Tonight is the cast & crew screening for "The Terminal". I can't believe I made the final cut of the film. Just about everything I shot was there. It was a first for me to see myself in a studio film. I hope for many more to come.

INT. Stephon's Apt 6:29pm.

SFX: (Phone ringing/Caller ID-Private Caller) Usually that's my agency.

Stephon:
Hello.

Brittany(agency assistant):
Hey Stephon? It's Brittany.

Stephon:
Hey, how are you?

Brittany:
Great and you?

Stephon:
Fantastic.

Brittany:
Debra Zane called. She was asking if you are attending "The Terminal" screening tomorrow night.

Stephon:
Oh yeah, I'll be there.

Brittany:
She's a big fan of yours. You've been in the office twice and booked twice.

Stephon: I'm a bigger fan of hers!!

Brittany:
Anyway, she called to inform us that your role in "Ocean's Twelve" had been cut.

Stephon:
Aww really? Oh well, it happens like that sometimes.

Brittany:
Yeah, she said they were doing a lot of rewrites and it was cut. She wanted to give you a "heads up" so you wouldn't find out at the screening.

Stephon:
Well, who knows maybe they'll write it back in.

Brittany:
Maybe.

Stephon:
I hope I actually made the final cut in "The Terminal".

Brittany:
Huh?

Stephon:
Yeah, you never know until you know. I guess I'll find out tomorrow night. Thanks.

Brittany:
Sorry, see ya.

Stephon:
Bye.....

LA actor orientation for a group of actors from the Actor's Connection in New York visiting the LA market.

Mentoring session @ Actorsite.

Still just counting the days until I go to LAX for my flight home. To pass the time I've been spending an insane amount of time at the gym and riding my mountain bike. I'm in training for the "Fuller Motocross Challenge". My two younger brothers are talking a lot of smack so I really need to go home and represent on the dirt bike. I am the reigning champ, but this time it's a much longer track. I'm not too concerned about my skills but my fitness hasn't been tested. They ride pretty often, but I haven't ridden since December.

NOOOOOO! I get a call for an audition. It's cool though, it auditions and shoots this week. Also this director doesn't usually have callbacks. Audition: "Sony" @ Loree Booth/TLC Casting. I think there is something that I am right for in this spot. The legend Joe Pytka is the director and I have worked for him before. Maybe that will work in my favor.

I WANNA GO HOME!!!!!!!!! I cannot wait to get to Virginia, I just need a break to do something else for minute. I am in shut down mode, I stopped doing drop-offs about 10 days ago. Honestly, I don't want to have any auditions before I leave to town. I'll print postcards before I leave and send them from Virginia before I come back so I can hit the ground running. I'll be fresh and ready to rock n roll.

Film: "Dear Frankie" @ the DGA. I enjoyed this film.

I had a meeting with my tax preparer today and I was looking at my earnings over the last 7 years. It was quite interesting to look at the flucuations over the years. When I look at the raw numbers it seems that best thing I ever did was to resign from waiting tables. When I stopped waiting tables my earnings more than doubled the next year. Go figure. I hope I didn't just jinx myself!!

Film: "The Notebook" @ the DGA. I really, really enjoyed this film. Parts of it reminded me of my mother which made tears flow. Parts of it reminded me of my father which made me think of how tragic the lack of a relationship between us is. The rest of it made me look forward to being in love with someone and having a family.

Okay today I am shooting a role in the indie feature "Three Wise Women". Again this is the project that my friend Jennifer Fontaine is producing. She is living proof that it can be done. A lot of people talk, but few walk it. She and her team are walking it. I am so proud of her. The biggest surprise was I showed and found out that I was getting paid!!! I just hadn't really thought about that. I knew it was a SAG contract, but I thought it was deffered pay. As they say "you go girl!!"

"Shrek 2". Funny, really funny.

YES!!! I have a callback for the "Lowe's" @ Kathy Knowles Casting. While I am signing in at the callback is see that the production company is "Schofield Films/NY". Hmmmm......... That is the same production company that produced the "Ford Expedition" spot I did in Brooklyn, NY back in July '98. When I went in the room the first person I see is Stan Schofield, the director of that spot. I said "hello". I'm not sure if he knew who I was, but it was good to see him. He was really a pleasure to work with back then. At any rate the audition went well and we'll if I fit in the spot anywhere.

I called the ad agency for the "Tufts Health Plan" commercial to see if I could find out what the projected run is. I left a message, they returned my call with the information and offered to send me a copy.......I didn't even have to ask. Cool!

I so often think about how fortunate I am. It was just about a year ago that I saw the casting notice for "The Terminal" on the Actorsite website and dropped off my photo. Here it is a year later and that drop-off has lead to some pretty cool things:

Both are big budget studio filmsBoth were cast by the same casting office (Debra Zane Casting)

Both were from dropping off my own photosBoth directors first and last names start with the letter "S" (Steven Spielberg & Steven Soderbergh)

Both directors are Oscar winnersOne of my characters works in an airport, the other is a flight attendant

Both films star Catherine Zeta-Jones

How do these amazing things continue to materialize for me? I can't really answer that, but I'll stay faithful to the plan I hatch 10+ years ago. Often time I simply "wow".

What is going on with my life? Sometimes I feel I really know and other times I have no clue. It's not that I'm unhappy or disenchanted about the way things are working. Actually, things are quite well. It's just that there is so much more I want to do. I am really feeling the itch to go back to Virginia Beach and work in the family business or start up a new one with my two brothers.

This is not a new thought for me. I have always planned to make this happen in some form or fashion, but lately the urge has been quite strong. I actually thought about the notion of really doing it. The problem is that I really like what I do here in Los Angeles. I guess that's not a problem really.

I have a connection with my little brother Todd like no one else on this planet and I look forward to working together with him. I don't see myself severely cutting back my time in LA, but I am thinking about. Everything starts with an idea.

It was scary to even think about the reality of doing it. I know I was really serious because tears came to my eyes just pondering the notion.

I usually get kinda weird about things in May/June & December before I go home for vacation. I think I'm just a little rundown and need a break.

With all of this being said I don't see myself walking in my agents' offices and saying "Thanks for everything, I'm leaving" anytime soon. I still have a lot of work to do in this business, more countries to visit, more characters to explore, more legends to work with, bigger checks to deposit, etc. My agents have worked hard, they believe in me and I have put in a lot of time and dedication to get where I am. I can't just walk away from what momentum I have...........at least not now.

I'm sure this anxiety will subside a bit once I get back to Virginia in the middle of June, but I definitely have an itch that may need scratching.

I became a godfather this afternoon. WHAT!!! Yeah, my friend of about 20 years Jonathan Julian became a first time dad and blessed with me with being the godfather of his daughter. Hazel Bashir was born @ 3:54 this afternoon. Incredible!

Audition: "Lowes" @ Kathy Knowles Casting. This audition goes really well. It felt great all the way around; from the drive there to finding parking, reading with two fabulous actors and not getting a parking ticket. A couple of years ago I did get a parking ticket while at a callback at this same casting facility. Hmmmmm........

Today I received a call about the indie film I booked a couple of months ago. It's called "Three Wise Women" and it's being produced by my friend Jennifer Fontaine. I shoot on June 2nd. It's great to see actors getting their own projects up and running. Many people talk the talk, Jennifer is walking the walk. Go girl!!

Cricket sounds. Can you hear them? I think it's time to leave town

Audition: "FannieMae Foundation" @ Pamela Starks Casting. It goes well.

Wow! It was 9 years ago today that I moved to New York from Virginia Beach, VA. What a ride it's been. I can't believe some of the experiences that I've had along the way. It boggles my mind that I've traveled to Japan, Spain, Washington DC & Miami all for acting work.

I remember arriving at Port Authority NYC @ 6:30am like it was yesterday. The first thing I noticed was that the weather was much cooler than what I was used to in the month of May and course how filthy 42nd Street was. The next thing that woke me up was how much cash I "didn't" have.

My buddy, Greg and I, had a ton of stuff with us so we needed a taxi to get to our destination on 46th & 10th. By this time I was wide awake to the fact that my life-savings of $200 wasn't going to take me very far. WHAT!!!

Arriving on 46th St. in Hell's Kitchen was a "you are no longer in Kansas" message to say the least. I had visited NYC many times before, but now I was going to be living here. Let the games begin, and they did...........

..........9 years later I find myself in Los Angeles feeling pretty good about things. It's definitely a roller-coaster ride, but I am extremely fortunate.

I must say as time goes by I find myself really wanting to do other things. I don't know, I miss working with my hands. Not that I ever did too much manual labor, but things like changing the oil in my car and cutting the grass.I am trying to figure out a way to divide myself into about five different people so I can do all of what I want to do. One can be a motivational speaker on a book tour, another playing stick-ball with his kids, still another cooking with the "wifey", another waxing my 2 little brothers asses on the motocross track with my sisters laughing and lastly getting to work with Denzel Washington in a film. Wait!! Maybe I just need to plan better and get my priorities straightened out. Perhaps? Probably. Oh well.

YES!!! Today I went to see a motocross race out at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino. I love this sport, I just wish I got to ride more often. It feels good to be really impressed by the talent of others. I feel like such a fan when I attend the races. I've been fortunate to work with some really big names in the TV/Film business, but when I see these MX riders I am just as impressed with their talent if not more. It was a good day that totally made me forget about a lot of things.

Today I dropped off a "thank you" card to Sheila Manning @ Sheila Manning Casting. That is who cast the commercial I recently shot. I wanted to get in and out quickly and not get in the way. She was at her desk when I walked in and didn't expect her to know who I was; and she didn't. She said "can I help you?" I told her I came to bring her a thank you card and she perked up. I was trying to leave right away, but she started talking and was racing to open the card so she would know who I was. She saw my name and the name of the spot I did and was very thankful for the gesture. We chatted for a bit and she told me what the original concept for the spot was. I told what a great time I had working with Franklin Cover from "The Jefferson" fame. I also gave her some other info that she didn't already know and she was delighted. This is the second booking I've had through her office and I think she might remember me from now on. At any rate she keeps bring me in. Thanks Sheila!!

I have an ADR session for the "Tufts Health Plan" commercial today. This is good news because it indicates that the spot is going to run and I didn't get edited out. I had one line to due and I was in/out in a flash.

More drop-offs are the order for the day. I am really trying to get an audition for "XXX2". I did another drop-off at that office today. Maybe they'll write a scene with me and Ice Cube chasing the bad guys. Or maybe not.

After a long, hot day behind the wheel I received a call from Brooke, one of my commercial agents @ KSA. She just wanted to let me know that they are really happy to have me as a client. They check in on this Long Assssss story from time to time and get a kick out of it. They are wonderful agents and wonderful people; the type of people that I like to be associated with. I plan to booked many more jobs, travel to more places and cash more checks with them in the future. Go KSA!!

I am SOOO excited about my life. They are so many things I want to do in this world. I really have a vision of working in the business that my family has had for 24 years. I've had this vision since before I left Virginia Beach to begin my acting career almost a decade ago. I feel that if my father wasn't running the business my brothers and I could be wildly successful. My father lacks the vision that my brothers and I have.

It's just one of the many things I think we can do. A friend recently asked if I was thinking of leaving the acting world to pursue other interest. No!! I just plan to add many other things to my life. For instance I would love to be a talent agent or manager, a Honda salesman, an auto mechanic, a photographer, etc. I can't forget that I also plan to be one heck of a father, husband and continue to be a supportive brother. In due time, in due time my son.

Audition: "Holiday Inn Express" @ Ross Lacy Casting. I had to take my shirt off. WHAT!!! I'm no Calvin Klein model and my body is far from that, but I went for it. Maybe they are looking for a thin black guy. Anyway, it goes well. One of these days I am going to book for Ross again, it's been like 4 years.

Audition: "Monk" @ CFB Casting. This is my second time to producers for the show. It went really well again, hopefully eventually I'll go the distance and book. Afterwards I had to catch up on my drop-offs and it was hot, hot hot!!! I am so glad that I got another car to tackle this part of my job, it makes such a difference. A/C is good!! For the car and the apartment!!!

Call time-6am. Shooting "Tufts Medical Institute" @ LA Center Studios. The shoot goes well, I did a full day of sitting around before I actually got to work. That's the way it goes sometimes, it was just great to be on set again. The spot starts running in the Boston area on May 10th.

Audition: "Safeway" @ Beth Holmes Casting. Just yesterday I was talking to my friend Marvin about how I rarely get appointments at that casting office. The last time I talked to Marv about a specific something I hadn't gotten in on I booked it and it was "Friends", maybe this is a good sign. Anyway, the audition went really well.

I had my fitting today for the "Tufts Medical Institute" commercial. That was a great thing since I didn't have any auditions scheduled, at least I got paid to be fitted. At the callback I saw Franklin Cover, he played "Tom" on "The Jefferson's" years ago. I got a chance to talk him a little, he's a really nice man. I also will be working with Marianne Muellerleile. I worked with her on the pilot of "Life With Bonnie". She is a series regular on the show and plays "Gloria" the housekeeper. This woman works constantly and is still so greatful to still be working. She is a really good spirit.

I have always considered myself to be a self-described nerd, geek or what have you, today it was confirmed. While being fitted I was wearing a dress shirt that had a size 14 1/2 neck. After I got my tie on Matt, the stylist, said I needed to go down to a size 14!! I guess that makes me a "pencil necked geek". Oh well.

This morning my brother sent me this photo of my niece & nephew with Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes/N.E.R.D. fame. He was visiting our family deli to get a bite to eat. For some reason that I can't really explain there are a lot of really successful musicians from my hometown. In addition to Pharrell there is Missy Elliott & Timbaland and others. It's funny to go home and work at the deli and make a sandwich for him. What's REALLY funny is that he always congratulates me on what I'm doing. He'll go like "yo man, you really doing your thing. keep it up!!" That's cool and all, but this cat is setting it on fire. And he's a great guy too.

Callback: "Tufts Medical Institute" @ Sheila Manning Casting. The director is George Hickenlooper and he does films. So I did some research on him and found that he's directing an upcoming Jennifer Aniston film. I searched for a photo of him so I would know exactly what he looked like when I walked in the room. When I walked in he was the first person I saw. The audition went well I thought. It was me and a young lady auditioning together. There were no lines so he just had us improv a scenerio he gave us. He cut us off abruptly during both improvs. Either he hated us or loved us we thought. I guess we'll find out.........or not.

Audition: "IDT" @ Ross Lacy Casting. This one goes really well and I think I am really right for it.

DING DING DING!!! Two hours after the callback I get the word that I am booked for the "Tufts Medical Institute" commercial. It's a Boston regional spot, so it won't run here. I'm just glad to be working.

Audition: "AT&T" @ ASG Casting. This audition goes really well. I usually leave my cell phone in my car when I go into audition just to keep the distractions to a minimum. Of course in this audition I needed a cellphone. My partner that I was auditioning with didn't have his either. Note to self: If it's a cellphone commercial audition bring your cell phone.

After the audition I stopped by to see my commercial agents to say hello. I was wearing a suit and I like for them to see me in different looks. I told them I was wearing a suit as a "diversionary tactic" so that they would forget that I haven't booked anything in a while and callbacks have been few. Ironically, they laughed and said "you do have a callback tomorrow we just hadn't called you yet". Cool!! It's for Sheila Manning too for the "Tufts Medical Institute" in went in on last week.

While at the office I ran into a guy named Biff who I used to wait tables with in New York at The Harley-Davidson Cafe. It was great to see him and good to see us still in the game making it happen.

Afterwards I went to see my theatrical agents with the same scheme. Kelley quickly reminded me that I had just booked "Ocean's Twelve" and I said "Yes!!, but there is a lot more to come". She assured me that things are well and I was one my way. I feel so fortunate to be with the agents I am with. It's been almost six years.

Tonight while watching "The Apprentice" I saw a promo for "The Terminal". I even saw myself, well the back of me. Actually, I didn't recognize myself at first because I forgot that i had dreadlocks when I shot. I hope my scene with the incredible Mr. Hanks makes the final cut.

Audition: "Verizon" @ Ross Lacy Casting. This one shoots in New York. Do you have any idea how much I would love to go to NY right now!! First things first. The audition went really, really well. Maybe a callback is in order for me. They've been kinda scarce lately.

More drop-offs today. Beverly Hills has got to be the worst place to do drop-offs, there is never any where to park. It's like I need a partner so one of us could just stay in the car while the other ran inside to do the drop. I know that wouldn't work for me, I am much to weird in my approach and I would drive someone crazy. Or be driven crazy.

Not a whole lot going these 'cept for mny drop-off routine. I'm just going through my database scouring for any opportunity that might be out there for me. Since I got another car it could prevent me from going home for my usual month this Summer. I may need to stay in LA and keep trying to make things happen. That is not a pleasant thought, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Audition: "Tufts Medical Institute" @ Sheila Manning Casting. Quick-fast and it was over in a flash.

Audition: "New York Stock Exchange" @ Terry Berland Casting. Goes well.

Audition: "Hood Dairy" @ Kathy Knowles Casting. My last commercial booking, the "Michelob Ultra" (which NEEDS to start running) was through this office. Anyway, the audition goes well. Maybe lightning will strike again.I did a bunch of drop-offs today. Anything to keep busy, ya know. I'm telling ya, what I do with all of these drop-offs everyday is SOoooo "not" normal. I mean it's crazy. I find myself talking to myself trying to find parking going "WHYYYYYY". I know why, but sometimes it catches me off guard and I react like a normal person.

When I walked in Chelsea Studios for drop offs this morning I saw a gentleman putting 3 of each of his headshots in each box. I REALLY wanted to say something to him. I refrained, thinking there had to be something going on that I didn't understand. I didn't want to come off as a "know-it-all" so I stayed silent. Plus he was much bigger than me!! It bugged me all day though. I figured many people don't understand how and/or why I do what I do the way I do it. Maybe he had the same mojo going on.

This was a bright spot for me. Also while at Chelsea Studios I witnessed one of the employees for Craig Colvin Casting actually check the box while I stood there. WHAT!!! "They DO check those boxes?!! Yup! I saw it!" I mean there was only like 5 photos in it so he must check on a regular basis. Then I saw him glance at it again before he went back behind the counter. That gave me a lot of energy to keep on keepin' on. I really needed it today, because I ran into several parking problems, address problems and a PO Box place that wouldn't take a drop-off for Jeff Hardwick Casting. I'm sure tomorrow will be better.

Audition "SBC Global @ Cathi Carlton Casting. This one goes really well. I had four kids to work with in the audition. With kids, I find, you have to kinda go full force and break the ice with them. Otherwise they can be tenative, sorta surprised that an adult is even talking to them. I had a great time with these kids.

I went to see commercial CD Jeff Rosenman speak at the SAG Conservatory tonight and he was great. He relayed lots of insight into the casting process and the use of LA Casting Network.

On Friday my friend Jonathan gave me a tip on a commercial audition for "Buick" @ Lien/Cowan Casting. I dropped a photo at 8am this morning on my way to the gym and was prepared to wait and see. Then Jon called again after his audition to tell me that I really should be seen for it. For some reason I wasn't feeling the notion to go to the casting office and "stake out the joint". So I elected to call my agents at KSA and asked them about it, 10 minutes later I had an appointment. I went in and the audition went great. A callback would be nice.

Commercial audition: "Rite-Aid" @ Divisek Casting. This one goes really well, CALL ME BACK, I'm available!!!

Pilot audition: "Entourage" @ Walken/Jaffe Casting. It's a 1/2 hour episodic for HBO. This one goes pretty good, although I felt a little stiff for no good reason.

Callback for "The Rev" @ Henderson/Zuckerman Casting. It's a pilot presentation shooting in Vancouver. For this callback they added another scene, but we didn't read the initial scene from the first call. I liked the inital scene better. It would be nice to get on board for this one.

Audition "IBM" @ TLC/Loree Booth Casting. This is a Joe Pytka directed spot. The audition goes really, really well. I could see myself in this spot. I don't think they usually have callbacks so I have my fingers crossed. I worked for this lengendary commercial director about 2 years ago. I would really like to get back on board for another one.

More drop-offs. Cool!! The film that I auditioned and had a callback for about a 6 weeks, "Three Wise Women" booked me. I didn't get the role I auditioned for, but I got something. It's a SAG Experimental contract film. Yeah!!

The wardrobe department from "Ocean's Twelve" called today to get my sizes. That is a good sign, only 4 more months to go!!

Audition "Charmed" @ Leslee Dennis Casting. The audition goes really, really well. It was a pre-read so I can only hope for a callback at this point. This is about the fourth time I have been in for this show. I'm glad they continue to call me in and I really would like to book it one of these days.

I rarely get sick, but I feel something coming on. NOOOO!!!!! I have no time to get sick or be under the weather even for a day.

THREE YEARS!!! Today marks 3 years since I left my job as a waiter/valet at The Hollywood Standard on Sunset Strip. It's sometimes still hard to believe I have been able to make a living at this for this long. I'm not really surprised, but the reality of it is still kinda surreal. Here's to 3 more years and beyond!!Audition "Buick" @ Cathi Carlton Casting. The audition goes well. I see Cathi & Terry Berland on the way out and they both like my new look and photos. Cool, those are great CD radar's to be on. I've booked through Cathi's office twice and would like to again and SOON!! I tip my friend Jon off to this audition because he doesn't get nearly as many appointment as I's like to see him get. Anyway, he goes to the office and they agree to see him and he gets a callback. No callback for me though.

More and more drop-offs!!

Audition "Their Eyes Were Watching God" @ Robi Reed Casting. It's an ABC Movie of the Week starring Halle Berry. It is very, very rare that I audition for any of the African-American casting directors in town. So I was really looking forward to reading for Robi. It was 12 pages of sides, 5 different scenes, but it was only one line in each scene. I rehearsed it and went over it with my buddy Jon. I felt I found a beginning, middle and end in each scene while rehearsing, but when I got in the room it was over before I even got started. I'm like flipping pages and all I remember hearing was "great". Yeah right, I blew it. Oh well, next!

I gave blood today at the SAG office. I really wish I hadn't seen the size of the needle that they use. I know, I shouldn't have looked!!

I attend a "SAG Conversations" and the guest were the cast of "The Shield". This show keeps it real. They sound like they have a great time working together. Afterwards I spoke to lead actress CCH Pounder and told her I live in a building that she did many years ago. She got a laugh out of that. I really look forward to working on another hour drama show. Great stories from the whole cast.

I wonder how long it will take until I am used to walking to the driver side of the car. After 7 1/2 months of going to the passenger side it will take a little time to get back to normal.

Drop-offs, drop-offs & more drop-offs. I have yet to mail a single photo; I have decided to just drive them all around town. I did a bunch in Beverly Hills today. Parking anywhere in LA is difficult, but in Beverly Hills it's a complete nightmare. I was so glad when that part was over. It's so much work, but it makes me feel as though I am doing something for my career. It is so so much easier in my new car, I'm really happy with it.

Audition: Pilot Presentation "The Rev" @ Henderson/Zuckerman Casting. This is the project I was a reader for last week. It went really well, I felt. It would be nice to book something, ya know!! I also had a commercial audition for "McDonald's @ Steven Erdek Casting. I auditioned with two small children. One five and the other six, they were complete stars. I had trouble keeping up with these kids, they were great.

Audition "Wanted", TV pilot for Heidi Levitt Casting. Again, another drug dealer that I don't think I am all that right for. That's okay, because I just went in had fun with it. I was really happy with how it went. Heidi called me in from a old headshot in her files. I gave her my new photo and she asked me about my "Ocean's Twelve" & "The Terminal" credits. Pretty cool script from CBS and WBTV.

Finally!! The marriage is over and I'm so relieved. It was great while it lasted, but she doesn't do the things she used to do the way she used to do them. Sometimes you just gotta move onto bigger and better things. We spent some of the best times of our lives together. I remember driving across the country with her in the Summer of '99. That was after spending 4 years apart while I lived in New York and she in Virginia Beach, VA. It was wonderful being together again. I think I was in love. Yeah, I was in love.

We met in March of '89 and here we are 15 years later saying goodbye. The talk of separation had gone on for a good while. We tried counseling/repairs in an attempt to work things out, but it just got to the point where I didn't think it was worth the money.

She was beginning to bring me down and actually get in the way of my progress. After spending the day with her I would be exhausted. I looked forward to replacing her with a younger, prettier, sexier model. These feelings could not continue.

I feel that in most situations "what happened" is of very little importance. What is of the utmost importance is this: "What are you going to do about it?" So I had to ask myself that question. "Stephon? What are you going to do about it?!?! Are you going to sit and complain or are you going to take action?................"

I'm going to take action, I took action..........I bought a new car! Well, not brand new, but new to me. I love it! It is the exact car I wanted. I found it on http://www.autotrader.com/ (Thanks "mominbiz"! it's an inside thing between her and I).

The buying process was an absolute dream. The seller, Sean, is a business major from Taiwan. He is here in California studying for his business MBA. Thankfully, he was straight forward and honest. I think we are both stand up guys and we responded to that in each other. We were at the AFTRA-SAG Credit Union like it was a celebration, and it was. He was getting rid of his car to prepare for his return to Taiwan and I was gaining a vital tool that I needed to move forward in my career. Before we left the credit union Sean asked the loan officer to take a photo of us together. Ha!!I drove him back to Pasadena in MY new car and we talked liked we were old friends. I asked him non-stop questions about his country and his life in general. He had questions for me too. The heaviest one was "do you like to be called African-American or Black?" He was really concerned about offending others. I told him it didn't matter too much to me. "African-American" was preferable and probably more politically correct and yes, "Black" would probably offend some. I said most importantly it depends on what is in your heart, most people can tell what your intentions are even if it doesn't come out right. Ooooops! I haven't done a single single drop-off in two days!! WHAT!!!


See Ya, Nice to know ya!

'89 White Honda Accord Coupe LX-i

Code name: "Ivory"

Married: March 24th, 1989 20 miles

Separated: March 16th, 2004 231,223 miles

A new day has been born!!!

'98 Forest Green Honda Accord Coupe EX

Code name: "Cash Money" aka "The Green Hornet"

March 16th, 2004

Today I attended a free commercial workshop conducted by John Sudol. I always try to attend any free events I can find. I always pick up something I can use to get ahead. Free help is always a good thing in my book.

Afterwards I went to the memorial service for casting director Cecily Adams. She recently passed away after a bout with lung cancer. It was a beautiful celebration of her life. At the same time it hit me like a ton a bricks. I feel like I know what her husband Jim is going to face. I feel I know what questions her two-year old daughter will ask. It leaves a hole in my heart. I couldn't help from shedding tears as I listened to love ones talk about this wonderful woman. I never had to privilege to meet or audition for Cecily, but I heard a lot of heart-warming stories. It is so, so painful to lose someone. It's hard to believe that it is happening everyday to someone we know. We all go through it. Either we are experiencing it with someone or they are experiencing because of us. Sooner or later it will touch us all. R.I.P. Cecily.

This morning I stopped by the offices of Breakdown Services to get a tutorial on exactly how the system works. Owner Gary Marsh happen to walk in while I was there and gave me the lowdown. Oh my! It's amazing.

What I really wanted to see was "what do the casting directors see on their screens?” I think it's valuable to "put yourself in their shoes, see what they see, and feel what they feel". He showed me the ends & outs of the system and I was thoroughly impressed. They have some new, interesting features to be added in the near future. I gotta step up my game.

On to Henderson/Zuckerman Casting to be a reader for pilot presentation "The Rev". I was there to be the reader for one actor, Tiny Lister. I think this role was written for him and the creative team just wanted to hear it. The producers, writers and director were in town from Canada for the day. I am supposed to read for another role next week. Mr. Tiny Lister is not tiny at all. In fact, he's 6'5" 285 lbs. He and I had a couple of nice moments before we got started. Things like me calling him a "punk". Yeah, it was funny; you kinda had to be there. Anyway the read was fun and the creative team seemed happy with what they saw. The greatest part was me getting in my Honda through the passenger door and watching Tiny get in his $100,000 Mercedes-Benz through the driver side door. I guess I'm mixing with right people, huh?

Audition: "Toyota" @ Melissa Martin Casting. This was at a new commercial casting that I had never been to before. It seems like a pre-requisite for any place that you have an audition for in LA has to have absolutely no parking whatsoever. None. I'm not complaining though.

Lastly, I go to the SAG Information Meeting this evening at the SAG Headquarters. I didn't leave there with a very good feeling about the state of the union. For some reason I am just really suspect on who is looking out for whom. It's not so much that I think the union leaders aren't looking out for the best interest of actors. I am just not convinced that they are. Not convinced at all. Of course the topic was "the contract extension" if that is what you call it. It was good that they allowed someone from the opposing side to speak freely throughout the event. I understand that these contract negotiations are extremely complicated, but it just seemed like the opposing side made more sense. What do I know?

MORE DROP-OFFS!! Today, I underestimated myself and ran out of photos. 87 degrees in the valley, no a/c, but I gotta keep movin forward!! Somehow, someway.

Henderson/Zuckerman Casting called today and asked me to be a reader tomorrow for a pilot presentation. Get this, it’s only for one actor. It’s a producer/director session for the lead, Tiny Lister. This is the same pilot presentation that they told me I would be coming in for next week, obviously for a different role. Again this is the same office that I booked a film role in last month, but that project lost it’s funding. We’ll see.

Back to the task at hand. DROP-OFFS!! I don't have any auditions today so this is a great way to keep my mind off of the fact that I have no appointments. I have a friend in casting @ CBS Radford who got me on the lot to do drop-offs there. I ran into a couple of people who worked on "Good Morning, Miami" over the last two seasons. I also saw "Malcolm in the Middle" star Frankie Muniz riding around in a golf cart looking like he was lost, LOL!! I bet he knows his way around that lot by now.

Okay, I’m sweating like crazy. I don’t usually sweat all that much but, mix 90 degree temps in the valley and no A/C in my car and you have Stephon drenched. I have to get this car situation taken care of and soon. It looks like I’m going to be hand delivering almost all of my new headshots. I haven’t mailed any, but I’ve dropped off a lot of them.

The first thing on the agenda today is, heading out to Encino to deliver new photos to Henderson/Zuckerman Casting. This is the office where I booked a part in an indie film last month, but they lost the funding for the film. Anyway, Cathy and Dori liked the new photos and kept one each. They also mentioned a pilot presentation they thought I was right for. Dori flipped through the script to check the age of the character and said “we’ll see you next week”. Cool.

Back out into the heat and my car won’t start. Every time this happens I just keep trying until it eventually starts. One day this is going to bite me in the a**. I gonna get caught somewhere on the way to a producer session. Oh no!!! After 25 minutes it starts. 25 minutes sitting in the 90 degree heat was no fun. Anyway, it could be worse. I guess. Sure it could.

Next, I continue on my way to Sun Valley to Lorna Johnson Casting. She cast “The Division”. I’ve been driving way out to Sun Valley for 2 years trying to get an audition for this show to no avail........yet. Some of my friends that I have dropped off for have been called to audition, but not me. I’ll keep trying. It’s hot, I stink and after a couple of more drops I am heading back to the ranch. I gotta headache.

This morning I went over to Debra Zane's office to give them a thank you card for bringing me in for "Ocean's Twelve" and to give them my new headshots. As a side note, I felt it would be good for me to be seen in the business suit I was wearing for my commercial audition later.

Debra and Tannis always greet me like I'm family when I stop by the office. I try not to stay too long, we usually have a couple of good laughs and I’m on my way. I offered them two different choices of my new headshots and they kept both of them. Cool.

Deb informed me that I am 1 of only 4 actors out of Los Angeles in the entire film. Most of the shooting will be in Europe. My scene shoots here in Los Angeles. My character is a flight attendant. All of the main characters in the film are in this scene as well. Yeah, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, My dialogue exchange is with Elliott Gould & Don Cheadle. I also get to work with Margaret Travolta older sister of John Travolta. Only 5 months away and counting.

Next stop, my theatrical agents’ office to deliver duplicates of my new headshots. My agents are really happy with how they came out.

One of my agents, Kelley, had her first child 9 weeks ago. I'd seen the child very briefly a couple of times, but this time I got a good look. The youngster, born just 72 days ago, is so so cute, precious and completely helpless. A beautiful sight.

Audition: "Boeing" @ Kathy Knowles Casting. This is the office that I booked the "Michelob Ultra" spot right before the holidays. Maybe that'll give me an edge, LOL! The audition goes well and I think I'm right for it.

After my audition and doing several drop-offs I went to the gym to get my work out on. I saw this older gentleman who had to be 75-85 years old. We were next to each other while we were changed into our exercise clothing. He had tattoos all over his chest, back, arms and other places. He had the look of a “biker” or “Billy-Bad-Ass” to be stereotypical. As we changed, I noticed he was having difficulty getting his shoes and socks off. I immediately offered assistance and helped him remove his shoes, socks and pants.

I just thought it was interesting. Here is a guy who probably, back in the day was vibrant and strong, having difficulty undressing himself. He wasn’t completely helpless, like the 72 day old child, but one day he will be. A lot of us will be.

The cool thing was that he was very nice to me and even spoke to me when I saw him later in the pool area. If I see him again I think I’ll ask him about his tattoos and what they mean.

Why am I writing this? I don’t know……………………………it moved me I guess. It kinda showed me the full circle of life. Not in a bad way, it’s just life. I see a lot of things different since I lost my mother 478 days ago. She was such a strong woman, but in a matter of weeks was rendered completely helpless. She took care of me when I was completely helpless as an infant and I’m glad I was able to give something back to her.

Audition: Pilot "The Aisha Tyler Project" @ Basker/Hann Casting. I know partner Ted Hann. One day 2-3 years ago I did a drop-off to Ted's office and got an audition for CBS "Danny" and booked the role. I got to shoot it and work with Daniel Stern, but the series was cancelled before it aired.

Well the pilot audition didn't go all that great. I mean it was okay, but "okay" doesn't usually cut it. I think I was a little too serious for the situation. It is a sitcom afterall, so I will look at it as a lesson learned.

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.