M A L A M A R

Who Says Cats Can't Get Down?

2010-12-08T11:40:00.001-08:00

Out With The Old

2010-09-02T15:02:00.001-07:00

Yes, it has been awhile since I've blogged. I simply have no excuse as I've been home for the better part of the summer catching up on "The Office" on my Netflix streaming. It's fantastic. The Netflix streaming I mean...although "The Office" American version ain't too shabby either!

I have to satisfy a request by a very persistent woman on the East Coast to update my blog. So in thinking back on what has been consuming my life recently...besides "The Office"...I thought perhaps you might want to see all the changes we're doing to the house. This week has been difficult because at one time we had about 10 people working at once. We are voluntarily painting the exterior of the house and putting in brand new doors. We DIDN'T volunteer our air conditioner to stop working or our refrigerator to have a part break, causing it to be warmer than an L.A. summer.

Here is what the house looks like right at this very minute as I sit in my living room typing on my lap top because my desktop computer has been in the shop now for about 20 days. Oh yeah, fixing that thing has been just about under $1,000. Pretty awesome, right?

The front of our house!

You can see everything taped off with primer in the appropriate places. I don't know if you can tell, but the trellice is no longer white but a creamy tan color called "Johnston". Since paint color names are my favorite, and that one stinks, I've decided to call it "Perfectly Roasted Marshmallow" color. "Perfectly Roasted Marshmallow" will also be the color of the currently white panels along the side of the house. We are also installing brand new doors! I would show you a before picture of the door we had but I don't want to scare you. It's better to always have happy and bright thoughts. :)

Here is our new door.

Obviously, it's not stained yet. The stain will be a honey oat color. I love the new knocker! We do have a peep hole along with top row of windows. For a tall lass like me, it will be difficult to go stealth if I don't want to answer the door since Mr. Solicitor will probably see my frizzy hair...but oh well. I'll work on it.

Now we'll start walking towards the backyard. These ladders are common on every side of the house.

You can imagine how fun it is keeping both dogs inside all day because the gate has to stay open. Bear has been a sweetheart as always, but Basil...

And now we enter the backyard.

I just cleaned up some of Basil's "bombs" so it's less of a landmine...but it's still pretty bad. Tools everywhere, towels randomly thrown on the ground, painter's masks here and there. You know.

Say hello to Christian!

He's sweet although I haven't heard him say a word yet. It's been about 2 weeks. I've been giving him the benefit of the doubt and telling people he's sweet. You can see the three colors on which we were deciding, next to him. The main body of the house will be the middle green. Then the triangle edges above the windows and garage will be the lighter green, on top of the middle green.

Our garage!

Sergio is to the right painting. You can get a better sense of the green. I love it.

Behold our new air conditioner.

This massive thing, along with zoning the air properly in the house, cost us about $8,000. Let's move on as I don't want to talk about that anymore.

I'll now take you into our new back office. We completely emptied the two rooms that were filled with toys, papers, garbage, unnecessary VHS tapes (VHS tapes, for those who don't know, are objects that hold video recordings). There are two rooms back there and we made the bigger first room into a music haven. It's pretty sweet.

You can see, for any music inspiration, The Beatles are not too far away.

I will not show you a picture of the second room only because I'm not done with it. I'm waiting for a poster sized photograph to be shipped to us. It's taking awhile. But it'll be worth it, trust me.

I think that's about it for now. Carlos has since gotten home from when I started this post and is angry that his lunch plate was too hot coming out of the microwave. The dogs are sleeping in the same position (adorable) and are a bit stinky. Maybe too much information. I'm going to go and continue watching "Unmistaken Child". It's a documentary about a Tibetan monk searching for the reincarnation of his mentor who had passed away. Personally, I think the reincarnation of the mentor is my cat Blue, but why would this Tibetan monk travel all the way to North Hollywood, California?? Shame, really.

Get Him To The Greek. I'll Go To The Bowl. - MOVIE PREVIEW

2010-06-13T22:36:00.000-07:00

Upon first seeing the movie previews, I didn't think much about "Get Him To The Greek." In fact, it didn't peek my interest at all. Shortly after the previews started, I saw Judd Apatow on Craig Ferguson and was under the impression Apatow directed it. My man Judd sold the film pretty well! After the movie opened, I kept hearing thumbs up reviews and started getting quite excited to see it. I love Apatow films! Turns out I was duped, fellas. Apatow produced the film. Nicholas Stoller directed it. My own fault for not paying close enough attention. NOT my fault for it being a yawner of a film. As for my review...

Totally random, barely a storyline, confusion throughout, and forced. Yes, it's a comedy starring Jonah Hill and Russell Brand and yes, there are liberties you can take with those boys, but the overall story has to make some sort of sense! You can't just throw random desperate story lines together, people. It will not make sense!

My head hurts just thinking about it and I'd rather not abuse myself further. My official review - don't see it. You might chuckle at one or two lines...and I'll emphasize "might."

Russell Brand and Jonah Hill did their typical characters well...how could they not? They've had enough practice. This just wasn't well written. Not your fault, dudes. I'm not giving up on you, Apatow, Hill, and Brand!

American Idol Mania!

2010-05-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the fun job of covering the American Idol red carpets for Vh1 News. I love covering red carpets and I love American Idol even more so...when you mix two ounces of love, you get the following:

We show up at the carpet at 2:00 pm. Already, there are crowds and crowds of people around the Nokia center in downtown L.A. Fans are holding posters...

...people are vying for the most coveted spot in show biz...

...all in about 90 degree heat. Bring it, Los Angeles! The energy was fantastic. Everyone was very, very nice and the interviews we got outside were perfect. A little throw back with last year's contestant Michael Sarver...

...throw a little Elliot Yamin in there with Alex (Mullet Boy) Lambert.

Not to be confused with ADAM Lambert who, sadly, was not there. I've heard two different reasons why he didn't show. One was he was on vocal rest due to all his performances coming up. The other, which is MUCH more interesting, was he didn't show up for rehearsal which led to the producer's banning him from performing. Either way...no show.

We interviewed Big Mike, David Archuleta, Kris Allen, Michael Jons, Jordin Sparks, you name the Idol, we got the Idol. We also interviewed Hall and Oates to whom, I'd like to give a big THUMBS DOWN. From the moment they stepped up into my camera shot I knew it was a lost cause. The little one (yes, I identify by size...I was born in '82. I have no allegiance to them!) was in the shade which made him way too dark. The big one was so tall he extended into the sun which made him way too bright. How do I adjust my iris? Answer...you don't. When they're border-line rude and kind of a waste of tape, you let them look silly and move on to Dr. Drew who is a few people down the press line.

Simon Cowell did not do press although he did walk the carpet quickly. To answer that burning question...he's about 5'8". Didn't see Ryan at all but I did get a chance to see Kara and she looked gorgeous!

Okay...show's starting. It's 5:00 pm and we all move down to the "Press Area."

There we had the pleasure of waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting (get where I'm going (or not going) with this?) Can you do a parenthesis within a parenthesis? Anyways, Michael McDonald shows up. Eh, don't really need him for Vh1. Chicago shows up. Eh, don't really need them for Vh1. Bret Michaels shows up. Finally someone Vh1 worthy!

I'm a fan of Bret. Really just because I've met him once before and he was so genuinely nice. He acts very nice on television...he's exactly that way in real life. This is him telling us about winning "Celebrity Apprentice." (Bare with it, it starts about 15 seconds in).

And in all honesty, I thought his performance with Casey was amazing!

Finally, Lee and Crystal decide to roll in...TWO hours AFTER the show had ended! Still worth the wait.

As you can see, Lee can't take his eyes off me. I don't blame him, really. When you're blessed with this beauty...

...how can you look away?

I kid, I kid!!

They were both very, very sweet. I liked them both! Personally, I think Crystal should have won but bottom line is, people like that come from behind story. I feel like in order to win American Idol, you can't come out strong! You need to come out mediocre and fool the audience. Those fools! Then with each episode get slightly better, ever so gently...shed a tear or two...then BAM. You just won the biggest show in television, my friend. Secret's revealed.

MALA....OUT!

32 Mountains to Climb Before I Get to Swim

2010-05-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

Wow, my whole initial thought was "When In Rome..." but considering I don't have any acting experience and no demo reel, how do I land an agent? That's the next step. I need to land a respectable agent that will get me on auditions. I am meeting with an agent today, courtesy of a friend. Yay! I have no expectations but at least I'll have an idea of where to go from here.

The spot I am in now feels sealed shut. Not an ounce of light. Where do I even begin to get out of this box? I think the first step is I need to get experience. It's an obvious step, just hard to accomplish. So any independent project is really my only hope! Craigslist and I have a date later on tonight.

My goal is to find that secret door in... It's me against everyone else on that search, I know. I can guarantee you all that I can do what I've been seeing on television and film. Come on!

I'll let you know how the agent meeting goes.

To Photoshop Or Not To Photoshop

2010-05-10T22:03:00.000-07:00

I'm in the middle of a bit of a dilemma. I picked three photos I liked. I have to be honest, I'm not crazy about my hair but for first head shots, I can't complain. Here's my dilemma. I'll post the three I liked best without being put through Photoshop. Then I'll post the three after Manny (who works wonders with Photoshop) fixed all my blemishes, freckles, and beauty marks!

My dilemma is this - are they TOO Photoshopped? Carlos and our roommate Sean say "no" and that everyone has Photoshopped head shots. Part of me thinks it's not really me!

What should I do? I want to trust Carlos and Sean...thoughts?

ORIGINAL -

PHOTOSHOP-

Headshots - Check. Or click.

2010-05-07T12:01:00.000-07:00

Headshots are done, thanks to a WONDERFUL photographer, friend, and neighbor, Manuel Palacios. He does fantastic stuff! He made me feel entirely comfortable and made the whole experience easy! Manny works all over but since I didn't know how confident I would be taking photos in public while people watch, we both decided his home studio would be best. Simple and clean.

Check out the site: www.manuelpalacios.com

Actors and actresses, call this man! He's definitely a lot more inexpensive than most photographers and his work is just as great, if not better.

Okay, step one, done. Hopefully he'll send them along later today and I can choose which ones to print courtesy of Costco. That's right, this Iron Quest will NOT run me dry. You know, I'm taking the cheaper route.

Let's see how they turn out! Next step, picking the winners.

An Iron Quest

2010-05-05T17:04:00.001-07:00

Hey Guys - here's the deal. I decided to leave my production job of 3 years in January for various reasons. While I absolutely do not regret leaving, I'm still sitting here, hesitant to continue my application process to production companies. I have had and will have excuses all the way up until May 15th for not getting a job. The biggest being my wedding (which, no lie, has been one of the toughest jobs I've ever decided to take on).

But please do not get the wrong impression. I haven't just been sitting idle watching Celebrity Apprentice and Celebrity Rehab. (Maybe just a little). I've taken on transcribing work as well as press shooting for Vh1 red carpets. Both are completely flexible and have been able to slide in wonderfully as the wedding organizing continues.

Although I've certainly been keeping busy, this "down" time has been quite interesting. So much so, I have decided to embark on a quest. A simple quest, really.

To get a role in Iron Man 3.

Okay...maybe not, but let's shoot for the stars, ey?? I know, more like let's just get an acting thing going.

So what does this mean you ask? It means I slam on the breaks, glance towards my blind spot, and make an immediate 90 degree right turn. Why not? You've got one life. Why not try something new? I can always turn left again, thanks to the support of my loving husband-to-be.

Do I have an agent? No. Do I have experience acting? No. Do I have head shots? No (but that's easy). Actually...years ago, my father and I went to a car dealership when I was in the market to potentially purchase a new car. The dealer sat in front of us at his scarily organized desk and asked these simple questions.
"Do you care about safety?"
My dad and I answered, "Yes, of course."
"Do you want to travel in a reliable car?"
"Naturally, yes."
"Do you want an affordable option for a safe, reliable, stylish car?"
"Why yes sir, we do."
"Well then, this Toyota Scion is the car for you."

The ability of this car dealer to get us to say "yes" on most everything, left me with an attitude like we would be stupid NOT to buy this car. Thanks to my grounded dad, he was able to get me to see what he was doing...but I always remembered that feeling. Wow, the power of YES.

So how about this. Can I get an agent? Yes. Can I get experience acting? Of course. In fact, I'm taking classes. Do I have head shots? Got 'em scheduled for this Friday morning. Booyah.

Okay guys, follow me on this quest.

My Letter to Sir Paul McCartney

2010-04-01T16:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Paul,

My name is Laura Mala and I am a 28 year old forever fan. I was incredibly fortunate to see you and your band play at the Hollywood Bowl last night and I sit here now, typing this letter to you because your concert last night was SO MUCH MORE than a concert. It was an experience. An experience about which I would do anything to stand atop the "Hollywood" sign and scream my bragging rights.

The minute we arrived at the Bowl and were going up the outdoor escalator, a wonderfully refreshing feeling of acceptance for the city Los Angeles swept over me. For a split second I was confused. Here I am - an East Coast transplant who has been successfully resisting the temptation to "belong". I have, for five years, refused to accept that the City of Angels is where I now call "home" and yet, as I am going up a creaky escalator at The Hollywood Bowl, I feel genuinely grateful for being in Los Angeles. It could have been the slightly foggy sunset, it could have been the Palm Trees contrasting against the pale pink sky, or it could have been the simple anticipation of seeing you. I think it was the right mixture of all three. It was the moment. I was so thankful towards this often insincere city, for giving me what I knew would be a memory I will never forget.

From the moment we arrived at our seats, sat down and looked around, I could tell everyone in that venue was stirring with giddy, childlike anxiety. It was as if we were all about to be let in on the most incredibly delicious secret known to mankind and the entire outside world was missing out. People were holding hands, hugging, and laughing from the first row to the very last.

Finally, the sky darkened and you and your bandmates Brian, Rusty, Paul, and Abe stepped on that stage. Naturally, it was at that moment the people in front of us decided to sit in their seats, briefly blocking our view of the stage. I swear, I thought the woman to my right was going to unleash a jab, left hook combination on the late comers, fast enough to catch Floyd Mayweather. They quickly sat, my neighbor exhaled in relief, and you sauntered center stage, dressed to the nines. (Honestly, would it be any other number?) As much as I loved that black and red suit jacket, I knew it was inevitable we were going to be treated to those soon to be "signature" suspenders. Even as one kept cutely falling off your shoulder, you didn't miss a beat. How could you? I love those suspenders.

Throughout the entire night I was battling interesting emotions. There was a part of me that wanted to dance and sing and laugh with absolute freedom. Then there was a part of me that wanted to concentrate and focus on your every foot tap, your every strum of the guitar, and your every word sung because I wanted to remember every single, solitary minute of it. Remember when you said to the crowd, "Let me just take this in for a minute"? And the lights came up, the crowd started cheering, and you stood off to the side staring ahead? That's how a part of me felt the entire night. Wait, WAIT!! Let me just take this in! Don't go yet, don't finish that song yet, don't sing the reprise of "Sgt. Peppers" yet!! Please, wait! I'm not ready for this to be over!

Almost three hours of music filled that cold night. You gave us everything. "Highway", "All My Loving", "My Love", "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da", "Foxy Lady".…"Foxy Lady"?! Come on, could it GET any better? Watching the great Paul McCartney pay tribute to another legend showed a lovable, unique humility. That little shout out proved you too, have a "Paul McCartney" in your life. He just happens to go by the name "Jimi Hendrix."

I have to say, "I've Got A Feeling", for me, was the highlight. If a song could have swagger, it's that one. It's got a strut for which you quickly clear a path. "I've Got A Feeling" walks down the hallway, cigarette tucked behind its ear, followed in admiration by every other song ever written.

And lastly, as I could go on forever, please do me a favor. As you obviously know, during the singalong for "Hey Jude", you break up the men and women for our own chance to shine with the "Na, Na, Nas." During the men's solo, you give a sweet, funny muscle man pose. I love it. Although, here's where I need the favor. Promise me that as we ladies get that chance to sing, you will always, always, always give that little one hand on the hip bounce, other hand doing the hair bob shimmy because it is absolutely, beyond words, adorable.

Here it is, Sir Paul. Thank you for an experience. I know in my heart of hearts, I will be at another of your shows and I will be the one throwing an album on stage to be signed. You have a smile that melts a girl's heart, you have eyes that scream, 'I've seen it all', and an overall "I've Got A Feeling" swagger that makes everyone want to follow you in admiration. For all that, you will always be one of the sexiest men alive. Even though it was time to go home last night, it isn't over. I'll see ya next time, Macca.

Love - Laura

MOVIE REVIEW - Alice In Burtonland

2010-03-20T10:19:00.001-07:00

When I first heard Tim Burton was doing a version of "Alice In Wonderland" I must say, I was pretty excited. Burton, as we all know, is a genius at what he does at times. If he nails it, he's GREAT but sometimes his films come across as a Burton film TRYING to be a Burton film. Ok, ok, without too much explanation, his version of "Alice In Wonderland" was one of those films. The film's story was just okay and the resolutions were just okay. I don't know, if this were the first time I was watching the story of "Alice In Wonderland" I can't say I would be too pumped about Wonderland itself. I was hoping Tim Burton would create this jaw dropping, mystery place that you would trade in anything just to live in for a day. Similar to Pandora in "Avatar." The visual effects were quite amazing and even though the film's story tends to lead audiences to believe Wonderland is dangerous, I still think it could have been charming and mind-blowing enough to make you want to be there.

Helena Bonham Carter did a fantastic job as the Red Queen. Well deserved. And as much as I like Anne Hathaway as an actress, her role as the White Queen could have been anybody. Preferably someone a little older? Elijah Wood, I mean, Johnny Depp was great like he always is but overall it's truly nothing we haven't seen before. I know it's not easy to make something we haven't seen before...but you have Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Crispin Glover, and Anne Hathaway. Mr. Director, with your skills, you HAVE to make it something we haven't seen before.

The good news is the end credits were the coolest I have ever seen. So, my final review, go see Avatar (if it's still playing) and pop in Alice in Wonderland for the last 2 minutes.

Fun With Unemployment = Funemployment

2010-03-16T13:43:00.000-07:00

You know...'cause I had the time.

Hangin' With A VO Legend

2010-02-22T11:53:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend, we were invited to a BBQ filled with animation extraordinaires. Tom Kenney, voice of Spongebob, Carlos Alazraqui, voice of Taco Bell Chihuahua (and affectionately known as my fiance!), and June Foray! June Foray was the voice of Rocky and Natasha in "Rocky and Bullwinkle." She also did voices in Peter Pan and Cinderella. Magnificent! Carlos and Tom had the opporunity to read from an episode script of "Rocky and Bullwinkle" with June which was so amazing. Of course, we had to sneak in and have her sign it. It says, "June Foray - Hokeysmoke!"

Are You A Sports Fan?

2010-02-14T18:43:00.000-08:00

Are you a soccer fan? Are you a Wellington, Phoenix fan? Are you a...ok, enough. Carlos and I had a chance to catch the Wellington Phoenix play the Central Coast Mariners while we were in New Zealand. What an incredible experience! There was a lot riding on this game because if the Phoenix won, they would advance to the playoffs. I caught the first goal on my camera and was SO excited about it! 20 minutes later...I deleted it. (Accidentally) Not happy. I was praying...praying...PRAYING for another goal. And then...

UPDATE - Mission = Revenge

2010-02-13T20:33:00.000-08:00

Ok - for those following my mission to meet Russell Crowe (part deux) I have just found out, not 2 minutes after arrival back in Sydney that my "FRIENDS" did NOT meet Russell Crowe for dinner. They decided to play a little joke...a jest if you will...on me. Oh. That was no joke. IT IS ON!! Little comedians in training knew he is my number one and they thought it was funny! Harumph. They have a little apologizing to do, especially to my wonderful fiance for putting up with my sphoonge and hissy fits on Friday due to a close missed encounter with the Crowe.

Any suggestions on payback? It's war.

Mission = Meet Russell Crowe

2010-02-11T20:02:00.000-08:00

When I was in college, I had a chance to go to the set of "A Beautiful Mind" which was filmed at Princeton University. As much as I want to say all I had to do was walk downstairs from my dorm room, I actually went to a college about fifteen minutes from the Princeton campus. So getting there was easy...meeting Russell Crowe, not so easy. Who pulled it off? I did. Took a little sneaking and a little prodding, but I did get his autograph and he definitely signed it, "To Laura - Love Russell." Problem though...I didn't get a picture with him.

Carlos and I left for New Zealand yesterday and who did our friends back in Sydney have dinner with last night? Russell. Me = jealous!! It's on guys. Two and a half days left in Sydney. Mission = Meet Russell Crowe and take a photo. Can I do it??

A Coupla Kiwis

2010-02-11T01:35:00.000-08:00

We've safely landed in Wellington, New Zealand! Carlos has a long weekend, due back in the Sydney studio on Monday. We decided to take a little vacation from...well...our vacation. Kiwis look out, we're no longer Aussies. Today we arrived and walked up Cuba Street which is quite similar to the Haight in San Francisco. A lot of young neo-hippies singing for coins. It's got a really great vibe to it!

We ended up hiking to the Botanical Gardens which were quite breath-taking! Very "Twilight-ish" if there are any fans out there (guilty). Not too much happening today...Carlos and I got a little camera happy as far as the artsy fartsy photos go - enjoy!

Laura The Explora!

2010-02-10T04:23:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow Carlos and I leave for Kiwi Country until Sunday so I decided to go up to the Blue Mountains today (as I would miss the group visit this weekend). I was all by lonesome - out of our usual group of people - and it was (as my mom would say) an ah-venture!! I went with a tour group and it was a great little day, if I do say so mahself. I got picked up right outside my hotel and our first stop was Feathervale - a petting zoo! I got to chill with kangaroos...

and even better, was granted permission by the great Koala-ini to have a picture taken with him! What you can't see, is my hand is on his little furry booty. It was so cute!

Then we headed to the Bue Mountains! To be very, very honest, yes it was beautiful but it wasn't anything I haven't seen at say, Yosemite National Park. I think what wasn't the nicest thing was we did A LOT of driving. We spent the majority of the day in the tour van when what I really just wanted to do was explore the park.

I did get to ride down in the cable car which took you right through the rain forest. Wow. I've walked through a rain forest. What an incredible, humbling feeling...being dwarfed by massive pieces of nature, basically saying, "Girl, I could crush you if I wanted to..." :)

What A Bunch Of Stand Up Guys

2010-02-09T06:36:00.001-08:00

I know I've said it before during this trip, but I shall bow down to the amazement that tonight presented. The whole lot of us decided it was comedy night at a place called The Sugar Mill. Fantastic woman named Ollie booked the boys and they got together to do a Happy Feet comedy show down! I ain't lying to you when I said every single person...NAILED it. The place was in hysterics!
Gary (the co-writer on Happy Feet) was wonderful...started it off on a great note.

Carlos carried it on wonderfully...buzz started growing...

Jeff Garcia nailed it...buzz got louder and louder...

And then...he couldn't hold it in ANY more...Robin Williams blew up like balloon just touched by a cigarette lighter! BOOM! He jumped on that stage faster than Mumble could tap dance. He brought down the house! A live, intimate comedy show from the Robin Williams!!!

This was the highlight of the trip. I can't even begin to explain the energy in that room tonight. The noise that the audience made for Robin was absurd. It was jaw dropping. Jeff Garcia is doing his bit, Robin starts playin' with him, people start turning their heads...finally, Jeff screams, "Ladies and gentleman, give it up for Robin Williams!!!" I'm telling you, it was so. beyond. cool.

Gettin' Some Good Press!

2010-02-07T13:27:00.000-08:00

I'll post pictures of our boat trip yesterday in a few hours, but check out a great little video from one of their publicity days!

Surfin' U.S.A. in Australia!

2010-02-05T14:26:00.000-08:00

Okaay! So Carlos knows a woman who works at our tennis club in Toluca Lake. Her HUSBAND is the keyboardist in The Beach Boys. Cut to - We're booking our flight to Sydney and Noelle (the wonderful woman at the club) says, "Oh, my husband can hook you up with free tickets for the show at the Sydney Opera House! Wanna go?" Uhhh yup! So here we are enjoyin' a nice night out with some good ol' Amuurican music. Oh yeah, we got to go backstage too. :)

Record Brilliance

2010-02-04T04:51:00.000-08:00

Today, the lovely ladies got invited to sit in on a record session with Carlitos, Johnny Sanchez, Lombardo Boyar, Jeff Garcia, and Robin Williams. I can honestly say, those dudes are talented with a capital FUNNY! They are fantastic together. The film is being directed by the wonderful George Miller, director of "Mad Max". Here's how sweet he is - the girls arrive on set and George makes a point to come out to the lunch area where we were sitting and introduce himself. He was so, so nice. Enjoy a few pictures of the record session!

Some Good Aussie Friends

2010-02-01T20:55:00.000-08:00

Today the gang decided to head to Darling Harbor. Not too far from where we're staying...about a 20 to 30 minute walk across the city. Once on the other harbor, we thought it might be nice to drop in and say hello to a few true, blue Aussie mates.

After showing us a mighty good time, we thought it best to celebrate with the finest foods in town.

Sydney's treatin' us deliciously.

Suite? Sweet!

2010-01-31T19:58:00.000-08:00

We made it! Check out our suite, courtesy of the Happy Feet production team. I can't tell you how lucky I am to be here. I feel so fortunate!

We decided to go for a walk after we showered up...and look who we ran into! Mr. Robin Williams himself. He is beyond kind. (Not as "on" as you would think, although VERY funny). He bought us lunch!

More manana!

I Come From A Land Down Unda!

2010-01-29T14:55:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow evening, Carlos and I are flying to Australia for a little over two weeks. Carlos is going, along with many other talented, talented voice over actors, to record for Happy Feet 2. I have been SO fortunate to be allowed to "tag along." It should be a trip of a life time and if all goes well, hopefully I'll get to meet Robin Williams!! Not gettin' my hopes up (although I kind of am)!

All that craziness aside, there are three things native to Australia I would like to take home as souvenirs. (I'm sure you all know where this is going...)

#3 -- A boxing kangaroo. Fingers crossed I'll be able to find one within the first few days.

#2 -- An adorable koala bear with whom I can cuddle alllll night long.

#1 -- Russell Crowe. Yes, YES I know he's not a native Australian, but go with me on this one, people. I'm sure Carlos won't mind if he comes back with us as a souvenir.

Ok folks - we're off! I'll try and blog from the bottom side of the Earth!

MOVIE REVIEW - The Lovely Bones [too depressing for quirky title]

2010-01-21T11:29:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, my friend asked if I felt like a movie. I agreed and we planned, a couple nights later, to see "The Lovely Bones." I didn't have any feeling one way or the other on going to see that particular film...in fact, had she not suggested it, I probably wouldn't have taken notice of the film's TV trailers. But I'm usually always up for a movie.

Let's get this part out of the way first. We don't need the following star power!! If this movie HAD to be made, it should have been Stanley Tucci and Tucci only.

1) Mark Wahlberg = Bad casting. His wig-type hair and protruding muscles in the too tight 1970's sweater was distracting. "Say hello to your mother for me."

2) Michael Imperioli = Bad casting. Michael, Michael, Michael...*forehead in hand, shaking head frustratingly* You are Christopher from "The Sopranos" for goodness sakes! Standards man, standards! It was as if Peter Jackson leaned over to him one night in a bar and said, "Hey Mikey...do me a favor."

3) Susan Sarandon = Unnecessary casting. Did the grandmother character REALLY need to be there? Susan, as always, played her part quite fantastically, but the character was so over the top, she didn't belong in a movie where the plot was about killing children!

** Which brings me to my overall feeling on the film **

The basic idea is that the movie cuts back and forth from the main character's perspective in purgatory to her family and killer's perspective on Earth. The visuals in purgatory were extremely clever and at times, breathtaking. I'd like to spend a day in the mind of whomever imagined that world. But I want to focus on the story on Earth...

I left the theater feeling nauseated. It was a sad and depressing story that felt like a horrific nightmare one might have as a young child. The movie, with its graphic visuals, managed to make me feel sick to my stomach more than once. The disgusting calm that existed in the neighborhood was a wake up call that serial killers, child killers, rapists, the worst of the worst can live anywhere. Anywhere. I hate to say it, but it's the truth. Who can you trust? At what age do you allow your child to walk to school alone? When do you decide you're being overprotective? Is there such a thing as being overprotective??

There wasn't one uplifting thing about this movie. I don't always need a happy ending but I think with the weight of this film's story...I deserved one.

Bottom line, the story was too appalling for a movie plot. In my opinion, of course. I would urge everyone not to spend money on seeing this film if you don't want to feel angry, disgusted and terrified. You spend $12.00 on a movie to escape life for a bit. That includes horror films because there is a sense of suspense and adventure. I would not want to escape into "The Lovely Bones" world ever again.

The Great Rain of '10

2010-01-20T14:33:00.000-08:00

Interesting...I just decided that the year 2010 does NOT make for a good title. "The Great Rain of '10"?? "The Great Rain of '09...'04...'86". Those years sound better. Unfortunately, we won't be able to call anything "Of [insert year here]" again until 2021. My rule. Enforcing from today on.

It has been raining here in Los Angeles for three days straight and I must say, it's quite refreshing. I love it all - the little pitter pats on the hood of the car, the puddles that sit so inconveniently where the streets meet the curbs, the layer of frizz that creates a halo on my head - EVERYTHING!

Rain, rain don't go away.
Smile, tickle, dance and play!

Frisbee Golf - Pasadena, CA

2010-01-03T16:40:00.000-08:00

Over the holidays, Carlos and I had a chance to play frisbee golf at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. This was all due to Carlos's college friend, Laurence, who introduced us to the course. While we were certainly far from the best who showed up, we weren't half bad either. We loved it so much in fact, we decided to find LA's closest frisbee golf course so we could enjoy such activities locally. We were lucky to come across one not too far from where we live in Pasadena's Hahamongna Park. This, apparently, is the first ever frisbee golf course, built in the 70's.

Forewarned that this course was NOT for beginners, we drove ourselves (along with my fantastic new colorful frisbees, about which I lied to the man I bought them from saying they were for a 'friend' because I was embarrassed that I cared more about the colors than the flying capabilities - naturally I blamed my 'friend' for caring about such silliness) to the course this morning.

The course itself had some fun holes - although my biggest complaint was the LACK OF SIGNAGE from tee to tee.

Carlos - "Excuse me, where is the next hole"
Man who plays way too much - "You see that small hill? Climb over that, duck under the brush, click your heels three times, guess the invisible Elf's magic number and veer to your right. Can't miss it."

Seriously, a little visual help getting from tee to tee would be nice. Along with some grass. Yes, more grass would be nice. But overall, I have to say definitely not for beginners...confusing on where to go...but fun once you find the hole.

Enjoy our experience.

MOVIE REVIEW - No Thumbs Up In The Air

2010-01-01T23:23:00.001-08:00

This film is winning all sorts of awards in film festivals. Best Picture? Best Director? Come on, please. There's not an original story plot in the entire film and George Clooney plays...well...George Clooney. When it's 45 minutes into the film and you're thinking when is the movie going to START, you know it's not going to be an entertaining night. Some people love it. Why? Perhaps people can relate to the loneliness and isolation travel can bring. Perhaps it's an interesting enough character study. Overall, I thought I could relate more to the person who was checking his cell phone every 20 minutes two rows ahead of me. The young man who came in the theatre with what looked like two dates (I'm just saying) was definitely more of an interesting character study.

Best thing about the movie = Anna Kendrick. She was the only person, in my opinion, that brought out a chuckle or two. She's landed herself a pretty nice gig in the Twilight Saga. Well deserved.

So overall...no for me. Sorry George.

MOVIE REVIEW - Sherlock? Surely!

2009-12-31T09:56:00.000-08:00

Normally I can't stay awake through any film that starts after 9:00 pm. It truly has nothing to do with the quality of the specific movie or even the length but has everything to do with the little magic sleep fairies who live in the theaters. 9:00 pm hits, they punch in and go to work. Some people are immune to such harsh, even black magic...others, like myself, fall prey. It's how the world turns and there's nothing I can do about it. The world turns, my eyes shut.

But with this particular 9:20 pm showing of the new, RDJ "Sherlock Holmes," the evil fairies were on strike due to union disputes and alas, I saw the whole thing! And I have to say, I thought the movie was excellent. Excellently written, excellently directed, and excellently acted. Oscar worthy? No. Worth 15 bucks, a large bag of popcorn, and a diet (let's not get crazy) coke? Totally. Robert Downy Jr. has sailed back to the top and there really is no stopping him - given he stay away from all that "no no" stuff. His comedic timing is right on and although he sorta, kinda plays the same serious / comedic / charming character in his later films, it never gets old. At least not for me. So...RDJ = JWD. (that would be job well done)

To bring it back old school, if you're a true fan of our detective mastermind, I also suggest seeing "Sherlock Jr." Sherlock is played brilliantly by silent film star, Buster Keaton. Robert Downey vs. Buster Keaton. Two different ends of the spectrum, two completely entertaining movies and BOTH worth seeing.

Now go! GO!

Walt Disney's WANT AD

2009-12-29T09:48:00.000-08:00

I thought this was pretty cool. Walt Disney published a "Want Ad" for animators in April of 1936. It was placed in Popular Mechanics Magazine on pg. 36A in the top right hand corner. Mixed in with ads for photo engravings, artificial ear drums, and...x-ray curios (interesting) was a small ad that would soon spawn an empire. Enjoy!

New Year's Resolution 2010

2009-12-29T09:13:00.001-08:00

If 2010 shapes up to be anything like I am anticipating, it's gonna to be a doozy. Firstly, I am leaving my job. Not on bad terms, just on the idea that you can't continue to grow in life without taking a risk here and there...and that "there" is now "here" and I've taken the risk. I am going to see what else I can do and with crossed fingers, continue to be successfully creative in my own right.

2010 also brings a huge adventure to Sydney, Australia. This trip, courtesy of Warner Brother's studios, has come due to my fiance's fantastic talent of...well...voices. He will be bringing back the voice of his penguino character Nester, in Happy Feet 2. Because the production is primarily Australian and because the travel gods have shined down on us yet again, he and I will have the opportunity to adventure in Australia while he records for 10 days. He works...I play. I love it.

Then comes our wedding. Woot. Not much more I can say other than, he's a patient, loving, patient, funny, patient, handsome...patient man. I can't ask for much more! I'm lucky to have him and he'll be stuck with me for good, come May 15th. (Sucka!)

After our wedding, we'll relax a bit and once July hits, we'll celebrate on the East Coast with close friends and family, courtesy of my parents! We'll honeymoon the following day in the Turks and Caicos and do nothing but sip girly drinks and lay out by the water.

I suppose I could go on and on but the coolest thing about 2010 is my resolution. I promise to update this blog pretty consistently even if it's just with photos or a video or two. I think it'll help keep me sane. Sanity's always a good thing. Along with that, I promise to write more of my creative ideas. I have a script in mind that I started in college...I think it's about time I finish it.

Anyways, here's to a fabulously exhausting 2010! (This is where we raise our drinks...in my case, it's coffee because it's 9:30 am). *clink*

How To Save A Life

2008-06-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

Last night I got home, walked into the kitchen and noticed my fish bowl was dirty. I took out another little bowl, filled it with water, placed it next to the sink. I took out the little leafy thing that's in the bowl and cleaned that, took out the little statue thing in the bowl and cleaned that. Then I proceeded to pour OUT the dirty water in the bowl. About 2 seconds later a clump came out and went down the drain (the garbage disposal drain, no less). I'm thinking ew...there must have been a huge chunk of grossness floating in the water. About .5 seconds later I realize no...it was my FISH! I had forgotten to place the damn thing in the little bowl of water I had just created sitting right next to the sink! HOLY S*#%! Poof, it was gone. Down the drain. I froze. The a light bulb went off to run around and freak out like a little girl.

I got on the phone and called Carlos. I said, "Guess what I just did." He said, "Uh...locked yourself out?" I said, "Nope. Remember Trumpet my fish? (Yes my fish's name is Trumpet.)" He says, "Yes..." I said, "Well, he is no longer apart of our family. I just accidentally poured him down the drain." "Oh, NO!" "Yep." Sadly I said, "I'm gonna run the water so the pour thing can try and have a safe journey to the ocean." Carlos goes, "No! Try and get him out! If it's in the garbage disposal, things don't go down until they get chopped up and you run water down. Go get a flashlight and see if you can see him!"

I RAN upstairs and grabbed my trusty flashlight that's battery life is never supposed to die. I run back down, point it at the drain and...nothing. The damn battery was dead. S*#%! Carlos goes, "Run back upstairs and grab mine in my closet!" I go back upstairs, run back DOWNstairs and shine the light in the drain. I see nothing.

"There's nothing! I don't see him! It's over honey, we lost him!"

"It can't be! He's gotta be there. The drain doesn't go all the way down! Reach your hand in there and feel around."

Ew, ew, ew, ew no! I can't! Carlos goes, "Yes you can!! You have to or the poor thing is gonna die!"

By this time I'm flipping out and seriously screaming like a girl. The neighbors must have thought a crime was taking place. This was like my Fear Factor. Stick my hand down a drain (with a garbage disposal) and feel around for a slimy fish??

EW! I had to do it. I reached down there slowly, felt around, had a little vomit rise in my throat at the nastiness, and then OH! I felt it flop around! He's still alive! Oh my God.

I said, "He's still alive!"

Carlos, "Grab him!"

Me, "Oh my God, ew, ew, ew, ew, EW!" I'm reaching my hand back down the dark slimy drain, feeling the damn fish flopping around in my palm. I was able to pull him out of the drain and PLOP he goes on the counter. "Oh my God, oh my God, oh my GOD!!" Carlos, "Grab him!" I finally grabbed the bouncing thing and threw him in the water.

I'm frozen. Staring at the water. No movement. Holy crap, he's dead. Staring. No movement. Dead? .........................fins flap. He's alive!!

"Carlos, he's alive!!"

Carlos, "Holy cow. I feel like I'm the paramedic and I just talked you, over the phone, into delivery a baby."

Me, "That was a bigger rush than skydiving."