theJEWEL

NEW SITE

2009-10-26T23:45:00.000-07:00

My blog has MOVED!

Check out my new site for all forth-coming blog posts! :)

http://jewelthief.yolasite.com/

2009-08-28T14:25:00.001-07:00

2009-07-26T10:18:00.001-07:00

On the Road

2009-07-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

[woo...you get to see me waving the flag at the end of this one.]

07.20.09
Bullrun Rally 09

PA SUPREME

Things I learned on this trip. One of the things boss's hate the most when you're a PA, is when you're not around..or when you go to do something or get something...and just take your time. They hate hunting people down. And even if it seems like there's not much going on, don't just take your time. If you want to chill for a bit, hurry back and then ASK if you can chill for a bit. It was kinda hard on this job, because we were at these super nice hotels, and after driving for 9 hours, or working hard for a good chunk of time, you begin to think you deserve to get lost for a bit and enjoy the surroundings if there's a lull. But the truth is, you're on the clock. You don't "deserve" any leisure time. It may sound childish but ASK before you take off somewhere...even if it's for dinner...or down the hall to the spa. That way they know where you are, and if you're not around when something comes up, they can't peg you because you got their permission. With everything else on their plate the last thing they want to spend time on is hunting you down, or waiting for you to return from somewhere. Plus I've learned that if you show that your main priority is taking care of the boss and making sure you're always right there, they will WANT to give you chill time. The main complaint I ever heard from my superiors was "Where's so and so?"

A great quality to have is to stay alert and try to anticipate your superiors needs. Figure out little things you can do to help them before they ask you. If your on a job for more than one day, try to pick up on the pattern of the schedule or the needs of each day...and begin to get things done before they ask you to do them. And not just work needs, but personal needs. Sometimes they get so caught up with the flow of work and the stress of what needs to be done that they don't take time (or even remember) to eat or drink. Make sure they have meals. Believe me, when they're fed and hydrated they're happier and work is more fun.

Listen to everything that is going on. I try to pay attention when my boss is on the phone, or getting details from someone, getting further instructions from his boss, or instructing one of my fellow PAs. That way if down the line he needs me to help with one of those things, I already have an idea of what he's talking about, and he doesn't need to take extra time explaining it all to me. This also helps with anticipating things that need to be done. He's got a lot on his mind and if you can be a second brain and help him not let things fall through the cracks, he'll love you for it.

Have GPS on your phone. That way it's always with you no matter what vehicle they're telling you to drive. You're always ready to drive somewhere immediately without having to spend time printing directions. It cuts out stress because you don't have to be afraid of getting lost or getting back. You don't feel as much pressure when you're driving around someone important. If you take a wrong turn you know you wont be lost for long (sometimes they weren't even able to tell you were lost at all.) Also I can't tell you how many time I've heard "Find me a hardware store!" or "Find me a pizza place for lunch" or "Where's a radio shack!?" And I've been able to bring it up on my GPS in minutes. It really is worth the 10bucks a month to have GPS on your phone if you're planning on doing a lot of PA work. Or even if you're planning on doing background work, because they send you all over LA for that as well.

On more thing. Don't let little personality differences get to you. When you work with people, it's easy for things to start to get on your nerves. But if you let that happen, that's going to ruin your work experience and it's going to tempt you to gossip. Try to find the good things about everyone you work with and truly be grateful for those things. There are probably a few people out there that seem impossible to work with and have so many bad qualities that it's hard to see any good...but I haven't worked with any of those yet...so I don't think that's the norm. Yeah "so and so" might not have your favorite communication style, or might have a lifestyle you don't agree with, or might be easily stressed by little things, or might have some bursts of anger...but try to take a moment to realize the things, [whether it's personality or work style] that you DO like about them. Don't let other people's stress get to you. Don't fall into gossip about people you work with. And grow into a lifestyle of seeing people though the eyes of grace. When someone is talking about someone to you, stick up for them. Even if you agree with that person's complaint, don't say so: say something good about the person they're talking about, and then change the subject.

THE RALLY

With memories of past airport catastrophes clamoring in my brain I backed Broc's suggestion of leaving extra early for the Flyaway shuttle to LAX. We heard there was some traffic on the 405 so that was all the more reason to make double sure that we got there with time to spare. I didn't want to start my trip with being stressed out about missing a flight. [Not that I've missed flights before. Pffft. That's ridiculous.] Miraculously the traffic on the 405 was slim to none, and we got to the airport, very....early. heh. It was nice however because we had time to sit and eat at Chili's [well, they ate, I sipped my Starbucks] and then played cards in the terminal. We didn't spot Marlon or Rochelle [who we worked with on the reality show] until we were seated on the plane. Weeks prior I had sabotaged the seating arrangements online so that Broc, Luis & I would be sitting together. Sadly Mike was booked like a week later so he wasn't able to be right next to us. I felt extremely productive during the flight, having finished a book, a movie [Monsters vs. Aliens - hilarious] and an episode of the Office by the time we landed. The other's slept some of the way but I figured that would do me no real good and merely make me groggy arriving in New York. I felt good stepping off the plane, but 5min after getting into the cab the pent up sleep hit me like a bat to the head. Tumbling out of the car we filed into the world's hippest hotel [so claims their website] the Ganesvoort, only to discover the sham had followed me again: our rooms weren't scheduled to be ready til 3pm. BUT, they'd try to get them ready for us earlier. But...it was only 7am. We wandered the nearby streets until Paco & Chris texted back and told us we could come hang in their room for awhile until our rooms opened up. Stepping into their room I ignored Chris' greeting and collapsed on the bed. [It's not that I'm a jerk when I'm tired. If the situation requires me to perk up and get with it, I can. BUT...if it's not necessary...I just am not naturally very...social...when I'm tired. Hence, those who know me well don't get offended when I don't talk to them for the first 30min after I wake up. Give me that 30min and I'll be your best friend and bend over backwards for you the rest of the day and into the early morning. Heh.] Because I was out cold almost instantly I missed the memo that there was a meeting later that morning. Rochelle texted me saying where everyone was up on the roof- and thinking she was just being nice in case I wanted to hang out I decided to go join up with them. Good thing I did because it was the meeting I was supposed to have heard about. Chris and Paco gave us the low-down on our different positions. Team A: Chris, Luis, Marlon, Ben. Team B: Paco, Broc, Rochelle, Me. Luggage Team: AJ, Tim. Lunchtime Team: Mike, Zack. Paco had put me in charge of coming up with a team name. My first choice, obviously, was Team Awesome Factor Supreme. How do you top that, right? Apperently that was too wordy for him. So when I heard we were team B I suggested Team...B...Better...than...yours. Which also didn't fly. Jeez. Paco: picky-delux! Can't remember much of what else we did that day. I know that later that evening I went with AJ and Mike to the airport to pick up rental vehicles. Shammed again: No one else had a credit card so I had to put the vehicles on mine. Oh well, I'm not too worried because when we got paid late for the reality show, they covered our bank fees too, so I know it'll all get settled...at some point.

I drove one of the Ford Felx's back to the hotel, which required driving through New York City! I was so proud of myself because I discovered it didn't phase me at all. I think it's funny how stressed my dad gets about driving in any city, even if there's not much traffic. I don't mind it at all. It just takes being patient- not letting stupid drivers stress you out. And being aggressive- weaseling your way in.

The next day was Friday- Registration. Team B was mostly in charge, but Luis, Mike and Marlon helped as well. We had to fill the SWAG bags and hand them all their cool stuff when they registered. Keychains, t-shirts, shoes, black magic detailing kits. Woo. Registration was supposed to be done by 6pm and our team was supposed to be en route to the first location: Pittsburgh. HA! BY 6PM! THAT'S FUNNY! Yeah...after 6 we re-located to Matt Karpinski's hotel room for late registration. Little did we know that "late registration" meant you could be 6 hours late! We didn't leave for Pittsburgh til midnight. I drove, wanting to further prove to myself my excellent NYC driving capacities. heh. After we got out of the city my GPS decided to throw a little adventure into the journey (as it did several more times during the rally) and there was even a point when we ended up circling the Newark airport. heh. That became one of the big jokes on the trip. Eventually, after many arguments over the team name we decided on team Newark because of that initial mishap, and because the primary thing that ever tripped our team up was when Andy or David came along with some "New Work" to throw into our routine that we'd gotten no prior notice for.

We made it to Pittsburgh around 6 or 7 and got a couple hours of sleep before we were up and ready for any early preparations. We had breakfast at a nice little cafe down town. I had french toast. It was alright besides the egg that seemed to be growing out of all the bread crevices. Not...a fan...of that much eggyness. My stomach had been upset each morning on the trip so we stopped to buy some Pepto before heading back to the hotel. Pretty sure it was right around that time that Paco let us knonk out for another couple hours. Then he woke the others up to set up the flex blades but let me sleep another hour or so since I drove the most the night before. Broc finally came and woke me up and I threw my Bullrun shirt on and went to see what still needed to be done. Evidently the models on the Rally were there simply for the calendar, so me and Rochelle had to wave the flags for the arrivals. Cars would come rushing in and we'd wave the flags then hand them "route cards" with info about dinner that night and the events for the next morning. After most of the cars were checked in we took down the flags and helped load all the Pepsi products into the Penske truck that AJ and Tim were driving with the everyone's luggage.

Around that time we discovered we were supposed to have the flex blades set up at the club everyone was gonna be partying at that night. So we all jumped into the flex and drove around for 15min looking for the place that was tucked into a corner and hard to find. Frustrated after the Zen-Club goose chase we'd just gone on, we jumped out to set up the flex blades...but the "party planner" guy didn't even know where he'd like them, (kinda strange) so Paco suggested positions for the flags and up they went, along with the "step-and-repeat." You know all those pics you see of celebs at events where they're standing in front of a banner with the movie name...or sponser names. Yeah that's what a step-and-repeat is. Personally I think it's a stupid name because it's a mouth full! Just call it the picture....poster...or something.

We had a little down time as people started showing up for the party, so Broc, Rochelle and I headed down the row of restaurants in search of decently priced food. Finally decided on a super-loud bar, and the burgers were still around 8 bucks. Around midnight we took down the flex blades and S.A.R. and headed back to the hotel. But as Broc readied himself for bed I sat at the computer and updated spreadsheets and typed up the list of arrival times to send to Andy. I think I finally got to bed around 2:30am.

Morning in Pittsburgh. (I can see why Shelly loves Pittsburgh. I didn't get to see much of it, but what I saw I liked. It has a unique mix of very modern and historical architecture, and the bridges are beautiful.) Woke up and headed down to breakfast. Broc and Rochelle apparently opted to sleep in a bit longer. Paco and I sat down in the elegant restaurant of the hotel. I had visions in my head of a warm pastry and some fruit. After I ordered the waiter motioned to a little buffet counter that reminded me of any breakfast counter in any hotel except it was more elegant, and that's where I went to get my breakfast. I thought that was weird. Apparently he thought it was a better option to let me just pick what I wanted instead of bringing me a bowl of fruit. That makes sense. But sitting down with a tiny cold danish and some melon slices just didn't fit the elegant atmosphere for me. It kind broke the mood. heh. The coffee was good though. After a bit Andy showed up and sat down with us. He yawned and stretched, "I feel like I need to iron my face." He blurted. "You just get to an age where it doesn't spring back like it used to." I was chuckling into my melon slices. "Just a bit here...and here..." He said pantomiming ironing the corners of his eyes.

We got everything ready for the departures. All the cars were leaving from the hotel parking garage. As the all the engines were up and blaring moments from take off I thought I was going to pass out from the fumes. But everyone was so anxious to shoot out of there that there was no way they weren't going to have their engines ready. When the time came Rochelle was ready on the flag and Paco and Broc started handing route cards to everyone one by one as grabbed them and zipped off down the street. And that was pretty much it. We ran around for awhile tying up loose ends and getting our stuff together and then we piled into our silver Ford Flex (perfect for road-tripping btw) and headed to our next destination: Nashville TN.

There's no use trying to write down details about our road trips. At least not in order. They all blur together. This one was a little more lively than the previous one because we left in the afternoon as opposed to midnight. Lots of laughter. Lots of pit stops. Lots of flipping through radio stations. Paco always wanted the 80's and 90's rock. I always wanted 60's & 70's...or dance music to go crazy to. Broc kinda jumped all over but would always stop at Coldplay. And Rochelle...didn't really worry herself with the radio, now that I think about it. It seems like we never liked more than one song at a time on each station though. heh. I'd say the most common items consumed on our roadtrips were: Red Bull, Starbucks Frappachinos (not my fav but they were donated at every location along with Pepsi products), Quaker granola bars (also donated for every location), water and....New 5 Gum RAIN flavor. I actually did pretty good with not buying junk food at every stop. Of course that may have been partially due to having an upset stummy much of the time. I drank a lot of Pepto. .

It was a good 9 hour trip that day. (We thought that was long until the drive to Austin came around.) That's the second time I've drivin through Cincinnati, although the last time it was at night, so it was cool to see it in the day. I'd like to actually see the city sometime. Got to Nashville late. The hotel was my favorite style yet. The Ganesvoort was cool cuz it was....well...hip. The Pittsburgh one was elegant. But this hotel was converted from an old train station. So the outside was stone and had more of a castle appearance. Inside was beautiful. A great combination of bold colors and intricate designs. Our hopes had all rested on getting to a hot tub at the end of that days journey, but of course this was the one hotel without one. The front desk informed us that we had the option of driving down the street their sister hotel to use their hot tub. Yeah right. We walked next door to the Flying Saucer in search of food, but they were about to close so Paco and Rochelle had a beer while I ordered pizza to be delivered to our room and Broc munched on stale popcorn which was apparently the only food they were able to conjure up for us. The pizza guy was earlier than we expexted and called me while we were still at the Flying Saucer. We ran over to the hotel and pretty much annihilated the pizza as soon as we got to our room. Then Broc, Rochelle and I watched Conan, which we could only hear bits and pieces of because Paco evidently HAD to make business calls at the same time. heh.

Good morning Nashville. Why did I volunteer to drive to the airport by 8am? ugh. Because I love Grace. That's why. Heh. Grace flew in to join us that morning and then we all went out to the restaurant that all the drivers would be taking off from the next day. Evidently a very famous Nashville cafe although off the beaten path. I think that adds to it's little-town feel and southern charm. The Loveless Cafe. The owner (or was it manager?) was super nice. One of those people you can immedietely joke and be sarcastic with. Apparently the must-have breakfast was the eggs and slab-o-ham. But of course in all things breakfast I rebel, and I had the waffle smeared with melted chocolate chips. Muahah. Stopped at a hardware store on the way back to get some stuff. That means that Paco looked for stuff while the rest of us commenced hardware-store-shinanigans. Grace kept finding all the bizarre items...like canned possum meat and monkey powder. Back at the hotel, Paco gave us the low-down on how we'd set up for the arrivals when it was nearer 4pm...and then he and Grace took off to settle other things and left us. Seemed like we had a little time so Rochelle and I left Broc to hold down the fort and walked a few blocks to where my GPS claimed we'd find a Bank of America. It was hot and somewhat humid, so it wasn't the most pleasant walk. We finally spotted a large Bank of America sign and one little ATM that some cars were lined up at, and one guy on foot. Thinking that this was a single ATM station like they have in LA, we just got in line with the cars and chatted while we waited. Right before it was our turn at the ATM my eyes were opened and behold- I realized that right next door was the actual bank where we could have made our deposits in air-conditioned comfort. We had a good laugh.

The whole time I had this horrible feeling that we'd get a call and hear "Where are you guys!" Sure enough while we were still 2 blocks away I got the call. "Andy's here. Where are you guys at?" It was Paco. "I-we- I can see...the hotel. We're near...it. Broc is there though!" "Well get there. Andy is asking where everyone is." And just like I had predicted I was running down the sidewalk just so I could be there for Andy to see. Just so he'd know the workers were around and ready...for...who knows what. And as I also suspected, after running all the way back, there was nothing really that I was needed for.

When the moment of arrivals drew near, I somehow got the task of waving the flag. Out...on the corner...in the Nashville heat. I moved around a lot, following the shadow that the nearby flex-blade was casting in an effort to escape the sun as much as possible. Just when I was thinking I'd perish any moment Paco came up with a water bottle for me and so I remained intact long enough to finish my duty. There were some camera guys in several of the cars, and they definitely got footage of me waving the flag. I'm doomed. Everyone in Europe will know me as the flag girl! And I don't think I was even very good at it! heh.

Dinner that night was Jack's BBQ a few blocks down. Big fan of BBQ. Walked down to the restaurant with Broc, Rochelle and Cameraman Tom. He is so freakin funny. He was asking me if I do any flag waving in my spare time. "No. not usually. Although you know, there are some times in the summer where I just can't resist and I have to go out on the street and wave that flag. You kinda get the bug." "So you'd say your a flag waving enthusiast?" Heh. I wish I'd gotten that conversation on camera. As well as the other hilarious conversations with Tom Cameraman.

The next day was late breakfast at Loveless. I ran around getting cell numbers from all the drivers just in case some of them got arrested like the day before. Although I now that I think of it, are they allowed to keep their cell phones if they're in jail? Hmm. We ordered our food to go for after the cars left, and I couldn't resist the waffle again. Got some footage of the take-off, although I should have got it from the other direction so I could have had the Loveless in the background instead of the Shell gas station. gah! I'll never be a DP!

Next we drove through Alabama to Destin Florida. There were more competitions between the Blackberry GPS and my Verizon GPS. I say they both helped us and both got us lost equally. In the end though we were never turned around for too long. Oh yeah..this was the roadtrip where we saw the hovering Porto Poty. I was driving and had just passed a road work zone where I saw a porta-poty and jokingly asked Paco if he needed to stop and use the restroom. Minutes later I saw another one off to the side of the road...but this one was not around any type of work zone...and it was a good 3 feet off the ground. I immediately pulled over so we could gawk at this extraordinary site...and take pictures. Broc and I got out to inspect it and saw that it was strapped to some sort of apparatus attached to a large pole. So bizarre.

When we reached the resort in Destin and I got out of the Flex, I quickly realized my deep-rooted loathing for extreme humidity. The next day when I was standing out in the sun waiting for the cars to arrive I almost got anxious because I felt like any moment I wouldn't be able to breath. It was like a little preview of what having asthma is like. It was like being in someone's mouth! I vocalized my disagreement with the Florida weather all day until I reached the beach that night where dinner was set up. The softest sand I've ever felt and the most beautiful water made me nearly forget my previous disgust. So my final decision on Florida is...if I ever go again I will go immediately to the beach and stay there for the whole of the trip.

The night that we had dinner on the beach was the first night I really got the chance to relax and enjoy some of the "luxeries" around me. I stayed on the beach for awhile just sitting with Rochelle, Zack, Rory, and Tom as the sunset. Talked with Tom and Rory about constellations...and work...and acting. We have the best camera guys. They're all so funny and....British. heh. After enjoying the beach for awhile I hopped a ride back to the hotel and joined Broc, Rochelle, Zack and Mike at the hot tub and pool. After awhile Tom showed up too and of course hilarious conversations ensued. Broc started one off with his idea for human-stew...where you wear a suit and swim around in a giant vat of stew...or something to that affect. That led to other invention ideas. My favorite was the "baby changing station" that actually changes the baby into something else. Ha! "You put the baby on the table and close it and then there's buttons with images of what you could change it into. Like...a ferrari...or a TV...or thread..." I said chuckling. "THREAD!" Tom burst in his thick accent. "Wouldn't that be a bummer to accidently push that! Aw man...I waited nine months for this and I accidently pushed thread...gah..." We were all roaring.

We thought driving 9 hours to Nashville and Destin was long. Oy! Try Destin to Austin! It was at least 13 hours. We made the most of it though, since it was our last drive. Stopped at all the interesting rest stops. And there was one stop where I shot Paco right before Broc threw a grenade at him. He was blown sky high. It was gruesome...in our heads. (I grew up with brothers. I love pantomimed violence.) I slept some because I was supposed to have the late-shift. But after I'd driven for about an hour Broc asked if he could take over because he was so bored.

In Austin things would have run smoothly if things had happened when they should have. Such as...if the girl who was storing all the trophies and medals was able to be reached before noon...so that we could retrieve those items from her. Or if she had picked up the package she was supposed to have picked up for us 2 weeks ago. Or if the Penske truck had arrived on time with all the banners we needed for the finish line. But since none of these things happened at their appointed time...we waited, and then got slammed. The Penske didn't even show up till 3 cars had already arrived, and when it did I was flying up the truss to hang up the banners with zip ties. The actual FINISH banner was never found however. All in all we pulled it off barely. Except earlier we had discovered a couple of the trophies had been broken during their delivery...and with all the pent up things we had to deal with before the arrivals we hadn't had time to conjure a remedy for that situation. When Andy found out he flipped. Paco had dashed over to the party venue with the rest of my team, leaving me to clean up and tear down the remains of the arrival setup. I was just about to get on the elevator when the doors opened and there stood Paco. "Great, you can come see me get fired." He said as I boarded. We got up to his room as he filled me in on the crisis of the broken trophies and we flew around the room trying to figure out how to mend them. I was looking up hardware stores on my GPS and he was calling someone from the hotel who might know- when there was a knock on the door. Andy and David were on the other side. Nothing like the two big bosses looking down at you with fire in their eyes. Andy made a beeline for the trophies spouting his disbelief at the fact this hadn't been taken care of. As he finally realized we only really needed 2 and there are 2 still in tact David was asking me if I had any "zip clips" for the prank-prize he wanted to give one of the drivers. Apparently one of the German's would take off his shoe and talk into it when he was drunk, and so I'd been sent out earlier that afternoon to buy a phone so we could attach it to shoe. "Do you have any zip clips?" "Uh..." I stalled, rummaging around the room, not wanting to say no, or that I had no idea what a zip clip was. "Zip clips...like you were using outside." "Oh. Zip ties! Yeah in my room." I was out the door with Andy behind me, who was headed to his room to get the shoe for the prank prize. As I got on the elevator to go down I held the door. "Oh no I'm going up...to throw myself off the top of the building." He said as the doors closed. We arrive back on Pacos floor at the same time as well and came bursting back into the room. Got everything put together and packed up and stepped out into the hallway, quite the little procession. The two tall Brits at front, Paco carrying the large cardboard box, and the little blond girl. Heh. We raced over to the club and there I was positioned to greet people as they came in...and...tell them that the food was set up in the back. The place was rather small...I don't think...it'd be that hard for them to find the food. Oh well. Property of Bullrun: I do what I'm told. I managed to snag a bite of the rarest meat I've ever eaten (minus that under-cooked burger dad accidently fed me once). I think I threw half of it away because I just couldn't do it. Watched some of the awards ceremony, and then waited around outside to help with tear-down.

At somepoint right after all the arrivals exhaustion hit me like a ton of bricks...and I was barely hanging on. This was the last night, and everyone else was heading out to have a good time...all I could think of was bed. Party-planner man came up and tried to get me to have a drink with him. I told him I was exhausted and didn't like alcohol...he probly thought those were the lamest excuses he'd ever heard anyone make up. Finally back at the hotel I showered to try to wake myself up...but it wasn't happening. The bed was the only desirable thing on the horizon.

2009-06-30T13:25:00.001-07:00

2009-06-30T13:24:00.003-07:00

2009-06-30T13:24:00.001-07:00

2009-06-30T13:23:00.001-07:00

God Chicks & New Spiritual Mentors

2009-06-30T12:38:00.000-07:00

As much as I love OASIS it has been hard going through the awkward stage of joining a church and trying to get to know people. I've been doing everything I can think of to jump right in: Joining a small group, serving with the youth, helping in the office...even running a 5k! Still there's nothing I could do to just skip the "I-kind-of-know-you stage" while everyone else has these deep friendships...and the youth already have their favorite youth leaders. It's been hard, because I'm used to growing up in a church and having everyone know and love me. But I think I'm finally breaking past that awkward period.

The GodChicks conference was AMAZING and definitely helped me get closer to people- I spent all day Thursday setting up for the youth session...and then 6 hours Friday in the youth session. And once again I was completely blessed by God working through me. My favorite part aside from the amazing speakers at the conference, was when I leaned over to a few of my youth girls in their seats right before the event started, "Hey girls, do you want to go up front with me when worship starts?" "Yeah!" they responded excitedly. And when worship exploded, not just a few, but every one of the youth girls lept up and ran up to the front to dance around and celebrate in worship. This continued through the rest of the conference, and after the Teen Adventure (when we had 90 girls show instead of 50 like we expected) all the teen girls that came to the youth session also came up front to worship! I was blown away. It was so awesome to see young girls who could be spending their weekend jumping around at a concert for their favorite band, instead dancing around for God. Lord please capture their hearts for good! Show them how much You love them and how beautiful they are to You!

Also- how did I not know about Christine Caine?! For years now I've had a burden for girls sold into the sex trade AND for reaching Europe with the gospel, and those are her two primary ministries! I couldn't believe it. I know I'm supposed to be in LA right now...but something tells me that somewhere in the future I'm going to be working with her. I wish I could just live in her shadow for a year. Or five. I highly reccommend you check out her podcast. I've decided that even though I don't have a mentor to sit and talk with me yet, I'm adding Holly and Christine to my list of women I see as spiritual mentors in my life. Amy Carmichael, Elisabeth Elliot, Holly Wagner, Christine Caine. I've been following writings from the first two for most of my life, and I'm excited to start stalking Holly and Christine through their writings, sermons & podcasts. Lord thank you for awesome women to look to who exemplify Your purpose & passion in their lives!

And to top off the conference for me, was the hot air baloons. How did they know the song I've been listening to almost every day for the last two months is Hot Air Balloon? I couldn't stop beaming when I saw them.

Oh yeah. And to top off the weekend...I got to watch the Mariners beat the Dodgers. (Sorry pastor Phillip)

2009-06-20T14:56:00.000-07:00

I was hiking the other day & God gave me a cool analogy.
I was thinking about how the more I climbed the more of the view I could see...and that made me want to climb higher so I could see more. But just that morning I hadn't wanted to climb. I barely mustered enough motivation to go at all. And then I realized that when the enemy knocks us to the bottom of the mountain it's harder to see what God has for us because we're at the bottom. But if we can just get past our guilt and laziness, and we take those first steps, soon we'll begin to see the big picture again. And the closer we get to Him, the more of it we'll see...and the more we'll be able to see & believe again that He still has something for us after all. Despite our fall. If we just get up and climb we'll see His plans are still out there. Nothing has changed. The view is still amazing, and His plans are always worth the climb.

2009-06-13T11:34:00.001-07:00

The cast got to enjoy the lovely spa we were at. The crew just worked.

I was tempted to go in this hotub though...even with a life guard around like the sign said. ahah.

2009-06-13T11:33:00.003-07:00

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2009-06-13T11:33:00.002-07:00

I like working reality more than watching it usually.

2009-06-13T11:33:00.001-07:00

Sometimes the crew can get a little distracted...

2009-06-03T22:18:00.001-07:00

oh. and got my arbonne today. great great day.

2009-06-03T22:17:00.001-07:00

helped at my churches office today. had a meeting with my arbonne team. and just rocked it in my scene for class tonight.

2009-06-03T01:15:00.001-07:00

Woa. I just figured out how to send pictures from my phone straight to my blog. And I can also send text or email post straight to my blog. Everything is so mobile these days! This is a picture of me and one of the kids in the Oasis youth group that helps with our little youth production team. We're just getting started. But we're having fun making some little news shows so far. :)
I love my youth.

2009-05-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

:: UPDATES ::

Last Thursday I had the amazing opportunity to listen to Jim Caviezel share with our acting class wisdom and advice about acting. Honestly I wasn't too concerned with going when I first heard about it. In my head I was thinking I study under the guy who coaches Jim, what could he say that I'm not already learning every week with John Kirby? But it turned out I was able to go, and I'm so glad I did. I haven't been so inspired since I watched BELLA a few years ago and heard the lead actor Eduardo share his testamony. Jim was so...centered on God. He'd start out talking about an experience...and it would always come around to God being the center...the reality...the sanity in the chaos of being an actor. And most of my classmates are not Christians. It's impossible to describe all he said, or what I felt sitting in the back holding back tears. A few of my favorite quotes from that night were:

"There are 3 voices in your head. 1 is God, 1 is evil, 1 is you....and 2 of those are bad."

"A guy told me that he was going to blow his brains out, but then he saw the Passion. That, to me, is my academy award."

He also talked a lot about the discipline of being an actor, and how militant he is with his own training. I've been lazy lately, so it was a huge reality check to get back into exercise. But not merely exercise...training. When it was over I wanted to shake his hand and just thank him. I stood in line, tears still lingering in my eyes...my heart all stirred. But it was a long line, and I wanted to get home and pray...and think. So I left... I'll see him again. I thought. If not here...I'll thank him in heaven.

I did the "Run for Water" (www.generositywater.com) and didn't die! ha! I just did the 5k, but I was proud of myself for running the whole way. I even felt like I could have run a bit faster. Did it in 33:29...so about 11min a mile. The sad news is, my ideas to raise money for it (a youtube video and painting a picture to give to one of my donors) evidently were too unconventional to really produce much results. I should have done it the old fashioned way and called people up. But...we all know how much I hate making calls. *sigh* Thank you Celina, Nicole and Danny for donating!

And after drawing from the names of my donors the winner is my good friend, Nicole Annable!
I'm going to keep raising money for this, because it's a great organization that builds water wells in African villages that don't have access to clean water!

And yes, as you saw above, I am now selling Arbonne. I'm excited about this because for awhile now I've wanted to invest in my own inner and outer health, and now I can do that while I'm educating others as well. I have a lot to learn, but the things that I've discovered already are really eye-opening. For starters, did you know your skin is your largest organ? And what you put ON your skin is absorbed into your blood and therefore is affecting your health! Most lotions, makeup and cleansers are made with ingrediants such as petroleum that were never meant to be absorbed into your body. And men are getting breast cancer now more than ever just because of all the chemicals in common deoderant! Arbonne is commited to all-natural approaches that work. For me it's not about vanity, it's about health. We only have one life in one body that God has entrusted us with...and I want to be balanced with excersize, good diet, and wisdom on what I will and will not allow on/in my body! If you're interested it joining me on this journey let me know! I'll do all the work to help you find what's right for you...or help you get involved witht the business if you need some extra cash. :)

And now for some thoughts....

There are many times out here that hopelessness tries to creep in. Sometimes I feel very lonely, and confused...and like there are so many ways I need Jesus to come rescue me. As trivial as it may initially seem, when that happens, often the first image that comes to my mind is the scene (actually a mixture of scenes if you know the movie well) from Princess Bride.

But instead of the movie I see Satan peering at me with a cocky smile. I fight back the fear his look brings and say firmly, "My Jesus will always come for me." "Your Jesus is dead. I killed Him myself!" He replies. But I simply grin, "Then why is there fear behind your eyes!"

We laugh at the movie, but these words have never rung more true to me.
Sometimes I can't see Him. Sometimes I don't know what the heck He is off doing while I'm standing here staring the enemy in the face, seemingly about to be forced to be bound to him instead of my Beloved...and it's in that moment that I have to remember His promise, and believe in truth instead of "facts."

Satan trys to convince be that my Beloved is dead- to me and to this world. But my Jesus will never let His true love be stolen by another. I don't care how many times I feel like I'm staring at the enemy alone...my Jesus will always come for me.

"Hear this now. I will come for you."

"But how can you be sure?"

"This is true love. Think this happens everyday?"

Just Journaling...

2009-04-13T16:14:00.000-07:00

THURSDAY

Cafe Aroma-
Tucked on the "not so flashy" (and more comfortable) side of Melrose. This coffee shop, like so many that I visit, has a few things that I like a lot, but still does not encompass everything I'm looking for in my perfect coffee shop. To be honest I'm probably looking for a New York Coffee Shop / Bookshop combo, that I'll probably never find in Los Angeles. But it's still fun to try out different shops and make new discoveries. This cafe is on a corner, across from a bike shop, which is luring me and making me bitter that I can't afford a beautiful vintage bike. Ha. The look of the cafe leans more towards Java Detour on Santa Monica, going with the clean colors of black and yellow, and the solid color Ikea look. There are little counters lining the walls with comfortable stools with backs (we all know how I love sitting on stools! this wins points for me) and there are a couple fun, vintage looking couches. The floor is another novelty, looking like a European street made of large paved stones. The coffee is good, and the cookies fresh baked, and the menu looks good although haven't tried any of the sandwiches. My one major critique is that the place is a bit dirty. Looking around there are crums and bits of food here and there on the floor, and little spots of grim and dust here and there that just makes you feel like the place hasn't been deep cleaned for awhile, or even that the employees take more of their downtime to chat than to clean the place up. And looking up just now...one is on the phone and one is eating something. There are 3 customers besides myself...meaning there's no reason the employees shouldn't be cleaning this place up. So that's what I'd fix. It's not dirty enough that I wouldn't come again, but it's a bit distracting...sadly.

Well...the bikes and the vintage shop down the street are calling me. I must resist spending money today though, because I think I'm going to buy a lovely little 60's typewriter today from someone off Craigslist! Maybe I'll walk by STATIC hair salon I so badly want to go to...I just don't know if I can afford a trim from them...they look too great. But then again...they are on THIS side of Melrose. Maybe the Yelp.com reviews were right in saying it was well-priced. Hmmm...I wish Sara or someone was able to be with me right now....but despite being alone...I LOVE this: exploring city streets and shops. LOVE IT!

SATURDAY

Melrose Ave-
Sara and I explored Melrose Saturday. There are some great clothes shops on the east side. I don't think I could even walk into the shops on west Melrose...I hate being watched and "sized" up by those elite shops. heh. We explored American Vintage, and I found the newest desire of my soul: roller skates. Heh. There were a pair of used speed-skates (roller skates but without the high-top of usual skates...I always used speed skates back during my Harborina skating days) and they were actually my size! They were $45. I didn't let myself buy them though because I haven't had too much work this month, and I just blew $35 on that typewriter from Craigslist. Well...i didn't really blow it. It'll be nice decoration for my home. It just...doesn't work as well as I'd hoped. But I should have expected that for 35. My friends have been asking me "Why...did you buy a typewriter." I've realized it's because when I enjoy something I love it's history as well...and buying antiques makes me feel like I have a magical peice of that history. heh. So Since I enjoy coffee and tea...I like buying vintage mugs and tea cups. Since I like traveling, I like vintage luggage and trunks. And since I'm a writer...I wanted a vintage typewriter. Well...I should have been more patient and found one that really works, because I really wanted to use it. And now I'll have to wait for the roller-skates too. Maybe I'll have enough birthday money to get them...

Back to Melrose. We also checked out the bike shop (Sara really wants one now...but that's definitely way way down on my list...cuz the vintage-looking ones are at least 200) and the puppy store. I'm definitely going to have to wait awhile for that Great Dane puppy of my dreams. Because puppies go beyond the initial payment. *sigh* I just want the simple things in life: Typewriters....Roller Skates....Puppies...ahaha.

To finish the day we went to Aroma Bakery Cafe on Sunset (not to be confused with the Aroma Cafe on Melrose that I went to...and different from Aroma on Tujunga which has my favorite coffee-shop atmosphere in LA so far.) The hostess asked if we wanted to sit inside or outside. "Um, can we sit on the second level?" Sara asked. There were 3 sort of levels to this restaurant: Tables on the outside right near the sidewalk, another outdoorish section, and then the inside. "That's the smoking section." "Oh...ok...um" There was a long pause. "We'll sit inside." I blurted. Heh. Then we get inside, "Would you a table or to sit at the bar?" I looked at sara. "Lets sit at the bar." She said. Then we get seated at the bar and, "I kinda want to sit at a table now..." Sara said. I gave her a look like, we're not moving. heh.

Our waiter brough us free little smoothies to start us off, but seemed kind of "cold" toward us. Well, at least not friendly. "Is he just being sarcastic?" Sara wondered. "I...don't think he likes us." I chuckled. And when we asked if we could have a Creme Brule before our meals he said "Before your meal?" And hesitated with a you're strange look lingering behind his eyes. Ahah. But after our meal (I had pesto pizza and she had...some sort of veggie, bagel, sandwich) he brought us fruit parfeits for free. "We thought you didn't like us." Sara blurted. "What?! Really?" He said in surprise. And I was laughing cuz I couldn't believe she'd just said that!

MONDAY

M Street Coffee-
Favorite window seat in the coffee shop. This is the seat for the rainy or gray days. It's gray today. If it was sunny I'd be sitting outside. I guess I should be sitting at my "writing table" because I'm planning to write today, but I feel like the window today. Heh.

I woke up at 1pm. Gah! I hate being a sluggard. Sometimes I tell myself days that I sleep in make up for the days I have to work late into the night. But...I haven't been working much lately, so that's not an excuse right now. Well, not a good one. I'm determined to make this day productive nonetheless. I got a free copy of the Runaway Bride screenplay from a writers store in Santa Monica, so I'm going to read it and study the format and style. Then I'll work on my own script. And since I'm not running today I'll do my hiphop workout tonight. Heh. More fun anyway.

And as always...looking for work.

Barf! It's already almost 5pm and I've been journaling instead of writing my script! And this shop closes at 6pm! Oh I wish they were open later. Maybe I'll go to Aroma on Tujunga later to write. It's hard to write at home with people around.

Matt's supposed to be meeting me here soon to chill for a bit. Where is he? I want to do a candid camera deal on him from my window seat. heh..

the Gray

2009-04-05T23:18:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I feel like it's much harder being called to Hollywood than it would be to a far off African village. Things are pretty black and white there. If they're doing chants and sacrifices it's pretty safe to say it's not what God wants. Out here, there's so much gray. The hardest part is seeing my friends make decisions based on valuing knowledge and skill over Truth and Purity. I value knowledge and skill...and I realize their importance, in this calling especially. But I never want them to become more important to me than honoring God, and seeing the beauty of purity and innocence.

Jewel always always remember, this calling to the media is the means to the end: Glorifying God. Never let the calling become the end that you would do anything for.

Please continue to pray for me. That God will bless me with wisdom, discernment and favor like He did for Daniel in Babylon. And also that God will give me grace and wisdom with my friends.

2009-03-09T00:44:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna run in a 5k. I hate long-distance running. But this is something that's worth running for. Please consider supporting me and this cause.

1.1 billion people in the world do not have access to clean water.
Every 15 seconds a child dies due to a water-related disease.

Help me, and Generosity Water build water wells in villages that don't have access to clean drinking water.

Watch the video, and join me! I'll do the running for you! :)

If only 20 people each donate $25 I'll reach the minimum fund raising amount of $500 by May 2nd, which is when I'm signed up to run with other members of my church.

Thank you!!!

HOW TO DONATE:

1) Online.

-Go to: www.generositywater.com
-Click the DONATE tab. (Donors can donate online via credit card or electronic check.)
-In the COMMENT box under the DONATE tab:

Please type in "RUN FOR WATER JEWEL HARGROVE."

2) By Mail.

All checks must be payable to GENEROSITY WATER and the TEAM GENEROSITY WATER runner's name must be included on the check. The mailing address is:

Generosity Water
12880 Riverside Drive
Suite 200
Valley Village, CA 91607

All donations to Generosity Water are tax deductible. Tax receipts are available upon request for donations less than $250.

2009-02-16T23:37:00.000-08:00

Bullrun+on+SPEED+Intro

Oasis. When I hear this word I think about a couple years ago, sitting in an auditorium having just screened the brilliant independent film Bella. The lead actor, Eduardo, came up after the film had ended and told us his testimony about how he'd started out acting for himself, in Latino soap operas. When God changed his life he gave up acting for a good 3 years because all he was being offered were the same kind of sensual roles. Then he and his partners made Bella, one of the most amazing movies I've ever seen, showing Christ-like love without being in the least bit “preachy.” Eduardo then mentioned something about hoping to help create a community of Christians out in LA, so that there'd be a sort of “oasis” for Christians to work and socialize in amidst the often dismal LA atmosphere. Well, although I still someday hope to work with Eduardo's production company to make more excellent, pure and powerful movies...along the way, I've found a different oasis.

When I was planning on moving from Washington my dad said that God had really put it on his heart that I should be very “church” focused as I decided on what city to move to. Maybe even to go as far as to choose the city by the church if God lead me to a great one. I didn't know about going to the extent of going from city to city checking out churches, but I kept his emphasis of a good church family in mind as I continued to pray about where I should settle. Shortly after this I returned to Texas for awhile to visit my production internship and re-do my acting headshots. While I was there I talked with some good friends that were planning to move out to LA and discovered they might have one more spot in the apartment they were moving into in a couple weeks. As much as I was drawn to the east coast (Boston, New York) my soul had just taken a very harsh 2-year-long beating, and living with close friends as I ventured out into my career became the highest priority aside from being around acting/production. Right after my visit to TX I flew directly to LA to visit my friends that had already moved out there. While I was there, a couple of my good guy friends took me with them to church. It's name: Oasis.

I fell in love instantly with the atmosphere: Bright, loving, energetic, creative. All the things I hope to portray as a person. The sermon was grounded in the Bible, and the pastor was engaging, humorous and in love with God. You could tell by the joy in his tone and energy. Joy...something I desperately needed after the last two years. I was pretty much sold, but immediately I went online and did my research to see if this church had the key things I found vital in a church I was going to commit to. Did it have small groups? Did it do global missions as well as reaching out to it's local area? Was it's main foundation the gospel and God's love? Yes. Yes. Yes.

Long story short: I've been in LA for about 5 months now, and the more involved I get with my church, the more I love it. I'm in a small group of girls that live near me, each and every one of which I adore. We don't just get together and chat and laugh, we also make a point to get out of our comfort zone and go out to talk to and pray for people, even on the street. We all are eager to serve in Oasis, and to reach our city and world with God's love. I haven't found exactly where that's supposed to be for me, but I'm leaning towards the youth ministry, and maybe once I'm good enough...the dance team that dances in worship! That's one of the things I love most about Oasis. It consists largely of highly creative people in the entertainment industry, and instead of just leaving their talents in the work week with their “careers,” they bring that talent and weave it into their worship on Sundays! When theirs dancing, or special music, or dramas, or videos...it doesn't feel like a presentation or a “display” of talent...but rather and extension of our worship.
At this very moment I'm sitting in the cafe (oh yeah, they serve free coffee...GOOD coffee, HA!) typing this...after enjoying a second portion of worship. I went to the 2pm service, had a 4pm membership class, then went to worship again at the 6pm service and am now waiting for the “Connect Groups” ice cream night! I'm so filledtothebrim thankful for this church and the great people who are becoming my family. Oh yeah...one more thing that is so precious to me in a church is being able to go all the way up to the altar for worship. Most of my small group was up there with me tonight dancing around crazyinlove in worship. It was....radiant.

unStarStruck

2009-02-09T14:13:00.000-08:00

Those of you who know me well know that I'm not a fan...of acting like a fan. I admire people's talent and work, but when I see them or I'm around them, I want to treat them like people...not celebrities. I am so the opposite of star-struck, that I often end up completely ignoring celebrities whenever they're around. I guess I just think about if God ever puts me in that position, and how much I will appreciate people who treat me like a human, not superhuman. And how annoying it'll be for people to want to talk to me or be nice to me or fawn over me...just cuz they saw me in a movie. Not that I won't see it as a priority to be kind to those people, but it seems like it would be refreshing for people to treat me like a human.

Another thing. Since I've been in LA I've decided that I never want to become someone who feels like a bigger person by name-dropping. "So and so talked to me (so I'm special.)" Or "I saw so and so" or "I worked with so and so." Lots of people do this thinking, I guess, that it makes them cooler? More special? I always want to derive my value out of WHO I AM in Christ...in where He's taking me...in my real friends and family. Not in what big name happened to be in my vacinity that I really had no valid contact with. So I've shied away from putting names on here of stars that I've worked around. I've even decided that the first picture I take with a celebrity will be when I'm actually good enough friends with that person that I would have taken a picture with them if they were merely someone I'd become friends with at church!

With all this said, I've realized recently that people back home want to know some details about what I'm doing and working on...and so it's only natural, and not prideful, to mention the people involved with these projects. So now you know, when I mention big names on here, it's not because I'm bragging about working with them, but because I figure you guys should see the whole picture of the story I'm telling. And so I won't leave out names if it supports the story just to be overly protective of my "unStarStruck" nature.

Ok. This being said, last week I worked on two different movie sets, in the lowely position of background-actor. The first was a movie about a band, directed by Mark Ruffalo [I like this pic because he's with his wifey.] and starring Orlando Bloom. I wanted to mention these gentlemen, because they really acted like gentlemen. I was very impressed with how kind and appreciative they were of all of us extras. After almost every take they would look out into the crowd of us and thank us profusely for our energy and our work...and just let us know over and over that they couldn't do this without us. They also were very gracious and kind to all the "fans" that talked to them, wanted to shake their hand, wanted a picture with them etc. I never saw them snub anyone. It was a great atmosphere to work in, and I admire them as men for being so kind and gracious to us. There was one scene where they placed me right next to Orlando, and like I said, I ignored him...and petted his cute black lab. heh.

I worked on a second movie set on Saturday, and was surprised how, in comparison, the lesser-known actors working on the project were significantly less gracious...not only with the extras, but with their director. They weren't necessarily mean or anything, just not as thoughtful as Mark and Orlando. I just thought it was interesting how lesser-known actors sometimes act more like divas than the big names.

CHUCK

2009-02-06T01:53:00.000-08:00

For those who are interested...here's an episode you can actually see me in...for a split second. heh. I'd recommend skipping the very beginning cuz it's a little risque. You'll see me near the end during the concert scene. Watch for my great expression. :)

Chuck VS the Third Dimension

2009-01-22T17:05:00.000-08:00

Here we Go!

2009-01-12T17:35:00.000-08:00

I seem to always have a motto for the upcoming year when New Years roles around. Something God has laid on my heart that I want to carry on through the next year. Some of those motto's have been,

2001- "Living for God's best and no less."

2002- "I don't want to live a comfortable life, I want to live an extreme life!"

2003- "Why walk when you can RUN!?"

2004- "To be an eagle is to fly alone, and then to fly where none have flown."

2005- "I will wait until Your arms surround me every day."

2006- "Enchanted Warrior."

2007- "Broken & Blossoming."

2008- "Tiqvah: Hope of rescue."

Looking at them in order it seems like the focus has been slowly shifting from ME living a certain way or striving to live a certain way...into me just looking to Him. And recently God has opened my eyes to just how much of my life I've spent focused on MY love for Him (Trying to do more, live right, anything to prove to myself and Him that He's number 1)...and that the most beautiful, peaceful and fruitful times of my life were the times when I was simply overcome by HIS love for me. Listening to Pastor Prince's sermon's have helped reveal to me just how much I've been living under the law instead of under the love and grace Jesus died to cover me with.

So in 2009...my poetic and articulate floweriness aside...my "motto" is simply...

be Loved

To remind me to do nothing, be nothing, seek nothing, try nothing, say nothing.
But rather simply, every day, allow my Beloved....to love me.
And obviously, as the past has proven, that's when I'll be exactly everything I'm meant to be.

The yesterday I was just talking to Him about my pursuits and desires. How badly I want to be acting, but that I'm afraid to just start auditioning because I haven't acted for about a year now. It seemed a good thought to look for a quality acting class to get into, so I prayed about that. It's hard to find good acting classes in LA. So many people are offering classes and workshops, claiming they'll "bring in casting directors to see your work!" But the really good teachers aren't even listed...you have to hear about them by referral.

Last night I was on Facebook and started talking with an acting friend on the east coast. I mentioned wanting to find a good class, and she told me about a guy she took a workshop from over the summer who lives and coaches in LA, who's a Christian, and who has worked with some big name actors. Sure enough his studio wasn't listed online, but she gave me his contact info and I emailed requesting info about his availability.

Today before noon I got a call from his assistent! And tomorrow night I have an interview/audition to get into his 12 week course. I'm so nervous, but I know this is from God. Please be praying for me to have peace and be excellent in my presentation.

Aha! God is sooooo good!

DeletoMatic

2009-01-10T23:00:00.000-08:00

Life would be a lot easier if cleaning out your pack-rat stuffings was like deleting items off of your desktop. Just drag and drop, and you don't see it anymore. Or better yet, if I could turn on some sort of magical deleting-power and just touch the item and *poof* it's gone before I can have second thoughts. OY. I just did most of my unpacking (I brought down the rest of my stuff from WA in my truck) and I have discovered I have an excess of 4 particular catagories. Clothes. Coffee Cups. Books. Luggage. I have a new hobby of finding fun vintage suitcases at second hand stores (probly because I love vintage things and travelling). Actually I look for all of the above catagories at places like Goodwill, and often feel like I'm walking out with arm loads of treasure for the pennies I spent on it. But...it's beggining to pile up. It dawned on me tonight as I tried to stuff these things into the nooks and crannies of my small room (that I share) that this is also a problem for the futureJewel who wants to live in several different cities in her lifetime.

Anyhow...my current "Goodwillhunting" addictions aside, it's good to be back in Studio City and the sunshine. I took a hip hop class this afternoon and then went to IKEA with my roomate and we finally got some fun stuff for our room so it's not just blah-white-blah.

One last thing. Now that I have a vehicle I have no excuses not to hit up as many auditions as I can get myself to. But I've realized that I'm actually scared to. Partly because I haven't acted in a long time, and mostly because it's what I REALLY want to do...so naturally it's close to my heart and therefore....scary. So please pray that I have guts and opportunities to audition often...and that I can afford to get into a good acting class so that I can get the creativity flowing again.

Shalom!

The Wisdom

2009-01-03T23:35:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!
My friend Rhianna just put up a new website!
I wish I could say I was posting this JUST cuz I love her so much (which I do) but it's also because she has a contest going for some great lotions that I want. Ahah! But really, she's amazing and her writing is warm and wonderful! You should check out her site and join the contest!

http://rhianna.3wisdoms.com/

(YES! Now she will enter me into the drawing! Muahaha!)

Bullrun

2008-12-31T12:03:00.001-08:00

Bullrun was an amazing job. What a way to start out in PA work!

*Traveling for 20 days
*5 of my best friends were on the job too
*It's about CARS
*I got to work with Brits (ahah)

I believe it'll be airing on the SPEED network February 19th.

On the road I was in charge of the Walkies, which was a bit frustrating at times but overall I think it was the perfect job for me. First thing everyday I was running all around the set handing out walkie-talkies and trying to keep record of who got what walkie. Often my morning would start out with hearing the director over the radio, "Scott to David....Scott to David.....Jewel, does David have a walkie?" And I would role my eyes and sigh, because yes, the producers had walkies, they just didn't answer sometimes. heh. My nick names consisted of Walkie-Girl & Yellow Boots (due to the amaaazing yellow Puma boots that I purchased the day before the trip. I think the boots were more famous than I was on set...heh.)

The 2 producers, series producer, director and several camera guys were British- so fun! And all my superiors were amazing. I really felt like I was spoiled because everyone was really great to work with.

I also jumped in when I could and helped the lighting guys, and they told me they definitely were impressed with my attentiveness, attitude and energy when I was helping them out.

Yeah 20 days straight on the road working hard (and in the snow in a few locations) was tiring, but overall it was one of the best times of my life. I'm so grateful to God for the experience and the awesome people I got to work with. Oh yeah...and I got to drive a couple of the cars, just a little. ;)

Check it out come February!

www.Bullrun.com
(the Reality show is different than the Bullrun rally)

Production Assistant

2008-11-22T16:59:00.000-08:00

Praise God!
Extra work has been slow this last month, and I was betting December would be just as bad or worse. So I prayed for another job, but asked God for a production job. Not only did He bless with me with a job in Production but:

*5 of my other close friends got jobs on the same show!
*We'll be traveling through different states for 20 days on the road!
*The job ends on the day right before my parents are coming down to see me!
*The girl who hired me is a doll and I think the whole team is gonna be great too!
*The show will have cars in it! heh.

Check it out!

BULLRUN

My Apartment

2008-10-29T22:51:00.000-07:00

Tour of the Apartment!

The Unwanted Sorority Girl

2008-10-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

Extra Work! The good and the caca. (Sorry, Luis is rubbing off on me...he says that word all the time.) A couple of my friends don't like this route...it's already burnt them out. Perhaps it'll do the same to me eventually, but right now I love that it's getting me around LA on different sets and meeting tons of people. I feel comfortable now with the bus, the subway, getting around, being on set.

ER Extra Roles:
-Christmas time street person
-Nurse at desk going through files

Most sets I've been on the people have been super nice. ER, everyone was very nice, especially Elliot, the guy who keeps the extras in line and also does the stunt driving for the ambulance. I also met a great guy named Tim on ER that was pretty nice, even if he did trick me a few times for his own amusement.

E.H. Extra Roles:
-Poolside waitress with tray of drinks

On Eleventh Hour the extra handlers were also very nice...and didn't fire me even after the SteadyCamMan tripped over me twice while shooting! The first time wasn't my fault, because they signaled me to cross...and then the only place I could go ended up being where SCM was going too. The second time however, sorta was my fault. I was playing my part as a pool side waitress so well (looking for people who might want drinks) that I looked one way for a second, and when I looked back SCM was already backing onto me. I shoulda just thrown my tray in the air and dove into the pool. Oh well. I guess I got my payback when some girl rushed by me in a scene, knocked my tray and threw the drinks on it all down my shirt and legs. I was sticky and red. I also must mention the wardrobe ladies on EH were soooooo delightful, as well as the hair stylist Judith .

Greek extra roles:
-Summer party sorority wannabe
-Party girl at frat party
-Sparkles aka Debbie Gibson aka TheUnwantedSororityGirl

Greek has been my most regular gig. The first shoot was up in Malibu; freezing in the morning but the food was great. The extra handlers on Greek are especially great.

Today I got a bit of a happy surprise. When they booked me last night they told me I was once again going to be one of the cutesy sorority girls. But when I got to the wardrobe trailer they called out, "who's Jewel?" When I raised my hand they brought me inside and dressed me in ugly 80s garb, complete with jean skirt and lacey fold-down socks, and dubbed me "Sparkles." Apparently I was the girl that they had to allow into the sorority because my mom had been in it years before. So I sat around getting laughs and strange looks from everyone on set for 4 hours until they needed me. When they finally brought me onset the director took one look at me and laughed. It honestly felt amaaaazing when they stopped calling me by the scripted nickname, and began using my real name to give me direction. Eventually instead of "action" (for me to cross in front of the main characters to induce their line about me), he called "Jewel." And then whenever the AD or the DP had directions for me they called me Jewel as well. Finally, for a brief moment in time, I wasn't a faceless extra!

The highlight of the day however was when I was standing next to one of the prided choices for the sorority, and the director was talking to her, "I didn't even recognize you when I first came in today. It must be the make up. You look beautiful!" Then as he turned he looked at me, "YOU however..." he said with a huge grin, and the three of us laughed. "She looks amazing." She chuckled. He struggled for words for a bit before, "No no...you look the part...you look good..." he smiled and walked off. It was so great to make so many people laugh today. During our pantomime whispering in the background after I crossed, I was whispering a fake conversation with one of the lead characters. "Oh hi...you look...lovely..." she mouthed in character, since she was supposed to be welcoming me to the sorority as the focus was on the other two girls' dialogue. "Oh thank you, my mother picked this out for me this morning." I mouthed/whispered back. "Oh...you're mom...." She smiled too-sweetly. "Yeah it used to be hers!....I think she even wore it when she was in this sorority!" I said. "Oh...your....legacy." She milked. We were holding back laughter because the chemistry between her popular-gorgeous character and my outofdate-oblivious character was too much. As soon as they called cut we burst out laughing.

EXTRAvagant.

2008-09-26T23:08:00.000-07:00

If I had an extra casting agency that's what it'd be called. Heh.

Today I registered with Central Casting and then Extras Management .

Pretty normal day except that while I was standing in line for my picture at Central I overheard the beautiful girl in front of me witnessing to the tattooed man in front of her! I was tearing up! I introduced myself to her when he stepped away and told her how her conversation inspired me to look for more opportunities to show God's love and truth to the people I meet. "Now I know why I really came today." She said, and told me he had asked her and her friend to pray with him afterwords to receive Christ. I also got her number so hopefully we'll get together sometime and I'll have a friend besides the other CCM graduates I live with. heh.

Then while I waited for 30 minutes again for a bus, I talked with a man named Chief (who used to drive JewelTheSinger & Francis Ford Coppala around in a limo) and after chatting for awhile asked him if there was anything I could keep in prayer for him.

Um. Then I came home and ate spaghetti and drank coffee from my wonderful french press.

I'm trying to get someone to watch Popeye (yes with Robin Williams) with me some night soon!

Meh...

2008-09-21T15:56:00.000-07:00

Only been here a few days but I feel like I'm drrrraggin. I know I have to just get through all the 'settin up camp' type stuff. Unpacking...groceries...headshots...bus schedules...switching bank accounts. It's all so tedious! But it must be done. Hopefully soon I'll be settled and organized enough to start hunting down work! I have started checking out craigs list and casting organizations my friends have recommended to me. And Monday & Wednesday I already have some extra work on a Nike commercial thanks to Broc. I think I'm going to be in a crowd at a basketball game or something. Hah. Here we go! Or...I go....here I go?!

California Girl

2008-09-16T02:49:00.000-07:00

Well, things are taking a bit of a turn. I've been telling everyone all year that I was preparing to move to the East Coast (And someday I still hope to! NYC still has my hear.) But it seems God had a different idea (as is often the case). And now this girl who claimed LA just wasn't for her...is moving to LA...tomorrow.

This has been the hardest year of my life, and now I am so blessed to be able to move into an apartment complex in a great location of Studio City with 10 friends from The Center for Creative Media, which I graduated from last December.

I'll be posting videos of the apartment soon. If I had taken tours if every apartment in the neighborhood I doubt I would have found one more suited for me. It's like a dream. There's a little courtyard with a fountain and foliage climbing and blooming all around. And the apartments have fun vintage bathrooms that add such character to the place. I love it.

Anyways. Tomorrow I leave on the train at 11:45am...and I arrive in LA at 9pm.
Here's to the next chapter of my life. The last one was very dark...I'm betting this one will be brilliant.

The reason to dream beyond all.

2008-02-09T01:19:00.000-08:00

I've decided....that I love acting...and dancing...and singing...and theatre...and the stage...more than I love the thought of "being at the top." More than fame. So if I have to start in the smallest theatre...and I have to start taking dance lessons at the age of 23...I don't care, as long as I'm DOING it.

I've been watching a lot of musicals lately, and reading a lot about Broadway, and I have a lot of talented legends staring back at me...and I think..."There's no way I could get that good starting at 23. These people had been dancing and singing their whole lives." But it doesn't matter. It could take me til I'm 50 to become skilled enough for a shot at Broadway. But I'll be performing every step of the way.

The reason I AM reaching for Broadway or TV or Film, is not because I feel like I'm THAT talented, or that's the only thing my wild-dreaming heart would be satisfied with (we've seen enough proof that being "at the top" never satisfies anyways)...but because I believe that Christians should reach the highest and run the fastest and dream the biggest...if they really believe in a God that is all-powerful and can do infinately beyond their wildest dreams.

So call me a fool...but I'm going to run against all odds, whether I "make it" or not, if only to show the world I'm one girl who truly believes God is as big as I say He is.

2008-01-23T22:45:00.000-08:00

Just got the Music Man soundtrack in the mail today!

Kastang!

(And if you look at the name of the peson who wrote the screenplay...it's a possible relative of mine! Heh.)

Tomorrow I'm going to the library so I can get away from the distractions of my room and study acting and Broadway.

2008-01-17T12:49:00.000-08:00

Finished this book that I borrowed from Zach. Well actually I spilled something on his copy so I bought him a new one and kept his. Heh. Hey....normally I'm very careful with my books...and especially books I've borrowed. Accidents happen. Anyways! This is a very good book. I learned a ton.

Had my first ballet lesson. Um...I think I'll enjoy it more when I get past the clumsy-doof stage. I've been searching the web for pictures of the basic steps so I can practice at home...with no luck. The best I can find is "the Ballet Bible" for $47.

2008-01-13T02:12:00.000-08:00

I start ballet lessons Monday!!!!

2008-01-07T14:12:00.000-08:00

Is it weird that after I was researching dance studios I couldn't get to sleep?

I can't wait to dance again.