As part of my fee for a design for the Klein Drama Dept, they hooked me up with a few free sessions with an acting coach. I met with the coach, Greg, at 10am this morning. Our meeting went great, and I got over my initial stage fright of sorts. The coach was very enthused with my quick learning ability and potential, and we’re both very excited…! The first step of a long journey, to be sure.

My friend Leslie came into town from Florida today, and she called me up and we went out for dinner and had a great time. Oh, and Closer is a messed up movie.

After going almost the whole summer with no serious design work, I am getting flooded by a bunch of new projects. I’ve got two websites to design, a series of shirts, and then my own side project, not to count a favor for a friend. I can’t complain, though! Interesting how life seems to do that…

Angie and Michelle, two of my old half-sisters, and I joined two of Michelle’s friends for dinner at the original Carrabba’s restaurant for dinner last night, in celebration of Michelle’s birthday (and mine from last week). I was to meet them at 7pm, but was slightly held up by the overwhelming traffic in the parking lot.

Now, imagine this: the parking lot is packed with cars vying for the few available spots. I have waited my turn through the jumble when I finally spot a car in front of my backing out. I put on my blinker to indicate that I am awaiting the spot. Unfortunately, the driver is a very poor backer-upper, so I have to wait awhile. During this time another car pulls up to take the spot, but then the guy driving realizes that I was there first, so he kindly moves on to find another space. Well, the original backer-upper finally gets out of the way, and I start to pull forward to park, when out of nowhere this shiny sports car darts between the standing traffic and speeds right into my spot!

I couldn’t believe it… But, I took a deep breathe (and gave a nasty look) and moved on. The first driver who graciously passed the parking place on to me even rolled down his window and consoled me as to the other rude driver. It’s the little things that drive people insane…

Other than that small incident, the evening was quite a success. We all enjoyed wonderful food and a great evening of lively conversation. Michelle moved to Scotland two months ago, and her current 10-day visit will be the last time I’ll likely see her for at least six months. Till next time…

I’m going back to Texas State University in the fall; I got over $4000 in scholarships and then I took out a small loan to cover the rest of expenses for the semester. I plan on going to school full time, designing full time, and trying to get some acting experience in the mean time. So, no immediate plans for moving to LA!

After this semester, I’m not sure which direction I’m going to take. I could stay at TX State (major in Communication Design, Advertising, Business, or psychology), transfer to UT, or drop out and work in Austin or LA. I really want to get my diploma, but I’m not sure that it is the most wise thing to be spending money on school right now. I want to pursue my dreams; the “college life” is the main thing holding me back right now. That, and wanting to have a degree under my belt.

A friend commented that this acting thing seems to have come out of left field; the truth is, I’ve always wanted to be an actor in the back of my mind, but I’ve always thought of it as impractical. But I realized this summer that I can’t pursue a career that isn’t exactly what I want; my life and job will always be interrelated. I’m an entrepreneur at heart, and acting is pretty much full-time entrepreneurship. Plus, it will give me an outlet to follow through with all my other projects.

I know that 95% of the actors in LA live below the poverty line and that the job market is extremely competitive, but I’ve got the dedication and charisma to overcome the odds. If it takes 10 years, then I’ll do it. And I’m excited… But I also want that degree, so I’m not sure what I’m going to do. But, in the meantime, I’ll be back at school.

Anyways, that’s where I’m at… Take it easy!

Today I turn 19 years old… Gettin’ on up there! Well, not exactly; 21 is the one that matters. I’m heading out to dinner with some friends tonight, not sure where yet, but probably Carabba’s or the Cheesecake Factory. After that it’s on to see the new Willy Wonka film that I’ve been eagerly awaiting, and then we’re going to watch Cross Canadian Ragweed in concert at the horse racetrack. Should definitely be a good evening!

I went to the beach yesterday and I’ve got some photos to upload, as well as tell you all about the car I’m temporarily driving: a Jeep Wagoneer! Anyways, take it easy, and I’m going to go celebrate!