40 tips for a phenomenal life...

The following was an email sent to me by a dear friend. I thought it was so brilliant that I had to share. Enjoy.

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day and while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

3. Buy a TiVo (DVR), tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, "My purpose is to__________ today."

5. Live with the 3 Es - Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy, and the 3 Fs - Faith, Family, Friends.

6. Watch more G movies, play more games with friends and read more books than you did in 2007.

7. Make time to practice meditation and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of six.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less foods that are manufactured in plants.

11. Drink some green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, seafood, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear your clutter from your house, your car, and your desk and let new energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn and pass all your tests. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past, so it won't mess up the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Forgive everyone for everything.

28. What other people think of you is none of your business.

29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.

30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

32. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

33. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

34. The best is yet to come.

35. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

36. Do the right thing!

37. Call your family often.

38. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: "I am thankful for __________." "Today I accomplished _________."

39. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

40. Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. Make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

Amazing Weekend...

Wow, I was terrified and nervous for this past weekend to come along. I'm not completely sure why, but I knew having an intense workshop with Molli Benson and Mike Fenton was going to push me in ways I wasn't sure I wanted to be pushed.

First of all, to any actors out there in Phoenix who chose not to take this workshop, all I can say is you missed out. I would recommend it to anyone. Not only does Molli have a completely different approach to being a coach, you get to work in front of the casting director...the one who cast anything from The Godfather movies, all the Back to the Futures, E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark, and when I say the list goes on and on, I really mean the list goes on forever. Granted, working in front of him does not get you a part in the next movie he's casting as these days he only does work with the stars, but who doesn't feel just a little better about themselves knowing they got to work with someone who went into Al Pacino's office to have a talk?!

I wanted this weekend to last longer...thankfully I'm gonna start taking Molli's monthly class. I'm thrilled that she wanted me to be a part of her class as much as I wanted to be there. She told me she's excited because she knows exactly how far she can take me and made a comment in front of the whole class telling me I'm a wonderful actor. I'm not saying that to brag, I was floored and truly honored. It was also great working with new actors, those from AZ and those from her masters class in LA.

We worked many scenes, we did some "into me you see" exercises, some memorization stuff, and probably one of the most amazing things I've been a part of..."Lady" to make the world around disappear and just be in the moment with your partner...thank you Dante :)

Really, I can't begin to explain how great this weekend turned out. Mike Fenton is a true joy to work with and he and Molli together make such an honest team, you will not walk away unchanged.

The class was worth every penny...thankfully, as my pennies are diminishing :) Can't wait for February!

Life is good...

"Life is just too sweet to be bitter." Amen to that Kris Carr.

Having a good week...just got back from hiking and the weather outside is gorgeous. Just one of the many reasons I love the southwest so much! My mom is back to being healthy (woohoo)...Martina drove in unscathed from Indiana (though she had to take shelter from the series of tornadoes in Missouri for hours)...I have the seminar with Mike Fenton and Molli Benson this weekend (looking forward to the challenge I know it will present)...and who knows, maybe I'll get lucky with my numbers in the lottery tonight (gotta go buy my tickets). Not to mention I have someone interested in having me model (hmm, we'll see if it's a hoax but if not yay for extra income!)

All in all, back to feeling great. Visited Jen in Tucson this week and saw the beauty of winter on Mt. Lemmon.

I'm in the process of finding a secondary job because finances are getting more desperate...but quite honestly, even optimistic in that department. However, if anyone knows of temporary employment and they need a fantastic worker (yep, moi), let me know!! I would greatly appreciate it.

Happy New Year!

To update...my mom made it home from the hospital last night. Though she is not doing fantastic, I'm hoping being surrounded by familiar things rather than white walls will help the recovery move along faster. Please continue to send get-well thoughts her way to speed her way to health. If I have not talked to you in a few days and you've tried to contact, I apologize. This has been probably the most difficult week of my life but know that I appreciate your concern and love.

I decided to work last night to have a change of scenery as I too started not feeling so hot. Not sure if it's the combined twelve hours of sleep in five days or not seeing much more than hospital walls and my mom's misery, but it was a nice five hour break. People were generous in their tipping, shared many hugs and great conversation to keep my mind on the happiness that surrounds me...and for that I am very thankful.

Two thousand eight is going to be a great year...however hard it is to believe that another one has once again started. I've got a lot to be thankful for, namely the incredible people that surround, support, and love me. It's in the hard times that you truly realize who real friends are and I'm lucky to know that I have wonderful people in my life. Some I may not stay in contact with as often as I would like...but they are true friends either way and this past week has shown me just that.

I will write more later...just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Mom

I just ask anyone reading this to keep her in your thoughts and prayers...if you believe in prayer. I'm not gonna get into details as I'm only home from the hospital for a shower and change of clothes, but I never understood just how painful it would be to lose her until I almost did on Wednesday...and any help from the wonderful people in my life in sending good vibes her way would be greatly appreciated.

I will update when she's home and well and I have more time for writing. For now, know she is in a great deal of pain and breathing goes from bad to good to bad with each passing moment...however, I believe she's over the worst of it and look forward to getting her home.

Love you all. Thanks for the get well thoughts I know you'll be sending.

2007

This year got off to a rocky start. I gave someone power over my heart and emotions and it took me a while to get it back. No regrets...only lessons learned. It was a year of many lessons...lessons that tested my own strength and ones which made me grow. I had my first near death experience in a roll-over accident. This year brought many laughs, tears, and everything in between. For the first time since I started working, I don't have a 9-5 job. I witnessed two great friends get married. I said goodbye to a great friend when she moved away to Australia. I've made new friends for life and have had some of my best friends come back into my life. I made my first independent film. I ran my first half-marathon (which nearly killed me!) I renewed my commitment to veganism. I got an agent. And, I found an amazing acting coach.

Let's see...some favorites this year:

Book: "Eat, Pray, Love"
Movie(s): Juno, Once, Gone Baby Gone, Waitress, Live Free or Die Hard, Transformers
Quote: Life is just too sweet to be bitter - Kris Carr "Crazy Sexy Cancer"
Wine: "Flowers" Pinot Noir
Moment: as bizarre as it sounds, every moment. This year, more than any other, I've really been able to achieve living for the moment.
Restaurant(s): Real Food Daily (West Hollywood), Mandala Tea Room (Scottsdale)
Drink(s): Dr Oz's green drink, Smartwater, Vitaminwater XXX
Concert: Dave Matthews
Store(s): Samual French, Borders, Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Wild Oats
Website(s): amazon, myspace, craigslist, fandango
Trade paper: Backstage West
Snack: Vanilla Almond Luna Bar
TV: Life, Grey's Anatomy, Closer, Army Wives, Private Practice, Heroes, Iconoclasts

When I think of more, I'll share them on here.

What does the year ahead look like...First of all, the idiot's reign in the White House is finally almost over!!! Italy in the summer, moving to CA in the fall. Those are the big ones. Hopefully paid acting gigs, "Survey" getting a theatrical release, perhaps love...who knows. The only thing I know is I'm going to enjoy every minute.

2007 hasn't been without its bumps and bruises...but honestly, one of the best years to date...I look forward to an even better 2008. To everyone who surrounds me, I love you all. Here's wishing you a wonderful New Year!

Vegan Tiramisu

Wow, yet another reason I love LA so much (as if I needed any more reasons to want to move back yesterday)...the plethura of vegan restaurants is fantastic. And not just vegan restaurants, ridiculously delicious vegan restaurants! Below you will find the names of the two I just visited the last couple of days. I highly recommend both.

Vegan Plate in Studio City
Right Food Daily (RFD) in West Hollywood

Tonight was the first time I'd tried vegan tiramisu...something, I now know, I will not have to give up with my choice of lifestyle...it was incredible.

To anyone who reads this located in the Phoenix area, my favorite restaurant there is Mandala Tea Room, an organic vegan restaurant located in South Scottsdale. If you're afraid to try something new on your own and you have my number, give me a call anytime and I'm down.

I also need to mention kudos for something else I've been drinking the last week, every morning. It is Dr. Oz's green drink:

Half a lemon
Apple
Handful of spinach
1/4 cup of parsley
thumbnail size ginger root piece
1/2 cucumber
1/8 cup of water

I have the benefit of a magic bullet...but you can use a blender if need be. The drink takes on the taste of the lemon the most, and is an applesaucy (is that a word?) texture...but it's delicious and nutritious. I look forward to mine daily.

Now I'm gonna go shower and work on my script for tomorrow...yay!

my last day as a pseudo-vegetarian

Starting tomorrow, I am back to a vegan lifestyle. I've been resisting it for a while only because one of my favorite things to eat is sushi. I haven't eaten red meat in over ten years and all other meat (besides fish) in over four. However, today I got the final kick in the @ss that I needed to go back to the only lifestyle that makes sense to me. I was reading Sedona's copy of "Skinny Bitch" and though I've done research in the past and known everything there is to know about the horrors of factory farming and the effect our (by "our," I mostly mean the U.S.) ridiculous lifestyles have on the environment and world around us...a chapter of quotes from those very people who skin alive, boil alive and torture the defenseless animals so many people seem to love to consume made me realize the reasons I was a vegan in the past and why I will adopt the healthiest diet and only humane lifestyle I know...for good this time.

To any critics out there, I encourage you to do research on all the shit you put in your body daily, from arsenic, formaldahyde, pesticides, hormones, animal feces, antibiotics (this list goes on forever)...and then come back with some good reasons as to why my choice doesn't make sense to you. And do me a favor and check out a couple websites while you're at it:

www.meat.org
www.factoryfarming.org
www.veganoutreach.org

Better yet, read a book entitled "Slaughterhouse" by Eisnitz or Chapter 6 of "Skinny Bitch" (entitled: You Are What You Eat) and see if you start to look at your own choices a little differently.

I don't judge or criticize other people's dietary choices...but it amazes me how many people I know who judge mine. The only problem I have with meat eaters in this world has to do with the ones who choose to turn a blind eye to the cruelty they contribute to as well as the environmental impact their choices have. If you do the research and know all there is to know and still choose your lifestyle, hey...more power to you. But to pretend none of it is happening so that you feel less guilt in your choice is just ridiculous. Nothing is worse than ignorance.

Something I find to be very true is what Stella McCartney said, "if slaughterhouses had glass walls, we'd all be vegetarians." Not to mention, if you stop and think even for a second about what it is you're actually consuming, decomposing flesh that has most likely been dead for weeks (btw, that estimate is the optimistic one) before it even got to your table, your choice may be different as well.

Just my thoughts.

Interesting thoughts by someone else...this is the preface from "Old McDonald's Factory Farm," by C. David Coates.

"Isn't man an amazing animal? He kills wildlife by the millions in order to protect his domestic animals and their feed. Then he kills domestic animals by the billions and eats them. This in turn kills man by the millions, because eating all those animals leads to degenerative-and fatal-health conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, and cancer. So then man tortures and kills millions more animals to look for cures for these diseases. Elsewhere, millions of other human beings are being killed by hunger and malnutrition because food they could eat is being used to fatten domestic animals. Meanwhile, some people are dying of sad laughter at the absurdity of man, who kills so easily and so violently, and once a year sends out cards praying for 'Peace on Earth.'"

annoyed...ugh!

So I just got home and I have a feeling sleep won't be coming to me anytime soon. Not gonna go into details as to why I'm a little upset...because I don't know if I'm just tired and the feelings are unfounded or if my reasons are legitimate. Nevertheless, I'm wasting some time on the internet and thought to write that there's a small part of me that wants to scream right now. AAAAHHHHHHHHH!!! Ok, on paper (computer) it's not as liberating but since everyone in my household is asleep that will have to do. If I was a guy, would I feel the same way? Am I just being a girl tonight in my annoyance? I'm not sure. Wish it wasn't so late so I could get lost in a hike right now and let my mind wander in nature rather than feeling trapped inside the confines of my room. I need a drink. Or maybe a good piece of dark chocolate. Or some sex. Scratch that idea, the last thing I need right now is a guy around. Chocolate sounds better anyway. Oh wait, there's pumpkin pie in the fridge. F*ck...I need to fall asleep soon or I'm gonna eat my anger away. And that, I might add, is NEVER a good idea.

I'm just rambling...and to most the above makes absolutely no sense. Whatever. It's my blog and those are my thoughts. That's all I gotta say on the subject.

I GOT IT!

Ok, so I didn't land either role for which I auditioned, but I get to be a part of this incredible project as the best hooker the world's ever seen! I'm beyond excited. Not only am I getting to work with some fantastic people, but have I mentioned how much I love the script?! No joke, it's amazing. I have no doubt it'll do well in the festivals as well as get the theatrical distribution Thomas is hoping for.

For anyone wanting to find out a little more about the project or possibly be interested in helping it get produced/distributed financially, go check out the website: www.surveythemovie.com

Not to mention, go show support when it gets released...but I'm getting way ahead of myself. Don't worry, there will be a follow-up blog when that becomes a reality.

Kinda funny...so I told my mom I got a smaller part as a hooker and she said, "see, you're getting your start just like Julia Roberts...as a prostitute." I find this amusing since she's the person I get compared to the most...probably having more to do with my big smile and "tragic" laugh (as one of my friends put it.) Nevertheless, it made me smile.

This day had some set backs but overall, nothing could take this smile away. Goodnight everyone, I shall try to get to sleep so I can be refreshed tomorrow for the Ford holiday party.