Before I left for Ecuador I was an anxious mess. For weeks leading up to the trip, I prepared myself by spending hours a night pouring over blogs and reviews written by those who had gone before me. Their stories regarding "bad" cabbies parked outside the airport and camera thefts on buses gave me the impression that I would be robbed the second I got off the plane.
So when I finally got to Guayaquil, I yanked my suitcase off the baggage carousel and went into paranoia mode, gripping tightly to my belongings until I reached an official looking taxi stand outside the airport. There, I hoisted my heavy luggage into a cab by myself and took a quick ride to the bus terminal.
The second I arrived there, hundreds of fast talking Guayaquilians urged me to get on their bus. It was the exact opposite of Port Authority. What little Spanish speaking skills I had at the time allowed me to purchase a ticket for a seat on a bus headed to the Ruta del Sol. While chickens chirped next to my suitcase in the luggage compartment below my seat, I held on to my backpack as if it were a giant balloon ready to fly away.
As soon as I got to my school in Montanita, I recieved my schedule for the week and was led to my shared room in the cabanas. There, I was finally able to let go of my baggage.
Later that night some of the other students at the school and I went to dinner. We talked about who we were and why we were there. With so many people from so many different countries the conversation never got dull. Slowly, the clouds of doubt I had about the trip lifted from my mind and floated into the atmosphere. They stayed there for the next 5 weeks, blanketing the sky like a soft gray shroud. FYI- Ecuador in June is cloudy and mild. So much for my hopes of a sexy tan.
Obtaining bronzed skin was not why I left the United States for 5 weeks though. My biggest reasons for embarking on this journey were to surf and learn more Spanish. The immersion program I enrolled in was no joke. Those who didn't do their homework or study quickly fell behind. The surfing was frustrating at times too, especially when the waves weren't strong or consistent enough for me to advance. But luckily the teachers all loved their jobs and kept it fun when I was stuck.
Between classes I talked with the locals to keep my conversation skills sharp and better understand the culture of the coast I was on. From dusk till dawn I got schooled on how to let loose. Even though it was the off season, the Montanita nightlife lived up to the hype. Dancing like crazy in my red "ladies night" dress, circled by foreign friends was something special. Whatever problems our countries may have had with each other didn't matter to us as we moved to the beat of our favorite songs in the clubs.
Days turned into weeks and flew by, a mix of learning, surfing, studying by the pool, lazy Sundays with bootleg movies containing Spanish subtitles and group dinners all blurred into each other. If I was lucky, the clouds would clear up long enough so that I could surf into a sunset or gaze at the million stars that punctuated the dark night. What does it look like when both hemispheres crowd the same sky, fighting for my undivided attention? Unreal.
What also stood out was the memory of my last Sunday in the small town. I sat in the ocean with some of my closest friends, just bobbing around on our surfboards, talking about life while enveloped in something greater than all of us. The ocean had a way of putting things into perspective while we anticipated the next great set of waves.
During my final night in Montanita, I sat in the common area of the cabanas feeling oddly unsocial. City of Gods was playing in the background and fresh faces cropped up all around me, telling the other newcomers about who they were and why they were there.
Suddenly I felt lightheaded and sick. At first I feared it was the triumphant return of my 24 hour stomach bug. But then I realized that the odd feeling in the pit of my stomach stemmed from the sadness that comes with leaving people and a place you have come to love. I had enjoyed my stay but it was time to go. Montanita is a transient town and I couldn't help but feel that another version of myself would arrive the second I left. The next special guest star in a never ending series of backpackers, rastafarians, students and surfers.
It's true that when everything feels like the movies, you bleed just to know you're alive. Sometimes things just didn't seem real, like at any second I would wake up in Astoria reeking of pickle martinis, blackberry in hand. But every time I hit my leg on an exposed pipe, scratched my many mosquito bites into scabs or got stung by a jelly fish my mind snapped back to reality and allowed me to live in the moment.
I'm so glad I went.
This blog is dedicated to Martin, my newest blog fan who has been anxiously awaiting a list of the following songs:
(thanks to all my fellow montanita spanish school friends who have helped me add to it!)
1. Verano Azul- Juan Magan
2. Magalenha -sergio/mendez
3. Rap Das Armas(Parapapapa)- Cidinho & Doca
4. Stereo Love/Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina
5. Memories - David Guetta f/ Kid Cudi
6. Chinguele - esquadron 138
7. que tengo que hacer - omega
8. Pose - daddy yankee
9. Rise Up - Yves LaRock
10. Calabria - Enur feat. Natasja
11. Calle Ocho - Pitbull
12. Comenza el Bayu - Don Omar
13. Sexy Bitch - David Guetta ft. Akon (thnx Martin!)
14. Na de Na - chris and angel
15. Virtual Diva - Don Omar
16. La Gota Fria - Carlos Vives
17. Can't Stop - Noel G f/ Adam Joseph
18. Waka, Waka (esto es Africa)- Shakira
19. Hotel Room Service - Pitbull
20. Mi nina bonita - Chino y Nacho (dance mix invierno 2010)
21. Shut it down - Pitbull ft Akon
22. Llamdo de Emergencia - Daddy Yankee
23. Te Amo - Makano
this is what ladies night sounds like... Courtesy of Martin ;) !
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Prelude to a Trip
I'm freakin out man!
The experience I'm about to embark on has caused the anxiety demons I used to struggle with to stir. In order to quell my fears and better prepare myself for the trip, I've been reading the travel blogs of those who have gone to Montanita Spanish school before me. Unfortunately, the memoirs of travelers past all confirmed my biggest worries: Loud noises will keep me from getting a decent nights sleep, I will most likely get food poisoning, and hot surfer boys will be going at great lengths to win my heart. Woe is me.
To others it may seem that I have a devil may care attitude about heading out alone to a foreign land. But honestly, I'm more nervous than I am excited right now. Reasons? I am a light sleeper and solid shuteye isn't possible where I'm headed. Sleep deprivation makes me sick. The thought of being sick or hurt far from home petrifies me. What if someone steals my belongings while I'm in the hospital? How can I deal with that? One way is to drink. If I choose to cope that way, I'm headed to the right place.
Apparently, Montanita Beach is the Miami of Ecuador. Citizens of the country flock to the town on the weekends to fiesta 48 hours straight. Friday afternoon, stands set up in an alley lovingly nicknamed “calle cocktail.” Lucky for the vendors, a beer olympic champion is about to arrive.
I must keep my eyes on the prize though and not forget the reason I decided to finally jump head first into this adventure. If I wanted to drink all summer long and recline in the sun I would have got a stress free share at the Jersey Shore. But my goal is to finally be fluent in Spanish. I believe the skill will give me the edge in the job hunt. I also enjoy the respect I get at Casa del Pan when I order pan de queso blanco en Espanol.
However, before I get to learning and lusching, I have unfinished business to attend to here. Bills to pay and memberships to freeze. My cobra expires the day after I get back from the Galapagos. I need to find healthcare stat. What if I hop off the plane and one of my teeth go flying out? It's happened before and it nearly drained my savings account.
And the money thing in general... it's been flying out the window lately. Bug repellent, hiking shoes, charcoal pills and suntan lotion all add up. It's ironic that I can take a trip like this because I don't have a permanent full time job. But because I don't have a permanent full time job, it's hard to relax and buy the things I need to enjoy it. When I return to America, I'm going back to being the cheapest recessionista in town. Guard your bread Cosi, I'll be sticking my hands in your freshly filled, free bread basket before you know it.
Volcanos erupting, thunderstorms causing flooding, shark attacks, theft and health insurance. Many things are weighing on me right now and the stress of trying to deal with them all at once is keeping me up at night.
In order to prevent my anxiety disorder from ruining my educational safari, I've opted to channel my inner Jack Shepard, letting the demons in for five agonizing seconds and allowing them to take over. By the fifth count, my fear has diminished and I start making a to do list. Writing each individual task rather than trying to attack it all at once reminds me to drink the world in one day at a time. Life is one crazy cocktail. Enjoy responsibly.
The experience I'm about to embark on has caused the anxiety demons I used to struggle with to stir. In order to quell my fears and better prepare myself for the trip, I've been reading the travel blogs of those who have gone to Montanita Spanish school before me. Unfortunately, the memoirs of travelers past all confirmed my biggest worries: Loud noises will keep me from getting a decent nights sleep, I will most likely get food poisoning, and hot surfer boys will be going at great lengths to win my heart. Woe is me.
To others it may seem that I have a devil may care attitude about heading out alone to a foreign land. But honestly, I'm more nervous than I am excited right now. Reasons? I am a light sleeper and solid shuteye isn't possible where I'm headed. Sleep deprivation makes me sick. The thought of being sick or hurt far from home petrifies me. What if someone steals my belongings while I'm in the hospital? How can I deal with that? One way is to drink. If I choose to cope that way, I'm headed to the right place.
Apparently, Montanita Beach is the Miami of Ecuador. Citizens of the country flock to the town on the weekends to fiesta 48 hours straight. Friday afternoon, stands set up in an alley lovingly nicknamed “calle cocktail.” Lucky for the vendors, a beer olympic champion is about to arrive.
I must keep my eyes on the prize though and not forget the reason I decided to finally jump head first into this adventure. If I wanted to drink all summer long and recline in the sun I would have got a stress free share at the Jersey Shore. But my goal is to finally be fluent in Spanish. I believe the skill will give me the edge in the job hunt. I also enjoy the respect I get at Casa del Pan when I order pan de queso blanco en Espanol.
However, before I get to learning and lusching, I have unfinished business to attend to here. Bills to pay and memberships to freeze. My cobra expires the day after I get back from the Galapagos. I need to find healthcare stat. What if I hop off the plane and one of my teeth go flying out? It's happened before and it nearly drained my savings account.
And the money thing in general... it's been flying out the window lately. Bug repellent, hiking shoes, charcoal pills and suntan lotion all add up. It's ironic that I can take a trip like this because I don't have a permanent full time job. But because I don't have a permanent full time job, it's hard to relax and buy the things I need to enjoy it. When I return to America, I'm going back to being the cheapest recessionista in town. Guard your bread Cosi, I'll be sticking my hands in your freshly filled, free bread basket before you know it.
Volcanos erupting, thunderstorms causing flooding, shark attacks, theft and health insurance. Many things are weighing on me right now and the stress of trying to deal with them all at once is keeping me up at night.
In order to prevent my anxiety disorder from ruining my educational safari, I've opted to channel my inner Jack Shepard, letting the demons in for five agonizing seconds and allowing them to take over. By the fifth count, my fear has diminished and I start making a to do list. Writing each individual task rather than trying to attack it all at once reminds me to drink the world in one day at a time. Life is one crazy cocktail. Enjoy responsibly.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
The Evolution of Cara
I was standing on a crowded train stalled somewhere under the East River at a quarter past midnight on a Wednesday. Since my mp3 player battery was dead I had no choice but listen to two female strangers strike up a conversation. “I'm kinda awesome one said to the other.” The other quickly replied "yes man sir" in an phony southern accent so vexing that it would have caused Emily, my favorite Texan to scream “get AIDS!” had she been there. When the train suddenly jolted out of it's brief slumber the two hipster rejects continued trying to prove who was the funnier one by making goofy faces learned in their respective level 1 improv classes.
After one of them lifted an eyebrow while saying “did you just hear that awesome thing I said? boom that just happened,” I almost snapped. But luckily, their exchange was cut short when a voice from the back of the car yelled, “are you ready for this?”
When the bass kicked in a second later and a double jointed break-dancer started pop 'n locking next to me I realized the answer was yes, yes I am ready for this - this being the chance to flee the city during one of it's hottest months and finally go through with the Spanish/surfing immersion program I've been dreaming of since being laid of from MTV and traveling around Costa Rica on my own.
I remember thinking, "I wish I could stay longer but I need to be back in NYC to start searching for work." It took 6 months to find something long term. Had I known then what I know now, I would have used my severance to stick around the country and study Spanish.
In four days I will be unemployed again. My current casting gig has a built in 2 month unpaid hiatus. Therefore, I could either A. sit around trying to find work during that time or B. use the opportunity to become bilingual.
Luckily, I have enough money saved (my accountant is amazing) to escape NYC's trademark smell of day old garbage and sidewalk pee simmering in the sun to choose option B.
The scary part is that two months from now I may be living on free samples at Fairway once again. Being asked back for the second half of the What Not to Wear season is not guaranteed, so I shouldn't expect to be working soon after I return. In television, there are a million reasons as to why you might not be asked back after a hiatus. It's nothing personal, it's just business.
Wondering if in the long run, spending my entire tax return on this little adventure was a wise move I checked in with my Bubby and Pop to get their 92 year old perspective on the situation. They said “go for it blondie.” My bubby added that my great grandmother Eve (who I was named after in Hebrew) would have approved since one of her motto's was “Save a little, spend a little.”
So I'm spending, nay, I am INVESTING in a journey that will result in me being a tan, bilingual surfer chick. I can't wait to see the Galapagos Island and witness first hand how animals had to evolve in order to survive. As someone who had to adapt to the rapidly changing TV industry's needs in order to get a job, I can relate.
Hopefully when I return I'll be asked back to WNTW. The travel is fun and my co-workers rock. I also feel amazing when I see the “afters” of people I've cast. The show is like one big mitzvah. For me, the catered breakfast and lunches are icing on the cake.
However, if I find myself job hunting again sooner than expected, at least this time around my resume will have one more valuable skill on it – Bilingual in English and Spanish. So, to everyone who saw the pink slip in my hand and told me “everything happens for a reason,” you were right. If I hadn't been laid off over a year and a half ago, all my travels, invaluable language/camera/editing skills and this blog would have never happened.
In case you are curious, this is the program I am enrolling in – http://www.montanitaspanishschool.com/spanish-a-surf, and this is the boat I'll be taking around the Galapagos Islands http://www.galapagostours.net/galapagos-cruises/aida-maria.html
After one of them lifted an eyebrow while saying “did you just hear that awesome thing I said? boom that just happened,” I almost snapped. But luckily, their exchange was cut short when a voice from the back of the car yelled, “are you ready for this?”
When the bass kicked in a second later and a double jointed break-dancer started pop 'n locking next to me I realized the answer was yes, yes I am ready for this - this being the chance to flee the city during one of it's hottest months and finally go through with the Spanish/surfing immersion program I've been dreaming of since being laid of from MTV and traveling around Costa Rica on my own.
I remember thinking, "I wish I could stay longer but I need to be back in NYC to start searching for work." It took 6 months to find something long term. Had I known then what I know now, I would have used my severance to stick around the country and study Spanish.
In four days I will be unemployed again. My current casting gig has a built in 2 month unpaid hiatus. Therefore, I could either A. sit around trying to find work during that time or B. use the opportunity to become bilingual.
Luckily, I have enough money saved (my accountant is amazing) to escape NYC's trademark smell of day old garbage and sidewalk pee simmering in the sun to choose option B.
The scary part is that two months from now I may be living on free samples at Fairway once again. Being asked back for the second half of the What Not to Wear season is not guaranteed, so I shouldn't expect to be working soon after I return. In television, there are a million reasons as to why you might not be asked back after a hiatus. It's nothing personal, it's just business.
Wondering if in the long run, spending my entire tax return on this little adventure was a wise move I checked in with my Bubby and Pop to get their 92 year old perspective on the situation. They said “go for it blondie.” My bubby added that my great grandmother Eve (who I was named after in Hebrew) would have approved since one of her motto's was “Save a little, spend a little.”
So I'm spending, nay, I am INVESTING in a journey that will result in me being a tan, bilingual surfer chick. I can't wait to see the Galapagos Island and witness first hand how animals had to evolve in order to survive. As someone who had to adapt to the rapidly changing TV industry's needs in order to get a job, I can relate.
Hopefully when I return I'll be asked back to WNTW. The travel is fun and my co-workers rock. I also feel amazing when I see the “afters” of people I've cast. The show is like one big mitzvah. For me, the catered breakfast and lunches are icing on the cake.
However, if I find myself job hunting again sooner than expected, at least this time around my resume will have one more valuable skill on it – Bilingual in English and Spanish. So, to everyone who saw the pink slip in my hand and told me “everything happens for a reason,” you were right. If I hadn't been laid off over a year and a half ago, all my travels, invaluable language/camera/editing skills and this blog would have never happened.
In case you are curious, this is the program I am enrolling in – http://www.montanitaspanishschool.com/spanish-a-surf, and this is the boat I'll be taking around the Galapagos Islands http://www.galapagostours.net/galapagos-cruises/aida-maria.html
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Ring the Alarm
If I thought my hotel would catch fire at 3:30am on a Monday morning I would have taken a few seconds before nodding off to do things differently. Because when an alarm goes off in the middle of the night and a voice over a loudspeaker tells you to immediately make your way over to the closest emergency exit, your mind tends to quickly fog up like a windshield at a drive in.
So, to prove that not all Phillies fans are vomit spewing assholes, I would like to take a moment to channel my inner Fire Martial Bill and offer some info that may one day save your life.
http://www.10news.com/news/23128024/detail.html - that was my situation.
From My Own Experience:
* If you sleep sans clothing, keep an outfit close by your bed that you can jump into quickly.
* Avoid wasting precious minutes searching for you cell under your bed. Keep your essentials (wallet, blackberry, room key) in one bag that you can easily grab and run with.
* Going down 13 flights of smoky stairs will make you feel ill. Wet a washcloth or something similar to keep the toxic fumes from getting into your lungs.
* Don't be that guy who risks a domino effect of people falling down the stairs by bringing your hastily packed, oversized luggage along with you. I'm so sure those Tommy Bahamas boardshorts are worth more than my life... jerk.
Expert Advice:
* On the back of your room door there is a fire evacuation plan. Make sure you locate the two exits near your room.
* No matter how high up your room is, always use a stairwell, never take the elevator.
* If the fire is not in your room, leave if it is safe to do so. Be sure to take your room key with you in case fire blocks your escape and you need to re-enter your room.
*To check the hallway for fire, touch the door with the back of your hand to test the temperature. If the door is cool, get low to the floor, brace your shoulder against the door and open it slowly. Be ready to close it quickly if there are flames on the other side. Crawl low in the smoke to the nearest exit; the freshest air is near the floor.
*If your room door is hot, do not open it. Instead, seal the door with wet towels or sheets. Turn off the fans and air conditioners. Call the fire department to give your location. Signal from your window.
Luckily the fire at my hotel could have been a whole lot worse, a fact which makes me appreciate my life a little bit more. Hope you are never in that situation, but if you do find yourself waking up to an emergency, try to keep focused and stay safe!
I would like to dedicate this blog to the W rooftop bartenders who are out of work till the beach bar is back up and running in full force.
So, to prove that not all Phillies fans are vomit spewing assholes, I would like to take a moment to channel my inner Fire Martial Bill and offer some info that may one day save your life.
http://www.10news.com/news/23128024/detail.html - that was my situation.
From My Own Experience:
* If you sleep sans clothing, keep an outfit close by your bed that you can jump into quickly.
* Avoid wasting precious minutes searching for you cell under your bed. Keep your essentials (wallet, blackberry, room key) in one bag that you can easily grab and run with.
* Going down 13 flights of smoky stairs will make you feel ill. Wet a washcloth or something similar to keep the toxic fumes from getting into your lungs.
* Don't be that guy who risks a domino effect of people falling down the stairs by bringing your hastily packed, oversized luggage along with you. I'm so sure those Tommy Bahamas boardshorts are worth more than my life... jerk.
Expert Advice:
* On the back of your room door there is a fire evacuation plan. Make sure you locate the two exits near your room.
* No matter how high up your room is, always use a stairwell, never take the elevator.
* If the fire is not in your room, leave if it is safe to do so. Be sure to take your room key with you in case fire blocks your escape and you need to re-enter your room.
*To check the hallway for fire, touch the door with the back of your hand to test the temperature. If the door is cool, get low to the floor, brace your shoulder against the door and open it slowly. Be ready to close it quickly if there are flames on the other side. Crawl low in the smoke to the nearest exit; the freshest air is near the floor.
*If your room door is hot, do not open it. Instead, seal the door with wet towels or sheets. Turn off the fans and air conditioners. Call the fire department to give your location. Signal from your window.
Luckily the fire at my hotel could have been a whole lot worse, a fact which makes me appreciate my life a little bit more. Hope you are never in that situation, but if you do find yourself waking up to an emergency, try to keep focused and stay safe!
I would like to dedicate this blog to the W rooftop bartenders who are out of work till the beach bar is back up and running in full force.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Fight the Powder!
Snow days. A chance to sit back with hot cocoa and watch white flakes fall to the ground, blanketing the landscape outside your bedroom window.
But beware of wishing for a big bad blizzard. Much like a wolf in sheep's clothing, those things are not as serene as they may seem. Those peaceful looking drifts are dangerous and crippling to the fragile economy around you.
So rather than lazily work from home during Snowpocalypse 2010, I put on my boots and braved Arctic winds in order to get to my office.
Why did I risk falling on black ice? Because I'm lucky enough to have a job. A really cool one at that. Long gone are the days when I thought a whiteout just meant things came to a stop so I could go sledding. Post-layoff I'm much more sensitive to the long term effects of a frozen economy. Here's to hoping it thaws out soon.
Speaking of employment, it's shameless Casting Plug Time!
WHAT NOT TO WEAR SEASON 8 Now Casting
Citizens of Nashville, San Diego, Houston, New York tri state area, D.C. and Omaha, lend me your eyes! I am looking for people to SECRETLY nominate a friend, family-member or co-worker who is DESERVING of a COMPLETE FASHION MAKEOVER!
If you know someone whose wardrobe is outright unflattering, scary, skimpy, outdated, too tight, wacky, or just plain terrible...I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Candidates will receive a trip to New York City where they will receive $5,000 in clothing, shoes and accessories as well as a complete hair and make-up transformation.
To nominate a deserving female, please submit the following:
We need AT LEAST 2 pictures of her that show her bad style and the following information to either cweissman@bbcnyproduction.com
HER NAME:
AGE:
SIZE/HEIGHT:
ADDRESS:
OCCUPATION:
MARITAL STATUS:
DESCRIBE HER PERSONALITY:
DESCRIBE IN DETAIL HER STYLE:
TELL US WHY WE SHOULD CHOOSE HER AND WHAT MAKES HER UNIQUE?
WHY DOES SHE DESERVE THIS OVER ANYONE ELSE?
Include your info, your name, phone number and relation to the nominee!
But beware of wishing for a big bad blizzard. Much like a wolf in sheep's clothing, those things are not as serene as they may seem. Those peaceful looking drifts are dangerous and crippling to the fragile economy around you.
So rather than lazily work from home during Snowpocalypse 2010, I put on my boots and braved Arctic winds in order to get to my office.
Why did I risk falling on black ice? Because I'm lucky enough to have a job. A really cool one at that. Long gone are the days when I thought a whiteout just meant things came to a stop so I could go sledding. Post-layoff I'm much more sensitive to the long term effects of a frozen economy. Here's to hoping it thaws out soon.
Speaking of employment, it's shameless Casting Plug Time!
WHAT NOT TO WEAR SEASON 8 Now Casting
Citizens of Nashville, San Diego, Houston, New York tri state area, D.C. and Omaha, lend me your eyes! I am looking for people to SECRETLY nominate a friend, family-member or co-worker who is DESERVING of a COMPLETE FASHION MAKEOVER!
If you know someone whose wardrobe is outright unflattering, scary, skimpy, outdated, too tight, wacky, or just plain terrible...I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Candidates will receive a trip to New York City where they will receive $5,000 in clothing, shoes and accessories as well as a complete hair and make-up transformation.
To nominate a deserving female, please submit the following:
We need AT LEAST 2 pictures of her that show her bad style and the following information to either cweissman@bbcnyproduction.com
HER NAME:
AGE:
SIZE/HEIGHT:
ADDRESS:
OCCUPATION:
MARITAL STATUS:
DESCRIBE HER PERSONALITY:
DESCRIBE IN DETAIL HER STYLE:
TELL US WHY WE SHOULD CHOOSE HER AND WHAT MAKES HER UNIQUE?
WHY DOES SHE DESERVE THIS OVER ANYONE ELSE?
Include your info, your name, phone number and relation to the nominee!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
This Puddle's a Doozy
What would you do if you were stuck in one place and every day was exactly the same, and nothing that you did mattered? It really could happen. Just ask an unemployed person.
When you don't have a boss to report to or clients to please, your life begins to feel meaningless. You could try to be productive by searching want ads and sending your resume out into the black hole that is the Internet. But usually that just results in feeling like an alienated failure.
Each passing day gets to feel exactly the same, the only distinguishable difference being a greater sense of restlessness and frustration. So, you could exacerbate the situation by sleeping in and then spend the rest of the day mixing beer and wine on the couch. Or, you can treat unemployment like a unique opportunity that only 10% of Americans are currently allowed to experience.
For inspiration on what to do, watch Groundhog Day. Phil Connors had a similar dilemma. When he realized he was forced to repeat Febuary 2nd over and over again, he took full advantage the wrong way – eating junk food, robbing banks and driving on train tracks. It was all fun, but it wasn't helping him graduate to Feb 3rd.
Bummed out and bored, he took the advice of Rita, his sweet vermouth on the rocks (with a twist) drinking love interest. She advised him to stop wasting time on things that could bring him pleasure in the now and begin to use each, (umm new?) day as an opportunity to improve himself. What I admire about Phil is that he took Rita's advice to the next level, using the repeating day to help the people around him as well.
Alas, in the real world you can only have fun or wallow in misery for so long. Eventually unemployment runs out and you're going to have to get a job. So after the initial shock phase of your lay off is over, it's important to start doing something productive with your time other than job hunting.
I'm writing this right now because I have a confession to make. I've been in unemployment denial. I refuse to accept the situation I may have gotten myself into (pleeease pull through for me Beeb, please!). Until this morning when I woke up early to take a spin class, I have been incredibly unproductive. Cleaning my room out Monday and filling two laundry bags full of clothes for poor Africans has been the only thing that I have done. Those bags are still sitting in my living room, much to the dismay of my roommate.
Wanna guess what unremunerative things I have actually been up to for the past few days? Have I been doing crossword puzzles while my friend bar tends? Bing! Have I been stalking you on Facebook? Bing! Have I been watching old Lost episodes nonstop? Bing again!
None of these things have been of help to me or anybody else in the world. Unless I want to start blogging for darkufo, there is no reason for me to waste 8 hours a day researching my theories about Lost. But seriously though, why was Jack's neck bleeding?
I promise to put down the remote, shut my laptop and take these bags to Times Square today in addition to a few other bags my charitable friends have been kind enough to donate. On the train to Times Square I'm going to review some Spanish Flash cards. 19th century French poetry isn't my thing, but I consider becoming bilingual to be one of the best things I can do right now to improve myself.
I'm not in a rush to learn how to perform back surgery anytime soon (sorry Locke) but I can google places to refresh my CPR skills at for free. There are a ton of things you can take part in that will take your mind off an unsuccessful or stressful job hunt. Just think about what you can do - finding free cooking classes, attending free lectures or volunteering at an animal shelter - to feel like you have done something today. Make a list and actually follow through with it so you are ready to tackle something new tomorrow. This goes for people with jobs too.
People do place too much emphasis on their careers. And unemployment can seem like a long winter in that career - "bleak and dark and bereft of hope." But there is always something you can do to make your world a better place come spring. It would be nice if we could all live in the mountains at high altitude. But that's not where I see myself in five years. How about you?
*Dedicating this blog to Jen in honor of our Punxsutawney escapade through the frozen Pennsylvanian tundra. Oh, and Amy for letting me sit there drinking beer samples and seltzer while doing sudoku and crossword puzzles.
When you don't have a boss to report to or clients to please, your life begins to feel meaningless. You could try to be productive by searching want ads and sending your resume out into the black hole that is the Internet. But usually that just results in feeling like an alienated failure.
Each passing day gets to feel exactly the same, the only distinguishable difference being a greater sense of restlessness and frustration. So, you could exacerbate the situation by sleeping in and then spend the rest of the day mixing beer and wine on the couch. Or, you can treat unemployment like a unique opportunity that only 10% of Americans are currently allowed to experience.
For inspiration on what to do, watch Groundhog Day. Phil Connors had a similar dilemma. When he realized he was forced to repeat Febuary 2nd over and over again, he took full advantage the wrong way – eating junk food, robbing banks and driving on train tracks. It was all fun, but it wasn't helping him graduate to Feb 3rd.
Bummed out and bored, he took the advice of Rita, his sweet vermouth on the rocks (with a twist) drinking love interest. She advised him to stop wasting time on things that could bring him pleasure in the now and begin to use each, (umm new?) day as an opportunity to improve himself. What I admire about Phil is that he took Rita's advice to the next level, using the repeating day to help the people around him as well.
Alas, in the real world you can only have fun or wallow in misery for so long. Eventually unemployment runs out and you're going to have to get a job. So after the initial shock phase of your lay off is over, it's important to start doing something productive with your time other than job hunting.
I'm writing this right now because I have a confession to make. I've been in unemployment denial. I refuse to accept the situation I may have gotten myself into (pleeease pull through for me Beeb, please!). Until this morning when I woke up early to take a spin class, I have been incredibly unproductive. Cleaning my room out Monday and filling two laundry bags full of clothes for poor Africans has been the only thing that I have done. Those bags are still sitting in my living room, much to the dismay of my roommate.
Wanna guess what unremunerative things I have actually been up to for the past few days? Have I been doing crossword puzzles while my friend bar tends? Bing! Have I been stalking you on Facebook? Bing! Have I been watching old Lost episodes nonstop? Bing again!
None of these things have been of help to me or anybody else in the world. Unless I want to start blogging for darkufo, there is no reason for me to waste 8 hours a day researching my theories about Lost. But seriously though, why was Jack's neck bleeding?
I promise to put down the remote, shut my laptop and take these bags to Times Square today in addition to a few other bags my charitable friends have been kind enough to donate. On the train to Times Square I'm going to review some Spanish Flash cards. 19th century French poetry isn't my thing, but I consider becoming bilingual to be one of the best things I can do right now to improve myself.
I'm not in a rush to learn how to perform back surgery anytime soon (sorry Locke) but I can google places to refresh my CPR skills at for free. There are a ton of things you can take part in that will take your mind off an unsuccessful or stressful job hunt. Just think about what you can do - finding free cooking classes, attending free lectures or volunteering at an animal shelter - to feel like you have done something today. Make a list and actually follow through with it so you are ready to tackle something new tomorrow. This goes for people with jobs too.
People do place too much emphasis on their careers. And unemployment can seem like a long winter in that career - "bleak and dark and bereft of hope." But there is always something you can do to make your world a better place come spring. It would be nice if we could all live in the mountains at high altitude. But that's not where I see myself in five years. How about you?
*Dedicating this blog to Jen in honor of our Punxsutawney escapade through the frozen Pennsylvanian tundra. Oh, and Amy for letting me sit there drinking beer samples and seltzer while doing sudoku and crossword puzzles.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Time to Donate!
Everything about laundry puts me in a bad mood. Throwing it in the hamper, hauling it to the laundromat, folding, sorting, putting it all back in my dresser... you get the point.
While trying to stuff gym shirts into a drawer today I had a thought: I have way too many workout shirts for someone who at best makes it to the gym 5 times a week.
So I dug out all my clothes, threw them on the beast (my over-sized bed) and sorted my wardrobe out, putting everything I haven't worn in years to the side.
3 bags full of shirts later, I asked my roommate if the hotel she is a manager at had any clothing drives going on for her co-worker's family in Haiti. Turns out there isn't anything going on at the Doubltree Hotel to help Haiti, but there is another co-worker of her's who always takes donated clothes with her on trips back to her impoverished hometown in Africa. She goes there several times a year.
It's frigid outside guys. You might as well stay in and assess what's in your closet. If you have a few things you don't want anymore and you don't have the time to bring them to some sort of red cross or homeless shelter, take them to work with you.
I will use my unlimited metrocard to ride around the city, pick up your unwanted items and take them back to the Times Square Doubletree. I can't give you $5,000 and a makeover in exchange for your things, but I can promise you will feel better about yourself on the inside.
If you realize just how heinous your fashion sense is, get a friend to nominate you for What Not to Wear. Hopefully I'll be able to cast you someday. If not, I'll settle for just taking your clothing castoffs.
While trying to stuff gym shirts into a drawer today I had a thought: I have way too many workout shirts for someone who at best makes it to the gym 5 times a week.
So I dug out all my clothes, threw them on the beast (my over-sized bed) and sorted my wardrobe out, putting everything I haven't worn in years to the side.
3 bags full of shirts later, I asked my roommate if the hotel she is a manager at had any clothing drives going on for her co-worker's family in Haiti. Turns out there isn't anything going on at the Doubltree Hotel to help Haiti, but there is another co-worker of her's who always takes donated clothes with her on trips back to her impoverished hometown in Africa. She goes there several times a year.
It's frigid outside guys. You might as well stay in and assess what's in your closet. If you have a few things you don't want anymore and you don't have the time to bring them to some sort of red cross or homeless shelter, take them to work with you.
I will use my unlimited metrocard to ride around the city, pick up your unwanted items and take them back to the Times Square Doubletree. I can't give you $5,000 and a makeover in exchange for your things, but I can promise you will feel better about yourself on the inside.
If you realize just how heinous your fashion sense is, get a friend to nominate you for What Not to Wear. Hopefully I'll be able to cast you someday. If not, I'll settle for just taking your clothing castoffs.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Connecting the Dots
For the first time in a long time, Sunday has that strange hollow feel to it.
While the absence of football is certainly adding to the emptiness I'm feeling right now, it's a return to unemployment that's mostly at fault.
Almost two weeks ago, What Not to Wear offered me a job as Casting Producer that seemed too good to be true. I was worried that I would have to leave my job at Discovery without notice, burning bridges in order to take it. Luckily, I was able to give my 1 week notice to an understanding production staff. Unluckily, WNTW is still waiting for budget approval and has yet to establish a start date for me. I'm kind of worried that there may never be one.
I thought I had caught a break last Thursday when mtvU called me out of the blue with gig for this week. But before I could breathe a sigh of relief I was told there still wasn't a definite start date to that project either. Why? You guessed it, budget approval.
TV Production... it's an uncertain, competitive world full of "hurry up and wait."
So why would I leave my rewarding, long-term freelance position for another one that wasn't 100% during a recession a year after being laid off? Because being laid off isn’t like getting chicken pox. Getting downsized once doesn’t give you immunity to being downsized again down the road. It's important to always look out for #1 and grab opportunities that will help you network and grow professionally. For me, casting WNTW is one of those opportunities.
Vicki Salemi, one of the many talented people I met while networking in the 405 club, wrote a book that I'm mentioned in titled "Big Career in the Big City." I read the advanced copy and found it to be full of good advice for both newcomers to NYC and unemployed veterans alike. The book contained one quote in particular that eased my mind on this uncertain Sunday:
"You can't connect the dots looking forward. You can only connect them looking backwards, so you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something--your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever--because believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart, even when it leads you off the well-worn path, and that will make all the difference."
That little gem was a part of Steve Job's commencement speech to Stanford's class of '04.
I'm sure something equally awesome was said at my own graduation, but Bobbie Jo Solomon, the Blue Sapphire, was sitting next to me. Needless to say I was too excited to listen to what whoever was speaking was saying. I was focused on Bobbie Jo, hoping that she would pull three batons out of her gown, light them on fire and start doing toss cartwheels down the aisle.
Before that graduation day rolled around I had already prepared myself mentally for the real world by memorizing Conan O'Brien's commencement speech to the Harvard class of 2000. Conan's story helped me to stay positive during my own rocky start in the entertainment industry. His last words on the Tonight Show were equally inspiring and are helping me deal with the situation I've gotten myself into right now. "Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen."
The calls I have been getting over the past few weeks have proved that statement to be true. I'm glad to know that there are people out there who know what a driven, dedicated team player I am. I still have a long career ahead of me though, and I can't wait to one day look back at all the connected dots and see the big picture.
While the absence of football is certainly adding to the emptiness I'm feeling right now, it's a return to unemployment that's mostly at fault.
Almost two weeks ago, What Not to Wear offered me a job as Casting Producer that seemed too good to be true. I was worried that I would have to leave my job at Discovery without notice, burning bridges in order to take it. Luckily, I was able to give my 1 week notice to an understanding production staff. Unluckily, WNTW is still waiting for budget approval and has yet to establish a start date for me. I'm kind of worried that there may never be one.
I thought I had caught a break last Thursday when mtvU called me out of the blue with gig for this week. But before I could breathe a sigh of relief I was told there still wasn't a definite start date to that project either. Why? You guessed it, budget approval.
TV Production... it's an uncertain, competitive world full of "hurry up and wait."
So why would I leave my rewarding, long-term freelance position for another one that wasn't 100% during a recession a year after being laid off? Because being laid off isn’t like getting chicken pox. Getting downsized once doesn’t give you immunity to being downsized again down the road. It's important to always look out for #1 and grab opportunities that will help you network and grow professionally. For me, casting WNTW is one of those opportunities.
Vicki Salemi, one of the many talented people I met while networking in the 405 club, wrote a book that I'm mentioned in titled "Big Career in the Big City." I read the advanced copy and found it to be full of good advice for both newcomers to NYC and unemployed veterans alike. The book contained one quote in particular that eased my mind on this uncertain Sunday:
"You can't connect the dots looking forward. You can only connect them looking backwards, so you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something--your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever--because believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart, even when it leads you off the well-worn path, and that will make all the difference."
That little gem was a part of Steve Job's commencement speech to Stanford's class of '04.
I'm sure something equally awesome was said at my own graduation, but Bobbie Jo Solomon, the Blue Sapphire, was sitting next to me. Needless to say I was too excited to listen to what whoever was speaking was saying. I was focused on Bobbie Jo, hoping that she would pull three batons out of her gown, light them on fire and start doing toss cartwheels down the aisle.
Before that graduation day rolled around I had already prepared myself mentally for the real world by memorizing Conan O'Brien's commencement speech to the Harvard class of 2000. Conan's story helped me to stay positive during my own rocky start in the entertainment industry. His last words on the Tonight Show were equally inspiring and are helping me deal with the situation I've gotten myself into right now. "Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen."
The calls I have been getting over the past few weeks have proved that statement to be true. I'm glad to know that there are people out there who know what a driven, dedicated team player I am. I still have a long career ahead of me though, and I can't wait to one day look back at all the connected dots and see the big picture.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
A Wild Thing
Those who watch sports know all about the madness that ensues right before the playoffs. There are many situations in which a team can either get into the post-season or blow all their hard work for the year.
Right now, I’m hoping I don’t ruin what I have worked so hard for all year (à la Eagles) by clinching a berth into 8 months of employment.
Yesterday, out of the blue, the BBC called, wanting to draft me onto What Not to Wear. The Exec in Charge of Production loved my go-getter style and recommended me for the casting producer position. The job would be a great opportunity for growth - I would get to travel around the country and learn how to edit the casting tapes I produce.
That noise you just heard was my mother screaming – she has been begging me to cast her on that show since my first TLC gig in ‘05. You can’t have your Boyd’s and get Stacy too mom… sorry.
Anyway, here is the problem: I’m already employed. I’ve been working on a new show for the Discovery Channel since my last gig at the BBC ended in October. How did I get it? The casting director/boss I have now was the casting director/boss I had on my last show. Since she brought me with her to the Discovery Channel, I feel a sense of loyalty towards her and don’t want to burn any bridges.
I would love to give my boss two weeks notice, but the BBC doesn't know when production will start. If they start Monday I would have to be in the office for What Not to Wear starting my digital outreach. The only way to know if I could leave this job and start the new one so quickly would be to ask, guaranteeing that next week would be my last week at Discovery. I wouldn't blame them - would you want to keep a free agent on board if they have showed they were making a move somewhere else?
So how will this all play out? I’ve come up with four possible scenarios:
Scenario 1 – My boss is understanding of my situation and let’s me take job immediately. I keep one job.
Scenario 2- I play it safe and don’t tell my boss I ever thought about leaving. I keep one job.
Scenario 3 – My boss makes me wait a week to leave. This defensive holding eliminates my ability to work on WNTW. I loose both jobs.
Scenario 4 – My boss lets me go, but wildcard TLC decides they don’t want the BBC to produce the show for them. I loose both jobs.
Giving in my resignation without knowing the start date on What Not to Wear would be like throwing a Hail Mary. If I hesitate too long or make the wrong decision, I'm going to be sacked. Right now I’m leaning towards taking a chance on scenario 1, but am intentionally grounding my resignation till this afternoon, hoping that the BBC gets back to me with a start date. I'm pretty sure there will be a penalty for that.
It’s funny that the boss who told me about Saturn Return had me looking to the stars for my answer, because this is what I found.
“The presence of Venus in Aquarius means that relationships with co-workers should improve. There is plenty of opportunity to negotiate at all levels. You may have been offered a new contract, or discovered that one ongoing effort had to be cancelled. Whatever the scenario, the changes taking place are encouraging you to move ahead with your career and not to stay stuck in a rut. The cosmos is pushing you to step out into the unknown and expand your horizons.”
Two minute warning coach.... the clock is ticking down and I need to make a decision. What's your call?
(situation 5- boss reads this...)
*This blog is dedicated to all my friends at Conan who took a risk, Rory who encouraged me to use my blog as something to fall back on, and my pop who get's out of heart surgery today. I know he'll have some great depression era advice for me.
Right now, I’m hoping I don’t ruin what I have worked so hard for all year (à la Eagles) by clinching a berth into 8 months of employment.
Yesterday, out of the blue, the BBC called, wanting to draft me onto What Not to Wear. The Exec in Charge of Production loved my go-getter style and recommended me for the casting producer position. The job would be a great opportunity for growth - I would get to travel around the country and learn how to edit the casting tapes I produce.
That noise you just heard was my mother screaming – she has been begging me to cast her on that show since my first TLC gig in ‘05. You can’t have your Boyd’s and get Stacy too mom… sorry.
Anyway, here is the problem: I’m already employed. I’ve been working on a new show for the Discovery Channel since my last gig at the BBC ended in October. How did I get it? The casting director/boss I have now was the casting director/boss I had on my last show. Since she brought me with her to the Discovery Channel, I feel a sense of loyalty towards her and don’t want to burn any bridges.
I would love to give my boss two weeks notice, but the BBC doesn't know when production will start. If they start Monday I would have to be in the office for What Not to Wear starting my digital outreach. The only way to know if I could leave this job and start the new one so quickly would be to ask, guaranteeing that next week would be my last week at Discovery. I wouldn't blame them - would you want to keep a free agent on board if they have showed they were making a move somewhere else?
So how will this all play out? I’ve come up with four possible scenarios:
Scenario 1 – My boss is understanding of my situation and let’s me take job immediately. I keep one job.
Scenario 2- I play it safe and don’t tell my boss I ever thought about leaving. I keep one job.
Scenario 3 – My boss makes me wait a week to leave. This defensive holding eliminates my ability to work on WNTW. I loose both jobs.
Scenario 4 – My boss lets me go, but wildcard TLC decides they don’t want the BBC to produce the show for them. I loose both jobs.
Giving in my resignation without knowing the start date on What Not to Wear would be like throwing a Hail Mary. If I hesitate too long or make the wrong decision, I'm going to be sacked. Right now I’m leaning towards taking a chance on scenario 1, but am intentionally grounding my resignation till this afternoon, hoping that the BBC gets back to me with a start date. I'm pretty sure there will be a penalty for that.
It’s funny that the boss who told me about Saturn Return had me looking to the stars for my answer, because this is what I found.
“The presence of Venus in Aquarius means that relationships with co-workers should improve. There is plenty of opportunity to negotiate at all levels. You may have been offered a new contract, or discovered that one ongoing effort had to be cancelled. Whatever the scenario, the changes taking place are encouraging you to move ahead with your career and not to stay stuck in a rut. The cosmos is pushing you to step out into the unknown and expand your horizons.”
Two minute warning coach.... the clock is ticking down and I need to make a decision. What's your call?
(situation 5- boss reads this...)
*This blog is dedicated to all my friends at Conan who took a risk, Rory who encouraged me to use my blog as something to fall back on, and my pop who get's out of heart surgery today. I know he'll have some great depression era advice for me.
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