Well, I know I said that I wasn't going to post this week, but I take it back. So, after a lot of thinking, praying, talking, etc., I've decided that I won't be moving to LA this next week. It was all just too rushed, and I felt more stressed everytime I tried to decide about housing and everything. I realized that it's not going to change anything if I just wait awhile, save some money, and have more time to prepare for an apartment, a job, and all the acting stuff out there. So, I decided that I'm going to stay in Columbia (since I'm paying rent at my apartment here anyway!) and get a temporary job (like waiting tables, or something like that) to work for until I feel like I can be financially prepared to go to crazy expensive LA.

It could be two weeks or two months, who knows? But I feel really at peace with this decision, and I'm excited for the time that I'll be able to move out. I feel like I learned a lot in the past two weeks, and experienced a lot of the "moving anxiety" of leaving friends, learning the location, finding an awesome community of friends there, etc., which will be nice not to have to deal with when I do go out there to live for real. It'll be nice then, definitely an easier transition.

So, anyway, I'm really excited about this decision, and I hope you all will continue to support me and pray for me, as I continue to search for housing and a job. And, don't worry, I'll keep you updated!!!

I'm blogging early today because I have some free time before all the girls are home, and because I need to pack later. I will probably not be blogging for this coming week, because...I will be in Columbia!! I'm so excited to see everybody, and sleep in my own comfy bed! I fly back tomorrow, and then I'll pack a bunch of my stuff up and get ready for my mom to come and then drive back out here. So, I'll be spending less time on the computer and more time hanging out :) But then I'll be back to my blogging, and hopefully set up in a cute apartment!

Today was a great last day in LA before heading back to the cold! Lane was off work, so we hung out all day, plus the weather was the best it's been-probably 75+ and sunny! First, we went to The Novel, which is the cafe where Lane works. They have delicious food; I had a turkey, cheese, onion, red pepper, and spinach quesadilla. So good! I met a bunch of Lane's regulars, one who is a writer and director and helped write The Animaniacs (a cartoon TV show)!! It was a cool hole-in-the-wall place. She said they wait on a few regular celebs quite a bit; it's very out of the way.


Next, we drove to Venice Beach, which is a crazy artsy area. Lots of little shops, skateboarders, bicyclists, artists--it was neat. I bought some huge LA sunglasses for really cheap. Lane got some aviators, and definitely looks very "Top Gun" with her shaved head and sunglasses. We played with Eisley in the sand and enjoyed the beautiful beach view.

Then we walked back to the car, and my phone rang. It was Jordana, a friend from Mizzou, and she wanted to know where I was. Turned out that I had just walked past a store that she was in. She was visiting a friend in Venice, and was with her friend while she was at work. The store where she worked is a bikini store that custom-makes their swimsuits; some stars have even worn their suits on magazine covers, Jordana's friend said. She said the store was closing, and I could have a suit if I wanted, I thought she was kidding, but then she said that I could take one for free!! And, Lane, too!!! So, we each got a new bikini for free!!! She got a black one, and mine is yellow with white polka dots. I really like it!!!

A happy birthday to Chris tomorrow, he turns 22! And what a lovely present he is picking up at the Kansas City airport!!! :) Check back soon, I'll let you know when I rent an apartment...I'll be busy with that while I'm in MO, too. Ok, byebye for now!

It's funny how, looking back on my life, I feel that God always makes my big life decisions pretty easy for me. I guess He knows I'm indecisive. Anyway, He always tends to close doors, so that usually I just end up with one path, and it just works. Kind of like now. I was supposed to meet with the Filipino woman about renting a room today, as most of you know, and I got this feeling I should call and confirm. Boy was I glad I did--when I did, she said that a brokerage wanted to buy her house, so she could no longer rent her rooms out. Saved me a trip across town. So, now I'm left with one main option, to live in Santa Monica in probably a 2 bedroom apt. with two girls that know the Missouri girls. I'm growing to like the idea of staying in SM more and more. I'm already comfortable with it, and it's a nice escape from the crazy city. I could come home to it--although probably only if I have my own bedroom...I need my space.

I also talked with a guy, Mark W., who went to high school with my BF, Chris' dad. He moved out to LA and was a successful manager for many years. He gave me lots of good advice on what to do next.

The big news is that I'm coming to MO for a few days. I have to pack up most of my stuff, and Mom and I will hopefully be driving my car and my things back to CA.

My voice has still yet to be found, and I'm coughing now, too. I took Nyquil, so I'll be sleeping here shortly. Goodnight.

Well, today certianly had it's share of them, ups and downs that is. But it is ending with me in good spirits, so that's positive. This morning, I went to the Northern part of LA to meet with two women about renting a room in a townhouse. They were older, and from the church I got housing information from, and...different. Needless to say, I won't be living there. It was kind of far away, and they also don't need someone until March 1st--too late for me.

DOWN
I finally got in touch with the agent. I called her after the apartment incident mentioned above. She asked if I had gotten her messages, and I of course said I hadn't, because I don't think she actually left any. But, she said that they just got a couple of clients my age with really big resumes, so they won't have time to represent me now. So, we left the future open, which is fine, and she recommended that I get into some acting classes, which I've heard that is a great thing to do. And, it would be really great to learn more--plus I mean, I love acting, so hey. Couldn't hurt.

I was upset at first, but now I feel like it was meant to be this way. She may not have been the most reliable agent, from the way she acted up until this point. I'm sure everything will work out. :)

UP #1
I decided to proceed with my next steps for everything acting. With the advice from Allison, the photographer in mind, and the references of "the girls" (aka, the girls I'm staying with), I headed to Fringe, a salon in Santa Monica. I had a lovely 3 hour experience getting my hair highlighted and cut! I absolutely love it!!! It feels very flirty and sophisticated. This is kind of what it looks like...please disregard my lack of makeup...

You like?? :)

UP #2

Ok, so I have just recently discovered CraigsList.org. Well, I knew about it, but I thought it was just for finding housing, but No! It has many categories...and, my fave is obviously the FREE category (you should really check it out). But, so I also just found out tonight, that I cannot be left on my own with CraigsList. You wanna know why? I bought (well it was free) myself a chaise lounge!! I've always wanted one, and it is beautiful, and free! The catch is a) I don't even have an apartment yet, oops, and b) I have to be back by a certain date to pick it up. So, I guess I need to find out the solutions to those two things, so I can get my super cool chaise.

UP #3
I really love these girls. Debbie, Allison, Lane, Beth, Melissa, Anna, and Becky. You are all making my transition here much easier. It's official, after a roommate pow wow tonight, that if I can't find a good place to live, we're hooking a hammock to their ceiling and I will sleep here, lol :)

Well, we're watching The Skulls now, so I better go. Goodnight!

I woke up this morning to discover that I did not have a voice. Nothing, nada, zilch. I got some of it back throughout the day, of course, but I still sound like an old man who's smoked for 40 years. Gross.

I met with Allison R., the photographer this morning at her house. She was great. She actually shot for Playboy for about 15 years, don't worry--I won't be shooting anything Playboy-style :) But, I saw examples of her work, and it was really good quality. I think I'll be getting my haircut in the next couple of days...a style that will be posted later, I'm sure... ;) And, I'll be taking headshots with her once I return with my car and all my stuff. I'm really looking forward to that; I like having photo shoots!

After that, I got some lunch at a nearby mall, and then went to Grace Community Church, where I talked to the nice receptionist, and picked up an "Opportunity Sheet," which allows church members to list things like apartment rooms for rent, etc. I called about 5 numbers, and have heard back from a few of them. Three so far have sounded promising, and they're all Christians, which is a nice start--knowing we have some important lifestyle common-ground--and I'm going to meet one of the potential roomies tomorrow. Then another on Thursday (she's a 45-year-old Filipino woman! haha, wouldn't that be random?) I'll definitely keep you updated on the search, but please be praying about this one, because housing is kind of a big deal...

As for the agent situation--kind of good news. I called her again today, and it went straight to voicemail. It said her mailbox was full...which means, she's probably swamped, and I'm most likely not the only one she hasn't called. I'm ok with that. But, I'm ready for you to call me back, Agent S! What's with these laid back, LA people!?! AAAH! lol, whatev. I'm sleepy and I want my voice to recoup, so I'm going to relax and then head to bed early...Goodnight moon...did any of you have that book when you were little? Well, goodnight.

Today was pretty lazy, again, to get me good and ready for a hopefully busy and productive week. Tomorrow morning, I meet with a photographer, and get a consultation before we take some headshots. I may even get a new hairdo!

I just lounged around pretty much all day today, and took a walk with doggie, Eisley, this afternoon. The weather was beautiful today, and I felt very LA-ish walking my chihuahua around in the palm trees. This afternoon, Debbie and I went to Trader Joes for groceries--it was packed, but I got food for the week. Tonight, we pigged out on cold stone and chips and guacamole. C'est delicieux!!!

But off to bed to look pretty for the photographer! Lol, Hopefully more information tomorrow...

Surprisingly, in the dictionary, "funned" is actually listed as the past tense for the verb fun. Weird. Learn something new everyday I guess.

Today has been good. At times, rough, but overall, encouraging. This morning, Jess and I got up very early, to get her to the airport by 6 am. (She did get home safely, after traveling all day). After that, I rested in the hotel and then checked out. For the first time, I felt pretty alone. I mean, I guess that's expected, considering I pretty much was alone. It's just hard to think about being far away from home, and without my own place and everything.


But, now I'm feeling much better. God's put some great people in my life here, and that makes all the difference. I'm staying this week with Debbie, a friend who I had one class with at MU, and her 3 roommates, still here in Santa Monica. They and about 20 others from Missouri are starting a church plant here in LA. They already have a great community started, and I'm excited to be joining in. I lounged with the girls all afternoon, and we had pizza and played "Cut-throat UNO" (not to be confused with "a cut-throat game of UNO," it's actually a different way to play). They are so welcoming and I'm blessed by their generosity. I'm also enjoying the company of Lane's (one of the roomies) little chihuahua, Eisley!


I also looked at an apartment with one girl from this MU group. She and a friend from Chicago (who is also wanting to act) are looking at a two bedroom for 3 people. It was small, but very nice, so I'm definitely considering it. This week will bring a clearer idea of the next steps I need to take.

Golden Globes are here tomorrow. I'll definitely be watching, and maybe even will try to find out how to sneak by and see the red carpet entrances...not sure about that yet, though. Also, a huge HAPPY 16TH BIRTHDAY to my awesome brother, Cody. I love you and wish I could be there to celebrate with you!!!!

Night all...

Jessica is leaving tomorrow morning, and we have to get up really early, so this post may be short, for now.
This morning we took our time getting ready and then went to eat lunch at a California chain, Koo Koo Roo. It was yummy. After that, we went to an outdoor mall near our hotel, and just walked around. There were so many different stores than what we have back home. Also, we had ice cream, which was one of our first desserts of the trip. We've noticed a ton of fitness centers, and hardly any ice cream places--shows where people's priorities here lie.

After the mall, we got ready for church. We were going to meet Mark Clark and his family at their church which is about an hour away from Santa Monica. Mark is a family friend of Dr. Ulus, who I taught Sunday school with in Columbia. So, we took the scenic route; we went up the coast on Highway 1. The weather was cold but sunny, and it was a beautiful drive through Malibu, by Pepperdine, and finally to the Thousand Oaks area. Church was great; it was the Calvary Community Church. They have a lot of creative people as members, so the artistic nature of it was awesome, as well as the message.

Then, the Mark, Karen, and their two daughters took us out to eat at Applebees, yum! It was the first time since I've been here that I felt a feeling of home. It was just nice to be with a family, and not in the city with a bunch of crazies like we have been. We were so grateful for the evening, and I know that I can always count on them in a time of need. Thanks Ulus, they're great people!!

We took a shorter way home, and could have been back in about 40 minutes...however, we took a slight wrong turn and ended up almost on the other side of LA!! LOL. Jessica and I were very giddy, and we safely got home, not even too late. But, now it's time for bed, since we have to get up so early. Tomorrow, I'll probably be checking out of the hotel, and relocating to Debbie's couch. Sigh...more later.

**Check out pictures at quatchima2.smugmug.com!**

Well...this morning, we were kind of at a loss as to what to do today. We'd crossed all of our tourist destinations off our list. So, we decided to go to IKEA (if you've never been there, please check out their website--it's amazing, modern home furnishings that are REALLY cheap!). We had a lot of fun walking around, and picking out which rooms we'd use to design our pretend houses. I'm not really in the market for house stuff right at the moment, and Jess couldn't carry much back on the plane, so she only left with cool ice cube trays and a plastic bag dispenser, lol.



After IKEA, we ate lunch at an In-and-Out Burger, a California must-have. It was delicious! Here I am by the lovely logo, enjoying my burger (it's the only thing they have on their menu-a hamburger, cheeseburger, or double! I guess it works for them!).


Then, we needed to come home (well, the hotel...) to change clothes before we were in the audience for Jimmy Kimmel Live. It took FOREVER to get back across town. We changed really fast, and then headed back out to Hollywood for the taping. It took us an hour and a half to go 10 miles! Traffic was horrendous--a wreck happened RIGHT by us, and I about wanted to pull my hair out. We ended up being about 15 minutes late to the location of the show. We had to wait out in the cold in a line for about an hour, and they kept telling us we probably wouldn't make it in. There were two really obnoxious girls behind us in line, so that wasn't' helping either. But, guess what!? We were the LAST TWO people they let in!!! Yes, really! The show was really fun. David Arquette and Joan and Melissa Rivers were the celebrity guests. Spank Rock was the musical guest. But, the highlight for me was the contest on the show to find the Best American Black Yodler. They crowned the winner, and then said the President of the American Black Yodler's Association was there to present their award, and guess who walked out?! DONNY OSMOND!! LOL. Jess and I were seriously so excited! After the applause stopped and it got quiet, we yelled in unison: "We love you, Donny!" And he waved at us and said "I love you all too!" HA! Anyway, that was really fun :) Very random...

We also got a bit lost, and ended up driving around Burbank, which was cool, because we got to see NBC studios and WB filming lots.

Oh, no call from the agent. But, I'm not worried, she said she might be out of town today, and everyone is so laid back here anyway...hopefully I'll have news tomorrow!

**While Jessica is still here, she is posting ALL our pictures at quatchima2.smugmug.com. Check 'em out!**

Well, today has been a long and strange, but good day. This morning, Jess and I decided to venture out to downtown Los Angeles to the fashion district. I guess I was expecting high-fashion, couture shops with celebs buying expensive clothing, but when we arrived, I was definitely surprised. The supposed fashion district was basically a two-mile stretch of road that was equivalent to large-city Chinatown markets. It was a ton of junky shops selling all kinds of cheap clothes and bags, etc. Even socks 24 pairs for $10, lol. Needless to say, we drove down the street and did not get out. It was a bit jank.

Then we ate back in Santa Monica at a Mexican restaurant. There was a homeless man outside with a sign that said "Dreaming of a hamburger," so we asked him if he'd settle for a taco, and we bought him some lunch. He seemed very grateful, and we watched him savor his food from inside the restaurant. It was nice.

Next, I got ready and then we headed to Studio City to be there early for my appointment with a talent agent. I had my first real professional acting audition! I arrived and was given some "sides" (aka-a script to read with one of the agents), and I had to study it for about 20 minutes and then perform it. I was a character from a FOX crime drama, and I feel like I did pretty well. Then, I just talked with the 2 agents in a small room-I think they wanted to feel out my personality-and then they told me that they need to talk amongst themselves and they would let me know hopefully tomorrow whether or not they will represent me. Wow, that's a big decision, and I'll DEFINITELY be posting the result. I know either way is what God meant to happen, and I'll just go with it...but I'm feeling at peace and relaxed, and glad that the ball is out of my court for now!

After all that, Jessica (had a little trouble making her way back down Ventura Blvd. but FINALLY made it to pick me up!) and we went to Universal City. We had dinner at Tony Roma's (YUM), and then watched "Flat Top," an amazing and hilarious street perfomer there. Coincidentally, I had seen him 3 years ago there when Jac, Alicia, Whit, Catey, and I went to LA. He was just as good at the robot as I remembered!


Well, I'm exhausted. And, I feel like an independent woman who can find her way around LA-it's a good feeling :) Goodnight! (I may add pictures to this later, but you can check Jessica's pic site listed above for the most recent photos!)

**While Jessica is still here, she'll be posting ALL our trip pictures at: quatchima2.smugmug.com**

So, another day in LA. Today we definitely took advantage of being tourists, here, and hit most of the stereotypical hotspots. Today was cooler than yesterday, a sunny 66, which was nice, since we didn't bring many warm-weather clothes.

Yesterday, while looking through the plethora of brochures Jessica picked out, we discovered that there was a Harry Potter themed store near our hotel. So, we got up this morning and went there. It was called Whimsic Alley (like whimsically!? lol, and Diagon Alley, for those HP fans out there). It was decorated like different places from the book, and had lots of HP merchandise to buy. We met Dobby, the house elf...



And, we got sorted into houses..."GRIFFINDOOOOR!!"



After our whimsical HP excursion, we decided to drive down to the beach, walk around and explore the Santa Monica Pier. Since it's winter here, a lot was closed and not many people were out, but it was still fun. Here's Jess on the pier (before she later soaked her jeans by playing in the ocean!):



Next, we headed to Hollywood to see that touristy area, the Walk of Fame, Mann's Chinese Theatre, etc. Here's us driving in our lovely car, which we fondly call "crapface" (until we find a better name) because she doesn't have power locks or windows, and that becomes a hassle :) Driving in LA isn't too bad unless you're on a freeway, so we've generally tried to avoid those, and it's worked out fine.



In Hollywood, we saw Mann's Chinese Theatre, the stars, the handprints/footprints, and the Hollywood sign (from a distance). Then, I recognized a lady walking down the street. It turned out to be Erika, the CRAZY, rich, debutante contestant on the most recent season of The Bachelor. She was making a documentary, so we may be on it! Cool, huh? I asked her if she was real on the show, or if she was just playing a character--she said she acted up for the camera...I'm still not sure...she was pretty crazy!







Finally, we ended up driving through the Hollywood Hills homes, which are little windy streets, and really nice houses. Then, we went to Beverly Hills and drove on Rodeo Drive--the key word being "drove" without getting out, because I'm sure those stores wouldn't even let us in the door! So expensive!! Oh yes! And after eating lunch, we saw a store called Jonathan, and for those of you who watch reality tv, it was THE Jonathan! The one who is a celebrity hairstylist, which was pretty neat!



Tonight, we ate at a pretty pricey seafood place near the ocean back in Santa Monica. It was delicious (I'm still stuffed) and had a great atmosphere. It's the oldest restaurant in Santa Monica. Then we went to Debbie Kim's apartment. She is a girl I know from class at Mizzou, and she and some other Tigers are here starting a church. It was good to meet them all. We had fun, but it did make me miss my friends :( If I stay, it will be a tough adjustment, I know. But, I have an audition with an agent tomorrow, so then I'll know a lot more about my uncertain future. Keep me in your prayers! Goodnight.

Well, I'm proud to say we survived our first day in Los Angeles! Yes, yesterday was a looong day, and by the end of it we were exhausted. We had to get up at 6am Louisville time (3am LA time), and then we traveled until around noon here. But our adventures didn't just begin here--Jessica and I had to redistribute the weight in my fatty suitcases at the Louisville airport because one was too obese to be checked--oops! Once we were here, we realized a) we needed to get our rental car, and b) it was 81 degrees and we had our Northface fleeces...my bad. So we got our rental car, a white Chevy Cobalt, and directions to what we had been craving, Quiznos, and headed off. Well, the directions were actually for a sandwich place called TOGOs, but it was just as good (even though we then passed about 4 Quiznos on the way to our hotel, lol). Next, we checked in to our hotel in Santa Monica, our street really is lined with palm trees and we're about a 3 minute drive down Santa Monica Blvd. to the beach, which we've yet to explore. So, last night we rested for awhile, even switched rooms to have access to the internet (that was all for you!), and then got ready to head down to the 3rd Street Promenade.

It is adorable!! Not touristy, very cute shops and restaurants, and a lot of homeless people :(. So we walked around for awhile, just soaking it all in, and then had a very delicious Thai meal at a cute restaurant. We also walked by Sal Masekela, E! tv host!



Jessica and I smiled at him, and he nodded his head-but we're trying to be non-tourist-like, so it was very casual, I promise lol. Acutally, Jessica didn't even know who he was. Then, we came home to our humble abode and our friendly cooing pigeon, and I think my head literally fell asleep before it even hit the pillow. I'll write more after today, we have several fun things to do!!

So, I'm finished! I graduated from Mizzou on December 15th with a Bachelor of Journalism in Strategic Communication and a Minor in Psychology. I had a great weekend with friends, my family, and Chris' family in Columbia. Now, I just can't believe it's over...college definitely went by way too fast. The next thing on my plate is to fly to Los Angeles, CA on January 9th to meet with several people about pursuing acting as a career. Jessica Nichols, a friend from the BSU, is coming with me for 5 days. After that, I'll just be playing it by ear. But, I'll use this blog to keep everyone updated of how things are going, so check back and see what's going on!!