Makaya Larson Photography Giveaway!

To all my midwestern readers...

My very talented sister-in-law, Makaya, is hosting a giveaway on her website.
Just follow the link to her site and leave a comment to be entered to win a free photo session. She's picking the winner sometime this week... so hurry to enter!

Watch out World!

I'm cranky this week.

Is it because I had to work both Saturday and Sunday and haven't had a day off in 10+ days (and counting)?

Is it because as of Friday afternoon, Caleb will be leaving for another tour and I will once again become a "single wife"?

No, the real reason, according to Glamour Magazine's Horoscope section:

It is because "aggressive Mars has entered into my relationship house and is causing me to be cranky". So there you go. My alignment is off- I can't help it.

And speaking of Glamour Magazine...

Last spring, I worked on a series of 3 short films Glamour does each year where prominent women in Hollywood get their directorial debut. The movies are up on the website.

If you have time (and Itunes) check them out.

That is how I met with her

(alas we are still not the close friends that I was hoping we'd become)

I Just Ruined a Batch of White Chocolate Blondies-- BOO

My melted white chocolate chips, butter and sugar was overheated into a lump of thick chocolate in a pool of butter-- instead of "creamy and smooth".  

 I have now abandoned the baking for tonight and instead decided to post on my blog.

This year has started off with a bang.  I'll try to give a quick run through as to what's been going on with us and around us.

Starting with the most recent:

Caleb left today with his band to go on a 2 week tour.  They play in Vegas tonight and tomorrow night.  He just called and said they are staying at Circus Circus for $39 a night.  I think that's amazingly good deal, but mostly I'm just glad they're safe and warm.

I met with my learner tonight for the first time in over a month.  We had completely opposite vacation schedules this winter, but it was good to meet again and hopefully we'll buckle down and get through the program quickly.

My newborn twins (not mine actually) worked today on this show and I'm relieved that it worked out!

This part is especially for Sarah:

Here are the up close encounters I had with celebs in the last month- either at set or in meetings:

Her:

These two:

Him:

Him:

Him:

Him:

Who is best known from this role:

I actually introduced these two to the newborns that will play their baby on the above show.

All these encounters signify that a Huge amount of time was spent on set and working, which explains the 125 hours I put in during the last two weeks! yikes! that's a lot of work.  How long until retirement? ;)

Speaking of retirement... Caleb and I started this financial program late last year and recommend it to anyone who's wanting to pay off the past and begin saving for the future- Sounds cheesy, but makes total sense.  

And yes... I am still flossing.

I can't remember now if there is anything else I was going to mention, but it's late and I have a meeting in the morning, so I'll call it a night and post more later if I think of it.

Also- I have a huge sewing/knitting/crafting post coming up- just waiting for 1 picture and to finish one project.

I should be packing...

But I wanted to get one last excited post in.

Tomorrow we leave for here

While there I hope to see this

Possibly Recreate this

Go here 

Hoping to see her

And be invited for this...

See you in a week!

Bloooooood... ew

Disclaimer- Talk about Blood- not for the weak stomach!

Last night, Caleb and I participated (for the very first time) in a blood drive.

I am terrified of the whole business: needles, blood, willingly getting rid of blood, even the finger stick to test iron levels freaks me out.  But this time, I decided that it was time to get over that and prove to myself that I was brave.  

Here is the nurse wrapping my arm in the bright blue bandage tape after I finally finished filling my blood bag. Yuck  I am pretty sure this guy didn't like me at first (probably cause I was crying just a little- That's the way I roll, I usually freak myself to tears about something I am worried about and then I calm down once it has actually began- this was no different), but by this point he was joking around with me, telling Caleb that I wasn't allowed to cook or clean for 72 hours and stuff like that and being really nice.  I think I was pretty entertaining during the 20 minutes I was lying there. 

This picture is pretty indicative about how Caleb took the whole situation... He was amazing at giving blood.  He had a great vein (unlike me- I had to switch arms), filled his blood sack about 5 minutes faster than I did, and didn't feel weak or sick at all and all the while looked cool doing it.  

I didn't really get sick, but it was actually pretty gross to feel the pressure changes in my arm at various stages of blood removal.  Nasty! 

Today we both feel pretty good.  Weak at points.  My finger stick still hurts, I am pretty sure she hit bone, but other than that we are A-okay!  We will probably not be as scared next time we have the chance to donate blood.

Poor Kid

Our 18month old nephew, Thomas, has somehow managed to break his arm.

I've been told that he'll be in a cast for something like 4 weeks.

I think he still looks rather cute even with his huge battle wound.

(Battle was with the ground... alas, the ground won this one)

Get well soon Little Buddy!

We'll need that arm in tip top shape to be ready for all the playing we'll be doing when we see you at Christmastime!

Proud to be an American today

I think that no matter how you cast your vote today, you have to be proud of our country and the record amount of voters this year.  This was the first year that Caleb and I both read up on all the propositions that we'd be voting for.  It was very empowering to cast MY vote for how I think this state and country should be run, rather than just skipping items or guessing in the booth.  I am proud of the huge number of voters- I believe that this shows the accountability and responsibility of the American people.  I remember feeling frustrated in the past when hearing people who never voted before complaining about this or that.  But regardless of the outcome, people are getting out and making change happen, voting for their choice for the next leader of this country.  Now at 10:45pm, some of the props I voted for are passing and some not- I probably won't know the results until the morning, I feel really invested and am anxiously awaiting!  I look to Obama's presidency with optimism and hope that we can unite as one nation and work together to strive to make the world a better place. 

Peanuts Party!

The Original Peanuts Gang

And Our Creative Interpretation!

From Left to Right, Charlie Brown, Woodstock, "Chuck", Marcie, Franklin, Charlie Brown Halloween Ghost, Peppermint Patty, Sally, Snoopy, Linus, Schroeder, Lucy and PigPen.

I think CB was a great Peppermint Patty- She had a mustache, right?

CB and Claire with the 2 Charlies

Snoopy on the keys!

Guess who's Back (back, back) Back again!!!

The stars in the universe are back aligned...  CB got home last night from his tour at 3:30am.  YAY!  

I went to Target late last night and bought SO much food!  For the last 5 weeks, I've been wandering around grocery stores unaware of what to buy (I had no motivation to cook any dinners for myself).  But last night I was on fire! I bought all of Caleb's favorite foods, and then some!  I finally remembered the dinners I like to cook and eat.  I just hope we can eat the food before it goes bad. haha :) Luckily, my cousin is coming to visit soon, so we'll have some help.

(I will really try to get those peanuts party pics and the pics of my trip to St Louis up, I do my best blogging at work, and I've been swamped!)

Fall Activities

A trip to the pumpkin patch

Of course, we got the largest pumpkin we could find and it was a group effort to carve it.

Aw, sweet teamwork

Finished jack-o-lantern- traditional design- gotta love the one tooth look

Carving the Pumpkin was a great distraction for CB's cake to be brought out (his birthday is Sunday) and for his family to get to sing Happy Birthday to him.

Blowing out his candles

They also then brought out a cake for Ashton (his birthday's in November) and went ahead and sang to him, since they won't see him again for his birthday.  Double cake is always good.

Illinois Trip

This is the reason why I confiscated the camera back from Caleb... 

This is one of 2 or 3 pictures that he took while on tour.  No driving pictures, no show pictures, no pictures at Garden of the Gods- only this picture of him looking kind of annoyed in front of a (pretty, at least) valley and a picture of him and Ashton on the beach in like Virginia.

He did manage to take a few pics while with his family when he met up with them and played in Carbondale.  Here is a good one of Caleb and Stella cheesing it up

*Flashforward two weekends to my trip to IL*

I flew into St Louis REALLY late Friday night and my cousin, Lisa and her husban

d came and picked me up.  I had gotten up that morning early to be at set in Paramount, CA (near Downey!!) by 6am, so by the time I got to Lisa's, I was exhausted.  The next morning, we had breakfast with my Aunt Marcia and my cousin Mike. Delicious Monkey Bread.

I then was driven to Illinois to meet up with my brother, Tom, and Annie and Thomas.  Thomas totally loved me, which is good, because at 1 1/2 years old and only seeing him every 4-6 months- it could go either way.  I don't have any pictures because

 I hadn't yet seen Caleb, so I didn't have my camera.

So then Caleb's mother and sister, Rachel picked me up Saturday afternoon and we drove the 5 hours up to Ottawa, IL, where Makaya, Micah, Stella and Levi live.  (Still hadn't seen Caleb yet)

Then Micah drove Makaya, Chris, Harmony and I the hour and half up to Chicago for Caleb's show.  Finally!!!  It was really great to see him after so long.

And that brings me to the part of the trip with pictures...

In Ottawa, we went on a nature hike.  It was sooo nice to be in Fall.  Here is CB...

And here is the reverse picture I had him take of everyone 

else.  (Going up the stairs: me, Mason, Rachel, Stella, Ashton, Harmony, Makaya, Levi, Micah, Chris, Oliver, Diana)

And this was the finale of the hike, a beautiful, serene waterfall 

I was pretty brave and climbed the narrow ledge to the other side of waterfall.  While taking this picture I kept saying- "the backside of water" - or whatever they say on the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland.  I don't think this is a very good picture of me, but I had to post the behind-the-waterfall picture.  I just look at this and feel exhausted by how tired I was.

One of the afternoons in Ottawa, we had a picnic lunch at some place that had a couple of buffalo.  Caleb took this picture of one through the fence... not a bad pic, I think.  He then informed me that when we move back to IL,  we'll have to get a house with 8 acres, because 4 acres is enough land to sustain a buffalo for 1 year, and we'd obviously have to have 2 buffalo.

Coming To A Theater Near You!

This October brings many things. Caleb's birthday, Halloween, Caleb's return from tour and the release of several of the "box office gold masterpieces" that I worked on in the last couple years. Can't say that I recommend them... but just that I have worked on the following movies with October release dates.

Coming out on October 10th- This one I had to attend several production and extra's meetings for. I only booked 1 day (obviously due to the subject matter... there weren't a bunch of extras in it). I couldn't tell you if it is any good, as I didn't actually read the script. This might be for netflix.

Releasing on Halloween (ooh spooky)- I did actually read the script for this one... Wouldn't say that you should run out and see this one, but it could be alright I guess, depending on how certain scenes were shot... If you do see it though, keep a look out for the kids at the school and the party... yep- that was my work.

And lastly... also releasing on Halloween night. I am really hoping we get invited to the crew screening on this one. I recommend seeing this, if not for the story line, which I am hoping was done well by Mr Eastwood, but for the amazing late 20's-30's look. This was possibly one of the most challenging projects for me creatively and well worth it. Stepping on that set was like stepping back in time. Working on this movie reminded me why I wanted to work in the movies to begin with. It was magical.

Also quick update- I did NOT win the cookie contest. My partner on the above movie, Tony, won the contest with a "kitchen sink cookie." I will be a gracious loser and say I am sure that his cookies were good, but will also note that I had no idea which cookie was which once they were broken into pieces on my plate (all the chocolate chip varieties were similar tasting). I was told by many people that my cookies were the best, so that is enough for me. Plus, since I am planning to be out of town this weekend, I am glad I don't have to stress about whipping up another batch before Monday.

DOW, what?! And Cookies, yay!

Does anyone in my blog-o-sphere understand what's going on in the stock market?  I know that it is down.  I am assuming that most likely the $15 a paycheck (haha- I am obviously more concerned about rent than retirement!) I put in my 401K is probably all gone now.  Hmmm, I know that at one time I understood the whole Bull/Bear Market and recession thing, but it has since left my list of things I care to think about.  In fact, since moving to Los Angeles, I pretty much steer clear of most news items and try to just focus on the good happenings of those around me.  Might be a tad naive way to live life, but it is how I survive in the city of shootings and knifings and the world of bombings and terrorists.   

Which brings me to my current dilemma... it has recently come to my attention that my bank, the simple Wamu with the free checking, has collapsed and been bought out.  My money is safe of course, so that is not what I am worried about.  It just makes all the words I have been hearing thrown around: "Recession" "Depression" "Market Bailout," stand out more.  I have heard my grandmother's stories of the great depression from her childhood.  I can't imagine our technological world turning into life like that, but what would it turn to be? 

Now on a more fun note:  I am going to be making these REALLY delicious cookies tonight for a cookie contest at work tomorrow.  They are a recipe that Christina sent me of these amazing cookies that she brought to a Project Runway night.  I have never made them, so I am pretty nervous, but I knew that I needed something unique to have a chance.  The reining champion is Beth with her pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.  Fingers crossed that my Raspberry and Almond Shortbread Cookies turn out well.  And may the best cookie win.

EDIT:  I have added this pic of the final product.  Caleb has the camera with him, so I have to settle for the camera phone pic.  Sorry, poor picture quality, my dark kitchen doesn't help.

They are soooo rich, luckily I could only eat one, so there are plenty left to take to work.

Confession Time

Nope.  I have not finished a single room in my "Seasonal Cleaning" scheme.  Not that I have changed my mind about it being a good idea, I just found it a little overwhelming of an idea to do on my own.  Plus I have been keeping myself sooo busy that I just haven't had the time.  I have luckily over the last few days found the time to at least make my apartment liveable, which is at least the first step.  So I will be returning to the deep cleaning idea around um... Winter.  That way Caleb will be home to help me.

I went to six flags yesterday with some friends to celebrate a birthday.  My head and neck are still throbbing from all the insane rides I did.   I was so brave (crazy) and excited (nervous and anxious) to jump right on these rides (nearly walked right to the exit instead- actually did on 2) and afterward felt exhilarated (sore) and energetic (really, really tired).  Seriously, I had a great time and was really impressed with my list of thrill rides.  

Here are just a few of the many that I braved...

The Viper

Deja Vu

Goliath

Tweak Update:  Caleb and Ashton are in Carbondale, IL (our hometown).  They played a great show last night and it went really well.  They get to hang out with family for a few days before they have to leave to head further east.  I knew this part of his tour would be the hardest for me, because not only do I miss him, but I am also feeling left out of being in Carbondale and seeing our family.

Less than two weeks until I get to see him! YAY!

The "Birds" are in Boise

For those of you following "caleb's band" they are in Boise, ID right now.  They had been in Portland for the last 3 days.  They were stuck there yesterday because they were having the heat fixed in the van and the part wasn't in until this morning.  I guess it actually never came in, so the guy rigged the broken part and gave them a box with 1 new part in it and sent them on their way. They'll have to get the other part and have it fixed the right way when they get a break while in Carbondale.

I got a little irritated yesterday when Caleb's phone was dead and I couldn't get ahold of him, but other than that, I think I am doing really well being alone.  Luckily I have been really tired by the time I'm ready for bed, which makes sleeping alone so much easier. 

I haven't done any sewing.  I haven't done any cleaning since the weekend.  It is hard to motivate myself to get going on that sort of thing.  I won't really be home after work much this whole week, so the cleaning will have to wait until this weekend.  I have a dress that I am wanting to make, so hopefully I will get to start that this weekend too.

Hopefully next post, I will have something more exciting to report.

Seasonal Cleaning

(I am posting this topic as motivation to myself to actually go through with this idea) 

Having moved 7 times since high school 8 years ago... I am no stranger to renting.  I have rented houses and apartments of all shapes and sizes.  When you rent and are moving out, you have to CLEAN that place in order to get your whole deposit back.  The last few times we moved, I found myself irritated that I was cleaning my house for someone else, and not getting to enjoy that deep clean during my year there.  (Not that we're nasty dirty, just that we don't think about cleaning inside the stove or under the fridge very often)  Since we've been in our current apartment for over 2 years now, I came up with the idea to clean every time the season changes.  4 times a year. Inside the stove, under the fridge, etc.  That way we can enjoy the deep clean after we do it, and when we finally do move out, it hopefully won't be as big of a chore.

The first day of Fall this year starts on Monday.  (PS- yay for Fall! I am so bored of my summer clothes and can't wait to break out the stuff I've all but forgotten about)   With Caleb being gone, this time it will all fall on me, which is a little fair since it was my idea, and I could've just thought of something else.  But the task seems daunting.  I think I'll start in the living room.  This is my "check" system.  When I've actually accomplished a room, I'll probably post it up here.  If there is nothing posted, you all will know that I just gave up. haha!  That is my motivation to stick with it.

Quick update on "Caleb's band":  They are headed to Portland, OR tonight.  They played last night in Arcata, CA (north of Eureka) and did really well.  People are receiving them well, and they are selling quite a few tshirts, records and cds each night.  If they continue at this pace, they may sell out of their merch before the end of the tour!

And they're off!

First stop Oakland tonight.

MidWeek Update

*** WARNING, DOWNER ALERT***

CB leaves tomorrow for his tour. Of course, this creates a bunch of mixed emotions.

I am...

Excited for him to see so much of this country's beauty.

Proud that he gets to go back to our hometown and play a show.

Happy that he's living out his dream as it is all starting to unfold.

Sad that he'll be gone.

Bummed that I'm left out of this adventure.

Anxiously awaiting the trip I'll take to Chicago to see him in 4 weeks.

Glad that cell phones were invented so I'll be able to talk to him all I want.

Sad that he'll be gone.

Looking forward to watching every show that airs on ABC.com to keep me occupied.

Starting to get that squeeze in my chest that makes it hard to breathe.

Relieved that I can support him in this.

Sad that he'll be gone.

It's just 5 weeks. It will be over and he'll be back before we know it.

And once he's back it'll be holiday season! Yay!

PS- BABY MAMA starring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, was probably the funniest movie I've seen all year! Definitely recommending this one!

Happy Birthday Twins!

Happy Birthday Harmony and Makaya!

I hope this day and this year bring you the happiness, love and peace that you both deserve.

Thanks for being my big sisters too.

I put this picture up because it is the birthday hug I wish I could give you guys today.

What are the odds?

This afternoon, I ventured over to my local Sherman Oaks Joann Fabrics Store.  As I was crossing the parking lot, I noticed a couple approaching the door in front of me.  I get to the door right behind them, and the door shuts right in front of me, the guy turns around to push it back open, and I realize that I am face to face with a guy named Benji, you know from Good Charlotte... It took me about 1/2 second to realize that Paris was right in front of him.  No way right?  Yep.  They were in there about 30 minutes.  They kept calling each other "babe".   I don't like to take pics of celebrities when they are doing normal life stuff, but I couldn't help but snap off one.  This blurry blue streak is her.