Zach's film program
It's already been two weeks since he started! To kick things off, the students spent four days at a "retreat" in Malibu. Sounds rough. While Zach did enjoy the scenery and sunshine, he packed swimming trunks and shorts, but never got to wear them. The retreat was more like film program P90X. He listened to a host of lectures by his instructors, most of whom are alumni, supporters or instructors of the school. He will get to meet and learn from some big cheeses in the film industry. His class of students is small, so he's making friends. By default, I'm making friends, too! More on this later.
Dinner with Vera and Mary (aka, Mera)
Meanwhile in Glendale, I was alone without a car (remember the car that didn't pass the smog test? It was in the shop that weekend.) I'm usually not so timid, but this transition was (and is still) so new to me, that I didn't leave the apartment much. One day I walked down the street to browse some stores (Hello, World Market!), and another day, I stayed in the apartment all day to try my hand at baking gluten-free cookies (the results were tasty). But, the best part of my time alone was getting to visit with my dear friends, Vera and Mary Senn. Most of you are aware that I grew up in good old Ephrata, WA. The Senn family played a large role in my childhood (memories of Cannon Beach, Bus 9 and 'the playhouse' come to mind). Mary lives in North Hollywood. Her mom, Vera, was visiting for a couple weeks. They invited me over for a home-cooked meal! It was both a literal and figurative taste of home. Literal, because Vera cooked up some fried chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, green beans and a scrumptious berry dessert. Figurative, because these two remind me of Ephrata. Which will always be the home in my heart. I was comforted by our conversation and the familiar faces. Thanks, Mary and Vera!
Movie screening at Disney
Zach returned from his retreat with enthusiasm, homework and a few friends from his program. One of them, named Eric, kindly got the three of us tickets to a movie screening at the Disney lot! I know this sort of thing is common in LA, but it was a first for me! I had to sign some papers saying I wouldn't talk about the movie I saw. It comes out later this year. So, I'll tell you about my experience, minus the movie details! I've never been to Disneyland (I know, I know. It's one of the things on my really long to-do list). But, I know it must be great. After we drove through security, I saw the Seven Dwarfs etched into this building (can you spot them in the photo below?). I also saw a few guys walk by who appeared to be dressed for the chalk scene in Mary Poppins! They wore red striped shirts and hats like Dick Van Dyke wore in the movie.
As we walked to where the screening would be held, I enjoyed seeing the big buildings that house the different departments: Costumes, props, sets, etc. The process of getting to watch the movie took forever! We waited in line outside, signed some papers, waited in line. I got hungry, and asked if I could "use the bathroom" (except after the security guy escorted me into the building I saw that my only hope, a Starbucks, was closed for the day). We waited in line some more, and went through security. The theater was freezing. And we had to wait almost an hour for it to start. The movie was not my cup of tea. But the experience was enjoyable. As we were leaving the theater, I saw some of the cast from the movie I'd just watched in the back! They were congratulating each other and looked as if they were reuniting: hugs, laughter, etc. :) One of the stars, Cobie Smulders, from How I Met Your Mother was there. But I don't watch the show, so I didn't recognize her! We were famished after our screening. So, naturally, the three of us went to In-N-Out for a late dinner.
Job hunting
Before moving to LA, several people told me to apply at temp agencies. I quickly learned that temp agencies (especially AppleOne) are great resources if you're trying to find a job in a city. Lots of reputable companies use them to hire their employees.
I decided that I wanted to visit North Dakota to see my sister, brother-in-law and baby nephew before I got a job. My mom kindly agreed to take the trip with me (and let me use air miles!). The day before leaving for Minot, ND, AppleOne called with the opportunity to interview at a company in Glendale. A job in Glendale is ideal to me, as I sincerely do not want a long commute to work. But the temp agencies I'd applied at informed me that getting a good job in Glendale would be tough. It's smaller with not as many large companies who hire often. So, I would have gladly interviewed! But my early morning flight the next day made it impossible for me to make the interview. I declined, I was bummed, and I even questioned if I should be going on the trip at all. But, after a pep talk from Zach (thank you), I went to ND, certain that God would work things out.
Minot, ND
The airplane flights to North Dakota were frustrating (but not nearly as frustrating as the flights from there). My flight from Burbank to Denver was delayed, and I missed my connecting flight to Minot. Luckily, I caught a later flight. Despite the rowdy crowd I had to sit in the back of the plane with, I was so thankful to see my sister and little nephew, Declan, at the airport to greet me!! Mom arrived from Washington later that night.
The next six days were full of good things: Making homemade meals with my mama (the best teacher when it comes to cooking!). Catching up with Nicole (sis) and Jason (brother-in-law). Babysitting Declan so Nicole and Jason could go on some dates. Walks to the park with Declan (according to the 3rd grader who was at the park one day, Mom and I look "the same" and Mom "must have lots of lotions at home"). Singing the "Bumble Bee" song to Declan. Finding out I have a little niece on the way.
Here are some pictures and videos from the trip:
His smile will melt you.
Declan is teething. Anything goes. Even his nana's sunglasses case.
My favorite meal in Minot.....
at this place. Look at that lovely sky!
A trip to Hobby Lobby. I'm in love with these clocks!
I like Country Living, too. But not enough to eat it.
Reading with Nana.
My pretty, pregnant sister!
Had to get a present for my future niece!
We ate at Olive Garden.
I couldn't believe how well he's talking! Too much cuteness.
The little family!
I love his laugh.
Our fantastic trip to Minot ended with Mom and I planning to fly to Denver together, then going our separate ways. However, once again, our flight to Denver was delayed and we both missed our flights to WA and LA. Good thing Mom had purchased some magazines (she's always thinking ahead!). Denver was a zoo. I managed to get a flight into LAX (a new airport for me), and after standing in line for about an hour, Mom got one to Spokane. Whew! I got into LAX around 11:30 pm (1:30 North Dakota time). I was exhausted, but managed to catch a shuttle to take me to where Zach was. Our drive back to Glendale took another hour (does this city ever sleep?!?). We arrived at In-N-Out with 15 minutes to spare before they closed at 1:00 am.
New job
While in Minot, I almost forgot about my other life. You know, the one where I need a job? (Don't worry, I did NOT forget I had a husband waiting for me in California!!). Adorable babies will do that to you! Because I had missed that opportunity to interview before I left, I prayed for some very specific things: 1) for a job in Glendale 2) For a job I could walk to 3) For a chance to interview at that same company (even though I figured they'd already hired someone else. A week had already passed)
Let's just say, that #1, #2 and #3 were ALL fulfilled! That's right.......I got that job!!!!!! Praise God for intervening, and giving me two good things without having to compromise either: A chance to see my family and a job! I'll be working for a consulting company for the entertainment and media industry. I will work in Administration, assisting project managers. I start on Monday! Since I don't know much about the company yet, it's safe to say that I'm most excited about the aesthetics. It's on the 17th floor of a building, with a huge window in the lobby overlooking Glendale. The view was so lovely, it was almost hard to focus during my interview! It's even close to my apartment...so I plan to walk! My dream of walking to work every morning like Kathleen Kelly in You've Got Mail is coming true! Now if only I can get The Cranberries to serenade me on my way.
New friends
Like I mentioned, we're making friends! Meet Joe and Ashley Baum (Pictured below. We were out for an evening at the Glendale Americana). They're fellow Glendale newbies. Joe is in Zach's program. We've had some fun times together. We've watched movies, discovered new restaurants (Porto's anyone?) and gone out for cheesecake. They took care of Zach while I was away. :)
Today I'm thankful for the new things, and the familiar things, that filled these past two weeks.
I LOVE this blog. Thank you, Carly
ReplyDeleteWanda