Greetings from LaLa Land!So I'm using this opportunity to simultaneously blog/email/update on things I want the people I care about to know. Firstly, on this Easter-eve, I miss being with those I love, especially on holidays! Tomorrow I've got a test shoot for some headshots in the morning, mass, and then I'm cooking for my roommates; still, it's not the same...but I suppose this begins adult life, in a way.
So things that are going on--living situation is still great, but Andrea and Rachel and I are all really eager to move out and move on, or at least to know where we'll end up. Places are super pricey, but split three ways will be ironically less damage than I ever spent in college. We're aiming for Hollywood or West Hwd...somewhere close to jobs. All I can say about jobs (jobs do not = taking dance classes or performing) is that we are all searching and it's scary out there. Wish us luck!! There are some things in the works and I have faith.
Work--so for much of the week, I work with Michael Schwandt (boss, friend from UT) at promoting him as a choreographer (www.michaelschwandt.com), exposing new clients to FUSION, our company (www.fusionentertain.com), and planning how I'll begin to package myself as a professional dancer. First step is refining the resume, and now that FUSION has recently gained professional representation (www.ddoagency.com) with DDO, I'm working closely with Jim, our agent, and I hope for that to lead to a solid relationship. Like I mentioned, I'm doing some test shots tomorrow to start building an image portfolio, so my own goal with that is to seek representation within the year. I want it so bad, but between 12hrs of classes here, extra govm't class, finishing my thesis, interning with Mike, and judging dance competitions on the weekends, there just hasn't been time. Which is actually a blessing, because it gives me time to take in the city. I love it here, if I haven't conveyed that, and dove right in from the first day I arrived.
Traffic is god-awful, but is tolerable if you're going somewhere you are excited about. I am, most of the time, so music really helps the gridlock. There are so many amazing parts of the city that I can't wait to explore, like museums, restaurants, you name it--come visit me and we'll go together! On that note, I'm still, er, a solo agent but I'm learning that I don't need another half to enjoy life. That's a big step for me, and it's put the focus back where it needs to be.
Random things...so I'm now an ambassador for Nike, where I lead 3mi runs once a week from the Nike Women store in the Grove--I get outfitted in Nike head-to-toe and am paid in gift certificates. Sweet deal, and I love it so far, mainly b/c I get to run around Los Angeles with women who are learning to love running as well.
The social life is pretty limited, mainly b/c I enjoy the company of those I live around...and because we're fiscally challenged...but we manage to get out every once in a while. We all intern all day and then have school at night. School's ok; it's geared at those most interested in film/TV production, which does lead to some fun field trips--we went to the set of "Studio 60," which is a new hour drama/comedy filmed on the WB lot right next to where I live, with Matthew Perry and others--sets are not a glamorous place. Look for the premiere in fall, maybe? There's been alot of buzz about it; should be a great show. TV work is a crazy, long workday, and I have a newfound respect for that.
Other updates that are brief but notable: I'm playing around with my haircolor...I found the best cupcake store ever www.sprinklescupcakes.com ...I got a new phone and am wired 24/7; email is my best friend...My new name is "Alanna Carthy" on my Bank of America card, much to my chagrin...I have a secret fascination with tiny skull-and-crossbone adornments...Trader Joe's is the BEST grocery store in the entire world...No one here uses turn signals...My diet has completely changed but I still love cheese...People here sign emails with "Be Well"...Parking does not exist here; you must MASTER the parallel or you're a goner...I have yet to see the beach...Everyone here "knows" someone or was on some reality TV show or another...There are lots of Hasidic Jews in Hollywood...my apt. complex is bizarre and there are too many child actors here to deal with...they filmed a pilot here...I got rear ended once already...leggings are cool...I am so inspired by all the music I'm sharing with people, I can't even take it--lots of inspiration for the summer...Kristin Cavallari is orange, not tan...toll roads here cost $3.oo...I drink Kombucha, or fermented mushroom tea...There are SO many Texans here.
So my family got a dog and I'm super jealous and want one SO bad, but I know it'll happen in time. Finding a job and making it through the summer w/out my car (i.e. trek across the southern US for work and weddings) are my main goals. Among the things I'm considering searching for post-graduation in May are law school, working for a CSA, pharmaceutical rep, working at an agency, freelancing (haha RIGHT), working with music licensing...so therein lies my dilemma--too many options and none of those are even actual jobs I've been offered. We'll see what surfaces, but for now it's just working day and night to do my best! I absolutely LOVE the pace of life, and I love being busy, and absolutely cannot WAIT until graduation, finally. I'm so old...or am I young?
I want to hear back from you and I care dearly about everyone even if I can't call you daily or weekly. I hope to be in TX from roughly May 12-June 28th, so let me know what your plans are! I want to hear updates about YOUR life and really don't like giving you the "highlights," which make it seem that life here is all fun and palm trees. I just like to give you the good stuff b/c it helps remind me why I'm here.
Much love on my end...
-Alanna
still @ (512) 784-5179; will change to a (323) or (310) in July.
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