Detour

Ok. This shouldn't feel sad but it does. It's not giving up, it's growing up. It's not quitting, it's moving forward. I am switching blogs. After much debate, I feel like this is a solid choice. I have thought about uploading all of my past entries to the new space, but in turn just decided to leave this up as is. Hopefully this will inspire me to fulfill my internet duties by posting even more useless information that will inevitably cause a giant traffic jam on the information superhighway.

Introducing the new condition d

4th Meal Is A Callin

I don't think I have ever wanted Taco Bell so bad. My mouth is actually kind of watering. I don't even know if it's worth not having simply because I'm trying to eat better. Could it be a reward? I can't believe I looked up their nutritional menu. Must...resist...running....for border. Must think inside the pan and cook something myself. Kinda getting tired of making pasta every night.

All in a days work

Wow.  It really feels good to accomplish something.  Even if it's not a huge accomplishment, anything helps the unemployed.  Here's a run down.

Woke up at noon (I gotta work on that)

Went for a nice run around the lake

Called the bank and lowered my APR

Cancelled internet on my phone

Called rug people for more work

Cleaned the kitchen

Thought about cleaning the bathroom

Cleaned myself up

Took some self portraits

Played around with them in Photoshop

Played some Wii with Dan

Received and installed another gig of ram

Cooked a nice quiet dinner

And now possibly going to shoot free pool

It's all about the little things

And the laughter stops

Really?  At 28?  Recently starring in one of the most anticipated hero movies.  Breakthrough work in a gay cowboy movie.  Yet couldn't overcome the urge to pop a bunch of sleeping pills.  What a shock.  

You will be missed.

Studio Sweet Studio

Thought you may want to see the wonderful space I spend my time photographing rugs.  Well.  This is it.  A nice, oh, let's say 30x30 room in the back of a warehouse.  Nothing fancy.  Desk, chair, fan, lights.  The strobes are pretty nice with digital dials.  Floor is either hardwood or stone, depending on what type of covering I am shooting.  Basically I spend four to eight hours in this room each job photographing and touching up anywhere from three to ten rugs at a time.  I take the clients the final photos up front in the office.  They review and I leave.  Nothing too complicated.  It's only a matter of time before I ask to use the studio for personal use.  Always helps having a couple extra lights and a nice dedicated space.

Shortstop Situations

Ok.  It's 2:17 in the morning of Sunday.  I don't know if I want to make these late night blogs a common occurrence but here goes.

Just got back from Shortstop.  This isn't the first time it has nearly come to blows with Nathan, I, and other pool players.  This group of five vs. us.  They all couldn't have been above sixteen, which begs the question how they got in.  I acknowledge the absurdity of blogging about billiard discrepancies but this feels necessary.  We get down to the nitty gritty of the game.  One ball each and the eight.  Nathan and I have played near five safeties not touching the eight ball.  No one wants to go near the eight ball.  It has been avoided all game as it should be.   God this sounds ridiculous.  All of a sudden, the cue lines up with the eight and their last ball.  He (the opponent) calls a combo off the eight ball into there own, setting them up to win the game.  We explain that you can't play off the eight ball, which is official billiards rule.  He tells us ok, but it is his table as we challenged him, and that's the way he plays, so that is how it is.  He makes the combo and then the eight.

Now things get rough.  Nathan steps up in his face calling bullshit.  You can't all of the sudden disclose this secret rule by which you play by when it benefits you.  I stand on guard.  The opponent tries to explain himself with his friends coming to his aid, standing tall behind him.  I stare down all of the background while Nathan calmly explains the error at which the opponent just played.  When it comes down to it, we are off the table and they continue on.  Shouldn't have been , but is, and let's face it, it's a game of pool and this sentence has far too many commas in it.

So we wait.  Then we put another dollar on the table to play again (since they have decided not to abide by the regular chalkboard rules).  By the time the ammeters are done with there next game, the bar is closing.  Revenge is cut short.  Of course as we walk home, that very same group is in front of us.  I keep telling Nathan to keep it cool because it is not worth it.  We end up passing the group, but not without catching them proclaiming "We won the game of pool."  Livid comes to mind.  Both Nathan and I are now making fists.  Him ready to turn and fight.  Me realizing the odds of four (be it them not equipped) vs. two. Somehow they continue to follow us up the street, which angers me that they live that close and could possibly be seen at our bar again.  We get to the corner and Nathan wants to stop and see if they say anything else.  Luckily they take the other fork in the road.

All in all.  No.  Not worth it at all to mess with anyone, even a bunch of irresponsible young-ins that probably need to be taught a lesson.  Which is why it never would've come to it.  Still.  It's that type of people that are ruining our wonderful Shortstop.  I refuse to get into any type of trouble in there because I honestly respect it and the employees too much, as well as I really don't want to get into any type of fight in the first place.  I would much rather avoid confrontation at all cost so there is nothing to worry about.  It's just those type of people that make you think what if.

Hollywood but she really shouldn't

It is 1:27 in the morning this wonderful Thursday.  I just got home from a birthday party for my roommate's girlfriend.  We celebrated at The Green Door in Hollywood.  I really don't get it.  Every place in Hollywood has been overpriced and usually way overcrowded.  This place was different in the realm that they didn't let it get super packed, which is a huge bonus.  Still, paying ten dollars for a drink is not my idea of a good time.  Do people just forget about all of their bills while they are there?  Or are they so fortunate that nights out like this don't phase them?

It is truly amazing watching these people.  I spent my fair share standing there alone watching others.  It may sound stereotypical, but nearly everyone there was an actor.  Watching the aspiring actresses clutch on and flirt with the agents in the room was the most disgusting and hilarious sight.  It's all about bettering one's self.  I can't handle that kind of behavior.  The whole point of being out should be to have a good time and relax, yet everyone is so worried about themselves I feel that it is lost.

So many people.  In and out.  Met and forgotten.  Really reminds me that this city has little meaning behind it other than self preservation.  If you don't have anything to offer these people, sit down.

The shit has hit the fan

What a great way to meet the neighbors.  Last night, after retiring to my room for the evening, sounds of tires squealing right outside my window fill the air.  I quickly make my way to the living room to ask Nathan if he heard it because it sounded like a crash after the squeal.  He said yes and I returned to my room.  No more than ten seconds after sitting back down at my computer BAM BAM BAM.  Natural reaction, duck.  Hit the floor.  Kiss the hardwood.  However you want to put it, do it.  I run back out to the living room where Nathan is on the balls of his feet, both of us wondering what we should do.  Do we call the cops?  Would they even care or just welcome us to Los Angeles?  My phone rings.  It's Dan from next door.  Yeah Dan, we heard it too.  Nathan and I are immediately and carefully looking out the window for any sign of activity, fleeing, bleeding, etc.

For whatever reason, we decide to walk out on our balcony to get a better view or to get shot I'm not sure which one.  Within three minutes a spotlight from a police helicopter is directly on our building.  A few minutes later brings a cop car and we are down on the street answering questions.  Soon we are surrounded by several cop cars and a dozen officers combing the street for shell casings.  This was no little 9mm.  This was at least a .45.  After a good forty-five minutes later and the whole thing is over.  The police gathered that the house behind us was shot at.  Eyewitness accounts report that a car left their driveway and was shot at by another car.  Apparently a lot of people that use to live in our building before us were part of a gang that is in a tag war with another near by gang, thus explaining all the spray paint that has been adorning our building lately.  Great news to hear after signing a lease.

I have never slept closer to my mattress.  It was very uncomfortable laying that flat and tense.  I woke up at the slightest noise.  My window is about eight feet away from their driveway.  I heard a car return at some point very late and about pissed myself.  I don't think we are in any danger.  I just hope there isn't a backlash and things just keep cool.

Oh, and don't tell mom.  I don't want her to worry.

Cause of Death

Seems pretty clear. James and I honestly found it this way. Art or foreshadowing?

This past weekend was very reminiscent of film school. I operated on a short in which the script originally called for forty-six pages to be shot within two days. That's two thirds of an indie feature in two days. Giddy up. It was a nonstop shoot fest. The only breaks we had were our 30 min first meal and 15 min second meal. Towards the middle end of the second day, the idea of block, light, shoot finally caught on. I can't remember the last time I worked on a project where second meal was actually planned. Talk about some overtime. The project felt very "video-y" but I suppose that was the goal since it will be a featured video on youtube the first or second week of February.  Just another lesson not to get too excited too early.

Nothing on the horizon now except a couple of photo shoots.  Hopefully will have some new images soon.

Bored and Broke

What does one with no money do between the hours of 5pm till sleep? I feel like once it gets dark, accomplishing anything becomes very rare. There is such a limited amount of things to pass the time. I've cleaned my room (sorta), did laundry (more like shrank laundry), cooked and ate dinner (rice burrito with chip crumbs) and now I have nothing to do. Reading could potentially work but I think I would be telling myself I'm still bored. Television is such a waste. Looks like another night of sitting here staring at my roommate's dog, Auggie.

Revolving Resolutions to Resolve

1) Eat - Better. No more fast food. This will also force me to learn to cook more for myself. Win win.
2) Soda - No more. My face is getting too fat. Water, tea, milk, and juice is all I need.
3) Talk - To strangers. Not annoyingly. Not random. Just small talk when the time is right. Never know who you'll meet.
4) Run - At least three times a week.
5) Blog - More. Why not?

Let's see if any of these stick. I think new year resolutions are stupid because no one ever follows them. These will be a good enough start but I'm not going to beat myself up over anything.

Exactly the start I wanted

My new years wish has come true! I was lucky enough to be awoken by obnoxiously loud mexican music as a guy cleans his car out on the street for three hours on new years day. People are awesome!

Holiday Review

Well I'm back in Wonderland. Christmas seems to move faster each year. When you're a kid, everything builds up to it. All you can think about are presents. As you age, you start to dread the family events with fear that you will have to talk to a bunch of older people you don't see that much. I think I've reached an in between period. I actually enjoy seeing the family. I feel like I can hold my own in conversation and talk intelligently. The only problem is fielding the same questions multiple times a night. This comes with moving across the country and never seeing these people save once every Christmas. Instead of visions of presents, I have visions of bills waiting for me when I return home. An uneasy feeling starts dwelling when you are away from what you are suppose to call your home for more than a week.

I did get to see some old friends. People I haven't seen or talked to in literal years. The same situation arises with them as well as family. Hard to get back onto track with the period of silence in between. Nevertheless very nice to visit and catch up.

I think the largest factor in my discomfort lately has been the lack of creative outlet. Taking engagement photos of Steve and Kiley and photos of their band Gentleman Auction House over the break definitely got me through the ten days. Other than that it was getting rough. Today I spent about three hours making a completely unnecessary web page just so I could design something. The next few photo sets I have lined up in January are something to look forward to. As of right now I don't have a return trip planned, so it may be nice to get settled here for a while.

No but seriously

Never ever ever ever ever lax again. I don't even want to get on my return flight in 10 days. My kingdom for a travel agent.
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A Saint of Sorts

I want to be a Boondock Saint. There. I said it. It's not that I just think they are cool or that I want to kill all the scum of the earth, just a few types. Two in particular, both involving cars.

1) Do not take your sweet ass time moving your fat ass through the cross walk. I am in a car. I am encased in steel. I win. I'm not saying you need to sprint across the street but don't crawl across while staring at me waiting for you so I can make a right hand turn.
2) Stop parking in the middle of the street. What in the hell are you possibly thinking?! I don't care if you put your hazards on or not (which you usually don't bother), there is no reason you have a immunity to the traffic laws.

Don't make me drop a toilet on your head people.

An Angry Open Letter to one Carl Jr.

Dear Mr. Jr.,

Listen up buddy, I've had about enough. Who do you think you are flaunting your new Portobello Mushroom Thickburger every fifteen minutes on television? This one doesn't even have an attractive girl and I've never wanted one more. So fine. You win. You knew you would. Oh look at that. Google maps found one of your establishments a mere two miles from my apartment. In a small eight minutes, the combo will be in my possession. Or so I thought. Way to go hiding the restaurant, but last time I checked, you want people to be able to find your product in order to...order it. This proves not to be the case with your downtown Los Angeles location as I circled the address twice and could not find it. FIne. A quick call to the roommate and I will be redirected to the next one.

Vermont and Normandie? Really Carl? How is it I can pass about a million Burger Kings and a dozen other fast food places, but I have to truck my ass all the way to Vermont and Normandie to find yours. Fine. It's fine. Sorry. I'm just having a bad day that's all. Oh here it comes up on the left. Hmm. No drive thu or parking lot. Ok. I'll just park half in the red and half in the yellow down the street. I'd like to see someone stop me from getting this burger now. If they can manage to tow my car in the time it takes you to whip up one of your combos then they can keep it.

There. Order placed. To go number 63. Now we play the waiting game. Shit. I forgot to say curly fries. Maybe I can ask...nevermind they just put the regular ones up there. I still blame you. Bag in hand I race out the door. I have precious little time to get all the way back home in time to enjoy my meal warm. Oh wonderful. Everyone else in Los Angeles also wants to hurry home right at this moment as well. Now what was suppose to have taken eight minutes has taken an hour.

The moment of truth. I do the little fast food dinner dance when I walk through my apartment door. Throw the keys and wallet. Kick off the shoes and grab a plate. This whole scene becomes a blur of panic as if the burger is going to disappear unless I eat it immediately. I take out my regular (dammit) fries and liberate the burger from its carton and wrapper. My that looks like a tasty burger. I quickly get comfortable lift the burger to my mouth, twisting it about trying to find out the best angle from which to take my first victorious bite. After I make my way past the entire head of lettuce they managed to cram on there, I sink my teeth into the cheesy mess of mushrooms and meat. Now it's been a while since I have had Hardees (the true name of your franchise). The one thing I remember is that it does not disappoint. And this was certainly no exception. This was indeed a delicious fast food burger. But it did not wow me. C'mon Carl. Hardee's less complex version of the Infamous number three, mushroom n swiss thickburger, leads in delicious points. I could have stopped at any other joint in my journey to yours and who knows, maybe next time I will.

You did this to yourself Carl.

Three Albums That Recently Changed My Life

Wilco - Sky Blue Sky

This album screams "Hey let's be depressed, but let's be ok with it." It's almost as if Jeff Tweedy tells a personal story on each track. I find myself singing certain tracks throughout the day as certain life events spark the need.


Stars - In Our Bedroom After the War

I listened to this entire album at least twice every week while traveling to various cities on a job. The ultimate plane album as you can just get lost in the personal lyrical exchange of Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan. Absolutely chilling and always beautiful.


Kings of Leon - Because of the Times

The distinct sound of three brothers and a cousin is never mistaken. The imperfect squeeks and yells compliment the complex guitar break downs. Perfect for listening at a small bar during happy hour while playing pool. If you can understand the lyrics, you'll start singing them with the deepest of feelings

My new years resolution

Never ever ever ever ever ever ever fly out of lax again.
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Pilgrims Blue Ribbon

Spent Thanksgiving at the beach again this year. I am thankful for many things, but right now it's the fact that tomorrow I can start playing Christmas music.

Here try this...