Yes, I had a callback today for that "Checker's/Rally's" commercial. It went well and I think I am really right for it. Time will tell.Drop offs, drop-offs and more and more drop-offs. That is what my life consist of these days. I have two of my four headshots ready and I am dropping them off like a mad man.

Audition: "The Shield" @ Fiorentino/Casting . This is the 3rd this season I've been called in by this office to go on tape for producers. The audition goes well. I don't think I am right enough to book, but I'll let them make that decision. One of these days I'll stick and get to work on this gritty show. Also, CCH Pounder, who plays "Claudette" on the show used to live in my building 15+ years ago.

YES!!! 3 weeks ago I had 4 auditions in one day, actually it was the 2nd time that happened in a week. Maybe this not having the right photo thing is working!! Anyway, one of those appointments was for "Ocean's Twelve". My agent called to say I booked a role in the film. I know the film is shooting primarily in Europe, but I assume that I will be working here in Los Angeles. My passport is ready to go just in case. Get this. I thought "The Terminal" booking was a long way away. It was 3 1/2 months after booking that I finally worked on the film. For "Ocean's Twelve" I don't work until early August. WHAT!!! That's like 5 months away. Cool, that it'll give me a lot of time to do specific research on director Steven Soderbergh, the producers and the other actors.

Audition "Checker's/Rally's" @ Lien/Cowan Casting. I portray a guy enjoying a big burger. It goes well.

Afterwards I was treated to lunch by a young actress who wanted to thank me for sharing my story on the internet. It was an interesting feeling in that she knew so much about me. We talked about our goals in the business and a bit about life in general. In my opinion she is very smart in associating herself with people that are doing what she wants to do.

Audition: "Chevy @ Alyson Horn Casting. When I got this call I was told that I would be "making out" with a female. Okay, that's something I enjoy, but not necessarily in an audition situation. At the audition I started to actually 'think' about the business I'm in. Weird. I'm sitting in a room of people, mostly complete strangers, that will be soon be kissing each other. WHAT!!! I was paired up with a smoking hot Dominican woman from New York. I'm thinking, "in what other business could you just kiss a beautiful woman that you don't know without getting slapped"?

Auditions like this are always kinda tricky for me because I don't want to come off like I'm trying to get a cheap thrill from the woman I'm auditioning with. I mean, maybe I am, but that's beside the point. LOL!! Thankfully, when the audition started she took the lead with the hot 'n heavy kissing. I think it went well. Hopefully I'll get a callback.

Audition: "Toyota" @ ASG Casting. I don't audition here that often. It goes well. Finally, I take my 8x10 originals in for my commercial agents to approve. They loved them!! I mean they were really, really happy with what I had. So I rushed down to LA Casting Network and got them in the system. It took a whole 4 minutes for my transaction. The young lady scanned my 2 photos and ran my credit card all in 4 minutes for $60 bucks. THAT is the business to be in, huh? Anyway, on the flip side my agents only need 10-15 photos, so I guess it comes out in the wash. Not long ago they would have been asking for 75-100 photos. The internet is changing the way business is done. I've had a lot of commercial auditions this year so hopefully they will increase even more. Now I just need to book. Ha!!

I have an assache. Yup, not a headache, an assache. I have been trying to get this new website up and running and it is killing me. My friend Henry Canizares and his website development http://www.sistemati.com/sistemati.swf company is doing it for me. I met Henry when I waited tables in New York at the Harley Davidson Café back in '95. We became friends, but lost touch when we both moved from New York, me to Los Angeles and him to Oregon. Even back then he was always interested in the technology field. I always thought about him and wondered where he was and what he was doing. One day last Fall I thought about using Google to find him. I typed in his name and found his e-mail address on a forum where he had inquired about something. I sent and e-mail not knowing if it was the right Henry or not. A couple of days later he responded. Anyway, he saw my website in the e-mail message and said that he could liven it up. So we are working on it now through Yahoo! Messenger and over the phone (remember he's in Portland) and I am trying to understand it all and THAT is why I have anassache!!!

Okay this really made my week. My sister-in-law calls me saying "Can you please talk to your nephew. We were getting ready to watch a movie about a volcano in California and he burst in to tears knowing that's where you live. He doesn't think you'll ever come home to visit anymore". So he gets on the phone and he's crying. I ask him what the matter is and he says through tears "There's going to be a volcano in 'Caninfornia' (that's how he pronouces it at five) and you won't be able to come back to visit." I assured him that I love him dearly and nothing would keep us from spending time together.

This nearly brought me tears. Why? I left Virginia Beach almost 9 years ago. At that time I made a promise to myself to prevent my now 9 year old niece from thinking of me as 'the uncle who lives somewhere really, really far away and not know what I do or who I am'. I go home to visit every chance I get and spend a lot of quality time with her and her 5 year old brother. They call me "Stephon Rocks"! I'm like the 3rd parent when I'm on the case. Sometimes it makes me anxious to get married and have children of my own...........and sometimes it doesn't.

Callback: Indie Feature "Three Wise Women". This is the film that my friend Jennifer Fontaine is producing. I felt this callback went okay. I was fumbling for words more than I would have liked, but I felt that the character was there. We'll see what happens.

My theatrical agent calls me today to inform me that the indie film, "The Twisted Path" that I booked a role in has lost their funding. WHAT!!! Yup, it happens I guess. Putting a film together is no easy task. Maybe it will get back on track in the near future.

Tonight I attended a Backstage West get together. It was a collection of actors who communicate online. It was mostly LA based actors, but a few came in town from New York. It's always interesting to match real personas versus internet personas.

Audition: "Hewlett-Packard" @ Kathy Knowles Casting. I recently booked the "Michelob Ultra" spot thru this office. I felt that this one went really well, hopefully I'll get a callback.

Today I get word that I have a callback next week for "Three Wise Women". That is the feature film that my friend Jennifer Fontaine is producing. I am really excited about this.

Audition: "Ball Park Franks" @ TLC/Loree Booth casting. I've booked in this office before and have had several avails. I don't know if this is a Joe Pytka directed spot, but I'll have my game face on as always.

Tonight I am going to attend what I think might be the final taping of "Good Morning, Miami" this season. It might be kinda weird to go back, but that's okay. It's not to go try to get seen by everyone, I just know if I don't go I'll regret it if it's not on the schedule for next season. Working on the show was something I won't soon forget for a variety of reasons. One major one was getting to spend time with my mother in her last weeks & days. I will be forever grateful for that. Thank you Tracy Lilienfield & Katherine Eckert, creators Max Mutchnick & David Kohan and their team, the cast & crew of "Good Morning, Miami" including the regular background actors and NBC. I know that's probably weird, but I am truly thankful.

Family...............wow............it's a tricky thing for most of us. We all have to find our way somehow....someway. My family is so unbelievably important to me. It is one of the biggest driving forces in my life. The light at the end of the tunnel is spending time with my family.
Often times I'm asked how I keep hustling in this career at the hectic pace that I do. I don't even know myself sometimes. I try to answer that question from an outsider's point of view and I just shake my head. For one thing, I absolutely love business & marketing. That dedication to business & marketing will increase my chances of getting to act. Also, the fact that, being largely independent, I rarely have to wait on anyone to get work done. I feel like I am in control of my destiny.

I work really long hours and need very little rest. I usually go to sleep between 3-5am and sleep 4-6 hours. I think part of that is holdover from working graveyard shifts at The Standard & Old Navy. It's like I punch in at 11pm, turn on some talk radio and get to work. Even I don't really know sometimes what it is I'm doing at those hours, but "feels" really important.

Occasionally I ask myself: Why don't I get discouraged? How do I keep such a positive attitude so much of the time? I can't explain it other than saying it is who I am. Some can't and don't believe it. I would have a hard time believing it too if I didn't know better.

What I am living is "damn near impossible". Meaning trying to make a living as an actor. Even though I expected to be able to accomplish it it's still kinda surreal to me. Trust me, I don't live high on the hog, but I am able to do mostly what I want to do.

I get a tremendous amount of support from people I know and a huge amount from people that I don't yet know. It's an incredible feeling. My youngest brother, Todd, is one of my biggest fans. He lives in Virginia with his wife and two small children. We talk everyday...........seriously. Actually we talk numerous times everyday. We both have the same cell phone service, so calls to each other are free. It's great because when we have challenges we can bounce solutions off of each other. My other younger brother, Jeff, makes fun of my career at every chance he gets. It's some of the best laughs I get in life. In reality he is a big fan, but he laughs when he sees me walk through a scene and say a line or two. Hopefully that will begin to change in the near future.

Ironically, I have never gotten any support from my father. Nada.......none..........zilch. He feels and has always felt that I would amount to nothing in this life. He never made that a secret. He runs a successful business back East. I worked for him for years, but it was a dead end. Fortunately I escaped his clutches with my spirit intact. If I would have stayed I would be an empty soul. Sometimes I wonder if my drive is really trying to prove something to him. I don't think about him too often and haven't spoken to him in at least 8 months. Of course I'm probably in denial, at least a little bit. Since my mother passed away 15 months ago I feel like an orphan.

I'm not sure where that rant or whatever it was came from, but it was just a stream of consciousness that I wanted to write about.

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big separation, many hours later
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Wow! That's all I can really say. I just returned from the last taping of "Good Morning, Miami". I didn't know what to expect. I was treated as if I had never been gone. I got a chance speak almost everyone I had worked with, cast & crew. I watched most of the show from the bleachers with the audience, which is a different perspective. It's was neat to be surrounded by the energy of really dedicated fans of the show. It wasn't official that this was the last show ever, but I really seemed like it was. There were many tears being shed throughout the evening. I was sad to see it end too. I had gone through a lot while on the lot @ CBS Radford. So many memories, many great, none bad, but some were the hardest & most vivid ever in my life.

I just seems tragic that "Good Morning, Miami" may not ever get a fair chance to be a successful production. It just never seemed that the network was really supporting the show. Some recent developments that have come to light behind the scenes make it all make more sense.

While there I was invited to the wrap party to take place after the taping. It was a really cool get together and I was made to feel waaaaaay more like family than I expected. Then again, why should I be surprised? I did 14 episodes. Anyway, I am glad I went and I am glad I will work with many of them again in the future.

Audition: "Kellogg’s" @ Ross Lacy Casting. This audition goes really well, I am getting a lot of shots in this office as of late. this the sixth time I have auditioned at Ross' office this year!! WHAT!!! This has gotta mean something! Ross was casting 3 different spots today and I had my eye on a "Lay's" spot that he was doing. The guys there looked a bit like me. I thought I should, at least, inquiry about getting seen. Then I started to think that since Ross has called me in so many times recently I won't push too hard. I opted not to call my agent and just mention it to the session runner and see what kind of response I got. It's important to know when to walk away, I walked away.

Another really busy day, I have 4 auditions all over town!! Studio Film "Ocean's Twelve" @ Debra Zane Casting. YES, this is what I'm talking about!!! Getting on the radar of the top film casting directors in the business. My strategy of concentrating on the roles that aren't released to the services is paying off. Debra Zane is casting "Ocean's Twelve" the sequel to "Ocean's Eleven". I was aware of this, but had heard that most of the film would be shot abroad. I still didn't want to take any chances with missing out on anything I might be right for with my new short hair. So, about a month ago I dropped a photo to their office with a snap-shot of how I look with short hair until I get my new photos. I didn't want to miss 3-4 weeks while I get my new headshots in order. This role that I am reading for wasn't released to Breakdown Services. Also, they didn't post sides on Showfax.....at all....none for the entire project. What this means to me is that they are probably sending a tape with maybe 5 actors on it for this role to director Steven Soderbergh and he will make his choices. This is how I am trying to position myself in the right offices.....at this stage of the game.

The audition: Debra and her associate, Tannis Vallely are just wonderful. They are really on the actors team. I walk in and they greet me with such warmth that I feel like family. I ask them about their holidays and get to work. Debra acts out the scene with me while Tannis runs the camera. we do two takes and we're finished. This is such a victory for me regardless what happens, if anything. Oh yeah, I can even walk to their office and avoid LA traffic for another moment.

The commercial audition for "Circuit City" @ Deborah Kurtz Casting goes well. I hear that they are doing 4 different spots, hopefully I'll get a callback for one of them.

Next up, an audition for indie film "Naked Bongos" @ Henderson/Zuckerman Casting. This one was a little frustrating for me because I tried unsuccessfully to get more information about the character. The description was for a 40's, Caucasian, Bob Villa type. Obviously if they were seeing me they decided to "go another way". Well, the information is was getting was "just make it your own". Okay I can do that, but when I got in the room the first thing the director said was "think geek"....... like "really geeky". I fully admit that I locked up. I didn't totally blow it, but I could have done a lot better. I cheated myself. The bad part is that I know Dori & Cathy I could have totally asked for a moment to prepare it in that way. Then, after reading the role the director asked my age and, of course, I lied. Then I admitted that I lied!!! WHAT!!! LOL!! Anyway, I think the truth would have served me much better. I was upset at myself for a little while, but by time I got back to my car I had put it behind me. NEXT!!!
My fourth and last audition today was for "Dannon" @ Jeff Rosenman Casting. It went really well, a callback would be nice.

How this for redemption? The same office that I bombed at this afternoon called to say I have been booked for that film I auditioned for about 3 weeks ago. Cool. It's a couple of lines and it works next month. What a day, give me more like this.

Audition: "Comcast" @ Gabrielle Schary. This audition went quite well I felt. I think I might be a little young for it, but that's okay. The young lady I was paired up is from Phoenix and used to ride dirt bikes when she was younger. I am a huge MX fan and have visited Phoenix several times in the last couple of years. I couldn't believe that she knew who MX/SX champion James "Bubba" Stewart was. In the audition we were husband & wife so we had an instant connection and the improv was seamless.

After stopping by my theatrical agency to pick-up my proofs my car wouldn't start........again. This time I was stranded for about 30 minutes. Thankfully I didn't have to be anywhere right away. I really thought I was going to have to call AAA that time. I just kinda willed it to start with a lot of faith. It worked!!! Eventually I am going to have to deal with it and get it serviced. It's just that I don't want to put anymore more money into it, it has served me well for so many years. That Honda deserves to be put to rest.

Periodically I am asked to speak about the business of acting at various places in town. I enjoy the sharing part, but I get unbelievably nervous about it. I think it is truly in my own mind, but nevertheless it seems real. Since it's not something I set out to do I don't really have a set way of doing it. It's not like I put out flyers saying "HEY!! I'll teach you all about the business of acting!!!" I try to look at it as a bunch of actors sitting around a fire sharing experiences. I'm uncomfortable with some of the titles I'm given. I'm just another actor in the trenches doing my best to make something happen, but at the same time I do enjoy sharing with others.

I've slowed down my internet participation because there are some specific things I want to get done in the near future. I am trying to get my headshots situation back on track and a couple of other things so I am tightening up my game a bit in '04.

At any rate, the event @ Actorsite www.actorsite.com went over pretty well. I learned some things myself. How can you not learn something in a room of 25-30 actors? I received several really nice e-mails of thanks. One actress ordered pizza for everyone and another gave me a really nice card of thanks.

This morning I went in for the pilot of "Silverlake" @ Judith Holstra Casting. First off Judith is the best reader I have ever read with. I actually threw me off, it was like having a real conversation. I have been to producers for "Strong Medicine" several times at that office but haven't booked.....yet. Anyway the read was okay, some points I felt I hit really well and others not so well. That's exactly the look I got from her when I finished. Who knows, maybe I'll get a callback with some notes.

I also got released from my "KFC" avail. The cool thing about that is that I totally forgot that I was even on avail, but I would have liked to have booked. Soon.

What a day!! I had 4 really good auditions today. First up my agent got me an appointment for the "Ford" spot from yesterday. It was one of those spots where they were looking for a really wide range of types. They just wanted to see something that you were passionate about. The question I was asked was "Have you seen any good films lately?" My answer a resounding "Yes!!" I talked about the film "Monster" starring Charlize Theron. I'm sure they felt my passion in talking about Charlizes' performance. I'm glad I got in on it.

Next up: A "Midas" audition at Craig Colvin Casting. Craig calls me in a lot. One of these days I am going to book something for his office. Since I was wearing a shirt and tie for that audition I stopped by my commercial agency so they could see me in that outfit. They seemed to really like my new look. Anything to help them see me in different light. I also thanked them for getting me so many appointments without proper photos and told them that they will have my proofs in a couple of days.

Next: A producer session for "Joan of Arcadia"; associate Chuck McCollum has called me in before and recommended me for a play in the past. I really wanted to show well for him and his producers/writers/director. The role was that of a "groovy poet". I felt really good about it. I don't know if I will book it, but I feel Chuck will bring me back for something else.

I had a little time to kill before my next audition so I slipped into Best Buy for a minute. While there my theatrical agent called and asked how it went. They never call and ask how it went. I told her I felt really good about it and that if I perform like that on a more regular basis we will all make a lot more money. She really liked hearing that. She then asked if I could write down some details. I thought I had booked the role on "Joan of Arcadia", but instead it was info on a pilot audition for tomorrow. Cool. After ending the call I then thought maybe she got bad feedback or I made a fool of myself at the audition. Was that why she asked how it went? Oh no!! Sometimes we aren't as special as we think. Oh well.

I stopped by my theatrical agents office to pick up the script for tomorrow. One of my agents hadn't seen my new hair style yet too. She said she liked it. When I was attempting to leave my car would not start. I didn't freak out, but I had another audition in 40 minutes and it wasn't looking good. Finally 15 minutes later it started and I was on my way. I thought I was going to have to call AAA.

Lastly, I have an appointment for a SAG Experimental feature that a friend, fellow actress Jennifer Fontaine is producing. Jennifer is a very, very talented actress and I'm honored that she thought to bring me in for her project. When I entered the room to audition the person running the camera is Lydia Blanco. Lydia and I worked together on "The Terminal" back in November. I had a great time reading the material and I think I am right for the role. We'll see.
Fortunately, my car started when I left to go home. What a day!!

It's been 196 days since my outside driver door handle broke. Yeah, it's getting really old. To get in my car I have to:

1. Unlock the passenger door

2. open and reach over to put key in ignition

3. Hit the switch to roll down the driver side window (at least they are power windows). At this point I'm leaning from the passenger side to the driver side.

4. get back out of the car, walk around to driver side, reach in, unlock and open the door.

This wouldn't be a big deal if I worked a 9-5 job, but I'm in and out of the car all day long. Other issues that the car has are a cracked radiator, seat belt buzzer sounds when I hit the brakes, it's burning oil and the radio turns on and off at will. What do I expect with 229,900 miles on the odometer. With that being said my trusty Honda has been a dream. I plan to get another one in the near future, but I want to do it with cash. I cannot fathom having a car payment, not without a steady paycheck. In due time my car situation will improve. In a funny way I enjoy it; it shows me that I am really serious about this career.

I had a callback for the "KFC" spot today. I think it went well. It seemed that there were more people there than the original audition! Oh well, somebody is going to book it. It sure would be nice if it was me.

I usually call my buddy Jon if I audition for something I think he's right for so he can call his agent or drop-off a photo. Today he called me with a tip on a "Ford" spot @ Ross Lacy Casting. I wasn't sure what to do at first. My options were:

1. Go to the casting facility, "case the joint" and see if I can get seen somehow.

2. Call my wonderful agents @ KSA and get them on the case.

3. Do nothing. I have auditioned @ Ross' office 4 times this year, so he obviously knows of me. There could be a specific reason as to why I don't have an appointment. The last thing I want to do is be a nuisance. I pick and choose my battles carefully, I don't want to call my agent on every little thing. That'll be a quick way to lose their respect. "Sometimes you have to slow down in order to move forward".

After thinking it over for a while I decided to call my agents and get their help. I spoke to Michael, one of the great assistants, and he said "I'll ask Alicia and get back to you". A moment later I got word that they were finished for the day, but would try to see me tomorrow. I am happy with that.

I called today to find out exactly when the "Michelob Ultra" spot would start airing. The not so great news is that it isn't scheduled to start in February as planned. The good news is that it's still scheduled to run. I guess I'll have to wait a little longer.

Audition: "KFC" @ Deborah Kurtz Casting. It goes well and I think I'm pretty right for it. We'll see.

YES!! Photographer John Ganun calls tonight to tell me that my proofs are ready. He said they are so many good ones that he didn't mark any favorites. I can't wait to see them. I would have gone to pick them up tonight, but I didn't wanna lose my parking spot. Yeah, my on-street parking situation is getting really old. Patience, patience my son.

Are my commercial agents at Kazarian-Spencer & Associates(KSA) some of the hardest working agents in the business? They get my vote. Yesterday, Saturday, Brooke, one of my commercial agents calls me with an appointment for Monday. Then, today, Sunday, Michael, one of the assistants call to make sure I got the info. I've had auditions on the weekends before, but never got calls on the weekend. I hear so many bad stories about agents in general, but I have always had really good experiences. Go KSA!!

Oh Noooo!! I missed a commercial audition this morning. Yup. My, normally reliable, pager didn't page me. It's technology and it's going to fail occasionally. I usually check it just to make sure but I forgot and by time I checked it was to late. Oh well, hopefully I'll have another one soon.

Auditions: "McDonald's" @ Ross Lacy Casting. Goes well, but I think I might be a little young looking for the spot. Also "Burger King" @ Terry Berland Casting. This one goes really well, I hope to get a callback. I portray that typical office worker, which I get a lot.

YES!!! I had my photo session today with http://www.johnganun.com/ and I felt like we nailed it. I even got a parking ticket in the process. I'll take that as a good sign.

Audition: Indie Feature "Twisted Path" @ Henderson/Zuckerman Casting. I read for 3 different roles with producer/director/writer. The read goes well and they set me up to come back next week for a role in a different film. I occasionally work as a reader at this office, Cathy & Dori are wonderful. Before leaving, I showed Cathy my new vintage Van Halen concert tee shirt that I got for Christmas from a dear friend. Last time I was there I wore my Led Zeppelin tee. Cathy is a big rock music fan like me.

I also had my general meeting at Sony Pictures Television with Dawn Steinberg & Adrianna Porcaro. The meeting went really well. Dawn went over my resume and asked questions about some of the shows I worked on. She told me what shows they have on the air and what pilots they are working on. She seemed genuinely interested in me. She asked where I was from, what was direction I wanted my career to move in, etc. The meeting was wrapped up with Dawn saying that they will be going over Breakdowns from Sony projects and trying to get me auditions with those casting directors. Who says generals don't exist anymore?

Auditions: "Sci-Fi Channel" promo & "Avis" commercial.

Cool!! I get a call from one of those drop-offs from the other day while I was on the Universal lot. It is straight to producers for UPN's "Rock Me Baby". This is my second time to producers for this show this season. The all laugh again, we'll see what happens.

I have an appointment for a pilot today, the "Untitled Method Man/Redman Project" for Fox. I would really like to get a callback for this, I think I am right for it and it goes well enough. I think. While on the Universal lot for the audition I did a couple of drop-offs to try create more opportunities. I also have an audition for a "Johnsonville" commercial @ Craig Colvin Casting. Usually when I audition for Craig I get a callback. I ran into Craig while I was there and got to show him that I cut my hair. He told me that Kevin Smith is directing the spot and that he really liked me for a spot for a "Boston Globe" spot that I almost booked last year. At the last minute the ad agency chose someone out of New York that they had worked with before. That was really good news, I had no idea Kevin Smith even knew I existed.

Drop-offs, drop-offs and more drop-offs!! Also, it's time to re-shoot photos. I think I am settled on how I am going to wear my hair. Very, very short. I will call John Ganun www.johnganun.com to set up an appointment to shoot on the 23rd.

Audition: "Saturn" @ Ross Lacy Casting. Goes well.

YES!!! My agent calls today to tell me that I have a general interview with Dawn Steinberg. Dawn is the Senior VP of Talent & Casting @ Sony Pictures Television. The interview is scheduled for Friday Jan. 23rd. I am quite sure the meeting came from meeting Adrianna Porcaro in a workshop last week. Adrianna works for Dawn; I guess she thinks I am someone that her boss should meet.

Gotta love those same-day calls. I didn't have anything scheduled for today, but some things came through nonetheless. First my theatrical agent called with a producer session for "Charmed". It's for a different, smaller role than I auditioned for originally. It's for a dad! That's cool because I actually believe I could be a young dad now that I've cut my dreads. The read of a couple of lines goes pretty well. Quick, fast and in a hurry. The second audition was for a "Honda" commercial, which also goes well.

Yes!! A Saturday audition. I go in for a guest lead on "The Shield" today. Often times when I go in for the gritty shows it is a drug dealer who is selling a bunch a product on the streets. I do not really like going in for those roles, but this one fits me much better. It is the foot soldier in those stories, the guy who works for the bigger street dealer. The guy who will rat you out if any pressure is put on him. The audition went really, really well. I hope to get a callback, but if I don't they will bring me back for something else I'm sure.

My first audition of the year! My agent wasn't thrilled about me going in on it, but I wanted to. It's just a line or two, but it stars Cameron Diaz & Toni Collette, Curtis Hanson is directing and David Rubin/Erica Arvold are casting. I felt it was smart for me to get seen and who knows. I love that my agents don't pass on things without me know about it. The role is a bartender and he is suppose to have actual bartending experience. How funny, I've never even had a drink much less mixed one. I felt like it went well. I also read for "Charmed" at Leslee Dennis Casting today. The role is a young ER doctor. I was happy with this audition as well. I'm glad I am getting seen with my new short hair style.

I go to the doctor today because my ribs are still bothering me from when I ran into the trees riding motorcycles while on vacation. It's official, I have a cracked rib. I knew something was wrong inside of me. The doctor said bones take about 6 weeks to heal. It's been almost 3 weeks; so I guess I'm half-way there.

It's time!!!! I am back in the saddle making the rounds doing my drop-offs. I gotta let CD's know that I have cut my hair. So I am burning up the pavement dropping off my photo around town. I will re-shoot in a couple of weeks.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Actually I am traveling today. What a great day to travel, it almost seemed like the airport was closed. I saw rapper/actor Ludacris on my flight. He was in first-class, of course, I was in with the regular folks. I also saw "Gilmore Girls" casting director Jamie Rudofsky from JaM Casting on the flight. When I got back to LA only one of my bags was at baggage claim. After a whole day of trying to track it down through Continental I received a call from "Joe". He had taken my bag by mistake; he said that he had the exact same bag. Fortunately, he didn't live far from me.

More motocross riding today with my family. I absolutely love this sport; I will do this for a long time. I am still the champ among my brothers. I am more worried about my 5 year old nephew beating me in 4-5 years than my brothers. LOL!! Don't tell them.

Christmas morning is here. My niece and nephew got everything they wanted and more (personally, I think it's too much). One of the highlights was my 5-year old nephew getting a motorcycle. All I can say is that this kid is a natural on a bike.

Today is the big day for my hair to be cut. Yup, the dreadlocked look is over for me. I've had dreads for 9 of the last 14 years. I'm just ready for a change. I've been trying for about a year to do it, but needed the right time set of circumstances. I didn't want to do it while working on "Good Morning, Miami" because I didn't want to possibly threaten a good situation. About the time that ended I was cast in "The Terminal". I didn't shoot until almost 4 months later; obviously I didn't want to change things from how I looked at the audition. So finally the zero hour is here. My little brother, Todd, does the honors. In 20 minutes I'm completely bald. WHAT!!!

Next on the agenda today is motocross riding with 2 of my brothers. We are really competitive, so there is a lot of "smack-talk" when I'm not at home. One of my brother's has a Honda CR125R and the other has a Suzuki RM125. Predictably, I came out on top. My brother's are quite talented, but they will never beat me on a motocross track.

Something else I usually do while riding is to get shaken up somehow....someway. At the end of the day I wanted to take a lap around the expert/Supercross track. It was a little wet, but I was doing OK. Then the whoops came. WHAT!!! I'd never ridden through real whoops before. I ended up somehow twisting the throttle wide open and going over the berm into the trees. When I say the trees I mean literally. I flew through the air and hit 2 trees 4-5 feet above the ground. I landed with a thud and was stuck under the bike among the saplings and vines. The first thing I did was to move my extremities; I wanted to make sure nothing was broken or worse. After a moment I was able to get up. My brothers and the other riders had gone back to their vehicles to pack up for the day, so I was out there alone.

I didn't want anyone to see me so know one would know what "really" happened. I got stuck 3 separate times. Finally someone came looking for me, but I was really in the woods and you couldn't see me from the track. It took me 15 minutes to get out of there. As I made my way back to the truck my brother was coming to look for me. He wasn't very happy as I explained what happened. Later that night I self-diagnosed myself with several bruised ribs. I need to develop more fear of getting hurt. I have a dream to be able ride at one of pro races as a "celebrity". That even sounds funny, but I can dream right? While we're on the subject, I also want to ride in fighter jet.

Finally, I catch my flight home for the holidays.

Today is shoot day for the "Michelob Ultra" commercial. I get a 5pm call time. Obviously I will not be able to make the 9:25 flight tonight so I cancel the original ticket and take the hit with the change fees. It's a lot better than $1,100. The shoot goes well. My character is a producer at a dance audition. It is due to start running in February.

Things are not looking good as far as me making my flight home. In order for me to change my flight and leave the next day, Orbitz.com wants to charge over $1,100 dollars. Are they kidding? Nope, not at all. It looks like I will have to book another flight for the next day to be safe. I book another flight.

The big question in my life right now is: Can I make my 9:25pm flight home to Virginia Beach this Friday night? I expect an early call time, but you never really know. I never heard anything else about the "IBM" spot so I guess they moved on without me. Or they scrapped the whole spot.

The guest tonight at the SAG Conservatory is casting director Debra Zane. Debra cast "The Terminal" that I recently worked on. She also cast films such as "The Limey", "American Beauty", "Catch Me If You Can", "Matchstick Men", "Traffic" among others. It was great to get to hear her speak for 90 minutes about how she runs her office. That is one office I am really glad to have gotten into for films.

Audition: "Harley-Davidson". It goes well and I think I'm right for it. Also I get a last minute call for an "IBM" @ TLC/Loree Booth Casting. I get there and find that I am one of 3 guys requested for this spot. WHAT!!! When I arrived they didn't even have the sides. After we had the sides for about 5 minutes we received word those sides were no good. Ten minutes later we received another set of sides. Whew! Anyway the spot is being directed by the legendary Joe Pytka. I keyed in on this office about 3 years ago because I heard that Mr. Pytka uses actors over and over again. I got in the family by booking an "IBM" spot about 18 months ago. I'll hope for the best.

I have my wardrobe fitting for "Michelob Ultra" this evening @ Universal Studios. It's a madhouse over there; they are fitting like 12 people at once. It's freezing on Stage 25 so I am not in any hurry to take off my clothes to be fitted. I patiently wait until everyone else is finished. In 4 minutes flat I am finished too.

Finally!!! Booked!!! It's a "Michelob Ultra" national commercial. What a nice way to round out the year.

Tonight I am a panelist on the Showfax Actors 101 Seminar titled "Creating an Image: How to Create and Market Your Best Self". I am always nervous when appear at these events, but it seemed to go over pretty well. One young lady was so kind to bake brownies for the panelists, they were soooo good. Thanks!!

Callback: "Michelob Ultra". It flows like "butta". I've got a really good feeling about this one. Everything just seemed to click from the very beginning. Screening: "The Girl With A Pearl Earring".

Screening: "Cold Mountain". Renee Zellweger steals every scene that she is in.

Audition: "MasterCard" @ Alyson Horn Casting. It goes well. The session runner told me that she sees my postcards all of the time and was surprised that I do them myself. She even told me where I can get some really good quality glossy ones that are reasonably priced. Audition: "Michelob Ultra" @ Kathy Knowles Casting. It goes really well and I am really right for it. The character is a stage manager/PA. I figure I'll just go in with a "Good Morning, Miami" feel to it. LOL!! While I am there I squeeze in to get seen for a "Washington Mutual" print go-see.

Audition: "Miss Match". This is my second time reading for the show this season. Hopefully I'll get to work on the show. I see Ryan O'Neal on my way in to read. Screening: "Monster". Charlize Theron is incredible in this film. I hope she gets her due.

Screening: "Open Range". Q&A with Robert Duvall, Annette Benning & Kevin Costner.

I have a producer session for "Reba". It's 2 lines. I have to stop going in on some of these roles. I would have passed if I had known more about the role. I didn't even go all that great. I am glad that they think of me, but I want them to think of me in a different light. After that I had a really good audition for "Progressive Auto Insurance" at Craig Colvin Casting. One of these days I am going to book at his office, I usually get close. I'll book in due time. I did a drop-off today @ April Webster Casting and ran into associate Mandy Sherman. She knew who I was right away and asked if I was still working on "Good Morning, Miami". She gets all of the postcards I send out. Maybe one day I'll get to audition for "Alias" too.

Yes!! My first pilot audition of the season. Hopefully this is a sign of what is to come for me. It is at Landsburg/Fiddleman Casting. Terri Fiddleman brought me in for the first TV gig that I ever booked. It was for "Friends". The pilot presentation is for ABC Family called "This Time Around" which is based on a movie-of-the-week. They went over my resume and saw that I have been working quite a bit and asked about the Spielberg/Hanks experience. I felt the read went well; I did everything that I wanted to do in the room. It would be nice to get a callback.

I thought this was kinda funny. I looking at this "Good Morning, Miami" fansite and the topic of the day was why was the show having a bad season. Someone inquired about the character that I used to play "Robby" they said "Whatever happen to Robbie? He was so cool". I gotta tell you I got a kick out of that!!

Screening: "Bad Santa". The star of the film, Billy Bob Thornton, did a Q&A session for SAG members in attendance. He is a really cool dude. I was even able to get a photo with him.

Commercial audition: "Sears".I have a dear friend who is one of the most talented people I have ever met and I mean ever. Her name is Erin Seaborg. The business side of acting, for her, wasn't nearly as exciting as acting itself. I asked her to give me some of her headshots and I would pass them around while I did my own drop-offs. She had attended some casting director workshops and I knew which ones. I would selectively drop off her photos at the places that I thought she had the best chance of getting called in. The last photo that I had of hers went to Zane/Pillsbury Casting. They cast NBC's "Miss Match". Brett Greenstein called her in and she booked the role!! She was non-union so she was able get her SAG card from it as well. The show aired tonight and she looked great. Congratulations Erin!!

Happy Birthday mom!!! She would have been 70 today. Tonight I attend the Hollywood premiere of "In America". It was pretty neat; I even walked down the red carpet. I got off of it quickly so I wouldn't get in someone else's photo. I enjoyed the film for the third time and hung out for reception afterwards. I even saw a few people that I knew. Thanks Jim.

My friend, Jonathan Julian, has a commercial audition today that he thinks I am also right for. I call my agent and 10 minutes later I have my own appointment. It was for a "Dodge" spot and it goes really well. Screening: "In America" After the screening I run into the highly-acclaimed director of the Jim Sheridan. I know Jim through a former girlfriend. He invites me to the premiere which is tomorrow in Beverly Hills.

Today I have a film audition @ Henderson/Zuckerman Casting. The film is called "Lost in Plainview"; the role is of a small-town, country guy. He runs into 2 girls in trouble and eventually gets killed. The audition is for the director and it goes really well. Afterwards I have a producer session for UPN's "All About The Andersons. Screening: "Japanese Story"

AIA Career Day is what is on my agenda today. Not so much because I'm looking for direction in my career, because I have to stay busy. Today is the one year anniversary of my mother's death. Without question, this is the most difficult thing I have ever been through. I don't know that it gets easier with time. It gets.........different. It has tapped the rawest emotions in my core self. I don't think I ever cried at a film before she passed. These days I rarely see a film where I don't shed a tear at some point. (You can keep that between us though.)

Cool! I get to be a reader today. Henderson/Zuckerman Casting, who I have been a reader for in the past, has asked me to help out on an indie film called "In Your Eyes". It's a short session with the Producers/Writers/Director. It goes well and they ask for my headshot at the end. I also have an audition scheduled for and another project at this office next week.

7:00am and I'm back on-set for my last day on "The Terminal". Looking at the schedule it seems that my scene will be shot today. All of the vendors supported one another while they were shooting which was great. I watched Lydia do her thing and I was up soon after. A background actor in Lydia's scene got an upgrade to principal when he was asked to dance in the scene by the cinematographer. No lines, just dancing, I can't wait see that scene in the film.

Right before my scene was to be filmed Steven threw in another shot on the spot. Another background actor who was working in the Starbucks was also upgraded on the spot and given several lines with Tom Hanks. Two people upgraded in one hour. Finally it was my turn to work. I had some other choices to help make my little bit of dialogue my own. I wanted my ideas to be heard so I waited until I was miked for sound and knew Steven was listening. I wasn't going to change the dialogue that was written, but I figured that I'd kinda throw it out to the universe when I was warming up before we actually rehearsed it. IT WORKED!!! After the second take Steven came over to me and asked me to add the line I was doing in rehearsal. It was over in a flash and Tom & Steven shook my hand and thanked me. Steven laughed and said "you've got the line of the movie". I just hope it survives through post-production. Afterwards I, Lydia and the others hung out and watched production for the rest of the day. I also asked Mr. Hanks for a photo and he was more than happy to pose with me. 119 days after that drop-off it's finally done. Well not really, my promotional energy will continue to use it to get more auditions for studio films. Since we ended up staying a little longer than originally booked we were in the hotel longer as well. I figured I was due more per diem money in addition to what I had already gotten, but I wasn't going to ask for it. Sure enough Lydia got hers and came and told me that they had mine waiting for me. I could get used to this!! Peace!!

This officially let me know that this surreal experience was OVER and I was going back to my regular life. When I was leaving the set i started my car and the headlights wouldn't turn on. WHAT!!! Yeah, no headlights. I fiddled with some things for a little while and they eventually came on. Back to the hotel for a good nights sleep before driving back to Hollywood in the morning.

I'm off today from "The Terminal" which works out perfectly because my agent calls with a callback for a "Domino's" commercial. The callback goes well; I'm due for some commercial bookings.

One year ago today I said what was to be my final goodbye to my mother. Without question, this was the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. I miss her dearly. Another 6:30 call today. The weather is quite brisk in the morning; I think the elevation is about 3,000 feet. I love seeing the snow-capped mountains in the distance. According to the shooting schedule the group of vendors that I am a part of is shooting first thing this morning. I get a little breakfast, into wardrobe & I'm ready to go. The big question is: are they ready for me? I sit in my trailer, reading a script, and doze off. Then there is a knock on my door. They are ready for me. Finally!! One moment I'm asleep and five minutes later I'm in a scene with Tom Hanks. Things change fast in Hollywood, well make that Palmdale.

A wonderful surprise for me today was the entire office from Debra Zane Casting visiting the set. It was Debra herself, associate Tannis Vallely and assistant Christiana Celeste. They picked today to visit because many of the people who booked a weeks work were working. They were genuinely happy for our group; they even stayed and had lunch with us.

After lunch it was back to work. We were finishing a huge scene from the previous day involving hundreds of background actors. Watching Tom Hanks is quite interesting. I don't see him as an "intense" actor; he seems very relaxed and just does the work. We wrapped another 12 hour day and it was back to the hotel. Oh yeah, Mr. Hanks gave us all Lotto tickets. He is a first class guy.....I didn't win though.

I'm back in Palmdale and my 6:30am call is welcome. I'm eager to work, but it isn't to be today. I wait, wait and wait some more. I hang out on set a bit and watch the others do their thing. Three of Steven Spielberg's kids make cameos in the film as well. 10 1/2 hours on set, but camera time for me. Back to the hotel, dinner and I hit the sack early.

This morning's 6:30am call time came after a restless night. Today's shooting schedule said that the vendors would be in the first two scenes of the day and the very last scene of the day. The hours came and went. I slept in my trailer for a while, and then hung out on-set. We broke for lunch, and then afterwards we were wrapped for the day. 8 hours on-set, but they never got to our scenes. We will are scheduled to be back on Monday.

I signed out and shot some hoops with Diego Luna. I'm not a b-ball player, but I didn't know my game was THAT bad. I suck!!

INT. Stephon's stuffy studio apartment-7:07am-

SFX: (Phone ringing)

Stephon: (After checking caller ID: "Dreamworks") Hello?

Production:
Stephon?

Stephon:
Speaking.

Production:
I'm sorry to call you so early, but Steven just arrived on-set and wants to shoot your scene today. Is it possible for you to come to set right away?

Stephon:
Ah....yeah of course.

Production:
Cool! Thank you so much. Look for me when you get here, I have very short hair.

Stephon:
Okay, see you then.

So that was my wake up call this morning. I've had worse calls. All of the sudden everything is NOW! The location is in Palmdale, about 70 miles away.

Put clothes in the dryer from last night
Shower & shave
Fill my cars' radiator with coolant, since I have a leak
Go to ATM

I'm finally on the road. It's a beautiful drive through the mountains of Southern California. I don't think I'll ever get used to the mountainous views of this region. It's pretty flat in Virginia Beach where I grew up, so the is a real treat.

I arrive at the location. I can't believe this. It is the largest set ever built for a movie. They constructed a whole airport terminal. I check in with production and get to my trailer and the first person is Lydia Blanco. I've known Lydia for a couple of years, we met doing workshops. I remember when she was new in town and a little frustrated with being non-union. Well here we are working together on a Spielberg production with Tom Hanks & Catherine Zeta-Jones. Dreams do come true.

The set is unbelievable to say the least. It is Hollywood magic at its best, you really get the feeling that you are leaving on a flight. I am part of a group of 5 airport vendors. We are introduced to Mr. Spielberg and he seems like a really nice guy. Shortly after I see Tom Hanks & Catherine Zeta-Jones. Tom is very funny and engaging. Ms. Zeta-Jones is absolutely beautiful, very sweet and doesn't take long show why she is a star.

We are informed by one of the AD's that since Steven put us in this scene at the last minute we will get one extra day of work added. This is great news; it'll pay for my trip home for the holidays. During one of the set changes I had a few words with Mr. Spielberg. I thanked him for the opportunity to be a part of his storytelling. I also told him that I thought I was the only man in the world who had never had coffee. He laughed and said maybe he & I are the only two.

The next 6-8 hours were spent rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest players in the industry. After wrapping for the day, me and the other vendors checked in our hotel, met for dinner and called it a night.

I receive a call from "The Terminal" production saying that I won't start tomorrow; it has been pushed to the following day. Okay, what's another day right? I mean I booked this role over 3 months ago. I'm patient, LOL!!

A friend of mine, Gwendolyn Oliver, had a script reading of her screenplay sharing her experience of having a brain tumor. Powerful, moving and quite beautiful to say the least.

These days I'm looking forward to breaking through to the next level in my career. I'm kinda sitting in a great position, but I don't want to continue to be an actor who only does bit parts. I pride myself with being "patiently, impatient". Great things are happening for me, but I have to keep the pressure on to keep on a steady plane of progress. I think a change is on the horizon as far as my hair style goes, I am getting tired of wearing my hair in dreadlocks. I have already discussed it with my agents and I think it will happen sooner than later. Now that it seems like "Good Morning, Miami" is a thing of the past it may be a perfect time to do it.

Finally a commercial audition this week!! I get seen for a "Domino's" spot @ Ross Lacy Casting. It goes well. It would be nice to book a commercial or anything else these days.

Yeah!! Cool I have an appointment for "The Shield" today. The role is an addict who is being shaken down in a crack den. Its fun and I think I am pretty right for it, I'll hope for the best. Regardless, I feel that it goes well.

Today I have my wardrobe fitting for "The Terminal" @ Universal Studios. It is always funny to me when I am standing in my underwear just five minutes after meeting the always female wardrobe person. In most other lines of work that would get me arrested.

I guess this answers my questions on if I will be back on "Good Morning, Miami" or not. I think the answer is a resounding "NO!". It appears that I have been replaced in the role of "Robby" the stage manager. There is now a Latino female in a very similar role. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted and I must say that I am quite curious as to what happened. I asked my agent, but she was never able to get an answer from the casting office. I'll have to chalk it as something that seemed too good to be true. When I went back at the start of this season it seemed that I would be around a lot. The director, Peter Bonerz, in the last episode I worked actually requested that I have a desk on the show. I'm sure this is leading to another door opening for me. It's not everyday that 3 lines turns into 14 episodes!! Onward & upward!!

Today is busy!! This is a good thing, since it has been a little quiet as of late. First, I have a really good commercial audition for "Old Spice" @ Sheila Manning Casting. Then I read for USA Network's "Monk" for CFB Casting. The role was a Rastafarian cook in prison with a Jamaican accent. Must be the hair, huh? Anyway, I work on the material with two of my actor friends and got to a good place with it. The audition went well, I'm not sure how right I was for the role, but it went well. That is all I can ask for. Lastly, I participated in a screenplay reading for a new film that is setup at Universal Pictures. The director is Franc Reyes, he directed "Empire" last year starring John Leguizamo. I was surrounded by a lot of really talented performers and it was a blast. Mimi Rogers was there as well. I got into that through a friend, Nicole Gomez Fisher, called me at the last minute to participate. Thanks Nicole!!

Bright and early and it's already time to go back to LA. I'm sick as dog!!! WHAT!!! Yeah, I got hit with something overnight. I am not looking forward being on a plane all day feeling like this. But I guess I have no choice.

THE FORMAL NIGHT!! This means I have to wear a suit. Not my favorite thing to do, but without a tie I was okay. Tonight there where some who weren't in attendance last night. It seemed like everyone was married with kids. Or had "been" married with kids. I was one of the few that hadn't done either, at least not yet. Again it was great to see everyone. Me being an actor came up several times. This is always a funny thing for me. I feel kinda goofy saying it. I'm proud of what I've accomplished, but it just feels funny mentioning it among those who aren't in the business. A few had actually seen me in a couple of things on TV and thought it was kinda cool. So all in all it was a really good trip. I got to reconnect with some people I hadn't spoken to in a very long time. I'm looking forward to the next one.

LAX. Bright & early. Ready to Rock 'n Roll!! I'm off to my hometown of Virginia Beach, VA to attend my high school class reunion. Interesting, to say the least. Can I tell you that I absolutely love going home? It's the best feeling. It's just so "regular", so "calm". Make no mistake my hometown has it's "issues" too, but compared to NY & LA I feel like I am in a time warp back into a time when things were more "simple". So I show up at the reunion and recognize people right away. Many of the names came to me instinctively. Most people looked pretty much liked themselves with the additional years added. I don't know how I looked to others. Quite a few didn't recognize me at all. That didn't surprise me. I wasn't really known for much other than my skills on a BMX bike. At least that's all I remember. Some knew I had become an actor and had questions about it. Others found out and were kinda shocked by it. I can see why, there wasn't any of it while I was in high school. There were many people that I thought would be there that didn't attend. Maybe they'll be there on the second night.

WHAT!!! I have a print go-see today. I don't get those too often. It's a worldwide ad for "Nissan". Wish me luck, I'll need it.

Today I have an audition for "Significant Others". I'm not really sure what kind of a show it is. I think it's like a reality show, but they are using real actors. Thankfully!!! Anyway, the audition is totally improv, which I haven't done in a while. My partner is willing to go for it and it comes off great. I don't know if we'll be cast, but we showed well I thought. My agent calls this evening with my schedule for "The Terminal". Actually it's the schedule for the entire production. Wow, I can see exactly what days everybody is working in what cities. It looks like I am working for 4 days out of 7 days. This weekend I am going back to Virginia Beach, VA to attend my high school reunion. I don't know why I feel this way, but I am a nervous wreck. At the same time I am truly looking forward to it. Actually, it feels good to "not" know what to expect.

There is no pressure on me, I mean I wasn't voted "class president" or "most likely to succeed" or anything like that. I'll be surprised if more than handful of people even knew I existed back then.

No, I've never been married and don't have any children, at least not yet. I never went to college and there was absolutely no hint in high school that I would be an actor. It should be very interesting; I guess I'll see what happens.

More Spielberg research going on tonight. This guy is amazing!! I am so looking for to working with him & his team.

Tonight I spend time at Barnes & Noble doing more research on Steven Spielberg. I really want to know "how" he works. It's a small role that I have booked and I really want it to make it to the screen. I'll be doing a lot more research over the next 3 weeks.

This afternoon I go straight to producers for new ABC comedy "I'm With Her". I can't complain about my theatrical auditions, but I usually book more.

This morning I have an audition for new Fox drama "Skin". I rehearsed it with my man Jon and was ready to go, but when I read it with the casting director the words wouldn't come out. I finally asked if I could start over, the CD said yes. The next time felt really good. It was taped for the producers, so hopefully I'll get a callback. I stop in to see my commercial agents today because I told them that I am considering cutting my hair. I had my dreads stuff up in a hat to give them a hint of what I might look like without dreads. Also my agent calls with the final details of my travels plans for "The Terminal". They will put me in a hotel in Palmdale and give me a daily per diem for meals.

This evening SonHui calls me herself, she is on the road to recovery, thankfully. She sounds groggy, but like herself. It just goes to show that we aren't guaranteed another day or another moment even. There have been a lot things lately that have made think about my life. Tonight at the gym a young guy collapsed after leaving the sauna room, he was okay moments later. I don't know, I'm starting to think about family in a different way. I mean I am really close to my family; I talk to my little brother Todd in Virginia every day, several times a day usually. I think my thoughts are transitioning to having my own family. Hmmmm...........

Today I stopped by the casting office of "The Terminal" with a small token of my appreciation for everyone who works there. Debra wasn't there, but Tannis and Christiana were. Tannis greeted me with open arms; she was so happy that I was cast in the film. She told me how sure Steven was about choosing me. She reported that he said "This is the only person for this role". I auditioned on a Tuesday morning, they sent tapes overnight the same afternoon to The Hamptons in New York and he was on the phone Thursday morning with the booking.

Alright!! Tonight is the second episode of "Good Morning, Miami". I enjoy the episode until it is interrupted by the election coverage. Looks like "Ahnold" is the new man. Weird, to say the least. Maybe he'll help keep more jobs in LA.

Audition: "Roadrunner Cable". The audition goes well.

Today I get an appointment for new NBC drama "Las Vegas". I had dropped off a photo yesterday at the casting office and they called a couple of hours later. The role is a delivery guy. The audition goes well; hopefully I'll get a callback.

Audition: "UPS". It goes well! My agent informs me that I will be working in Palmdale, CA for "Terminal". Palmdale is about 65 miles from where I live. She was calling to see if I wanted to stay out there in a hotel while I shoot or drive in/out everyday and get a mileage credit. I guess I was trying to be nice 'cause I just said "whatever is the easiest". Right after that I ran into commercial queen Margaret Easley and she gave me several good reasons to stay in Palmdale. So I called back and informed my agent. I get word that I booked the UCLA trailer. BUT! There seems to be some question about the union status. I don't know why the CD called me to audition if it wasn't SAG. So I called the CD and she wasn't really sure what the status and wasn't too helpful really. She just wanted me to do it and not worry about it. She said to call the director and check with him. I called him and he said that they were trying to get it covered by a SAG experimental contract. Cool! He calls back and said that it wasn't looking good for the SAG contract and would I be willing to do it anyway. I told him "no" I wouldn't do it non-union. That's unfortunate; I was looking forward to working with a new, young director.

Bright and early I get a call to let me know that SonHui made it through surgery okay. I am dumbfounded by this whole thing. It adds to things I have been already thinking about in my life.

This morning I get an e-mail from a friend of SonHui, the friend that I accompanied to the wedding last week in Phoenix. My heart starts racing as I am wondering what was going on. I call her and she tells me that SonHui is in the hospital. She had had a brain aneurysm. WHAT!!! A week ago I was right there with her in Phoenix. It threw me for a loop, you never really think that sort of thing will happen to anyone you know. She goes in to surgery this evening.

Cool! My agent calls to tell me that my time on the feature "The Terminal" has been increased to a week. That is great to hear, I am really excited about this project.

Also, tonight is the big night!!! It's the second season premiere of "Good Morning, Miami". I think the show was fantastic!! Some of my lines were there and some were cut. I think the show has a great chance to be very important for NBC in the coming years if they get behind it.

Today I sent out an e-mail reminder for friends to watch the second season premiere of "Good Morning, Miami". It's amazing how many people are rooting for me, many I haven't ever met in the flesh. I really appreciate it. One young lady, Staci, got word that I booked a role in "The Terminal" with Tom Hanks. She happens to be really good friends with the casting associate that cast the film. She forwarded my e-mail message to her and the casting associate, Tannis responded that "Steven loves me" (my audition performance, that is). WHAT!!! Yeah, Steven as in "Spielberg". Cool!!! Here is the quote:

"one more thing...i talked to tannis and she said steven LOVES you! go get 'em baby! love staci"

The audition was like 3 lines, I couldn't figure out how he came up with all of that. I'll take it though. Maybe they were actually shooting all of the pre-audition conversation about me not drinking coffee. I've been doing research on Mr. Spielberg and I found that he doesn't drink coffee either.

Tonight I conduct a mentoring session at The Actorsite. I was asked to do it by the owner for members of the group. I was just sharing experiences for a couple of hours. It feels weird to be called a mentor, but it went pretty well.

I have 3 auditions today. The first is for a UCLA trailer. I was called directly by the casting director. It went really well. Next was an appointment an "ABC Diversity Showcase". It was okay, I think I was rushing over the material and missing the beats. The last one was for producers for "NYPD Blue". I felt it went well.

Audition: "Pop Secret". It goes well; I am paired up with my dear friend Keilana Smith. It was quite interesting. Keilana and I have dated on and off for the last several years going back to my New York restaurant days. More off than on, but always in each others lives.

Today I go in for a SAG experimental film. It's called "Zero Options"; the role is some street hustler. How funny. They have me pick any scene in the script for my audition material. I chose one that was "non-thug-like". It was between my character and a little girl; I was helping her with her homework. I don't think they expected that, so they had me read a "thug-like" scene totally cold. I felt that it went well, considering it was totally cold.

Wow, for some reason that wedding really did a number on me. It was so beautiful to see two people that were so committed to each other. I have to admit, it got me to think about certain areas of my life. Ahem, I'll leave it at that.

Cool!! Another audition from a drop-off. I have a producer session this morning for new NBC dramedy "Miss Match". I felt the session went well. Right after my audition I went straight to LAX to catch a flight to Phoenix, AZ to attend a wedding with a friend, SonHui.

Tonight I attend the season premiere party for UPN comedy "One On One". It was held at one of the series regular, Kelly Perine's house. He is a really, really great guy and one heck of a talented actor. I remember being in a commercial callback with him once and it was painfully obvious why he works so much. At the party I watched the show in his bedroom; I noticed that his room is larger than my entire apartment. WHAT!!! I better keep doing drop-offs!

COOL! Bright and early my commercial agent calls to tell me I have a callback later this afternoon for "Hyundai". YEAH!! The callback goes really well. I don't think I'll book, but that's okay. I'll get 'em next time.

This day really hatches a horrible memory for our country and the world. I gave blood again this year in honor of it. I know I should give blood more often, but I can't stand needles. I will get better at it though and try to give more often. I also had an audition for a "Hyundai" commercial. I was to portray a husband in his early 30's. It's funny because I usually feel like I'm a bit younger than that. I am learning to leave that way of thinking alone and just do the work. There are situations in which I'm right about it........I think. Anyway it went well and we'll see what happens. Then I had an audition for "Eve", a new comedy on UPN, starring rapper Eve. I felt like I was ready for the audition, but it didn't go all that well. The CD was really backed up and I felt she was kinda trying catch up therefore it was really rushed. I explained what happened to one of my buddies and he gave me a little trick to prevent that from happening again.

Drop offs, drop offs & more drop offs!!