them home at the end of the night. I think they were always CK’s. Anyway, one day the costume supervisor was picking up laundry from the trailers and realized he’d left a pair behind. She thought it was odd but picked them up anyway and threw them in the wash. It wasn’t until she was getting them out of the dryer that she realized why he’d left them behind… he’d, um, soiled them. As H put it, “like he trusted a fart he shouldn’t have”. They were sealed into a ziploc and used for the rest of the show as a nasty surprise in the trailer.

Semi-Big Star also had an issue with “guests” staying at his hotel after he wrapped and left Boston. The hotel said that his room was occupied for 2 extra days by the “friends” the star had brought in for “entertainment”. Subtle enough for you?

The Results Are In

Well.

We got in the DNA test results for Sofie and it's not at all what we thought it would be. We were thinking Beagle / Jack Russell Terrier mix with maybe a little Chihuahua thrown in.

We got back Poodle / Dachshund / German Shepherd Dog mix (nothing made up a majority).

I can almost buy Dachshund for the shape of the face and the ears and German Shepherd Dog for the coloring, but Poodle? Geez, where did that come from?

I wrote to the rescue agency to ask them to contact the family in Ojai who adopted Sofie's sister and see if they had ever had her DNA tested or to see if those 3 breeds made sense to them. It's just not what we expected at all.

Cake Wrecks

I've put up a link to a blog I found about bad cakes. It's genius - check it out.

Sofie In The Snow

People at the dog park, when finding out we just got back from Boston, ask how Sofie did in the snow. I realized I never posted this picture of her in a dog park in New Hampshire in March. That's the back rest of a park bench behind her so you can tell how deep the snow was. And yes, she's got her head down some hole...

Office Contest

The boss of a Madison Avenue advertising agency called an impromptu midweek staff meeting after a particularly stressful day. When everyone had gathered the boss, who understood the benefits of having fun, told the burnt-out staff the purpose of the meeting was to have quick contest. The theme: Viagra advertising slogans. The only rule was they had to use past ad slogans, originally written for other products that captured the essence of Viagra. Slight variations were acceptable. About 7 minutes later they turned their suggestions in and created a top ten list. With laughter and comraderie the rest of the week went very well.
The Top Ten
10. Viagra, Whaaazzz Up!
9. Viagra, The quicker pecker picker upper.
8. Viagra, Like a rock.
7. Viagra. When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight.
6. Viagra. Be all that you can be.
5. Viagra. Reach out and touch someone.
4. Viagra. Strong enough for a man, but made for a woman.
3. Viagra. Home of the whopper.
2. Viagra. We bring good things to life.
and the #1 slogan
1. Viagra. This is your peepee, this is your peepee on drugs.

I Love This Ad

Palin Debate Flow Chart

The Maverick and the MILF

In The Bag

Big Brother

I'm working on the lot at the studio the mouse built in a 5 story building. I think they have a sensor or some kind of monitoring equipment because when you approach the elevators one almost always opens up without having to push a button. It's kind of weird to think they have that monitored. Makes me wonder what else is monitored...

Yikes

Yesterday I got a call from my sister looking for Sped's phone number to pass along to the parents of some friends from high school (follow that?). Anyway, I decided to check in with Sped before passing on her digits and her response, when finding out who wanted them, was "Oh holy fuck".

I took that as a no.

Eagles!

I got these in a forward and wanted to save them somewhere...

Back To Work

I am back at work wrapping up the robot movie. Our offices are at the studio and I really don't like it here - much too corporate-cube-hell. It's so quiet that I feel I'll go mad, but then when someone comes by making noise I want to tell them to keep it down. I can't wait to be done.

I had to turn down an M.N.S. movie today. It's in Philly, Greenland, and Viet Nam. They may call again after the first of the year - they think they'll need 2 payroll accountants but only the 1st hired will go on location. So we'll see what happens. It's a long ways away and I don't want to go out of town again that soon.

My next show actually has an office and it's in the valley as promised. I should be able to ride Da Plum to work. Not sure if the place is dog friendly but even if it is I may not take Sofie everyday.

I have lots of pics to post from the trip home - I actually used up all the space on my memory card while still in Zion National Park. And I don't know why, but the majority of tourists at Niagra Falls were Indian and the majority at Zion were German. Very odd.

Goin' Home

The husband, Sofie, and I left Boston Friday morning. I was a bit sad to be leaving, but excited to get back home to my regular life.

Our first stop was in Cooperstown, NY at the Baseball Hall of Fame. We enjoyed the museum and the town seemed very quaint and homey but we didn't stay long.

We went on to Niagara Falls and spent Friday night there. We went out to the American Falls that evening and then Saturday morning I got up and took the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Very cool and very wet, even with the free commemorative poncho. After we got the car packed, we drove over to Goat Island and saw the Canadian Falls. Have to say the falls are amazing but the town is run down. Must be hard living there.

The rest of the day Saturday was spent driving, ending up in Indiana. I drove the husband past my childhood home, which looked a lot smaller than I remember. I suppose that's normal. We moved away when I was 9 so the only stuff that looked familiar was the neighborhood, the strip mall where the grocery store used to be, and the high school my older siblings attended.

Sunday we got up and drove to Spring Green, Wisconsin. That was on our to-see list because of Taliesin and House on the Rock. We managed to tour Taliesin on Sunday and it was beautiful. I want to say my favorite part of the house was the courtyard - just the way the house surrounded the hill and the landscaping... I also really liked the Romeo and Juliet windmill.

The House on the Rock was Monday. It's an amazing place and I think the Infinity Room was my favorite there - I would love to go back during the winter and watch the snow fall. Some of the exhibits are dimly lit and I got a bit claustrophobic but in the end it was totally cool. My only real complaint is you can't really get a sense of the original house because the tour path is so strict. I wish we'd been able to wander at will because it seemed you could get to anywhere from anywhere.

After the House, we went over to the Cave of the Mounds. It's a limestone cave they found in 1939 after blasting in a quarry. It wasn't the greatest cave I've ever visited, but I enjoyed the tour and got a nice geode at the gift shop. Not as cool as the one they cracked open before mine, but nice nonetheless.

Then we drove around and saw the area and talked about moving to southwest Wisconsin. Not that we're going to but we both like it and it's been added to the list of possibilities.

Tomorrow we're going to hit the Field of Dreams movie site and then off to Mount Rushmore.

Last Day In Boston

Today is my last day in Boston. The husband flies in tonight and tomorrow we start our cross- country drive with Sofie. I haven't psoted much because I've been busy sightseeing - working 7 days a week for 3 months left me no time to see the area. I'm excited to be going home and can't believe this day has arrived. The only regret I have is not getting to see the fall leaves in their glory - they are just barely beginning to change. Maybe we'll see some on our way home, since we are taking the northern route.

Hard to believe there was snow on the ground when I got here and changing leaves on my way out. It's been a long 6 months.

Now I have to shut down my computer and pack up. Thanks Beantown.

Pics Part 2

Bar Harbor

Columbia Falls

Acadia (tits in the landscape everywhere!)

Lenny the 1700lb milk chocolate moose and Lilly the 350lb dark chocolate bear.

Pics Part 1

West Quoddy Lighthouse

Sunrise

Sofie's not impressed

Acadia National Park

A blueberry dome!

Maine

Three of us took a road trip to Maine over the long weekend and it was fantastic. The easternmost point of the continental US is in Lubec Maine so that's where we drove Friday night. We got up to see the dawn from the lighthouse (earlier than anyone else in the US!) and then went back to bed. When we finally made it into town, there was a pirate invasion going on (a lot of people dressed as pirates walking around having a good time). It's the prelude to a big festival coming up. We bought some handmade chocolates and some glass work then hit the road.

The premise of the trip, after reaching the eastermost point, was to take the 1 all the way down the coast, stopping in Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, and any other place that caught our eye. We also ate everything that sounded good, including the best lobster roll at Red's and some damn fine blueberry pie and soft serve ice cream.

I really loved Maine and have added it to the list of places I could live. I'd have to see a winter there, 'cause that's got to be tough, but it's a beautiful place with great people. I'll post some pics soon.

So This Is What Happens

after Sofie goes home... Sonoma tries to take over the bed.

How To Play A Robot

Work Part 2

So, the show in Philly is exactly the show I thought it was but when my contact didn't respond to my request for more info I wrote it off. Turns out he was on vacation... wants to know if I'm still available. I think I'm going to get some info and see if I want to jump ship on the remake.

LolDog

Victor Webster Rocks!

Work

I sent a bunch of emails out to former bosses telling them when I would be available again. After a few nibbles, I got an offer to do the Fame remake back in LA.

Yes, I'm going home and yes, they're remaking Fame.

I had to turn down another Clooney movie due to timing and only had the possibility of a movie in Philly. Oh well. Now that I'm going home I'm a little homesick. Only 3+ weeks left and I've got lots of sightseeing planned. That should help.

2 Day Weekend

This is my first 2 day weekend in probably 4+ months. Today M and I went to Bunker Hill and climbed the 294 steps to the top of the monument. I really need to get back to the gym... The view was spectacular, even through the smallish windows. Hard to believe that as high as we were was where the hill used to be. They took all the dirt to fill in the bay and make more land -the map at the museum that shows the before and after was incredible.

Next we went to Harvard Square where I got some rain boots I'd been lusting after. I didn't get them when I first saw them because it doesn't rain much in LA, but I should have since it's rained 2 or 3 days a week here in Boston. Watch it not rain anymore...

We then drove through suburban Boston out to Lexington, Walden Pond, and Concord. It was nice to be outside on a beautiful day.

After dinner we picked up the Sof from doggie day care and came home. I did some laundry, drank a beer, talked to the husband, downloaded my pics, and finished a book. Now Sofie and I are going to bed. Tomorrow I may go with M to Connecticut but then again I may nap all day.

First Date (Not Mine)

An IM conversation w/ a coworker:

SP7: things i will definitely miss about being here: lobster roll friday.

F-C: OH SO TRUE
F-C: I TOOK 2 THIS WEEK
F-C: YUMMY

SP7: i took 2 last week! then i ate full-on lunch, and was near catatonic by 2nd meal. (which i skipped, p.s.) (though it'd be a better story if i soldiered on and ate it anyway.)

F-C: i'm eating the full on lunch
F-C: unless it's crappy greek again

SP7: as well you should! i did like the falafel.

F-C: that was about the best part
F-C: then no dinner but lots of alcohol

SP7: yeeeah, wooo! are you going out, or just sitting home and getting wasted?

F-C: the latter
F-C: me and sof
F-C: plowing thru some tequila

SP7: yaaay! that's kind of my favorite...never been clubby or sceney, though i do enjoy a nice old-man bar, but if you stay HOME, you can wear jammy pants, no shoes, fall asleep where you are...and being married only makes it awesomer! if you make out with somebody, you ALREADY KNOW how cute he ACTUALLY IS!

F-C: yes, and you know his first AND last names

SP7: right? (A was mildly offended on our first date, when mid-going-at-it, i asked him his last name twice.)

F-C: ok, so you made out w/ him on the 1st date?

SP7: um, yes...made...out...

F-C: oh man - are you telling me home run?
F-C: on the first date?

SP7: dude, i was single, i was having an awesome summer, i was much thinner, i was doing late-night improv shows, i'd just finished acting in a terrible movie that was a lot of fun...plus i'm secretly kind of slutty! so our first date was fifteen hours long, and i had no pants on for like 12 of them. we ordered a pizza at some point...and the only thing that ended the date was that i had to get up, get dressed, and go on another date with another guy. (with whom i did NOT sleep, by the by. i'm only KIND of slutty. )

F-C: wow, no wonder he married you!
F-C: you go girl

SP7: woooo!

F-C: i'm going to give him a wink-wink-nudge-nudge when i see him

SP7: then our second date was going to sears to try to buy him a bed on credit, because he just had a twin-size air mattress. he was turned down. then our third date was taking me to the doctor to deal with the UTI from our first two dates.

F-C: can I post this on my blog? it's genius

SP7: aww, sure! as long as nobody would ever know that it was him. he's tres private like that.

F-C: i won't mention names

SP7: can you make me taller? and...asian?

F-C: uh, sure - although tall asians are kinda rare

SP7: sweeet!

July 31st

And today is my half-birthday. Not that I actually celebrate such a thing. It's really just an excuse to get cake if there haven't been any recent birthdays on a show. But the clerk gave me a big flower cookie in a wine glass I stole on her behalf from a local restaurant. Very nice surprise.

The Police

Did I mention I'm going to The Police concert tonight? I'm so excited! I never thought I'd get to see them live since they broke up in 1984 and I didn't even have my driver's license then...

Victor Webster

We had the pleasure of working with this man last week. Not only is he super nice and incredibly handsome, he's totally a dog-person. He got down on the floor with both Sofie and Sonoma and loved on them for a long time. I wish I had taken a picture.

Wrap Party

I've been checking out a blog called "What Would Tyler Durden Do?" and I have to say, he'd post pictures of hot chicks in skimpy clothes. Most of the time, anyway. Makes me feel kind of pervy to click on the link.

As for the show, BW is done and gone and most people are quite happy about it. We still have 7 days of shooting scheduled but that may go up to 9 - we'll see.

The wrap party is on Sunday and should be craptastic. It's going to be at a bowling alley w/ karaoke, billiards, a batting cage, an arcade, etc and I've been told it's in the "economically disadvantaged area" of Boston. Doesn't matter because with them shooting on Saturday, I have to work on Sunday and I doubt I'll be done in time. Typical.

No Autograph For You

I finally got a chance to ask for BW's autograph for a friend of my sister and the response was "Ooh, autographs on the last day?"

I had no idea today was his last day. As I told the assistant, doing payroll means I live in last week. Oh, well. Sorry 'bout that. I have to say it would have been nicer for him to come around and see if we wanted an autograph rather than send the fruit arrangment. Didn't even have chocolate-covered strawberries...

Husband, you have a point about flowers, but despite the short life-span, there's nothing like the feeling of having someone place a beautiful bouquet in your hands and the anticipation of reading the card - not to mention the thrill of telling people your husband sent flowers "just because".

Thank You's

The construction medics brought payroll 2 cases of beer and several sets of pre-mixed margaritas a couple of weekends ago as a thank you. I took a picture w/ my phone but it's too blurry to use. Anyway, when they found out M doesn't drink, they sent us an Edible Arrangement so she could benefit (one of those mixed fruit packages cut to look like flowers).

This morning, another one came into the office, this time from BW and entourage. A thoughtful gift but considering we'd already gotten one, seems kind of cheap. I mean, that group makes more in a week than twice what my house costs.

Whatever, it was nice of them and I shouldn't be picky.

Thanks guys!

Why Shave Your Head

If you've been threatened with a subpeona for your hair so it can be drug-tested, shaving it off is a good way to make that issue disappear. Of course, you should be sure to collect said hair from the floor of the salon so the owner and the paparazzi can't pick it up and sell it on ebay or turn it over for testing anyway...

Blech

I want absolutely nothing to do with work today. So far I've managed to accomplish almost nothing and I don't really care. I know I have to pay the actors and I really need to get the adjustments done. There's also a ton of filing to do...

Eh, whatever.

Husband, I know how you feel about flowers, but you know how I feel about them. Why does it have to be your way?

Bad News

My best friend's mother, my second mom, was disgnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. It's the same thing that killed Betty, my MIL. Ma has had surgery to remove as much as possible and is recuperating for a few weeks before they begin chemo. I took time off work to go home for the weekend and hangout with Sped and Ma - who seems to be in good spirits and doing well, all thing considered.

I've only cried once about it and I was at work, so it didn't last long. Why does shit like this have to happen?

Not Time To Go

A week or so ago, our star announced at lunch (half way through the working day) that his plane was waiting for him on the tarmac and he was leaving. And he did. We finished out the day shooting around his stuff. What an asshat.

Some Drama

There's been some good drama and I have some juicy emails to share, but they're in pdf format and I have to black-out some names before I can post them.

But I can say our star decided to go to NY on Tuesday and, despite having a 9am call time, let us know he wouldn't be in until noon. Of course, we were informed slightly before noon he wouldn't be in until 3pm.

And, even though we had 3 Saturdays scheduled so we could be finished 8/4, he decided he didn't want to work on 2 of those Saturdays. Now we're shooting through 8/8 and will probably be in Boston until after Labor Day.

That's it for now, time to go home and get some sleep.

Sofie Barks

They're shooting on stage right now and since this building was originally just a warehouse, it's not soundproof in any way. When Sofie and I left last night, we went out the back hallway, as we usually do. One end of the hall goes outside and the other end dumps onto the stage - the door from the offices is in the middle.

There was someone coming in from outside and Sofie started barking at him. From the stage end of the hall, I heard a loud SHHHHH, then "cut". Turns out Sofie ruined a take and the 1st AD threw a fit yelling about who would bring a dog to a set...

I wonder if it'll make the blooper reel?

Sofie's Housemate

and admiring fan...

Stunt Money

Stunt people get paid a certain amount just for showing up. Then if they do a particularly dangerous stunt, they get a stunt adjustment. It can range anywhere from a couple hundred bucks to thousands.

The most I had ever paid was $5000 to set someone on fire.

I'm processing a timecard this week for a guy who's getting $13,750.00 in extra money. Now, I've seen the stunt he did (the 2nd unit UPM let us watch some of the footage that had been cut together) and I'd have to say it's probably worth it. If the sequence had gone wrong that stunt guy would have broken his back and then landed on his head.

Damn.

Cheap Bastages

There's a well known comedian who used to do movies. He was so cheap, at the start of every new production he would change his subscription to the LA Times to the production company. It was still delivered to his house - just paid for by the movie.

London Bridge

The husband took this pic for me while driving home from Boston. He stopped in Lake Havasu, AZ.

Darby Pictures!

7 Day Weeks

Ok, 2nd unit started and I'm slammed. I've been working 7 days a week for about 3 weeks now and will continue until after the 4th of July. The paperwork is atrocious and there's a ton of it (but that's typical on most shows).

The Best Boy Grip quit today and took one of his guys with him. I'd heard the rumor of it this morning from Transpo but then he showed up during lunch and turned in his petty cash and a timecard. Definitely not just a rumor.

I really need to get back to work. I'm procrastinating on paying the actors because the paperwork sucks (surprise) and there are about 40 of them. Ugh.

Post Already

I've been reading the archives of several differnt blogs lately, mostly while folding and stuffing checks or stapling timecards.

I have come to a realization - it seems the bloggers stop posting not long before I get to the current stuff. So I'm all caught up and there's nothing new to read. I keep checking back and nothing. Some of them have been off for months!

Now, I know I take time off between posts, but nobody but friends and family read what I write and they can always call or email if they need to reach me. It seems the ones I'm reading are popular, they pull in an audience, then they stop. Waiter Rant got a book deal and barely posts anything anymore.

Is it wrong to feel let down?

Stolen

Sped had her car stolen, again. The other time was outside our old Riverside Drive apartment in LA. This time was outside her own place further south. I hope they either find it or the insurance company coughs up some decent dough.

We'll have to get you another surfer girl sticker, Sped.

Blase

Hot and Swank

It's been in the 90's here this week and it totally sucks. I forgot how much I hate humidity. Plus our rental house doesn't have A/C and the 3rd floor is like an oven. I got a fan and it made it bearable for me, but Sofie couldn't handle it. The first night, she flip-flopped around trying to get comfy and when she ended up on the floor, I decided it was too much. We've been sleeping on the couch cushions on the 1st floor (there are ceiling fans down there).

The heat wave is supposed to break tomorrow, but I think I'm going to get myself an air mattress anyway. There's still a lot of summer left.

I have finally laid eyes on BW. We went to set on Friday for $ delivery and he was standing on the steps of his trailer talking to someone. He's not as big as I thought. Not that he's short (he was standing on a step so it was hard to tell) but I thought he'd be more solid, more muscular. Nope.

Actually, the best part about Friday was getting to see the old mansion the set was in (the Ames Mansion) and eat lunch in the Harvard Club. Both were very swank.

Stunts Look Fun

I'm sitting at my desk checking payroll edits and watching a stunt man fly through the air outside. He's rigged up to a huge crane and is practising a running leap - it makes him look superhuman. I'm a terrible judge of distance, but it looks to me like he could jump over a couple of cars.

I wanna try it.

My Weekend Started Early

Margarita Friday went well yesterday. I used the recipe I got from my boss on Used Guys (Corona, tequila, and limeade) but I didn't use a blender, just put them over ice. Everyone said they were good but I was surprised the guys from production didn't participate. It's the first time on any movie an entire department declined because they were still on the clock. Whatever. Next week my asst is doing Martini Friday.

Today we're going to see the play Cardenio. I can't remember the last time I saw live theatre (and I know at this point the husband is humming Jesus Christ Superstar but I'm not going there). It's a matinee and I really need to get into the shower so we're not late.

One last thing - I didn't get to go to set yesterday but my asst said that BR (from the War post) came up and gave her a big hug and said all sorts of pleasant things. She was a bit shocked and we wonder if someone said something to him... considering I gave a copy of his email and my response to the UPM, maybe someone did.

An Email Comment

Erdedo commented on a post thru my regular email acct and since I get so few comments, I thought I'd post it:


So I have to move offices later this month, and I was checking the status of the approval of a helicopter to fly clothes an hour away. If that is the case, surely I can get my work to pay for a moving company to pack up my stuff and move it for me. I mean, I'm not picky. They can just walk or drive it over, not fly it. (Of course I realize I will be packing and moving myself, but all is good).

Glad to hear some of that sarcasm back in your blog.

E

War Has Been Declared

Film-Chick,

We have been sent union vouchers by Sessions, when we are in need of non-union. Please look at the extras breakdown and make sure there is enough non-union vouchers at the production office to cover the rest of the show. Remember that Casting does fittings at the production office when we are on location; also we voucher out of town extras on their days off. We will be more diligent in telling you when we are getting low on time cards and vouchers, but these should not be coming from LA they should be in the office ready to come out on the next run.

Thank you so much for all your help.

BR
Additional Second Assistant Director


BR,

Surprisingly, after 10 years of doing this job, I know enough to have a stash of vouchers in the office. I have learned this lesson the hard way because many AD departments are incapable of keeping track of how many vouchers are left in a box.

Let me recap this situation:

1) You called us last Monday and told us you desperately needed vouchers, that you wouldn't be able to get through the next few days without them. You then claimed WE should have known you were low because of how many you had sent in, rather than you knowing you were low by looking IN THE BOX.

2) I chose to order vouchers from LA rather than give you the last of my stash and had them Fedex'd overnight to the hotel per your request.

3) You called on Tuesday, asking for the vouchers. We responded that they were waiting at the front desk of the hotel - per your request. Therefore you had to either send someone to the hotel during the day to pick them up or you waited until you were wrapped and then picked them up. If you had let us receive them, they would have been delivered into your hands around lunchtime.

4) Knowing you were supposed to get 2 boxes of vouchers, 1 union and 1 non-union, you somehow managed to only collect 1 box and totally ignore the fact you were shorted FOR AN ENTIRE WEEK the vouchers you so desperatly needed. How you managed to scrape through I'll never know.

5) John called today asking for non-union vouchers. We asked him what happened to the 1000 vouchers you were supposed to have gotten last week - remember, NO ONE CALLED TO TELL US THEY DIDN'T ARRIVE.

6) Now I get this email TELLING ME HOW TO DO MY JOB WHEN IT'S CLEAR I AM.

You will get your vouchers but they will not be sent by the case. There's no need to pay for shipping when they just disappear into some black hole. I will send you what you need each week per the schedule.

And if you keep putting wardrobe bumps in the "other" box, I'm sending them back for correction.

Film-Chick
Payroll Accountant

Mr Stud-Mime

I met Mr. Stud-Mime today. He's actually very nice. But I don't feel bad about mocking the headshot.

As Promised

Actors and Extras

We had to send 3 extras home this past week (all of the were models) for the following reasons:

1) The first one looked nothing like his headshot
2) The second one had, according to the costume department, the largest ass of any male model they'd ever seen.
3) The third one had a herpes wound on his face the size of his face.

Harsh business.

But I have to say the funniest thing I saw all week was the headshot for #38. There's a wall in every production office where they post the headshots of all the cast as they are hired. I like to check it out as I walk by, looking to see if they got anyone I recognize and evaluating everyone - some look really young or some shots are kinda cheesy. This past week, I was putting something on Monte's desk and glancing over the new additions when I stopped dead in my tracks and just stared. The clerk was watching, waiting for my reaction. When I had stood there a few seconds, she says "number 38?" and laughed.

The guy is totally buff, naked from the waist up, arms crossed over his chest in a tough-guy stance. But he's wearing mime makeup and white gloves and a black beret... WTF? I need to scan the pic in and post it. It's hilarious.

Anyway, I need to get to bed. It's not a long weekend for me and I have to work tomorrow. I went in a bit yesterday and today so it wouldn't be so bad, though. I'm hoping it's a good week so I can go to the Duran Duran concert on Wednesday night, but I'm doubting it.

Tidbits from Boston

While we were shooting on Beacon Hill, the residents of the area thought our extras were prostitutes and called the police.

The AD's lost the vouchers from Friday and tried to blame it on everyone else. They showed up today.

The AD's ran low on blank vouchers and when my asst commented that they should have let us know before they reached the bottom of the box, BR said he figured we'd know they were low by how many were coming in...

Because this show is set in a future where people can buy made-to-order robots, a lot of our extras have to be pretty (models and such). A group of them were sent home today for not being pretty enough. Ouch!

Our current set is about an hour west of Boston and we'll be there for a couple of weeks. Our star is moving out there, but for some reason he wants us to rent a helicoptor to move his clothes out there, too. I guess a car isn't good enough for them.

The Travel Coord (the same crappy woman from Phoenix) has finally started showing her true colors. Nobody is happy with her and she now has 2 assistants. I still hate her but it makes me happy that I was right. Thank dog I warned everybody about her so no one got too burned.

The director asked for a picture of a pasty, doughy, small, geeky guy for a scene and wanted the APOC to go thru the crew badge photos to find one. The APOC, with the producer's blessing, is sending out the photo of the director.

There's a scene in the movie where they scan through a bunch of driver's licenses and they got photo releases from some of the crew to use the badge photos. The producer's asst came by the other day to ask about getting the license numbers for those same crew members to use, since it would be easier than running a bunch of created numbers through clearances. We said no. He said it would be really small and go by really fast. We said until the DVD came out and someone with some technology got hold of them. Then we said no again.

More to come...

Update

I'm still in Boston (Woburn to be precise). The weather is starting to warm up but it rains on the weekends. I drove to Old Orchard Beach Maine this past Saturday to check out a dog park for Sofie but no one was there and the place was still shut for the season. It was a lot like Pigeon Forge in the winter.

I'm working 6 days a week and it's tiring. I haven't been to the gym in I don't know how long but I made an appointment with a trainer for tomorrow morning so that's that.

I haven't met anybody famous yet. I've met a couple of the actors but it's no one I recognized. I'm hoping to meet BW as one of his driver's likes Sofie.

There's a lot of drama on this show but it's not anything to do with big names - just interoffice crap that makes the day go by that much longer.

I'll write more soon. Going home now.

4 Years

Maybe this is why I've been feeling down all week. I miss you Betty.

Thursday

It's really starting to warm up here in Woburn. A few (very few) of the trees/bushes are blooming and the sky is clear most of the day. I'm going to start riding my scooter around to keep the battery going.

Work is still pretty basic, not much to report. There are 3 glittery blue Jeep Cherokees in the parking lot this morning. Not the kind of thing you see every day. I'll take a pic later if I get the chance.

Sofie is laying in the sunshine warming her belly and barking/growling at everyone who comes through. I'm thinking it might be a good idea to send her to day care one day during the week if this keeps up. Seems she's getting territorial.

Home Again

The husband and Darby made it home safely today. I was more worried about them then I thought I would be. I'm going to miss them and I know Sofie misses them. She goes up to our room and looks for them every night. I know it'll stop but it's sad to see.

I realized I need to be consistent about what I call the recurring nightmare from Phoenix. At one point I called her DASH (dumb ass shit head) and then when she showed back up I called her Heinous Bitch. I'm thinking of going with HB.

Having her there is like fingernails on a chalkboard. I avoid her at all cost and when I accidentally smiled at her I was so pissed at myself (I was in the kitchen and she came around the corner and I didn't realize it was her so I smiled in greeting). I just need to ignore it and be an adult but I will never forget or forgive for Phoenix.

Anyway, we're about to pack it up for the night. I hope something gossipy happens soon. The only news I have is I've started going to the gym on a regular basis. That and the rumor they won't be paying for lunches during shoot is probably false.

Dredging Up Bad Memories

I realized after some searching that I didn't post about everything that happened in Phx - which would then explain why I reacted so badly to DASH (dumas ass shit head) showing up in Boston.

I thought I'd try to rectify that in the next few days. Now I'm not so sure it's a good idea.

All I can say right now is in the 10 years I've been doing this, she is the only person who has ever made me walk out on a job.

This Show Could Really Suck

So, I'm working on a Disney show in Boston. The travel coord is inexperienced and quit, so they hired someone to replace him.

The husband left this morning and I was feeling down about that, so when I walked into the office and see Heinous Bitch Prod Supervisor From Phoenix is the new travel coord I completely flipped. I nearly ran down the hall to the 1st's office, dropped my stuff, fell to my knees, and basically had a panic attack. I told the 1st I couldn't work w/ her, that I'd need to switch offices, all sorts of stuff (the travel coordinator's office is across the hall from mine, but down a bit so I can't see but I can occasionally hear and will most definitely run into her coming and going).

Eventually I calmed down and was able to tell her what had happened in Phoenix. She got the acct in and I repeated the story then let them read the blog emails. Luckily they like me enough to take it seriously and have decided everything she does will have to be in writing.

But can you believe I go 3000 miles away and run into this Demon Fiend the morning my husband leaves? Pray for me (mostly that I don't kill her).

False Alarm

Bill is not doing our project. The asst wrote me with that info and while disappointed, I did take the opportunity to throw in an oblique request for an autograph. Better than nothing...

Bill's Back!

I just got a phone call from an asst at CAA - trying to make sure I have the necessary paperwork for their clients... She had a booking slip for Bill Nighy!!! I haven't heard anything about him getting cast but I so hope he is. Maybe now I'll get my autograph.

Cheap Bastard

One of the office PA's turned in a petty cash envelope that had a case of Atkins bars on it. J decided to check it out and was told they were for the crap-ass POC. She told the acct who said to take it off the envelope - no reimbursement for personal food (the acct and the co-first are on the zone and nutri-system and they buy their own food - the office still isn't buying lunches for anyone).

Anyway, the POC comes back and says T approved it. The acct says fine, put it on a check request and we'll send it to the studio for approval. The POC wants to know why the acct is being such a stickler about it and she points to her food and says "Because I paid for mine. You've got to walk the talk."

The resolution was to put the bars in the kitchen for anybody to eat and as soon as the acct told me, I ran over there and grabbed one. Not that I wanted one, I just wanted the POC to get shafted. When I went back by later the box was more than 1/2 empty. I don't know if people were eating them or if the POC was hoarding them, but I grabbed 3 more and stuck them in my drawer.

I need to stash some more.

Happy Bunny

My asst just sent me 4 pair of Happy Bunny socks. I love them! @ of them actually have the bunny on them and the other 2 are plain, but still cute. I'm wearing one now that matches my t-shirt but my favorite is the one that reads "I'm not saying I'm cool. That's your job."

An Audience of One

The husband says if I want more readers, I have to make my blog purely professional. I have to name names and only write about work-related stuff. I can totally see his point.

I'm just not sure how much I care about having readers versus having a place to vent. When I read other blogs and see comments on them, I get jealous. But the thought of not writing about something because it didn't happen on set is depressing. This blog is supposed to be about me, not the already famous people I work with.

So. I haven't written anything for days and no one has noticed. But I miss it. I guess that's what really matters.

Art

I walked Sofie into the defunct cafeteria of our rented warehouse and found artwork on the walls. 3 of them are pretty generic, but the 4th is a Kandinsky. I put it up in my office and I'm planning on taking it with me at the end of the show. It's in a super nice frame and everything.

Done?

I really don't want to do the work that's on my desk - all contracts and crap for above the line producers and the director. I hate dealing with their paperwork.

Anyway, I just finished reading the archives for Barmaid Blog. It seems she's stopped writing on a regular basis though. I really enjoyed her work and often wonder what it would be like to have an audience like that, but I don't think I ever will. I'm not a great writer and I don't really have that much to talk about. I try but most of the time I forget to blog when something interesting happens and by the time I think to do it I've forgotten the details.

Maybe I should give it up.

There Could Be An Issue

The finance exec at the studio called our Production Office Coord not only incompetent but the most arrogant person she's ever met. Nice to know we're not the only ones who don't like him. His nickname is TAB, which stand's for TA's Bitch (TA being the UPM).

Misadventure

Did I mention I got a speeding ticket just outside Needles, CA? I was going 91 in a 70 and the cop busted me. I pulled over and she wrote it up and that was that. Until we realized that she must have scared Darby because the next thing we know the cat is taking a dump in the dog's bed.

We pulled over again and the husband got out with a bottle of water and a roll of toilet paper (which we are so glad we brought) and cleaned it out as best he could. She didn't do that the rest of the trip, luckily.

Anyway, I just called to find out how much the fine would be and the court clerk said they wouldn't have it in the system for 3 to 4 weeks. I was hoping to get it taken care of asap but I can't. Seems odd they put if off for so long.

We Made It.

Ok, it's been a long time since I posted but it's been a long trip.

The 1st night we made it to Santa Rosa, NM. The weather was fine, the hotel was nice, all went well.

The 2nd night we hit bad weather in Little Rock, AR. Snow, ice on the roads, etc. We decided we'd better drive on so we didn't get stuck there (not knowing the forecast). It's less than 150 from Little Rock to Memphis, TN and it took us 8 hours to get there. We only made it up to about 20 mph and there were 2 times we just sat for 20+ minutes waiting for the tow-trucks to haul the jack-knifed trailers out of the way. We were exhausted.

The 3rd night was spent in Roanoke, VA. It was cold but no more weather/traffic issues.

We got to Boston about 10pm Sunday night and checked into the final hotel. A really nice Hilton with a fantastic bed. But after staying at Super 8's across the country with free internet access, it really pissed us off that the Hilton wanted $10 per day for access. WTF?

Got to get back to work, more later.

Waiting to Go

My day has been so slow and I have so much to do at home before we leave. I'm just sitting here waiting for my paychecks to come through so I can process them, pack up my stuff, and go home.

About the best thing that happened today was seeing the husband when he brought over my stuff to ship. Whenever I see him somewhere different than normal, I flash back to our first date and seeing him waiting for me at the theatre. I hadn't realized until then how handsome he was.

I emailed my old assistant and told him I missed him. It was nice having someone to work with who I didn't have to train and keep an eye on. I also asked him to get me Hugh's autograph but didn't go so far as to ask him to get it on one of those bathing suit shots. Hubba hubba!

Anyway, I think I'm going to go ahead and start packing my office. There's only so many games of freecell a person can play.

And Jorge, if you get the part can I call you Jorge?

Star Comment Sighting!

You have to go back to Monday March 3rd and read the blog and comments - so cool.

And OMD is not a typo - it means Oh My Dog (since I don't believe in God but I do believe in my dog).

I've Been Sick

I've been sick and my boss sent me home early on Wednesday and Thursday and told me not to come in on Friday. So I spent most of the weekend sleeping and resting around and between my basic chores. I finally went to the doctor on Saturday because any exertion left me breathless and sweaty. I have an infection, most likely bacterial since it's responding to antibiotics. I also have an inflamed chest wall from all the coughing I did earlier in the week - that's what's causing the shortness of breath. So I have meds for that and an inhaler to keep me from coughing. Lovely.

I was supposed to go home early yesterday, too but I had to wait until I got my payroll in and it was my assistant's first day and I didn't leave until 6 (which technically is early). I feel better today but that's how it usually goes.. I'll have to see if I lose steam as the day progresses.

Got a lot to do to get ready to go. Have to check the weather reports for the southern route and clean and do laundry and pack and et al. I'm not worried - it'll all get done. I know I'm going for 6 months but I don't have to take my entire life with me. They have laundry and stores on the east coast. Anyway, this morning is take the cats to the groomers. Should be fun trying to round them all up.

Star Sighting (right from my desk)

They're casting for the movie around the corner and down the hall from me and I can see everybody coming in from the elevator right from my desk. Not that I recognize them all by name but a lot of them look familiar. It's hard not to stare at those - when you know who someone is right off, you can register it and move on. When they look familiar but can't be placed is when the staring starts. Very embarrassing.

I did see and recognize Jorge Garcia walk by (Hurley from Lost). I hope he gets the part.

Long Drive

I've been doing some research online about the drive to Boston. Mapquest wants to send us through Denver, Des Moines, Chicago, etc (the northern route) @ 2994 miles. I was thinking of going I-40 (the southern route) @ 3126 miles. The benefit is keeping south of any real winter weather.

Ugh - both of those numbers depress me.

I really just don't want to get stuck in snow and although preliminary forecasts look fairly clear until NY, it's colder on the northern route and therefore may be more likely to snow.

Anybody got a tips for me?

s.w.a.t

I just finished reading the script for s.w.a.t and I think the movie is better than the script. They definitely made it funnier but it's been a while since I saw the film so I don't remember other differences.

I do think it took a really long time to get the new team set up and into action. And I didn't care too much about any of them from what I read. All a bit stereotyped...

Anyway, another one down and tons more to go.

Sick-ish

I'm getting sick and I think it's because it's slow enough on my new show for my body to think I'm not working and it's losing all resistance. It's a phenomenon that happens to most people in the industry when they get done with a show. It's so busy during shooting you will yourself to stay healthy enough to work and then when it slows down all the accumulated germs attack and you're too weak to fight it off anymore.

Correction

Sorry, the director isn't complaining about $3000/month not being enough - he's complaining about $3000/week not being enough. He fuckin' can't find a place to live at $12,000 a month? Nope, he wants $20,000.

Asshat dumbas.

Cheap Bastard

The director on this movie has got to be one of the biggest asshats I've ever worked with. First, he wanted to know why we needed more than 3 accountants, then he complained $3000/month wasn't enough to find housing in Boston, now we find out he wants to use his budget money to hire a nanny instead of an assistant. He figures he'll just have the production office coordinator do all the work of his assistant on top of running the office.

The man is making more than $7 million on this show and he's complaining about not getting his personal expenses covered. Meanwhile, they cut our housing rate by $5 a day...

Sped

It looks like I'm going down to Sped's house this weekend. We haven't seen each other since Xmas and I don't know when we'll see each other once I go off to Boston. It should be nice.

Other than that, I don't have any great plans this weekend. More chores and getting stuff ready around the house. I'm glad we ended up with an extra week for all this crap.

Done and Done

It's official - we leave for Boston on March 6th. The date can't change because I've arrainged for a house/pet sitter to start then and that's that.

I actually found a lovely couple to watch things for us. They had great references and seemed quite nice when I met them at Starbucks last night. We'll have them come by next weekend to get keys and meet the kitties, learn about the basics of the house, etc. I'll be so glad if this works out - it'll save us a ton of money.

I still have to let the neighbor know they're going to be there so he doesn't call the cops on them! Too bad I can't seem to find his phone number.... Husband, do you have it?

Anyway. Our vet has changed clinics and thanks to the husband we know where she's gone. I've already made appointments for Sofie and Darby to get checked out for the trip but I still have to contact the old clinic and get the records. I asked the new place to do it and they tried, but the old place said I had to call for them. Lovely. I'm sure people switch vets all the time but it makes me uncomfortable. Then I remember how much I don't like the other vets and realize I have no choice. Tomorrow for sure.

They're casting for male singers for HSM3 right now. I think I'll try and grab something else for the girls before the end of the week. I have several things to get in the mail this weekend - books for my dad, stuff for Sped, and the sign I already stole for E's girls.

Upgrade

I just got a monitor upgrade at work - 22" monster! I feel like I should scoot back in order to see the whole screen at once.

This should be good for watching dvds at work. Or blocking people's view of me as they pass by.

Happy Birthday?

Why is it people sing Happy Birthday like it's a funeral dirge? I know there's a point in time when you don't want to get older but it's still supposed to be a celebration. If you can't sing it in less than 7 seconds you are singing too slow.

Poor Sofie

I took Sofie to the dog park yesterday (it was the 3rd time in as many days) and not 2 minutes after we got there she was being mauled by a schnauzer.

We entered the gates and walked over to the picnic table, passing a man with a dog between his feet sitting in a lawn chair. The guy was talking to the dog and I had the thought the dog must be new and scared. Well, I sat down and opened my book and heard this aggressive snarling. I looked around and then down to my feet and saw the schnauzer go at some dog's neck. It took me a second to realize it was Sofie! By then the guy had gotten to his dog and pulled it off and I picked Sof up and put her on the table, running my hand over her throat to make sure there wasn't any blood. It hadn't broken the skin but Sofie was terrified and covered in slobber.

I had the urge to pick her up and take her out but then realized if I did it might make her scared of coming back. So we sat for a minute and then walked down to the other end of the park. The man had put his dog back on the leash but they didn't leave either. It took about 45 minutes for Sofie to relax enough to play but she always knew exactly where that dog was and never strayed too far from me. At one point the dog was within 10 feet and Sofie wanted me to pick her up but I didn't - it was so hard not to coddle her. She did get extra attention from the other dog owners who asked if she was ok and scratched her bum.

After about 15 minutes of almost regular play we went home. The schnauzer was still there, still barking, growling, and jumping at every dog that got too close. I almost felt bad for it - it obviously needs the socialization.

Taxes

I got our taxes done today and I'm happy to report we are getting a refund. Now, normally we don't like to get a refund - we prefer to break even or pay a little. But with the trip to Boston and the need for a cat sitter I'm happy for the extra money.

I guess I should change my W4 allowances. Time to break out the tax tables and calculator!

Good Dog

I've never tried linking to a youtube video before but this is just too good...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sUL0KCIc48

IM

I have AIM on my computer and ever since I figured out how to put a little message by my name I've been typing in something relevant and (hopefully) witty. A couple of days ago I changed it to "I need a cat sitter".

Today I changed it to "I $till need a cat $itter ($ubliminal)".

I got a hit off of an APOC I worked with on the SoaP reshoots. Her production secretary is looking for a sublet and if she agrees to sit for us she can live for free while she finds a good place.

Finger crossed folks!

Off To Boston

My impassioned plea to the husband worked! We'll be taking Sofie and Darby to Boston and leaving the boy kitties behind. Not that I won't miss them but they'll be better off not traveling. Now I just need to start packing and getting the house cleaned up. Lovely.

Husband, Damn The Cost!

I want you to come to Boston and if that means paying a cat sitter $23 a day to look after the boys then so be it. If push comes to shove we can cut the visit down to 4 weeks instead of 5. Either way, I think it's silly to waste the chance.

Kitty Sitting

I don't know what we're going to do about the cat sitting situation. The service we've used before wants $750 to sit 2 cats for 5 weeks and although that's not a terrible weekly rate the total is too much. I've only had one person respond to the mass email I sent looking for someone and while he's willing to do it, he doesn't have a job lined up and may have to take a show that goes out of town. Then we'd be stuck.

I was resigned to the husband not coming to Boston until during wrap (if at all) and me coming home once a month or so. Then it started to look like he could come for a month during prep and I got too excited. I want to say damn the cost but I know that's not something he'll be comfortable with.

I wish we had someone who would help us out the way I think we would help them out. It's just so damn depressing.

Flying the Pooch

I was talking to my boss about taking our dogs to Boston - I told her Sofie is too big for under the seat and we won't put her in cargo. But I would happily buy her a regular ticket if they'd let her fly in the cabin, either in a crate or not.

She told me on her last show, the star had his own writer who insisted his dog travel with him to Hawaii. They ended up having to buy the dog a 1st class round trip ticket. Not the star's dog, the star's writer's dog...

Must be nice.

My Weekend

I've put the word out on needing a house/cat sitter for the month of March so the husband can join me in Boston w/o having to drive cross-country with a dog and 3 cats in the car (by himself). There's still a chance I will be able to drive with him, but I can't make any guarantees yet. There are a couple of leads so we'll have to keep out fingers crossed.

Went out to dinner with C and T on Friday - good times. T tried to get the waiter to sing Amazing Grace but he declined. She kept at him for a while and basically held up our drink order but we finally got her to let it go. She thought we were at Macaroni Grill (where they do sing) but we were at Marmalade (where they don't).

My seafood pasta was good but their filet mignon tacos were not - the meat was dry and tough and very disappointing. I liked it as a whole but thought it was a bit pricey for regular visits.

The rest of the weekend went pretty well. I got a lot of chores done that had been piling up. Beside the regular laundry and grocery shopping, I got the patio cleaned up, some plants repotted, the bathroom cleaned, the bedroom vacuumed, the orignal artwork hung, the books and dvd's shelved, and a pile of papers sorted. I still have stuff to do but it doesn't seem so overwhelming now.

And this morning I finally put the case of Alpo out by the dumpster (it wasn't good on Sofie's digestive system). It was gone by the time we got back from our walk...

SPFX Flowers

No, they didn't explode...

Underdog Was Here

Watch The Attitude

We may have an issue with the Production Office Coordinator on this show. Last night the accountant and I went to speak to him about our travel plans and he actually questioned her. He got all indignant about the possibility I may end up working 6 days if I traveled on Sunday as if it was any of his business. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. The accountant started explaining it to him but she shouldn't have to explain herself to anyone but the UPM.

This morning, she came into my office and shut the door. I immediately wondered if I was going to get fired when she said, "So, about D..." and I said "I couldn't believe he was questioning you" and then we hashed over the whole exchange trying to figure out who he thought he was. If he's like that the whole show it's going to be ugly. The superior, condescending attitude has to go.

And if his "travel czar" doesn't improve dramatically, it'll be a disaster. We are all just waiting for that ship to sink.

Sofie On The Line

Sofie went with her dad to the picket line yesterday. She made quite an impression on everybody except the writers. They are a surly lot. But she enjoyed the attention from the security guards and the tourists and ending up sleeping most of the afternoon - it's so exhausting being cute.

I had made her an outfit to wear but the husband decided against it. It said "My dad can haz internet residualz? kthxbai" I'll try to get a snap of it to post.

I'm A Thief

Well, I got something from HSM 3 this morning - I peeled a directional sign off the wall. It doesn't look like anything official so I'll have to see if I can come up with something better. It's funny, I think they've started casting for smaller parts because the kids coming in look like true kids. If at all possible they try to get young looking 18+ year olds to avoid having to limit the hours on set and hiring teachers.

A Love Story In 3 Acts

Shooting Range

Husband,

Do you want to go the shooting range on Saturday? It's not cheap but it may be fun and it's for a good cause. Let me know.

da Wife

I have never fired a gun in my life (BB guns don't count) and I've always wanted to try it. Then again, we could go to Santa Barbara instead.

Voting Enabled

I walked down to the elementary school this morning and voted. I had pretty much made up my mind over the past week who I wanted to vote for and I even took the time to look at the different propositions in the state and make decisions on those. I felt mature and prepared which is almost too much for 8am.

The polling place was dead when I went in - no lines or anything. They didn't even check my ID which is probably an issue. It was actually more difficult to figure out how to get my paper ballot scanned than anything else - they should have had a diagram or something.

I've done my part - now I'll have to see what happens come November.

While Getting Groceries...

I had to stop by the grocery store last night to get some frozen veggies (love those steam-in-the-bag kind!) and had a star sighting - I walked right between Juliette Lewis and the frozen waffles. I figured I'd eventually see a celebrity at that store since it's at the base of the hills. Then I managed to walk out right behind her. She's prettier in person but very tiny.

Wolverine

My assistant just got hired to go to Australia and do payroll on Wolverine (the US crew). I am so jealous. I would totally bail on Boston to go there for 4 months.

I know the accountant on that show so I sent her an email and said the next time she goes Down Under she'd better take me with her.

Hopefully he'll need to ask me lots of questions and then I can get an autograph from Hugh as payment. Especially since this is the guy who decided he didn't want the Boston job because he didn't want to do payroll anymore.

Man, I am so jealous.

HSM 3

I will try to get something, but there's nothing really official. Mostly it's sheets of paper taped to the walls that say "HSM 3 Please take a seat" or "HSM 3 Please sign in".

Not that exciting but I'll keep my eyes open.

Star Sighting

Last night, while out for my birthday dinner, the husband and I saw William Sanderson (from Blade Runner, Newhart, and Deadwood to name just a few). We weren't sure at first it was him, but when we heard him speak we were certain. I love that guy. Such a good actor.

I told the husband as we were leaving how much I liked that restaurant and he said it was only because I keep seeing celebrities there (it's where I saw Navarro) but I like the food and atmosphere, too.

Speaking of stars, we stopped by the tattoo shop on the way home and made my appointment for my birthday tattoo. Tomorrow at 3pm I'm getting the sun/moon/stars tattoo on my left shoulder cap. It's supposed to take about 2 hours and I'm excited. Thanks for the great present husband. Everybody thinks it rocks!

Casting

They are casting for High School Musical 3 on the same floor as my new office. I wasn't sure what it was because the signs only said HSM 3 and since I'm old it didn't register. Today the signs are spelled out. I should have figured it out yesterday when I kept hearing people singing... There are a couple of other casting offices on this floor and it's fun to walk past them on the way to get water or use the restroom - they're so eager and nervous and diligently going over their lines. I always wonder if they hope/fear I'm someone who could affect their career.

There goes the singing again. At least it's good.

Cute Puppies

Bored Again

It's time to go home and I've got almost everything from my office packed up. The only things I'm leaving behind are my pilates ball, my electric stapler, and some extra adhesive. It looks like I'll be able to come back for a few days next week - for what I don't know. It's so boring and unless the payroll company gets their shit together I have nothing to do.

Blech.

Day 1

Today is my first day at the Boston show. It's been a good day - I think I'm going to like working with this group. I only brought a limited kit with me and the one good blue pen died within the first 30 minutes. All I could find was a black pen and I don't like to do payroll in black - blue shows up much better. But that was the worst that happened unless you count the fact the other office went home at 5:30. I'll have to see what time I get home before I decide. My commute is only about 15 minutes instead of an hour.

I go back to the guinea pig movie tomorrow and Friday (at least). I have to pack up the rest of my stuff and hope the holiday report gets sent over. And Friday they're having cake to surprise me for my birthday. Yum.

Accident

I forgot to mention the accident on the lot this morning. I didn't see anything but the aftermath but our clerk saw the whole thing in his rear view mirror.

There's an underground parking garage on the lot and when you go down the ramp to enter, you have to make an immediate left. It's dark but not that narrow. If you're not careful you can cut the corner too close and the change from sun to dark can mess up your vision. Apparently there was a man working on a grate - he was set up in the right hand lane just after the turn. He had cones and stuff set up but it was still a dangerous spot.

The clerk said he thought about it as he was entering, that the man was not in a good spot and that there could be a problem. The SUV that entered after the clerk was the problem. The woman driving it went right over the cones and the man's leg. She claimed she didn't really see the cones and didn't see him at all. He claims he got dragged by her car. The clerk saw the SUV hit the guy but didn't see any dragging and did see the guy get up afterward and run after the car. He figured the guy was ok if he could do that much.

The whole thing is just kind of screwy. The guy was in a bad spot at a bad time and the woman probably wasn't paying a lot of attention. At least no one is really hurt.