I get asked this question a lot too. The last time I was really asked it was my former co-worker at NAVTEQ in Mpls...this past May.
As I was answering it, I felt good about what I was accomplishing but realized that my life looked the same old living in Minnesota. I remember leaving work tried yet in a daze. Oddly enough, that was the same day I called my mother 6 hours later crying and telling her I was going to move to Los Angeles. I remember feeling confident about my decision.
I love to work. Work is my long term relationship. It is the only part of my life where I feel accomplished and happy, even if it drains me out on some days. When I accomplish something at the end of the day that makes me feel so alive and amazing.
I knew exactly what I wanted be growing up. I wanted to be a writer. I majored in Mass Communications and the journey that was ahead. I got involved with the school newspaper and radio station and a local radio station. I got an amazing experience and made amazing friends who I still keep in touch with. It was always nice to go into "work" and see the same people that had the same passion as you. You take in those moments and then later think, Gosh! Where are we all gonna end up?
I remember a couple of my class lectures. One class discussed the fact that if you were going to be a journalist, starting a family of your own would be hard in the sense that it takes a lot of hard work to get to the top. Looking back on that lecture, I believe getting to the top is different for every person. For me, it's Sony Music...or Paramount Pictures...or CBS. For another it may be a small non-profit. It all depends on happiness and what you are willing to sacrifice. I want the best of the best and that's why I moved to Los Angeles, or "Market #2" as the media calls it. "Market #1" is New York City. Skyscrapers make me feel claustrophobic and bug me.
The other class discussed how journalists don't eat properly. I have been there one too many times. Not eating unhealthy but hardly eating at all on some days, but not to the point where I was starving myself and throwing up. I have always maintained the weight I'm suppose to be at. There are some days where I don't make enough time to eat and I should. Then there are days where I eat like a cow! Sometimes I am running around too much (especially when I worked back home) place to place work work work you don't have TIME to think and eat! I have to go to NAVTEQ then get over to liquor storage, then I have a quick nap because I worked at 5am, but then I have to get up and finish writing my freelance story and then take a shower and get dolled up to go to an account and da da da da da...see how there's no time? I try not to look at it as an excuse but just the way it is.
In between my days that ARE crazy and I might have had just a small healthy snack or very light meal. Then when I get home I see two doors in my mind. One is labeled "sleep" and the other is labeled "eat." I always, always choose sleep. I SHOULD make it a priority, but I don't. My co-workers at work say to me if I am working a morning shift, "Kateri, you are tired this morning because you didn't eat breakfast." It's 6am in the morning! To me, that's too early to be eating! 10:30am is a good time for breakfast!
I have to sacrifice a lot to do what I want to do, especially when it comes to love. It has been hard-- and I speak this for some people that work in the same field as me-- hard to meet someone with my crazy hours and what I do. I have been on dates in the past where men gave up with me because of my job and future dreams. But then I look at other people in my field and wonder how they landed such a great and understanding person. My greatest fear in life is someone not accepting me or the way my life is. And I've learned that if I don't meet that great someone, that is fine, I still am good enough for myself.
Same with friends. Just today actually I had to cancel some plans with my friend in LA because my boss wanted me to come into work. I haven't had normal hours in the past 8 years. My roommate will say to me sometimes, "WHAT?! You're working an overnight shift?!" or "You'll never find your future husband with all those crazy hours you work!" I know he is joking but that's the reality of my life. I just have to keep going.
I am very picky about what company to work for and how it will help me in the long run. I turned down many, many jobs until I got to KSTP-TV. That was the golden ticket at the time. It's still the most talked about thing with potential employers that I have on my resume because I knew (and know) at some point in my life it will help me to the next greatest thing. Success and happiness as I said before is defined by the person.
I think I get the work ethic from my father. My father, Paul, was a chiropractor and had his own business. He knew business and what it took to keep it successful. My dad always pushed me to be bigger and better and I think subconsciously I was doing it to myself the older I got.
I've been in this business around age 11 or 12 when I started at the local community station. I want to stress that I don't do it for the glam or attention but because it's fun and I love it, even if it gets frustrating sometimes. It's a business and it takes a lot of good, hard-working, dedicated people to run it.
It's all I know.
Monday, November 22, 2010
The Clarity
I haven't written in awhile, long time perhaps. I have been writing a bit for my memoir, but not my blog. I wanted to talk about some questions I get from people in private messages or when I chat online and also my own thoughts.
I have officially been in California for almost 3 1/2 months. Many ask me how is California?
A couple months ago, I would say that everything is "fine," "great" and "going well." If anyone asks me that question now I say that I am thankful to be here but I am frustrated. It is a constant struggle I try and cope with everyday, and with me being a moody, impatient person already, it doesn't help. It's like two arms on either side of me yanking back n forth. I could be in a peaceful, tranquil moment one minute, driving to my destination and looking at the mountains with the sun shining down, or looking up at the sky at night and seeing how clear it is with the stars shining through.
The next day (or day later), I'll wake up in almost a state of panic, mainly a money issue, which I figured out my "worst case scenario" is I could survive as I am at this moment until the beginning of summer. I have had some interviews, couple that were hoaxy and a couple that I really wanted but didn't get. When I do have a hopeful possibility, they are all up in the air. If I were back home, they would've never been up in the air. Here, people take their dear sweet time giving you an answer...and all I can do is just wait...
I do notice that I have gotten much more aggressive and feisty since I got here, which I think is a good and bad thing. It's almost like I won't take no for an answer, ESPECIALLY when it comes to a job or temp position I really, REALLY want. I have always been control of my life but I want control of all situations now, friends and family are the exception. I also am having a ton of trust issues out here. I won't let anyone in. I can speak my mind but I won’t let them in. I have four good friends here: my roomie, my friend in LA and my two friends in San Diego when I get a chance to see them. That's it. At first I felt lonely when I got here and wanted more friends, but I am enjoying this time by myself amazingly and I finally figured out why.
Most people in their 20s struggle. They have an apartment and try to make ends meat with their first low-paying job. Then maybe half of them settle down and get married.
Me? I moved home when I was done with college back to mom n dad's house-- until age 30. I'm not gonna lie to y'all, I had it good. The only bills I paid were my car insurance, health insurance (depending on the year), credit card and cell phone bill. Then I had gas for my car and my entertainment/clothing expenses. The rest of it I saved...and I saved..and I saved...and I invested. I had no rent and no groceries to pay but I chipped in around the house.
So looking back, I have never been on my own and REALLY knew what is was like. So now that I'm 30 away from home I feel like I am making up for lost time...in a sense I feel like I am "behind" or something.
Back home for about two years I was out every weekend partying with someone and meeting somebody, especially between 2006 until the end of last year. Between 2008 until the middle of 2009 I went out whenever I could, not just to party but I was always going somewhere. It was a time where I was heartbroken, sad and angry at the same time. I will talk about it another day...
Anyway, back to the going out thing. Now in California? Most of my days are spent at my home. I work, run my errands, go to the gym, look for more jobs, sip some wine. Occasionally I'll go out here to a movie with my friend or dinner and have a nice low-key night. It's so expensive to go out! My first club I went to had a $20 cover. I looked at my roomie like, Is this FOR REAL?! He said yes K, it is.
I went NUTS when I first got here-- I thought, oh boy my new home! I went down to Robertson Blvd, I spent a weekend in Santa Barbara, I went down and saw San Diego and my friend, I went to the VMAs, I went to a couple museums and Calabasas-- list goes on. Then I had to buckle down and save some of these fun things for a later date and not all at once. I had to remind myself that the real reason I am here is to succeed and build a life...and to be more frugal with my money.
I think if I would've moved to California in my 20s I would've fallen into something bad, not like drugs or sex or anything bad like that, but I think I would've been taken emotionally advantaged of. I would've been too young and thought young, if that makes any sense. I would've been a totally different person. Now at 30, I don't think California can 100% change me...maybe just 25%. For the most part, I feel good about myself and know who I am.
I also get asked about the men out here and if I have met any cute "potential" guys and been out on a date. What I am about to say may shock some of you because when I do get asked this people seem to be shocked by the answer. I'm not lying, I'm just telling the truth: The answer is no, I haven't met any cute guys but creepy or unprofessional ones.
One time I was filling up my gas at the gas station and this ghetto guy was filling up his tank next to me. We talked for a total of 20 seconds: Name, where I lived, what I did-- all of which I lied about because I sensed creepiness. Then he asked me for my number and said to me, "So what's up baby can I take you out sometime, show you around?" Wink, wink.
Unfortunately for the poor guy, I was already in a bad mood for the day.
"Do I LOOK like an idiot to you?!" I shouted back. "Do you really think after talking to me for 20 seconds that I'm just gonna automatically TRUST you and THROW my number at you?! I ain't that kind of girl!" and drove off. The guy just looked stunned and shaky.
See what I mean about me trusting people?
The last date I was on was May 2008. I am not really the "dating" type. My guy friend once said that to me in college and I thought it was absurd but as time went on and I realized some things about me I thought, oh my god he was right. I look back in my 20s and most of the time I think, what the hell was I thinking back then?
Most of the time I am guarded if I casually meet someone here, it's not like back home where you feel at ease with someone. I am guarded 24/7 out here because you never know their intention. If someone were to ask me what I do for a job and I told them I worked in the media field they would perk up, chat about it for a few minutes with you and move onto the next subject.
Now if you told someone that HERE, they perk up and won't shut up about it. Then they want your number to see if it could maybe get them somewhere when they don't even have a background in that same field to begin with. And I shouldn't have to sit there and lie about what I have (and have been trying) to do with my life because I love it! I don't believe people that don't have a degree or background in the entertainment/media field should be allowed a job in the same field, because it's the people in MY field that have a passion for it and are trying to get ahead with that career path in their life! And I will sit there and tell these people that and they just look at me in shock and awe that I speak up!
In a fantasy land, when people think of LA, they think of the glam, excitement, etc etc...and it is, it's like a candy store sometimes. I used to think that all the time I visited on vacation. In reality, it's just a place where people try to be happy and go forth with their daily lives, they try and find that inner peace.
I still have yet to find my inner peace.
I have officially been in California for almost 3 1/2 months. Many ask me how is California?
A couple months ago, I would say that everything is "fine," "great" and "going well." If anyone asks me that question now I say that I am thankful to be here but I am frustrated. It is a constant struggle I try and cope with everyday, and with me being a moody, impatient person already, it doesn't help. It's like two arms on either side of me yanking back n forth. I could be in a peaceful, tranquil moment one minute, driving to my destination and looking at the mountains with the sun shining down, or looking up at the sky at night and seeing how clear it is with the stars shining through.
The next day (or day later), I'll wake up in almost a state of panic, mainly a money issue, which I figured out my "worst case scenario" is I could survive as I am at this moment until the beginning of summer. I have had some interviews, couple that were hoaxy and a couple that I really wanted but didn't get. When I do have a hopeful possibility, they are all up in the air. If I were back home, they would've never been up in the air. Here, people take their dear sweet time giving you an answer...and all I can do is just wait...
I do notice that I have gotten much more aggressive and feisty since I got here, which I think is a good and bad thing. It's almost like I won't take no for an answer, ESPECIALLY when it comes to a job or temp position I really, REALLY want. I have always been control of my life but I want control of all situations now, friends and family are the exception. I also am having a ton of trust issues out here. I won't let anyone in. I can speak my mind but I won’t let them in. I have four good friends here: my roomie, my friend in LA and my two friends in San Diego when I get a chance to see them. That's it. At first I felt lonely when I got here and wanted more friends, but I am enjoying this time by myself amazingly and I finally figured out why.
Most people in their 20s struggle. They have an apartment and try to make ends meat with their first low-paying job. Then maybe half of them settle down and get married.
Me? I moved home when I was done with college back to mom n dad's house-- until age 30. I'm not gonna lie to y'all, I had it good. The only bills I paid were my car insurance, health insurance (depending on the year), credit card and cell phone bill. Then I had gas for my car and my entertainment/clothing expenses. The rest of it I saved...and I saved..and I saved...and I invested. I had no rent and no groceries to pay but I chipped in around the house.
So looking back, I have never been on my own and REALLY knew what is was like. So now that I'm 30 away from home I feel like I am making up for lost time...in a sense I feel like I am "behind" or something.
Back home for about two years I was out every weekend partying with someone and meeting somebody, especially between 2006 until the end of last year. Between 2008 until the middle of 2009 I went out whenever I could, not just to party but I was always going somewhere. It was a time where I was heartbroken, sad and angry at the same time. I will talk about it another day...
Anyway, back to the going out thing. Now in California? Most of my days are spent at my home. I work, run my errands, go to the gym, look for more jobs, sip some wine. Occasionally I'll go out here to a movie with my friend or dinner and have a nice low-key night. It's so expensive to go out! My first club I went to had a $20 cover. I looked at my roomie like, Is this FOR REAL?! He said yes K, it is.
I went NUTS when I first got here-- I thought, oh boy my new home! I went down to Robertson Blvd, I spent a weekend in Santa Barbara, I went down and saw San Diego and my friend, I went to the VMAs, I went to a couple museums and Calabasas-- list goes on. Then I had to buckle down and save some of these fun things for a later date and not all at once. I had to remind myself that the real reason I am here is to succeed and build a life...and to be more frugal with my money.
I think if I would've moved to California in my 20s I would've fallen into something bad, not like drugs or sex or anything bad like that, but I think I would've been taken emotionally advantaged of. I would've been too young and thought young, if that makes any sense. I would've been a totally different person. Now at 30, I don't think California can 100% change me...maybe just 25%. For the most part, I feel good about myself and know who I am.
I also get asked about the men out here and if I have met any cute "potential" guys and been out on a date. What I am about to say may shock some of you because when I do get asked this people seem to be shocked by the answer. I'm not lying, I'm just telling the truth: The answer is no, I haven't met any cute guys but creepy or unprofessional ones.
One time I was filling up my gas at the gas station and this ghetto guy was filling up his tank next to me. We talked for a total of 20 seconds: Name, where I lived, what I did-- all of which I lied about because I sensed creepiness. Then he asked me for my number and said to me, "So what's up baby can I take you out sometime, show you around?" Wink, wink.
Unfortunately for the poor guy, I was already in a bad mood for the day.
"Do I LOOK like an idiot to you?!" I shouted back. "Do you really think after talking to me for 20 seconds that I'm just gonna automatically TRUST you and THROW my number at you?! I ain't that kind of girl!" and drove off. The guy just looked stunned and shaky.
See what I mean about me trusting people?
The last date I was on was May 2008. I am not really the "dating" type. My guy friend once said that to me in college and I thought it was absurd but as time went on and I realized some things about me I thought, oh my god he was right. I look back in my 20s and most of the time I think, what the hell was I thinking back then?
Most of the time I am guarded if I casually meet someone here, it's not like back home where you feel at ease with someone. I am guarded 24/7 out here because you never know their intention. If someone were to ask me what I do for a job and I told them I worked in the media field they would perk up, chat about it for a few minutes with you and move onto the next subject.
Now if you told someone that HERE, they perk up and won't shut up about it. Then they want your number to see if it could maybe get them somewhere when they don't even have a background in that same field to begin with. And I shouldn't have to sit there and lie about what I have (and have been trying) to do with my life because I love it! I don't believe people that don't have a degree or background in the entertainment/media field should be allowed a job in the same field, because it's the people in MY field that have a passion for it and are trying to get ahead with that career path in their life! And I will sit there and tell these people that and they just look at me in shock and awe that I speak up!
In a fantasy land, when people think of LA, they think of the glam, excitement, etc etc...and it is, it's like a candy store sometimes. I used to think that all the time I visited on vacation. In reality, it's just a place where people try to be happy and go forth with their daily lives, they try and find that inner peace.
I still have yet to find my inner peace.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Where are you job?
So I think it's time I start being real with y'all and tell you about my job situation out here in LA. LA is great but there are my days when I think OMG...
When I took on my job with my traffic company, it is part time/on call. My hours vary...one minute I could be working a day shift and the next minute an overnight shift. My office is also possibly in the process of moving further north of LA into the Valley early this coming year, which means that anyone of my co-workers and I that live in the OC will have even a farther commute. Right now my commute from the OC to my work (near LAX) is 40 minutes.
In between this time I have been applying for jobs, being my own manager, networking and meeting people. A few of my networking peeps didn't pan out and two will remain good aquaintances, but one guy that works in the movie industry at a major motion picture company did. I met with him this week and I am so grateful for him taking the time out to chat. He said I could use him as a reference and to have me send him my resume in case he sees of anything I qualify for. He was a very kind guy and gave me a ton of great insight. I also have one of my co-workers help refer me to a casting company for movie extras. I don't act, don't like it, but I wouldn't mind standing around looking cute. My friend Nicole and I were coming up with crazy titles if I ever got a part that I could put on my future IMDB site: Woman as cross dresser...woman with rifle...woman overboard...silly things like that. :D I have applied to the one agency and still have to go to 2 more I am interested in. Each agency you have to pay a fee of $25, then call a number they give you to see if you fall into the age category their client is looking for for their certain film/TV series. Then you wait. I applied to "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and a new Adam Sandler movie called "Jack and Jill". No calls yet.
I also went to Wilhelmina Models just for kicks and giggles to see if they wanted me and they didn't. They took one look at my photo and said no thanks. It doesn't upset or bother me I find the process kind of hilarious. I told my friend jokingly, "Our glory days are over! Back in the day we used to look cute!" Lol. We are going to one more this Thursday called Photogenics.
I can't even recall how many jobs I've applied to hear but obviously it is a hell lot more than I did in Mpls. I've applied to PR and news jobs to entertainment admin jobs or marketing coordinators. I'm also having a well-known temp agency out here called AppleOne help me find a job. One friend told me she got her job at a production company. One guy had a temp job working for Larry Flynt. My co-worker's friend went temp to hire and nows works at CBS Video. My account executive is pretty cool, we hit it off immediately. She liked my thick-skinned tell it like it is attitude. Lol.
Most afternoons I spend booking myself for various promotions and talking to a bunch of companies on the phone. Sometimes I'll freelance write...go to the gym....run errands...take a nap.
So the "OMG" part came when I figured out how much money I have went through in my savings. It really isn't that much but the part that freaks me out is fast forwarding months from now thinking, will I be ok? My roomie assures me I'll be ok, it just takes time. My dad always calls and asks if I need money or food. Lol. I am ok for now, I just need something to present itself sooner rather than later!
The other "OMG" moment usually happens when I'm driving. I think, I can't believe I actually live here now. I go into this daze and then think, oh crap, traffic ahead, wake up and put my foot on the brakes! It's really getting hard for me to drive in LA with my 300M. I need something smaller. Hopefully within the next 2 years I can get what a want. For now my lil car is ok. :p
When I took on my job with my traffic company, it is part time/on call. My hours vary...one minute I could be working a day shift and the next minute an overnight shift. My office is also possibly in the process of moving further north of LA into the Valley early this coming year, which means that anyone of my co-workers and I that live in the OC will have even a farther commute. Right now my commute from the OC to my work (near LAX) is 40 minutes.
In between this time I have been applying for jobs, being my own manager, networking and meeting people. A few of my networking peeps didn't pan out and two will remain good aquaintances, but one guy that works in the movie industry at a major motion picture company did. I met with him this week and I am so grateful for him taking the time out to chat. He said I could use him as a reference and to have me send him my resume in case he sees of anything I qualify for. He was a very kind guy and gave me a ton of great insight. I also have one of my co-workers help refer me to a casting company for movie extras. I don't act, don't like it, but I wouldn't mind standing around looking cute. My friend Nicole and I were coming up with crazy titles if I ever got a part that I could put on my future IMDB site: Woman as cross dresser...woman with rifle...woman overboard...silly things like that. :D I have applied to the one agency and still have to go to 2 more I am interested in. Each agency you have to pay a fee of $25, then call a number they give you to see if you fall into the age category their client is looking for for their certain film/TV series. Then you wait. I applied to "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and a new Adam Sandler movie called "Jack and Jill". No calls yet.
I also went to Wilhelmina Models just for kicks and giggles to see if they wanted me and they didn't. They took one look at my photo and said no thanks. It doesn't upset or bother me I find the process kind of hilarious. I told my friend jokingly, "Our glory days are over! Back in the day we used to look cute!" Lol. We are going to one more this Thursday called Photogenics.
I can't even recall how many jobs I've applied to hear but obviously it is a hell lot more than I did in Mpls. I've applied to PR and news jobs to entertainment admin jobs or marketing coordinators. I'm also having a well-known temp agency out here called AppleOne help me find a job. One friend told me she got her job at a production company. One guy had a temp job working for Larry Flynt. My co-worker's friend went temp to hire and nows works at CBS Video. My account executive is pretty cool, we hit it off immediately. She liked my thick-skinned tell it like it is attitude. Lol.
Most afternoons I spend booking myself for various promotions and talking to a bunch of companies on the phone. Sometimes I'll freelance write...go to the gym....run errands...take a nap.
So the "OMG" part came when I figured out how much money I have went through in my savings. It really isn't that much but the part that freaks me out is fast forwarding months from now thinking, will I be ok? My roomie assures me I'll be ok, it just takes time. My dad always calls and asks if I need money or food. Lol. I am ok for now, I just need something to present itself sooner rather than later!
The other "OMG" moment usually happens when I'm driving. I think, I can't believe I actually live here now. I go into this daze and then think, oh crap, traffic ahead, wake up and put my foot on the brakes! It's really getting hard for me to drive in LA with my 300M. I need something smaller. Hopefully within the next 2 years I can get what a want. For now my lil car is ok. :p
Friday, September 24, 2010
What my week has been like...so far...
I've been kind of behind on what has been happening with me this week, it's just been so busy!
Well for starters, I worked 2 overnight shifts earlier in the week. I was running low on energy and sleep by the time I got through them. In between my down time my roomie's friend and I went to go and see Toy Story 3. I LOVE the Toy Story movies, they are so cute and funny!
I went to my first club called 8Eighty8 Club in the OC. $20 cover. My roomie says that's typical. I say that's way too much! The go-go-dancers also had no personality and were not giving it their all, you could tell that they just got hired for their good looks and hot bods...sad sad sad...I've seen better go-go dancers back home!
This week was also Social Media Week in Los Angeles. There were a ton of panels where organizations discussed how they use social media (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, etc...) to help gain exposure to their business, product or client. I volunteered for 2 shifts: one at the House of Blues and one at the W Hotel in Hollywood.
The HOB is off of the Sunset Strip and featured concert promoter LiveNation. My job was to check in panelists and guests. I spent a couple hours doing this. Unfortunately, I was so worn out from all of my overnight shifts that I ended up leaving a couple hours early. I ate dinner upstairs and had this awesome shrimp, rice and green beans dish. Then I went home and crashed for 14 hours.
The next night was at the W Hotel off of Hollywood Blvd and it featured different local fashion businesses. Once again I checked people in. I also copied down a lot of the businesses and looked them up when I got home but none of them really interested me. By the time we were done, there was nothing much more to do, so I went to Cravings at Sunset Plaza and had a glass of wine and chicken curry.
Getting home was interesting, the ho brought me to a sobriety test area. For those of you who don't know who the "ho" is, that is the name for my GPS. I will be talking about her many times in the near future. I wanted to make a mean name for her and I thought "bitch", "tramp" "slut" were too simple. The ho got me into my car accident out here. The ho will recalculate many times, telling me to go one direction then suddenly changing her mind and telling me to turn around and go back to where I came from. Now the ho brought me into a sobriety test area at 9:30pm when I had no intention of going there. I had half a glass of wine and more food than my stomach could handle. Just so everyone knows, California has a Zero Alcohol Tolerance Law. Luckily, the officer shined the light in my eyes and let me pass. Then I got to the 10 Freeway.
Today I had a meeting with a temp agency called AppleOne, I had 2 friends recommend them to me. I had an awesome meeting with the lady who is going to look for some entertainment/media jobs for me. It loos pretty promising! I also got my nails done and laid low the rest of the night, I have been feeling a little under the weather. :( And spwaking of weather, the high was 100 today and the same for tomorrow. Not looking forward to it...
I also got my absentee ballot in the mail today. Go Mark Dayton!
This weekend is pretty much crazy. My friend Nicole and I are going to a modeling call for LA Fashion Week, they are looking for models 5'9"-6'0". We are both tall, so why not try? :) I also work my traffic job there afterwards until 1030pm. Then I have to be at work to manage a Yoplait Smoothie promo at 430am the next day. I know, I know, where's the sleep?
This coming week I work one overnight shift, work a Duarte promo and I finally have a meeting with the agent from Paramount to see if he can point me in the right direction and what not.
Random one sentence thoughts....I am waiting to see when I am going to San Fran for a visit....I am coming home to Mpls for Xmas for 7 days, I am so excited! I also scheduled a hair apt and a couple doc visits while I am home...I'm shopping around my many exclusive Michael Jackson photos that I have, I am not sure if people pay or if they give credit but I want to see how much they would offer. I think it's more of a curiousity thing than anything else.
Well for starters, I worked 2 overnight shifts earlier in the week. I was running low on energy and sleep by the time I got through them. In between my down time my roomie's friend and I went to go and see Toy Story 3. I LOVE the Toy Story movies, they are so cute and funny!
I went to my first club called 8Eighty8 Club in the OC. $20 cover. My roomie says that's typical. I say that's way too much! The go-go-dancers also had no personality and were not giving it their all, you could tell that they just got hired for their good looks and hot bods...sad sad sad...I've seen better go-go dancers back home!
This week was also Social Media Week in Los Angeles. There were a ton of panels where organizations discussed how they use social media (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, etc...) to help gain exposure to their business, product or client. I volunteered for 2 shifts: one at the House of Blues and one at the W Hotel in Hollywood.
The HOB is off of the Sunset Strip and featured concert promoter LiveNation. My job was to check in panelists and guests. I spent a couple hours doing this. Unfortunately, I was so worn out from all of my overnight shifts that I ended up leaving a couple hours early. I ate dinner upstairs and had this awesome shrimp, rice and green beans dish. Then I went home and crashed for 14 hours.
The next night was at the W Hotel off of Hollywood Blvd and it featured different local fashion businesses. Once again I checked people in. I also copied down a lot of the businesses and looked them up when I got home but none of them really interested me. By the time we were done, there was nothing much more to do, so I went to Cravings at Sunset Plaza and had a glass of wine and chicken curry.
Getting home was interesting, the ho brought me to a sobriety test area. For those of you who don't know who the "ho" is, that is the name for my GPS. I will be talking about her many times in the near future. I wanted to make a mean name for her and I thought "bitch", "tramp" "slut" were too simple. The ho got me into my car accident out here. The ho will recalculate many times, telling me to go one direction then suddenly changing her mind and telling me to turn around and go back to where I came from. Now the ho brought me into a sobriety test area at 9:30pm when I had no intention of going there. I had half a glass of wine and more food than my stomach could handle. Just so everyone knows, California has a Zero Alcohol Tolerance Law. Luckily, the officer shined the light in my eyes and let me pass. Then I got to the 10 Freeway.
Today I had a meeting with a temp agency called AppleOne, I had 2 friends recommend them to me. I had an awesome meeting with the lady who is going to look for some entertainment/media jobs for me. It loos pretty promising! I also got my nails done and laid low the rest of the night, I have been feeling a little under the weather. :( And spwaking of weather, the high was 100 today and the same for tomorrow. Not looking forward to it...
I also got my absentee ballot in the mail today. Go Mark Dayton!
This weekend is pretty much crazy. My friend Nicole and I are going to a modeling call for LA Fashion Week, they are looking for models 5'9"-6'0". We are both tall, so why not try? :) I also work my traffic job there afterwards until 1030pm. Then I have to be at work to manage a Yoplait Smoothie promo at 430am the next day. I know, I know, where's the sleep?
This coming week I work one overnight shift, work a Duarte promo and I finally have a meeting with the agent from Paramount to see if he can point me in the right direction and what not.
Random one sentence thoughts....I am waiting to see when I am going to San Fran for a visit....I am coming home to Mpls for Xmas for 7 days, I am so excited! I also scheduled a hair apt and a couple doc visits while I am home...I'm shopping around my many exclusive Michael Jackson photos that I have, I am not sure if people pay or if they give credit but I want to see how much they would offer. I think it's more of a curiousity thing than anything else.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Happy Friday!
I really don't have much going on today, it's my day off from work. I am going to work more on my Top 5 article and keep it low, lol.
I wanted to go to the gym today but I am so sore from yesterday. I can't even lift up my arms, Ow ow ow! :(
I talked to my mom this morning, my dad and her are on a corvette cruise in northern MN. It sounds like they are having a great time so far!
I am working at my traffic job tomorrow and a cookie sampling event on Sunday. Busy busy weekend! My roomie also has his friend coming in from NYC tomorrow, we are going to a club called Red Saturday night. I haven't really seen the nightlife since I got here!
Next week I work a couple of overnight shifts, I pray I get through them ok. Also next week is social media week in LA. I am volunteering to help with a couple events. One is a fashion event and the other is with LiveNation concert promoters. So I am sure I will have tons to tell then!
Have a good weekend all!
<3, K
I wanted to go to the gym today but I am so sore from yesterday. I can't even lift up my arms, Ow ow ow! :(
I talked to my mom this morning, my dad and her are on a corvette cruise in northern MN. It sounds like they are having a great time so far!
I am working at my traffic job tomorrow and a cookie sampling event on Sunday. Busy busy weekend! My roomie also has his friend coming in from NYC tomorrow, we are going to a club called Red Saturday night. I haven't really seen the nightlife since I got here!
Next week I work a couple of overnight shifts, I pray I get through them ok. Also next week is social media week in LA. I am volunteering to help with a couple events. One is a fashion event and the other is with LiveNation concert promoters. So I am sure I will have tons to tell then!
Have a good weekend all!
<3, K
How I got tickets to the MTV Video Music Awards
I got some emails asking how I got tickets to the MTV Video Music Awards this past Sunday. I will keep it short and to the point as I can. And yes, they did cost.
The night before I put out an ad on the LA Craigs List asking for someone who had VMA tickets. I didn't think anyone would reply.
The next day at 8:30am I woke up and I had a response with someone telling me to contact them at this number. I texted the girl and she said I want a grand each. I said no way too pricey! She said what about $1200 for both? I said that's still too much, no thanks. So I went back to sleep.
An few hours later I woke up and had another response. He said $800 per ticket. I said how did you get them, who do you know, etc etc...drilling the guy with questions. He responded an hour later saying he and his friends decided to go...he was sketchy.
I took a shower and when I got out I had a few missed phone calls from the previous girl! So I called her back and she said she really needed to get rid of them. She worked in the music industry in Vegas and had to go to NYC for some fashion thing. She could give them to me for $600. I told her deal. Her flight was at 4pm and it was already 12:30pm. She didn't know her way down to the OC so I went up to LA to meet her in Hollywood. After giving her some cash and a paypal transfer later, I had the tickets. They looked legit, they looked real. I was halfway ready, now I had to get back down to the OC, finish getting ready, pick up my friend in Culver City and head over to the Nokia Theatre in downtown LA.
We got in just in time before the doors closed at 5:45pm and we had some appetizers from Wolfgang Puck. Our seats were 4 rows up from the main floor, so we were in the lower level. Anything that you saw on TV is what I saw. Going to an awards show is amazing, you get to see all these famous people in one room and a bunch of different acts. I think Kanye West's performance was odd at first but he's the only one that could get away with toasting to a douchebag or an a**hole. I loved seeing Cher at the end and seeing Lady Gaga win Video of the Year. I loved seeing Usher perform and Katy Perry present an award. It's so much fun with so much energy!
The show was only 2 hours long, usually it's 3. The guys that were working outside with the Justin Bieber set-up told me it was canned an hour due to financial reasons. We also sat behind to this Realhouse Wives of NY woman Bethenny Frankell, I've never heard of her and probably couldn't point her out again.
Overall it was a fun experience for last minute tickets! :)
The night before I put out an ad on the LA Craigs List asking for someone who had VMA tickets. I didn't think anyone would reply.
The next day at 8:30am I woke up and I had a response with someone telling me to contact them at this number. I texted the girl and she said I want a grand each. I said no way too pricey! She said what about $1200 for both? I said that's still too much, no thanks. So I went back to sleep.
An few hours later I woke up and had another response. He said $800 per ticket. I said how did you get them, who do you know, etc etc...drilling the guy with questions. He responded an hour later saying he and his friends decided to go...he was sketchy.
I took a shower and when I got out I had a few missed phone calls from the previous girl! So I called her back and she said she really needed to get rid of them. She worked in the music industry in Vegas and had to go to NYC for some fashion thing. She could give them to me for $600. I told her deal. Her flight was at 4pm and it was already 12:30pm. She didn't know her way down to the OC so I went up to LA to meet her in Hollywood. After giving her some cash and a paypal transfer later, I had the tickets. They looked legit, they looked real. I was halfway ready, now I had to get back down to the OC, finish getting ready, pick up my friend in Culver City and head over to the Nokia Theatre in downtown LA.
We got in just in time before the doors closed at 5:45pm and we had some appetizers from Wolfgang Puck. Our seats were 4 rows up from the main floor, so we were in the lower level. Anything that you saw on TV is what I saw. Going to an awards show is amazing, you get to see all these famous people in one room and a bunch of different acts. I think Kanye West's performance was odd at first but he's the only one that could get away with toasting to a douchebag or an a**hole. I loved seeing Cher at the end and seeing Lady Gaga win Video of the Year. I loved seeing Usher perform and Katy Perry present an award. It's so much fun with so much energy!
The show was only 2 hours long, usually it's 3. The guys that were working outside with the Justin Bieber set-up told me it was canned an hour due to financial reasons. We also sat behind to this Realhouse Wives of NY woman Bethenny Frankell, I've never heard of her and probably couldn't point her out again.
Overall it was a fun experience for last minute tickets! :)
What has happened within the past month
I want to keep it light and realistic at the same time. I want to talk about what it's really like out here for me so far and what has happened.
My mom and I arrived here on August 15, 2010. We were coming from Las Vegas, where we had stayed a few days to tour and have some fun. I was about to drive through the desert and there was a traffic jam up a majority of the time. I have never driven through a desert before and it was 110 degrees. You can't leave you AC in the car too long or the temp will go up, hence making your car overheat. I was sweating like a pig. I was cranky. My mother, who is usually calm, didn't complain once.
My roommate Rozen lives in a city of Orange County called Anaheim, Ca. He had just bought his first house and was very proud! So basically from the OC up to LA where I work it takes about 40-45 mins. It really only feels like you're in the car for 10 mins though. They have some of the best radio stations out here to put you in a good mood, so time goes by fast.
I noticed some ants in the room. I went out and got ant poison for them to take back to their home and kill the others. Then we went to bed. Keep in the back of your mind the ants as I write on...
Next day, my mom and I ran around town getting some necessities for my new home and I got into a car accident on a couple side streets. I blame my GPS (I call her the "ho") for getting me into it. My right front fender has a dent in it but it's hardly noticeable. In the end, because the damage was under $1,000, my premiums didn't go up and I have a $500 deductible. I am not anxious anytime soon to get it fixed because it really isn't that big of a deal. The car still drives fine with no problems at all.
Days later I dropped my mom off at the airport. It was just me now.
I went home that night to relax and went into my room...there were maybe 50 some ants in one corner of my room. I sprayed RAID all over them, then literally climbed the walls to kill the ones that were on the ceiling.
After that I decided to take a shower. I opened the shower and there were teeny tiny spiders and a big mama spider nearby. I sprayed RAID on them and washed them down the drain with the shower nozzle. Unfortunately, I had sprayed too much RAID in the tub that I inhaled too many of the RAID fumes, making myself dizzy. I went outside to breathe.
After I took a shower I went back into my room and more and more ants appeared. Rozen was gone so I called him crying. He told me to keep spraying. I must've used a whole can of RAID by the time the night was done! The next day he used to fogger. We haven't had must of a bug problem since! >:)
In between all this car and ant drama I met up with a couple people I had networked with before I left Minnesota (and both guys are coincidentally both from Minnesota as well). One was a videographer who couldn't help me at all but was kind enough to have a nice chat with me and share some laughs. I was grateful for this because it felt good to go out and talk with someone and have lunch with! The other guy was also cool, he used to work at a sports channel and knew of his wife's friend that works for a TV network out here for me to talk with. He texted me a few days ago saying he was going to be sending me the info soon.
I work for my traffic company in Los Angeles. It is a 24/7 office. My hours are very sporadic. One day I was working an early morning shift and the next I'm working a night shift. I like all my co-workers and my boss, they are kind, laid back and funny.
Today I met with the liquor team for LA/OC. They are the same company that I worked with back home for 5 1/2 years. I will hear back from them on Tuesday, but I feel pretty confident about it.
I also went to the gym tonight, it felt good after not having gone for 8 weeks! I am a little sore but I feel great!
In between all this time I look for jobs like crazy! Back home it used to take me an hour to do, here it takes me about 2-3 hours. There are more opportunities here than back home but obviously it is also more competitive! I also have been doing some demo sampling for another company in supermarkets from time to time that I am not too fond of anymore. I am still freelance writing as well.
Some fun things I have done is I went to Calabasas up in the San Fernando Valley and ate at this delicious cafe called Marmalade. I also did some shopping and stopped in at the Kardashian store called D-A-S-H. I didn't see one but the manager was talking to Kourtney on the other line when I came in!
I also went to Santa Barbara for some work related and a slight vacay getaway for a couple days. It's gorgeous up there with the mntns and driving along the highway next to the sea, scenery is just amazing!Besides getting a $50 parking ticket and almost hitting a pedestrian (I know I am off to a great start so far right?) I had a great time! I saw the wharf, a sea creature museum, the oldest fig tree, the oldest Mission and looked around a shopping area called State Street. It's kind of like shopping on Grand Ave back home but a little more upscale and with more shops.
I also went to Los Olivos to do some wine tasting near the Santa Ynez Mntns. The wineries and tastings are amazing! I learned a tip on how to save some money though: don't sample all 5 or 6 flights that the store or winery is offering. Pick out 2 that you really want to try and you won't have to pay a dime...then move onto the next one and do the same thing...and the one after...and the one after that...well you get the picture! After that I stopped at the local cafe and had a huge meal...gee I woner why?
I also went to an Angels-Indians game with my co-worker's friend. We lost but it was awesome to see Torii Hunter play! Stadium is pretty neat as well, not as neat as the Target Field though!
My next goal is to go to the Griffith Auditorium, it's a conservatory in the hills. I still have to see this Crystal Chapel in the OC as well. I also learned that President Nixon is buried in Fullerton, which is a city right near Anaheim, might have to check that out as well.
Write more soon,
<3, K
My mom and I arrived here on August 15, 2010. We were coming from Las Vegas, where we had stayed a few days to tour and have some fun. I was about to drive through the desert and there was a traffic jam up a majority of the time. I have never driven through a desert before and it was 110 degrees. You can't leave you AC in the car too long or the temp will go up, hence making your car overheat. I was sweating like a pig. I was cranky. My mother, who is usually calm, didn't complain once.
My roommate Rozen lives in a city of Orange County called Anaheim, Ca. He had just bought his first house and was very proud! So basically from the OC up to LA where I work it takes about 40-45 mins. It really only feels like you're in the car for 10 mins though. They have some of the best radio stations out here to put you in a good mood, so time goes by fast.
I noticed some ants in the room. I went out and got ant poison for them to take back to their home and kill the others. Then we went to bed. Keep in the back of your mind the ants as I write on...
Next day, my mom and I ran around town getting some necessities for my new home and I got into a car accident on a couple side streets. I blame my GPS (I call her the "ho") for getting me into it. My right front fender has a dent in it but it's hardly noticeable. In the end, because the damage was under $1,000, my premiums didn't go up and I have a $500 deductible. I am not anxious anytime soon to get it fixed because it really isn't that big of a deal. The car still drives fine with no problems at all.
Days later I dropped my mom off at the airport. It was just me now.
I went home that night to relax and went into my room...there were maybe 50 some ants in one corner of my room. I sprayed RAID all over them, then literally climbed the walls to kill the ones that were on the ceiling.
After that I decided to take a shower. I opened the shower and there were teeny tiny spiders and a big mama spider nearby. I sprayed RAID on them and washed them down the drain with the shower nozzle. Unfortunately, I had sprayed too much RAID in the tub that I inhaled too many of the RAID fumes, making myself dizzy. I went outside to breathe.
After I took a shower I went back into my room and more and more ants appeared. Rozen was gone so I called him crying. He told me to keep spraying. I must've used a whole can of RAID by the time the night was done! The next day he used to fogger. We haven't had must of a bug problem since! >:)
In between all this car and ant drama I met up with a couple people I had networked with before I left Minnesota (and both guys are coincidentally both from Minnesota as well). One was a videographer who couldn't help me at all but was kind enough to have a nice chat with me and share some laughs. I was grateful for this because it felt good to go out and talk with someone and have lunch with! The other guy was also cool, he used to work at a sports channel and knew of his wife's friend that works for a TV network out here for me to talk with. He texted me a few days ago saying he was going to be sending me the info soon.
I work for my traffic company in Los Angeles. It is a 24/7 office. My hours are very sporadic. One day I was working an early morning shift and the next I'm working a night shift. I like all my co-workers and my boss, they are kind, laid back and funny.
Today I met with the liquor team for LA/OC. They are the same company that I worked with back home for 5 1/2 years. I will hear back from them on Tuesday, but I feel pretty confident about it.
I also went to the gym tonight, it felt good after not having gone for 8 weeks! I am a little sore but I feel great!
In between all this time I look for jobs like crazy! Back home it used to take me an hour to do, here it takes me about 2-3 hours. There are more opportunities here than back home but obviously it is also more competitive! I also have been doing some demo sampling for another company in supermarkets from time to time that I am not too fond of anymore. I am still freelance writing as well.
Some fun things I have done is I went to Calabasas up in the San Fernando Valley and ate at this delicious cafe called Marmalade. I also did some shopping and stopped in at the Kardashian store called D-A-S-H. I didn't see one but the manager was talking to Kourtney on the other line when I came in!
I also went to Santa Barbara for some work related and a slight vacay getaway for a couple days. It's gorgeous up there with the mntns and driving along the highway next to the sea, scenery is just amazing!Besides getting a $50 parking ticket and almost hitting a pedestrian (I know I am off to a great start so far right?) I had a great time! I saw the wharf, a sea creature museum, the oldest fig tree, the oldest Mission and looked around a shopping area called State Street. It's kind of like shopping on Grand Ave back home but a little more upscale and with more shops.
I also went to Los Olivos to do some wine tasting near the Santa Ynez Mntns. The wineries and tastings are amazing! I learned a tip on how to save some money though: don't sample all 5 or 6 flights that the store or winery is offering. Pick out 2 that you really want to try and you won't have to pay a dime...then move onto the next one and do the same thing...and the one after...and the one after that...well you get the picture! After that I stopped at the local cafe and had a huge meal...gee I woner why?
I also went to an Angels-Indians game with my co-worker's friend. We lost but it was awesome to see Torii Hunter play! Stadium is pretty neat as well, not as neat as the Target Field though!
My next goal is to go to the Griffith Auditorium, it's a conservatory in the hills. I still have to see this Crystal Chapel in the OC as well. I also learned that President Nixon is buried in Fullerton, which is a city right near Anaheim, might have to check that out as well.
Write more soon,
<3, K
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Why I wanted to do this
I always wanted to write a book.
About a year ago, I decided that I wanted to start writing a memoir. Sounds easier said than done. I had so many chapters and memories I was putting together that I wanted to share. My goal was that when I passed one day that people could have a copy of it. It's my way of saying thank you to the world, to God for letting me come into this planet and for sharing my experiences. Hopefully someone that reads it will offer them some hope or how to deal with a certain situation whatever the case may be.
Before I left for California, my dad suggested (and I had also previously) that I should write a simple will before I leave. You may think at 30-years-old that having a will at that age is young, and some of you may be right, but with me going to the western side of the U.S. with really no one but to depend on but myself, I decided it was the right thing to do. There's a part in the will that asks what "gifts" I want to give to the attendees of my funeral and I told my mother (who was helping me with it) that I want people to have a copy of my memoir.
She gave me this sarcastic look like, "Really Kateri?"
"I'm serious mom!" I told her. "I want people to have it, I want people to take away something from it."
"Ooooookay..." she said.
This past year was hard for me to focus on writing the memoir. Besides the fact that sometimes it gets sickening to sit there and talk about yourself and what you've been through, I was feeling a sense of loss physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
You see, back home, I really did have it made. I had a great support of friends and family, I had accomplished what I wanted to in my career at that point and I was working hard. I had it all. What more could I ask for?
I called my mom in in May of 2010 crying. Of course, she was out of town in Ohio, visiting my grandmother. Whenever I am really upset about something, it usually happens when she is in Ohio. At first she thought that my dad and I had a fight, which wasn't the case.
"Mom, I can't do this anymore," I told her through tears. "I want to leave. I want to go to LA and live my life. I've done everything I could here, I feel like there's nothing left for me to give." This was also a period where I was working too much, I was emotionally drained and getting about 4-5 hours of sleep a night.
I think my mom saw it coming sometime in the future after we took a trip to Los Angeles in 2008. She told me she'd miss me but she understood that this was something I had to do.
I don't fully know why Los Angeles does it for me, it just does. It's tranquil and I like the energy. I always pictured myself living in another area. I once met a woman years ago when I was doing a liquor tasting and somehow we got on the subject of other states and what it would be like to live there. She told me that she wished she had lived someplace else before she had gotten married.
The LA Diaries are about moving forward and at times looking back of what I left (and still have) in Minnesota. Talking about back home is a lot more easier for me now now that I am in a different place. I want to start posting some of the things I have written in the past and current. I also want to talk about the journey I will be going through.
For me, moving to California was the best thing I have ever done in my life so far.
But my writing is the thing I am most passionate about.
Love, Kateri
About a year ago, I decided that I wanted to start writing a memoir. Sounds easier said than done. I had so many chapters and memories I was putting together that I wanted to share. My goal was that when I passed one day that people could have a copy of it. It's my way of saying thank you to the world, to God for letting me come into this planet and for sharing my experiences. Hopefully someone that reads it will offer them some hope or how to deal with a certain situation whatever the case may be.
Before I left for California, my dad suggested (and I had also previously) that I should write a simple will before I leave. You may think at 30-years-old that having a will at that age is young, and some of you may be right, but with me going to the western side of the U.S. with really no one but to depend on but myself, I decided it was the right thing to do. There's a part in the will that asks what "gifts" I want to give to the attendees of my funeral and I told my mother (who was helping me with it) that I want people to have a copy of my memoir.
She gave me this sarcastic look like, "Really Kateri?"
"I'm serious mom!" I told her. "I want people to have it, I want people to take away something from it."
"Ooooookay..." she said.
This past year was hard for me to focus on writing the memoir. Besides the fact that sometimes it gets sickening to sit there and talk about yourself and what you've been through, I was feeling a sense of loss physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
You see, back home, I really did have it made. I had a great support of friends and family, I had accomplished what I wanted to in my career at that point and I was working hard. I had it all. What more could I ask for?
I called my mom in in May of 2010 crying. Of course, she was out of town in Ohio, visiting my grandmother. Whenever I am really upset about something, it usually happens when she is in Ohio. At first she thought that my dad and I had a fight, which wasn't the case.
"Mom, I can't do this anymore," I told her through tears. "I want to leave. I want to go to LA and live my life. I've done everything I could here, I feel like there's nothing left for me to give." This was also a period where I was working too much, I was emotionally drained and getting about 4-5 hours of sleep a night.
I think my mom saw it coming sometime in the future after we took a trip to Los Angeles in 2008. She told me she'd miss me but she understood that this was something I had to do.
I don't fully know why Los Angeles does it for me, it just does. It's tranquil and I like the energy. I always pictured myself living in another area. I once met a woman years ago when I was doing a liquor tasting and somehow we got on the subject of other states and what it would be like to live there. She told me that she wished she had lived someplace else before she had gotten married.
The LA Diaries are about moving forward and at times looking back of what I left (and still have) in Minnesota. Talking about back home is a lot more easier for me now now that I am in a different place. I want to start posting some of the things I have written in the past and current. I also want to talk about the journey I will be going through.
For me, moving to California was the best thing I have ever done in my life so far.
But my writing is the thing I am most passionate about.
Love, Kateri
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