Two people told me this past weekend that I had to give L.A. at least two years to show me her charms. What's funny is that I had already decided I had to stick it out for at least two years.
Things are looking up already. January is a slow month for the Industry and business in general, so maybe that explains some of the sluggish response to my early job search efforts, but things seem to be improving. I accepted yet another temp job in Santa Monica, at a private school, for the rest of this week, simply because I have to be out there anyway for dates after work. I also agreed to an interview, through the same agency, with an international business that sounds interesting. I also figured out the temp agency for the studio closest to me, Fox, and talked to them today about temp work. I noticed from their website that they have a substantial library on the studio lot-- something for me to think about...
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
The Commitmentphobic Temp
I temped at a one day gig at a hip advertising agency in Santa Monica today. They wanted me to stay on for a longer term temp assignment, but I turned it down. Tough decision, as I could have created a career path there, and most of the staff was around my age. I don't think I want to drive to Santa Monica every day though. It only took 40-45 minutes, less than I expected, but I think that would get tiring over the long haul.
Also, I've really warmed to the idea of getting exposed to L.A. through temping, and now I'm reluctant to tie myself down to one workplace. I need to get over the insomnia attack that hits me every night before starting a new job though. And, unfortunately, this city is too expensive for me not to commit to a full time job within the next few months.
This past weekend I went on dates with men who have worked in the entertainment agency through temping. One got his temp job by going directly to a studio that has it's own in-house temp agency. I should look into that. Another used my first temp agency and was placed immediately at a studio, where he has worked ever since. *Sigh.*
But now I'm even wavering on my commitment to work in entertainment...
Also, I've really warmed to the idea of getting exposed to L.A. through temping, and now I'm reluctant to tie myself down to one workplace. I need to get over the insomnia attack that hits me every night before starting a new job though. And, unfortunately, this city is too expensive for me not to commit to a full time job within the next few months.
This past weekend I went on dates with men who have worked in the entertainment agency through temping. One got his temp job by going directly to a studio that has it's own in-house temp agency. I should look into that. Another used my first temp agency and was placed immediately at a studio, where he has worked ever since. *Sigh.*
But now I'm even wavering on my commitment to work in entertainment...
Friday, February 23, 2007
Smart Dating
Went on a nice date last night at a small, cozy hotel bar in Beverly Hills. It was nice to get out, and I was even able to find a parking spot upon return. I have some more dates this weekend, and the men all seem bright and accomplished.
Austin has, I believe, the highest per capita number of people with college degrees. In Los Angeles I definitely get the impression that people with college degrees make up a much smaller proportion of the population. On the other hand, I meet a lot more Ivy Leaguers here. I guess a city this expensive is not for the faint of heart, so it makes sense that it draws the overachievers.
Austin has, I believe, the highest per capita number of people with college degrees. In Los Angeles I definitely get the impression that people with college degrees make up a much smaller proportion of the population. On the other hand, I meet a lot more Ivy Leaguers here. I guess a city this expensive is not for the faint of heart, so it makes sense that it draws the overachievers.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Online Dating, L.A. Style, Part II
My little experiment with online dating has experienced a turnaround. Let's just say I'm going to be drinking a *lot* of coffee over the next week.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Extraville
Before I turned to the temp agencies I considered trying to be an extra to make a little money and some possible connections in "the Industry." I called up one well-known company (Central Casting) that seemed legit, but they said I'd have to pay them $25 to take pictures of me. Some of my friends said they never heard from companies again after paying for photos. A couple of operations were fly-by-night and disappeared shortly thereafter.
So, I gave up on Extraville and headed to Tempville.
So, I gave up on Extraville and headed to Tempville.
Screenplays in the Closet
So far I've met three people who moved to L.A. to become screenwriters. One (a lawyer) gave up completely after his first year in L.A., the other (a teacher) has a closetful of screenplays that he still hopes to sell after he gets a book published, and the third is still plugging away, finishing up a screenplay while he works in the entertainment industry.
So it's true, lots of screenplays in the closet here.
In other aspirant news, I ran into my aspiring actress friend J., the Brit, on the street the other day. She was eating outside at Toast. After receiving the two parking tickets, she was involved in a car accident that totalled the used car she had just bought. Poor thing! Getting in a car accident here is my biggest fear...
So it's true, lots of screenplays in the closet here.
In other aspirant news, I ran into my aspiring actress friend J., the Brit, on the street the other day. She was eating outside at Toast. After receiving the two parking tickets, she was involved in a car accident that totalled the used car she had just bought. Poor thing! Getting in a car accident here is my biggest fear...
Back to the Beach
I had an interview with another temp company this morning. Headed back over to Westwood, the area of town I'd been temping in. This interview was a great experience; I really liked the staff and felt they were very supportive and agreeable. I got a call from yet another agency this morning, so I may be interviewing again this week.
I had to take all the computer tests again, so after the process was over I felt the need to hit the beach! It's been almost six weeks since I've been to the coast. I haven't wanted to go on weekends due to the crowds and the traffic. This time I took the 101 and exited Topanga Canyon Road to get to Malibu. I stopped and hiked Topanga Canyon for about an hour and then drove through the tiny town. It's a little slice of hippieville bordering the multi-million dollar homes in Malibu. But, let's face it, the modest houses in Topanga are probably astoundingly expensive. Then I drove on down to the water and strolled along the beach for a while.
Then, of course, I had to drive back in traffic, but I didn't hit the road until 6:30 to avoid the worst of it.
My plan is still to get busy with some short-term temp work over the next couple of months that will leave me with occasional weekdays off to continue exploring around L.A. I'm hoping to have found a full-time job that I'm enthusiastic about within 3-6 months. I could also go back to the "personal assistant" agencies at that point with a great deal more knowledge of and work experience in L.A., but I'm thinking now that I am just going to find a good job fit through temping.
I had to take all the computer tests again, so after the process was over I felt the need to hit the beach! It's been almost six weeks since I've been to the coast. I haven't wanted to go on weekends due to the crowds and the traffic. This time I took the 101 and exited Topanga Canyon Road to get to Malibu. I stopped and hiked Topanga Canyon for about an hour and then drove through the tiny town. It's a little slice of hippieville bordering the multi-million dollar homes in Malibu. But, let's face it, the modest houses in Topanga are probably astoundingly expensive. Then I drove on down to the water and strolled along the beach for a while.
Then, of course, I had to drive back in traffic, but I didn't hit the road until 6:30 to avoid the worst of it.
My plan is still to get busy with some short-term temp work over the next couple of months that will leave me with occasional weekdays off to continue exploring around L.A. I'm hoping to have found a full-time job that I'm enthusiastic about within 3-6 months. I could also go back to the "personal assistant" agencies at that point with a great deal more knowledge of and work experience in L.A., but I'm thinking now that I am just going to find a good job fit through temping.
Monday, February 19, 2007
News Or Entertainment?
A lot of the local news here is about the entertainment industry. I feel like I might as well be watching E!
Friends or Scattered Acquaintances, Part II
I drove to Pasadena Saturday night for a birthday party. It took 45 minutes. Long winding drive up Laurel Canyon, then a trip east on the 101. There's a swing dance event in Pasadena every Thursday night called Lindy Groove, but there's no way I can drive out there on a weeknight.
Pasadena has it's own (crowded) main street (Colorado), as does Sherman Oaks (Ventura Blvd.). So it's true; there's no center here, just a bunch of different areas with their own central districts.
Today I drove to Studio City to hike Fryman Canyon with a friend. Another beautiful hiking spot.
Pasadena has it's own (crowded) main street (Colorado), as does Sherman Oaks (Ventura Blvd.). So it's true; there's no center here, just a bunch of different areas with their own central districts.
Today I drove to Studio City to hike Fryman Canyon with a friend. Another beautiful hiking spot.
Networking, L.A. Style
I bought business cards on Saturday with my name, phone number, and e-mail address. Yes, it's come to this-- palm pressing at parties. Now I just need to get invited to some...
Friday, February 16, 2007
Los Angeles in the News
Found this interesting (from an article about the band Gosling in this week's LA Weekly):
The band members, also including guitarist Mark Watrous and bassist Shane Middleton, have all known one another since grade school. Back home, in the Washington area known as Tri-Cities, they were Loudermilk, a hard-rock band. About three years ago, the band changed its name to Gosling and took the whole show on the road to Los Angeles — and that included Isaac’s wife and Shane’s wife and kid. “We didn’t want to be closed off from the rest of the world anymore,” says Davey, settling into quiet-serious mode. (His voice rages onstage — it’s borderline David Banner — but he’s exceptionally soft-spoken in person.) “Anyone who grows up in a small town knows there’s not a ton of outlets or opportunities to be artistic or creative.”
Here in Los Angeles, he found himself being inspired: Trying to find his place in L.A. became trying to find his place in the world. “I got real introspective, and it inspired me to write about what I saw — the sprawling dichotomy of Los Angeles. It’s got the worst of the worst, and this weird, glitzy crust over the top of all the shit. So I wrote about that.”
“He hated life!” Isaac laughs. “I think maybe he was inspired in his songwriting by being uninspired.”
Davey looks down at his beer bottle. “I found it a hard city to live in. I’m used to my daily life being simple. In L.A., it’s hard just to get from point A to point B. There’s so much to deal with.” He shakes his head as he recalls his drives from Echo Park to his girlfriend’s home in Santa Monica, or out to the Valley to practice and record with his band. Commutes like that can be soul-crushing and maddening, of course — but fortunately, Davey Ingersoll seems to be only vaguely shell-shocked. “I don’t like being trapped in my car half the day. I don’t like that it takes a half-hour to an hour to do a simple task. But I think we’ve adapted, and it just feels like home now.”
Traffic aside, life for a new band in L.A. is flat-out fucking hard. All the members have to have day jobs. Davey works as a part-time production assistant on commercials and photo shoots; Isaac does session work; Mark does “odds and ends”; and Shane owns a children’s clothing line with his wife and cuts hair at Rudy’s Barbershop. To make finances more difficult, earlier this year the band’s label, V2 (which also signed the White Stripes, the Raconteurs, Dave Matthews, local darlings the Adored and many others), recently dissolved. That leaves the band paying for the rest of its tour, covering travel and expenses to play South by Southwest and the recording of its next album.
Gosling had only been with V2 a year, but by last fall, the band felt like things were changing: “People were leaving, money stopped moving, they had been trying to get us a little more money ’cause we’re broke, and then communication became slow,” says Davey, with a “hindsight is 20/20” sigh. “Right before the new year, we heard something was going down there.” Isaac chips in that V2 “was awesome, one of the best labels.” Completely hands-off. Nothing but super supportive. Well, shit.
But this isn’t Gosling’s first time at the proverbial barbecue. Back in ’98, as Loudermilk, the band released its own independent album, Man With Gun Kills 3! American Recordings discovered it and signed them, and despite successful tours with Mötley Crüe and Megadeth, dropped them. Then, in early 2002, DreamWorks Records picked them up, and Loudermilk recorded their first official major-label release, The Red Record. A year later, DreamWorks Records shut down. And now, it seems, the curse of the disappearing label has followed them. But they’re decidedly optimistic. They’re going to focus on recording their next release, tentatively titled Charismatic Movement, and “If someone wants to put it out the same way V2 did, that’ll work,” says Davey. ”If not, we’ll put it out ourselves.” It wouldn’t be the first time.
The band members, also including guitarist Mark Watrous and bassist Shane Middleton, have all known one another since grade school. Back home, in the Washington area known as Tri-Cities, they were Loudermilk, a hard-rock band. About three years ago, the band changed its name to Gosling and took the whole show on the road to Los Angeles — and that included Isaac’s wife and Shane’s wife and kid. “We didn’t want to be closed off from the rest of the world anymore,” says Davey, settling into quiet-serious mode. (His voice rages onstage — it’s borderline David Banner — but he’s exceptionally soft-spoken in person.) “Anyone who grows up in a small town knows there’s not a ton of outlets or opportunities to be artistic or creative.”
Here in Los Angeles, he found himself being inspired: Trying to find his place in L.A. became trying to find his place in the world. “I got real introspective, and it inspired me to write about what I saw — the sprawling dichotomy of Los Angeles. It’s got the worst of the worst, and this weird, glitzy crust over the top of all the shit. So I wrote about that.”
“He hated life!” Isaac laughs. “I think maybe he was inspired in his songwriting by being uninspired.”
Davey looks down at his beer bottle. “I found it a hard city to live in. I’m used to my daily life being simple. In L.A., it’s hard just to get from point A to point B. There’s so much to deal with.” He shakes his head as he recalls his drives from Echo Park to his girlfriend’s home in Santa Monica, or out to the Valley to practice and record with his band. Commutes like that can be soul-crushing and maddening, of course — but fortunately, Davey Ingersoll seems to be only vaguely shell-shocked. “I don’t like being trapped in my car half the day. I don’t like that it takes a half-hour to an hour to do a simple task. But I think we’ve adapted, and it just feels like home now.”
Traffic aside, life for a new band in L.A. is flat-out fucking hard. All the members have to have day jobs. Davey works as a part-time production assistant on commercials and photo shoots; Isaac does session work; Mark does “odds and ends”; and Shane owns a children’s clothing line with his wife and cuts hair at Rudy’s Barbershop. To make finances more difficult, earlier this year the band’s label, V2 (which also signed the White Stripes, the Raconteurs, Dave Matthews, local darlings the Adored and many others), recently dissolved. That leaves the band paying for the rest of its tour, covering travel and expenses to play South by Southwest and the recording of its next album.
Gosling had only been with V2 a year, but by last fall, the band felt like things were changing: “People were leaving, money stopped moving, they had been trying to get us a little more money ’cause we’re broke, and then communication became slow,” says Davey, with a “hindsight is 20/20” sigh. “Right before the new year, we heard something was going down there.” Isaac chips in that V2 “was awesome, one of the best labels.” Completely hands-off. Nothing but super supportive. Well, shit.
But this isn’t Gosling’s first time at the proverbial barbecue. Back in ’98, as Loudermilk, the band released its own independent album, Man With Gun Kills 3! American Recordings discovered it and signed them, and despite successful tours with Mötley Crüe and Megadeth, dropped them. Then, in early 2002, DreamWorks Records picked them up, and Loudermilk recorded their first official major-label release, The Red Record. A year later, DreamWorks Records shut down. And now, it seems, the curse of the disappearing label has followed them. But they’re decidedly optimistic. They’re going to focus on recording their next release, tentatively titled Charismatic Movement, and “If someone wants to put it out the same way V2 did, that’ll work,” says Davey. ”If not, we’ll put it out ourselves.” It wouldn’t be the first time.
TGIF, Part II
Today is a very special TGIF, as it was my last day on the temp job! They made some noises about offering me a permanent position, but I definitely need to temp myself around before making a commitment. The thing about generic admin work is that you can do it anywhere, so I might as well wait for the right place.
I probably shouldn't have started working so soon anyway as it made it almost impossible to get out and about in L.A. in order to weave a social web. Oh, the old J-O-B, that monkey on my back! I'm going to take a week off and apply to another agency, but then I'll have to get back on the treadmill.
This weekend should be fun; I have a brunch (in Sherman Oaks), a birthday party (in Pasadena), a date (in my neighborhood), and a swing dance (in Los Feliz). Lots of driving around...
I went to lunch today with two new employees at the worksite, women in their forties, and we compared notes on L.A., the office, moving to new cities, etc. One just moved to L.A. from a major Southern city in the midst of a "mid-life crisis," while the other had left L.A. to try living in other states and just moved back. Both of them lamented the terrible singles scenes in those other locales. Ladies, there's no reprieve!
On the 14th I listened to a special radio program on the drive home featuring Pamela Des Barres recounting tales of her former conquests. It was a Happy Valentine's Day from Los Angeles.
I probably shouldn't have started working so soon anyway as it made it almost impossible to get out and about in L.A. in order to weave a social web. Oh, the old J-O-B, that monkey on my back! I'm going to take a week off and apply to another agency, but then I'll have to get back on the treadmill.
This weekend should be fun; I have a brunch (in Sherman Oaks), a birthday party (in Pasadena), a date (in my neighborhood), and a swing dance (in Los Feliz). Lots of driving around...
I went to lunch today with two new employees at the worksite, women in their forties, and we compared notes on L.A., the office, moving to new cities, etc. One just moved to L.A. from a major Southern city in the midst of a "mid-life crisis," while the other had left L.A. to try living in other states and just moved back. Both of them lamented the terrible singles scenes in those other locales. Ladies, there's no reprieve!
On the 14th I listened to a special radio program on the drive home featuring Pamela Des Barres recounting tales of her former conquests. It was a Happy Valentine's Day from Los Angeles.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Life is Funny, Part II
Went to the Improv on Melrose to see "Killer Valentine's Comedy" last night. I invited friends from Sherman Oaks to Venice to Culver City, but no one could make it, so I just took myself there. The show never really gained momentum (and made me appreciate the quite good stand-up scene in Austin), but there were some notable acts. Natasha Leggero, from MTV's "The 70's House," performed a funny, petulant routine, and the duo pretending to be a clueless Yuppie couple was brilliant. The headliner (unfortunately I've forgotten his name) was very entertaining with his anti-Sprint-store tirade and his riffs on driving in Los Angeles. It was also refreshing to see thirtysomething female comics onstage. The hostess did a short, relatable riff on being at an awkward dating age at 35, where she's stuck between dating older divorced men and men much younger in age.
Several of the comics seemed to have bit parts to their names, as in "Joe Schmoe, who you may know from his work at the Improv or his voiceovers on the Citibank commercials..."
Several of the comics seemed to have bit parts to their names, as in "Joe Schmoe, who you may know from his work at the Improv or his voiceovers on the Citibank commercials..."
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Things I've Learned Thus Far
It looks like I'm going to be finishing out this three-week temp job. No early reprieve. I'm taking next week off and spending at least one full weekday in Malibu!
Things I've learned thus far:
1) Applying to job ads is a complete waste of time. I'm done.
2) Temping might be a viable job search strategy.
3) You can earn major kudos as a temp simply by showing up and breathing.
4) The anonymity of L.A. suits me at this point in my life.
5) Having friendships in L.A. does not feel that different than having long-distance friendships in other states, since the L.A. friendships are spread so far and wide.
6) Men my age have no interest in dating women my age.
7) Short-term temp jobs (as in, one week or less) are preferable.
8) It is possible to suffer from "novelty fatigue."
Things I've learned thus far:
1) Applying to job ads is a complete waste of time. I'm done.
2) Temping might be a viable job search strategy.
3) You can earn major kudos as a temp simply by showing up and breathing.
4) The anonymity of L.A. suits me at this point in my life.
5) Having friendships in L.A. does not feel that different than having long-distance friendships in other states, since the L.A. friendships are spread so far and wide.
6) Men my age have no interest in dating women my age.
7) Short-term temp jobs (as in, one week or less) are preferable.
8) It is possible to suffer from "novelty fatigue."
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Temping, Part II
I've been studying up on books about temping, but everything I've been able to find was written in the nineties. Strange there's nothing more recent, since temp agencies are some of the largest employers in the U.S.
A couple of books I checked out were straightforward manuals on working as a temp, but one book, "The Temp Survival Guide: How to Prosper as as Economic Nomad of the Nineties," was just downright subversive, although pro-temping. I'm surprised it even got published. That's what is so great about libraries-- all the random stuff you can find that has since been swept under the rug. I also read a very anti-temping and much angrier book called "Best of Temp Slave!"
"The Temp Survival Guide" put me in a better frame of mind about this temping thing. If I can keep the gigs a bit shorter and take off time to look for personal assistant jobs, it could work out. It could also give me a good overview of L.A.
A couple of books I checked out were straightforward manuals on working as a temp, but one book, "The Temp Survival Guide: How to Prosper as as Economic Nomad of the Nineties," was just downright subversive, although pro-temping. I'm surprised it even got published. That's what is so great about libraries-- all the random stuff you can find that has since been swept under the rug. I also read a very anti-temping and much angrier book called "Best of Temp Slave!"
"The Temp Survival Guide" put me in a better frame of mind about this temping thing. If I can keep the gigs a bit shorter and take off time to look for personal assistant jobs, it could work out. It could also give me a good overview of L.A.
Dancing With(out) the Stars
There seem to be salsa dancing opportunities all over the city but tango and swing/lindy, for some reason, seem to be concentrated in Pasadena. I have yet to go to Pasadena, but I've been invited to a birthday party there next weekend, so I guess I'll make the trek. I don't know about driving out there on weeknights for dancing; it seems like a long way.
Bed Bugs on Beverly
There are bed bugs in my neighborhood; I know this because I was attacked at a motel close to where I am now living. I am not going to rat them out on this blog; I've already done my duty by posting something on TripAdvisor and calling the L.A. Health Department. The Health Department did call me back weeks later at my job in Austin. The guy who called had a thick accent, and I almost hung up on him, thinking it was one of my friends prank calling me about the bed bugs. Supposedly, the problem has been taken care of.
30 Years in Texas
I was born in Houston, and despite my desire to live outside of Texas, I ended up living and working in that state for 30 out of my 36 years.
When I arrived in Los Angeles I realized I had no idea who the Mayor was. Despite the "California Gold Rush" musical I created with friends for a 7th grade history project (an omen?), I know very little California history. I have the driver's license, but it will be a long time before I feel like a Californian. I'm just sort-of... here.
I had been in L.A. for a total of one week when my mother called from Houston and said, "If you want to move back, I'll fly out there and drive back with you."
Whatever happens in the end, change is good for the brain. The rat learns a new maze.
When I arrived in Los Angeles I realized I had no idea who the Mayor was. Despite the "California Gold Rush" musical I created with friends for a 7th grade history project (an omen?), I know very little California history. I have the driver's license, but it will be a long time before I feel like a Californian. I'm just sort-of... here.
I had been in L.A. for a total of one week when my mother called from Houston and said, "If you want to move back, I'll fly out there and drive back with you."
Whatever happens in the end, change is good for the brain. The rat learns a new maze.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
The X Factor
Several weeks ago, G. gave me an X compilation CD. I've been blasting it in the mornings on my way to the temp job.
I caught John Doe at SXSW two years ago. When he mentioned flying into Austin from Los Angeles, the audience snickered, and he replied, "Laugh if you want, people, Los Angeles is mythic; it's MYTHIC."
I caught John Doe at SXSW two years ago. When he mentioned flying into Austin from Los Angeles, the audience snickered, and he replied, "Laugh if you want, people, Los Angeles is mythic; it's MYTHIC."
Old Hollywood
My friend KT flew in from Austin last night, and her old friend G., who works for iTunes, took us out on the town. G. is determined to introduce me to L.A. landmarks. To that end, he took us to dinner at Musso & Frank Grill. It was very old-timey. I had a salisbury steak.
Next we went to the Henry Fonda Theater to see Sparklehorse.
My L.A. adventure got a little kickstart.
Next we went to the Henry Fonda Theater to see Sparklehorse.
My L.A. adventure got a little kickstart.
Professional Dating
There is a difference between Austin and L.A. in the types of jobs the men are likely to have. While Austin consists primarily of engineers/ software developers, state bureaucrats, and musicians (who tend to have opposite sleep schedules from me), there are, logically, large numbers of people in L.A. working in the entertainment industry, be it on the business side (the realists/ sharks) or the creative side (the dreamers/ flakes).
I think I should date a shark and work for a flake!
I think I should date a shark and work for a flake!
Friday, February 9, 2007
Money Matters, Part III
So I bought a ticket to the "Killer Valentine's Comedy" event. "Thirteen dollars," I thought, "that's affordable. That's only one hour of temping."
Then I was charged $2.50 for buying the ticket in advance over the phone and told that valet parking would be $4.50. I was next informed that I would be required to purchase two items off the menu.
And voila! $13 becomes $40.
Then I was charged $2.50 for buying the ticket in advance over the phone and told that valet parking would be $4.50. I was next informed that I would be required to purchase two items off the menu.
And voila! $13 becomes $40.
Life Is Funny
But Valentine's Day isn't. Or maybe it is! On the 13th there's a "Killer Valentine's Special" on at the Hollywood Improv. Maria Bamford is one of the featured standups. We'll see if I can pull it together and get to the show.
I have caught some great comedy here at Largo, including one act in which the comedian/ magician pulled the missing card out of his ____.
For all my Austin friends who are Aimee Mann fans, she is holding something called "Aimee Mann's 1st Annual Valentine's Revenge" at Largo the weekend after Valentine's Day. Eat your hearts out!
I have caught some great comedy here at Largo, including one act in which the comedian/ magician pulled the missing card out of his ____.
For all my Austin friends who are Aimee Mann fans, she is holding something called "Aimee Mann's 1st Annual Valentine's Revenge" at Largo the weekend after Valentine's Day. Eat your hearts out!
Getting Religion
The prominent religions here appear to be Scientology, Judaism, and Buddhism (Lite).
I'm not a churchgoer, but I hear there's a good Episcopalian church in Beverly Hills. You probably need a connection to get in.
I'm not a churchgoer, but I hear there's a good Episcopalian church in Beverly Hills. You probably need a connection to get in.
Time Zones
The two-hour time difference makes it very difficult for me to communicate with my friends back in Austin. By the time I'm ready (and able, according to my cell phone plan) to talk, they are asleep.
Pollution
I've heard that the smog levels in Los Angeles have significantly improved over the last couple of decades. Having no earlier point of comparison, I can't really gauge the pollution level. Most days consist of clear blue skies, but some days, like the last two, are hazier and there seems to be a filmy coating in my mouth. But perhaps that is my imagination.
Song Title, Found
I wasn't a librarian for nothin.'
"Moving to L.A." from the album "Bang Bang Rock & Roll" (2005) by Art Brut.
Lyrics:
There's not much glam about the English weather
There's nothing left keeping us together
Sunshine on a rainy day
Makes me want to move away
I think I've got it sorted
I'm going to get myself deported
I'm considering a move to LA
(He's considering a move to LA) (x3)
Hang around with Axl Rose
Buy myself some brand new clothes
Everything is gonna be just fine
I hear the murder rate is in decline
Get me a southern accent
Maybe grab a piece of action
I'm considering a move to LA
(He's considering a move to LA)(x3)
When I get off the plane
The first thing I'm gonna do is
Strip naked to the waist
And ride my Harley Davidson
Up and down Sunset street
I may even get a tattoo
My problems are never gonna find me
I'm not sending one letter or even a postcard back
I'm drinking Henessey With Morrissey
On a beach
Out of reach
Somewhere very far away
I'm considering a move to LA
(He's considering a move to LA)(x3)
All lyrics are property and copyright of their owners and provided for educational purposes only.
"Moving to L.A." from the album "Bang Bang Rock & Roll" (2005) by Art Brut.
Lyrics:
There's not much glam about the English weather
There's nothing left keeping us together
Sunshine on a rainy day
Makes me want to move away
I think I've got it sorted
I'm going to get myself deported
I'm considering a move to LA
(He's considering a move to LA) (x3)
Hang around with Axl Rose
Buy myself some brand new clothes
Everything is gonna be just fine
I hear the murder rate is in decline
Get me a southern accent
Maybe grab a piece of action
I'm considering a move to LA
(He's considering a move to LA)(x3)
When I get off the plane
The first thing I'm gonna do is
Strip naked to the waist
And ride my Harley Davidson
Up and down Sunset street
I may even get a tattoo
My problems are never gonna find me
I'm not sending one letter or even a postcard back
I'm drinking Henessey With Morrissey
On a beach
Out of reach
Somewhere very far away
I'm considering a move to LA
(He's considering a move to LA)(x3)
All lyrics are property and copyright of their owners and provided for educational purposes only.
Parking Tickets, Your Welcome to L.A.
I met an Australian who told me she was slapped with two parking tickets her first month here. Then I got two parking tickets within my first month. One was for parking too far away from the curb, which I didn't even know was a law (two friends reminded me of the "we can walk to the curb from here" line from Annie Hall).
I made friends with a British woman, J., who is in town for an acting class. She's in her early twenties and is trying to figure out how to stay in Los Angeles for acting. She's bright and attractive and scrappy and I'm sure quite talented, but whether that will amount to a hill of beans here, I don't know. That's another name I considered for this blog: A Hill of Beans.
Anyway, the first night I went out with J., I warned her about the parking situation. Last night we spoke on the phone and she said she had already been slapped with two tickets! It must be a rite of initiation.
We were supposed to go out last night but neither one of us wanted to move our cars, as then we would have to hunt to find parking spots upon return (both of us are limited by hang tags to parking on our respective blocks). I think we were also just tired after a week of battling it out with the city.
I made friends with a British woman, J., who is in town for an acting class. She's in her early twenties and is trying to figure out how to stay in Los Angeles for acting. She's bright and attractive and scrappy and I'm sure quite talented, but whether that will amount to a hill of beans here, I don't know. That's another name I considered for this blog: A Hill of Beans.
Anyway, the first night I went out with J., I warned her about the parking situation. Last night we spoke on the phone and she said she had already been slapped with two tickets! It must be a rite of initiation.
We were supposed to go out last night but neither one of us wanted to move our cars, as then we would have to hunt to find parking spots upon return (both of us are limited by hang tags to parking on our respective blocks). I think we were also just tired after a week of battling it out with the city.
Shopping (or, The Glamorous Life, Part II)
I currently shop at Ross. It's an interesting Third World experience. If you can deal with it, there are some good cheap clothes to be found.
The fabled Rodeo Drive is lined with the same overpriced clothing chains you see everywhere.
Ross is next to my former office at KMart. When I first moved to L.A., I was without a computer, and I found out that you can surf the internet at KMart for free. So I was travelling back and forth between KMart and the library, trying to check my e-mail and take care of other business online. I gotta say, there were some real nuts at KMart, although my roommate D. said it was just as bad at Kinko's. The nuttier you are, the louder your cell phone conversations, it seems.
During that time, two people I came across INSISTED they had seen me in the movies.
The fabled Rodeo Drive is lined with the same overpriced clothing chains you see everywhere.
Ross is next to my former office at KMart. When I first moved to L.A., I was without a computer, and I found out that you can surf the internet at KMart for free. So I was travelling back and forth between KMart and the library, trying to check my e-mail and take care of other business online. I gotta say, there were some real nuts at KMart, although my roommate D. said it was just as bad at Kinko's. The nuttier you are, the louder your cell phone conversations, it seems.
During that time, two people I came across INSISTED they had seen me in the movies.
Song Title?
So I heard this great song on the radio the other night-- the lyrics were something like, "I'm considering a move to L.A..." I'm searching for the title/ artist. Anybody?
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Traffic
One of the many reasons I chose to live in the Beverly Center area is that it is smack in the center of the map, and I didn't know where I'd end up working. I'm very close to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Century City, and the Miracle Mile, not too far from Westwood, and within reasonable distance of Santa Monica. My current job is a 9 to 5er, and I have to travel around 5-10 miles, which takes 20-30 minutes. Not bad, considering the time of day.
The problems occur when there's an accident somewhere. Then a 30-minute commute easily becomes a 2-hour ordeal. This has happened to me twice so far.
There's also a lot of unprotected left turns in this city, which I try to avoid as much as possible; I should write a "protected lefts" guide to Los Angeles.
The problems occur when there's an accident somewhere. Then a 30-minute commute easily becomes a 2-hour ordeal. This has happened to me twice so far.
There's also a lot of unprotected left turns in this city, which I try to avoid as much as possible; I should write a "protected lefts" guide to Los Angeles.
TGIF, and all that
So tomorrow is Friday, and a friend from Austin is coming into town. Looking forward to some social life again.
It's amazing how fast I have adjusted to sitting in a cubicle all day. Literally, for the main part of seven hours, in the same spot. I think my heart rate and metabolism just slow down and I settle in like a crate-trained dog. Then, at 6 p.m. (although in this job I thankfully get off at 5), I burst out of the crate in a frenzy of activity and hit the gym.
There was an article in the NY Times today about aerobics having wreaked havoc on the joints of all those spandex-clad women from the eighties. I'm sure it's not good for the body to sit for eight hours and then get pounded on for an hour, but, then, what are the options?
It's amazing how fast I have adjusted to sitting in a cubicle all day. Literally, for the main part of seven hours, in the same spot. I think my heart rate and metabolism just slow down and I settle in like a crate-trained dog. Then, at 6 p.m. (although in this job I thankfully get off at 5), I burst out of the crate in a frenzy of activity and hit the gym.
There was an article in the NY Times today about aerobics having wreaked havoc on the joints of all those spandex-clad women from the eighties. I'm sure it's not good for the body to sit for eight hours and then get pounded on for an hour, but, then, what are the options?
Favorite Places
Some of my favorite places thus far:
Hiking-- Runyon Canyon
*Grocery store-- Trader Joe's
Club-- Largo
*Breakfast-- King's Road Cafe
*Soup-- Doughboy's Bakery & Cafe
*General-- The Farmer's Market
*Although currently I am trying to save money by using my Ralph's card and eating peanut butter sandwiches at home.
Hiking-- Runyon Canyon
*Grocery store-- Trader Joe's
Club-- Largo
*Breakfast-- King's Road Cafe
*Soup-- Doughboy's Bakery & Cafe
*General-- The Farmer's Market
*Although currently I am trying to save money by using my Ralph's card and eating peanut butter sandwiches at home.
Walking in L.A.
Salon posted a cartoon today about walking in L.A.:
http://salon.com/comics/knig/2007/02/07/knig/index1.html
The cartoon is about how nobody walks here, but there are several letters to the editor explaining that certain neighborhoods in Los Angeles are very pedestrian friendly.
http://salon.com/comics/knig/2007/02/07/knig/index1.html
The cartoon is about how nobody walks here, but there are several letters to the editor explaining that certain neighborhoods in Los Angeles are very pedestrian friendly.
Qualities to Cultivate
Qualities I need to cultivate in L.A.:
1) Ambitious drive (I'm feeling tired already).
2) Ability to lie about computer skills.
3) Networking ability. Feeling no shame about hitting up people for jobs. Ability to do so with finesse.
4) Self-preservation. Looking out for number one. Keeping the eye on the prize.
5) Canniness.
6) Thick skin. Ability to immediately block out bad experiences from consciousness and move on.
7) Self-promotion.
1) Ambitious drive (I'm feeling tired already).
2) Ability to lie about computer skills.
3) Networking ability. Feeling no shame about hitting up people for jobs. Ability to do so with finesse.
4) Self-preservation. Looking out for number one. Keeping the eye on the prize.
5) Canniness.
6) Thick skin. Ability to immediately block out bad experiences from consciousness and move on.
7) Self-promotion.
Mean People
Savage Steve Holland (another person I would work for) said, "Mean people get the best jobs."
Like I said, most of the people I've met in L.A. have been nice, but I have run into a couple of harridans. Although I had thought it would be entertaining to work for some temperamental producer who would throw coffee cups at my head, I'm already feeling a bit run-down from aggressive personality types, and I have yet to set foot in the entertainment industry.
I need to learn how to deal with bullies though. It's not right to let them sit in the plum jobs, scaring all the good people away.
Like I said, most of the people I've met in L.A. have been nice, but I have run into a couple of harridans. Although I had thought it would be entertaining to work for some temperamental producer who would throw coffee cups at my head, I'm already feeling a bit run-down from aggressive personality types, and I have yet to set foot in the entertainment industry.
I need to learn how to deal with bullies though. It's not right to let them sit in the plum jobs, scaring all the good people away.
The Glamorous Life
So a few weeks before moving out here a friend said to me, "Imagine, you'll be driving down Sunset Boulevard with the top down..."
It was like that when I first moved here, albeit that drive down Sunset Boulevard took place in a Toyota Corolla with the windows manually rolled down. I woke up every day with a sense of anticipation, and I would tool around L.A. all saucer eyed, listening to the Go Go's song "This Town," taking everything in. I think the move was worth it just for those weeks alone. I had been working for seven years straight, so it felt great to have those weeks to myself, although I was overwhelmed with moving in.
Oh, how quickly the 9-5 world can quash that feeling of adventure. My current routine is the same the world over: alarm, shower, cubicle, gym, home. At this point I could be Anywhere, U.S.A.
I should definitely hit the beach soon.
I read an article on the web about cars and what they signify about you in Los Angeles. Apparently a Toyota Corolla is a sign that you are a recent immigrant to the country...
It was like that when I first moved here, albeit that drive down Sunset Boulevard took place in a Toyota Corolla with the windows manually rolled down. I woke up every day with a sense of anticipation, and I would tool around L.A. all saucer eyed, listening to the Go Go's song "This Town," taking everything in. I think the move was worth it just for those weeks alone. I had been working for seven years straight, so it felt great to have those weeks to myself, although I was overwhelmed with moving in.
Oh, how quickly the 9-5 world can quash that feeling of adventure. My current routine is the same the world over: alarm, shower, cubicle, gym, home. At this point I could be Anywhere, U.S.A.
I should definitely hit the beach soon.
I read an article on the web about cars and what they signify about you in Los Angeles. Apparently a Toyota Corolla is a sign that you are a recent immigrant to the country...
Money Matters, Part II
I'm hoping this blog will be helpful to people contemplating a move. To that end, I advise having some serious bank saved up before moving, especially if you are heading for one of the coasts. Moving and it's associated costs will run around 5-7k, and then there is the likelihood of being without a job for months on end. Even with temping full-time I will be partially living off savings. Of course, there is always the possible cost of having to move back home... I planned well financially, but I'm also kind of old to be making a move cross country.
I try to keep all this in perspective by considering that some people spend 30k on a wedding (an expense it appears I will be avoiding) or 12k on annual daycare for an infant.
This temp job has helped rein in the spending. Now when I consider purchasing something, I think along the lines of "that ticket is the equivalent of two hours of temp work" or "that shirt will cost me four hours at my temp job." It really brings it home. Since I have limited time to cook, I eat a lot of hot meals at Whole Foods, and I've become skilled at weighing the box in my hands and keeping it within the $5-$7 range. Due to all the stress of moving, I've lost a good five pounds, and hopefully I'll keep it off, since food costs are outside the budget.
Oh, that brazen hussy L.A. I'm loathe to spend money on her until she starts putting out. You've got to give to get, baby!
Lucky for me, I am not a professional good-looking person, unlike my roommate. Looking good is a part-time job for her; it's unbelievable the amount of time and money that goes into it. As befitting my amateur status, the requirements are lower, and there is a 15-20 lb. leeway. The day I start spraying on self-tanner... okay I don't want to think about it.
I try to keep all this in perspective by considering that some people spend 30k on a wedding (an expense it appears I will be avoiding) or 12k on annual daycare for an infant.
This temp job has helped rein in the spending. Now when I consider purchasing something, I think along the lines of "that ticket is the equivalent of two hours of temp work" or "that shirt will cost me four hours at my temp job." It really brings it home. Since I have limited time to cook, I eat a lot of hot meals at Whole Foods, and I've become skilled at weighing the box in my hands and keeping it within the $5-$7 range. Due to all the stress of moving, I've lost a good five pounds, and hopefully I'll keep it off, since food costs are outside the budget.
Oh, that brazen hussy L.A. I'm loathe to spend money on her until she starts putting out. You've got to give to get, baby!
Lucky for me, I am not a professional good-looking person, unlike my roommate. Looking good is a part-time job for her; it's unbelievable the amount of time and money that goes into it. As befitting my amateur status, the requirements are lower, and there is a 15-20 lb. leeway. The day I start spraying on self-tanner... okay I don't want to think about it.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Little Miss Something
As a member of SAG, my roommate receives copies of DVDs to vote on during awards season. I watched her copy of "Little Miss Sunshine" over the weekend. There's a scene in the movie in which the Greg Kinnear character realizes that his book is never going to get published and he starts up the (broken-down) van in utter defeat and the Alan Arkin character tells him he's proud of him for at least trying to strike out on his own.
I hope I'm not that Greg Kinnear character a year from now, returning to Austin in a broken-down Toyota Corolla, my L.A. dreams having gone bust. But at least I will have tried...
I hope I'm not that Greg Kinnear character a year from now, returning to Austin in a broken-down Toyota Corolla, my L.A. dreams having gone bust. But at least I will have tried...
Temping for a (So-Called) Living
So I'm currently in a temp job. Obviously there is not enough work for me to do here.
I have some funny temp agency stories, but I don't want to go into them on this blog. Let's just say that Prada-wearing devils are not only in the fashion industry! And, well, they aren't always wearing Prada.
Once I figured out that finding a job in L.A. is all about "who you know," I decided I needed to get out there as a temp in order to start meeting people and trying out different companies. I actually had to use a connection to get a temp agency to call me back. None of the temp agencies that specifically feed into the entertainment industry responded, so I ended up in a general agency that has some entertainment industry clients. I felt pressured into accepting the first position offered, so I ended up in a three-week job where I am responsible for making photocopies for a medical research study. Needless to say, I didn't have a great attitude about taking the job. It's not in a field I'm interested in, I'm not learning new skills, I didn't want to commit to a three-week position so early on, the pay is low, and there are no connections to be made. My L.A. adventure came to a resounding thud upon committing to the position, and my routine has quickly become the old reliable work-gym-home. I feel like I'm just spinning my wheels, waiting for this position to end so I can resume my job hunt. It's entirely possible that I would have been better off spending these three weeks going to parties and making connections. Also, this position feeds into my worst fears about my job prospects, which are that, after working for years as a manager in the library field, the only thing I'm qualified to do is make photocopies and answer the phone. Not to mention the fear that there are no longer good jobs to be had.
On the other hand, it could be a lot worse. The people are nice, and the phone barely rings. Most days I have lots of free time on my hands (uh, like this one). The pay, though low, will at least cover my rent. I've sent off about 50 responses to job ads, which will be my one grand experiment with that type of job search, and this position gives me three weeks to see if that will result in anything (doubtful). I'm also (slowly) working through my connections, which will take time to pan out as well, so I might as well be sitting in a job.
I have this one assignment here in which I have to replace pages in binders with the new, correct pages. I do this assignment with a former doctor from Romania. We are compadres in boredom.
I have had to study up on how temp agencies work. What are my rights? Can I refuse assignments or tell the agencies what kinds of jobs I'm willing to accept? Or will that result in never being called? Can I take time off for job interviews? I still don't have a good sense of whether or not temping will pan out as a job searching tool.
I would like to try out other careers besides librarianship while I'm here (see the personal assistant post below). Outside of being a personal assistant, I am interested in other jobs in the entertainment industry and possibly in other areas of private industry as well (after six weeks I am already willing to sell out). It's difficult to career transition, and I'm in a new city to boot, so I'm trying to be patient. The process could likely take up to a year.
I have some funny temp agency stories, but I don't want to go into them on this blog. Let's just say that Prada-wearing devils are not only in the fashion industry! And, well, they aren't always wearing Prada.
Once I figured out that finding a job in L.A. is all about "who you know," I decided I needed to get out there as a temp in order to start meeting people and trying out different companies. I actually had to use a connection to get a temp agency to call me back. None of the temp agencies that specifically feed into the entertainment industry responded, so I ended up in a general agency that has some entertainment industry clients. I felt pressured into accepting the first position offered, so I ended up in a three-week job where I am responsible for making photocopies for a medical research study. Needless to say, I didn't have a great attitude about taking the job. It's not in a field I'm interested in, I'm not learning new skills, I didn't want to commit to a three-week position so early on, the pay is low, and there are no connections to be made. My L.A. adventure came to a resounding thud upon committing to the position, and my routine has quickly become the old reliable work-gym-home. I feel like I'm just spinning my wheels, waiting for this position to end so I can resume my job hunt. It's entirely possible that I would have been better off spending these three weeks going to parties and making connections. Also, this position feeds into my worst fears about my job prospects, which are that, after working for years as a manager in the library field, the only thing I'm qualified to do is make photocopies and answer the phone. Not to mention the fear that there are no longer good jobs to be had.
On the other hand, it could be a lot worse. The people are nice, and the phone barely rings. Most days I have lots of free time on my hands (uh, like this one). The pay, though low, will at least cover my rent. I've sent off about 50 responses to job ads, which will be my one grand experiment with that type of job search, and this position gives me three weeks to see if that will result in anything (doubtful). I'm also (slowly) working through my connections, which will take time to pan out as well, so I might as well be sitting in a job.
I have this one assignment here in which I have to replace pages in binders with the new, correct pages. I do this assignment with a former doctor from Romania. We are compadres in boredom.
I have had to study up on how temp agencies work. What are my rights? Can I refuse assignments or tell the agencies what kinds of jobs I'm willing to accept? Or will that result in never being called? Can I take time off for job interviews? I still don't have a good sense of whether or not temping will pan out as a job searching tool.
I would like to try out other careers besides librarianship while I'm here (see the personal assistant post below). Outside of being a personal assistant, I am interested in other jobs in the entertainment industry and possibly in other areas of private industry as well (after six weeks I am already willing to sell out). It's difficult to career transition, and I'm in a new city to boot, so I'm trying to be patient. The process could likely take up to a year.
Friends or Scattered Acquintances?
Thus far I have made acquintances in Venice, Santa Monica, Torrance, Culver City, Silverlake, East Hollywood, Glendale, and North Hollywood.
If pressed I would describe my current social scene as "incoherent."
I have been trying to figure out my geographic range for friendship. How far is too far? I have to check out the map before befriending someone.
If pressed I would describe my current social scene as "incoherent."
I have been trying to figure out my geographic range for friendship. How far is too far? I have to check out the map before befriending someone.
Online dating, L.A. Style
Actually, there is no L.A. style. Despite the larger number of people involved, online dating in L.A. is most likely the same experience as online dating in Your Town, U.S.A. As before, I've met a couple of great guys, so it's been worth the hassle and price, but overall it's a disappointingly ineffective experience. Considering I'm also in the market for a job, this probably wasn't the best time to try it out. It's been brutal wading in both pools at the same time. I had read that professional men feel there is a dearth of stable women here; another myth busted. Although perhaps I am flattering myself as "stable."
I guess there was a lazy appeal to the online dating. I'm daunted by the L.A. sprawl, and my time is limited now that I'm working, so it seemed easiest just to make connections by a computer. Especially since I'm in front of one most of the day.
Before I left Austin I sold a lot of items on Craigslist. I got a feel early on for the desirability of an item-- my acoustic guitar generated a lot of immediate responses, while my tennis rackets, though nice and cheap, sat out there for weeks. My ostrich egg only generated one interested response from a long-distance buyer.
Let's just say I'm feeling somewhere between a tennis racket and an ostrich egg...
I guess there was a lazy appeal to the online dating. I'm daunted by the L.A. sprawl, and my time is limited now that I'm working, so it seemed easiest just to make connections by a computer. Especially since I'm in front of one most of the day.
Before I left Austin I sold a lot of items on Craigslist. I got a feel early on for the desirability of an item-- my acoustic guitar generated a lot of immediate responses, while my tennis rackets, though nice and cheap, sat out there for weeks. My ostrich egg only generated one interested response from a long-distance buyer.
Let's just say I'm feeling somewhere between a tennis racket and an ostrich egg...
Money Matters
And it's mattering more and more.
For those considering a move to L.A., the biggest expenses seem to be car insurance and rent. Car registration was just a little over a hundred bucks, but my car insurance more than doubled, and my rent-controlled apartment, roommate included, is still several hundred dollars more per month than I would be paying in Austin to live alone. By New York standards, though, my apartment is palatial, and it's in a great location.
As far as the car insurance, I checked with several carriers, and they were all around the same price. In fact, I spent about an hour filling out a Progressive application online and was thrilled to find out that it would only cost $1000 to insure with them. Then I realized that the $1000 quote was a six-month, not an annual, price.
Gym dues are very reasonable, and although I think food is more expensive, there are far more cheap but healthy dining options than in other American cities.
Between the beach, the mountains, and all the hiking within the city, there's also lots of free recreation to be had.
For those considering a move to L.A., the biggest expenses seem to be car insurance and rent. Car registration was just a little over a hundred bucks, but my car insurance more than doubled, and my rent-controlled apartment, roommate included, is still several hundred dollars more per month than I would be paying in Austin to live alone. By New York standards, though, my apartment is palatial, and it's in a great location.
As far as the car insurance, I checked with several carriers, and they were all around the same price. In fact, I spent about an hour filling out a Progressive application online and was thrilled to find out that it would only cost $1000 to insure with them. Then I realized that the $1000 quote was a six-month, not an annual, price.
Gym dues are very reasonable, and although I think food is more expensive, there are far more cheap but healthy dining options than in other American cities.
Between the beach, the mountains, and all the hiking within the city, there's also lots of free recreation to be had.
The Coveted Personal Assistant Position
Before moving to L.A., the job I wanted, and despite everything, continue to want, is "personal assistant" to someone in a creative field.* My last job as a collection development librarian was satisfying intellectually, but I am hoping for something outside the 9-6 cubicle world now.
Little did I know that, despite having a terrible rap, "personal assistant" has become the job du jour. I might as well be an aspiring actress! The book "Fame Junkies" devotes a chapter to personal assistants, describing the downside of the career. My issue with the book is that "regular" jobs can also involve demanding bosses, long hours, lack of appreciation, etc., but the author portrays these difficulties as specific to working with celebrities.
Months before moving to L.A., when the idea of moving was just a glimmer, I filled out an online application for an agency in L.A. that places personal assistants, fully expecting to never hear back. To my surprise, someone from the company called back the same day and told me to come in and speak with her if I moved to L.A. This may, in retrospect, be one of the worst things that could have happened, in that it set up false expectations on how easy it would be to get a job here. That particular employee left the company. Since then another rep responds to my e-mails but hasn't called with any potential jobs, and the other agencies in town don't respond to my e-mails and telephone calls.
I'm not even sure if those agencies are the best way for me to go, as I'm hoping to work for a "scruffy mutt" type, whether a writer, director, actor, musician, etc., and I doubt they would even use a placement agency. I like the "scruffs;" i.e., Stephen Frears, John Doe, Jack Black. Most comedians. Also, there are certain women I'd like to work for-- Kathy Griffin, Francis McDormand. I wouldn't want to work for a Sharon Stone, but I would definitely work for Dwight Yoakam. It's hard for me to imagine that I would have to meticulously wrap hundreds of Christmas presents for such folk, but then again, who knows. I definitely lean more toward script reading, correspondence, travel-planning, and errand-running than elaborate party-planning. The company I spoke with said it would be hard to place someone from out of town, as I wouldn't know the best caterers in L.A. I wanted to respond that the President of our country is a complete incompetent, and I think I have the ability to google a caterer, but I bit it.
I have been advised by friends to contact the person I want to work for and just show up on his/ her door until I am hired. Well, that could get me a job, or it could get me a restraining order. Not to mention that gaining access to a celebrity is no easy feat.
I think I'd be a good assistant. I can put up with all kinds of difficult behavior except bullying. All that thirtysomething female energy that would typically be going into two kids, a dog, and a husband would all be devoted to one person. Who would turn that down?
Too bad I can't go to a pound and pick me up a cute celebrity mutt!
*If you are a celebrity looking for an assistant, I promise to remove the blog! Or at least not to write about you.
Little did I know that, despite having a terrible rap, "personal assistant" has become the job du jour. I might as well be an aspiring actress! The book "Fame Junkies" devotes a chapter to personal assistants, describing the downside of the career. My issue with the book is that "regular" jobs can also involve demanding bosses, long hours, lack of appreciation, etc., but the author portrays these difficulties as specific to working with celebrities.
Months before moving to L.A., when the idea of moving was just a glimmer, I filled out an online application for an agency in L.A. that places personal assistants, fully expecting to never hear back. To my surprise, someone from the company called back the same day and told me to come in and speak with her if I moved to L.A. This may, in retrospect, be one of the worst things that could have happened, in that it set up false expectations on how easy it would be to get a job here. That particular employee left the company. Since then another rep responds to my e-mails but hasn't called with any potential jobs, and the other agencies in town don't respond to my e-mails and telephone calls.
I'm not even sure if those agencies are the best way for me to go, as I'm hoping to work for a "scruffy mutt" type, whether a writer, director, actor, musician, etc., and I doubt they would even use a placement agency. I like the "scruffs;" i.e., Stephen Frears, John Doe, Jack Black. Most comedians. Also, there are certain women I'd like to work for-- Kathy Griffin, Francis McDormand. I wouldn't want to work for a Sharon Stone, but I would definitely work for Dwight Yoakam. It's hard for me to imagine that I would have to meticulously wrap hundreds of Christmas presents for such folk, but then again, who knows. I definitely lean more toward script reading, correspondence, travel-planning, and errand-running than elaborate party-planning. The company I spoke with said it would be hard to place someone from out of town, as I wouldn't know the best caterers in L.A. I wanted to respond that the President of our country is a complete incompetent, and I think I have the ability to google a caterer, but I bit it.
I have been advised by friends to contact the person I want to work for and just show up on his/ her door until I am hired. Well, that could get me a job, or it could get me a restraining order. Not to mention that gaining access to a celebrity is no easy feat.
I think I'd be a good assistant. I can put up with all kinds of difficult behavior except bullying. All that thirtysomething female energy that would typically be going into two kids, a dog, and a husband would all be devoted to one person. Who would turn that down?
Too bad I can't go to a pound and pick me up a cute celebrity mutt!
*If you are a celebrity looking for an assistant, I promise to remove the blog! Or at least not to write about you.
Drama Queens
One of the amusing things I noted when looking for a roommate on Craigslist were all the postings that said "no drama queens" or "low drama household." I assume that is unique to Los Angeles.
Despite my "nights spent crying into pillow," I am trying not to be one. There is already one actress in the household, although her drama is entertaining.
Despite my "nights spent crying into pillow," I am trying not to be one. There is already one actress in the household, although her drama is entertaining.
Nights Spent Crying Into Pillow
Only about three thus far, resulting from one blown fuse that took two full evenings, during a migraine attack, to replace (had to drive all over the city looking for a replacement) and a grimmer job outlook than expected.
I had never seen those old round fuses before, but yes, they still exist. In a giant, sprawling metropolis like L.A., a little problem like a blown fuse can become a huge ordeal, due to distances and traffic. That is why people need assistants here.
After sitting in almost two hours of traffic (there had been a wreck earlier in the day on the 405) to get to the one hardware store, Koontz, that had the correct fuse, I finally made it home and got the lights back on and the space heater going. Just as I laid down, D. called and wanted to talk about the space heater, the heat in general, and how we could keep the costs down. I felt like a beleagured husband after a long day of work, like, "Honey, can we please just talk about this later..."
Since those fuses are becoming difficult to find, it occurred to me that I could start a small business in which I delivered fuses to those in need. It could be called "don'tblowyourfuse.com."
I had never seen those old round fuses before, but yes, they still exist. In a giant, sprawling metropolis like L.A., a little problem like a blown fuse can become a huge ordeal, due to distances and traffic. That is why people need assistants here.
After sitting in almost two hours of traffic (there had been a wreck earlier in the day on the 405) to get to the one hardware store, Koontz, that had the correct fuse, I finally made it home and got the lights back on and the space heater going. Just as I laid down, D. called and wanted to talk about the space heater, the heat in general, and how we could keep the costs down. I felt like a beleagured husband after a long day of work, like, "Honey, can we please just talk about this later..."
Since those fuses are becoming difficult to find, it occurred to me that I could start a small business in which I delivered fuses to those in need. It could be called "don'tblowyourfuse.com."
Celebrity Sightings
Only two sightings* thus far:
1) Ellen Barkin, in the tiny, "undiscovered" gem of Marfa, TX, on the road trip out here.
2) David Spade, walking outside the Beverly Center. At the Golden Globes a few days later, he said it was exciting to see all the celebrities because it's not like he usually runs into those people "at the Beverly Center."
*At least, I think so.
1) Ellen Barkin, in the tiny, "undiscovered" gem of Marfa, TX, on the road trip out here.
2) David Spade, walking outside the Beverly Center. At the Golden Globes a few days later, he said it was exciting to see all the celebrities because it's not like he usually runs into those people "at the Beverly Center."
*At least, I think so.
Myth Busting L.A.
Los Angeles, de-mythologized:
1) Myth: Los Angeles is filled with beautiful people.
The Truth: Most people, in fact, are average-looking, even in trendy areas like West Hollywood. At the same time, there *are* beautiful people to be spotted out and about, but no more so than in Austin.
2) Myth: You can't walk anywhere.
The Truth: There are a few walkable areas in L.A. I live near the Beverly Center and can do all of my errands on foot, which is what I love about my neighborhood. If I worked in the same area, I could manage without a car. On the other hand, parking in my neighborhood is a big pain, and I've already racked up two $45 parking tickets (a.k.a. my "warm welcome" from L.A.) within one month of living here.
3) Myth: It's a snake pit out here.
The Truth: There are lots of friendly, down-to-earth, helpful people here. Then again, I have consciously decided to block out the people who have blown me off, which has definitely happened, I just can't recall the number of times.
4) Myth: If you are a semi-competent, reliable, non-aspiring actor/actress, you are very employable here.
The Truth: It's hard to find a job, even behind-the-scenes of the entertainment industry or outside of it. Formal channels seem impossible. Craigslist/ job boards are a huge waste of time-- don't expect to hear back. It's difficult to even get a temp agency to return interest without a connection. Connections appear to be the most viable way of finding employment. I hear about jobs through friends and co-workers, so it may be easy to find jobs if you know a lot of people or once you start working here; at least, that is my hope.
5) Myth: Salaries are higher to reflect the cost of living.
The Truth: I do see a difference in librarian salaries, but overall, there are a lot of low-paying jobs in L.A. Surprisingly low-paying, and I'm not talking about dream jobs in the entertainment industry. Temp work pays well below New York wages; $10-$15 an hour is the norm. Unfortunately, jobs that are relatively easy to get will probably barely cover the rent.
6) Myth: Los Angeles is ugly.
The Truth: There are a number of amazing hiking spots smack dab in the middle of the city. Not to mention the stunning drives along Mulholland and Sunset. And there's a banana tree on my street.
7) It's sunny all the time.
The Truth: OK that one is pretty much true.
1) Myth: Los Angeles is filled with beautiful people.
The Truth: Most people, in fact, are average-looking, even in trendy areas like West Hollywood. At the same time, there *are* beautiful people to be spotted out and about, but no more so than in Austin.
2) Myth: You can't walk anywhere.
The Truth: There are a few walkable areas in L.A. I live near the Beverly Center and can do all of my errands on foot, which is what I love about my neighborhood. If I worked in the same area, I could manage without a car. On the other hand, parking in my neighborhood is a big pain, and I've already racked up two $45 parking tickets (a.k.a. my "warm welcome" from L.A.) within one month of living here.
3) Myth: It's a snake pit out here.
The Truth: There are lots of friendly, down-to-earth, helpful people here. Then again, I have consciously decided to block out the people who have blown me off, which has definitely happened, I just can't recall the number of times.
4) Myth: If you are a semi-competent, reliable, non-aspiring actor/actress, you are very employable here.
The Truth: It's hard to find a job, even behind-the-scenes of the entertainment industry or outside of it. Formal channels seem impossible. Craigslist/ job boards are a huge waste of time-- don't expect to hear back. It's difficult to even get a temp agency to return interest without a connection. Connections appear to be the most viable way of finding employment. I hear about jobs through friends and co-workers, so it may be easy to find jobs if you know a lot of people or once you start working here; at least, that is my hope.
5) Myth: Salaries are higher to reflect the cost of living.
The Truth: I do see a difference in librarian salaries, but overall, there are a lot of low-paying jobs in L.A. Surprisingly low-paying, and I'm not talking about dream jobs in the entertainment industry. Temp work pays well below New York wages; $10-$15 an hour is the norm. Unfortunately, jobs that are relatively easy to get will probably barely cover the rent.
6) Myth: Los Angeles is ugly.
The Truth: There are a number of amazing hiking spots smack dab in the middle of the city. Not to mention the stunning drives along Mulholland and Sunset. And there's a banana tree on my street.
7) It's sunny all the time.
The Truth: OK that one is pretty much true.
Freshman Year
Although I'm 36, I'm feeling like a freshman in college with this move. I'm not sure exactly what to major in (how to make a living) or who my friends will be. I'm also adjusting to living with a roommate again. I had lived alone in my own place (a condo) for five years in Austin, and the first week or so here I longed for my warm hobbit hole back in Texas. It didn't help that it was unusually cold here during those weeks and my place is old and drafty with what I would call a "vague" heating system. I had to buy a space heater, which blew out three fuses before I determined it was the culprit.
Overall, my roommate, D., has been helpful in a lot of respects, and the shared living space seems to be working itself out. She's an aspiring actress, so I'm living that struggle vicariously. She's also in SAG, so we receive free DVDs during awards season.
The first weeks were just like freshman year-- hunting for cheap furniture that I could haul easily (walked right into a used dresser on the curbside just before I was heading off to buy one); buying a new laptop (an Apple, another adjustment); finding a good cell phone (Cingular DOES NOT WORK in West Hollywood/ Fairfax); hanging out with new people; kissing some guy I will never see again on New Year's Eve (just like that first freshman kegger).
This is not exactly where I would have expected to be at this age, but at the same time, it has been a good kick in the pants...
Overall, my roommate, D., has been helpful in a lot of respects, and the shared living space seems to be working itself out. She's an aspiring actress, so I'm living that struggle vicariously. She's also in SAG, so we receive free DVDs during awards season.
The first weeks were just like freshman year-- hunting for cheap furniture that I could haul easily (walked right into a used dresser on the curbside just before I was heading off to buy one); buying a new laptop (an Apple, another adjustment); finding a good cell phone (Cingular DOES NOT WORK in West Hollywood/ Fairfax); hanging out with new people; kissing some guy I will never see again on New Year's Eve (just like that first freshman kegger).
This is not exactly where I would have expected to be at this age, but at the same time, it has been a good kick in the pants...
Cheating on Austin
I moved to Los Angeles on December 30th, 2006. I had flirted with the idea of moving to L.A. on and off since 2002, but instead I bought property in Austin and landed a dream job (not an easy thing to do there), so I stayed on. Austin is a beautiful, fun city, a great place to be young, and a pleasant, affordable place to raise a family. Eventually I was neither particularly young nor raising a family, and I couldn't deny the need for new challenges after eight years in one place. L.A., that seductive vixen, called me again.
Several of my thirtysomething female friends also moved away from Austin after having lived there for 8-10 years. It seems to be a common trajectory.
It took about a year for me to get from Austin to L.A. My New Year's Resolution was to decide whether to go or to stay. Had to visit L.A. to check it out (had never been here and had no friends in L.A.). Got completely intimidated by the cost of living and decided not to make the move. Reconsidered again after several months. Decided I could keep my place in Austin and find a manager to rent it out, giving me something to fall back on. Five months before making the actual move I had to book one last visit to get another impression of the city (scheduled three months before moving) and to check out the feasibility of finding a roommate out here. Finding that roommate through Craigslist almost did me in, but after driving around checking out one "interesting" living situation after another, I finally found a good one. Since everyone on Craigslist wants a roommate starting immediately (or almost), I had to start paying rent in L.A. before I was 100% sure about the move. I wasn't on a lease so I had the option of backing out. Came back to Austin and started tying things up there. Worked up until Christmas Day, celebrated the holiday, hit the road on the 27th with a friend, travelled through Marfa and Tucson, arrived in L.A. on 12/3o. It took the full month of January to get completely moved in, including taking care of my car registration and getting a California license.
My main reason for moving to L.A. was to experience a really large urban area. A lot of people have asked why I didn't move to New York. I guess because it seemed too cold, and I couldn't get enthusiastic about living in a closet. L.A. seemed like less of a drastic lifestyle change, coming from Austin and having grown up in Houston. In many ways L.A. is a hybrid of those two cities: the endless driving, international diversity, and materialism of Houston, with the natural beauty and hipness (or hippy-drippiness, depending on your viewpoint) of Austin.
One thing about L.A. is that there's a lot of regard for New York-- if someone here has ever lived there, he/ she is sure to let you know it. People are very anxious to affiliate themselves with an East Coast sensibility. Note that these are the only two cities on people's radar here: L.A. and New York.
Several of my thirtysomething female friends also moved away from Austin after having lived there for 8-10 years. It seems to be a common trajectory.
It took about a year for me to get from Austin to L.A. My New Year's Resolution was to decide whether to go or to stay. Had to visit L.A. to check it out (had never been here and had no friends in L.A.). Got completely intimidated by the cost of living and decided not to make the move. Reconsidered again after several months. Decided I could keep my place in Austin and find a manager to rent it out, giving me something to fall back on. Five months before making the actual move I had to book one last visit to get another impression of the city (scheduled three months before moving) and to check out the feasibility of finding a roommate out here. Finding that roommate through Craigslist almost did me in, but after driving around checking out one "interesting" living situation after another, I finally found a good one. Since everyone on Craigslist wants a roommate starting immediately (or almost), I had to start paying rent in L.A. before I was 100% sure about the move. I wasn't on a lease so I had the option of backing out. Came back to Austin and started tying things up there. Worked up until Christmas Day, celebrated the holiday, hit the road on the 27th with a friend, travelled through Marfa and Tucson, arrived in L.A. on 12/3o. It took the full month of January to get completely moved in, including taking care of my car registration and getting a California license.
My main reason for moving to L.A. was to experience a really large urban area. A lot of people have asked why I didn't move to New York. I guess because it seemed too cold, and I couldn't get enthusiastic about living in a closet. L.A. seemed like less of a drastic lifestyle change, coming from Austin and having grown up in Houston. In many ways L.A. is a hybrid of those two cities: the endless driving, international diversity, and materialism of Houston, with the natural beauty and hipness (or hippy-drippiness, depending on your viewpoint) of Austin.
One thing about L.A. is that there's a lot of regard for New York-- if someone here has ever lived there, he/ she is sure to let you know it. People are very anxious to affiliate themselves with an East Coast sensibility. Note that these are the only two cities on people's radar here: L.A. and New York.
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