3000 Miles

The past couple of blogs have been about the good things of being here in Los Angeles. Don't get me wrong, I love it here. Moving across the country, 3,000 miles away from your life-- family, friends, childhood, pets, places, memories, everything-- there are bound to be some challenges. 

First off, I do miss everyone. Don't think I've forgotten about any of you. You cross my mind daily. I genuinely mean it when I say I can't wait to see you again, and I look forward to seeing you. It's not like we haven't done this before. So this time, I'm not just 100 miles away and an easy two hour car ride, it's a six hour flight plus the time it takes to travel to and from the airport and time in the airport, but I'm still where I was in a way. It's the same, just a matter of the mind. 

There are nights and days when I wish I could see those closest to me, but I know I can't. At least we have phones, and facebook, and pictures. I like to not think about being 3,000 miles away and how I don't know when I'll see people next, but sometimes, it crosses my mind. That's something none of us can help. I'm sure you have some tough nights too. I'm here. 

I know holidays will be tough. We don't know if I'll be home or not, or if I'll be able to come home depending on work and what not. But, we shouldn't worry about that. Even if we're not together on the days we normally are, at least we'll be together at some point. 

For me, the main thing that I wish I could be home for is this Saturday. The premiere of our film 26.2mi Closer to Living at the Boston Film Festival. It's my directorial debut, and I won't be there to share the joy of showing this film to the city it was made for with the people who put so much (and best friends), a year's work plus sleepless night after sleepless night, into this 12 minute film. I would love to be there more than anything. I even considered flying out early in the morning and flying back the following morning, but that's just a little insane. I'll catch you at the next film festival. Just like I'll catch you at the next holidays. 

I'm not the first person to move 3,000 miles away in this family, and I won't be the last. We are a family that seeks adventure, a family that seeks something different. To quote Francois Rabelais, "I go to seek a great perhaps." Go, I did. Seek, I am. We move to see what will happen, to make a dream reality, to not regret the what ifs we are left with later in life. 

This is where I am. When I hear certain songs, they bring to moments with my favorite people. When I see certain pictures, I laugh at all the memories. Sometimes, on the days I need it most, I hear something (like the Proclaimers song "500 miles (I'll Be)") and just smile because I know you guys are with me every step of the way. Just because I'm 3000 miles away doesn't mean I'm gone. I'm here. I look forward to the next time I see you.

Two months

Today, I am happy, and that is all that really matters to me. As of yesterday, I have been living in Los Angeles for two months. In that time, I have made many new friends, gotten to know the area, bonded with old friends, and have been working at the first Dunkin in LA. 

Today was the first time I saw the line at Dunkins be only a few people. To most East Coasters, waiting more than 10-15 minutes tops is too long for Dunkins. However, when there is literally only one Dunkins, you can expect people to be waiting for an hour or more. Today, it was a long line that dwindled later on. It was a great feeling watching that line slowly become normal. Now, working at this new place that is talked about everywhere, you'd expect some crazy things happening. The other day, I served Alyson Hannigan and her family. That was exciting. I treated her like a normal person.. it was a Sunday morning after all. A few other celebs have passed through, but not too many yet. On Wednesday, Ellen (yes from the Ellen Show) set up a skit in our Dunkins to air on her show. No, she wasn't there, but I did make it on TV. You can click on the link here. That was pretty cool. Granted, I was more impressed by the film equipment in the back. 

Life has been pretty good. No, I don't have a TV job yet, but there's still time to find something. Right now, I'm happy. That was the most important thing to me.

I've been spending most of my time working, but when I have days off, I listen to my new record player and watch Netflix. Occasionally, I walk around the area. Surprisingly, I have mostly morning shifts (well, they start in the morning) and have to get up early on a regular basis. That's probably for the better. Routine is kicking in, and so is growing up and being responsible. I know to put away money for bills first rather than spend it on something I want. I know that working overtime may be tiring, but it will be worth it when that paycheck comes. It's also fun. Something about working and paying my bills makes me feel good about myself. Working is also just fun. A day at Dunkins is a mix of everything. You get angry customers, but for every angry customer, there's 20 happy ones (at least). They make it worth it. So