If there's a will, there's a way

I strongly believe in the old saying "You reap what you sow". It used to be the fundamentals of America; the backbone to Capitalism-but I won't get into that at this time.

So on Sunday I had the epiphany (well, technically after a stern scolding from my boyfriend) that I needed to get a job ASAP. My savings has depleted and I can't pull imaginary money to pay bills from the air and I also am against racking up my credit card. So Monday I dove into the infamous job hunt that 99% of all us are familiar with. On Tuesday I had three interviews lined up. As I explained before...those didn't really go as I planned. However, sometimes what we perceive to be the plan, really isn't the plan in the grand scheme.

Wednesday I had another interview (if you call it an interview-more like a sit, greet, hand resume and leave sort of thing) at the Crooked Knife. It seemed like an a-okay joint, typical bar/restaurant and the location was in walking distance from my home. Turns out that they opened a new location that's farther away. However, beforehand I met up with a fellow actor classmate of mine and was lamenting my woes to him about how am I ever going to find a job here when every application requires the applicantee at least two years of NY experience. Him amongst my boyfriend and other people I met during the interview waiting room said flat out that everyone lies. I, naturally, was taken back by this because I am a principlist (to a degree)! How can I LIE about my skills and abilities?! Wouldn't they see that lie on the job if I was lacking?! I went home that night contemplating this revelation about how "everybody" lies. I mean it makes sense, right? How can someone ever get a job if they just moved to NYC like moi? However, after much deliberation I decided to just keep trying with my honest resume and I had faith it would all work out. Weaving through Craigslist I saw more job postings that I applied to; one being rather schnazzy.

The Standard Grill is a hip, posh new restaurant down in the Meat Packing District that holds an upscale dining cuisine caliber. *Ding* A light went off and I immediately applied. However, the application wasn't just a simple resume. It required you to have a cover letter, why you'd be qualified for the job, explain who you are and your personality, what your goals are and what you plan on doing in the future, etcetera. I sort of went all out for this because, hello, fine dining equals higher priced food which equals larger bill totals which equals larger tips!

Not even an hour later I get a response from the district manager saying to come in for an interview the next day. I had school the next day, but fortuitously for me, the time to meet was right during the break :) I even went a little early because I had no idea where this place was and already there were people there waiting for the interview. I was slightly bummed that it wasn't as intimate as I presumed it would be. I brought my printed out resume to the colossal restaurant and received a tangible form of an application. As I calmly filled it out because I could see the HR staff sizing up the potential candidates, I focused on the insanely awesome music that echoed in the ceiling above me. I mean seriously freaking cool music! Spoon, Dr. Dog, Muse, Blonde Redhead, Deerhoof to just merely name a few. Then a tall man pushed the heavy door open and called three names, one being mine along with two other gals. Naturally, I slant eyed sized them up, while masking it with a genuine smile.

He had a warm presence to him, so I took a deep breath and attempted to expel all the negative or tense feelings I had and to exalt my confidence in myself. He sat down and made sure to maintain eye contact with us at all times and asked us questions. Our availability, experience- sort of like how a slug extends its feelers out to gain a picture of its' environment (not that I am saying he's a slug, haha). However, I definitely would say he tricked us because his final question was "how much do you expect to earn weekly". The first girl said she'd be happy with making ~$120 per shift, the second girl was rather flustered and kept explaining how she can't genuinely answer intowhich the interviewer said just spout out an answer-there is no right or wrong answer-so she said weekly she wants ~$750 assuming she works 5 days. Then it was my turn, now I know that you always say low because I know that I can work it and always make more, so I thought ~$120 per shift was fair...that's how much I would approximately make at Ajo's, so why couldn't I squeeze that out from this upscale fine dining? Well, apparently there was a right or wrong answer because the interviewer told girl #2 that he's sorry, but he would have to let her go because she most likely wouldn't receive that kind of money here. Phew!

The next step was to meet with HIS boss, which was a darling thing with a great fashion sense. Her and I clicked, I felt, and we were laughing and talking and at the end she said I'm hired. SWEET! Like I mentioned a LOOOONG time ago, NYC (the reputable part of NYC) never wastes a beat; I filled out employee papers right then and there and started work the day after.



So there you have it. Hard work pays off. We also have an adorable uniform. A silk cream blouse, high waisted fitted almost catholic school girl a-line skirt and a black cardigan. We provide brown penny loafers. Not to mention the scene is amazing, celebrities come in all the time. The night prior to my interview, Mr. Big was there from Sex & The City 2 and my first day training which was yesterday (Saturday) M.I.A. was there and I am sure plenty other celebrities that I had no idea who they were.


(Almost like this, but waaaaaayyyy cooler)

The only draw back to it is that it's a pooled tip. I've never experienced that and like I began this segment; you reap what you sow and might I add I sow mighty hard. Oh well...let's just hope the other servers are as motivated as me to earn big dollars.

A fresh headstart

I just received my new headshots! I'm so excited!

Against the odds I go!

Where have I left off...hm...oh that's right, seeking work.

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-01-21/new-york-city-jobless-rate-at-10-6-state-at-9-update1-.html

So I scoured through many websites that assist in job hunts and I hate to say this but CL was the best source. Who knew?

Anyway, I arranged three interviews for yesterday and all of them required a resume. Now, maybe that's how NYC operates, but honestly in AZ all we had to do was go to the place of business and ask if they were hiring and if they were then they'd provide you a hiring sheet that you would fill out.

So I did research and looked up NYC restaurant resumes and I found one that I liked and made a quick resume and ventured out. The first place I went to was called Avenue, which is a very posh, chic, exclusive restaurant/night club. The owner Matt, was exceptionally nice, but he straight up told me I am way too green. My resume was elementary and gave me pointers on how to improve it's appearance for other interviews. How nice is that?! He said that he wasn't going to hire me because he needs servers with several years of experience based off the clientele but he'd keep me in mind for promotional cocktail waitress positions. I left confused. I was beaten up, put together, given a very minimal glimmer hope of future work and shooed out the joint. I decided to take it as a very great and valuable experience. I mean really, he made me think twice.

Then the next place I went to was of a different caliber. Jean-Georges Vongerichten with Phil Suarez is opening a new green restaurant called ABC Kitchen. I figured it's similar to True Food in the Biltmore back home. Boy was I wrong, again it was a posh styled restaurant that again wanted "serious" and "expertise" servers. Ryan the interviewer was nice and said if I'd be interested in hosting and with training that they'd provide I could work my way up. I said yes because I didn't feel it wise to severe an opportunity, but I'd still look around. Hosting would be my last option because it's only a flat hourly rate.

Then the last place I went to was Shaffer City. Out of everything I would say I liked the vibe of this place more and it was the closest to my house. Jay, the head chef, was doing the interview and by golly he is awesome. He's crass, loud and alluring. Kind of like Mickey Rourke. I mean there were some people he was tearing to shreds because of their inexperience. I had to say I was slightly nervous overhearing him, but I told myself not to worry and to be myself and that's all I can offer. When I sat down, I think he felt the relaxed vibe because he wasn't blunt at all, in fact we joked a bit. However, in the end I was inexperienced for the position he wanted, but he said that two positions are opening up that he'd keep me in mind for because he liked my personality. I'd like to work there, fun chef, chill employees and I love seafood...mmm...yummy.

Then today I went to The Crooked Knife and Mike the manager wasn't really doing an interview, he was just accepting resumes. I made it a point to steal some time in a nonchalant manner of course because we wouldn't want to annoy him now would we? I wanted eye contact and at least a few seconds of interaction so he'd remember me (hopefully). From judgment of the joint it looked relax and the servers looked chill, however they are opening a new location so I can't really say how the staff will be like there. I suppose if I am there, then it's a party right?

Then today I was sending some emails out and I got a bite from The Standard Grill. I checked the website out and it looks rather schnazzy. I have an interview with Niels tomorrow in between my classes. I can't make an opinion on this place yet, but it appears rather upscale, so I don't know how much leeway there is to have fun on the job, but hey-if it brings in the tofu bacon, then I'm happy.

'Whoosah' says the starving artist

So in every actor's life there comes that "Oh no" moment when shit hits the fan. I would say I am at that point. Work is slim to scarce. I just dropped a lot of money on headshots and classes and will be tapped out after the first comes around with all the bills to pay. My agent hasn't returned any calls or emails for the past few days, which worries me because I hope she's okay and if she is okay then that will frustrate me because of the silent treatment.

I crave working on sets and yet cannot have what I most desire. I keep praying and have an eerie sense of calm every time I do, but my rational side is telling me "Hello! Wake up from La La land! Mayday mayday!"

So I decided to appease both sides: my spiritual (or whatever you want to call it) and the rational. I am looking for part time jobs, preferably on the weekend. I am stuck as to what to do exactly...I could always fall back on those lame techy phone jobs (I'm not hatin' I used to do that) or slip into the comfortable stereotype of an artsy server or maybe even do data entry or be a secretary/receptionist. I have no idea...I just want to work as little as possible and make the most money. Hah! Don't we all, right?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starving_artist



I can't believe there is a wiki article on our clan.

On a lighter note, despite the economy and unemployment rates, I saw tons of job openings-involving all of the different array spectrum, so there is hope! I have 3 "interviews" tomorrow and my man and I just spoke about getting a job yesterday. Phew...I am not putting my eggs in the basket, but it gives me hope :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEdPiuAR66I

Speaking of hope, so my boyfriend and I have started going to church together "digitally" at this really awesome, relaxed church environment called Calvary. When I mean digitally, I mean literally. They record live their sermons and all you do is stream it like a podcast, which is neat. Now I used to dislike the Calvary (opinion based from a former man of mine) without ever truly making an opinion of it myself. I just felt like it was a Walmart version of church. However, it really isn't. It's big, that's for sure, and it has a lot of activity-but isn't that what we would want from a Church? It accepts everyone willing to go and has a warm, welcoming environment. Which is a 180 degree difference from the old me because I was rather opposed to religion and the whole concept of churches.

Not that I'm trying to convert you, just telling you what's new in my life and I felt guilty for starting this blog off in a self pity downer sort of way. This year has definitely been so different already, but I feel good vibes! If you aren't feeling good vibes, than listen to this song...Beach Boys always clears the blues!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC2gZMNkyJo

A picture is worth a thousand words

Today is a glorious day, my friends. You wanna know why? It's because it's the dawning of a new age. That's right. A new age. This new year is going to be the best year of my life because I am going to make it the best. I started working out. Started reading acting technique books. Enrolled in acting courses. And today, yes today, I just took new headshots. (Cue in sound) You heard it ladies and gents, I got new headshots today in which I am thoroughly pleased-and I haven't even seen them yet...clearly.

So last year (so funny to say last year when it was just last month) I came to the epiphany that I needed new shots. I went to auditions and showed them to the casting directors, fellow actors and even to my boyfriend. You know what they all had in common? They all thought the headshots weren't as good as the real me. Which is a diplomatic way of saying they aren't very good headshots.

After the realization that I needed new headshots, being the Persian that I am I scoured high and low through pages and pages of photographers who specialize in headshots in NYC. There are over 300 reputable ones, mind you. Yes...I did look at each photographer's portfolio and after many relentless days I narrowed it down. I also was referred to her by a fellow actor friend, Chris, whom I am most grateful to because this photographer is literally the cream on my apple pie.

I met up with said photographer, Tara Leigh, at Starbucks at Union Square for a consultation and we were instantly smitten. She is so hilarious and down to earth and positive that there is no way someone could feel uncomfortable around her. She is like the other end of the magnet. I knew she was the photographer for me because a) her work is just divine b) she does a LOT for you c) she's extremely inexpensive! d) she is silly, goofy, but professional. She's the perfect package.

She sends me hilarious directions to her house and naturally I flub it up by going in the wrong direction on the L train. Luckily for me I caught it immediately and went one exit in the opposite way. Headed for Brooklyn this nervous chicken was thinking of faces and smiles I could do without looking like an idiot or amateur. Got off the train, took a bus where I literally thought I was on a roller coaster from hell and waddled my way to her steps to be greeted by her smiling face at the door.

We go upstairs and literally chat for a good 45 minutes to get comfortable. I straight up told her I am nervous because in reality I really do hate my picture being taken. As much as I love it in a friends setting, professional photographs are totally different. There is a lot more pressure and I must look my best. With friends, I can make a silly face and get away with it because it's funny, ya know? So she poured me a cup of coffee and added a little Kahlua in it to get the room a shakin' and we were ready to go.

I wanted some pictures inside and I wanted some pictures outside to have a myriad of options. We began indoors and no joke there were times where my lip was involuntarily quivering. Tara thought it was the most adorable thing in the world...I felt like a giant turdmeister. I tried to get myself out of my head and Tara definitely helped with that. She's a goof ball and a half. She is what I'd call an active photographer. She moves and contorts her body into funny abstract positions to get a shot. It really helps because it causes you to laugh and have a natural smile.

We shot outdoors as well around some cool funky buildings and trees and was well received by the general public of transportation. An accolade of honks and whistles created a melody for the session. The day also tricked us because it was nice and warm when I arrived, but when we trotted ourselves outdoors the weather decided to be obstinate and drop in temperature. It was no match for our fervor and ardent ways!

Parting is always such sweet sorrow. When the session was over she said I should have the gallery ready by this evening or tomorrow-which is ridiculously fast. She'll edit down the uglies and keep the goodies. Then I'll edit it down even further to the best 5, in to which Tara will retouch them and make them presentable for the business. Much thanks to Tara for the wonderful day and I am looking forward to blue cheese stuffed green olives in a dirty martini at Stk!

Oh how I am excited!!

'Tis a good year fellas, a great year!

Mo' Money Mo' Problems

So alas, it's a Friday in NYC and surprise surprise I am going to stay indoors. Asceticism was my primary practice from distractions of the glitz and glamor of NYC-I came here with a goal and I intend to make necessary sacrifices so I can attain that goal.

However, it would be nice when all things are caught up to be able to go out and really experience the scene. That's where the title comes in. Mo' money mo' problems...because before Christmas I had a decent little savings...however, with mo' money came mo' problems. Saw that cute purse and thought "well I got some money, it's okay". Saw cute apparel and figured "hey I should spoil myself". After a few, it's alright I got some money and the psychotic, splendorous shopping, delirium whirlwind I was caught up in...I realized my savings was depleted.

Defeated and depleted. Now I have to whip myself back into my asceticism game plan to repent for my falling...NYC tempted me with her glitz and glamor and like a first timer to a brothel, I was used and abused and spit back onto the streets instantly gratified, but slightly damaged in the long run.

So I am going to lament about things I want because it's always good to vent right? I never knew I had it in me, but I actually really like clothes. I also found out I have an affinity for accessories and shoes and purses. I am shocked. I used to be way into the sort of the simple chic (which I still am-don't get me wrong), but I've come to now appreciate many forms of fashion style. I can't really explain it because I never really fell into a particular category (my sister would say I'm in the category of prude and boring), but if I see something I like, I'll mold it into my wardrobe.

Right now...I'm drooling over these octopus accessories...they are so freaking awesome, but I personally think they are slightly overpriced. I also have a dislike for ModCloth because their prices have raised significantly and the last time I ordered from them I didn't get a trinket bag of goodies along with the order, which was something they always would do. Nonetheless, I mourn over these because I must resist. I need to save every penny for investment things for my career...that is the mature, adult thing to do.

This bracelet is cool


but this is WAY cooler


and the matching necklace


Then these shoes make me drool....me want me want!


These are super fun as well...wah


can't forget about hats


even though the mannequin scares me the hat is gorgeous


love these beanie shaped/20s-30s style hats



Sigh...enough daydreaming for now. I know in the end material possessions are meaningless...but still, I only live once and I'd like to be able to express myself however I want to: acting, photography, blogging, venting, joking and even wearing

Happy belated New Year

Okay...so I'm a slacker, half of the first month of the New Year is already over and I am sending out my New Year wishes to...whoever is actually reading this. Probably no one, so I don't really feel too terrible.

So since I am in SAG (I told you I was invited to join right?) they send us cool SAG unies (that's me making fun of being in the union) free DVDs of films that are still in the cinema or just recently left so we can watch them and then alas later vote for the SAG Awards. Nifty huh? I thought so. Thus far I got Up In The Air, Precious and Julie & Julia.

Upon watching Julie & Julia, I was rekindled with the ceremonious delight of blogging.

So to quickly catch you up with my life...I joined SAG. Surprise! Times have been slow here, or at least that's what I tell myself not to fall into depression about the phone not ringing as often as it used to. November came and went and right before I left, I started getting phone calls for auditions and working. I LOVE LOVE LOVE L-O-V-E LOVE working on set. I am the kind of person that enjoys the 16 hour days, I love watching the director talk with the principle actors, I love watching take after take after take after take and I even love the crankiness of the set because it's alive, it's magic, it's everything I want to be apart of. I especially love being featured because in my elementary mind I pray that a casting director, the director, producer or even perhaps just another actor spots me, thinks I am interesting and looks for my name in the credits which would hopefully push my career along the river...sigh...is it so awful to dream?

The last set I worked on was the Black Swan with Natalie Portman. I could have just died. She is one of my favourite actresses and there I am, standing next to her trying to be calm and collected because I know if I were in her shoes, I'd expect the same behaviour. I did-chill out and don't start to lecture. However, I must admit I felt privileged.

Then I went on my 3 weeks holiday back to Arizona which was FANTASTIC. It was so different this time. I think I really took for granted the cute and quaint demure of Arizona. I hung out with family, friends and best of all I got to hang out with my man. Hanging out with him is "like walking on sunshine" (you're awesome if you got that). We spent Thanksgiving together, Christmas and the New Years...how awesome is that? I have to admit, the second time I left Phoenix, it was 100x more difficult than the first. It was more difficult leaving him again (I'm a statistic, a value amongst those who are in this group-I'm in a long distance relationship).

Before I left though I knew I needed a game plan. I knew that I needed something fresh about myself...what was it that I could freshen up? My headshots and my resume. To do this I needed to research all the photographers because I'm OCD like that. I literally looked at 300+ photographers in the NYC area. Then I knew that I needed training under my belt that was from NYC. So I researched all the reputable schools here, interviewed some of them that were reasonable and made my choice. I make it sounds easy, but folks, it was straight up grueling. There were nights (yes, plural) where I felt overwhelmed and defeated. Sure, some of you out there are probably thinking, why put all that effort in? It would be easier to just pick one and be done with it, right? Wrong. I'm the type of person that needs to know everything so I know what I am NOT missing. I wanted the best bang for my buck, best quality for the best dollar. Yes, time is money and time is of the essence...but if I put the work in NOW, then I'd be saving time and essence in the long run. So hah!

I found an awesome photographer, Tara Leigh, and I will actually get my headshots taken next week, yay! I am in my second week of school as well. I chose to go to HB Studios because I want to focus on technique rather than scene study classes. I think I am pretty spot on with scene studies because of what comes from me naturally, but I wanted to harness and polish the finesse and the actual technique. Sort of be book smart rather than street smart for acting, ya dig?

So let's talk about today. Today I was in my Meisner technique class and sometimes I wonder if I am cut out for this. I can't put my finger on it...either I am heartless (which some of you will contest to), emotionless (silence you) or there are just a lot of fakers/attention grabbers out there. It probably is a combination of all three...but I seriously have never wanted to cry in class while meditating to a thought. Maybe I am not an actor...maybe I can't "get in the moment", but I just can't will myself to do it unless it's for a scene and appropriate for the scene. Well, last week we had one person cry over this meditating/concentrating method and today we had a whopping 3 people cry. The first crying incident occurred again during that meditating method where we think of memories. Today I didn't laugh, last week I did. Not out of spite, geez...just more out of shock I suppose. Then the second walked in distressed and looked like she was crying earlier and was sort of mopey the entire class period. Then the third, I have no idea where this came from...this I won't hold against her. I overhead the teacher asking something about her aunt...so maybe something awful happened and she was being a trooper by going to class. However, during a repetition exercise she was doing, she just started tearing up. Then the teacher sort of puppetted her around with other students and her crying levels would vary from balling and being inaudible to subtly sniffling and red eyed. I was amazed at her perseverance to say the least, but again baffled. I wanted to give her a hug, but she strikes me as the type of girl who would punch you in the face if someone tried to do that, which perplexed me even more because here she is, this tough honky girl balling on the stage.

Then we all huddled around while the teacher asked us how we felt about the exercise and yadda yadda. The entire time I was thinking how I can't wait to blog this experience because a) I was re-inspired to blog from the film b) I should continue up with blogging since I like it anyway and c) this is juicy stuff! As I am making a check list of things to say (which by the way never works out) the instructor goes off about how modern age people are so disconnected because of the internet and cell phones where we lose intimacy of being with another person. HAHAHAHAHA. Wow...if that isn't ironic enough.

So class ends, I hurry my cold butt to the subway, read the chapter for next week in our Meisner study book, stop at the liquor store for a bottle of red wine (date night tonight with the boy), get home, grab left over chicken salad that I made, drink my milk from it's carton, hopped into my p.j.s and long windedly sat down here to type this all out for you. Meanwhile I will long off, work on some Farsi, practice my English dialect and wait for my boy to come home so we can Skype to each other. Don't knock it until you've tried it...it's a miracle.

Cheers for now!