That Time of Year.

It is officially December. 

Let that sink in for a moment. December is here again. It almost feels like it never left. Actually, it just doesn't feel like December. I see all the decorations and advertisements and trees, but for some reason, it just doesn't feel like December to me. It doesn't even feel like Thanksgiving just happened two/three days ago. Maybe it's because it hasn't snowed yet-- a real snow, not just a passing flurry that doesn't even stick. Maybe it's because it hasn't really reached ten degrees yet on a daily (or at least weekly) basis. Or maybe, it doesn't feel like December because it doesn't feel as though enough time has passed since the last one. Somehow, I'm just a week away from finals again. Somehow, it's become sweatshirt (well two sweatshirts) weather again. This year has been full of so many things. Maybe that's why it feels like it went so fast. I guess every year is different. By different, I mean every year seems to be shorter than the last, which it isn't (except for leap years, but still, it's only one day). Maybe it's just because time seems shorter with every year you live. 

If that is true, then I should probably live each year like I did this year: to its fullest. 
Things I did this year: admitted I needed help, accepted I needed help, got help, starting living for myself, felt real happiness, felt worth something, started believing in myself, went to California (twice), went to Utah for Sundance, became vice president of film society, became executive producer of TMA, had three internships (GEM, Charter TV3, and National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences), was in three different time zones, opened up my heart, got a boyfriend, pretty much taught a class, turned 21, and learned so many valuable lessons, and so many more things. That's a year done right. 

At the beginning of 2013, I made a new year's resolution that I didn't stick to (write down every happy memory of the year), but that's okay. I also told myself that this year would be my year. You know what? It was. This year, I opened up. I finally started taking the advice I've been giving people the past eight years (probably more) and actually started taking my own advice. This year, I took risks that I haven't in the past, and I learned what it means to actually live for yourself and do what you want. I didn't let anything hold me back. Once I put my mind to it, I did it. That is the best thing I could have ever done for myself. 

How did I get to this from the beginning? I don't really know. 

All I know is this year.. I made this year mine. It went by incredibly fast, but it was mine. In the end, I guess that is really all that matters. 
When I look back on 2013 ten, twenty, thirty years down the road, I won't forget it. Some minor details might be forgotten, but I won't forget this year because this was the year I turned my life around and realized I am ready to follow my dreams and to enjoy my life.

My challenge to you (I haven't done one of these in a while): Take this month to just enjoy. Do something you've wanted to do but have been too scared to do. Go ahead and face your fears. You never know what might happen.

Also, enjoy the last month of 2013.

peace.love.happiness.

It's time.

I've been thinking a lot about how I wanted to end my blogs about California and the amazing opportunities it gave me. I've been thinking about it so much, that it has actually been just about a month since I left. That went by fast.
Though it went by fast, this past month, so much has happened. With the past month to accept the fact that I am no longer in the sunny state with the internship of my dreams, I have accepted that and am still happy. I know I'll be back next year, and I know I'll miss it here. Uxbridge, Quinnipiac, New England, they'll always have a place in my heart, but California is where I belong, at least for the start of my career. 
I still don't really know what to say or even how to sum up the opportunities this summer gave me, not even just career-wise, but how much I've grown in the past year. I started to think happiness was just a thing people made up and put on as a disguise or that it couldn't last for more than a few days at a time, a week if you're lucky. In the past year, I started to work on myself and focus on what really matters to me. I realized I can't be living for everyone else and always putting myself last. I realized my happiness is important, that I'm important. I realized what it means to believe in yourself and to be confident and feel like you're worth something. I realized that you need to be happy on your own before you can be happy with somebody else. Now I am.
As of a couple weeks ago, I have officially started my college dating life (only took three years). I couldn't be happier. Those three years, I wasn't ready to let anybody in, but, slowly, I am letting those walls down.

Right now, it just seems as though everything is falling into place. Everything that's happening, is happening at the right time. Happiness, happiness is a real thing.

peace.love.happiness.

~Lisa

The Happiest Place on Earth

Let me take you back to seven years ago. July 26th, 2006 was the first time I ever flew on a plane. It was the first time I left New England. It was the first time I was too excited to sleep at all. 

July 26th, 2006 was the first time I went to Florida. Do you know what I was most excited for? I'll give you a hint, it's the "happiest place on Earth". 

Did you guess Disney World? If you did, you're right. I remember hearing stories from my friends about their trips to Disney World, and I just wanted to go so bad. There was talk of it a couple times before 2006, but it never happened. Finally, we were going. I was thirteen years old at the time (almost fourteen). I was so excited the night before we left to fly to Florida, I didn't sleep at all. I was up from the morning of July 25th until the evening of July 26th (which is a long time when you're only thirteen).  We went to Disney World, and I loved it, absolutely loved it. I made a promise to my thirteen-year-old self that, when the opportunity presents itself, I will go to every Disney park in the world. I do plan on keeping that promise starting with Sunday.

Sunday, seven years (and a month) later, I'll be at my second Disney park, Disneyland.. and I'm wicked excited. I'll be taking lots and lots of pictures and enjoying the day to the full extent with a good friend and a new friend. 

What brought about this post? A combination of looking through old photos on Facebook and coming across a picture of myself in the airport for the first time and realizing that I'm going to Disney this weekend. 

A good use of reflection.

Happy Weekend!

peace.love.happiness.

~Lisa

Let Go

Imagine if you will that you have to deliver a 10 pound bag of something.. let's go with potatoes to your friend who lives ten miles away. The only way you can get there is by walking. That's not bad. You'll get a nice walk. After all, it's only 10 pounds. You start walking. After about a mile, your arms start to get tired. You have a bag on your back, so you put the potatoes in your bag to give your arms a break. After another mile, you continue to get tired, but it's not bad. You keep going. After the third mile, your shoulders start to heart. Another mile goes by, and now your back is hurting. The bag feels so heavy. You still have six miles to go. The thought of it is awful. You continue on. By the time you get to your ninth mile, your shoulders, your back, your neck, your legs, and your feet all are sore. You don't think you can take another step. Your feet drag as you continue on. That last mile is agonizing. You don't think you'll make it all because that 10 pound bag of potatoes feels like it's about 100 pounds. 

What is the point of this story? 
People carry burdens every day. Some are tiny and some are big. Some people hold on to these burdens, and they don't get rid of them. As time goes on, they get bigger and bigger and harder to deal with. It's just like the 10 pound bag of potatoes. The longer you hold onto something, the heavier it gets and the more it can hurt. 

So, take some time to reevaluate your life and the problems you carry. Start to let them go. Don't let them become bigger than they need to and drag you down. 

Peace.Love.Happiness.

~Lisa

The past few days

Thursday was my last day at Jimmy Kimmel, and I am going to miss it there. It was so much fun at JKL, and the people there were awesome. I wouldn't mind working there next year. 
My last day there was a good one. At the end of the day, we hung out in the green room and had fun. There were some competitive pool games going on and goodbyes being prolonged. But really, the goodbyes are just temporary. 
One thing I've learned about Hollywood is that it's a small town. It seems like everyone knows everyone or is connected in some way, which can be a good or a bad thing. If you get a good reputation, that will be known. If you're awful to work with or do a lousy job, that will also be known. In this industry, you just have to know that every job you do could affect you later on in your career. You can't take any job for granted. I've learned to appreciate every job you get, even if you're cleaning up at the end of the day. You always should do your job 110%. 

With that being said, I still can't believe I'm almost done with my internship and that I'll be heading home in just 13 days and starting my senior year of college. They weren't kidding when they said time flies. I am excited. Getting the opportunity to live in California for the summer has been great and more than I could ever have asked for. It came at the right time, and it taught me more life lessons. 
(I'll save the rest of reminiscing and what not for a later post).

To the weekend:
Friday was mine, Sam and Jeffrey's 21st birthday. It was the first year I haven't seen at least one of them on our birthday. The last time the three of us were together was our 18th birthday in 2010. 2011, Jeffrey and I were together, 2012, Sam and I were together, and 2013 Jeffrey and Sam were together. Full circle. It was nice when they facetimed me at drinks after dinner with the family. That was nice. It was only about 3:30 here, so I hadn't even gotten ready yet to go to dinner or anything. 

After our facetime, I got ready to go out. We went to Hard Rock Cafe on Hollywood Blvd. for dinner. The people working there were wicked nice. They even let me request songs to be played while I was there. I got one drink there. It was called a Purple Haze. During dinner, they had people from the Make-a-Wish foundation there with Booker T (the wrestler). It was nice to see kids having such a great evening and a night that meant a lot to them. After dinner, the waiter brought over some more waiters with a sundae and started the happy birthday song they normally sing which turned into the whole entire restaurant singing "happy birthday" to me. That was pretty amazing. Apparently, that has never happened before. A great place for a 21st birthday. 
From Hard Rock Cafe, we went to the Hollywood Bowl to see the LA Philharmonic perform. They were amazing. The fireworks during the performance of "1812" .. one of the most amazing things I have seen. I would definitely recommend seeing an orchestra and fireworks together at some point. 
From there, we went back to the apartment and met up with one of our roommates. Then we went to the bar down the street (Brew Co.). My first bar experience was a good one.

Overall, my 21st birthday in Los Angeles was fun and a night I'll never forget.

Next weekend, I am Disneyland Bound!! I'm wicked excited for that. Tomorrow I start at Arsenio Hall. I'll have two weeks there. Then, I am East Coast bound August 31st/September 1st.
Summer has flown.

I look forward to seeing everyone in a couple weeks, and I am going to enjoy every last moment here and soak up the sun while I have it.

Peace.Love.Happiness.

~Lisa

Shark Week! Jimmy Kimmel! theBeach!

37 days ago, I finished packing up my stuff and left good ole' New England. In three weeks from today, I'll be packing up again, heading home, packing up my school stuff, and moving into Quinnipiac for my last year. It's just another reminder that time if flying by, but also another reminder to enjoy every moment. 

Let me start from last Thursday, my last day at Craig Ferguson. My time there was fun and productive. I got to see a few bands and singers who I've wanted to see live during dress rehearsals, which was awesome. It was good to see how a late night show can run. From the following two places, it'll be interesting to see how different late night shows can be operated from place to place. 

After ending at Ferguson, I went to an intern/host mixer that was put on by the Academy. It was so much fun. I was very happy to see Ken and Clay again (my hosts from Shark Tank) and get to catch up with them. The mixer gave me the opportunity to meet other people in the business, as well as some more interns. It was held at the Sheraton at Universal on the 21st floor (which is a tall building in LA), which meant we got to see a beautiful sunset over LA. 

I had Friday off, so I got to finally mail some things and watch a lot of Doctor Who. On Saturday, I finally went to the beach for the first time since I got out here. Will Rogers State Beach was beautiful. A big group of us went and got to just relax the whole time and have fun. Coming from Massachusetts, I'm used to the water being rather cold, so I had no problem with the temperature (which was surprisingly similar to the Cape). However, the waves were bigger than the ones I'm used to. They weren't huge. They were kind of like the ones you would find at Lighthouse Beach in Chatham or Nauset Beach in Orleans. Then you add some rocks. We walked down to a slightly calmer area and looked for an opening in the rocks and were fine from there on out. Towards the end of the day, we saw a seal close to shore, probably about 20-30 feet away (that's when I decided I was not swimming any more, just in case a shark was close by looking for a seal). No sharks were seen, but it was around 4:30 at that point, so we decided to pack up and head out.

Monday, I started at Jimmy Kimmel Live. I pretty much do things that PAs do, and it is so much fun. I was on Hollywood Boulevard looking for people to belly flop on the show, I threw an envelope in another PA's car as he drove by on the street. I got to see Joan Jett and the Blackhearts live. She is awesome and still knows how to rock a stage. Jimmy Kimmel is teaching me behind the scenes things and what goes into getting a show done. The Executive Producer of the show is wicked nice. She gets things done, but she also takes the time to know everyone on set and will go out on Hollywood Boulevard and help find people. That, to me, deserves respect. People out here can get caught up in their lives and their position will to go to their heads and they will make it clear they are above you. That's not fun to be around. When you find people who know their place, but will still be respectful of everyone else, it's good to keep in touch.

California is amazing, and I can't believe I only have three weeks left here. I love it so much here! I am so happy. I don't know what it is about here, but it's just so different. Maybe it's the sun every day. Maybe it's the fact that your food is always fresh here. Maybe it's going out every day and knowing you're one step closer to your dream. Whatever it is, I'm just going to enjoy the next three weeks and appreciate the opportunity given to me. 

peace.love.happiness.

~Lisa

Let the planning begin!

Hello everyone! 
I'll start with an update and then get to the meaning of the title I chose for this post. 

As you probably guessed, a lot has been happening here in Los Angeles. I've determined I have adjusted to pacific time because I can sleep until noon on my days off (although, I try not to sleep that late.. it doesn't always work on the weekends). I've been adjusting well. I've learned the area around me pretty well. There's three grocery stores within walking distance, at least thirty restaurants, a bunch of stores, and three theaters (all which show only one movie at a time). Today, Smurfs 2 premiered at one of them. They had the blue carpet out and everything. Having the grocery stores within in walking distance is very convenient. I try to shop just a little at a time. I don't really get what I don't need. One of my favorite things about grocery shopping is here is looking at the labels of fruits and vegetables and seeing that they were grown from not too far from here, meaning they're nice and fresh. Mangos are on sale this week, so naturally I bought a couple. The last few days, I've made a good salad for dinner. Fresh romaine lettuce, with fresh cucumber, fresh carrots, and then either chicken cooked in lemon pepper marinade or ground turkey cooked in enchilada sauce with onions. 

Today, I ventured out to Santa Monica and went to the movies with another intern from the Academy. We saw the To Do List, which is rather funny, but also rather inappropriate. We meant to see The Way, Way Back, but I thought the theater was where the stores were, but I was wrong. Then we made a change of plans. It was fun, and I took the bus, which is better than trying to find parking or pay for parking. (I also didn't want to lose my prime parking spot outside my apartment.) 
The other night, my roommates and went to Chipotle (that's the third time in the last two weeks), and then we went to a party up the street, followed by a trip down the street in the opposite direction to Fat Sal's which has the weirdest sandwich combinations, but is pretty good (definitely something you do not want to eat often. My sandwich had a burger, fries, bacon, cheese, chili, a fried egg, and some sauces on it.. like I said, something you do NOT want to eat often .. or really more than once a summer). After that adventure, we came back and just went to bed.

A week and a half ago, I started at the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. I have this week, and then  I move onto the next show which is still being determined (could be Jimmy Kimmel or Big Brother or both or something else). It's not as fun as Shark Tank, but it's still pretty fun. It's nice to be able to see how different shows are run, especially one that doesn't have a daily deadline. Ferguson is funny (no, I haven't met him or the guests). I get to go in the control room and in the edit room. Both environments are very different. The control room has about fifteen people in it, whereas the edit room has five. In the control room, I get to see how the director calls the shots of what's on when and how important it is to continuously pay attention and follow the action. You can't get caught up watching the show, which is something I'm learning not to do. Throughout the day, I get to sit in on production meetings.
One of the coolest things about this leg of the internship is watching the rehearsals when there's bands performing. I got to see the Goo Goo Dolls live right in front of me. Sara Bareilles too. This week, I get to live out a childhood dream.. the Backstreet Boys are performing, and I'll get to see them live. They were the first cd I ever bought. Eight-year-old me is freaking out. Twenty-year-old me is staying calm (hopefully). 
I also get to talk to some amazing people who have been in the business for a while, and they are more than willing to share their stories and give me advice of what not to do and what to do. Some of these people have worked on amazing shows including awards shows like the Oscars.
The other nice thing about this show is that they have their own interns, so I'm not the only college kid there. When there's down time, I get to hang out with them.

Now to the meaning behind the title. In 19 days, I will turn 21. It'll be weird not sharing this birthday in person with Sam and Jeffrey. I always wanted to be with them on this birthday because we only turn 21 once. It would be nice if they could come here or if I could go there, but that isn't very reasonable. So I told them that we'll skype or facetime for our first legal drink. Instead of dwelling on not being able to spend my 21st with my other two-thirds, I'm taking advantage of actually planning my birthday/birthday weekend because I guess that's one thing about being a multiple.. you always decide together what you're going to do on your birthday. This year, I want to videochat with Sam and Jeffrey, go to my internship, then get dinner to go from somewhere and eat on the beach at sunset, and then go to a bar in the Westwood area (where my apartment is). On Saturday, with roommates and interns, go to Disneyland and Disney Adventure Park all day because what better way to spend the Saturday after your birthday at the happiest place on earth? (Also, I'm trying for my goal from early high school of go to every Disney park in the world.. might as well check off the United States first). Ideally, Sunday would be a good hike day or a good sleep day.

On another note, I finally started watching Doctor Who, and I must say, it's really good. I'm glad I started watching now while I don't have to worry about homework and other schoolwork.

Hollywood sign in the distance from CBS roof.

Outside the Academy

Candy store 

Massachusetts ave 

Dinner

Sunset at CBS

The Academy

Outside the Academy

Salad dinner .. All fresh

Smurfs 2 premiere

Cookie butter

Peace.love.happiness.

~Lisa

Just a quick post.

One of the greatest feelings that I could ever feel is being felt right now. Knowing that people believe in me and support me in pursuing my dreams is amazing. I never realized how many people did before, and it means so much to me to have people believe in me. For so long, I didn't believe in me, and I just thought I was all talk. Now, I know I'm not just talk, and I do believe in myself. I am so thankful for everyone who has been on this journey with me. Thank you so so much for continuing to believe in me. It means more than any of you will ever know. Thank you.

Shark Tank and Hollywood.

Twelve days in, and my time in California is already going too fast. Today was my last shoot day with Shark Tank ( meaning the last day of filming), and Wednesday is my last day with Shark Tank. I feel like I just got here and started yesterday. In the short time I've been here, I have already met so many great people and made so many connections. Days on set are full of laughs and questions. If there's a problem, it's solved. In between pitches, music is played. The crew is full of people who really are kids at heart.. especially when it comes to the bell. Everyone wants to ring the bell; it's always so appealing. I was tempted to, but then just let the stage managers do it because it's funny to see how happy they'll get or the funny faces they'll make when they know the bell is being rung just to be annoying. 

Back to it being the last day on set. I chatted with Ken (the director) about the business and what's best for me to do next year and what his favorite show is and things like that. What I found interesting was that part of the reason I got hired was due to my goal of directing Saturday Night Live. It's one of Ken's too. I know SNL is a huge reach, but you have to dream big. Even if it's just one episode, it'd be one of the best things ever to be able to direct SNL. It's funny how a similar interest can help. Another piece of advice he gave me comes from a story of his first PA job and how he knew that day this is what he wanted to do. In return, I told him the story of my first time to California. In short, it took me 20 years to get to Hollywood, but only 20 seconds to realize it's where I belong. This feeling was reaffirmed the other day when I was driving into Hollywood for a workshop at the TV Academy. I saw the Hollywood sign for the first time this trip. It hit me out of nowhere. A feeling that I haven't felt in a long time (if not ever) just hit me and creeped up. Before I knew it, my eyes were watering-- but not out of sadness or any bad feelings. I was on the verge of crying because I was so happy-- I am so happy. When I last saw the sign in March, I didn't think I'd be back for a long time. Here it is, four short months later, right in front of me. 
You see, that moment was my "a-ha" moment. 
Ken told me in order to work in this field, it won't be easy. You'll put relationships on hold, and you may not get to see your family and friends as often as you'd like, but there will come the day when it's worth it. Some days will be harder than others. Some days you'll come home and ask yourself "what the heck are you doing?" Then, other days, you'll come with that feeling and know why you're doing what you're doing. As I've said before, moving out to Los Angeles is not going to be the easiest thing or the most ideal thing for family and friends, but I know if I want to truly love what I'm doing, this is the place to be because there are more jobs here, and I'm happy here. I can't live on the East Coast, expecting to work on the West Coast. Some times, jobs will open up for that day or the next day, and there won't always be a flight or a place to stay or time to pack up and go. Besides, it's pretty much always sunny and in the 70s to low 80s here (a.k.a. perfect weather.. reason #373 why LA is better than NYC).
Along with the "a-ha" moment, you also have to appreciate where you are and when you have a job. In this business, you could have a job one day and be unemployed the next. Regardless of what job title you have in television, enjoy it and don't take it for granted. 

Ken gave me good advice, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to have interned with him.
I am grateful for the whole crew who took time out of their busy schedules to answer my questions and give me advice and for letting me intern and get to shadow all aspects of the show from the control truck to stage to wardrobe to everything. It was a great experience, and if the next three legs of my internship are half as good as this one, it'll continue to be an amazing summer. 

After the questions and conversations, we went on stage and took pictures in the tank and on the chairs the sharks sit in. I'll try to upload those soon!

Today's shoot ended with a wrap party, which means I went to my first wrap party which was fun. It was at a bar, and one of the sharks was paying for everything pretty much. Unfortunately I'm not 21, so no free drinks for me, but there were veggies, fruit, chicken and pizza, so it still worked out well. 

Each day, I am more and more thankful for this opportunity. It is truly one of the best things that could happen to me, and I am enjoying every moment of it. Like I said before, this summer is going to fly. I have six weeks left, and I'm going to take it all in while I can.

Ken, the director

David, the stage manager

Riding in the golf cart

Wrap party

Production truck

Peace.Love.Happiness.

~Lisa

Welcome to the place where dreams come true

..And the sun never fades!

Hello from the sunshine state ( and west coast)!

I don't even know where to begin! I'll just start with the flight over to California. First it was delayed, then we had some turbulence ( which was kind of cool to fly through the storm), then we went through the golden hour of the day in the clouds, followed by seeing fireworks as we flew into the city. That's an awesome sight to see! The next night we went to Santa Monica pier and saw fireworks from the Ferris wheel. The following day was all about finding a rental  car that wasn't wicked expensive .. After a full day searching, I finally found one. Then I moved into my apartment. All my roommtes are nice and friendly. I definitely lucked out on that part. However, there is only street parking which can be a pain and take forever to find a spot which could be anywhere from outside the apartment to about a half mile away up a hill. Traffic isn't much worse than 290 during rush hour, except for the fact there are about seven lanes. 

My first leg of the internship is at Shark Tank with abc located at Sony. I can't tell you much about the actual show since it's confidential.. I'm serious, I signed a confidentiality agreement. Everyone there is so friendly. I get to shadow Ken, the director, and hang out with everyone all day. I got a headset today. I switch back and forth between the control room and stage. This way I get to see how it all goes together. It's only a few days in, but I know this summer will be the experience of a lifetime and will teach me so many valuable things that I wouldn't necessarily learn in school. 

It's funny: one of the things you see referenced on tv shows and movies are the craft services tables. They're legit. We get catered lunch everyday and breakfast .. The breakfast burritos are awesome! you can get unlimited coffee and tea. There's the occasional coffee runs to the local coffee shop on the studio lot to get other coffee drinks like lattes, espresso, and what not (No, I am not sent in these runs.. However I do offer to assist the people going).  

I love it here so much. These past few days have reaffirmed that I definitely am in the right business. I am wicked excited to see how the next seven weeks play out and see how many awesome people I can meet and make remember me.. It'll come in handy for next year! 

I'll update more later once I'm actually on my computer. (I actually haven't been on that here except for when I was searching for rental cars). I get up early and am out all day. By the time I get back to the apartment, all I want to do is eat dinner, relax, shower and go to bed. I actually was asleep at 10:30 yesterday! (For those of you who know my sleep schedule, that's early)

Peace. Love.happiness.

The stage shark tank is filmed in. 

My bed

Bubba gump! ( no these are not alcoholic)

Fireworks from the ferris wheel

The pier

Ferris wheel

From the plane

Small Town Girl, Big City Dreams

In five days, I will be at the airport anxiously awaiting to board my flight. I can't wait! On July 6th, I will officially be starting my internship. Earlier today, I was listening to the Muppets soundtrack (yes, I own it because it's awesome, and you're never too old for the Muppets), and a line stuck with me that is relevant to my life right now. 

"Everything is great, everything is grand, I've got the whole wide world in the palm of my hand. Everything is perfect, it's falling into place, I can't seem to wipe this smile off my face"

Ironically enough, this song is about going to Los Angeles and also just enjoying life. That's what this summer is all about: enjoying life. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am going to enjoy every moment of it.

With every amazing thing comes a little difficulty. 
This internship means me leaving my family and friends for two months of summer followed by a three month semester. I know I can handle that, it's just something new. This past week, I've said bye to my brother, my stepmother, my stepfamily, a couple best friends, and my charter family. 

I want to say thank you to my Charter Family for the past summer and a half with a great internship and laughs every time I came in. Thank you for teaching me so much, and also giving me a great first internship. I've heard horror stories from friends, and I'm happy to say, Charter was far from a horror story. Thank you for involving me in the whole process from filming to writing to editing to feeding the videos down. Also, I know I'll keep in touch with all of you, and I can't wait to see what great things you'll do. 

To my friends and family, thank you for supporting me in my adventures. I know it would be easier if I stayed on the East Coast, nevermind just Massachusetts, but your support in me going to the West Coast means a lot to me. You're letting me chase my dream and go live it. Thank you.

Back to the thought process..

California is definitely different than Massachusetts, and Los Angeles is definitely going to be a change from Uxbridge. This is what I've been waiting for and what makes me incredibly excited. It's time to travel and time for a change. This is the perfect time for it. I remember just a couple years ago, going to California was a joke for me, but that was before I'd seen it and before I was ready to actually consider moving away from good ole New England. I'm ready. 

I hope to have a summer that will be nearly impossible to top, and I hope I entertain you as you follow me on this adventure of a lifetime.

peace.love.happiness.

~Lisa

The Start of an Amazing Journey

Hello blogosphere.

Yesterday, one of my proudest moments occurred: I got a call from the Emmys Foundation informing me that I was chosen for the Multi-Cam Directing internship out in Los Angeles. That moment marks the beginning of my dreams becoming reality.

Throughout the next two months, I will be posting here frequently to update everyone on my Hollywood journey. I'll post what's been going on, what happened on the shows I'll be working on, and how awesome LA is. Basically, the next two months will consist of a girl's dream becoming a reality. 

Sometimes, you just have to try and hope for the best. Sometimes, things work out. The best part about this internship and getting it is proving to myself that I can do it and that I am good at what I love. Also, just hearing how proud people are of me for  getting this makes it that much better.

I am so grateful to have this opportunity and am so excited for what my future holds.

Keep on dreaming

peace.love.happiness.
~Lisa

Reflection

When we were younger, life was different. Time was slower, days were longer, work was nonexistent. The only emotions you knew were happy, sad, and mad. Now, we're older, we're what they call adults. Time is faster than ever, days fly by, and the work load keeps increasing. We've been introduced to feelings we never knew existed and dealt with things we'd rather forget. We have minds full of memories of laughter and tears. We have friends from all over the country and even a few around the world. As another school year comes to an end, we realize how much we can't time for granted and how much people truly mean to us. So, no, this isn't goodbye. We'll just have to make a little more effort to see each other, but we will. As the saying goes, some people come into our leaves and quickly go, while others stay a while and leave footprints on our hearts.

Perks of being a Film major.

Currently, I am on excitement overdrive. A.K.A. wicked excited. In just 17 short hours I will be on plane on my way to Utah for the Sundance Film Festival. For those of you who aren't film buffs or just don't know how big this is, let me tell you, it's big. Sundance is one of the biggest film festivals of the year. It's where some of the best independent films are premiered and picked up. It's home to such great films as The Usual Suspects. 
Not only is this my first time (hopefully not my last) going to Sundance, it is also my first time leaving the east coast. I have never been further west than New York City. The farthest I have travelled is to Florida. So this is a big deal. I am wicked excited, and have been counting down since April. Finally, the day has come. 
I still have to sleep at some point, but that may not be likely considering excitement leads to adrenaline which leads to no sleep, which is perfectly fine. 
What makes this trip even better is the fact that it's with a bunch of film majors and a couple awesome professors. We'll be in Utah for a week (well just under a week) and be able to enjoy the festival as well as some Utah perks. The trip will probably include an adventure to a mountain for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Due to my history, I'll avoid the first two and stick with tubing (not really in for a repeat of a decade ago). 
Also, this week will be a nice change. I will not be bringing my computer with me (I know, shocker.. for real) which will be weird considering I spend so much time on the computer (there better not be any storms because I won't be able to track them.. yes that is an actual concern of mine being away from a computer). 

Without the computer, I'll truly be enjoying every second of my trip to Utah and be living in the moment. 

I'm grateful I get this opportunity, and I know wouldn't without QFS, so I'm going to treasure every minute of it. Like I said, perks of being a film major.

So my challenge to you this post is to get excited. Try to remember the last time you were so excited that you couldn't sleep. Try to remember the last time you were so excited that your excitement made others around you excited. Then go out and get excited. Days of excitement are what make life worth it.

Have a great weekend, enjoy the Monday off, and good luck to all you college kids starting classes.

peace.love.happiness.

New Year, new promises.

At the beginning of a new year, we make resolutions. We declare that this year, unlike the previous ones, will be our year. We say we’ll change for the better. We say we’ll be healthier, be more careful with money, find that true love. We say a lot of things. What is it about a new year that makes us want to start all over again and find ourselves and better ourselves? It’s just another day. Maybe the whole concept of it being something new makes it different. It’s our chance to start over and forget all the bad things that we did and the bad the things that happened over the last year and just leave it all behind to start fresh. Maybe it’s just another day, but it instills a new hope in so many people. My challenge to you: Don’t be rude to people who are trying to start over or change something, encourage them because maybe, just maybe, this could be their year or it could be yours.

On a side note..
My new year's resolution is to write down every happy moment I experience and put it in a jar. At the end of the year, I'll take them all out and see all the great things that happened in a different perspective.

Also, I am happy to say that I completed my resolutions the past two years. In 2011, I passed my goal of doing 52 things I have never done before. In 2012, I laughed every day.

Peace.Love.Happiness.

Fear.

A recent topic on my mind has been fear. Everyone is scared of something. Some people claim they are scared of basically nothing, while others are scared of basically everything.I think most of us fall somewhere in the middle. We're scared of things, but we don't let it affect our lives too much, or do we? 
I'll admit, I've always been scared of the dark, scared of things jumping out at me, and scared of thunderstorms among a list of other things. I was thinking the other day, what makes me scared of these things? Am I actually scared of these things or is what could happen as a result of these things. That led to the thought of most fears coming down to three things: 1) getting hurt 2)the unknown 3)dying. 
People are not scared of being up high, they are scared of what happens if they fall. They could die or get hurt or be perfectly fine. We don't know until we try. There are so many things that can scare you. If you dissect your fears apart to the root, I can guarantee that the three aforementioned fears will be there in some combination. 
We can't live our lives in fear. We might fall or get hurt, but we have to continually face our fears until we have conquered them. I wouldn't suggest going crazy and standing on the top of the highest skyscraper holding on to a metal pole during a thunderstorm. Rather, watch the storm and try not jump at the bolts of lightning and crackling thunder. 
If we never face our fears, we'll never fully live. 

So my challenge to you as we enter 2013 is to forget your fear of falling, getting hurt, or dying and just live.

Good luck, and Happy New Year!

peace.love.happiness.