Lost in translation

I love how some things translate. Here's a conversation had via email between my father and his French cousin. Each email was written in the sender's first language and then translated to the other language and then I translated my dad's email back into English. The following translations made me giggle.

From Dad -

Hello Andre & Francoise,

We all wish we could be in France to visit. Andre, do not let Philip drink all your wine!.

Stephanie was married August 29 in a cave near San Francisco. I have attached photos of the beautiful bride and her father very proud.

We love you and miss you. Please give our love to everyone in the family, especially Clarette and Robert.

Stephen and Sherry

Response from Andre and Frances-

We were very happy to receive your message and beautiful pictures! Congratulations to the happy parents and best wishes for happiness in the beautiful Stephanie and her husband. Whether fine style dancer daddy! Bravo!...but Bravo to Sherry: always elegant and graceful. We look forward to the arrival of Phil and Gail Saturday night. The same welcome awaits you if you come in France. I'll watch it for the cellar is the wine!

We embrace you very hard,

Andrew and Frances

Art

For those of you wondering about my previous post allow me to explain about the bones.

I'm a director for a small theatre company.

This means that I'm also a stage manager, sound designer, costumer, and of course set designer. Well, the play I'm directing is set in an art museum so I get to make some art which is exciting. But it's bad modern art so it's a little weird. Ok, it's a lot weird.

I don't want to give too much away for those of you who want to come see the show but let's just say that some of the artwork includes bones. Thus the amazing bones cleaning experiment of 2009.

Now that we're clear, I'm going to search some thrift stores to see if I can find an old wedding dress for cheap.

Cause yeah, there's also a wedding dress.

It's art, y'all.

Bones

Recently I've found it necessary to cultivate a collection of animal bones.

Did you know that you can get ten pounds of bones from the butcher for ten dollars? And the bones are not clean, they're still full of meat which you can totally use for some sort of meat pie or something. Hello marvelous way to save money! I call it Mystery Meat Pie! Now if I could just find someone to eat it...

Why am I collecting bones, you ask? Well, let me assure you it's all in the name of art. More on that later.

But first, a lesson about the proper way to clean bones.

1. Place bones in a large pot for boiling.

2. Boil bones for several days. Enjoy the aroma of cooking carcass. Mmmm, carcass!

3. Rinse and scrub the bones using a strong brush. Make sure you get all of the marrow off. And those fun squishy bits!

4. Place clean bones on a cooking tray and place them in the sun to bleach. I'd recommend placing them somewhere in your yard where they will be in full view of most of your neighbors. It will certainly give you all something to talk about at the next block party.

I will say that after boiling and cleaning a cow's femur, I felt pretty badass. I mean no one's gonna mess with the bone cleaner...right?

The most horrible thing...

I've had a horrible night.

I just watched a television show on TLC called Toddlers and Tiaras and I feel the need to vent.

Or vomit.

The evening began harmlessley. I made a great dinner. Hung out with my mom and Mike. Had some bomb ass chardonnay and watched TLC's What Not To Wear. All and all a very mild Friday night.

Then I watched an hour of disgusting terrible filth.

Toddlers and Tiaras began after What Not To Wear ended and I started to watch it with mild curiosity. Ever since Jonbenet Ramsey I've wondered casually about the goings on of the child pageant world and was contented to watch the show for a few minutes before I changed the channel to more intellectual entertainment, i.e. Family Guy.

The next 57 minutes were like watching a car wreck. 10 minutes into the episode I was crying. I watched the whole show only because I found myself caring so much for the children that I hoped somehow someone would appear to take them away from the INSANE world of competitive glamor CHILD beauty pageants and teach them about their inner beauty and moral fiber.

A woman enetered her 2 week old son into a pageant. She said she had high hopes for him. That she thought he was already showing signs of being more out going than his older brother, Cameron, who has won "100s of competitions" before. She says she and her husband are gonna try for a girl because "they're more fun at pageants than the boys" who "only get a tux and their hair combed".

Then there's the woman who used hand puppets to calm her 4 year old daughter down when she cried claiming she, "hates hairspray!" and she "didn't want to do it [the pageant]".

But the absolute worst was the Sterling twins, Ashlynn and Breanne.

I want to punch this mother in the mouth. I want to hug these children and tell them they are beautiful.

I want to spill pig's blood on the whole competiton.

This show broke my heart.

Life lately...

Life's been a little busy lately hence the looooooong silence here in blogville.

Quick update...I set a goal for myself last year that this year I was going to be signed with an agency. And last week my goal was reached. I signed with an agency here in San Francisco and am so exctied to start the next leg of my career. The one where I start making some money!

I've been planning our wedding (more on that at another time) and casting a couple shows for Boxcar Theatre.

And today I'm off to my first commercial audition. Yay!

So life is crazy busy but so exciting! More details later.

Oh, really? An actor? Well...good for you!

Why It's Great To Be An Actor

Reason Two:  The Reactions

We've all had someone ask us what we do for a living.  Which, actually, is kind of sad.  Do you remember people used to ask where you went to school or what your major was?  Those were the days.  Now, we're old.  We get asked what we do for a living.  It's a conversation starter.  A way to learn more about each other and perhaps find some common ground.  Well, I'm guessing that most people don't get the response that we actors do.  People just don't know how to reply when you say you're an actor.  Here are some examples of my favorites:

Sales lady at the Bridal shop:  Are you a student?

Me:  No, I'm an actor.

Lady: (Loooooooong pause with lots of blinking in confusion) Oh!  Like, wow!  Ok.

Me: (Smiling awkwardly) Yeah...

Lady: (Loooooooooong pause) That's great!  Ok, let me just go get you that other dress...

--------

Drunk friend of a friend at a bar: What do you do?

Me: I'm an actor.

Drunk friend: Oh my god!  Like for real?!

Me: Uh, yeah.

Drunk friend: What TV show are you on?

Me: I'm not.

Drunk friend: You said you were an actor.

Me: Yeah.

Drunk friend: Pshhh.  Poser!

 -------------

Some chick: What do you do?

Me: Oh, I'm an actor.

Chick: Oh, cool.  What are you going to do if that doesn't work out?

Me: What do you mean?

Chick:  Like, for money.  If that doesn't work out?  What's your plan b?

Me: I guess I'll direct.

I mean I understand.  I'm not making much money being an actor.  I teach and direct children's theatre to suppliment my income but that's kind of what being an actor is all about.  .0001% of us make it BIG BIG time, 2% make a good living, and then the rest of us fight it out on our way to the top.  But if you keep fighting sooner or later you just might end up there.  So that's what I do.  I don't have a plan b.  And I'm kind of insulted that you think I need one.  If I had answered, "I teach preschool" would you ask me if I had a plan b?  No!  

It's a wierd reality I live in.  

I mean, I'm used to it.  I love it.  But sometimes I take a step back and think, "This is weird." 

Anyway, it's fun to be an actor because life is never boring.  And if you'd like to try my life on for a minute then the next time someone asks you what you do for a living, say your an actor.  And let me know how that goes. 

My Youth (The First in a Series)

Flashback time.  Old Nickelodeon.  Classic.

Clarissa

Salut Your Shorts

Aaaand a clip from my personal favorite, Fifteen.  Note how none of the characters have last names.  Now that's classy.

Oh Britney...

I love that the caption reads "I'm so idiot". Classic.

Why It's Helpful To Be An Actor: Part One In A Series

My car was broken into last night.  Window smashed.  Mess everywhere.  Most people would have had to use their bare hands to clean things up.  Not me.

I am an actor.

I have props with me wherever I go.  Fortunately last night I was equipped with a broom.  What is better to clean up glass than a broom?!  Well maybe a vacuum but a broom is far easier to use away from an outlet so luckily I had a broom.

Also, I had a cardboard box and a roll of tape which we then used to fashion a makeshift window.  AND I had a load of laundry in the trunk with fresh clean WARM socks to wear on the ride home.   Because a cardboard window does not keep the wind out.  I'm not sure what having laundry and cardboard has to do with being an actor but hey, I'm an actor and I had those things so...LUCKY!

The night began well enough...

There is nothing fun about getting your car broken into.  Absolutely nothing.  Okay, maybe pretending you're on CSI and trying to pull a fingerprint off the car with tape is kind of fun.  But nothing else is.

And when you interrupt the perp and hear him fleeing the scene it can be quite scary.  

My tummy had been upset all night and I had ignored that little voice inside my head that told me to call it an early night.  Shut up, voice!  I'm out with friends.  I want to stay and have fun.  Well, voice, I apologize for ignoring you.  You were right.  If we had left even ten minutes earlier my car would be in one piece.

At least no one was hurt.  That's the important thing.  I mean, sure, it sucks that my ipod is gone.  And a bunch of CDs which are going to be a great disappointment to someone.  I doubt this guy is a huge fan of Camelot the musical.  Who is, really?  

But my shoes.  Sigh.  My brand new, only worn twice, super expensive and fantastic Asics that I purchased after looking a fool on a treadmill in the store.  My special running shoes that will make me stop running like a spaz.  My shoes.  They be gone.

But shoes can be replaced.  And it was very lucky I had that broom. 

But more on that later.

All in all, the experience was ok.  I'm SO glad I have such amazing friends who will cheer me up and help make my car a safe mode of transport again.  

Ipod Nano - $110.

Asic Running Shoes - $117.

Girly CD Collection - $ 90.

Friends who keep you calm and smiling during a crisis......Priceless.

Top Ten Pieces of Audition Advice

The following is what I learned from watching the Theatre Bay Area General Auditions.  Take it with a grain of salt as I'm a fledgling casting director and may be full of shit.  Here's my two cents anyway:

Stephanie's Top Ten Pieces of Audition Advice:

1. If given the option, ALWAYS do two monologues.  There were quite a few people that I had dismissed seconds into their first piece who I absolutely loved by the end of their second piece.  

2. Time yourself.  I was AMAZED at how many people had time called.  It's much more appealing to have an actor complete their monologue with enough time to make a gracious exit than to see an actor push the time limit to 'really showcase their mad skills' before making a hurried and awkward retreat.

3. Strike your chair.  If you move it, then put it back where you found it.

4. The prologue to Henry V is brilliant, however, it is not an audition monologue.

5. Move.  This is a note I've had to take myself.  I was shocked at how much an actor's movement altered my opinion of the auditionee.  Take risks.  Use your body.  Make bold choices with your body in at least one of your monologues to showcase your control of your physical form.  It's amazing what a difference that makes.

6. Accents are cool.  But if you choose to do a monologue with an accent, make sure you're damn good at it and do not use an accent for your second monologue.  We need to hear how you really sound.

7. Dress your best.  That does not mean you have to wear a dress or a suit.  I found that it didn't matter really what the auditionee was wearing as long as they looked comfortable and confident in their clothes.

8. Soft feet!  Ladies, heels may make your legs look fabulous but Oi!  The sound of shoes on the wooden stage was ridiculous and by the end of the day my most frequent note was 'Shhhhh!'.  If you're gonna wear heels, rubber soles would be best.

9. Make sure your headshot and resume are up to date.

10. Final bit of advice...every rule can be broken.  Bottom line, if you've got the skills it's easy for a casting director to overlook the little mistakes.  Do not worry if you flub a line or forget the name of the piece you're performing.  It's all about the talent and if you've got that then you're sure to go far.

A side note...I'm so very proud of all my Tony N' Tina castmates who auditioned.  Honestly, you all represented so well and I'm proud to work with you.  Keep up the good work!

Valentine's Day

This past Saturday was Valentine's Day.  A day which makes single people miserable and gives couples the excuse to be even more gross and affectionate.  It is a stupid holiday.  I am in a committed monogamous relationship and so clearly fall into the gross and affectionate couple category.  The thing is I don't care very much about making a point to proclaim my love for someone one day a year only when I am required to do so by society and Hallmark.  I don't want to feel pressured into spending money on a lavish dinner or a silly gift.  Though, to be fair, it would Mike spending that money, not me.  At any rate, we decided to boycott.  I had to work all weekend and so Mike went up to Tahoe with some friends and the holiday passed by without a scene.

Instead, I spent the holiday with one of my longest loves, the theatre.  I have to say, performing in a wedding show on Valentine's Day was actually pretty amazing.  While I do not subscribe to the whole cupid and roses thing it was really wonderful to see all of the couples all decked out and lovey dovey.  We had a packed house on Saturday night, filled with groups of single ladies and couples.  It's actually a fun idea to see Tony N' Tina's on Velntine's Day.  It was about a year ago that this particular San Francisco cast began peforming at Fisherman's Warf AND Tina's birthday is on the 14th (allegedly) so it was a fun filled night indeed.  

On top of all the shenanigans of the evening, I got to witness one of the coolest things ever.  

There's a part of the show where this character 'Vinnie' does a little comedy act and then makes some announcements about any celebrations in the audience; birthdays, anniverseries, bachelorette parties, etc.  Well, last Saturday 'Vinnie' called up a couple from the audience and gave the guy the mic and told him to 'do his thing'.  The rest of the cast had no idea what was going on.  The audience member explained that he and his girlfriend were from Brazil and so their English wasn't very good.  He then told his girlfriend that he was so happy that they became friends and then grew closer and THEN he GETS DOWN ON ONE KNEE and he pulls out a ring!!  The whole audience is clapping and shouting and of course I'm CRYING like an idiot.  And after like a minute of applause, his girlfriend says 'Of course' and we all stand up and they kiss and I cry some MORE.  It was so cool.  The whole audience, like 200 people, were all into it.  

I mean, even if it's not your cup of tea, even if you would rather be boiled alive than be part of a public proposal, you can probably appreciate a moment like that.  A moment where both people are so happy and so in love.  I remember how elated and giddy I felt when Mike proposed.  Well, that feeling isn't just limited to the couple getting engaged.  Watching the Brazilians last Saturday I felt giddy and gooey and saptastic.  It's a vibe you get from witnessing acts of love.  The couple was earnest and sweet in their love for each other and they weren't showboating or being over indulgent by doing it publically.  It was like they were sharing and I for one felt totally special for being included.  

Thanks, random Brazilian couple.  Best Wishes!

So I've been making some great strides in planning the Maniak Wedding and then I saw this video and I realized no matter what pains I take to create the perfect day...things can always go wrong.  

And another thing...

I hope you don't think I'm a complainer...well, fine sometimes I enjoy a good bitch fest.  So here goes.  Yesterday I had several appointments back to back so of course I ended up rushing around like a mad woman and didn't think to pack some food to snack on so by 4.00 I was STARVING!  And I had exactly two hours to get from San Francisco down to Santa Clara and also write 24 'Break-A-Leg' cards for the cast of Midsummer Night's Dream.  So I was, again, forced to rush around and as I was passing the Chevron on 6th heading out of the city I decided to stop and grab something to snack on.  Well, they evidently were experiencing some plumbing problems and weren't allowing anyone inside the store but they assured me that if I approached the window and told them what I needed they would run and get it.  Well, nice an offer as that was...I declined.  I didn't KNOW what I wanted to buy so I decided to haul ass down to Santa Clara and grab something to eat before show time.  Mind you my blood sugar level had reached a dangerously low level and God help anyone who might have pissed me off on my way as I tend to get a tad cranky when I'm hungry.

So I finally get down to Steven's Creek Blvd. and I pull into a strip mall which, to my great pleasure, has a Quizno's.  Finally!  A lucky break!  I was day dreaming of a Veggie Sam all the way down 280 and now I could practically taste it.  

I look at the menu when I get inside, you know that HUGE menu that is pasted to the sanitary window between you and the food prep stations.  And when the lady asks for my order I say, "A veggie sami, please" to which she replies, "We don't do that."

I look back down at the menu which has a list of their sami sandwiches (by the by, a sami is a small CHEAP flatbread sandwich and my personal favorite) and of course I see chicken sami, turkey sami, etc., and the last little sami listed is the VEGGIE SAMI!  So I say, "But it's on the menu" to which she replies, pointing to the menu posted on the wall above her head, "It's not on that menu."  I smile and say, "But it's on this menu."  She does not smile and says, "Only use this menu."  I sigh, knowing that I will lose this battle, and order a small veggie sandwich.  It was delicious but TWO DOLLARS more than I wanted to spend and to tell you the truth I am more annoyed at the principal of the thing then anything else.  I mean it's ON the MENU!  If you aren't going to serve it then do not post the full menu!  Sheesh!  Get a girl's hopes up and everything.  And WHY won't you make the veggie sami?!  You've got all the ingredients.  Damn the man, make me a SAMI!

And the asshole award goes to...

So yesterday I arrive to work at a very nice elementary school, which shall remain nameless, in a posh neighborhood in San Jose.  I got there a few minutes before school let out and the parking lot was lined with parents parked in their cars awaiting the release of their children.  I was worried that I would be forced to park down the hill thereby making me late for not only this rehearsal but for the rehearsal that followed across town.  Then I spotted the only empty space in the place and I began to make my way over.  That is when I saw that the parking spot was being blocked by one of the parents' cars as he sat waiting for his son or daughter to emerge from school.  I smiled at the father and pointed to the parking space, mouthing the words 'I need to park there.  Can you back up?'.  He shook his head and pointed vaguely at something on the opposite side of the parking lot.  I turned hoping to see an empty spot but there was nothing available.  I looked back at the man, gestured again to the empty spot and pointed to the ENTIRE car length of space he had behind him to back up and the father shook his head AGAIN and looked away.  

Mind you the parking lot is FULL of parents just sitting in their cars watching this whole exchange.  Well, I need to park my car so I get out and approach the guy's car and, seeing that his window is down, I say, 'Excuse me, sir, could you back up just a bit so I can park in that space?'.  He looks me straight in the eyes and says, 'No'.  I have to stop myself from laughing at this point because I'm so shocked at his answer.  Finally I reply saying, 'Well, I am directing the school play and need to park my car and get inside for rehearsal so please move your car'.  He rolls his eyes and sighs before backing up at a snail's pace.  I walk back to my car, park in the space, and make my way into the school without even a glance at the man again.  I mean, really?!  No?!  REALLY?!?!  I...I mean...WTF?!

Shoulda bought Geico fo yo money.

Today I met with Mike from Continental Catering at Starbucks in San Jose before work.  We met to discuss the wedding and after a 45 minute discussion I left feeling excited and confident about my wedding.  I went in feeling overwhelmed and nervous about the cost and the planning that goes into the catering of a large event but my fears were eased and I left feeling eager to continue my planning.  Life was going so well!  

And then I got in a car accident.  

I'm not going to go into the details because there are claims being filed, etc., but I do want to speak about the emotional and physical ramifications of the incident.

First of all let me just say that I've learned from this experience what one should and should not do at the scene of the accident.  For instance, when approaching the driver of the other vehicle, begin the conversation by asking, "Are you okay?" to establish whether or not medical personnel need to become involved.  Please remember there are two people involved in an accident and being a raging BITCH doesn't help in the slightest.   Also, remember to provide your name, number, and insurance policy carrier as well as write down the same information of the other driver.  And note the make and model of the other vehicle.   Try to see if there was anyone who witnessed the accident and ask for their name and phone number as well.  Remain calm.  Assess whether you are feeling any pain and if so go directly to a medical professional.   Do not wait.  Go to the ER if you need to and remember that no matter how minor the accident you can be injured.  If you've got a camera, or a camera phone, take pictures of your vehicle.  When you get home, let someone (in my case Mike Wozniak) look at the car and see if they can fix any of the damage BEFORE you call the insurance agency.  If you're lucky, like me, you won't even need to take your car in to the shop!

So, basically it was a very loooooong day filled with ups and downs and I'm very glad I'm covered by insurance.  And glad I know I good chiropractor.  I can't wait for my massage tomorrow morning.  God bless insurance.  God bless Geico.  When I finally did call in my claim, they were so pleasant and concerned, asking if I was okay and expressing their sympathies.  I was a little shaken after my extremely mild accident and more than a little tense and thankfully my conversation with Geico left me feeling much better.  Also, Mike got me some beer and that helped too.  Thanks, Mike.  And thank you Geico.

Delightful

Self deprecating humor can be quite funny.  And useful.  Back when I was an awkward insecure gawky kid (I know, I know..."So last week, right, Steph?".  Very clever.), humor became my escape.  My defense.  If they could laugh with me then they wouldn't be laughing at me.  Sure it was mostly at my expense but at least if I started the joke then I was in control.  It seems so counter intuitive but making fun of myself was the first step I took towards liking myself.  Anyone who's been the butt of jokes knows how that can really take it's toll on your self esteem.  After coming home crying every day after school when I was twelve I decided to start laughing instead and I really haven't stopped since.  

By the time I was in high school I was a clown most of the time, performing for the crowds and losing sight of myself.  In college it was worse.  I look back at the girl I was then and I hardly recognize myself.  I'm sure my choice of collegiate activities might have something to do with my distorted memories (wink, wink) but I'm pretty sure I was too caught up in getting people to like me to really understand how much I was stiffing my true self.  In fact, I lost even more of myself because I was made fun of for being too sensitive and always wanting to talk about my 'feelings'.  My new friends told me to suck it up and quit my crying.  Enter the clown.  I stopped caring even more.  I became super skilled at making the witty remark to avoid any actual personal interactions.   I even stopped caring about how I looked and whether or not I graduated.  I was extremely unhappy but hid it well behind some smoke and a smile. 

That was me.  I think I've made some very drastic changes since then.  A change of location and new friends definitely helped to shock my system back to a healthier me.  Slowly I'm finding my way back.  I'm happy.  I've got an amazing fiance, family, and friends.  For so long I've played it safe because I was so worried about failing and looking like a fool.  I never wanted to give anyone an excuse to reject me.  And so I never tried.  

Well no more.  I'm on my way to being that silly carefree proud little girl I once was.  I'm not there yet.  I still use my humor as a defence.  I find that when I'm around sarcastic deprecating people I can easily slip back into my old patterns.  I'm working hard to rein in that side of myself.  I'm trying to greet insults, however masked, in an earnest manner instead of the same superficial callous banter.  In simple terms, I'm trying to be kinder.  

That being said, I'm never going to be all sweetness and light.  I've got an deep sarcastic streak in me and I love to poke fun with people.  As long as it's all done in jest and we are laughing WITH each other and not at the expense of each other, it's all gravy.  Which brings me to the title of this blog.

Delightful.  It's one my favorite words though I find I use it purely in a sarcastic manner rather than in the tone with which it is intended.  Seriously, try using delightful in a truly sincere way.  It's virtually impossible.  You sound like an ass.  But say 'delightful' with your tongue in cheek and you're almost always guaranteed a smile.

2009 So Far

I cheated accidentally and had soda yesterday (oops) and then we had a pizza for dinner (double oops) but I went to the gym today (okay, not bad) and I'm about to clean the kitchen (well done).  I will say that the gym was pretty packed today, filled with determined individuals with satisfied smiles on their faces.  Oh, it was a beautiful sight.  Meanwhile I'm waiting ten minutes for a spot on a treadmill very much looking forward to sometime next week when most of these gung ho exercises peeps give up and go home.  And truthfully, I might be one of them but at least there will be no lines.

Point of interest:  The term 'gung ho' originated from the Madarin Chinese phrase 'Gonghe' meaning 'industrial worker's cooperative (work together)' but during World War II the term made it's way through the U.S. Army and is now a commonly used phrase meaning 'excessively enthusiastic, overzealous'.   How did that change occur?  And how weird is it that we completely changed the meaning of a Chinese phrase?  Language.  Fascinating.

Okay, I'm off to continue being totally awesome.

Also, two posts in two days?  I think I'm setting an awfully high precedent.

And a Happy New Year to you!

So it's 2009.  Whoot whoot.  Here's what I thought about the 2008, New Year's Eve in general, my specific New Year's Eve festivities, and my resolutions and predictions for 2009.

2008 was a good year.  Not great.  We had some huge milestones (Obama!) and some grave disappointments (war, recession, prop 8, Harold Pinter, etc).  But overall, things were not bad.  Britney made another comeback, China held the Olympics, some 'dude' got pregnant.  Of course Bush is still president, terrorists attacked Mumbai, and Patrick Swayze is dying.  So things could be better.  Personally, life was good this year.  I did some theatre, read some books, went to some excellent keggers at Dave's house, got a kitten, sold a house, and started to plan the Maniak wedding.  Some family members have been sick, some have died, sisters have been wed, brothers have had babies (but not the way some 'dude' had babies), some friends have moved to Kazakhstan while others have seen me get 'married' to some Italian guy.  That's 2008, people.  It didn't suck.

New Year's Day is a national holiday because New Year's Eve is usually spent downing copious amounts champagne or some other alcoholic beverage so we need a hangover holiday to recover.  Isn't that silly.  I'm not complaining at all but it seems odd that we ring in the New Year by getting drunk and stupid.  We make all these resolutions for the New Year (eat healthy, run more, drink less) but come midnight we are shitfaced, stuffed full of deep fried olives, passed out on a couch.  I guess January 1st doesn't count.  We get a one day cushion before we really have to change our behavior.  And why do we have to make resolutions?  Why do we have to become better people because time is passing?  It's a odd holiday, all right.

That being said, I had a blast last night.  Friends, games, food, and drink.  FUN!  But just like the rest of 2008, it wasn't all fun and games.  We were reminded of the grimmer side of things when we caught Dick Clark hosting the countdown.  In the middle of all the New Year's festivities there was a man who's obviously suffered this year and it was very hard to watch.  But that's life.  Awkward and hard to watch.

My 2009 resolutions are simple and slightly generic, because I've already established it's a silly custom.  Go to the gym more, eat better, make more money, save more money, keep the house clean, get an agent and become a member of an Actor's Union.  Okay, the last two might be less generic but for the most part they're pretty common.  I think resolutions are just reminders to be better people.  To keep ourselves healthy and happy.  And so I predict that while I might not be able to accomplish all of my New Year's resolutions, I will be a better person for trying.  And I think 2009 will be a great year.  New president.  The end of the recession (hopefully).  The end of a war (hopefully).  A chance to do things differently.  A chance to make things better.  Hopefully!