Today I had a lumbar puncture aka “spinal tap” scheduled at UCLA Medical Center.  Plainly put, I was freaking nervous. 

Before the puncture they did two other tests where they stuck me with multiple needles and shocked me with probes for 25-30 minutes.

The lumbar procedure ended up not being as bad as I expected.  As recommended I was stationary for 30 minutes following the procedure then went home.  I had been cautioned about a very specific headache that sometimes accompanies the procedure. 

Shortly after getting home it hit me.  The headache.  I immediately had to get into to bed.  I slept for 3-4 hours.  I then woke up and went to a movie.  I felt okay, not great, but not bad enough to not do anything.  I had no idea what was to come.

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Audition: “Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn” @ Aufiero/Horn Casting.  I was happy with how this went and think they were happy too.  I also think they were happy with the energy that I brought in the room.  Things like that can be so important because it can really change the temperature of the room.  I have to own that more often in my life and my business.

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Audition: “Fiat” @ RMB Casting.  I think this one went okay even though I didn’t really know what was going on.  I walked in during a group explanation and missed some of it.  We’ll see…

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Today I had a meeting with my financial advisor.  This stuff is always important to me, but now that I’m only relying on acting income and savings it’s of vital importance to me.

The meeting went well.  I left feeling quite happy with what I’ve accomplished over the past several years, considering I don’t and haven’t ever made a lot of money in a given year.

In actuality, I left feeling even better about “the job” and how I handled it financially during my time there.  While employed there I contributed 20% of my pay into the 401(k) plan and with the company match they gave me over $5,600 of free cash over the years!  Plus, the contributions lowered my taxable income and that equals even more savings.  Years ago I probably wouldn’t have participated.  I’m so glad that I’m smarter in that area these days.  I may not always be debt-free, but the lessons that I’ve learned from my financial past will stay with me for the rest of my life.

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I didn’t have any auditions scheduled for today…until my commercial agency woke me up with one for the afternoon.  Great!  Since I left my night job days without auditions feel just a little bit different now that I’m flying “without a net”.    

Before I even got out of bed I received another call for a second audition.  Somehow, this gave me the energy to rush out to the gym for a quick workout.  I wish I enjoyed going to the gym half as much as I enjoy auditioning.  I think I just need the right motivation.   

Audition: “Walgreens” @ Shane Casting.  This was a ton of fun!  I love working with kids and today I had a chance to work with a 7 year-old girl and her audition “parents”.

Audition: “Audi” @ Ross Lacy Casting. This was insanely simple, just a short interview, but the other actor who I was in the room with brought his dog.  Cute dog, but he was going ABSOLUTELY NUTS in the room.  Like crazy.  The character was a PET STORE OWNER, but they said nothing about bringing a pet to the audition.

When I walked in the lobby area they guy was signing in on the sign-in sheet and the dog was cursing like sailor.  I was going to try to calm him down, but nope KILLER was not having it.  I stayed my narrow tail away.  Five feet beyond the reach of the leash.  

We get in the room and the FIDO was TURNT UP!  The session director almost sent the dog and the actor/owner out of the room so I could audition in peace.  ROVER settled a little...for a moment.  Then went crazy.  Then settled and I got through my read. 

The whole audition was just a question.  He asked me who I’d like to spend time with, right now, living or dead.  I said “My mom!” My face lit up! I went on about how cool she was and that her birthday is tomorrow.  I was so animated that I don’t think he realized that she had passed away 11 years ago.  Fortunately, SPOT, showed respect for my mom, Louise, and was quiet for that moment...well, relatively quiet.  Callbacks are tomorrow and hopefully I’ll be there. 

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Audition/Tape: “Sean Saves the World” @ Greenstein/Daniel Casting.  I’d run into CD Brett Greenstein a few weeks ago while I was still working at my night job.  I mentioned to him that I was retiring from waiting tables and he remembered ask me if I had, in fact, left.  Nice of him to ask.

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Audition: “Toyota” @ Alyson Horn Casting.  Hmm…I’m not really sure how this went.  My “wife” and I were just the 2^nd group of the morning and I think they were still sorta figuring out what the audition needed to look like, but I think they were happy with what they got in the end.

Audition/Tape: “New Girl” @ CFB Casting.  I delivered my one-line…twice.  I was happy and I hope they were too.

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Audition: “Workaholics” @ Alyssa Weisberg Casting.  Ah!  These one or two line parts used to be much easier for me to book, but I seem to have lost my mojo.  There was a period of time where I was being very selective about these types of parts, but that period of time is not now.  I really need to get in the swing of things and start booking work…even if it’s one line. 

Audition: “H&R Block” @ Jeff Rosenman Casting.  The audition went well, the session director even had me read for a different role that he thought I was right for.

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Well.  It’s over.  Last night was my last shift at my restaurant job.  I can’t believe it’s finally here.  I spent 5 years, 5 months and 15 days preparing for my departure from there.  I consider the experience a success for both parties.  I worked hard, really hard.  I feel I did what I was supposed to do for the company and they did the same for me.  Actually, now that I think about it, I feel I got even more than I expected from them as a company.

I’m going to miss some aspects of it…other aspects?  Not so much.  I WILL miss the people and some of the diners. 

I learned a lot about people while working there.  I learned a lot about myself working there.  It gave me a lot, it took a lot.

I took advantage of the 401(k) program and upon leaving will be paid my 120+ vacation hours that I had earned.  I’m thankful for that.

I’m not sure what I’m going to do next.  The first thing I’m going to do is rest and try to get on a better, healthier schedule.  I’m super excited and somewhat nervous about what the future is going to bring.  I’ll try my best to move forward with confidence that I can, again, make a living as an actor.

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