Today I attended the 2006 Screen Actors Guild National Membership Meeting. As I have said before, every time I'm in the company of the new guild leadership I feel much, much better than I did with the old leadership. To me, I was never sure what side the old leadership was on. It always kinda felt like they were more about being afraid of the opposition and we have paid for it dearly. Not that things are perfect now, but it does seem much more like we are moving in the right direction.

One of the things I thought was pretty cool was listening to rank and file actors make a suggestion during the Q&A. Yeah, they were able to go to the microphone, voice concerns about a union issue directly to the President of the guild then we took a vote of those in attendance and if there was enough votes it would be looked into further. THIS is where change is made and, believe me, we performers need some serious changes from the top down to survive and thrive in this business climate.

Important stuff - really important stuff. It's only our futures. It's pension, health, dues, pay rates, working conditions, background performers, residuals - oh yes, residuals. I really, really wish more of us would go to these meetings. There shouldn't have been an empty seat in that place. Don't get me wrong, I don't understand everything that is said at these meetings or even most of what is said. I DO understand that it has EVERYTHING to do with my future in the business and if I'm going to being able to make a decent living. Some of it can be kinda "lawyer-speak like" and I usually get lost in that, but every time I go I understand it better than last time.

SHOCKING NEWS!......I was released from being on avail for another "Sprint" national commercial today. Of course I say "shocking" as a joke; it seems getting released is the norm for me these days. I gotta tell you, it's getting old. There was a time when I got a lot fewer callbacks, but if I got a callback there was a really good chance I would book the job. I look forward to the days of having multiple conflicts again.

I'm glad I don't truly trip out over these things. I hear it drives some actors absolutely crazy - getting oh so close, but not getting the job. My take is that obviously I am doing much more right than I am doing wrong and that is a good thing. So I'll just keep it moving in a positive direction and trust that my agents will be patient with me. I will work again in this town! I had 3 really good auditions this week and hope to get some callbacks. FORWARD!

Audition: “Liberty Mutual Insurance” @ Laray Mayfield Casting. This audition went great. I think I “did less” pretty well. Hopefully I’ll get a callback.

Back on the phone with SAG – the story of my life. I’m kidding, it’s not that bad dealing with them I’m just the most curious person in the world. I have questions about everything – even if I don’t ask them all. The episode of “Love, Inc” that I was in aired again about a month ago. Obviously, I’m due payment for the rerun, but the question I have is how much will it be?

Almost all of the TV jobs I have gotten thus far have been on ABC, CBS, NBC or FOX. If “Love, Inc.” was on one of those networks I know that I’d get my original fee for a prime-time rerun. I also know there are some differences in the contract that UPN and The WB work under; hence my call to SAG. I mean, I'm gonna get what I’m gonna get, but I don’t want to expect a coupla G’s but only get 40 bucks after taxes and commission. Some of these SAG contracts we work under are funny like that. Don’t get me started on DVD residuals……..

So I got a nice, personable representative on the phone @ SAG to help me. He gave me a quick answer to my question, but I was suspect. He said I would get the full fee up to a certain amount, but that amount was lower than my fee. He kept using the term “syndication”. My thought was ‘how could it be syndication when it was a prime-time network rerun?’ It’s a first year show and it reran in the same time slot as it did the original time it ran. I mean it could have been true, but I needed to probe a little deeper. He backed off of his original answer and said nobody had ever asked the question. What? He needed to call me back after checking with someone else in the office.

I didn’t think he was withholding information, I just don’t think he really knew the answer. He gave me an answer assuming all 6 networks are equal; which they are not. It used to be The Big 3, then FOX, followed equally by UPN and The WB. In recent years FOX has joined The Big 3 and made them The Big 4, but UPN and The WB have a different contract.

He calls me back an hour later with roughly the same answer. I thanked him and didn’t give him a hard time. He probably gave me the right answer, but to tell you the truth I still wasn’t convinced. Before I let him go I asked him if the merger of The WB and UPN, “The CW” and also FOX’s new network “MyNetwork TV” will be under the same contract as UPN and The WB. I have to say I was very surprised that he had never even heard of the new networks coming this Fall.

Okay, I received my SAG dues in the mail yesterday and I just shook my head as I did last year and the year before and so on... Somebody please explain this to me. How is it that my annual SAG dues are $938.00 and anyone who makes over $500,000 pays the maximum dues of $2,650.00? Wait, I understand "how" because I can do the math, but "why?" Why is it that Tom, Jennifer, Denzel, Brad, Halle or anyone else that earns over $500,000 pays just 3x what little ole me pays. I understand that there are relatively few big earners in comparison to the number of working class actors, but still $2,650 for someone who earns millions a year?

I know the big earners don't need SAG in the same way as someone like me. And I'm not saying that they should be paying the same 1.85% or .5% of every dollar, but maxing out @ less than $3,000 just seems a little out of whack. I might have to bring it up at the SAG membership meeting this weekend.

I have to say at the same time that I received another letter; also from SAG. This was my Annual Summary of Earnings Statement. It showed my 2005 earnings and what my estimated monthly pension would be at age 65 (that’s like 5 years away!). It kinda made feel legitimate; that I have been doing something for the last decade and I have a little to show for it, LOL!! I mean, it wasn’t a lot of money, but it’s something. All I have to do now is keep working - much easier said than done – and keep building it - and of course other things to secure my future.

I looked at a beautiful condo yesterday that I couldn’t begin to afford. I wish I would have had my Annual Summary of Earnings Statement and showed the realtor that I AM SOMEBODY – I have a pension! In retrospect, maybe it was a good thing I didn’t have it.

Audition: "Holiday Inn" @ Ross Lacy Casting. This one went really well and I think I'm really right for it. I even saw Ross, which is rare. It seems like his company is always doing at least 3 or 4 spots at the same time.

Audition: "Mastercard" @ Kathy Knowles Casting. OK, I would really like to book something - soon. That goes without saying, but I would REALLY like to book this. Why? It shoots in Budapest, Hungary. I would love to go to Budapest and to have someone else pay for it would be really cool. The audition went great and I had the best partner, we click immediately. I think they should book both her and I for the trip to Budapest!

Now, I'm not totally green in this category. I've traveled to Madrid, Miami, Tokyo, Washington, DC and even Palmdale for acting jobs. I wanna add Budapest! My passport is ready to go, I can leave NOW. I’ve got all planned out: LA to France for a layover then on to Budapest. I’m smiling right now as I think of my time in Toyko back in ‘02 – that was butta! Shoot the “Mastercard” spot then change my return ticket to roll South to Prague, Czech Republic to see my brother Tommy and my new niece Nikita. Then on the way back stop in New York for a day or two to see friends, down to Philly to see family then, of course, to Virginia Beach to challenge my brothers on the motocross track and back to Los Angeles jet lagged with fatter pockets that are closer to a down payment on a condo. Damn that sounds great!!!!

Then I woke up and stopped smiling. I hope I can even make the audition; I have two and they are 10 minutes apart, but clear across town. I've got some juggling to do. I should probably slow my roll and just hope for a good audition and a callback. A brother can dream right?

Callback/Avail “Sprint” @ Francene Selkirk Associates. Cool, I’m back in a shorter line than before. Getting closer and closer to sealing the deal – but still so far. Avails are good; even if it just means sending a notice to my other agents letting them know that I’m close to booking something else. Yesterday when I saw my theatrical agents they asked if I booked the “Sprint” spot from last week. So it all helps, they want to know that you are in the game at whatever level – I think. At least they make me feel that they do.

This callback went great! Actually, I worked on the material in my commercial class last night; that definitely helped. I did it the first time and the director wanted me to tone down the "sell factor", I did it again and then he asked me to do it again without my glasses. I left feeling really good. I didn't get a parking ticket this time like I did at the first audition, I had some not so nice words for that meter maid. I mean, he saw me across the street heading to my car "before" he started writing the ticket. I got his attention and he wrote it anyway, so I gave him $35 worth of what was on my mind. In the end, it wasn't worth $35, but I felt a little better. I try to keep those ticket to a minimum; I ain't tryin' to get the orange boot on my car. No!

This morning I stopped by Debra Zane's new office and thanked her for thanking me for helping her move. This time I met her parents and they were as funny and fun as she is - great people. She gave us all the official tour of the place. Funny, I've been looking at condos in that same area; maybe her new office will be in walking distance again in the future for me.

It seems like every time I go to her office I leave there feeling better than when I got there and I felt good before I arrived. When she was showing the place I saw this stack of scripts. You know how the scripts have the titles written on the spine so you can read the name of them without puling them all out? Well, I'm looking this stack of scripts with names like: Pleasantville, Seabiscuit, Road to Perdition, Fun With Dick and Jane, etc. I dont know, it was cool to see the office copies of these big successful films. What was really cool was seeing the casting binders of films like The Terminal, Jarhead and Dreamgirls (also a life-size cut out of Beyonce) and knowing that I am in "The Terminal" binder. Yeah, I gotta get in more studio film binders!

After that I went to see my theatrical agents and talked about real estate. That seems to be what is mostly on my brain these days - getting out of this apartment. Even though it, most likely, will be some time before I'm able to actually do it; I have to start somewhere and get it out in the air. My agents gave me some tips on things to look out for.

Why is it that I hadn't been skiing in 5-6 years and then I go twice in one week? I don't know, but I'm glad I did. The conditions this time were just ok, but still fun. I brought my snowboard with me and used it for an hour or so, but then decided to rent skis instead. I like snowboarding and all, but hate having to strap and unstrap my boots every time I got on/off the ski lift. Either way, as long as I'm out there making it happen it’s all good. I just love doing athletic stuff.

When I went last week I was actually a little annoyed that I wasn't sore the next day. I was really looking forward to being crazy sore the next day and it just didn't happen. I had planned on being able to sleep the entire next day after taking a hot bath. It wasn't to be; I slept a couple of hours and was raring to go. I think this "trying to buy a condo" thing really has me excited. I just wanna go, go, go!

I asked my doctor last week about my weight and she said that I am a little under weight, but it's nothing to be concerned about. She also said I'm very, very fortunate to be in such shape. So, I am going to give myself a break. Since I don't really enjoy working out at the gym I'm going to cut down my 2-3 days a week (more 2 than 3) to 1+. I'd much rather skateboard, go mountain biking, rollerblade, ski, snowboard, ride my motorcycle, etc. instead of working out at the gym.

I was released from the "Sprint" commercial yesterday; there was a mix-up at my agency and I didn't get the message. Close AGAIN, but close doesn't pay the bills. I'll try and try again.

This is what I was afraid of……sorta. The background agency I worked with last month called today to clear me for several days of background on a commercial. I guess they have to submit my photo to the director and see if I’m chosen first before they can book me. I said yes, but I cannot help to wonder what I might be getting myself into. Well, for one thing, I know it would be a very nice payday; and it of course would be SAG earnings. I qualified for SAG Health insurance for the first time back in '99 and have yet to lose it. So I have to keep that in my mind - gotta get those numbers.

I told them I was clear for the days in question, but in reality I have some dental surgery scheduled. That can wait another week, but to tell you the truth I am really looking forward to seeing what the Vicodin craze is all about. NO, I'm not a dealer!! It's for the surgery. "Vicodin", it sounds so harsh and yet some people really like it. Well I'm going to find out - but it might have to wait another week. Who knows what else will be going on then. I’m not gonna worry about it; I am blessed and things usually work themselves out.

Well, I guess the “Sprint” commercial is moving on without me. I haven’t been officially released, but my avail day is Friday the 14th – which is tomorrow and I haven’t heard anything. Usually the casting office calls to release the actors that are on avail, but not always. It would have been really nice to book, but I’m glad to have gotten two callbacks for Ross Lacy Casting. Plus, most of the time I don’t get paid to audition and this time I did. It will pay for both of my ski trips.

I am so in denial these days it’s not funny. I’m trying to get a lot of things accomplished and it seems overwhelming. Matter of fact it is overwhelming. Sometimes I ask myself if I’m crazy and after pausing for a minute I usually say “no”. I have a healthy amount of confidence in myself, although some of that confidence is masked in denial. I simply deny that some things are not possible. What really helps is that I’m in an insane business. That insanity can go both ways though. I have experienced many great things thus far; the insanity has been good to me.

I remember when I had to get a newer car a couple of years ago. The car I was driving, my beloved ’89 Honda Accord, was ready for retirement. It was running hot so I had to put antifreeze/water in it every other day, the driver side door handle was broken so I had to get in on the passenger side for 6 months, the A/C did not work and sometimes it just would not start. I couldn’t imagine how I could afford another car, but I pretty much lived in it and had to do something. It was really bringing me down. Having a car payment of a couple hundred dollars a month was not a pleasant thought.

My brother talked me into checking out the credit union that I was a member of. I was terrified. I just could not afford to do it, I also couldn’t afford not to do it. The credit union ended up being a dream to deal with. They quickly approved me for what I needed, but there was one problem. I had no money extra money in my budget – NONE. I was living very close to the financial edge, but I knew the car situation was going to kill my spirit. It was just getting to be too much to run around everyday like I was for much longer. So I looked online and found the exact car I wanted; fortunately it was priced about $1,500 below the Kelly Blue Book price. I had no idea how I was going make the first payment on the car – seriously. I also knew that at the end of the day I can usually figure things out.

Two years later, somehow – someway, it’s working out and I’ve never been late on a payment. I have to remember that. Because right now I feel like I might be trying to do too much financially. It’s nothing frivalous, just investing in me and what’s mine and what’s gonna be mine. I keep telling myself to look forward to the possibilities. I’m definitely “a half-full and filling” type of guy vs “a half-empty and draining” type. That is my normal way of thinking, but I’m only human and I need help sometimes. “Gotta look forward, just make it happen”. So I say it out loud in my apartment, when I drive, to my family and friends and often times to complete strangers. Yeah, that’s it. “Gotta look forward, just make it happen”. That way of thinking has gotten me this far; why stop now?

On another note, I thought by now I would’ve gotten that very familiar call saying “Stephon, you’ve been released from the “XYZ” spot. Don’t worry we’ll get you on another one soon”. Well, as of 5pm Wednesday evening I was still “on avail”, but they are also still casting. I don’t know if they are still casting the spot I’ve auditioned for 3 times or if it’s several different spots. At any rate, I have a feeling that I’ll be released tomorrow. I really hope I’m wrong. If I’m right I’m going snowboarding Friday.

I’m not being pessimistic, it’s just a strong possibility I’ll get released. Trust me, I would much rather shoot a “Sprint” national than go snowboarding on Friday. I’ll just go Saturday! Here’s an idea; maybe I should just say I’m going snowboarding Saturday because I’m shooting a “Sprint” national Friday. YEAH! That sounds good; that’s my story!

How ironic is this? Since I’ve officially had my new print zed card, I haven’t had a single go-see. I’m sure that will change in the near future. I’m not expecting to get out everyday or anything like that, but I’m really happy with it and I think it will work for me. My agents will get me in the game on regular basis in due time.

Audition: "Sprint" @ Francene Selkirk Casting. Cool, another "Sprint" audition. Heck another audition period. Trust me, I am still thankful for each and every appointment I get. My first audition in LA back in ’98 was @ Francene's office. I've gotten close to booking several times, but haven't closed the deal......yet.

The audition goes well, so hopefully I will get called back to the next round.

Callback: "Comcast" @ Lien/Cowan Casting. YES! Another callback. I was a bit messy in the initial audition, but I remember the notes I got from the session director and I should be able to put it together for the creative team at the callback.

With the season slowing down my hustle has changed a little; I'm not slinging my photos around as much and did my last casting director workshop about 4 months ago. My goal is to make more out of every opportunity. When I moved here 7+ years ago my goal wasn't to get jobs; it was to figure out "how to get the 'opportunity' to get jobs". I've done okay in that area and have built up a pretty good foundation along the way.

It feels great to use my time in a slightly different manner; my acting classes are going really well and I’m excited about attending open houses in preparation for buying a condo. I won’t be buying in the next week/month or anything like that, but I think it will happen in due time. Oh yeah, and I would love to go skiing/snowboarding again before the season is out.

2nd Callback: “Sprint” @ Ross Lacy Casting. Not only is it great to make it to the next round, but I’ll get paid for the 2nd callback (3rd audition) and it pays for the ski trip and more! Funny how things work out.

If you’re curious about the rates:

· 1st and 2nd Auditions: No payment is due for the first hour from the call time or arrival time, whichever is later. For each additional ½ hour, a performer is entitled to $33.45.

·3rd Audition: A performer is entitled to $133.75 for the first 2 hours. For each additional ½ hour, $33.45 is due.

·4th Audition & thereafter: A performer is entitled to $267.50 for the first 4 hours. For each additional ½ hour, $33.40 is due.

The 2nd callback went well I felt. There were only 6 actors there for 3 or maybe 4 roles. I was the only African-American; there was at least one other African-American actor at the 1st callback. According to the copy, the 4th role was a man then changed to a woman, but they kinda had me doing it. I hope they didn’t think I was “woman-like” because I’m kinda small framed, LOL! Trust me, I am all male.

There was only one actor there for the role of the “Guy 1/Boss” so I’m thinking that he may be as good as cast…maybe. They did a bit of mixing and matching for the other roles. At the 1st audition I was “Guy 2”. At the 1st callback I did all of them “Guy 1/Boss”, “Guys 2 and 3” and here at the 2nd callback I was doing “Guy 4/Woman/Guy 4”. Go figure. Had they already cast the woman or is it really going to be a man? Who knows.

It was interesting to see the different approaches that actors’ take, because when I was in they rotated in two of the other actors and the spot had a completely different tone than with the other two actors. It was also interesting to be aware that I was being watched on monitors by the rest of the creative team in the next room.

So that was it. I did what I had to do and felt great about what I left in the room. When I was signing out me and the other actors were joking about who they would cast. I joked that I was the only Black guy there and that could be really good, really irrelevant or maybe I was fulfilling some quota. Just kidding, I doubt that. So I guess at this point I’ve done all I can do and I’ll either get a booking or a release.

Callback: “Sprint” @ Ross Lacy Casting. This callback went well, which is particulary great for me in this particular office. It’s almost like Ross wants me to make a lot of money in commercials. Afterall, he gives me lots of chances and that’s all I can ask of him. I booked the first audition I had at his office back in ’99. It was one of 3 “Pizza Hut” spots I did, but that was in a whole different era……the ‘90’s. Back then commercial agents were still sending headshots by courier and drop-offs really helped.

For this callback I was part of a group of 3 guys. I gathered one of the guys and then asked the other guy if he would like to rehearse and he declined. Ooops. In the room they had us each read all of the three roles. It felt good or rather great. And I think I’m really right for it. So that was it and they sent us on our way.

Audition: “Comcast” @ Lien/Cowan Casting. This one went okay, I guess. I don’t think I was horrible, but I got some of the words and inflections wrong. I had donwnloaded the copy from online and I wasn’t sure which one was correct. When I got to the audition I was informed that neither was correct; there was another, different piece of copy. So we’ll see. It’s a multi-spot gig.

After the second audition I had to decide if I was still going to go skiing and the answer was a resounding YES!!! So I quickly packed up my gear and got on I-10 East. My friends had gone to Big Bear, but I couldn’t make it there in time and decided to go to Mountain High since they have night skiing.

So here I am on this beautiful drive to the mountains and I’m thinking about how fortunate I am. I moved here almost 8 years ago to further my career and it is happening. I am continually amazed by the reality of that. I moved to Los Angeles on Tuesday, July 28th ’98; my connecting flight came in from Chicago to LAX @ 10pm. I had my first audition the very next morning @ 10:30 and haven’t stopped since. I mean it really “is” my job. I’d planned on going on this ski trip with my friends and I had to pull out at the last minute for one of the best possible reasons……because of my job. THAT is a great feeling.

So I’m on I-15 North @ 4:40 pm talking business with one of my brothers and a call is coming through. It says “KSA” on the screen and I let it go to voicemail. I let my brother go so I could check the message. Of course my mind started to think of what it could be.

· An audition for Monday
· A go-see for Monday.
· An avail from one of last weeks go-sees.
· A booking from one of last weeks go-sees.
· A booking for the “Sprint” spot. (I was not expecting that)

So I call my voicemail and it’s the familiar voice of Don and he says:

“Um..you have 2nd callback…..”

My world went into slow motions at that moment. I’m thinking “WHEN!?!?!?! WHEN!?!?! Please don’t let it be this evening!” You see, I was on I-15 North going 2 mph in a 70 mph zone. There was no way I could get back to the Casting Studios in less than 2 hours with traffic. In a split second I could feel my heart beating in my throat and I stopped breathing…..completely.

Of course I was thinking he was going to say it’s “this evening”.

Back to Don:

“……..Monday morning @ 9am and you are on avail for Friday the 14th….”

My blood started to flow again and my breathing resumed. Needless to say I was very happy to get the news. I called to confirm with Don and continued moving along at 2 mph on the 15 North. Again, it made smile when I thought about the reality of possibly being 15 miles away from the mountain, but needing to rush back to LA……….for my job. THAT’S what I’m talking about!!

Let me tell you something. This brother right here can ski. I ain’t trying to say I’m the man or nothin’ like that, but I can get down wit the get down. I hadn’t skied in like 5-6 years, but I think I got better during my layoff. How could that happen? I think riding motocross helped out a lot. I have a much better understanding of the sport than I did 5 years ago. I was out there skiing not just getting a ride on some fiberglass. That is my same approach to riding motocross and my career. The question is: Are you simply getting a ride on that motorcycle? Or are you “riding that mofo?” I had a shift in attitude and it helped a lot. It was a blast.

I fell a couple of times, but they were nothing more than “welcome back, you’re gonna feel this tomorrow” falls. Actually, the first time I fell I watching this little girl who could not have been more than 5 or 6, but she was at the top of the mountain. I was wondering how the heck could someone that young learn to ski that well in such a short amount of time. Obviously, I know the answer – it’s an activitely that her family enjoys. I love seeing kids out doing positive things with their families. I can definitely see my family in the future participating in alot of outdoors activities.

Awww man!!!! I booked out with my agents and I was all set to leave tonight for Big Bear Mountain to ski this weekend. But @ 12:22 this afternoon the phone rings……it’s my agent……..and it’s a callback! Ugh!! I don’t mean “Ugh!!” Trust me, I’m not complaining. It’s not everyday that I get a callback for Ross Lacy. Ross calls me in more than any other casting director in LA and, in all honesty, my callback ratio is not the greatest with him.

I really believe that the commercial class I’m currently in helped me particularly for this one. So, needless to say, this is a good thing. It’s funny because I was accepted into the advance class based on my cold read in the interview and resume, but I opted for the intermediate class instead. One reason was that I felt it would move at a slower place; I really want to “get it”.

When I first considered taking the class I discussed it with a friend. The friend was like “You’ve booked like 25 spots! Why do you need to spend $400 on a class?” My response was “Maybe those 25 spots could’ve been 60 if I was really on my game.” I explained that, case in point; I was up for the new “Washington Mutual” campaign that is now running. That is a 10 spot campaign. If I booked that I would be much closer to buying a condo. The African-American actor that they booked is also from KSA. His name is Wayne Wilderson and he works A LOT. I wanna be like Mike…I mean Wayne. I’m kidding, I’m gonna continue be me I’m just wanna book more.

I fully believe that I have gotten a lot of things in my career that, in theory, I wasn’t supposed to get. There is no way that my experience with “The Terminal” or going to Japan to shoot the Honda commercial or going in for a 3-line part on “Good Morning, Miami” that turned into 14 episodes is normal. Most of it is because of thinking outside of the box and going against the flow. To me, it doesn’t feel like it going against the flow it’s just mostly logic…..with a bit of Zen thrown in. Hence, I describe myself as “Logically Zen”. Yeah, I can definitely get a little “it’s in the air” on ya, but I’m almost always firmly based in logic…..almost.

I realize I didn’t choose a career where things are just going to happen out of the thin air. I’ve always believed in “Making things happen, not waiting for them to happen”. I’ve watched people take that “wait and see” approach to their career and I just don’t think it works. I’ve also seen people bust their tails, do everything right (whatever that is) and just not get the breaks along the way. It’s not easy no matter how you slice it.

Back to my point…yeah my point…what was my point? My point was I could hang on to those 25 commercials or I can keep trying to make things happen. I think I know what I have to do.

So I booked out and then got the call for the callback. I again e-mailed all of my other agents again letting them know I was going to be in town, a least in the morning because I was still considering driving to the mountain after the 10:30 callback. Of course, a couple of hours later I get another audition for tomorrow. It’s @ noon so I might get there early and still meet my friends at the mountain or go to a closer mountain with night skiing. I wonder if e-mailing my agents a second time made a difference in getting that second appointment.

I’ve just wanted to go skiing/snowboarding for so long. I haven’t been in like 5 years. I could never find anyone here in LA to go with. I used to go with my family back East, but motocross has completely taken over.

Today I also went to look at some condos from the listing that Kelley, my talent agent turned real estate, sent me and some I looked up on my own. It was kinda weird, but it felt great. The first condo was still partially under construction and the front door was open so I went in. I didn’t want to talk to anybody so I stayed in stealth mode. Funny enough, it felt a lot like doing a drop-off.

I don’t really know what I’m looking for just yet, but I have to start somewhere. I feels great to be moving in the right direction. I also have to say that my family is wonderful. I had a great conversation with my older brother who lives in Prague; he is a new father. We spoke PC-to-PC for an hour……..free. Yeah, free. We used http://www.skype.com/. I really want to go for a visit this Summer, but it doesn't look like it will happen.

My new niece in Prague - Nikita

My two “little brothers” both have more experience in the area of real estate and have been incredibly helpful. One of them made it very clear that he will be there to help me in any way possible. That just meant the world to me. I guess I’m still on my “just got my taxes done high”; I hope I don’t crash and burn.

YES!! One of my favorite days of the year – the day I get my taxes done. Why? Well, it’s usually a very good day. My tax preparer, Laura L. Stewart, has always made my visits an uplifting experience. Now I haven’t always felt this way about getting my taxes done, but Laura changed all of that…..it’s a long story, really long, LOL!

Anyway, she understands the entertainment industry and guides me in the right direction concerning my business as a performer. I always leave her office feeling like I accomplished something during the previous year. Maybe it’s because I see exactly how the numbers lined up for my business. Don’t get me wrong, they are not large numbers by any means, but they are “my” numbers and I solely make my living as a performer. It just kinda does something to see what I can deduct as operating expenses and what I invested in my future over the previous year.

Even years ago it was always interesting to me to hear other aspiring actors say “it’s like running your own business”. I would think to myself “No, it IS running your own business”. This is as real as it gets. My earnings as a performer are reported to the IRS just like when I worked at Old Navy or The Standard or anywhere else.

Part of our conversation always leads to real estate. I’m trying to position myself to jump in the world of a mortgage. It’s something that I need and want to do if I’m going to stay in Los Angeles. This “rent thing” is for the birds. After Laura calculated my refund she plugged in some numbers to show me what my return would be if I was buying instead of renting. It just convinced me more that I need to leave the world of renting an apartment.

Some things I am super aggressive about and others I just take baby steps forever! Ugh!! I’ve been talking about real estate for a while to my friends, but I need to step it up and face it head on. I think it’s time. It was just so exciting to hear her talk about how she purchased her home. I thanked her for the pep talk and told her that our conversation was going to be instrumental in me having a great day.

Laura L. Stewart
Overflow Tax Services
Registered Tax Preparer
Bonded – Experienced
(818) 219-3071
goflo-overflow@att.net
11914 Kling St #2
North Hollywood, CA 91607

Afterwards I went to 2 of my 3 favorite places to shop, Costco & Target the other being the 99 Cents Only Store. I was shopping for my new place!!! At least in my head I was. At Costco I saw a bedroom set and it looked almost foreign to me. I’ve been living in this studio here in LA for almost 8 years. I haven’t had a chest or a dresser since I left Virginia Beach in ’95! The notion of having a bedroom would just do crazy things to me. I wouldn’t know what to do with so much room and I’m only talking about a 1 bedroom condo. Buying would be so inspiring for me to continue to move in a positive direction…….I think.

Here is where reality sets in. Real estate prices in Southern California are legendary. We all know that. But you know what? I refuse to believe I can’t join the club of homeowners or at least having a mortgage. Yeah, doubling what I pay now in rent sounds like an insane undertaking and it is….BUT, I think I’ve been looking at it the wrong way. I’ll find a way to make it work. Yeah, that’s the ticket. Find a way to make it work. That is exactly what I have done in my career. I have found a way to make it work.

When I consider the number of people who come to this town every month to be professional actors it gives me confidence. And it should. I can’t think of many more difficult ways of making a living; yet I have been relatively successful. Go figure. Can buying a condo be more difficult than making a living as an actor? I doubt it. I know people who have bought property in the last couple of years and if they can do it I can too! I think THAT is how I should be thinking. That way of thinking got me out of Virginia Beach, that way of thinking got me out of New York and that way of thinking will get my narrow ass in a condo! For starters. I have much bigger plans than just a 1 or 2 bedroom condo.

I am so excited these days! I feel I have real snap in my step; like I’m really eager to get things done. I remember when I was a waiter at The Harley-Davidson Café in New York. The young lady I was dating at the time was a hostess who had been promoted to a server. One night there was a shift where I was her assigned trainer and the manager commented on how fast I moved on the floor.

Greet my tables!
Would you like that in an HDC souvenir glass?
Get drinks at the bar!
Get your side work done!
How long on table 45?
Can I get you another Sam Adams?
Would you like that wrapped to go?
Check Please!
Well, hopefully next time you’re in The City you’ll stop back in and see us. Bye!

They asked me why I was in such a hurry. I’m thinking “Do I really move that fast?” I wasn’t aware of it, but I thought about it later. It was because I was so happy to be working there; it was like the greatest job! Ha! I used to come into work 45 minutes early in the morning to make sure everything was set up right. Yeah my time waiting tables in New York was great! As a server, I was running my own business. I felt I was largely responsible for the outcome of my shift and what I earned; I wanted her to feel the same way. She turned out to be a great waitress.

After leaving Costco and Target I did some drop-offs and even dropped a few of my new zed cards to some places where I’ve been to print go-sees in the past. That snap in my step feels great. I even called my dentist called to prepare for some extensive dental work I am trying to budget. I also talked to my little brother about Money Market accounts, Certificates of Deposit and his idea of building a strip mall back home.

The other day I got a letter from one of my former agents who left the business to spend more time with her daughter. She has since partnered with her husband as a Real Estate agent. It’s funny, because when I said goodbye to her on her last day at the agency she said maybe one day I’ll be another kind of agent for you.

CUT TO: A couple of years later.

This evening I called her at home to catch up with all that has happened since we last spoke and to talk real estate. It may not seem like a big deal, but it was HUGE to me to get these thoughts out of my head and into the space of a professional. Even though it was just an informal conversation it was great for me. This was the next step I needed to make. I’m still going to move at “my pace”, but I now know what my next move is.

Obviously, if I’m going to purchase something I have to bring in more income. Last October I decided that at the end of the year I’d take a break from casting director workshops. I’d done a lot of them over the years, mostly at Actorsite, and they’ve been an absolutely incredible investment in my career. I'm sure I'll do more workshops in the future, but right now I'm changing my approach a little. So I studied at Amy Lyndon’s for several months and then I started a commercial class @ Carolyne Barry’s. I need to tighten up my game, so that’s what I am doing. Also, hopefully this brand new energy in the print arena will lead to another revenue stream. I am thinking more about consulting too. I’ve been saying that forever. I do consult on occasion, but I should be doing it more.

I wonder if the snap in my step will wake me up to go to the gym in the morning…..hmmm. I doubt it.

Audition: “Sprint” @ Ross Lacy Casting. I think it went well.

Photo: www.aaronwulf.com
(818) 613-0002

Print go-see: “Sonance” @ Jim Purdum Photography. This went really, really well. I’m digging this print stuff.

FINALLY, I got my zed card today. I and my agents are really happy with the outcome. As soon as I left my agents office I went straight to LA Casting to get it scanned in the system. I'm not wasting any time. I'll hit Breakdown Services on Monday.

Something I was wondering was this: Why was I getting so many print appointments all of the sudden? I had 4 last year and 7 this month alone. I'm new in the print game so I'm not really sure how it works. I mean my zed card wasn't complete until today. Was Jenny submitting the new photos separately before the actual card was done? Well I got to ask her today and the answer was "no". She was only submitting my headshots like she's done for years. I was surprised when she told me that. I'll chalk it up to "it must be in the air" I guess things happen when they are supposed to. Well, I don't wanna just get appointments; I wanna book!

Also, the SAG rep called me bright and early this morning letting me know he straighten out my dental claim and it will be reprocessed. Cool, another great day. I'm getting things done.

This morning I helped Casting Director Debra Zane and her associate Tannis Vallely move out of their offices on Wilshire. They just wanted me to watch the truck while the movers brought loads down. Okay cool, so I grab my new skateboard and I'm on my way.

When I arrive, to my surprise, the elevator is not working. Oh no! They are on the 6th floor of the building! So, of course, I dove right in to help. OMG!!! I must’ve made 10-12 trips up and down those stairs to the basement. For me it was the work out of all work outs. I didn’t eat anything before I left the house, which is normal because I’m a FREAKIN’ WAIF! After about the 3rd trip my legs were quivering for real. I kept it moving, slow and steady, and never stopped till we were done.

I gotta tell ya, being in an office of that magnitude is crazy because you hear and see how it all goes down at the very top level of the game – to me it’s fascinating. On top of that Deb and Tannis are so cool. Out of respect I won’t mention anything or any names I heard, but being a businessman by nature that kind of talk excites me to the max. I just love deal making.

Another thing that was really cool was taking the movie poster one sheets down to be loaded up. They were all films that Debra cast – “Men in Black”, “Seabiscuit”, “Catch Me If You Can”, “Road To Perdition”, “Ocean’s Eleven”, “Traffic”, “American Beauty”, “Pleasantville”, etc. and they we all autographed by the cast and/or director, producer or writer. Wow, what a body of work go Deb! .....hmmm I wonder if she's casting "Ocean's Thirteen". Hopefully, I'll know first hand in a couple of months.

Print go-see: "Wells Fargo" @ Connie Conway Casting. This one went great!

It actually felt like an on-camera commercial audition. Normally, when people ask "how it's going?" I can give them a true, resounding "GREAT! or "FANTASTIC!" and mean it from the bottom of my heart. It was funny because I could not really say that over the last several months. It would be "I'm aiight" or "Just tryin' to keep it together" or "I'm still here". Well, today when the casting director ask me how I was I said, without having to think about it, "FANTASTIC! and I meant it. It felt so good.

That doesn't mean I don't have any issues; for instance my zed card still isn't finished and I'm having a little situation with my dental insurance coverage. The great thing is that I went to the printer to find out what is going on and then made an extra phone call to see if I could make something happen sooner. With my dentist, I showed up at the office to get to bottom of situation with Delta Dental. THAT is how I would normally handle it; not making a phone call, leaving a message for someone that may or may not call me back. Now that I think about it the guy from SAG Pension and Health didn't call me back. Looks like I'm marching to the office in Burbank tomorrow to get to the bottom of it. Yeah, "don't wait for it to happen, make it happen!!" Print go-see: "IBM" @ All Print Media. I've done a couple of TV spots for "IBM" maybe that will give me an edge. Probably not, but wishful thinking. This one goes really well too. I guess.

Hey!! Remember me saying that my “IBM” spot was dead? I got a residual check today. That was a nice surprise on a already great day. I don’t expect to see anymore though.

Print go-see: "Nestle's Crunch" @ Michael Harrelson. YES another go-see! Hopefully, this will become a regular thing that will lead to more bookings in this new area. I've only done one print job since I've been in LA and that was from a drop-off, but I've gotten close on several others.

This went well, I guess. It took all of 37 seconds after waiting an hour. I wasn't complaining though, I saw several people that I knew and hadn't talk to in a while. A good day.

This afternoon I attended the Basic Cable Live Action Strike Authorization Caucus. It was encouraging......I think. The SAG President, Alan Rosenberg, and his team were very good about explaining exactly what we are up against. Let me tell you, we’re up against some of the biggest corporations in the world…..I guess. They’re big!! And they have big global interest.

In my opinion SAG has been behind the curve for far too long. The current leadership seems to honestly want to break the mold of what has gotten us in such a tough position. Breaking that mold may include a strike in the near future. I don't look forward to being on strike, but I think it's an important tool for the leadership to have at its disposal.

I really wish I would have seen more of my fellow performers in attendance. This stuff is so important to our futures in the business. If the opposition could get away without paying us any residuals at all I think they probably would. Many think just getting a couple of national commercials can take care of everything. As someone who has done a national or two or three I can tell you that is not the whole story. These figures are based on a very complicated formula and it’s very difficult to keep track of it. I have had at least two of my commercials that others have said they saw in Europe, yet I wasn’t paid any foreign use fees. Fortunately, my recent “IBM” spot did run in foreign markets and I was paid for it.

I’m not saying you have to be on the board of SAG or anything like that. I just think it’s really important to be informed about how we are compensated. I must say I left there with a better feeling than I have in the past. The commercial contract expires in October and I’ll be watching what happens like a hawk.

Today marks my 5-year anniversary of leaving my job waiting tables at The Hollywood Standard. I simply say "Wow!" Five years of making my entire living solely as an actor.

It hasn't always been easy, but sometimes it's been very easy. I've lived a pretty good life since entering the entertainment business, especially after moving to New York to really pursue it.

I remember when I first considered leaving The Standard; I didn't know if or when I would need to return. What I did know was that is was a chance that I had to take. The way I looked at it I wasn’t making that much money for the effort I was putting out. I worked the graveyard shift, 11pm – 7am. I probably could have gotten a more profitable shift like 5pm – midnight, but that would have conflicted with my workshops and classes. Those were considered the “good shifts” and all the “veterans” had those. I had a different plan.

It’s funny, my fellow employees would ask how in the heck I could stand to work the hours that I did. Let me tell you, I played a lot of mind games with myself to justify it. My answer would usually be, “I’m doing this so I won’t have to do this”. Remember, I was working the graveyard shift at a Hollywood Hotspot on The Sunset Strip. Whew!

There were so many shifts when I would be at work at 4:30 am wondering if I was crazy for putting myself through it. I knew one day I would go back there and not have to serve a burger or a mixed drink. That day came when I booked the commercial for Honda/Japan. The production, advertising execs and director happened to be staying at The Standard and had the wardrobe fitting there…….by the pool! It was quite interesting because at the time I had been gone from the job for about a year, but several of the same people still worked there. They were wondering why I was kinda hanging out in the middle of the day sitting in those funky chairs in the lobby. I was waiting for my close-up! I’m kidding, but I must admit that it felt great to be back in that way.

The moment I knew I had to leave was the morning I got off work and parked my car in front of a driveway from like 7:20am until 2pm! Ooops! I was lucky that I didn’t get a ticket or worse towed. Something had to give, I was going crazy.

At first when I left I'd drive by the hotel and wonder if or when I would return. That eventually changed to "I am on a leave of absence from there" to "I used to work there" to "Wow, I used to work there!" to now I can drive by there and not even notice the building. I have to say that is a really great feeling.

Although, it doesn't always feel like such an incredible feat; I know when I look at the numbers of SAG members and the odds against me making a freaking dime in the business it's something to be very excited and proud about.

Being an actor is the best job I've ever had, but I have to say that working at The Harley-Davidson Café was a close second. That was a great time. Well, wait a minute. I HAVE to include my 15+ years working for my parents at the family deli, Philadelphia Cold Cuts, in Virginia Beach, VA. Although it wasn't always a smooth situation; it did teach me things about business and life. My tireless work ethic definitely came from my experiences there. I hope to never have to serve another burger or mixed drink unless it's in a film, TV, stage or commercial project. Don't get me started on working at Old Navy/Beverly Center. Now THAT was a whole ‘nother thing.

Ya know, occasionally over the years people have told me that I have lost weight or tell me how “little” I am. I usually correct them and say “I’m not little like a chick or nothing like that; I’m just slight and but fit”. I know I lost some weight years ago when I moved to New York, but I think I look pretty much the same.

Since I’m in the process of getting my zed card done I really wanted to get my sizes right. Well the verdict is in; I AM smaller than I was years ago. How the heck did that happen? I thought I wore a 38R suit jacket. Well, I did, I have one and it used to fit. Actually, it was a suit that my father bought for me. Imagine that; my dad buying me something. It was a while ago. I have another suit that I usually wear on the rare occasions that I wear a suit. I “thought” it was a 38R. Upon closer inspection I saw that it’s a 36R. WHAT!!! I’m freakin’ smaller than I was when I graduated from high school!

I don’t get it. I mean I’m not trying to gain weight or anything like that, I just think that I would naturally put on some weight as I got older…..and I am getting older. At the same time I don’t want to waste away in my later years either. Both of my “little” brothers are bigger than me too. Maybe it’s an LA thing! I work out and I am pretty active, but I wouldn’t think I would be getting smaller.

I’m going skiing next week so I pulled out my ski pants that I haven’t worn in years thinking they would be too small because they were a little snug the last time I wore them. I tried them on they fit!! WHAT!!?? I mean that’s great because I won’t have to buy new ones, but dag I’m a waif. I guess the last 6-7 months have been as rough as they have felt. ……..hmmmm if I could only do something about these size 11 feet.

Audition: "Lowe's" @ Kathy Knowles Casting. As soon as I walked in the session director informed me that my character had changed from "customer" to "employee". Hmmmm, I would have worn a different shirt. That's okay, I'll give 'em what I got. I felt great about it, hopefully I'll get a callback.

Jury duty. Ugh! I was selected about 3 years ago, shortly after my mom passed away and was excused. So here I am again. I gotta tell ya, dealing with the City/State is always interesting. It's as different a world as Hollywood; it's like going to DMV. I guess I'm getting used to Hollywood; I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing......or both.

Fortunately, I was to sneak out to my commercial audition during lunch from jury duty.

Audition: "LendingTree.com" @ Joe Blake Casting. I think I might be a little young for a bank manager, but it went well.

I made it back to the courthouse just in time. Thankfully, we actually had a 2-hour lunch so that worked in my favor. Shortly after lunch I was called to be a potential juror. Me and about 18 others waited outside the courtroom for 20 minutes and then the defendant plea bargained. As a result we were sent back to the holding area and released about 30 minutes later. I gotta tell you being at the courthouse sucks. I wouldn't want regular visits there to be in my future, no no no!. I mean, I guess there are other reasons to be there, but it just doesn't feel good.

All in all a good experience. They were nice and I didn't have to pay for parking. I wouldn't mind serving on a jury; I bet it's a very interesting experience. It's just that it could play havoc on my schedule. Since auditioning is my current job I can't miss them unless it's a great reason. One day, I'll get to serve.....if the timing is right.

Okay, it’s official I’ve been released from my conflict on the “IBM” spot. It turned out really well for me. Although, I kinda thought they would pay 2 more cycles; it’s okay that they didn’t. It ran more than I thought it would and the ad agency told me that it wouldn’t run on Class A Network. Not only did it get a lot of Class A run, I received a nice foreign check and great internet spot out of it too.

Largely, the way I look at it if you’re not going to run it please release me and give me the chance to book some thing else in that category. I’ve others that have held me for a year and not run in busy categories like beer. So now I am free to audition for hardware and software again. Watch out!!!!

I got some great news from my friend Jonathan Julian. Jon and I have been friends for more than 20 years. Actually, he introduced me to my first acting teacher in Virginia Beach.

Anyway, back in 2002 he self-submitted for a project called "Noah's Arc" on www.nowcasting.com. He got an appointment, auditioned and booked a recurring role. It seemed like it took a year before they even shot the two episodes, but he was patient. Periodically, Jon would hear from the director, Patrick-Ian Polk, saying that he's "still writing" or "taking meetings". Jon didn't sweat it. Ya know how it is in Hollywood, everybody has something they're writing or pitching.

Patrick gained success some years ago with a feature called "Punks", so Jon knew he knew how to get something shot and finished.

One day in late 2004 Jon got word that Viacom was interested. They were starting a new network called "Logo". A couple of months later it was official! The deal was done; he was to recur in 6 of the 8 scheduled episodes.

He shot them, learned a lot, met a lot of people and even did some press junkets in and out of town. The episodes aired and were well-received.

They were picked up for a second season and just this week he got the news that he's been upgraded to a series regular. I am so excited for him. The gig will take him to Vancouver for two months of filming.

The funny part about this or not so funny is that he still doesn't have a theatrical agent therefore he doesn't get too many TV/Film appointments. Last pilot season he booked 5-6 days of work in the pilot of ABC's "In Justice" through a direct call from Zane/Pillsbury Casting. Just this week Zane/Pillsbury called him again for another pilot called "Alpha Mom" and he booked a role in that too. Through some other deveolpments I looks like some agent meetings are on the horizon for him. Go Jon!

Print go-see: "AOL" @ Lien/Cowan Casting. This is great! Jenny, my print agent, called to say she put my zed card together and sent it to the printers to be proofed. She seemed really happy with the outcome and thinks I will be the same. I gotta tell ya, I can't believe I got the card done in the time frame she requested. Getting my mojo back? Perhaps.

Audition: "Washington Lotto" @ Ross Lacy Casting. I felt great about this one. My auditioning partner and I did a "Denny's" commercial together years ago.

Audition: "Wachovia" @ Deborah Kurtz Casting. I was a father and husband in the spot. My "daughter" was the cutest little 4-year old girl. I booked a "Pizza Hut" through Deborah years ago. Time to strike again or at least get close.

Wow, today is my dad's birthday. We haven't spoken in about 3 years; I wonder if that'll ever change. Interesting, I guess I could change it by picking up the phone and calling him. Huh? Something to think about.

Of course my scheduled background work was while there was a big storm in town. The forecast was cold and wet. Dag!! I hate being cold and/or uncomfortable if I can help it. At least I'm getting paid AND the earnings go toward my SAG insurance.....gotta keep that coverage.

So I show up on-set in the Media Center Mall area of Burbank. Okay, the irony in my life really needs to stop because.......well just because......long story.

I gotta tell ya, it was interesting to show up as a background player. I'm much more used to being part of "the cast" and having a trailer. I checked in and took a seat outside under the canopy. Fortunately, it was a pretty small call, only about 10 background total. It was cool, I don't have a big ego or anything like that so I was chillin'.....literally, LOL!.

Sitting under the open-air canopy I realized immediately that one of two things was going to happen. Either this production worker, Mike, was going to be able to light the huge propane heater that sat in front of me OR all 10 of us were going to freeze our asses off. Afterall, it's only 8:30pm and they said we won't finish until daybreak. Needless to say, I was hoping for the former. After a few minutes it wasn't looking good, he couldn't get it to fire up. Oh nooo!

He put in a call to PA "Burke". A moment later, "Burke" made a guest appearance and sparked it right up. Thank God for Burke! That propane heater really put out some serious freakin' heat. We were almost as good as being inside.

Usually, in this business the name of the game is "hurry up and wait". I was prepared, I had my big "East Coast coat", 3 pairs on thermal underwear, gloves, several magazines, this new life altering book I've been reading for a couple of weeks and of course my trusty PDA.

Believe it or not after only about 15 minutes they came to get me and 3 others. Two of the others, actually a husband and wife team, seemed to know quite a bit about the business of SAG background work. While we walked to set they explained a bit of the "Background language" to me and the other first timer. They also told me it was double pay since it was Saturday, plus a night premium and an extra fee for the use of my car! Okay, cool. I knew when I've worked as a principal on a Saturday it was double pay, but I wasn't aware it was the same for background.

So we get to set and I see that it's a "VW Jetta" we are working with. I'm thinking to myself "not only is this a VW spot, but why a Jetta? Of all of the cars out there why a Jetta?" Don't get me wrong it's a beautiful car; I'd love to have it. Matter of fact, my first car was a VW Super Beatle back in the day. I know this seems weird for me to trip about this..........but it's a long story. Trust me, long and depressing, LOL!.

Immediately, I'm instructed to get in the drivers seat. After a moment or two I figure out that I am actually doing stand-in work. I've never been a stand-in before, actually I'm more used to having a stand-in. I guess that puts me one step closer to being able to say "I've done it all" LOL!

After 20 minutes of stand-in work sitting in the driver's seat. I sat in my car for about 3 hours and read, wrote and slept. Then dinner came at like 1 am and more sleep. After a while the 2nd AD came to get me to stand in again. I stood in for about 1 minute and went back to my car to read, sleep and write. At 5 am some of us were finished, but they needed 6 drivers. I volunteered to stay; we were already into overtime so it was good for the bottom line. I spent almost an hour waiting in my car for them to get the shot ready and then worked for about 7 minutes. After that @ 6am it was a wrap!

What a pleasant experience; 10 hours of sleeping, reading, eating and writing.......oh and a little bit of work. Everybody I met was very nice and personable, cast and crew. I was prepared for the worst, but it ended up being a very positive experience plus it didn't rain AND double $$$$.

I e-mailed my selects from the photo shoot to my print agent and she seemed very happy with the results. I don't really know much about the print arena so I'm just following what Jenny is telling me to do.

My friend Heather Witbeck who I used to wait tables with in New York at The Harley-Davidson Café sent me a text message letting me know my episode of “Love, Inc.” was on. I turned on the TV and there I was right on the screen! Ha! How did I miss that? I would have sent out postcards if I knew it was coming up. Oh well, at least I’ll get paid again.

Funny how this bio/blog works sometimes. The whole blogger thing is trip; it's especially interesting how they are used by some. Good, bad or indifferent they are always entertaining. I try to keep mine uplifting and positive.

Anyway, a friend of mine who I hadn't spoken to in a while read about some of the things I am currently up to........for better or for worse, lol!

He's a photographer and offered to shoot my zed card for a very, very, very reasonable rate. Last Summer/Fall he went on an incredible 6-month photo journey to Europe and took over 100,000 photos. I don't think there is any way I could embark on such a journey alone. Most of the time he didn't know the language or where he was sleeping on a given night.

He recounted a harrowing experience in Serbia where he was removed from the bus he was riding and accused of being a terrorist. WHAT??! Yeah, they checked his passport and all the countries he'd been too and he looked quite suspicious. Then they said his passport was a fake. He somehow wiggled his way out of it. Afterall, (his words) "I'm just a white kid from Chicago".

His name is Aaron Wulf; he is currently re-working his website. I'll post a link when it's up and running. We had a great time shooting. The best part for me was getting to flex a little on my mountain bike. I ain't saying I got mad skills or nuttin' like that, but for a cat my age I can definitely get down wit da get down......a little. I really need to ride more often.

Ya know, I've been in Los Angeles for almost 8 years and I have yet to have a single audition for a daytime soap. Not even once and I've tried. I was in New York for 4 years and only had one soap audition in all of that time.

Another market I've tried to crack at various times with absolutely no success is the SAG background work market. I did a lot of it in New York and would've done the same here except for two reasons.

One: I was a little confused by the having to register with a "background agency". What? I don't remember ever doing that in New York.

Two: I literally started auditioning for principal roles in commercials the first day I landed in Los Angeles. I had 3 auditions and 3 callbacks the first week I was in town, thanks to my wonderful agents @ KSA.

The last thing I wanted to do was have background work conflict with principal auditions that my agents were working so hard to get for me. So I didn't pursue it.

A couple of years later after leaving my job @ The Hollywood Standard I decided to try to open up more revenue streams in "the biz". So I submitted to 3 or 4 commercial background agencies to attempt to get in their files. I mailed and I mailed and I mailed some more and nobody would ever call me to get in their books so I could actually be submitted for work.

I never got upset or frustrated. Actually, I thought it was kind of funny. Here I was able to book a series of commercials that ended up being 4 days of work in Los Angeles and later 5 more in Japan and a role in "The Terminal" with Tom Hanks directed by Steven Spielberg all from dropping off my own photo. Yes, a drop-off BUT I couldn't get a call from a commercial background agency to save my life!

So, needless to say, I was shocked when Alice Ellis Casting called to see if I was available to work on a "Volkswagen" commercial on Saturday night. Sure, I have nothing going on Saturday night that's going to earn me a check (Although, I wished it was any other carmaker than Volkswagen.....long story).

It's great timing because I didn't have one single audition this week, which is kinda rare for me.

Print go-see: "HSBC" @ Brigid McBride Casting. WHAT!!! Already? I haven't even gotten my zed card done yet. I'm kidding, I'm sure it's just a coincidence. I had to strip down to my underwear for this one. Huh! Me? What the heck were they thinking? Oh well.

I haven't been on my regular workout schedule for a minute, but I sure snuck one in early this morning before going in. Thankfully, I had that motivation because I definitely would NOT have been at the gym. Maybe this is a good sign to breathe new life into my print career. Ha! Time will tell. Off to the races in San Bernardino.

The piece I did for NPR with Debra Zane Casting and her associate Tannis Vallely aired this morning. Obviously, I knew I had done it and Deb called to tell me when it was running, but I just thought it was for local radio. I forgot that NPR stands for National Public Radio. I was surprised when I got calls from people in other states. My voice sounds funny to me on the radio, but maybe that's good. Click to listen. I even got a photo with Deb!! What!!! They even spelled AND pronounced my name wrong. What!!!

Also this morning I met with Kelsey Edwards to discuss shooting my zed card for print. I really liked her and I think she liked me…..imagine that!!! She even liked what I wore, which was great because I don't have a whole lot of style to speak of. We were on the same page as far as what I'd be trying to sell so I think that's a great start. I also met with Karl Preston and I liked him too, but I think I'm set on shooting digitally. I'll be meeting with a few others and checking websites to make a decision and get on with it.

Audition: "McDonald's" @ Cervantes/Nomad Casting. Went great!

Audition: "Cingular" @ Sobo Casting. This one had a lot of copy which I think I handled quite well. Callbacks are in the morning so I'll guess I'll know soon enough.

Audition: “Freddie” @ Zane/Pillsbury Casting. This was straight to producers and it went really well. I’ll know one way or the other because it works tomorrow. I’ve booked twice through Debra Zane Casting, but I can’t seem to stick in her sisters’ Bonnie Zane’s office. I’ll get it right one day; they keep calling me in so I must be doing something right.

I had my meeting this morning with Jenny Vavra, head of the print department @ KSA. I've been with them for over 7 years, but I haven't ever given them the proper tools to work with – the zed card. Why? I have an excuse; it’s not really a valid one, but one nonetheless. Here it goes. I don’t like shooting headshots and I get a pretty good number of commercial and theatrical appointments; so I just didn’t make it the priority that I should have.

Over the years my agent Jenny has been using my headshots and getting me what she could. Shame on me!! Having a zed card could have made both of us more money over the years. Oh well, today is the first day of the rest of my life. I kinda feel bad because a lot of people would love to be repped by KSA and I've been just hoping for the best. Gotta stop that.

This meeting was to get me on the correct track to move forward in the print arena. Jenny made me feel really comfortable and explained a lot of things to me. She also told how this bio/blog played a part in getting me in the office. Funny how things work sometimes. I left with a clear understanding of what type of photos she wants and a list photographers to meet with. She also gave me a time frame of when she would like to have these things in hand. I like that "you gotta help me help you" way of working. That's the line I added to the one line I had scripted in "The Terminal" and it actually made the final cut. Thanks Steven Spielberg!

This afternoon I helped out in the office @ Natasha Cuba/Jeanne McCarthy Casting this afternoon. They are swamped, they've got like 10 episodes of an F/X show to cast THIS WEEK. Crazy. It reminded me of what we are really up against as actors. I am still amazed every time I get an audition for anything; the competition is unbelievable.

Back to Los Angeles......hmmmmmm. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I have this constant issue with being in Los Angeles versus being back home in Virginia Beach. I've considered going back for a period year and see how that felt. I don't know, I just kinda wonder how long I'll do this. At the same time I am actively pursuing my career. I'm just having a lot of conflicting thoughts that's all.

While I was home my sister-in-law gave me a book about relationships, actually I knew she had it and asked her for it. It's quite interesting, including some things I hadn't really thought about. Timing is very important and things happen when they are supposed to......usually......at least that what I hear. I wasn't supposed to have this book 6 months ago, two years ago or seven years ago. I'm supposed to have it now AND I'm actually reading it!

I'm starting to actually convince myself that I want to fit some other things in my life and it's kinda scary to be honest. I remember how I felt when I moved from New York and from Virginia. I can't leave, I've worked entirely too hard and smart and things are going too well and ........right? I can't leave. I can't leave. I can't leave. Oh yeah, I love my agents too. They are the best, all of them.

RACE DAY:It was beautiful yesterday, but today it is freezing. It was about 30 degrees for the morning practice. We had to wear latex gloves under our riding gloves to keep our hands from getting too cold to hold on. I felt pretty good in practice and ready to have a great race.

In the first moto I got an okay start. The fact that I hadn't fallen was a great way to start things off! I was picking off riders at a pretty good rate because a lot of guys wouldn't do the double jumps and I could. So here I am in traffic going through the rhythm section, which was 3 sets of doubles in a row. I see trouble ahead, a rider landed crooked and ran into another rider and I ran into that rider. It was all happening in slow motions. I hit his bike pretty good, actually I kinda landed on it. Of course I go down too. I was trying to get up, but the bike is kinda on the face of a jump AND it weighs more than I do. I keep the bike running and roll it off the side of the jump and then fall off the other side of the bike. Finally with bike still running I get back on and take off. Thankfully I wasn't hurt, but I was pissed!!!! I was able to work my way back passed some of the riders, but before I knew it the race was over. I finished the moto 12th out of 22. I know I could have run in the top 8, which I would have been happy with considering I don't ride often.

I was livid when I got back to the truck. Both of my brothers had beat me; Todd finished 8th and Jeff finished 9th. I was so upset with my performance and then Todd noticed that my front tire had a slice in it. I don't angry too often, but I was really angry. I was SO angry, but after a while I realized that I should have been thankful that I didn't get hurt. I ended up having to pay to get the tire replaced. The rider I ran into didn't even finish the race. I hope he's okay.

It's hard trying to ride with my brothers when they get so much more time on the bikes than I do, but I do the best I can. So for the second moto I was just gonna go for it and see what happened. I got an ok start, but I had Jeff in sight. Over the first set of doubles I saw that he went down and his bike was kinda tangled with other riders. I was trying to just move forward at my own pace and, at all cost, stay on two wheels. It worked, for a while until some "fast guy" came in behind me in took us both out in a turn. It took him a while to get his bike started and it took me even longer to get mine going again...............even Jeff passed me. I just shook my head. Jeff has NEVER been faster than me, but he finishes ahead of me by playing it safe....really safe. Todd on the other hand; we are really close in skills and if I lived there and rode on the regular it would be a whole different story. So there you have it Todd wins again with a 6th place overall out of 22. Jeff finished 10th and I came in 13th. It's just frustrating because I know I can be up there much closer to the front.

It's all about quality time with the family baby! My youngest brother Todd and I are going motocross riding today in preparation for a race tomorrow. My first of four practices was really bad. My mind just wasn't there and I was really jet lagged. There were only about 8 riders on the track and since I don't ride too often I was a little nervous and it really showed.

The second practice had about 30 guys I was right there, in the mix, making it happen. The third practice was great, I was able to put jump combinations together and dice with my brother even able to pass him a couple of times. The last practice was short and I blazed through it quite well. I didn't fall all day long.

One of the highlights of the trip was after riding all day getting to stop by the family deli that we've had for almost 26 years and get a Philly Cheese Steak Hoagie. I even made it myself. I worked there for 15 years and I still got skills on the grill!

There's something about snow-capped mountains. I'm mesmerized every time I see them. I don't know what it is about them, but they give me a good feeling.

Home Sweet Home! I absolutely, positively love going home. I have the greatest time when I am with my family. Sometimes I ask myself "why the heck am I so far away from them?" Of course I know the answer, but it still begs the question......quite often actually. I just feel really fortunate to have such relationships with my siblings; we have a lot of great times together. My family isn't perfect, but they make it known that they love and support me unconditionally - and occasionally that love is "tough love". I always feel kind of sad when I talk to friends that rarely talk to or visit their family. I couldn't image. I'm currently not in contact with my father, but there is still time for that to change too.

Don't get me wrong about LA, until very, very recently moving to New York had been the most significant decision I'd made in my adult life. Los Angeles has been great too, but how long will I stay? I really don't know. I do know that I love being home in Virginia Beach and I feel I have options. I don't have to stay here. I also know that I've worked too hard, invested too much and have seen too many results to seriously think of leaving.....yet. Also, I have to say that some of the SAG contracts that we currently work under are not so great. Hopefully the new guild leadership can turn things around. That is a major thing that I'm looking at. Can I really, actually, continue to make a living at this? Do I want too? I "think" I do.

I did a bunch of drops today and even though I was kinda phoning it in I got quite a bit done. I was out until after dark then I went to Costco and had an amazing experience. Yeah, Costco kinda does it for me - there and the 99 Cents Only stores are my spots!

I've been trying to position myself to buy a condo or townhouse - at least in my head for starters. I actually gathered the guts to check my credit. Yeah, after getting in a not so great position credit-wise, many, many years ago I pretty much went "underground" and paid cash for everything - for years. If I couldn’t pay cash for it I didn’t get it. That was actually not a bad thing for me to do as an actor. So in recent years I've gotten back on the map and I'm not in such a bad position - at least not as bad as I thought.

I couldn't imagine buying a place with someone other than family - unless I was married of course. Fortunately, I have some family members who have considered investing in something here in Los Angeles. I'm only in the embryonic stages of mapping out how I would actually do it, but we all have to start somewhere.

Back to Costco, when I was looking at the mechanical tools I was in heaven. I can’t wait to have my own garage where I can build things - I really like tools. I should have been a mechanic or something. I think the garage is going to be my favorite room in the house! It would be spotless - with carpet on the floor. You can put carpet on the garage floor right? Of course you can, I know a young lady who had carpet in the kitchen! Then I could vacuum the kitchen. I don't know that I'll get a garage for my first purchase, but it's something I want in the future. Gotta have somewhere to keep my motocross bikes.

I actually looked at places tonight in a different kinda way. Like really thinking about what type of place I would like to live in. I even wrote down one listing. It at least felt different - it felt good. I guess I would have to get a roommate…or not. After all of these years of living alone that would take some getting used to. Well, I gotta get out of here. LAX is calling. Travel always inspires me, so I should be getting my game face back on soon.

Audition: "Kingsford Charcoal" @ Craig Colvin Casting. This audition went well, but it was so, so symbolic of my life right now it wasn’t even funny.

Audition: "Fox Promo" @ Ross Lacy Casting. This one was fun. I got slapped on the ass by a woman......twice. Then I got to slap her on the ass. I'm not a pro at getting slapped by women, although it has happened. I prefer it in a fun, light audition situation in which the woman is not upset with me.

Audition: "Spiderman 3" @ Francine Maisler Casting. This role is one scene as a bar manager. I think I'm right for the part; maybe a little young. I felt the audition went really well. I had a couple of questions about the scene and we put it on tape two different ways. I did what I wanted and felt really great about the outcome.

I thanked them and told them how glad I was to get into a casting office of that stature. They said it was great to meet me and now they can get me in for more things in the future.

Ironically, when I went to pick up the material for the audition my agent, Erin, asked if I even wanted to go in on it. Yeah, I love that, she doesn't just assume that I would read for just one scene in a film.......even "Spiderman 3". Of course "I" never considered "not" going in, BUT that reminds me that she reps actors who wouldn't even consider reading for such a role......even in a film such as "Spiderman 3". I can't wait to make some real money for them.

Audition: "Visa" @ Deborah Kurtz Casting. This goes well and I think I fit the profile........but what do I know? Not much.

I stopped by to see all of my agents today - commerial and theatrical. I also re-signed with KSA for another 3 years. Jenny the head of the print department suggested I get a zed card made up. I don’t go out for print very often, but I also have never given them the proper tools to submit me. So I don’t complain, but funny enough I have been placed on avail a few times in the last year. She suggested I come in for a meeting to look over all of my photos and get suggestions of who I should shoot with. Okay, cool. I guess she thinks I can actually book work in the print world, I’ll take her word for it. Thanks Jenny and Rose for even trying to get me out with the wack-ass tools I’ve given you over the years. Sorry.

Callback: "Washington Mutual" @ Alyson Horn Casting. This is a huge 10-spot campaign. I'm a little surprised I got a callback, but I guess I fit the profile of what they are looking for. Wow, a 10-spot campaign? I could buy a house/condo.......maybe. They even provided real "Washington Mutual" shirts for the callback. The copy kept changing while I was waiting and even still while I was auditioning. I did my best to not let that throw me too much. I think I did pretty well.

Audition: "Liqua Feed" @ Mick Dowd Casting. Simple, just spraying a water hose while smiling; even I can do that.

Audition: "Dharini" @ Tineka Becker Casting. This is for an AFI thesis film. The character is a 40 year-old high school science teacher. Tineka is an associate @ Burrows/Boland Casting. ....hmmmm another 40 year-old character; there must something to that. It goes well.

Tonight my youngest brother Todd and his son arrived from Virginia Beach, VA to attend a motorcycle race in Anaheim. It was sooooo great to see them.......you have no idea.

They flew into Santa Ana because it was cheaper so they had a really long day. My 7 year old nephew thought my living quarters were just hilarious. I mean he started snickering and laughing before he even got inside my studio apartment.

In Virginia, he lives in a normal 4 bedroom home with a two-car garage on a nice lot. He has his own room. So do I, but that's all I have. LOL!

EXT/INT. Stephon’s place – 11:55pm

Stephon, Todd and my nephew are entering my building and heading up to the 2nd floor studio apartment. My nephew is looking around amazed, amused and already snickering. As we enter………

STEPHON: What's so funny?

NEPHEW: (He looks at his dad for approval before he completely clowns me). Is this where you live?

STEPHON: Yeah, what is so funny about that?

NEPHEW: (Laughing) Is that your bed?

STEPHON: YES! That is my bed.

NEPHEW: Sydney's bed is bigger than yours. (Sydney is the little sister of one of his friends.)

STEPHON: (I'm thinking to myself Sydney is 2, she cannot possibly have a bed larger than my full size. Can she?) Sydney's bed is not bigger than mine.

NEPHEW: She has more pillows.

STEPHON: Whatever! Punk! Go to sleep. Aren't you supposed to be jet lagged or something.

NEPHEW: LOL!

STEPHON: (to his dad) Yo, this kid did a full day in school, took a cross-country flight and he has enough energy to clown me?

TODD: That's your nephew.

The were in town for about 32 hours and the timing was really bad.

Audition: "Bremer Bank" @ Craig Colvin Casting. Ahh….it goes ok. I don’t think I really “got it”.

Audition: "According to Jim" @ Zane/Pillsbury Casting. I went on tape for producers and felt really good about it. Gayle Pillsbury is really, really cool and a pleasure to read for. It would be nice to book something........and soon.

Tonight I get the call that I’ve been officially released from the “McDonald’s” avail. No big surprise there. The role was an almost haunting parallel to what I am going through in my life right now.

Audition: "The Learning Channel" @ Melissa Martin Casting. I haven't been to this office in a while. The read goes great.

Audition: "Washington Mutual" @ Alyson Horn Casting. Lots and lots of dialogue, I did pretty good with it. They were patient with me and gave me a couple of tries.

After the audition I was interviewed for a research study by a UCLA graduate student. It was about how working actors construct their sense of being within their professional settings. It was anonymous so I won't be held accountable for what I said. That’s probably a good thing because my head was spinning the whole time.

Callback/Avail: "McDonald's" @ Ross Lacy Casting. I still haven't booked in years at this office, but my callback ratio has improved somewhat. I guess that's a good start. The callback goes really well, they kept me and my partner in the room for a good while. I assume they saw something they like in her, me or us. I would love to book this spot; it's been a while sense I've done a fast-food commercial. My agent informs me later to say that I made it to the next round and am still on avail. Cool!

Audition: "Texaco" @ TLC/Booth Casting. This one goes well and I think I'm right for it.

Audition/Producers: "House" @ Amy Lippens Casting. I felt good about this one; I did what I set out to do.

Audition: "Safeway" @ Sheila Manning Casting.

Audition/Producers: "Courting Alex" @ Jill Anthony & Associates. My life is getting in the way of…….my life. So much that, for the first time I missed a producer session. Yeah, I entered "2:40pm" instead of "2:15pm" into my schedule. I'm going crazy - literally.

I got to the office, signed in…….waited…..and waited. Finally, right as I was re-checking the time on my voicemail the assistant came to tell me that the associate, Beth Soike, was on the phone and wanted to talk to me. She said she was sorry but they wouldn't be able to see me. The session had ended and the producers were gone. That is when I realized I had the wrong time. I apologized profusely and she seemed to be okay with it. I felt horrible and so irresponsible. I have got to get things back on track or I'm going to lose my mind. Not good.

I especially hated missing this because I was in this same casting office last week for a series regular on a pilot and was really glad to get back in so soon. Also, I saw a couple of friends on the sign-in sheet that I would have loved to possibly work with, Mike McGill and Bruno Amato. I later found out that Bruno booked one of the roles. Go Bruno!!

Audition: "OSH Hardware" @ Alyson Horn Casting. This goes well.

Audition: "The Shield" @ FMW Casting. This was a three page scene as a gay character having a little "war of words" with one of the regular cops on the show. It went well and I think I'm very right for it. Hopefully, I'll get a callback.

Audition: "Prudential" @ Sheila Manning Casting. This audition was a lot of fun. I played a 40-year old father with a wife and two kids. WHAT!!! Yeah, 40! Oh well; I guess Sheila has quite an imagination...cool. My family was incredible, we had the best time.

JANUARY 16th '06*Audition: "McDonald's" @ Ross Lacy Casting.

Wow, pilot season has officially begun for me. I don’t usually get any pilot auditions this early in the season, but my agent called with one today. Hopefully, between this and my commercial activity it will be a busy Spring. I really wanna keep myself busy and then leave LA for a vacation in June. I’m thinking of going to Europe to visit my older brother and see my new niece. Gotta make some cheese first though!!

Audition/Pilot: “Sex, Money, Love & Politics” @ Jill Anthony & Associates.

Audition: “Sprint” @ Ross Lacy. This was mostly improv and my partner was great. Actually, he looked just like my friend Alan Heitz and has the same comic sensibilities; they look and act JUST alike. I also ran into Kevin Christy at the audition. I’ve worked with Kevin twice in the past, most recently on “Love, Inc.”. We both currently have “IBM” spots running. He’s like on a first name basis with the “IBM” people; he’s appeared in numerous spots for them. I hope both of our spots keep running.

Today would have been the 46-year anniversary of my parent’s marriage – wow. That’s a long time. I don’t know if that’ll happen for me, I’m getting a late start. Maybe if I live until I’m 140.

Callback: “K-mart” @ Joe Blake Casting. I felt this went well. I have worked with the director, Brian Aldrich, twice in the past, but I don’t think he remembered me. I took his direction and did what he asked me to do……I think.

Wow! Welcome back to the biz. Alicia, Brooke, Jenny, Tracy, Don and Rose, my agents and assistants @ KSA seem to be really be in the business of "get Stephon Fuller a job!". I love it. I had 5 auditions today; four commercially and one for print.

They are doing what they are expected to do and more......now I have to do my part. I had a pretty good day. They say "you can't have it all" and I don’t, but I've got a lot. I really do. In the biz and out.

Audition: "T-mobile" @ Spot Casting. This is a mistake that I have made before and I have to stop. When the call came in from my agent, they told me "sides are available @ LA Casting". For some reason I forget over and over to download and prepare the sides that are "available @ LA Casting". I guess because commercials don’t usually have too much copy.

So, of course, I get to the audition at the Casting Studios and within 30 seconds they are taking my photo and bringing me in the room. It wasn't a lot of dialogue, but enough that I needed to know what I was doing. Fortunately, my wonderful auditioning partner, who had heard the group explanation, was more than willing to help. In the end, the audition went great.

Audition: "K-mart" @ Joe Blake Casting. This was great because my auditioning partner was Dionne Lea. Dionne and I did a play together back in '97 when I lived in New York. It's always great to see people from years ago that are still in the game.

Audition: "Dairy Queen" @ Joe Blake Casting. Another one that goes well.

Audition/Print Go-See: "Audi" @ Brigid McBride Casting. I get to the location in Venice 90-minutes late because of some of the other appointments running long. 5 digital pics and I’m in and out pretty quick.

Audition: “Wendy’s” @ Ross Lacy Casting. Fortunately, I was still able to get seen for this one; I was an hour late. Actually, my auditioning partner from the “Dairy Queen” spot earlier was my partner for this one too. This caps a great day of running around LA.© 1993 - 2005 stephonfuller.com All Rights Reserved

Back in LA and getting up to speed. When I return to town I always want my agents to see me in the flesh so I stop by both offices. I get the feeling from both offices that it’s getting ready to be really busy. I’m ready for ’06!!

Wow, that was quick! It’s already time to return to LA. This was an interesting trip for a couple of different reasons. Most of the time it was fantastic, and part of the time not so fantastic. All in all it was really cool. I absolutely love the fact that I’m really getting to see my younger niece and nephew grow up. They “really” know who I am and I love it. I am fortunate to have the bond that I do with my family.

Matter of fact my younger brother Jeff is coming to visit me in a couple of weeks and then my other younger brother Todd and his son are coming a couple of weeks after that. While they’re here we’re going to Supercross races in Anaheim.

Planes and tears seem to go hand in hand with me. I used to love to fly. I still do, but it brings back so many memories of flying back and forth when my mother was sick. It always catches me by surprise, but at least once while flying you will catch me bawling my eyes out. I find that they best way to deal with it is to not fight it; just let the tears flow and flow they do.

Today is the day for the big family outing to the motocross track. Between the family and others in the neighborhood it ended up being about 14 people going. The weather was nice and we had a great time.

My friend who was visiting got a chance to see me ride after hearing me talk about it for so long. I think she was surprised to see me so spooked when I first arrived at the track because I didn’t want to get hurt. I know how dangerous it is and I need to go back to LA healthy. It was really just a matter of me taking a moment to realize what I was about to do on the motorcycle.

She was supportive and I eventually warmed up and had a good day. My little brother still beat me though, but I’m telling you it would be a different story if I rode as often as he did.

In the first race I got out front and made it through a couple of turns, the first set of doubles and then lost it on the second set of doubles. It was the coolest crash. I knew I didn’t have the speed to make the second set of doubles, but I went for it anyway. Not smart.

About two-thirds of the way through, still in the air, I tried to bale off the bike, but I couldn’t get away from it on the landing. The bike landed on both wheels and I landed very softly with my butt on the seat. The only problem was that my left leg was on the handlebars. The bike just kept rolling about 10-15 feet until it just fell over. By this time I went from 1st to 4th. I picked up the bike with the engine still running and got back in the race. I think it was the most comfortable crash I’ve ever had.

My brother Todd and our friend Tommy and Jeff opened up a nice lead on me. I felt I could catch my brother Jeff. Sure enough, I paced myself, caught and passed Jeff like a stalker. All in all I felt good.

We raced a couple of more times and I was never able to beat Todd or Tommy, but I waxed Jeff’s’ ass every time. I’ll keep working at it.