So Many Things...So Much Down Time

I can't really explain why I haven't been blogging regularly, considering I have no job.

So, let's take it step by boring step.

The past several days, if not weeks, have been filled with boredom. I'm experiencing cabin fever, with a nasty mix of stir craziness. I have already grown tired of television, and I have become addicted to "13 Solitaire" on Yahoo! games.

I have been applying to various places. I was called for a part time gig at the Container Store. I would have accepted, if it were not clear out in OakBrook. I have no car, and public transportation that far away would no doubt be very trying. Also, the job would start @ 5am. No go. Give me that same position in the Chicago store, and you have yourself a deal. I applied for a collection position at a publishing company. The woman called me to ask a few questions. I returned her call, and never heard another thing. The hunt continues.

All of this down time would be heavenly for my screenplay work, but I have had some writer's block. Today, I finally sat down with it again, and cleaned up a major scene. It's the scene right before the final moments. It seems much better, and I was able to cut out a horrible flashback sequence I had written some time ago. It's amazing how some of the shit that comes out of my head is great, and other portions are just horrendous. Hell, it was something.

Over the weekend, the other half and I went back to the casino with friend Callie. It was a good time, and the other half came away about 500 bucks richer.

We watched some new flicks. First off was The Blues Brothers. I had never seen it. Isn't that sad? I always wondered what the fuss was. It was all confirmed when the end credits began to roll. It was truly amazing. I won't say much more than that. If you have not seen it, make a point to do so now. It was a great movie, and definitely worth its legendary status. The second one was Maurice. It was not actually new. I had seen it, but the other half had not. It is a gay icon as far as films go, and certainly kept that title on this latest viewing. Oh, Rupert Graves and his full frontal nudity. It was super hot. The movie itself is so moving, following the forbidden love between two men, in turn of the century England. Again, if you have not seen this, take a look. It is from the same folks (Merchant Ivory) that did Remains of the Day, Howard's End and Room with a View. Hugh Grant has a starring role, and Helena Bonham Carter shows up at a cricket match. She has about 2 seconds of screen time.

On Sunday, we went to friend Bob's house for the first showing of a short film I had done in September; Twelve Ones. It was Bob's second time at the helm as director, and it was great to see that he had learned a lot from his first experience. I am talking about The Game; a film I did for Bob a year or so back. It was not technically the best ever, but the story was fun. Twelve Ones was a vast improvement over his first go. The special visual and sound effects were very well done, and the story was very engrossing. My part was fun, and surprisingly, I looked really good. No nasty belly! The highlight of the evening was the bloopers section. Hysterical! Seeing friend Lorri lose her balance was priceless! Thanks Bob for the opportunity. Call me again for the next one! I want a lead! I'm being pushy, but welcome to my current mood.

I am getting new headshots next week, after a 5 year wait. My old ones don't look horribly unlike me, but it is definitely time to start anew. My final choice (after several helpful suggestions from friends) was Suzanne Plunkett. I used her 5 years ago and was very pleased. I decided to bite the bullet of my poor unemployment status and pay what she charged. It's not horrendous, but I wanted something cheaper. I will be doing half color and half b/w. I will also be doing half with a beard (or facial hair if you are an ape judging my hair growth) and half clean shaven. I am excited to get some new stuff out there. I am tired (for me; happy for them) of seeing my friends getting work all over the place, and I am stuck picking my nose at home and doing fun, rewarding work, but for little or no pay. Just recently, I saw friend Margaret in a CarMax commercial. So many of the people I see in commercials (I'm not talking about my friends) irritate me. Not because they are bad, but because I can soooo do these things. The time has come. New headshots are the first step in getting things done and jumpstarting my career; or lack there of. Finally, an actual appointment is set.

We are three weeks away from our trip to Puerto Rico. I would be more excited if I had been working for the past many weeks. I might actually have needed a real break. As it is, however, I will be happy to retire for 10 days to a warm climate, filled with mindless fun, sun, food and gambling. I can't believe it is actually this close.

For Turkey Day, we sat around the house. I made my turkey chili, and we filled our home with the nastiest of gases for several days. What a real treat.

I am not depressed about my lack of giving to society, but I am getting bored. I think the telltale sign of this is that television is boring and I find it hard to take on any projects of real value. It doesn't help any that I am stuck inside cuz of the cold weather. If it were summer and I were unemployed, it may be easier to keep on top of things and remain motivated.

Latest Romero news. A possible direct sequel to Land of the Dead has been mentioned on line. Road of the Dead? It will pick up right after the events of Land of the Dead. I wish I could say I was more excited, but I am not. I think it is because Land of the Dead (as much as I liked it) did not blow my mind, and that a sequel so fast would not allow the world and me to get psyched up for a sequel. Finally, there has never been a Romero dead film with character continuity; unless you count "Blade" from Dawn of the Dead and Land of the Dead. This is a weird concept to me, and it seems to cheapen the whole franchise; although I'm not sure why. Regardless, I will be happy to see Romero given another chance, and so quickly.

Thanks for letting me vent on current events. Hello? Is anyone there?