Mistletoe Update

Erdedo writes:
I am happy to report that LIVE mistletoe can be purchased at the check-out counter at the Weigel's (gas station) on Westland Drive for $2.00 a piece. The girl who works the front counter said that she and her family shot it out of the tops of family trees over the Thanksgiving weekend, and now it is readily available to you...but somehow with that story it lost some of the mystique...

Yes, yes it has.

Holiday Checks

Today was supposed to be my last day of work, but the holiday payout checks weren't ready until this morning and I wasn't able to get everything done.

Holiday payout is a union thing; union members accrue 3.719% of their regular salary every week (paid for by the production). The money sits in an account and is used only if a crew member works on a holiday. If the crew member never works on a holiday, then that accrued money is paid out to them at the end of the show. There are some exceptions, but that's what happens for the majority of the crew.

It's usually a large project, but on something as big as EA, it's ginormous. I printed out 895 checks this morning. It took me awhile to get them all printed, copied, and then filed away. I had to file them because they were coming to collect our files to take them up to the studio - we knew we couldn't send them that much filing right off the bat! After all that was done, I had to fix the coding on the report so it all went into the right budget account. Then I was able to start folding and stuffing them into envelopes. T helped me with that part... Now we have 5 boxes of checks waiting to be sealed and stamped and put in the post. Thank dog I had the PA's get me 900 stamps!

And even though 895 seems like a lot of people, it's only the LA union crew. It doesn't count all the people from VA, the non-union crew, or the people who didn't get a check for one reason or another. That's a lot of payroll.

Maybe if I hadn't taken an hour and a half to look at townhouses... nah, it was too big for one day. I have to go back on Monday and finish up, then pack up all my crap. We leave for TN on Tuesday morning.

One last thing... I told T I wasn't going to AZ. That's finally settled.

Book List #24 & #25

While in Pasadena one weekend, we stopped at a very nice used book shop. I don't remember the name, but it had a good selection and seemed friendly. The husband found 2 books for me that had cats on the covers. Sad but true, I usually like that kind of thing. Anyway, I just finished reading the books and I have to say I hope there will be a 3rd in the series.

Diane Duane's The Book Of Night With Moon and To Visit The Queen feature cats as the main characters. Not ordinary cats, though; these cats are wizards and they control the gates that allow any wizard to jump from one place to another. Sounds kind of stupid, but I liked them and I thank the husband for picking them out for me.

Book List #23 Cont'd

The husband picked up Labyrinth at the library and I was able to finish it. I quite enjoyed it and read it pretty quickly, but I hope the author didn't think she had come up with a fantastic twist. I had it figured out pretty early on. But that didn't stop me from liking it and I hope to read more of her one day.

Arizona Job

So, T's got this show going to AZ. I've been telling her all along that I couldn't go out of town right now, too much going on with selling and other stuff. She kept asking, over and over, and I complained to the husband about it. He said - if she'll pay you X for 5 days, we'll go. I figured that'd be the end of it and tell T that I'd have to have a raise. I didn't tell her the amount, though. She tells me it's not in the budget. I think it's finally over.

I'm talking to her today and we're discussing the savings she's taking because she's on EA right now and her prep on the new one is shorter. I ask her how much they're saving and could I have it? She said D-studio exec told her that at my current rate, I wouldn't be getting more money from the studio. I'm a bit indignant about this, since the guy in VA got $100 more.

Anyway, we start discussing how the studio pays location and they it turns out they combine the 2 Idle days and the 5 day work week, meaning I'd be making the X the husband talked about. And if I worked 6 days, then it'd be X+$150. So when you add in per diem, I'd be making about $685 per week more than I'm making right now.

I called the husband to let him know his conditions were met, but now I don't know if I want the hassle of it all. We're going home for 12 days for Xmas and we'd have 10 days after getting back to get everything packed up and put into storage and get to AZ. Plus, I'd be leaving my bootcamp and WW meeting and other "stuff". I had been prepared to not take this job for so long, but the money is calling me back. I've talked myself into and out of this job about 6 times now. Blech.

Underdog

The husband showed me some stills from the upcoming Underdog movie. Of course, I decided if they have any kind of "bring your dog to a screening" event, I'm dressing Sofie up and taking her. She probably won't like it too much but I don't really care. I'd never do anything to hurt her but I'm all for embarrassment. She'd be so cute!

I tried to watch the live-action Year Without A Santa Clause. It was abominable. Why do they feel the need to tinker so much with the classics? If they had redone it word for word, I would have been happy. But all that crap about Santa losing his market share was totally unnecessary. I couldn't stand more than 5 minutes of it. I think I'll have to pull the original out and watch it soon.

My Husband Is Not The Bad Guy

There's something in my personality that makes me want to make things work out, even when they shouldn't. I've never really thought about it before, but last night the husband pointed out to me that he was always having to be the bad guy and say "no" to things.

It's true.

We discuss something and set up parameters, then I go out into the world and find out those parameters are difficult. So I try to find a way around them and the husband has to step up and remind me of what decisions we'd made.

It's not fair to him and I need to stop doing it.

Good/Bad Day

Turns out the townhouse I fell in love with doesn't have earthquake insurance and that's one of our must-haves. Bummer.

But I did find $5 on the street while walking Sofie this morning!

More Hunting

I went and looked at more townhouses today. Only 1 of them was as nice as yesterday's and that's only because it was bigger. None of them had attached garages and one had a sleeping Euro man in it (I guess his agent didn't tell him we had an appointment...)

I also got a lead on the job hunt, but they're not looking for someone to start until February and I don't really want to take that much time off.

I think it's about time to send some emails...

House Hunt

I went and looked at a townhouse today. It was a really great space (3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, attached side-by side garage, bonus room). It needs some updating and it's over-priced because of that, but I liked it a lot. I'm going tomorrow to look at some more and maybe again on Saturday, but this one could be something special.

SOLD!

It's over. Our buyer stepped up to our price on Sunday and we've sold the condo. It was kind of funny, as he waited until he'd brought his girlfriend by to look at the place before he answered. It's also kind of sad. I had so many plans for this place and so few of them ever got accomplished. Maybe I'll do better with the townhouse...

The husband and I went looking this weekend and found one really great condo. It's too far west, though. Not a lot by distance, but it adds on to the commute time. I just don't think it's going to be the place for us, but man did I like it. It was big and airy and had great views. It also had an attached garage, a loft, and a rooftop patio. I'm going to talk myself into it if I'm not careful.

Bits Of Show

I have continued my tradition of taking something from every show I work on. If I'm lucky, it's something from the set and if I'm not, it's something from the office. Anyway, on EA I've managed to get some pieces of cedar planking that was part of the ark. I even got Mario from construction to cut it to size for me. It's going to go over the cheapo bookcases I'm using as a sofa table. All I have to do is put a thick coat of poly on it, put the pieces together and voila!

Not to say I'm not going to try and snag the heavy-duty stapler, too.

Condo For Sale

I went over and wrote a counter-offer this morning, dropping our price by $4k. The prospective buyer came back with an additional $10k. We're only $8k apart now and I think this may work out.

We have another showing right now, though. Maybe we'll have some competition...

Christmas Meme

Erdedo sent me this and it makes an easy blog...

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate with marshmallows

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? What tree? Giftbags, if I'm feeling all Martha, otherwise just pulled out from behind my back.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Again, what tree? I wish I could put some lights up - I grew up with colored but I think I like white better.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No

5. When do you put your decorations up? Uh, never? Usually working and don't have time, plus we have 3 cats and a dog. Too dangerous. Although the husband and I are collecting the Dept 56 Dicken's Village and one day we'll have a huge spread...

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? My mom's stuffing and her Parker House rolls.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Staying up late on Christmas Eve after midmight mass with the whole family.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't remember when or how I learned, but I did believe!

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? My husband's family does this and now I do, too. But I prefer Christmas morning.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Since I haven't put up a real tree in years (allergic and has cats), have to pass on this. I do have a fiber optic tree, but it's small and doesn't really hold decorations.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? SNOW! SNOW! SNOW! Too bad I live in SoCal...

12. Can you ice skate? Yes, but not with any real grace. I have trouble stopping. And I broke my tailbone when I tried to take lessons.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Nope - I know I've had some good ones, but nothing jumps out at the moment as my favorite.

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Family

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Pecan Pie

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? When I was little it was baking cookies. Now it's just being with family.

17. What tops your tree? My parents have a topper that looks like a star, but it has a big plastic faceted bubble in the middle. There's a light inside the bubble and the light is surrounded by a cylinder of mutlicolored gels. When the light heats up, the cylinder spins and the light is thrown onto the ceiling like a mirror ball. It's so cool I found one on Ebay and I'm anticipating the day I can put it up.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Receiving. Yes, I said it. Bring on the loot.

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

20. Candy Canes: I love the ones Hershey puts out with chocolate but I rarely buy them. They're better as decorations or in ice cream with apple pie.

1st Offer

We got our 1st offer on the condo today and it's $37K less than our asking price. Our agent said she would have been embarrassed to submit an offer that low.

The husband wants to counter with $8k more than our asking price, but I just can't bring myself to do that. Maybe he's right that I just let everybody else take advantage of me - trying too hard to be polite and nice. Maybe we should just come back with a big "Frak You."

Crappy Days

It's been a crappy couple of days. I woke up at 3:45 am yesterday morning, disturbed by the dog and Baxter. Both of them sleep on the bed and they wake me up all the time. Plus, Darby decided she needed to get into the bathroom cabinet. Since she's not really strong enough to get the door open, it ends up falling shut over and over (BAM. BAM. BAM.) When I got up to take care of it, I stepped on Sofie.

This kind of stuff isn't unusual but for some reason it really got to me and after lying there for over an hour, trying to fall back asleep, I broke into tears when the alarm went off. The husband woke up and tried to comfort me, but I still had to get up to go to the gym. I was pissed at Sofie, I was pissed at the cats, I was pissed at myself. The animals weren't doing anything intentional and I felt bad about it.

I stayed up really late last night - trying to exhaust myself so they wouldn't get to me again this morning. I slept until 5 and got up to the alarm, but it pretty much backfired. I was a total bitch to the husband and have been angry all day. I may have to go back on my meds. I think it's more than not getting enough sleep that's causing me to be angry at the drop of a hat. I keep it under control at work, but I can't hold it in forever. And my control at work is slipping. Whenever I get the chance, I yell and call people names. Never to anybody's face, just in general about the stupid shit that comes across my desk.

We did get the dog statue glued back together last night and it looks pretty good, but the finish is too shiny for the cracks to go unnoticed. The husband suggested we paint it like we did the lion from the Alburquerque flea market (faux stone). I think it's a good idea, but I want to get a different color for it. Have to go and have a look at the options.

Oh, and I found out my mom has macular degeneration or something like it. She's lost enough vision to not be able to read or write anymore. Scarier still, my dad has been driving her around.

Notes From Others

I don't know why I never get comments on my blog... but I do get comments in my email and occasionally some other fun stuff!

From N:
I meant to comment on your Splenda cooking. I tried once cooking with it, lemon bars. And it was disgusting. I threw the whole thing out. It didn't set right and it had a nasty taste. I don't know how people can cook with it. ME had major success with it.

All I can say is more power to her - the shiat was gross.

From my brother M (who forwards every joke, warning, notice, etc he comes across):
An elderly couple was attending church services. About halfway through she leans over and says to her husband, "I just let out a silent fart. What do you think I should do?" He replies, " Put a new battery in your hearing aid."

One of his better ones...

More from N about the CWW situation:
(my email to her)
Let me get your take on something - M called yesterday saying another Uni show needed a few days help with payroll and could I do it? T said it was ok and I said yes and today I'm at Paramount. I've put the gross on timecards; checked edits; printed, copied, folded, stuffed and sorted checks. I'm going to print invoices and I entered start cards into the crew list. The payroll acct I'm helping has been working 6 and 7 days for weeks and is having an allergy attack today. She went home at 3 o'clock. Should I feel bad for wondering if I'm being taken advantage of?Forgot to mention I had to buy my own lunch (they are shooting on the lot but had a late call). Besides that, I think it's a little weird that M would even ask knowing I was on EA - even though I'm not that busy.

(her response)
Hmmm that is a tough one. First, that sucks that you are at Paramount and that you had to pay for your own lunch. They really should have picked up that tab. They should allow you to turn it in as PC. Okay whether you should feel like you are being taken advantage of. By M asking you to take care of things for him tells me he really trusts your work. Are you getting paid for both jobs? Like any sort of perk? And do they really need you more days if you got all that done for her? Is she coming back tomorrow or because you promised to help out for a few days will her allergies continue. If they had said she needed help because she was ill and needed to go home then that was one thing but if she went home because you are taking care of everything well, she is taking advantage.

Which is why I'm not going down there tonight!

Estate Sale

I went to an estate sale this morning and got some nice stuff, but I have to say those things are always very sad. Some guy, probably no older than 40, died and all of his stuff got sold off to strangers. It took me back to when Betty died and we had a sale with her things. I appreciated the people who bought stuff and hated the bastards to wanted to haggle. At least this sale was held by professionals and the family didn't have to deal with any of it.

Anyway, I got a great statue of a dog. It's about 3 feet tall and black graphite looking. Unfortunately, I bumped him on the way over and his snout hit the passenger window and his head broke off... It's a clean break and I can glue him back together, but I do seem to have a bad time of it with statues. We did notice as we were looking at him that this isn't the first time his head's been knocked off. There's an old crack further down the neck that's been glued. I don't feel as bad as I did.

I also got some cookware (I guess it's Corningware), a nice pie plate, and the 1st 2 seasons of the Sporanos on DVD for the husband. The 1st wants to go over tomorrow and I think I'll go with her and see if the last of the rugs is still available and how much they want for it.

I don't know why I'm going to do this, but the company holding the sale sends out emails for their upcoming events. This past weekend they were in Bel-Air and maybe I just want a chance to snoop around in someone's home...

Official Job Hunt

Well, it's official. I've put myself out there as available for work. I'm still hoping to work with T but with the chance her show goes to Arizona I don't have a choice. It looks like there are a lot of things going out of town and I may end having to take one of them, but it's not to that point yet and probably won't come to it.

I just hope I get something decent...

Who knows? I may end up as 2nd Payroll over on CWW considering how that show's going.

Not As Lazy As I Would Have Liked

After seriously considering taking the condo off the market, we had someone come look at it today and have someone scheduled for tomorrow. Plus, the article in the paper said the average sale takes 30-90 days. We just hit 30.

Going now to take the old paint to the hazmat drop-off site then on to the dog park. May stop by Jackalope on the way home and see if they have anything that would work as a bench base...

Runner

Just got back from taking Sofie to the dog park. I have to say if I get any time off after we get back from traveling, I'm going to take that dog to the park everyday for an hour at a time. Man, she loves to run. It's the only reason I'm seriously considering buying a house instead of a townhouse - so Sofie will have a yard to run in at any time...

Doin' Time at Paramount

Where to begin?

I spent the last 2 days working on CWW down at Paramount. The accounting crew was very nice and appreciative. I was happy to be able to help them, even though at times I felt they were to blame for getting behind in the first place - a lot of the stuff they did seemed like double work. I checked edits on Wednesday, but in the end I was a highly-paid clerk; a lot of copying, folding, stuffing, sealing, and filing. The only real point to having me down there instead of a clerk was that I didn't need to be trained. I could just step in and know what needed to be done. I only wish I could have finished everything but when you run out of basic filing supplies, there's nothing to be done. At least I fixed their label program.

What frustrated me most was the fact the woman I came in to help left at 3pm on Wednesday because she wasn't feeling well (and because I was there) and then on Thursday she left before I did again. Not sure what's up with that - if I was to get so far behind as to need help, I'd make damn sure I was the first in and the last out. Different priorities, I guess.

Gossip that I learned:
- Julia changed her name and is going by her husband's last name now
- Tom has his hair straightened
- They're going to be doing Angels & Demons next.

Gossip about RH3 (the payroll acct's husband is a driver on that one):
- J Chan broke his collarbone doing a stunt
- Chris got "saved" and now won't say any of the cuss words in the script. When they come up, he gets huffy and stomps off to his trailer.
- J showed up to work after breaking his collarbone, but Chris was sick and they shut down for the day. Wonder how sick you have to be when the guy with the broken bone arrives on time?