BBQ and Point Shoes

What could be better than getting out of the city to New Canaan, Connecticut and enjoying a chilled out dance rehearsal along with a simultaneous BBQ? I say not much. Such a beautiful and warm day out and the girls were for the most part very cordial and not as distant, awkward, or uncomfortable (for lack of better words) with me as I have felt in the past. I will be playing Bottom, from Midsummer Night's Dream, and I have made the decision to at least attempt the solo and duet part on point as it is in the American Ballet Theatre's version. My feet aren't quite as beautiful as I'd like, and this ultimately may not work and I feel like it will probably be quite a bit painful, but I'm going to give it a try anyways. Why not, I mean! As long as I'm careful and responsible (which I am), I feel confident I can do it safely. If I decide it is not going to work, I'm willing to do it on flats and not risk injury. So, burgers, girls (albeit a bit young for the most part), ballet, and sun...not a bad way to spend a Sunday!

Half-Assed

There's really no way to half-ass your way through anything. Even if you think in the moment that you are putting your all into something, sometimes an outside perspective gives you a bit of insight. As if finding your way in life isn't already tough enough, at least for me, making choices and getting the motivation to go through with what needs to be done is one the hardest thigns ever.

The career path(s) I'm choosing (i.e. dance, film, television, theatre, musical theatre) are already tough enough, but choosing the actual direction I want to take is not an easy task. I have a slight problem of letting go of things when the path is unclear. Not only that, but trying to actually make a living doing what I want or at least working up to having the ability to acheive my goals in these respective fields is even more of an uphill battle.

This comes about from many months of thinking and trying to figure out...well...my life. Also, each time I'm at an audition, whether or not it goes well in my mind, I'm constantly reminded of how much I have to improve. That's generally a good thing, but is still pretty intimidation. I was at an audition yesterday for a short film, at which I felt I showed myself pretty decently, but definately still have some work to be done. I've been trying to see various films at the Tribeca Film Festival, and while I'm learning a lot from it, I also think about how much I need to do (or how the stars need to be perfectly alligned) for me to get to that point.

But, life is one big learning process. I'll keep chipping away at things and hopefully something comes through. Pleasant dreams, for tomorrow is another day!

Could've Been Rich

I really envy the person who decided to get some water and put it in a bottle to sell. I mean, that person must be filthy rich by now! I'm sure the idea must have been pretty rediculous at first. Why buy water when I can get it from the tap...for free. I'm sure he had a lot of resistance at first, but after a while, especially in New York City and probably Los Angeles, where the water eventually became less than fantastic, I'm sure his idea just took off. It's stupid and simple little ideas like those that make me wonder why I couldn't have thought of something as easy as that. Now people everywhere buy water because it's "purer" than tap water or something. I'll be honest, I do. I don't particularly like tap water or even trust it everywhere. Some things have gotten a bit out of hand however with the "designer" bottles of water. I mean is there really much difference between the brands besides the logos and maybe the purification process? I doubt much. The biggest difference is clearly the price, especially in New York City. I do, however, allocate enough money each month to provide me with "good" water to drink. I think also on a side note, having the bottle makes you drink more. It's a bit easier when you can just throw away or recycle quickly the bottles you have drank and not always have to truck around your Nalgene. Point of this entry? Not much. I just wanted to write for a few minutes about how certain silly ideas turn out to be brilliant in the end and ultimately affect our lives in a pretty significant way.

Florida Pictures are Here!

Check out the pictures that Colleen, one of our dancers, took while we were in Jacksonville, Florida. If you don't know, I've been dancing with Dodge Dance Company for the past year and half or so, and we took our first "tour" earlier this month to be the guest company at a college show. Lots of fun.

On a separate not, it's the Tribeca Film Festival! I just saw "One Last Thing," directed by Alex Steyermar and written by Barry Stringfellow. The cast included Cynthia Nixon, Michael Angarano, Johnny Messner, Sunny Mabrey, Michael Rispoli, Brian Stokes Mitchell. You check read more about it on the Tribeca Film Festival Website.

I thought it was a really nice film. Well done and really great acting, especially from Michael Angarano. He did a superb job playing a kid dealing with cancer. I know these are brief thoughts, but I just wanted to give some initial reactions.

Stereo Fun

Curtesy of my neighbor, a new DVD with surround sound speaker set-up has been given to me for my enjoyment. I have indeed been enjoying it, for it is definately superior to my old DVD player. How cool is the setup now, as I took the drawers of my small dresser to make a very unique entertainment center. I think it has made my apartement that much better...let me rephrase that...it has helped make the room that I live in a little more bearable for the time being. I have yet to try this, but if my television and movies rock that much more having better sound, how much sweeter will my GameCube sound?! Yeah, so I really don't need things drawing me back to my apartment, I think if I spent too much time here I would be a sad, sad person. Not in the weepy kind of way, but maybe closer to the pathetic sort of way. Don't worry, I still am the coolest cat you've ever met. Hottest also, but that's another story all together. Maybe now I will actually let someone come over to watch a movie and hang in my apartment. Up until now I believe only my family and five other people have seen it. Amazingly, only the members of my family, my sister's friend, and one of my friends have spent any amount of time here (my friend to film a short scene for her movie, my family actually crashing here whilst vising...imagine that!), the rest who've seen it have only stopped by briefly. I still am maybe planning some sort of a party involving my apartment...details to come...maybe I should start by just having people come and see it and hope they are not frightened off.

Greatest Stuff on Earth

Ahh, Lipton Original Green Tea with Honey. By recommendation from a few friends who shall remain nameless, I tried this elixer of life. At first try it did not take well with me. I could not stand the stuff. However, I gave it a second try, for it was told to me that it was a psuedo-acquired taste. I think all it is that I needed a day or so to process what my taste buds were telling me. This stuff rocks. Very little calories, no sodium, and not too much sugar. What can be bad about that. Satisfies my every need.

Lipton themselves tell me right on the bottle that they "brew [their] tea straight from hand-selected tea leaves and bottle it for [me]." How cool, just for me! I should "...feel good choosing a brand that maintains the simple integrity and natural goodness of tea." I do, in fact feel good about that. It is just refreshing, and I think everyone should try this. I believe the hastily taken picture may not do it justice, but try it anyways. I mean, who could say no to that good looking kid?!

Spring Golf

Although a bit not so nice today, I was working some on the computer and my thoughts kept coming back to how nice it would be to get out on the golf course. I'm sure my dad would love hearing me say this and want to fly over to join in on a round, but he is in California with my mom and sister right now. Some sort of choir performance, which I wish her well of course. It would be fun to be out there instead of dreary and unpredictable New York, hopefully it's not raining for them. Anyways, I digress as usual...and as I have all day. My thoughts are definately centered on playing a round on a course. Not that anyone would see spectacular playing from me, it would be a bit more mediocre due to the amount I actually play each year. But still respectable, and that's all that matters.

Chrisha

The newest member of my stuffed animal family. His name is Chrisha. He found me through my mother around the Easter holiday, which he enjoys very much. Long walks on the beach, romantic dinners, chocolate eggs, and certainly bananas are some of his most fond interests. We welcome him with open arms to the family.

Rain Contradiction

It seems so unfair when you talk to people back home (Seattle, WA) and it is a mild, sunny, and nice day where they can play outside or do yardwork (yuck!) and here in New York City it is rainy and miserable. The place where it is known for rain (at least to East coasters and Californians) is not living up to it's reputation. Actually, to be fair it doesn't rain as much as people think it does, and it rarely rains hard, more of a sprinkle or overcast greyness. New York has real rain, the kind that makes you not want to make the trek over to Brooklyn (even though it's not that far). But, alas I will make the journey tonight to hear my friend Aaron's band, Dealer. They rock enough for me to get wet journeying to see them. Besides, it's Aaron's birthday as well. Ahh rain...rain go away, come again another day (like never). Bring out Spring for goodness sake. I'll be in a much better mood.

Here She Is

The Miss USA Pageant was the highlight of my night. Not the highlight of the entire day, although close. I seem to find myself in a position for each of the big beauty pageants (i.e. USA, Teen USA, and Universe) to somehow just happen upon it whilst channel surfing. Quite a lovely surprise.

My pick unfortunately did not win. Miss Georgia was one of the finest girls I have ever seen, and based on her video interview, quite sweet as well. Almost all of the girls (or women if you want) are about my age or a year of two younger. Why am I not meeting this callibur of women in my day-to-day life, huh?! I mean really, where are they? I will admit, during the swimsuit portion, I literally sat in my beach chair with my mouth open for the entire portion. Call me whatever names you will, but it was an awesome display of beauty and hottness. Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, and Texas were byfar the hottest of them all. Unbelievable bodies each of them. I will spare you the rest of the details, obviosly tainted by my attraction for them. Final thought: Georgia was my girl, but unfortunately could not convert for the win, but I've still got lots of love for her.

Gym Attire

Do people actually think about what they wear to the gym? I mean, obviously a few do, especially the girls who clearly have a great body and love to show it off with tight pants and sports bras. However, there are a number of people who think they are back in the, lets just say early 90's when legwarmers, spandex tights, and leatards over the tights were in fashion. Now I would be hippocritical to say that I don't dig legwarmers, because I sport them quite often at dance rehearsals or class, but definately not the gym! Leatards also do not belong over tights unless you are in dance class, and most definately not if they are the g-string cut and not the regular swimsuit-type cut. Not so cool.

People just seem to surprise me daily. I totally get the whole baggy clothes if you're at the gym. The gym is where you are working on your body, unless you maybe are in LA or probably Chelsea. Just do everyone a favor, and dress appropriate for you body. You know what makes you look good and should have a sense of what is in style and what is not. Get it together people!

Life of my Beach Chair

As many of you may still think my life is that of the rich and famous, you may not want to read on for fear of throwing your whole image of me out of whack. Although I may come off as one of wealth, fame, extremetly dashingly handsome and downright sexy good looks, on the last holds true today. I'm not going to go into any sort of description of my apartment, that can be seen in my gallery or quickly explained that I can touch both walls and it's 22 feet long. Moving on, however.

My only chair, aside from a fold-away wooden chair for my computer is a quite colorful beach chair. That is my lounge chair/couch if you will. It is the most recent addition and is the second chair that has occupied my living room area. I did break the other one, it was weak and couldn't handle the batchelor lifestyle.

I believe Tom (the name of my beach chair) may be a little confused as to why he is here. He doesn't have much of a chance of making the trip to the beach, clearly his home, nor will he be used in the park as I don't care to carry a beach chair around the city. A towel, maybe, but not a beach chair. Poor guy has to lay around and get dusty and have some dude (his owner) sit in him while he eats, plays nintendo, or watches television. Not much love here, he his thinking. But he doesn't ever have to worry about sand or the corrosive salt-water and in my opinion gets treated quite well.

Now, this may not sound like luxury to you, but beach chairs are quite nice. Maybe one day I will upgrade to an actual lazy-boy chair or even a couch. Until then, I will be hanging with Tom in the awesome batchelor cell...pad I live in.

Contents of my Fridge

I would simply like to describe the contnets of my refridgerator. I think it will be somehow enlightening, although I'm not sure really how. Alrighty, welcome to my fridge.

Contents:

1 Jar Raspberry Preserves
3 empty Nalgene bottles
2 empty glass Voss water bottles
36 napkins
1 ice tray
1 freezable wine bottle cozy
1 plastic spoon
7 straws

That's it.

Waste of a Day

Do you ever have those days when you don't seem to ever get things going? Today seemed to be pretty much a waste of a day. The highlight was my walk to get a few groceries and a burrito, which by the way was a fantastic burrito. Mmm...burrito. Other than that I cleaned up around the apartment and did some thinking. Before you say anything, yes, it's true I did some thinking. Hard to believe I know, but I do think now and again. And those thoughts were quite enlightening...I think. I don't let too many people in on my thoughts, the few I do have, but getting things together and finding a renewed motivation to reach new goals is now the fun game I play. Also, getting up before 10 am would be good, 'cause that's just how I roll.

Happy Easter!

I celebrated Easter Sunday my attending a New Jersey Devils hockey game against Pittsburg. Nothing says it's Easter like dudes on ice beating each other up! Actually, it was a lot of fun, and the Devils won...yeah! Not that I watch hockey very often, but since a friend of mine loves it I have grown to like it more and even understand it beyond the fighting. For my feast today it was Chinese food. Yeah, this is one of the more unconventional Easters I have had, but that's cool and all. Beautiful weather today so I'm sure the multitudes of egg hunts should have been glorious. I sort-of wish I was hunting eggs. Maybe I'll hide some around my apartment and then revel in joy when I find them five minutes later. That sounds like a good ending to this holiday. Either that or I will go to bed. Man I sound like a boring guy. Keep in mind however I did go to hockey which is very exciting to some. Okay then. HAPPY EASTER!

Wish'n and Hop'n

With such nice weather today, all I can think of right now is getting to the beach. Spoiled last week to be in Florida, and now I just want to lay out and relax. A bit of surfing would be pretty sweet as well. The goal for this summer is to make a bit more money than I am now, hopefully land some more dance or especially film work, and play out on either Long Island, or maybe the Jersey shore. Too bad I am without car. Also, I've been hankering for some waterskiing, more than anyone will ever know. Due to my shoulder injury last year I have gone two years without the skiing. It is time to take that back and rock the world this summer. I love living in the city, but few people actually see me in my element. Even though Seattle isn't like California, summers are so very nice and I love the outdoors and the water. This summer is the time to take that back!

It's a Wrap

After a long night we just finished the last day of background work for Autumn Rush. It also is the final picture wrap for the entire project...good for them! Oddly, I have now adjusted to working all night without being too overly tired, aside from the semi-deliriousness that comes with the late nightime. All jokes become funnier than they really are and any line that should not have been crossed in conversation was left in the distance. I definately found a cool group of kids to chill with, entitling ourselves Team Pants Party. We were definately the most fun out of all the background actors. Now, when the film comes out, I don't want people searching for me during the concert scenes, because unless you pause or use extreme slow motion, I don't think I will be shown. I think I was just to darn gorgeous for them to use many shots with me in it for fear of taking away from the main action going on. Speaking of action, I'm not sure whether the hot and sexy love scene between Keri Russell and I will be included in the final cutting as I don't believe there were any cameras in her trailer, but that is just the way things are. Sorry to dissappoint y'all.

Background Benefits

I'm not going to go off on all the weird people I meet or all the complaining that I hear during background shoots, I'll save that for another day maybe. What I do want to mention is why it can be worth it, especially with the right attitude. Although the day was quite cold, not as cold as yesterday but still quite cold, it was a nice chance to talk with the friends I've made on set that are pretty normal. Being tired brings out lots of goofy fun and stupid jokes, which I quite enjoy. Also, this evening I got the chance to be nearer the camera to see a bit more how they were setting up shots and framing things. I really want the experience to learn more about what the director, crew, and actors are doing for each shot. So, that was nice. Lastly, I finally got to see also up close a longer stretch of acting from a couple of the main leads, and also Kirsten Sheridan directing. Also, I have to put in that Keri Russell seems very nice and is truly beautiful. I would definately go out with her.

My Television Debut...sort-of

Well, I just watched Conviction, Episode 8 this afternoon which I taped because of the background work last night. Yes, I was on it. In a few separate scenes. One bar scene watching a basketball game and the other was in the courtroom behind the defendent. Not glamorous in any way and no lines, but none-the-less I could see myself clearly a few times. How fun is that! Hopefully on to bigger and better (or actual) roles from here on out. It's actually a pretty good show, and I do suggest watching it. Okay, off to the cold all night.

Out in the Cold

Anybody who thinks that just for kicks it would be fun to stand out in the cold all night in central park without the proper outdoor attire may want to think twice on it. I've been doing some background work on a new film from Warner Bros. called Autumn Rush. Right now I don't know too much about the movie except what I've read in the internet movie database, but we are in a crowd scene attending an outdoor orchestra concert. Just bone-chilling cold and strange to stay up all through the night and sleep during the day. No one said putting in your dues in the film industry would be easy! Good night.

H2O Surprise

Random as I am, I had an incident with bottled water. Not just any bottled water, but sparkling water. What I thought to be regular bottled water in all its goodness, turned out to be a by that point rather shaken up bottle of sparkling water. All my dance clothes, a table, and what I was wearing had a nice little shower if you will. Why, oh why did I buy the wrong water. I do however not mind it to drink, but only when prepared. On an unrelated note, my feet are still a bit sunburned from Florida and my CD/DVD burner on my computer has died. How sad it is.

Beach Life

Just arrived back this morning from Jacksonville, Florida where I was performing with Dodge Dance Company. Ahh, I love the beach! I mean, living in New York City is cool and all, but I think my ultimate destiny is living on the beach, dancing, surfing, acting, singing, and relaxing. I have to admit though, iit won't be Florida, it's not quite my scene. I'm a bit more west coast at heart (probably California). This trip was especiallycool because I was also performing in the evenings and hanging with my friends in the company while at the same time living in a beach house for a few days. Now that's living my friend. Taking in the sun, skirf boarding, swimming, tanning, sleeping, eating, drinking, dancing is what my life should be about. But for now, back to the NYC routine and a bit more of cold weather.

Unbinding Goodness

I just have to put a quick thought out there about fruit juices. My favorite right now is the Naked juices. I mean, how cool of a name is that! I like being naked. Hot chick naked is awesome. Dude naked is not so awesome. Naked in general is just good. Streaking naked is way cool. Running naked is generally not so cool, unless it is slow motion and a chick. Ugly naked is definately not so good. My brother used the term 'naked' as a substitution for 'awesome' as in the phrase 'that was so naked, dude!' Naked as a trendy word is sweet. So, it only follows suit that the Naked 100% Juice Smoothies would be just as awesome. Way to go fruit. You're #1!

Submit Now

No the title is not implicating anything sexual, although depending who is questioning that, we'll talk. Now I know I am not up for any awards right now or even in contention, but someday I will be. I just want everyone to know that I will take requests to be included in my 'thank you' speech. You should simple write a letter or email to me explaining how I have affected your life or how you feel you have impacted mine. I will consider all requests very carefully. Also, one luckly girl will actually have the opportunity to be my date to the award ceremony and walk the red carpet with me and go to the parties. This position is only open with the requirement that she be young and hot (rich is a bonus, but not necessary) and she will have to be my girlfriend. As it happens, that role is remains unfilled, so bring on the dates and offers. Oh, and I will of course be letting everyone know when I'm nominated probably with shameless bragging...we'll see.

Spring is in the Air

These past few days here in Manhattan have been quite beautiful. I just wanted to make sure that everyone is as excited as I am about the warmer weather coming, despite losing an hour of sleep last night. NYC can be quite the dreary place in the winter with the strong wind and super cold, along with the ups and downs working in the arts, so warmer weather is definately helping my mood. Now all I want to do is go to the beach and hang out with girls in bikinis. I think that would be good use of my time. Or better than that, maybe I'll bring a bunch of sand to my room and make my rood the beach. I've already got a beach chair to watch television in!

The Scariest Razor Ever

I recently purchased the Gillette Fusion as my other, the Gillette Mach 3, has worn out it's welcome. I though to my self, "Do I really need five razors with a pulsing action?" The answer is a definate "yes" my friends. Although, I must confess, when I first picked up the piece of machinery with five very sharp blades to smooth out my rough exterier, I was a bit intimidated. I thought I just might shave my skin off and look like I was the world's worst shaver ever or like I was a freshman in high school trying out daddy's razor. But, I was delightfully surprised to find that it smoothed my 5 o'clock shadow to the texture of a clean baby's buttocks. How cool is that! And, it is a very hot-looking neon orange color and looks like it is from the future, an extra bonus.

Now, ladies, I dare you to stay away from this sexy face. You will need a minimun of two kisses to get the full effect, however. The first, mostl likely knocking you over from shock at just how amazing the kiss was, is like a warm-up. The second will give you the full effect of my kissing power and you will notice the smoothness and lack of beard thus leaving you no other choice but to enjoy the full moment our lips and souls are sharing. You have been warned.