Seriously?

Michelle Bachmann: A Lesson in Hate

2011-07-17T14:04:00.000-04:00

I feel like since Michelle Bachmann feels like she can just denounce people so openly in the name of God... We should rally as many people who are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, supporting gay rights and all of our dogs... Drive to one of her speeches, act really excited and try to shake her hands.

Everyone tells her that they're gay and came to the rally specifically to save her children from her hurtful and horrible words. What do you think? I want to crush her like a bug on a windshield. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/17/us/politics/17bachmann.html?_r=1&hp

For saying she's a Christian, she's not being very Christ like. She should be more Jewish. Then she'd be cool... Well, no she wouldn't. She sucks eternally and I hope she knows that the God I theoretically might believe in ... and the heaven that if I didn't think we all just go back to dirt and energy goes into something else -- exists... St. Peter or Jesus or God or Chris Farley would be at the pearly gates going--

"Michelle... that wasn't very nice. You exploited a group of people for your own gain and crooked beliefs. Plus your refusal to ever read a book... Very Hitler like Michelle. I'm sorry, this gate isn't for you. You can take the limbo elevator down, directly, to hell."

She makes me so mad. I mean, the only reason that she can spurt out stupidity and these strangely driven political antics is through the fact that a lot of women worked hard to make work like this possible. I'm sure if in the 1970's Gloria and the gang thought this would be the result, they may have change some things. Or, they may have killed baby Michelle Bachmann like they should have killed Damion in The Omen or Rosemary's baby in Rosemary's Baby. I can't stand the idea that she is the female potential candidate. She wants to go back to the way the "Founding Fathers" had things... Well, let's look at what world they were dealing with and what they may have thought about Michelle Bachmann running for President.

1. They probably would have thought "AHH!" because, according to the US Census Bureau, there were only 2.5 million people in the U.S. in 1776. The amount of people probably would have made them poop their shifts, knickers and wigs.

George Washington apparently had wooden teeth and no one showered. They were all hairy and if you weren't a slave, chances are you were Western European. Women had no rights. No one who was any color but white was also screwed and people fought with muskets and disease (but they probably just blamed magic or something).

2. Slavery still existed. Why do people think it's cool to keep things based in this romanticized past. Did the last 2-500 years just not happen? Do you really want to go back to not vaccinating children-- sure polio gives you character-- but really? Do you want to tell your friend they can't be around anymore because they're black? That's just fucked.

3. Did I mention women had no rights back then? It took Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and a WHOLE bunch of old white ladies to make that happen. That happened after the abolition and rights of African Americans was passed. Stanton and Anthony had a split from Fredrick Douglass and from each other over these issues. Fredrick Douglass, though I love him, didn't want to attach "sex" to the 18th amendment because he knew that would hold it back from being passed. I hope that if Fredrick met Michelle Bachmann, he would fight her as well... of course, for different reasons.

There are more reasons that basing things on the Founding Fathers isn't so great... I mean, beyond the pressures their ghosts have to endure. Talk about being a group without a voice, they have to haunt to be heard and since Google +, haunting just seems like you're crazy, I bet there's a circle for that.

I just get so pissed that someone can stand at a podium, declare that groups of people will harm children when there is little chance of that happening. You know what's hurting children? Words of hate. Denouncing groups in a generalized form.

A lot of problems come from suppression. I watch Mad Men, I know.

Maybe instead of threatening groups of people who are brave enough to come out of a shell that has held them in for so long, you could embrace them. Welcome them into your belief system (even though its whack-tastic) and actually take a look at whether or not children are harmed by it.

Children are probably harmed more by your foolish remarks and homeschooling. Jesus horses are not what we call dinosaurs and I have rocks in my driveway and friends in science who can carbon date that can tell you that the world isn't just 4000 years old. It may have been Palin who said that first, but I'm pretty sure Bachmann rides the same Constitution covered, touring, promotional short bus as the former.

Are You There Tina? It's me, Alexis.

2011-04-23T00:43:00.008-04:00

This past Tuesday was one the funnest day I've had in a long time. I use the term, "funnest," because it exemplifies the amount of fun (the most) and the childlike nature in which it was had.

The morning was slow. "How slow?" You might ask and I'd say take a trip back to your childhood. Imagine a time when you wanted something so much, a trip to Disney World (not Land), a Nintendo 64, a new Ninja Turtles bed sheets set or some fine china... Think about how you felt during the waiting period. The minutes feel like hours. The hours like days. Meals don't have taste. Sleep just isn't an option. My morning at work, reading scripts, seemed to last an eternity.

The clock struck fun.

I did some work then hopped in my car, "Lil Girl," and sped off to USC.

Crossing the street, I said hello to my friend A.K. "Hey, Alexis." He said, in the nicest Colorado way. "Hey, A.K." I replied. Then I saw them. I said to myself, "That guy looks like Andy Samberg. Hey, that guy is Andy Samberg." Yes, it was Mr. Dick In A Box himself, walking right next to Rashida Jones (The Office, I Love You Man, Parks and Recreation). I tried to be cool, I pointed back to them and told A.K., "Look!" Just then, Rashida turned around. So, I, in a most awkward and teapot fashion, swung my arm around and just kept my swagger.

Now, you might be wondering when I'm going to talk about Tina Fey. To this I say, hold your mo-fo-ing horses, okay. It was a big day and there's a lot of name dropping in this story because these people in L.A., for once, matter to ME. This story is about my day people, my day.

After this monumental embarrassment (on my end of course, she doesn't know me from Jack), I lined up with 22 other hopefuls on the 4th floor of the SCA halls. We all sat in packs, like nerdy wolves waiting for classic movie dinner. Then there they were, the first bit of fun in my day: TCM 2011 FILM FESTIVAL PASSES.

Quick complaint: Though I am excited to have these passes, that cost upward of $300 for non-USC SCA folk, I have to say last year's "Classic" passes were better than this year's "Matinee." What is this, amateur hour? Has the recession hit the SCA? I seriously doubt it. I say, give the people what they want so certain young ladies and gentlemen can hang with Alec Baldwin and Robert Osbourne.

Happiness continued. As I left the USC campus, I pictured myself as Ginger Rogers, with dark hair, of course and stumpier legs, but still... feathers. I glided across Jefferson, past the bus stop, dancing beyond the Bank of America and Subway into my two hub capped Scion.

I met my boyfriend, who I will call "Schmegg" to protect his identity, and we trekked two miles to the Nokia Theater.

Now, for all of you East Coasters reading this, I assume at least my Dad will check this out, so, Dad, L.A. Live is my least favorite thing in Los Angeles. It's worst than traffic and more vapid than the Kardashians. There are lights everywhere to attempt to distract you from realizing that it's gross and awful, the parking is overpriced and that there are Kings fans everywhere. I would say the only going for it is Schmegg drove.

We met up with some friends for dinner and beers at the Yard House. It was a lot of fun because my friends are crazy writers who love to have a good time and are nerdy enough to also obsess over Tina Fey and Steve Martin. Oh, look! The first glimpses into what I'm actually going to talk about. Sweet.

We walked over to the Nokia Theater, found our seats and realized we were supposed to have autographed books upon entry! Schmegg solved this, as not to let me totally freak out and get us kicked out or something dramatic.

My friends ended up sitting right next to us, which was crazy because the place was filled with 5,000 people (all net proceeds going to our local NPR station, KPCC!). The talk is part of a series called "Live Talks LA" and the link will take you to the video page, which soon, will probably host a video of Tina and Steve's interview.

The interview was amazing. They were both as funny as one could dream. Steve Martin asked fantastic questions and Tina Fey was answering them with quick wit, funny responses and dignity. To sound sappy and corny all at the same time, it was inspirational. They didn't destroy any pre-conceived notions about their personalities. They weren't awful or pandering, they were just fantastic.

Here is an sample of the interview until KPCC puts up the video (apologies to Schmegg who appears in the end of this video):

I decided that the event would be really difficult to convey in just my words alone. I can't tell you how excited and happy I was to be there and how awesome the experience was... So, I decided to do my own Q&A, on a less famous scale, with one of my friends who sat next to me during the show. His name is Greg-- Not Schmegg-- He's a different guy who's not my boyfriend (I'm too busy and tired to have more than one boyfriend, plus, what girl really wants that? That just sounds awful... Just another double standard in life and in polygamy). Here's that interview, conducted via email:

Alexis M: What was your favourite (yes, spelled that way) part of the evening?

Greg K: Standing three feet away from Tina Fey and being struck by her -- not sure if it was how gorgeous she looked, or that I was face-to-face with a personality I'd previously only seen on television -- but I was barely able to stammer that she was my hero before stumbling off.

AM: Who would you rather make out with: Tina Fey, Steve Martin or the CEO of KPCC?

GK: Being the CEO of a public radio station has got to put you on the bottom rung of upper-level management. That's like being the editor of an elementary school newsletter. So no to him, or her, whoever they are.

You'd probably expect me to say Steve Martin for comedic value, but I'm going to just go out there and say that I would obviously rather smooch Tina Fey, but that I think this question is far, far too personal. Having the audacity to ask such a prying question with such a perfunctory tone is insulting not only to my privacy, but also to the American sense of decency.

Speaking of, would you rather get fucked in the ass by Steve Martin, or Tina with a strap-on?

AM: I'd rather have high tea with them, you perv.
Did you see any other celebrities at the event?

GK: No, but I heard you did, and this sounds suspiciously like a quid pro quo question. Did you see any other celebrities at the event, Alexis?

AM: Yes. I will happily name drop that I saw Paula Pell (writer for SNL and 30 Rock), Judd Apatow, Catherine O'Hara and Martin Short... How the hell did you end up sitting next to me when we bought tickets separately?

GK: You bought your tickets after me. So, of course, it was a challenge. I had to hack my way into the Ticketmaster database using skills I picked up from repeated viewings of the 1995 cyberpunk masterpiece, Hackers. Then, upon discovering the seat that you had purchased, I went back in time, using knowledge I had picked up from repeated viewings of 1994 dystopian masterpiece, Timecop. Then it was as easy as selecting the seats nearest you. The whole scheme, of course, is just the beginning of my plan to steal you identity using a plan I picked up from repeated viewings of Single White Female. I already have an Alexis wig in my closet!

AM:What was your favourite audience asked question?

GK: Steve Martin is a comedy genius, and when someone asked Tina where she got her gorgeous leopard print heels, Martin launched into this amazing routine about his own loafers, and how when he had originally bought them they were too tight, but not after years of wearing them, they fit perfectly, and just when you thought it was over, he exclaims, "And the laces..." He had the whole audience in stitches from the first moment to the last.

AM: What was your least favourite audience asked question?

GK: I'm not a hater, so I refuse to answer this question: everyone who asked got their quandary answered (or at least presented to) one of the most talented comedy writers and performers alive, and I can't begrudge them for that.

Let me ask you a question: what question would you have asked if you got to ask a question?

AM: I would have

probably would have asked Tina if working in an all male environment makes it difficult to ask around for a tampon if you forget and
probably would have asked Steve if he would say "Don't trample the pansies," my favorite line from Father of the Bride 2...What is the cutest thing about Tina Fey? Steve Martin?

AM: Which of their books have you read?

GK: Instead of answering this question, I'm going to pose another to you: What is the cutest thing about me?

AM: Probably your ability to drool on your copy of Bossypants without destroying the Tina Fey autograph... Let's keep this on task, shall we..? What is your favourite piece of work created/starred in/ whatever'ed by Tina Fey and/or Steve Martin?

GK: 30 Rock itself is a masterpiece that I feel will stand the test of time. Several of Martin's movies are great, but his stand-up can't be beat. The albums, while missing the crucial visual aspect of these performances, are still amazing: Let's Get Small is a work of genius from the first moment to the last.

And also, the way you are spelling "favorite" makes me want to strangle a Canadian. Please stop.

Much like Greg, my favorite part of the evening had to be when an audience member asked Tina where she got her shoes and Steve intervened. It was so quick and magnificent. We were cracking up and it just proves, once again, that he is a comedic genius and that she is generous with her presence on stage and in comedy. My second favorite happened when he was reading out of her book and she just looked like a little kid on stage who couldn't believe that this stuff was actually happening.

I still will openly say, I want Tina Fey's job. That's right, Fey, I want it. But I will also say that my heroes are proving to be genuine human beings who are talented and should never be hugged by crazy fans inappropriately. I like the no hugging policy. It's something I can get behind.

That's what he said.

Burning a 3 Way Candle

2011-04-07T00:56:00.002-04:00

First things first, you have to play this video while you read my post. This will give you a sense of what I do all the time (multitask) and will also give you a sense of the soundtrack to my life in this moment. Plus, it's a fucking awesome song.

So, once again I find myself blogging when I really should be working on this script. I want to work on the script. I've been reading and working on scripts (including this one) all day. I think this may be my problem. As my friend Stephanie just told me "You're burning the candle at both ends, except your candle has 3 sides." Stephanie is right and so are most of you who told me I'm overloading myself, I'll keep from using your real name, but it rhymes with Schmegg. You win. Blurgh.

I used to spell "Blurgh" with just a "g" at the end... I might return to that... I don't think I like that H... leave your comments to let me know what you think and then I'll smack you right back with my opinions, because let's face it, I love to do that.

Like I was saying, before you so rudely interrupted me, I'm supposed to be working on this script. I'm hoping that blogging will help loosen up whatever its going on upstairs in my brainland and help me write something funny. It's like the more I think about how much I have to do with it the more psyched out I get... a vicious cycle... a true white lady problem.

Let me tell you my life saving choice today. Listening to Tina Fey's new book "Bossypants" on the book on tape-esque option on my new Kindle... Thanks Jodi!

If you're going to read Tina Fey's book and you're in a car, this is the way to do it (especially since reading in the car is for the A. experience and B. retarded).

The woman's robotic voice is just makes words like "lesbian," "b-hole" and "very, very, very, very, very" all that much better. She also can't pronounce "Bossypants" it resembles the way you would say "participant" instead of "Bossy-pants." Amazing.

This is a great pastime for East to West then West to East traffic time and the occasional loop North. I can read without reading and I'm not eating into time I would be doing anything other than listening to NPR, singing Whitney Houston songs out loud or of course, speaking with loved ones illegally on my DROID (If you've been around me when my phone is on you know what I'm talking about).

The low points of my day were kind of frequent today, but nothing 3rd world... or were they? Maybe the 3rd world does want to cry when they're Ray Bans hit the ground and kind of get a little messed up. Maybe people walking from village to village are worried about Beverly Hills being over the top. Maybe countries with little to no drinking water do stress about "is my 434 script funny enough and why can't I just fucking write it and be a good writer like all the super smart people I go to school with?" Yeah, they probably worry about these things. Sorry, guys, I have no advice because we deal with these issues as well in the US. It's a real shame.

Have I finished bitching? No... What are you crazy?! I could complain all day... give me a subject... I'll improvise... I'll "yes and" that shit 'til the cows come home... I'll complain about the cows coming home... I don't have room for cows in my shitty studio apartment at

123 murder street, LA CA 900***

Gotcha.

My last complaint before I go do actual work... and if anyone gives me shit about doing this and not doing actual work tomorrow I might kill them on the spot...

Tina Fey is pregnant. WTF.

I was so proud of her for not sharing this kind of information and complaining about it endlessly in The New Yorker-- because I love reading the New Yorker and if anyone feels moved enough to get me a subscription or give me your old magazines... do it. I love that shit.

Oh, well. I guess it's okay. I mean, pregnancy is weird. It's like alien or the end of Spaceballs... but choices... and only children are weird (yeah, you heard me) so I guess props to them. Blurg (no "h").

I Stoled This.

2011-03-02T20:14:00.002-05:00

I stole this quiz from my new favorite blog... http://kenlevine.blogspot.com/ it's run by Ken Levine who is a comedy writer and HILARIOUS. He not only writes about my favorite things, but also about my FAVORITE THINGS.

So I'm doing the quiz he had on his blog... because I'm cool and out to prove it.

A-Available/Single? No.

• B-Best Friend? Carol. My sister will be mad at this... but sisters don't count in this quiz.
• C-Cake or Pie? Both... on the same plate.
• D-Drink Of Choice? Iced tea and for late night, more Iced tea
• E-Essential Item You Use Everyday? My keys, they get my in and out of my apt. When I lost them that one (2) time, my life sucked.
• F-Favorite Color? Green or Red. If you're color blind, this is the same.
• G-Gummy Bears Or Worms? Both, in the same bag.
• H-Hometown? Easton
• I-Indulgence? Hillstone restaurants. I love beet burgers and their fries. Bandera has the best drink on earth and R+D has the best Martini (that my cousin named.
• J-January Or February? November.
• K-Kids & Their Names? Never going to happen. Adopted. Doggie.
• M-Marriage Date? Never? Not soon? June 4th?
• N-Number Of Siblings? 1
• O-Oranges Or Apples? Both, in the same lunch bag.
• P-Phobias/Fears? Everything? I'm like the Woody Allen of girls.
• Q-Favorite Quote? Deeds not words.
• R-Reason to Smile? Everything. Oh, and The Dick Van Dyke Show
• S-Season? November sweeps.
• T-Tag Three or Four People? why? So they can know how cool I am?
• U-Unknown Fact About Me? I kick with my left foot.
• V-Vegetable you don't like? Stephen Hawkins, sike, Fennel.
• W-Worst Habit? Too wound up (What if I had said "Pooping myself?")

• X-X-rays You've Had? Teeth, ankle, head, neck, pelvis ... is this the only x word someone could think of?
• Y-Your Favorite Food? Yummy Pasta or my Mom's Pasta Salad. Oh, and a salad with it.
• Z-Zodiac Sign? Sagittarius

Self Editing

2011-02-09T18:57:00.006-05:00

Right now I'm working on editing/re-writing my Modern Family spec for the Nickelodeon Fellowship.

Well, not right now, because I thought, once again, that writing in my blog might free up some creativity that's staying dormant in my brain.

I think I may have figured out an organization problem, so this might help to make my script better... this leads me to what I'm going to talk about... Editing.

Now, I'm living a privilaged life. I won't hide it. I go to USC... I'm a brat. I worked pretty hard to get here and continue to do so, but my problems are like, "I can't think of anything funny." or "I don't want to eat pb&j I want Freshii today." These aren't real problems. They're my problems, and really the funny thing can be an issue when that's how you want to make a living, but they're not like, "I don't have food." or "I don't have a family that cares." They care. They care a lot.

You're probably, at this point, like, "Shut up then." Well, you shut up.

Last night Paul Hirsch came to talk to my John Hughes writing class. If you don't know who he is, you should IMDB him. He's edited a lot of impressive work: Star Wars, Carrie, Ferris Bueller, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, among others.

Hearing him talk about his work and working with John Hughes was inspirational but just like any other time we have impressive people speak-- it's intimidating as well. He loves what he does and says to do things you love otherwise you'll get frustrated. He's good at what he does, he gets to say this.

The frustration and intimidation comes into play when I'm sitting in the WGA Library trying to rewrite a script that is for a fellowship that I have a very slim chance getting. I do it anyway because you have to play to win, to whineand to hopefully succeed.

I just want to write funny things, but how does one know they're funny? I hope I'm not one of those people who "think they're funny." You know, like when someone doesn't get Michael Scott on The Office because they're that character... I don't want to suck the funny out of the room... I want to pump it in there like a Swedish made penis enlarger... or a pump.

I'm hoping that Improv class tonight will help me expel some of the daemons that are living in my eyeballs today.

This week is poopy. Maybe I should just sit in a corner and cry it out? Nah, that would be quite a sight and probably pretty inappropriate here at the WGA. Their walls are glass so all of Miracle Mile would see me hunched over sobbing... I'll save it for when I have money, it might make Star Magazine... or the NYtimes like Chris Lee-- did you guys see that?!

Just when you think Egypt is the only thing to care about... blamo... the GOP does something that is the equivilant to a Zales diamond...

The next part of this blog will be called... Smart Guy: Chris Lee.

Chris Lee... so you're a smart guy. I mean you're a Congressman. You went to University of Rodchester and then Chapman University... you didn't get your partying out there?

Chris, did you think to maybe ask someone in your district, maybe an intern, what they think about Criagslist? Or maybe what they think about sending topless "phone pix" to people they like?

Your interns are probably working their asses off to make sure you don't see shit on Facebook. They're probably contacting friends from undergrad to ask them to please untag those embarrassing Cabo photos. No one knows your interns. No one voted for them.

Are you auditioning for the Jersey Shore? You might want to send MTV or FoxNews your resume... isn't that where trashy people go to die? Like Elliot Spitzer? I mean... you could co-host.

I hope John Boehner sheds a tear for your intelligence. It would be one of the few tears worth seeing. I hope Nancy Pelosi comes to your house and smacks you across the face.

I hope Obama sends you a picture of him shirtless and shows you how it's fucking done.

You'll probably crawl out of this hole, Chirs, I don't worry about that. I mean, now people really know who you are and that you work out.

Luckily you live in the land of Kardashians, Schwartzennegers and Johnny MacEnroe. No worries... just keep being rich and retarded.

Wow... that made me feel so much better! I'm going to go write some Modern Family now. Feel free to comment ;) Or if you know someone-- send this shit. I feel like Chris Lee needs to see it.

Posting

2011-02-08T02:49:00.002-05:00

I haven't blogged in a while. Not on this blog, not on my Ingrid Bergman blog... not on a stranger's blog... not blogging.

School and such hasn't allowed for it.

I had a shitty day today. It was the kind of day where everything was a beat off. Then I lost my keys. Everything went to pot.

I had to walk to the rental office, walk to my friend's house for my spare car key and walk home. I was steaming on this walk. I was pissed and annoyed. My back hurts from carrying a heavy bookbag around.

I realize now, though this day was crappy, it wasn't that bad. I have good things going on... one of which is working on a bio for the Nickelodeon Fellowship.

I'm hoping that writing this post is going to help me loosen up some of the hang ups I've had while writing this bio. It has to be funny, it has to be creatively written, well written and articulate why I'd be a good candidate to write comedy TV for Nickelodeon for a year.

I'd love to just stroll up to them and say... "BECAUSE IT'S BEEN MY DREAM SINCE I FIGURED OUT TV WASN'T JUST TINY PEOPLE IN A BOX."

But that's what gets you escorted off the property.

I'd love to tell them, "BECAUSE MY MOM TOLD ME I CAN DO WHATEVER I PUT MY MIND TO." They'd probably correct my grammar and escort me off the property.

I could tell them, "I FINISHED THE DAMN REQUIREMENTS NOW LET ME IN!"

That's what I intend to do.

I have to have a bio, an application and a TV 1/2 hour spec (with one or two in reserves) just to get a first interview.

I've written a 1st draft of a "Modern Family" and I've been thinking of creative ways to articulate my strange, yet hilarious journey to my 26 year old self.

I bet you're wanting to know what's going on with me personally or in school.

Well, I'm not going to tell you about my personal life now. I'll tell you that I'm taking a ton of classes and writing more than ever (just not online). I am in love with television, though this isn't a new thing. I'm pretty sure I don't talk like I'm from the Eastern Shore or Maryland really because of television (thanks TV I love you.)

I read a fantastic article in the New Yorker today by Tina Fey. It was shear inspiration. I wish I could pull a Donald Glover and she could just discover me and we could eat french fries and make fun of people who walk by all day long. Then I could go work at SNL and occasionally something at Sesame Street... No big deal.

Until that happens though, I will continue to work my hands to the bone getting my work read and my comedy to the people.

Don't forget to laugh.

Contribution to My Film Career: The Girl Who Can Turn the World On With Her Smile

2010-07-17T22:50:00.003-04:00

I have opened a new tumblr account that is dedicated to Mary Tyler Moore.

I'm sure you are aware of my obsession with MTM, because, as you should know, she is FREAKTASTICALLY AMAZING.

I want to share something with everyone because it relates to my life, my choice of career, my childhood and Mary Tyler Moore (among other marvelous influences in my life...)

I mentioned Tumblr because I was searching for content about the MTM Show (so that other fans can not only visit my page but also have MTM influence in their blogs/lives) and I came across this video:

Now this video doesn't do much. It's simply a line up of classic television shows, but to me, it is a menu of greatness.

When I was about 2 or 3 years old, I saw what opened my blue eyes to Classic television... the opening credits of Bewitched. I distinctly remember walking up to the television, which was kept in this HUGE brown entertainment center (I loved the glass door that had a "popping-magnet") and looked into the television. I tried to figure out where this was coming from, but couldn't be torn away from the beautiful glory that was Bewitched.

Fast forward to Alexis at age 7. Now, officially a product of the United State Air Force family, a bit strange, but loving television like a loyal friend.

I loved Bewitched. I lived for it. At that young age, I arranged for my bedtime to be pushed back by a half hour in order to stay up and watch. I remember that it was I Dream of Jeannie, Bewitched, I Love Lucy and then Mary Tyler Moore.-- this changed through out the years, but this year, it was crucial to my lifestyle.

I had to do well in school, stay out of trouble, be nice and share with my sister, get my homework done (which if you ask my mother, in 3rd grade, for some reason, we had a SHIT TON of spelling word homework--yet I still can't spell.) and be quiet during the shows. The quieter I was during my favorite programs, the likelier it was for me to be able to stay up past bedtime and watch the other shows!

The shows altered-- Gilligan's Island was on at one point, Get Smart, The Dick Van Dyke Show... all of which I gazed into, admired and memorized... but there's a key factor here that we forget as we get older... perspective.

Now I see Bewitched as an example of a woman breaking boundaries; mixed marriage, differences, family issues, breaking conventions, etc.
Back then: Bewitched was a pretty lady who was funny, could travel by snapping her fingers, had the world at her finger tips and glamorous clothing.

I thought ...Jeannie was great too-- but not as good (I still hold this opinion high).

I Love Lucy, well, it speaks for itself. It's fantastic- though I never was into it as much-- I've never been very good at going with the majorities' flow...

The point, I guess, to all of this is The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

When I was little, I remember thinking the song was great. I thought she was a pretty lady, with great clothes, a funny friend, a job and an apartment. Nothing really to write home about.

The show was boring to a 7 year old trying to stay up for the next round of classics to be re-run re-runs at 12:30am. Why would we watch a girl who goes to work, then goes home?

Fast forward again-- after all of the papers I managed to crank out in college about women in television... siting Bewitched in immeasurable amounts as well as 30 Rock and SNL, I never, until last year, revisited Mary Tyler Moore.

To a bourgeoning feminist-- this is the Bible. She is Moses... well she's Moses' friend Mary, because we all know that Rhoda would claim herself Moses. This show is the best television writing, the best writers, women and men working in a time of great importance to my generation and making it look so fun and beautiful.

I love these shows. They have been good friends to me. I guess I just wanted to write about it a little.

I'd also like to thank my parents-- because I know that you know that I know you let me stay up and watch these shows-- and yes, it was for my own good. Thank you immensely! I love you for it and other reasons.

Well, I'm going to go absorb some more classic television... thank you Netflix! :)

"The world was waiting just for you..."

2010-03-09T01:43:00.003-05:00

My dog, Sadie May, was put down on Sunday.

This has really effected me deeply. She was my best friend. She was there for me and was a loyal pal. We rescued her from the pound on October 7, 1997. She, like me, wasn't warm at first. We both took our time to get to know one another and both agreed that we were the bosses of Erin.

Sadie was a goof. She would do the best tricks. I would say "What do we do in Vietnam?" and she would get down and do a low crawl for a treat. It was the funniest trick and a great time. She was always there to hang out with me. I'm a homebody and just like staying in and watching television, writing on the computer, watching movies and reading. Sadie was either laying on my feet or right there beside me. She was a big fan of whatever I was obsessed with at the time. She never judged me for being a little weird or trying to do something outside the box. If I cried, she was there to lend a soft ear and a wag of her tail. She didn't lick, unless you had soap or peanut butter on your hand. She loved pillows, blankets and couches. "Sunny spots" were areas of the house that she would frequent and boy was she obnoxious when it came within 15 minutes of her food time.

I guess we get used to having our little furry friends under foot. I don't think we take them for granted, but we sure don't devote as much time to them as they do to us. I can't think of any times, even if she had been at the kennel, when I felt Sadie was mad at me. Though I definitely pitched fits towards her.

I'm going to miss giving her nicknames... I think she racked up at least 100. My "Derz" as I would affectionately refer to her, was a shy soul. She was a great story. She was thrown from a moving truck. Rescued by a guy. Rescued by us and enjoyed a life filled with treats and adventures. Though she shook like a leaf in the car, she would give anything to go to a lacrosse game or a road trip with the family.

All of my friends knew Sadie. They would show her love and she loved them. Carol scared the shit out of her one time and we laughed for hours. She would only bark twice at the sight of John then realizing it was one of her favorite people. She hated tall bald men, Pop pop never quite won her over... Pa did... with one swift swat with a newspaper to set her straight. She loved him. She was there for me when they passed.

I sit here with tears rolling down my cheek because I don't like the finite nature of death. I don't know what happens to us or our animal friends when we stop ticking. I don't know what happens at all. I feel like I'm being melodramatic, but how else to you act when you lose something that has stolen such a large chunk of your heart?

I know I wish Sadie were here watching MTM with me. I know she wouldn't care how hard I laughed or how many times we'd watch the same episodes just so I could memorize the details I would like to know inside and out.

I was able to say goodbye to her. She even skyped and reacted to my voice.

I am going to miss her a lot and this week is going to be hard, especially since she's who I'd call upon for a snuggle.

I guess I can't say anything else. I'd just go on for hours. I've posted this song here that always makes me think of Sadie. It has her name in it and it's hilarious... the reason why it reminds me of her.
The song is "Sexy Sadie" by the Beatles. I think it's great because Sadie was anything but sexy. She was funny, quirky and cute. She hated to be snuggled but loved to snuggle on her terms. I respect that.

This is for you Sadie. I miss you already and I love you so much.

Video-- I'm A Lazy Blogger

2010-03-02T15:42:00.000-05:00

Update: Lex in L.A.

2010-02-04T02:12:00.010-05:00

Torn between the real and unreal, reality and fiction, life and dreams, Alexis marches on. Always to the beat of her own drum, always to the tune of her own horn and always dancing. L.A.'s dirty streets don't provide the comforts of home. Adjustments have to be made. Phone calls are her only touch with family and the East Coast and the warm home she has known for so long. Life is new and exciting, but can be sent into overflow at anytime.

You see that? A little freestylin' there. That's for you Grandma... creative writing. I know there's probably grammatical errors or something for you to proof... that's what I like about you. That and you've got spunk. ("I hate spunk.")

I don't remember the last time I wrote in the blog, but I think it was about zebras on your face, so I'll just write about whatever comes to mind... these days there's not room for much other than film information, techniques and text.

I have been gathering years worth of information in these past couple weeks. The amount leads to mental exhaustion, but boy is it fun. We have learned incredible amounts about combining technical skills, storytelling, history, art form and etiquette to make a successful film(s). I love it here. I have basically been waking up, walking to classes, learning, working on editing, shoots, writing, reading or plotting out the next assignment; then going to grab something quick to eat (generally after 3 granola bars during the day... this might be an exaggeration but I don't want you to worry about my habits. Lol), then I come home, do more work, check facebook and my email 30 times to keep in touch with my classmates and family, watch several episodes of the Mary Tyler Moore Show and then pass out. Repeat Monday-Thursday (sometimes Friday).

The weekends have been for working on "508 Productions" which are the film short shoots for the class a semester ahead of us (I'm in 507). These are great fun! It's where I've put what I've learned in class, mixed with a bit of common sense, to work. I learn tons on set and have a great time.

This is Farruk and Me sitting in so Talia can set up a shot.

This is me pushing the dolly. That's Evan, the director and Talia, the DP.

This is me waiting for the next shot, crossing my eyes like a champ.

This is me watching the action...

This past Saturday I went to see Justine Ciarrocchi play her sweet tunes. She is very talented and I hope to sway her into letting me shoot a music video or I need to get her to put some music in some of my films. I'll just keep pressuring this little bitch until she gives in... you know you want to Justine...

We also had our first house party here on Magnolia Ave.

Jenna, my roommate and I bought lights to put on our roof and our patio.

(Jenna @jennalynnhicks and our friend Stephen @StephenJGibler ... follow them on twitter...)

Tyler had bought a grill and he helped us string the lights. The party was a success! It lasted into the wee hours of the morning and I think everyone had a blast! :)

Here are some pics of the party and the lights. I've been really into playing with lights lately, so keep this in mind for the latter half of this post...

Me at the party... who's that cutie in the back? JESS ZUTZ!

That's Tyler, who has such an inner and outer glow... and his girlfriend Michelle. (It was Tyler's birthday so the party was really in honor of his birth)

Our new patio furniture and lights

"Flashing...Lights!"

Fake bamboo plant with pretty lights... these are now in my room. Lol.

I love lights.

On Sunday, I decided that despite my fatigue, I was going to be pro-active and cook up some "yummy pasta."

Now, for all of you who didn't live with me at Sarah and Jay's house... which is everyone... "yummy pasta" is a mixture of the best things in life. It's like if Mac and Cheese, Pizza and Spaghetti had a really beautiful baby... in some crazy mixed up way... it would be "yummy pasta."
Sarah makes it the best, but she gave me the recipe and told me how to do it during our kitchen talks in Salisbury... so I actually accomplished it quite nicely. The 7 or 8 servings proved to be the perfect meal for not only myself, but my roommates, my sister (she's visiting) and left overs! It's all gone now, but I'm quite proud of my culinary endeavors.

THE CHEF!

The ingredients!

COOKIN'

Chicken for everyone else... Tofu for me...PROTIEN!

"Yummy Pasta!"( Thanks Sarah for the recipe.)

I was describing how I've been really into lights, well, while I was reading a script for my 507 Directing lab... "Silkwood" recreation scene... I decided to play around with the lighting in my room. If you'd like to see more of these pictures, I'm posting them on my flickr.com page.

This is just a sample of what some of them look like. They're kind of weird because I'm taking photos of myself, but they're basically morphing light to get different effects in the same areas with just using a curtain to block.

Though there are tons of tales to tell (alliteration aside) to hear them you'll have to talk to me in person or leave me comments! The comments make me write more blogs... otherwise, I gots things to do.

I do have a little video I need to edit from when Jenna and I went to watch the actors arrive at the Screen Actor's Guild Awards... but I have to learn Avid first because Final Cut Pro is messing me up right now... it's like learning Italian when you know Spanish... some things are the same, but there are tiny little nuances that have to be dealt with... and that means leaving one alone for a while and learning the other... so Avid... you're gonna be my bitch.

Please comment and thank you for reading! I love you all!

Alexis :)

"Control Your Zebras"

2010-01-18T21:34:00.004-05:00

A metaphor for this past week.

I am a piece of cardboard. I absorb water, but little by little. If you pour too much water on me, it puddles on the top of me and will soon fill my pores. Until it does, it sits there. If there is too much water, it drips through.

This week has been like a bucket of water thrown on me.

It's refreshing, but a lot.

Today was my day of realization. It rained thanks to El Niño and this caused me to be slightly emo about the whole week and things that have happened in the past month.

It just hit me today that I moved across the country, started film school, had a family member pass away, have no loan money (as of yet. F the BofA), and I'm not used to this lifestyle yet.

I haven't cried. I haven't really felt like that... it's just the sense of being overwhelmed and a complete change. I love it here and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm trying to let my control freak mind know that I can't control jack right now--ride the wave.

Well, on a more cheerful note I want to tell you that in film you never want zebras on your actor's face.

It causes problems...

Awkward shots...

Makes their faces disappear and they won't be happy...

This is something I learned this week. It actually not REAL zebras. That's silly. It's when your actor's face disappears because there is too much light, or the light is too hot, on their face.

The "zebras" are the stripes that appear on the LCD screen on the camera. On set, "Zebras" should always be turned on.

Aren't all of these double entendres great?! I just keep thinking of cartoon zebras and zebra stickers. God I love my craft.

This past weekend we went out in downtown L.A. I got to party right next to Angel's Flight (aka the park where Tom and Summer go in (500) Days of Summer go to sit on benches and play the "penis" game). We also went to the bar where they sing karaoke in that flick. Let's just say I was PUMPED! The only disappointment was that it's not actually a karaoke bar-- much to about 90% of our crowd's dismay. There was a band though and it was fun.

Well I have to get going now... work to be done... classes again tomorrow-- OH and I'm directing our first in-class project-- AWESOME!!!

Hope everyone is doing well-- please feel free to leave me how you're doing in the comments... I'd like to hear from everyone...

"PENIS!" (Sorry Grandma---it's in the movie.)

My First Day of Film School

2010-01-12T14:07:00.005-05:00

This is a picture of me on my first day of film school. It resembles the type of picture we used to take every day on the first day of school.

For example, here's one of Julia on her first day of Pre-school (since I don't have any adorable pictures of yours truly. LOL)

It's fun to do these, I recommend it.

On to my day...

I woke up ready to roll. My roommates and I all walked together to our first class, Concepts of Cinematic Production (to which I might refer to as 510). This class is taught by Pablo Frasconi and Tomlison Holman. This class seems like it will teach us all the language of film, production, direction and sound. It involved the entire Spring 2010 class, and we each had to give a 1 minute autobiographical introduction. I almost barfed all over the microphone.

Though I wasn't first or even last, I was incredibly nervous. I am fine with getting in front of people when I'm singing, acting, improvising, giving a speech, answering questions-- sure it makes me nervous, but I get over THAT. This, this was talking about myself!! I can't do that. My statement of purpose took me like 2 months to finally write on paper! I can give you stories about life all day, but if you want me to tell you my accomplishments, I can't just list them... who does that?!

So after my "speech" which involved me plugging my Ingrid Bergman blog and looking like a total idiot in front of everyone (does anyone doubt that I'm the Mary? If you do, feel free to email me because I'd love to hear otherwise. LOL), we watched some film clips and learned some concepts. That was exhausting!

I walked home after class and sat down to eat some lunch, pizza, in front of the television. Now, though this pizza wasn't very good, it was still pizza, which is one of my favorite things on this earth. When I turned the channel, Bewitched was on! Well, what a great way to continue my first day of film school. I'd like to credit Bewitched with my first cognizance of what I wanted to be when I grew up: A witch. Well, once I found out that magic isn't necessarily probable or even possible (and generally creepy) I figured the next best step was learning how to make magic-- aka Film/Television. Signed, sealed, delivered...I'm yours, film.

Watching Bewitched, eating pizza, all after my first film class, could this day get better? Yes.

My other class of the day was a meeting for 507, my Production-1 class. My SA, Dennis, was awesome. He gave us instructions with great detail and was completely on our side. A fantastic reminder of why we pay so much to go here.

The class is filled with people I have come to be friends with and more friends to come. It is also taught by Jim McBride, who is a director and has done many films (if you want to know what, follow the link on his name).

This class was interesting. A little hard to follow at first because Jim is new and we are as well. Once we got going, though, it was fine. It became even better after our 15 minute break. The first film we were analyzing shots of was: Notorious! I was totally geeking out.

This seemed like a sure sign that I am in the right place right now. I mean, for real?!

The day was a great one.

Though I have to end on a sad note. My Aunt Mary passed away last night after a long battle with cancer. Ingrid Bergman once said "Cancer victims who don't accept their own fate, who don't learn to live with it, will only destroy what little time they have left." Aunt Mary wouldn't speak to us about her cancer, she just lived everyday for the best. She was a great supporter of mine and was a huge maternal influence on my Mom and her sisters. We will all miss her very much but it is good to know her suffering is over.

Thank you for reading.

"This is no Longer a Vacation, This is a Quest..."

2010-01-08T11:08:00.002-05:00

Today is the day it all changes. We have orientation this afternoon and I'm jumping out of my pants excited. This week has been spectacular and I can't wait to be the busiest person you know.

There's a rooster in my neighborhood, and I think he's not a pet, I think he's potential lunch for someone. But I love that, for now, there's a rooster in my neighborhood.

I'd like to thank some of my influences... no not you family and friends... these are the people who've shown us why film and television are so important.

"Love Me Tender"

Thanks Emily Davison.

Now switching gears... I have a funny "hollywood" anecdote from a friend of mine... a shoutout to her because she also follows my blogs... which any blogger appreciates the littlest bit of attention (OR ALL OF IT).

Last night I was hanging out with a bunch of people from my program and one of them, who for her privacy and because of an inside joke, I'll call her "Sarah" (original like Mary right?). "Sarah" was telling me about her time at Fox Searchlight as an intern. She told me about how she got to see all of this year's best films, in my opinion that is, before they were released... too cool! One of her stories involved the following: bathroom, gum and Emily Deschanel.

Now, knowing me, you'd probably say, "Wow, already I know this story is going to strike Alexis because she loves all of those things." I'd say, "You don't know me trick. Stay out of my business. So what I post that on the internet, you don't know me." Then I would reluctantly say, "You're right."

"Sarah" was a bit on the woozy-hungover-pants side of things and feeling like the only route to go that day was to, as the kids say "pull the trigger." This of course, for all of you adults out there, means she forced herself to throw up the poisons from the night before. Never pleasant, but sometimes has the best results.

Now, where "Sarah" worked was right next to the Fox lots and they share the building with some of the people working on shows. "Sarah" was coming out of the stall when a woman popped out of the stall next to her. It was Emily Deschanel.

Emily proceeded to tell "Sarah" that she's "a beautiful person," to which "Sarah" was shocked. The star of Bones thought she had an eating disorder. Emily then offered "Sarah" a piece of gum as she was leaving the bathroom.

So although Emily Deschanel, aka, Dr. Temperence Brennan, aka, "Bones" thought "Sarah" had an eating disorder, she was nice and didn't know "Sarah" was actually hung over as hell.

Thank you for reading "Sarah" LMAO.

That's all I'm going to write for now. I have a big day and I need to nap a little. My parents know, they always told me to do this. I could never nap as a child. Still can't really do it, but I'll at least watch some TV or something.

Video Tour: Welcome to the Hood

2010-01-05T14:41:00.001-05:00

Greetings From the West Coast

2010-01-03T12:44:00.003-05:00

I haven't posted here in a long time, but now I will post some of my adventures here in L.A. for anyone who's interested.

I would first like to say that I am at my happiest right now. Though it is difficult to flee the nest for the (genuine) first time, it is exhilarating and I can't wait what this world has waiting for me to unveil. Anywho, I hope my sister reads this, even if she thinks blogging is ridiculous. LOL.

I will start with the night before I left Easton...

All of my close friends, Carol, Michelle, John, Braden and Lee had agreed to go out that night as a fun going away/ Carol's home/ Holiday party. I had also found some close, but rarely around, friends like Christina and Laura who were a joy to see. I had told my sister, Erin, "Don't plan on staying out too late, we have a long drive and you have to be awake." She actually listened to me, however, I didn't practice what I preached. The night was amazing. Not too much drinking (on my part) but tons of laughs, stories, dancing, music, more and more people. They actually had to throw us all out of the bar... the bar that stayed open late to suit our partying needs.

3:45 AM rolled around and I had to leave. At this point we were at my friend John's house and everyone was still on that horse. I said my goodbyes and with this in mind...

I was ready to face the world. Then Carol came out screaming "Wait! Wait! Wait!" and of course we hugged for 5 minutes and cried like little babies, even though we are now closer in proximity than when I lived in MD.

The first day's trip was fun. The only tears had were when I said goodbye to my dog, Sadie. She's old as hell and she's my little best friend, so I think we can allot some emotion.

When Erin and I were on the D.C. beltway we received a call from Carol who told us that the debauchery continued into the wee morning hours and that inginutity had also kicked in when bedtime rolled around. "We were about to leave," she said about she and my friend Michelle, "but then Braden said they'd make us beds."( I love when drunk people get creative, it's priceless) They made beds out of lawn furniture. Of course, this failed miserably, and they ended up sleeping on the floor. Glad they were all safe.

Erin and I drove down 81 through Virginia, saying a nice "f-you" to Roanoke Virginia (the place where dreams come to die) and all the way to Birmingham, AL.

It was late at night, and I must tell you that Alabama is one of the creepiest states I've ever been to (at night of course). The trees turn into something out of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (the scary parts of the cartoon). We decided that it would be in our best interests to stay a bit outside of the city, in order to avoid higher prices and any sketchy neighborhoods that we tend to be drawn to out of sheer naiveté.

We came within 30 miles of the city and decided to try this place called the American Inn. Well, this hotel was run by Norman Bates. It had 10 pick up trucks in front of it and looked like there were definitely dead birds in the lobby, creepy landlords, and scary showers... probably holes in the walls as well (to cover all Psycho references). After Erin said "No way, there are too many trucks in this parking lot." We ventured a little further. We came upon, what seemed to be, civilization, or the American definition resembling it. There was a Wal-Mart and a small shopping center, a stop light and signs, but no hotel. I said "Let's check on the other side of the highway and see if there's anything over there." We drove across the overpass and along this dark, winding road we found one sign: "Alabama State Correctional Facility." "NO!" I said, we did a U-turn in the middle of the road and sped away.

We drove closer to the city (and further away from the jail) and found a nice, inexpensive hotel that suited our needs.

The next day we started towards New Orleans. One thing I'll give Birmingham, or the part we drove through, is they have the BEST radio programs in the morning. The women on the R&B station there should be broadcast nationwide, or at least on the internet as well. I would wake up to hear their viewpoint on the world. Fantastic. Go there, for that.

We arrived in New Orleans and it was about 40 degrees. Poor Erin, she was hoping for a warm trip through the south, in winter, and it was colder in New Orleans than it was in Baltimore that day. Though it was chilly, we still had fun. We had some yummy Creole food and walked the French Quarter. We went to the French Market, where we bought some little d00-dads and Erin had a laugh about "hot nuts." Stood next to the Mississippi river, made some Streetcar Named Desire references ("STELLA!") then went on our merry way. I would definitely like to visit New Orleans again. It seemed like a crazy town, and I think I'd like to witness that someday.

The bayou is a really cool area. The roads are just bridges over land that doesn't really exist. It's mostly water, or spongy land-like substance that has people and trees on it. I can't imagine discovering that, back in the day. I'm sure there's all sorts of scary animals and creatures lurking just under the surface. Gators, leaches, giant fish, snakes, Republicans... scary.

The drive to Austin was LONGGGGGGG. Erin did a lot of driving that day. I was really proud of her ambitions on this trip. I wish I could have given her a better time or more sight seeing, but being that I'm still nervous about getting to my classes on time, I didn't want to risk it. We made it to Austin in one piece, I wish I could say the same about leaving.

Set the scene, the next morning, the downtown hotel in which we stayed.

"I'll go get the stuff while you're on the internet and then we'll check out," I said.

"Okay, make sure you get Monkey," said Erin.

"Where is she?"

"She's in the bag" I thought I heard her say.

I gathered everything out of the room and we checked out. Moods were pleasant as we drove through the Texas rain towards Western Texas.

We were on the 10, in the middle of nowhere when Erin asked "Where'd you put Monkey?"

"She's in your bag..." I said nonchalantly. "Oh you put her in my bag?" Erin asked.

"No, that's where she was." The blood drained from my face as Erin told me she said "Monkey's in the bed." NOT "Monkey's in the bag."

Now, if you're unfamiliar with the heaviness of this situation, Monkey is Erin's most prized possession. Monkey is never referred to as "it," Monkey is referred to as "she" and if you call Monkey a "he," God help you. Erin has had Monkey since she was a tyke. Monkey was afraid of my Dad, went on every and all trips and if you're close to Erin, you're close to Monkey. It's really the funniest, most endearing relationship. A relationship that I almost destroyed with my poor listening skills.

When we noticed that Monkey was missing/left behind. Erin called the hotel, but because we were in Western Texas, in the mountains, the call kept dropping. These were the most awkward and thick moments in the car. I couldn't say anything to make this situation better. If Ruth, the front desk clerk, couldn't find Monkey, I would have to pull a Thelma and Louise. I would have to drive into a mountain wall. I would have to let Erin have my Elephant, Elli, who is the same size as Monkey, just her elephant counterpart. Most likely Erin would have thrown Elli out the window, on fire then my turn would come later.

We stopped at a gas station and I called Ruth again. "May I speak directly to housekeeping please?!" I nervously asked. "Are you calling about the Monkey stuffed animal?" Ruth asked. "YES!" I said desperately. "We have it, would you like to Fed-Ex it?" "YES! PLEASE! Send it to our address there." I exclaimed. "Would you like it next day?" Ruth asked innocently. "PLEASE!" I said as she were asking if I'd like 10 million dollars.

Erin's trust was regained. I was redeemed. I was saved.

Thank goodness, otherwise, I wouldn't be typing right now, both hands would be broken.

We drove, that day to Tucson. I don't think there's anything more depressing on a road trip through the U.S. than seeing Mexico from the El Paso border. Wow. I don't know how anyone can live in El Paso and not want to just help those in MX. I couldn't do it. I feel guilty for just driving next to the wall. We shouldn't be this way. But that's a story for another day.

While driving through New Mexico there was a stench much like a porta-potty. Erin told me some disgusting stories about the Bonnaroo porta-potty's overflowing and we punchily laughed our way through the state. We also had a great laugh when at the checkpoint in NM, I stopped, heard the policeman say "Go" when he actually said "Whoa!" He thought we were smuggling people or drugs until he realized that our car was so stuffed, the person would be dead or the drugs ruined and also the two idiots in the car could never pull off such a feat or they should just get away with it if they can.

Arizona was an easy drive. I was trying to line up my housing so I'd have a place to live, which was accomplished, but it was generally a great drive. We drove through southern CA, on our way to see Aunt Mary in Laguna and it was such a sight. There were windmills EVERYWHERE! Working their hardest to gather energy from the strong winds which pushed and pulled "lil girl" (our coined name for my new car [2006 Scion Xa]) all over the road.

Laguna was fun. We got to see Aunt Mary, for which I'm so grateful, and I hope to see her again soon. Uncle Bob was of course ready to tell his stories and show us the sights. Jeff, his son was there with his wife Robin, with whom we all instantly fell in love, she's cool as hell. Aunt Evie, my Mom and my cousin Jess were all there as well. We walked, rainy, Laguna and then went for food. It was a great way to end the trip. Emotional at times, but fun none-the-less.

I arrived in L.A. the next day, but I'll blog about that soon. I want to put together pictures of my new place and things so you'll have to just wait!

If you're reading this, please shoot me an email or comment on my blog-- you don't have to sign up to do so.-- I'd like to know if this is worth posting here and there to keep everyone abreast of my goings on @ USC! :)

Classes start Friday, but I'll try and visit this Starbucks again for some internet. Thanks to Uncle John, I'm aware that I could hang here all day if I like. Lol.

:) Much love to all.

Lex

New Videos

2009-11-12T20:11:00.002-05:00

Here are 3 new videos I've produced in the past month.

2 are for the FiestaMovement and a little short I made because I thought of it when I was brushing my teeth and then couldn't sleep. Lol. Enjoy! :) Rate it and comment if you fancy. :)

Just Because This is Zooey and hilarious

2009-10-22T10:09:00.000-04:00

Cinemash- "(500) Days of Summer" and Sid and Nancy

2009-10-09T23:45:00.001-04:00

This is HILARIOUS.

I keep finding more and more reasons to love (500) Days of Summer.

I can't wait until I can purchase this on DVD. Maybe I'll pre-order? Lol.

Enjoy.

Latest Fiesta Mission-- #6

2009-10-09T23:36:00.001-04:00

This month's Fiesta Mission is: "Trick or Treat...or Terror"
"For kids, Halloween is full of awesome stuff: pillowcases stuffed with candy, hilarious costumes, and running around wreaking havoc with your friends. But nothing makes the night more memorable than getting the tar scared out of you at a haunted house. Create the most epic one you can and give the kids in your neighborhood a night they’ll never forget."

I love Halloween- I think it's my favorite holiday.

I cannot wait to scare some kids in the neighborhood. I'm working on ideas, but if anyone has suggestions, let me know! :)

Fiesta Mission 5!

2009-10-09T23:34:00.002-04:00

Sorry This has taken so long to post! I have been mad busy trying to get my life together since moving back from CA and then work, being sick, and then getting ready to move back to CA in the winter for USC SCA!!! :)

Anyway- personal stuff aside, here is my latest fiesta mission. Hope you enjoy it!

Sugar Town

2009-09-22T19:01:00.002-04:00

With my latest obsession-- the Deschanel sisters-- as well as my longing to make more films, love of music, convenience of two adorable children and the webbie, I have made a new music video for "Sugar Town." It's the version found on the 500 Days of Summer soundtrack.

Hope you enjoy it! :)

Fiesta Post It XC Trip

2009-09-09T19:56:00.001-04:00

Be ready to vote starting September 12th for my Post It video. Hopefully I'll make it to the voting round because Carol and I worked really hard at making the fiesta POST-ITrific.

Fiesta Mission 4

2009-09-09T19:52:00.002-04:00

Sorry this has taken me so long to post!

Here is the video from Fiesta Movment Mission 4!

I went to a pre-school in Santa Barbara, Storyteller Children's Center, and volunteered my time and Ford's money. It was such a fun and eye opening experience. Be sure to click on the SCC link and check out how to help them! :)

Post It Video

2009-08-31T01:57:00.002-04:00

Here is my latest contest entry starring my friend Carol, Me and the Fiesta. Enjoy!

Oh, there will be a voting period on Youtube for the video, I'll update it when I know where to send you! :)

XC TRIP BACK

2009-08-21T16:58:00.001-04:00

I'm in Colorado--after a 16 hour drive ALL BY MYSELF. Lol.

Thank you Adi, for talking to me on the phone for an hour and fifteen minutes.

I am working on editing my fiesta mission, which I had an absolute BLAST doing! Social Activism month video should be coming soon-- I just have to punch it out while on the road and before my deadline!! Crazy times--

Be sure to vote for my howcast video and now I have to get back to work-- working on 2 more videos as well!

CONTESTS CONTESTS CONTESTS~

Lacrosse video promo

2009-08-17T21:46:00.001-04:00

Please follow the videos and go vote for my video! Thanks!

I'm trying to enter a ton of contests, so be prepared to see some AMAZING footage. Lol.

Latest Video: EAT MY SHORTS

2009-08-15T20:57:00.003-04:00

This is my latest video: "EAT MY SHORTS"

This video is for a contest held by Crunch Gyms. Hopefully I'll have a good shot at winning.

Please don't forget to vote for my Howcast.com video!

YOU CAN ALSO VOTE ON FACEBOOK!

2009-08-15T14:39:00.002-04:00

YOU CAN ALSO SIGN IN WITH FACEBOOK!!

I have put the link address in this video-- or you can go directly there at Howcast.com

PLEAse Vote for my Video-- AGAIN

2009-08-15T02:43:00.001-04:00

Please help me win this howcast.com video contest.

Go to MY VIDEO, join howcast and vote. It's free and it would be a huge feather in my cap. Thank you!

And Life Gets AMAZING

2009-08-15T01:14:00.002-04:00

Vince, from the "Shamwow!" infomercials is now working with "Slap Chop" the food chopper.

Now, last I heard, Vince was arrested on felony battery charges for beating up a hooker in Miami. Is he making a comeback w/ the "Slap Chop" or is he just still having his commercials spinning around us all for the constant reminder that the dude who beat up a hooker is now slappin' and choppin'.

I'll leave you with this quote "You're going to love my nuts" - Vince Shlomi, "Slap Chop"

The Mirror That is Julie & Julia

2009-08-13T19:08:00.004-04:00

As I have mentioned before, I have now seen Julie & Julia twice. I loved it both times and I would now like to discuss what this movie has brought to my life.

The first thing I'd like to note about this movie is how it turns a mirror on us bloggers in a serious way.

I know that everyone has a narcissistic streak in them from time to time, but this makes us look like ego maniacs. Maybe we are, and, maybe we are.

The character, Julie, is stuck in a rut. She hates her job, feels stagnate and wants to spice up her life by rejuvenating her love of writing with a purpose. She challenges herself, but also challenges the world around her to deal with her obsession with Julia child, her complaints and her single mindedness. I think it's okay to have obsessions and devotion to projects. I don't really care for how whiney Julie is, but I guess that's just because I have my own rut I have to get out of right now.

I think I felt too much empathy at times with both Julie and Julia. I felt like I could understand the frustrations of blogging and tackling a vast world of "do I have readers?" "Does anyone read this beyond my parents?" "Do I matter in the greater scheme of things?" I also felt the joys of realizing you do have readers and people do care. Even if it's not the closest of kin, but a random devotee who also shares the love of a particular subject.

I felt empathy with the character of Julia Child. She had to work incredibly hard for what she wanted. She was someone to admire, breaking through in an environment that A) Didn't like women and B) Especially didn't like American women. She was a hard ass. Though this made it hard for Julie--spoiler alert!--in the end, because the ideal of Julia didn't match the high standards of the real Julia

As bloggers, we definitely refer to ourselves a lot. Some people accept this and some think it's because we can't get over ourselves. I like to think that, yes, I do think I'm God's gift to the world. Thank you for noticing, but also that in order for something to be perceived as "opinion" it has to be stated as one's own. I have to posess my words in the first person, otherwise it's taken as my putting words in your mouth.

i.e.

"...otherwise you think I'm putting words in your mouth."

You've probably noticed the amount of italics used in this post is abnormally higher than those used in other posts. I would like to credit this to the voice in my head that now sounds just like Julia Child. Mery Streep NAILS the accent. Both of my parents told me, on separate occasions, "Close your eyes and it's like she's [Meryl Streep] is her [Julia Child]!"

I think it's not a bad thing to look introspectively and find out how we can all become better people, whether it includes butter, is up to you.

The other actors, Stanley Tucci and Chris Messina, held up their own. Tucci and Streep showed us all how the job is done. I just love him. I have yet to see a movie where I don't love a character he plays. Chris Messina-- I could see him picking up some more films because of this. He was a relief to Amy Adam's character, Julie. He provided the ground that she needed, the base line of reality that she had to recognize. She had to see how good she still had it and that not everything is ideal; he provided it.

There were smaller nuances that I found refreshing as well:

The French ladies--good and evil--were all fabulous.
The Chef at Le Cordon Bleu looked like Chef Boyardee. LMAO.
The food. THE food. THE FOOD!
They used the phrase "Boning a duck." 1000 times (exaggeration but it was used a lot.) and every time I wanted to giggle because it's dirty. But I didn't. I really didn't.
The music.

I heard a ton of people saying at the end of the film, "I want to go right home and cook!" I found myself saying, "I want to go home and blog!"

See how much I learned.

"What am I Going to DOOOO?"

2009-08-13T02:00:00.002-04:00

The title of this post is my favorite line (lines) from the new film, Julie & Julia, which I have now seen twice.

I would like to write about it right now-- but I cannot. I have to work on a bunch of bullshit from the Bank of America. I can't wait to sit down and tell you all what I loved and didn't love about this film.

I am now watching The Blues Brothers-- a film that, I know, have seen. I love SNL. I love Dan Akroyd and John Belushi. It just gets old as hell hearing from everyone "You have to see this film."

Mostly this quote is aimed at my Dad, my Uncle James and Jay.

Watching it dudes. Chill.

James Lipton Questions

2009-08-10T23:04:00.003-04:00

These ten (10) questions originally came from a French series, "Bouillon de Culture" hosted by Bernard Pivot. They're better known as the questions that James Lipton asks every guest at the end of "Inside the Actor's Studio." You'll be amazed at how much they reveal about a person's thoughts, feelings and beliefs.

1. What is your favorite word?

I think it's "Blurg" it's not really a word-- it was on 30 Rock 3 years ago and I've been using it ever since

2. What is your least favorite word?
"Like" I hate that I use it so much and I can't stand it when we, U.S.'ians, say it SO much.

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually, or emotionally?
Creatively: seeing beautiful things or reading them. I'm inspired by life and people and everything.
Spiritually: deeds not words
Emotionally: I'm pretty easy to make laugh or cry so almost anything. Lol

4. What turns you off?
Bad teeth.

5. What is your favorite curse word?
Shit.

6. What sound or noise do you love?
I love ABBA. Lol or Musicals! I can't be sad when either of those things are playing.

7. What sound or noise do you hate?
people eating sounds, clicking pens and balloons popping

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
an Archaeologist

9. What profession would you not like to do?
nurse

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Yes, you can come in Alexis. I knew those were jokes.

"I'm not Lewbowski"

2009-08-08T13:33:00.003-04:00

I was just reading the A.V. Club's blog and came across some really interesting documentary trailers, one of which, reminded me of my Dad's friend, Dwayne.

I knew that The Big Lewbowski had a strong following. I and my friends have been a part of that at one time or another. We played the drinking game, "drink a beer anytime anyone says: 'Vietnam', 'Man' or 'Dude," needless to say we didn't make it far into this Cohen Bros. masterpiece.

This movie is what draws a lot of people into the dry, drawn out story lines and genius of the Cohen Bros. It's an easy start up to a life long addiction--right Dwayne?

If you have never seen a Cohen Bros. movie, you should begin here simply because it has something for everyone. Vietnam, marijuana, feminists, nihilists, a cowboy, bowling, "the Jesus," Donny, Credence Clearwater Revival, etc.

The build up isn't as long as some of their other films (Fargo, Burn After Reading) and not as in your face as something like Romance and Cigarettes or No Country for Old Men (which if you're unsure are tow COMPLETELY different genres--so be careful!).

I thought my friend John was crazy about this movie-- "Mark it zero" John.-- I mean at one point, his answering machine was like "the dude's" and every other word from his mouth was a Big Lewbowski reference.

I was fine with this. The movie is freaking hilarious. I enjoy quoting movies until I'm blue in the face as well as the occasional white russian. But now I realize that we didn't even touch fanaticism in this cinematic event.

The people at these conventions are dedicated. They are dressing up like references, severed toes, bowling pins, and every other character in the film.

Dwayne, I think you should not only see this movie, you should go to one of these conventions and then report back to me (and Dad, of course!).

The River Wild

2009-08-05T23:51:00.003-04:00

Meryl Streep + Kevin Bacon + A young John C. Riley + The kid from Jurassic Park = 1994's The River Wild, a movie worth referring to on any family rafting trip and/or camping trip.

After one gets over the 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon and the Queen of the world status of Meryl Streep, this movie strips down to hard core family fun.

I mean, hey mom, it's cool that you row every day outside of Boston, but let's put that to the test. Dad hates nature, but let's throw him in head first. Oh, and I'm the boy who's almost eaten by DINOSAURS.

There are great things about this movie beyond the sweet story line of bad asses Kevin Bacon and "Walkin' Hard" John C. Riley trying to kill Meryl's family.

Here are some bullet points for you:

Natives have left drawings on rocks.
Meryl's American Flag t-shirt
Sweet 1990's outfits and familial fighting
Kevin's hat and hair
John C. Riley
Level 5 rapids
Fantastic cinematography

Now I've had some people tell me that this movie isn't anything great. But they're full of shit. This movie has so much to offer. I mean it's like Cape Fear meets the Parent Trap--any other questions?!

Watching this is as close to the river as I need to get. Sike-- I just know how it feels to be the only one who gets sent from the raft/tube.

Speaking of; I don't know if my sister reads my blog, but if she does, this will allow me to find out: When we went white water rafting, it was incredibly fun and hilarious.

Here are highlights:

My sister bouncing into the air on a double hole--never falling into the water--just up in the air like a flapjack and back into the boat.

I didn't have my glasses, so I couldn't see ANYTHING.

My Mom was the first one bounced-- I've never seen her eyes so wide.

My Mom and Dad sitting in the back of the raft screaming at the guides.

Erin smiling at the "rock camera" for the family photo op.

LOVE IT Roarke.

Movies Saved My Day

2009-08-05T02:34:00.006-04:00

Today was a shit pile of hopelessness. Not as bad as some (keeping in mind any war torn country, anyone in "actual" poverty and of course any shark attack victims--PS ITS SHARK WEEK), but not a great day.

I went to the ATM to get some fresh, crispy, well-earned Hamiltons and much to my dismay I was firmly dissed by the machine. The bank fairies who work behind the ATM told me that I had "insufficient funds" that I was "in the red" (as some might call it) and to "go fuck myself" because I was "S.O.L." Okay, so they didn't actually tell me the last two things, but they mine as well.

Due to my sole nature of the trip--getting some green paper to buy a sweet hair cut, to which I will refer later--I was short on time and heavy on problems. I called the hair salon to postpone my appointment.

Let me tell you something; Growing up, I was the only Alexis I knew. There was never a need for "Alexis M." or "Lexi" or even "Lex" (yes, I used them, but under my own free will, not due to some teacher's need for me to be recognized if punishment be needed). So when I called "Studio S," the hippest, bangin'-est salon in Santa Barbara, it really threw me for a whirl that the lady on the other end's name was in fact, Alexis. Here's how it went:

Alexis: Hello, Studio S, this is Alexis Whatevermylastnamewas, how can I help you today?

Alexis: I need to reschedule my appointment

Alexis: Okay, can I have your name?

Alexis: (in my head) *Bitch you already stole my name.* Alexis Morrell.

Alexis: Okay, Alexis, I [Alexis] have you in for a 1:30. Can I switch you to 4:15

Alexis: Yes, thanks.

Is that confusing? What the fuck!?

So after this adorable rendezvous on the phone with my alter ego who just happens to have my name (that's how freaking awesome my name is) I entered the block, the bastille, the BofA, The Bank of America.

Now the last time I was in the building, I was reporting some fraudulent activity that had come my way. Guess what I was there for this time? The same thing!

I am not a wealthy person. I am not a poor person, well not in my head. But in real life, I am a poor person, I just have well off people around me and I am babysat by LOTS of people. When the money disappears, I have problems. I work hard for those dollars. Julia demands quite a bit of legos, trips to the beach, potty trips, books read aloud and attention spent on her and only her. These hours are wasted when some douche-bag hacks into my shit and steals my dough. NO WAY JOSE~!

I talked to the dude in the BofA and he said I have to wait until tomorrow to do anything! This is BOGUS! So tomorrow, part 2 of the lovely bank activities will continue. Now all of this was unexpected stress. Here, you might say, is where you could criticize me and tell me that "That's not stress, I'll tell you about stress"--well here's what I have to say to you. How about you lose ALL of your money, go into the red and be 3000 miles away from your Mommy! That's stressful brotha. So stick it up your ass. The only way to get away with this-- say it like in Crocodile Dundee "That's not a knife..."

I am lucky in all of this. Because I am a metaphorical 12 year old until January, my surrogate family here in Santa Barbara paid for me to have my hair cut. I think they were nervous that I might do something dramatic or possibly cry. I didn't do either--well I mean the haircut is slightly dramatic-- but it leads into the more positive part of my day!

I saw 500 Days of Summer, again, this weekend. I am in love with this movie. It's my generations The Graduate. Though I know I have already blabbered on about this flick, it's worth it. Zooey Deschanel is in this movie and she is kick ass, across-the-board-kick-ass. I decided, due to my interpretation of the character, my brown hair, blue eyes (not quite Zooey blue, but bugger off!) and my boop-boop nose, that I would emulate the hair cut that Ms. Deschanel has in the film.

My new haircut

Unlike Ingrid Bergman's short hair cut, which destroyed a lot of the women's hair in middle class America in the 1940s, this haircut is a winner!!

Totally made my day to have it come out exactly as I had hoped! One movie saves the day! Oh, wait, there's more.

After a hilarious dinner with the Case/Carlander clan, we watched George Cukor's 1938 classic Holiday starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn; this movie is fantastic. What a great way to end a shitty day! This movie is a hilarious comedy that was transformed from a play to a movie and then remade into this movie. See it. It's worth it.

I took a liking to the drunk brother, Katharine Hepburn's character who is the crazy sister--love it!-- and the people Cary Grant hangs out with and of course Cary Grant's character.

This movie is screwy yet poignant showing conflicts between classes and gender. There is so much that it has to offer. See it.

Now I'm going to read more of Nathan Rabin's book "The Big Rewind," It's been taking me a bit because I'm pacing as not to have it end. Read it.

Buena Notte!

P.S.

Did you know that Great White Sharks are warm blooded and can therefore beat the ever-living crap out of a Tiger Shark in cold water. That is why Deloris the Tiger Shark's radio tag was beeping from the stomach of a White Shark. R.I.P. Deloris.

Also-- the camera guys and shark experts shouldn't wear black wet suits, they just look like seals.

"Live every week like it's shark week"-30 Rock

My Life: Movies

2009-08-03T02:22:00.003-04:00

Movies are my favorite thing in the world. I think if I had to choose between eating and watching movies-- it would be a rock, scissors, paper type of deal. The thing about loving movies so much is that they become a true part of me. Now this is the best thing in the world, except that it sets me up to think like movies, talk like movies and obsess over movies. I read about them, pick them apart, try to put them into every conversation I have and look for events in life to become possible films I create. This weekend I discovered that I am in a vulnerable state as far as my summer movie selections and my emotions run.

This weekend I saw 500 Days of Summer again. This movie has hit me like a ton of bricks. I get it on so many levels that it makes me want to cry. I am so grateful and lucky to have met the writer and director of this film because I was able to express my sincere gratitude for the film. It is very The Graduate-esque. I mean, obvi, it refers to The Graduate as well as shows clips of the film, but there are deeper levels of meaning behind some of the shots and story line. I guess at this point in my life it is easy to succumb to the finer points of a movie about people in their early to mid twenties dealing with life, love, happiness, sadness, sexuality, money, jobs, school, etc.

This movie struck a chord the first time and the second time, but I don't think it truly sunk in until today when I saw Funny People.

Funny People is not the normal balls and nuts Judd Apatow film. This film was dark, cynical, hilarious, sad, happy, lovable, hateful and everything else all balled into 2 hours of cinematic experience. I identified deeply with Seth Rogen's character, to the point that I started to cry a bit. I'm sitting there, in the theater, laughing my ass off at some hysterical joke Adam Sandler has just told and then crying because things are too real. This is powerful stuff. Thank God you can't smell films because my senses were all in sensory overload.

The reason this bridges the two films together, more than just me seeing the movies in the same weekend, is that in 500 Days... Zooey Deschanel's character, Summer, cries when she witnesses the end of The Graduate. This made sense to me in the film because that part when Benjamin and Elaine are riding on the bus towards the unknown is a gray space of emotion. Do they have anywhere to turn? Do they know each other? Will anyone actually ever be happy if put in a situation like this? What is marriage? Will I ever find "the one?" Will I ever find someone? Will I ever find anyone?

All of these things become real in what was just a happy accident in film courtesy of Mike Nichols.

When I began to cry in Funny People, I understood what she was feeling. I actually understand those feelings regarding The Graduate (which just happens to be my 2nd favorite film of all time).

It's not easy being 20 something and trying to figure out what comes next. Sacrifices become heavier than ever. Family becomes more distant than ever (even if they're right next to you). There is a sense of aloneness that hasn't been realized until this time. You have to start to figure out what you want to do or really what you don't want to do. This movie really showed what choices do to people and how they affect the people around you. This age is a very selfish time, but it isn't always selfish.

I think what really got me was that Seth Rogen's character wasn't just with his peers, he was in this other arena of slightly older adults. I too live in a world where I constantly encounter this "10 to 15 years above me crowd"--they're rough and like to tumble.

This age group has helped me and hurt me--both of which I am happy to have dealt with because they have taught me what I want and don't want just from observation.

Seth Rogen's character reminded me of myself in a different sense as well:

He was malleable in the sense that he wanted to learn the ropes and the tools of the trade.

He was impressed by the elder group's achievements and saw everything for the first time--enjoying every moment of what he loved.

He was grateful for every advantage and privilege doted upon him... not taking any single moment for granted.

Something fantastic landed in his lap and though he felt he didn't deserve it, he did and worked hard to keep it.

He didn't let the arguments and generation gap keep him from taking the next necessary steps toward success-- I think this is how you figure out how to be on your own and how to make decisions to create success.

I think I'm going to turn this blog around. I'll occasionally write about what's happening in my life, especially when I go to school, but I'd really like to start reviewing films and books that I read. I'll give you the spins that I find and the finer points that I enjoy or hate.

If you have any suggestions as to what films you'd like to see on here let me know. I'll either take them or ignore them.

This is what I want to get my hair cut like-- and this is how I might get it done for Kate's wedding.

Lacrosse Camp

2009-07-30T02:32:00.002-04:00

I am incredibly exauhghsted from lacrosse camp.

Susan and Claude are using the Fiesta tomorrow-- test driving that baby. I get to drive the red sports car... kinda pumped.

Been running every day-- even waking up at 7am to make a 7:10am 5 mile run! WOOT.

I want to write about watching television with Susan. It's hilarious--once I determine if it's a "had to be there" or not I'll let you know.

For now-- BED!

2 More days of camp--then I might be back to write.

Kablewy

2009-07-25T17:16:00.004-04:00

I have been trying to think of things to write about. My Ingrid Bergman blog is sometimes so much easier to maintain. There is one clear subject to write about; Ingrid. I feel like there is never a shortage and I always want to have something there.

Here, it is more difficult to write about EVERYTHING.

I know I should write about the Fiesta. I know that I can write about whatever I want, but who cares? Now this isn't self-pity. I care about my life and I have those around me who genuinely do care about what I do and what I am up to. But I don't know who cares about what. I think I might start to focus on something specifically.

Should I write about my filmmaking? Seems a little pretentious, plus I like to show final results, not really into revealing my process.

Should I write about strange things I see in life? Just a social commentary? Is that what I and you are into?

Should I set a goal--like my Dad has done-- a 365 days type thing? I'm not sure I like a box. Not that boxes are bad, I just don't work well with them. I'm more of a squiggle.

I have been reading 2 memoirs, both written by people who work on websites and blogs.

One is Julie and Julia written by Julie Powell. She shoots from the hip with her writing but she definitely always has an objective. She had her blog about the Julia Child recipes and now has a book, movie deal, blog and a clear concise way of writing. It's inspirational and intimidating all at the same time.

The other book is called The Big Rewind by Nathan Rabin. This is the funniest book I've ever read. Nathan Rabin is the head writer of the A.V. Club and this book reflects his sarcastic, hilarious, reference-full, way of revealing things that are happening in his world and the world around us. He has what would be my pick for a dream job. If you're not making films, you're writing or writing about them. He is one of my new heros.

You can check out there work here:

What Could Happen

The A.V. Club

The Onion

Follow them on twitter here:

@licjulie

@nathanrabin

Buy their books here:

Julie and Julia

The Big Rewind

I recommend it all. I also recommend that you give me suggestions as to what you would like to read. I'd like to revamp this blog--big time :)

FiestaTune UP

2009-07-25T02:19:00.003-04:00

My buddy Julia and I ran some errands today--she got a blue lollypop from the bank. Excitement!

Today was a strange day for the Fiesta. It was kind of a strange day for me as well. Not strange in a bad way, strange in a way that is like an out of body experience. Not the kind you might have if the anesthesiologist doesn't do the meds the right way and you're present for your surgery, the kind where you're like--is this my life?

Okay-- Now I'll explain.

Yesterday, I didn't realize it was Thursday until it was too late. I didn't sleep well Wed. night. I had something on my mind, but couldn't really pin point it.

Thursday, at about 12 pm, I realized what had been keeping me up all night: the 10am appointment to have the Fiesta worked on (3000/ 3mos check up). GREAT JOB ALEXIS.

Andrew, my "Mission Control" dude, helped me out. He scheduled a tune up for this morning at 9am. This worked out perfectly.

When I went out to get into the Fiesta, there was something in the window. A card. Someone had left a card in the window regarding "alter-eko" an alternative fuel-eco friendly company. The card has a note and a phone number. Though I'm pretty certain I cannot use their fuel, actually I'm 100% sure, it is pretty cool and pretty weird to have a card waiting in the driveway on my car. I feel slightly violated--but in a good way.

Now I have to tell you about the Perry Ford guys in Santa Barbara.

Want to feel like a goddess? Drive a Fiesta into Perry Ford on Hitchcock Way in Santa Barbara CA. I'm going to give the dudes there MAJOR props. They treated me like I OWNED Ford. Actually they treated me better than that--like I was the daughter of the person who owns Ford. You don't fuck around with the daughter of someone who owns anything, she knows the ropes and how to manipulate them. (Any daughter does for that matter.) The guys at the Ford Service department were über excited to have the 2010 Fiesta drive into their station.

Dean Severson, the Service Advisor was amazing. He and Dennis Cummins took care of me and the Fiesta. Thanks you guys, you did a great job and made getting a tune up incredibly easy!

(So many play on words--insert a "that's what she said" where ever you want.)

To see where I took the car-- visit www.perryauto.com

See Fernando

2009-07-23T00:40:00.002-04:00

This new Jenny Lewis video is kick ass! It co-stars Michael Runion, who Jeff and I met at the Jenny Lewis concert last fall in Wilmington, DE. It was an amazing concert. Really intimate and fun!

You can see the video here or at www.nylonmag.com

Jenny Lewis "See Fernando" from Team G on Vimeo.

Please Vote for my Video-- AGAIN

2009-07-22T01:21:00.002-04:00

So howcast.com somehow LOST my video entry. I was glad that I checked back, disappointed that they lost my entry, but HAPPY because I misspelled "safety" in my original, so this gives me a much-needed second chance!

So can you please view and vote again? Even Views help!

Click on this video to go to my howcast.com page and view and vote! :)

Thank you!

<3>

DIRECT LINK TO MY VIDEO!

2009-07-19T19:46:00.002-04:00

I have received some comments about my video's accessibility so here is a cure--

http://www.howcast.com/videos/210517-How-To-Do-a-Back-Breaker-aka-a-Fancy-Lacrosse-Move

this should take you directly to the video and the place to vote!

Thank you for your support! :)

FIESTA MISSION 3! :)

2009-07-19T13:58:00.002-04:00

This is Fiesta Mission 3: Fashion and Style of Santa Barbara CA! :)

This video is a little different than what I've done before. I tried some new techniques and held some interviews. I did the whole thing on my webbie and one shot with my mac camera. I need to get some sound equipment!! Probably should find a better camera too...but this is HD so w/e!

Hope you enjoy! Let me know if you like it! :)

Please visit my video at howcast.com as well! I need views and thumbs ups! HELP ME WIN CASH FOR COLLEGE! I'll explain my tuition thing laterrrr... for now... FIESTA!!!

Man Afraid of Peaches

2009-07-18T21:18:00.001-04:00

This video makes my fear of balloons seem sane.

HELP ME WIN THIS FILMMAKING CONTEST~!

2009-07-18T04:42:00.003-04:00

PLEASE VOTE FOR MY VIDEO~!

Click on this video and follow it to Howcast.com

Vote Thumbs up (Please cuz a thumbs down would SUCK)...

It would really help me out!! :)

Bliggity

2009-07-17T21:37:00.002-04:00

Well hello everyone!

I have been swamped with things to do, so I have been avoiding my blog. I apologize to you, the reader, but in order for me to write, I have to do. I have done...LOTS!

I am currently proud of myself for accomplishing 2 things today:

#1. Mission 3 Video for the Fiesta Movement has been submitted and is awaiting approval. Completed it in less than 24 hours--the mission and editing. Hopefully you will like it! I'll let everyone know when it is released and what my next mission is when I receive word! :)

#2. I ran 3 miles of hills today and didn't stop, did a not so bad time and kicked my own butt.

Things are going really well for me right now. I'm working hard, staying busy, working out, making films, working on getting $ for school...all things I HAVE to do and I am DOING!

Though these things take me away from the blog, I will make an effort to keep it updated and maybe a little more random! Fun stuff needs to be rejuvenated here--I can feel it. I'll work on that.

For now, I have 3 videos I need to submit in the next 3 days--So I'm going to work on those and I'll show them to you when they're done! :)

500 Days of Summer

2009-07-12T04:15:00.003-04:00

Jeff and I went to see a movie today. This is post Bruno, btw.

The movie was kind of a "chance-see" because Sarah's mother, Susan, gave us her tickets to screen this film, 500 Days of Summer (which opens the 17th--we are hip!).

This film was amazing. I was almost in tears I loved it so much.

The movie was different, it was intelligent, it was deep, it was shallow, it was well shot, the music was kick ass, the stars were amazing (Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and we stayed for a Q&A with the writer, the director and a composer from the film. (Did I mention I love watching movies in California?)

I don't know how to describe the film except that it is a coming of age film (references The Graduate ) and it's also new.

I'd say see this movie and find out for yourself. It's too good for words.

Bruno was also freaking hilarious and you should see that too (enough pressure from me now, go to the nearest theatre).

California

2009-07-09T00:55:00.002-04:00

We made it!

Jeff and I arrived, here in Santa Barbara, last night. The journey was a long one but totally worth it.

We saw the sun set in the Grand Canyon and drove through the desert to reach our final destination. I'm pretty tired, so I'll elaborate (with photos) later.

Pics!

2009-07-05T22:22:00.001-04:00

XC Trip Pictures are up--well the first part.

visit my photo stream on flickr.com

my SN there is lex112884

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-04T23:28:00.003-04:00

While my friends are up on the deck about to singe their faces with fireworks, I have decided to be a chicken and blog about my latest adventures on the road.

Jeff and I are still in Steamboat Springs CO, it's a beautiful place in the Rockies that has tons to do: outside. Now I enjoy the outdoors, but I'm definitely not an outdoors-woman. I like running outside, playing sports on fields and the beach. I will go on a hike (if you lure me with food and distract me from realizing it's just a crafty name for "walking up"), but generally nature sees me coming. I have the WORST timing when it comes to anything natural.

For example: Today, we went on a tubing adventure on the river that runs through Steamboat. The water was freeeeeeezing and I don't like that about water. I jokingly complained about it when we were on the lazy section of the venture, but I guess the river was annoyed because when the rapids and holes came--guess who was flipped? Me. That's right, of course, me. Lol.

It makes for a good story and the ride was definitely fun.

Yesterday was amazing. Jeff spotted a bear on the mountain across the river from us. I was SO excited! I've wanted to see a wild bear for a long time and was sadly disappointed during my last trip to Colorado Springs (I was told they are on Pike's Peak, the mountain we visited: there weren't any bears).

After staring at this bear for about a half hour and taking tons of video and pictures (photos coming soon to flickr-- I'll blog that too), we headed to watch ski jumping practice. HOLY CRAP! Ski Jumping is the craziest sport EVER. I mean you can bungy jump and jump out of planes, but these people are sliding down a mountain at high speeds, flying through the air, landing on their feet (on skis) and then sliding to the bottom! The people who were jumping yesterday--all kids. It was CRAZY. I mean how does one rationalize this sport? What gets you into this? How do you decide one day that you're going to test the universe/God/nature/elements/whatever you believe in every time you want to play your sport? INSANE! It was mad cool to watch.

We took a chair lift to the top of the mountain and did the most fun slide I've ever been on-- the Alpine Slide. This thing is SICK!

You get on this sled that resembles a mix between a luge and normal sled. The slide itself looks like a water slide w/o water and you go super fast! It was incredibly fun. Carol and I both almost hit a marmot who was straight up chillin' next to the slide (eating some grass). I raced Will, Carol's boyfriend, to the bottom. He won, but the rush was worth it. If I ever make a TON of money it's like 3rd on my list of ridiculously fun and random things to buy.

We also went to the hot springs last night. We went SKINNY DIPPING!!! Woot! It's pitch black so you don't have to see naked hippies unless the moon or mood strikes the right way. Thank goodness it didn't strike. It was really relaxing and we all had a fantastic time.

This place is really beautiful and fun. I can see why they came out here to dwell. Though, I could never live here, because of the land locked thing and I'm not really into all the sports they do here, I could definitely visit again.

Now I'm going back to the festivities. I will post pictures soon of the trip and once I'm back to boring, I'll edit together a sweet fiesta/XC trip video!

Some of the pictures are on twitter so feel free to check out my page http://www.twitter.com/alexis_morrell or @alexis_morrell to follow me! :)

Green Scene

2009-07-02T09:08:00.003-04:00

Jeff and I are in Nebraska, or as the radio refers to it " 'Braska."

This place is FLLLLLLAT. I've never seen so much land around me. It's like when you're out on open water. You know where you are but you feel so small and vulnerable that you feel lost. I'm not sure I'm comfortable with it.

I like urban.

We stopped off in Iowa to see Byron and Des Moines, a city which was surprisingly modern and pretty cool. It was nice to see him and a good break in the trip. We then drove through Iowa and halfway through Nebraska into the night.

Things that I was impressed with:

Windmills for miles (generating clean electricity)
Jeff's manual transmission abilities and improvements (didn't stall, woot!)
My phone's ability not to die.
My ability to drive even when we're both at the breaking point--we reached North Platte anyway.
Jeff and my singing abilities--we ROCK!

Things I am unimpressed by:

People who stare at the Fiesta but won't wave back (pull that stick out of your butt!)
Iowa radio
My iPod cord's suicide (R.I.P., but why'd you have to do it in 'Braska?)
My cigarette lighter's suicide (will rise from the dead in SB)
The purple marker in the Dora the Explorer marker set on which I spent $1.99 at the gas station-- it was dried--wtf?!
Jeff and My knowledge of the Dora the Explorer characters-- what are the lizzard, the little yellow puffball thing and the bull's names!?
My ability to know what the hell Jeffrey is pointing at when he says "look!" and I say "what? where? Huh?"

So I'm done for now, we are headed to Steamboat Springs to see my other half, Carol, today. I CANNOT WAIT!!! I haven't seen her since Christmas and things are going to get CRAZY!

I will be sure to upload pictures soon and be sure to follow on Twitter! : Me ( @alexis_morrell), Jeff (@ysoyrebelde), Byron (@LordByron42) and Adi--plug!-- (@yoprice) for more road trip stuff and fun!

Jeff LOVES the Midwest

2009-06-30T23:51:00.002-04:00

Jeffrey doesn't like the Midwest.

Everything but Baltimore and Chicago (on our trip so far) has been farmland and it wasn't the most exciting landscape. We still had an amazing time and Chicago is BEAUTIFUL! We just had martinis and a cheese plate at "Dirty Martini's."

Thing that have happened-

My power source in the Fiesta has decided to quit on the job. I will be getting it fixed in Santa Barbara.

My entire family has called me-- I'm okay guys! Love you.

Michael Jackson has been heard and honored as well as mocked.

We are now translating "Americana" --it's a language used in the United States by some, it's a regional dialect.

Jeff asked me about his computer and all I heard was "Did you savagely blast my puter?"

That's not what he said-- but it's pretty f-ing funny.

I'm tired so I'm going to bed.

DC MISSION COMPLETE!

2009-06-26T21:19:00.002-04:00

New Mission COMPLETE!

After plenty of crazy days and nights of not having ANYTHING go right...

HERE'S THE VIDEO!

Next Mission:

Coast along the "American Riviera" in Santa Barbara reviewing the styles and fashions. Discover what makes the styles uniquely Santa Barbara.

If you're in Santa Barbara-- LOOK OUT! I'll be analyzing your fashion sense~!

Vacation

2009-06-25T00:28:00.004-04:00

I haven't written much lately. I've been working on my Fiesta video and have run into many problems editing. iMovie 09 has frozen and ruined my almost completed projects 2xs. After restraining my anger and NOT throwing my computer out the window, I (though my amazingly supportive parents) obtained Final Cut Studio! It's AMAZING.

I wanted to take a break from editing to tell everyone that my vacation has been crazy-go-nuts fun! I just saw a movie ("The Proposal") with like 20 of my aunts, cousins and my Mom, have met some distant cousins from Seattle (who are HILARIOUS), as well as started a much needed tan.

My video will be coming soon and I start my XC trip the 29th with Jeff! I can't wait!

Well that's all for now. I'm obsessed with Nip/Tuck right now and plan on falling asleep after a good episode from Season 5.

USC Acceptance

2009-06-16T21:39:00.002-04:00

I am exuberantly excited today-- I just received my USC SCA acceptance letter for Spring 2010.
Though I already knew that I was accepted and knew the letter was coming, the actual act of receiving the "big envelope" was something to call my Mom about--and I did.
I am happy to know that it isn't a mistake, they actually want me. They want me to come there and I get the chance to go to the best film school in the country to learn how to do my favorite thing in the world. Surreal.

Segways

2009-06-16T10:12:00.005-04:00

I would just like everyone to know that my Dad and I had an amazing time doing the Segway Tour in Washington DC. I am arduously working on editing the footage and piecing together a video for the Fiesta Movement.

Things to come:

Me in a ridiculous pink helmet
Segways
DC Monuments
My Dad being hilarious.
Fiesta

Stay tuned! :)

Henrik Ibsen

2009-06-13T16:41:00.006-04:00

Dear Henrik Ibsen,

I love you. You wrote plays that are witty, scandalous, dry, Victorian, Norwegian, dark and let women mess around with the "gender spheres" of their time. Hedda Gabler is my favorite play and I have now performed parts of it, seen Ingrid Bergman play her (and Michael Redgrave was Jorgen!), and seen it live (thanks to the Roundabout Theatre) with Mary Louise Parker-- all = <3's.

I have recently watched Ghosts and I am also loving that ish, boo. Your hair reflected the craziness in your head that it genius. I wanna blow kisses to Norway in your honor. Check that. Just did.

I like that you let the women take control and the powerful men are always evil, that's good.

Just the "cock of the walk" "killing time"..."1000 thanks" sir. (If you don't get these references read Hedda and Ghosts)

I hope to see more productions of your work and guaranteed I'm going to read that beautiful, sexy collection.

All of my love,

Alexis :)

(Ingrid (1963) and Mary Louise (2009) as Hedda)

(Natasha Richardson and Kenneth Branagh in the 1987 BBC Production of Ghosts)

A Movie About My Greatest Fear: Balloons

2009-06-09T23:11:00.005-04:00

I have an extremely strange phobia: Balloons.

I am being serious right now, I really cannot be around the latex/rubber types of balloons. Your standard "fun" balloons that come in packs of 50-- PURE HELL FOR ME.

If they come near me, I freak out. I have anxiety about them popping. They're not fun. I don't know who thought they would be fun? I mean they could go at any time! Right in your face! POP!

Gross!

I don't know where this fear started? I know it hasn't been around my whole life because I distinctly remember liking the balloon volleyball my sister and I would play when I was around age 6. Maybe right after that?

Maybe I was a soldier in a war in a past life? Maybe I was a gun shy dog? I don't know-- all I know is-- I hate balloons.

Now let's get to my main point: The Movie about Balloons.

Someone got the bright idea to put a cute little old man and a cute fat kid in a CG Animated film about a house carried away by balloons.

Now I would see this movie if it weren't for 2 things: The Plot of a Movie and 3-D Glasses.

The plot of the movie worries me. I'm not quite sure what this is all about, but I know how most children's films go--what goes up MUST COME DOWN. According to standard themes and movie plots-- these balloons have a grand potential of popping--A LOT.

I'm not going to sit through my greatest fear for pleasure--wtf?!

You know what makes the plot even more intense?

3-D glasses! They make the balloons LIFE LIKE! NO WAY..

Now I've already been mocked for this fear (all the time, it's really funny guys, never gets old AT ALL). I've also been mocked for my fear of the movie Up. Whatever. I'll catch it on DVD.

*quick note--I like Mylar balloons (the metalic looking ones, they're not scary--neither are water balloons)

Sorry!

2009-06-07T13:18:00.002-04:00

Hi everybody-

I haven't been blogging lately due to my life being CRAZY BUSY and I've been MIA from EVERYTHING.

(All of these deserve caps btw.)

I will return soon and have plenty to say about everything. :)

Adi's Hats and Comments!

2009-05-31T21:19:00.000-04:00

Reasons to Watch Taken

2009-05-31T12:13:00.003-04:00

Liam Neeson kicks everyone's ass with nothing but other people's weapons and his own bare hands.
The lines: "Good Luck" and "You don't remember me? We spoke on the phone two days ago. I told you I would find you." "Jean Claude, I will tear down the Eiffel Tower if I have to!"
Alway should check your gun's bullets before you sit down for a friendly French meal with Jean Claude's wife. Neeson stops at NOTHING.
A champaign bottle can kill a person
Car chasing a boat is possible as is driving down a small European, one way street the wrong way.
Virgins are worth more, and Liam will make you pay--over and over.
It's never "just business"
Be careful if you decide to spend thousands of dollars following U2's European tour.

Taken is Bad Ass

2009-05-31T11:59:00.005-04:00

I have seen the movie, Taken, 3 times now. I have loved it every time. I hope to see the extended version and I'm thinking, in time, that it might be a worth while purchase.

The first time I saw the film, I went with Jeff for a random late night venture to the theatre. Liam Neeson kicked so much ass in the film that we were blown away. We were light hearted after the film, mocking a couple lines and scaring each other with stuff like: "Good Luck," "I'll tear down the Eiffel Tower if I have to!" and "It's only a flesh wound."

Jeff said if someone stole his pomeranian, Peanut Butter, that he would "Tear down the Statue of Liberty to find him."-- all true and funny.

The second time I saw the film, my mood was different. I was in North Carolina with my Dad and my sister, Erin, and we were looking for something to do. They hadn't seen the movie and I actually wasn't sure I wanted to see it again. It was March 18th, the day Liam's wife, Natasha Richardson (of whom, and we know this, I am a HUGE fan), died. I was more focused and noticed a lot of the really spectacular camera work, and details that this film had to offer.

I didn't realize, until the third time I saw the film, that, we, in America, are not the first to have this extrodinary piece of film. It actually premiered a year before in France and the filmmakers are French! Extra points, Taken. Extra points.

I just read a blog, posted by someone I follow on twitter (@mysmallpotatoes) about this movie. The post lists 10 Things I Learned From Watching Taken. The list is hysterical and he also truly is a fan of this film. I am going to piggyback off of Jason, the blogger's, post with my own "Reasons to Watch Taken." Check it out.

Tweeting From Church

2009-05-31T11:23:00.003-04:00

I am perusing twitter for various topics. Checking out what people are tweeting. Oh, look, they're tweeting from Church.

Now, I'm not a fan of Church and I don't go with the exception of Christmas and Easter (yes, I'm a "C&E"). But on those days, or when I go, I know that my ass would be tanned if anyone were to see me tweeting from a pew (which is ironic considering it's supposed to be turn the other cheek-- does this include the lower two?).

I saw that "Church" was one of the most popular tweets this morning. Not surprising considering it's 11 AM on a Sunday but people are literally tweeting from their services.

It's hilarious, some of the stuff they are witnessing and posting. It's like all the internal thoughts that Church-goers would deem rude or un-Christian are all ending up on twitter as external remarks. LMAO.

Here are some actual examples (be careful what you tweet, it's fair game, lol.):

@ms_b_osazuwa Attempting to leave for church....females are extra slow!!...

@mattybeeeee i had the worst morning ever. couldn't go to churchbecause there were no freaking parking spots. and people neeed to learn how to drive!!!!

@DrSteveAllen I slept in this morning. I had to shave in the churchbathroom using Softsoap as shaving cream. Not my best moment.

@jgurnow skipping church to play golf. had to rent a car for trip, cause AC needs fixed on Van. Going out to charge it now. ya. dont eat weeds.

@Llieno I'm going to church this morning to pray that, one day, Joe Thurston will notice there is a left side of the diamond when he is batting?

@AutumnC3 @miked7 was checking those twitters during church....

@JakeSchweich Off to church, and then to the gun range to spend my gift from my brother

@Rockstar_Barbie Slight hangover but dtill on my way to church! ;) Dont judge me! At least I'm going to church

We can all tweet if we like from Church, I don't care, really. I know my family would flip, but I also think cell phones at the table and answering the phone when someone's talking to you in a car are rude. I guess I'm biased.

These thought are all out there for everyone to see!

I think they're funny.

I feel empathy for someone who can't find a parking spot or skips church for a sport, but I don't think that's the message that your preachers are trying to get across.

Maybe you should walk a few extra yards or car pool? Maybe you should think before tweeting internal thoughts against your fellow parishioners? I don't know. I mean, obviously I lose accreditation initially by avoiding places of worship, but I do know about the internet and thinking twice before posting.

Lax Video--Jule's Helmet Cam!

2009-05-30T12:18:00.001-04:00

Check out and comment about this video--yes that footage is actually from her helmet!

Waiting for Godot and Me

2009-05-27T14:36:00.003-04:00

I am on a trip to NYC with Julia and her entire family.

It has been quite an experience already. The car trip was 5 of us --3 adults, 1 toddler and 1 baby-- in an SUV. We listened to the most random mix of music ever conceptualized or created by mankind. The trip was kind of long, but the end result was totally worth it.

Julia kept saying "New York City! New York City! New York City!" She was wowed by the height of the buildings. I asked her "Julia, do you feel really small here or larger than life?" She replied, "I feel Medium than life, Yet-ish [Alexis]."

Very matter of fact. She fits right in.

I went to see "Waiting for Godot" with Jay and Sarah's Mom, Susan, which was total fun! Nathan Lane and Bill Irwin were amazing. Their timing was perfect. The play was hilarious and good times were had.

I couldn't remember where I had read/seen the play before last night until Act 2 Scene 1. The main characters, Vladimir and Go-Go come out of their respective areas and V. says "You again! Come here until I embrace you!"

Acting class! I remember my friend Becca use to say that ALL the time! She and Adam had a scene to do and this was it! Memory restored, laughs had, now I have to contact Becca!

This morning I woke up at 7:20 to the sound of Julia's voice yelling "Yeh-ish!" over and over. She and I are "roomies" a word that she is thrilled to have acquiesced from my vocabulary (one of my many fabu words). We watched "Sesame Street" as a special treat and then called her mother so I could sleep in.

I went to the Met today. The day was nice so the walk was fine and the museum had great exhibits.

I'm done being on the computer now. Sorry to be anti-climactic but I gotz to get my NYC on~!

Perspective

2009-05-24T13:05:00.003-04:00

Things don't always look the way they are.

For example:

This may look like Allie partied too hard last night. Maybe she drank some bad water, maybe she had too many shots of PETrone (get it?). She's laying there, not doing much. A tired look in her eyes and trying to find comfort on a cold, hard floor.

But with a closer look and examination of character. One might realize that Allie doesn't have a drinking problem and is perfectly healthy.

She's just trying to stay cool! On the A/C vent!

Good girl Allie. Don't judge.

Lord of the Flies

2009-05-24T12:34:00.003-04:00

Adi took this picture.

I'm convincing these children, since their parent's are partying, we should dance around fire and find a conch shell. It's a great idea. One of them can take over and call another "Piggie," they'll fight, tear their clothes and will have to hunt their own food. NO BIG DEAL. I'm also trying to get them to ship off to a deserted island.

Children can take care of themselves right?

(Well I guess if they can, I'm out of work.)

This photo is epic.

Another News Bulletin!

2009-05-24T12:19:00.005-04:00

I just received a "tweet" from my friend Beth. So it sparked me to check out her blog-- I'm sorry I've been lazy.

I met Beth at the Travel Channel Academy and she is one of the coolest people in the world.

Beth is quiet, but a force with which no one should mess.

Reading through her blog, Beth's Multiple Myeloma Blog, and saw that she put a cool blurb about me in one of her posts--regarding the Fiesta Movement! Check it out!

Keep up your fantastic work Beth! Your network is helping people cope-- plus you're putting out nasty pictures of spiders-- keep everybody on their toes!

Made The Local Paper--OH YEAH!

2009-05-24T11:47:00.006-04:00

I awoke, today, to the sound of my Mother's beautiful voice on the other end of my cellphone (after the heart attack startling ring of course) telling me that I made the local paper! Now, this being said, it is not the first time I have made the paper. Oh, no. I have made it for several events.

There was the time in Plattsburg where I was 2 and sleeping like a little angel--Front Page bitches. There was the time I was caught at a party--police blotter fools [insert gangsta voice]. There was the many sporting events in which I partook that granted me spots in the Sports section of the glorious Star Democrat-- But today, I have made what might be hailed as the most important section in any Republican based paper-- the BUSINESS SECTION.

That's right. Here it is:

Easton resident chosen for new Ford Fiesta marketing campaign

Published: Sunday, May 24, 2009 4:15 AM CDT

DEARBORN, Mich. Easton resident Alexis Morrell was recently selected to be one of 100 "agents" of the Fiesta Movement, a six-month-long social media campaign for the Ford Fiesta, the new fuel-efficient small car that goes on sale next year.

Morrell, a travel journalist, will test drive a European version of the Ford Fiesta for six months and relate her experiences through a variety of social media platforms.

I like to think that if either of my grandfathers were still alive, they would have flipped DIRECTLY to this article. They would have been proud and then teased me for being an "agent," probably told me about shows in the 1960s about agents and then been impressed that "travel journalist" was in print. It's much heavier that way.

I earned a certificate from the Travel Channel Academy last September that warrants my title. If you doubt it, I'll get my Mom to show you that paper. It's glossy, pretty and signed by a producer--it counts. lol.

Also- I am.

So thank you Fiesta Movement. So far I have earned: A car, some amazing and amazingly talented, new friends, notoriety, exposure (oo la la!) and a gas card!

Me: "Mom, now all I have to do is make the arts and lifestyle section!"

Mom: "You could make the Editorial, but you'd probably have to sound like a Republican."

Me: "Yeah, I don't think they want to hear what I have to say about their right wing slant."

Mom: "So what are you doing?"

Me: "Laying low, recovering from a sinus thing."

Mom: "Oh, really?"

Me: "My ear and nose were clogged yesterday and--"

Mom: "--Oh! That's you're sister beeping in. Gotta go."

Erin--Today you win. But I was in the paper.

Hilarious

2009-05-23T21:49:00.002-04:00

Evenings with Ms. Eloise

This is freaking hilarious:

1st Mission Video!

2009-05-22T16:30:00.001-04:00

My 1st Mission-- COMPLETE!

Hope you enjoy it!

Busy Week

2009-05-21T00:36:00.002-04:00

I have been shooting fiesta footage, editing and working on various other activities this week. I have been extremely busy but I hope to get back to writing a good blog soon. Stay tuned! The Mission will be available soon! :)

http://fiestamovement.com/agent4

Final Four with the Fiesta

2009-05-18T22:50:00.005-04:00

(Early morning--at least I obviously showered)

I took the Fiesta to Salem Virginia for the Division III Women's Lacrosse National Championship. The journey was long and we didn't receive the results we had anticipated. As Forrest Gump would say, "That's all I have to say about that."

I took route 50 from Easton to Washington D.C. My directions took me to I-66 which begins on Constitution Ave. in downtown D.C. I didn't know this until I was pleasantly surprised but encroaching on monuments, museums and government buildings.

(The National Gallery of Art)

(Washington Monument)

(Constitution Ave.)

The 6 hour journey allowed for plenty of pictures as well as exposure for the car. I enjoyed music, viewing monuments and there was even a Civil War Re-enactment at one point! Crazy! I was harassed by some Southerners who were not fancying my Northern styled talk, which is fine because I didn't like them either.

Due to my liberal politics and my "Northern" tendencies, traveling to Salem, VA is one of my LEAST favorite things to do. My predisposition leans toward being an independent, feminist, environmentalist, and creative person who is easily bored by this part of the world. Sorry, Salem, you probably don't like me either, we're even.

(This poster has me on it! I'm the top right girl with the bun!)

We didn't win the Championship, but it was a good seal on my Lacrosse career and I was surrounded by fantastic people who I love dearly.

MY PARENTS SURPRISED ME AND THEY MADE MY [OTHERWISE] CRAPPY DAY BETTER!!! :)

American Idol Fiesta Video

2009-05-15T01:42:00.002-04:00

Want more American Idol videos? Click here.

My Dad sent me these videos which feature the Fiesta in them!! Thanks Dad!

Fiesta In American Idol Video

2009-05-15T01:41:00.002-04:00

Want more American Idol videos? Click here.

New Fiesta Car Was Video

2009-05-15T01:39:00.000-04:00

Took the Fiesta to get a nice bath.

Naked

2009-05-13T15:18:00.002-04:00

I am reading David Sedaris' book, Naked.
It is really funny. I've had to pace myself as not to finish the book too quickly. I feel like I could sit at a dinner with this guy and we could swap strange stories with little to no hesitation.

I'm going to try and blog later. I've been kind of busy planning and working on my "Fiesta-Fiesta" as well as working and sleeping.

I have a lot to say-- I promise I'll say it in a bit :)

Adi's Fiesta Post HAHA

2009-05-11T14:55:00.002-04:00

Now I'm a smurf! Check out Adi's blog about this picture. Lol

Happy Birthday Natasha Richardson

2009-05-11T10:10:00.004-04:00

(Natasha Richardson and husband Liam Neeson)

Today would have been Natasha Richardson's 46th birthday (May 11, 1963 - March 18, 2009). She was such a fabulous actress, activist and person. I suggest you check out her work today--whether it's on itunes, youtube, netflix or about AMfar. It's all worth while :)

Bewitched is on TV!

2009-05-10T23:37:00.003-04:00

I was just perusing the television guide on my parent's Direct TV and found Bewitched on WGN! I am extremely excited because it is my ALL TIME favorite show. It hasn't been on television since I was a freshman in college!
Here's WGN's synopsis:

"Bewitched-The focus of the show (which was based on a satirical short story in Harper's Weekly Magazine, written by a young Norman Mailer and titled The Witch of Westport, according to the A&E Network Biography of Elizabeth Montgomery) is on the mixed marriage of a nose-twitching witch, Samantha Stephens (Montgomery), and her mortal husband, Darrin (originally played by Dick York and later by Dick Sargent). The series, a romantic comedy, shows how true love can endure the most vexing of situations, even between a witch and a human. The series is set in a suburb of New York City, to which Darrin commutes for work."

Elizabeth Montgomery and this show are what originially inspired me to be in film/television. Elizabeth Montgomery was the first person's death I ever cried over, on May 18, 1995 (I was 10) even noting it in my, then, diary. I watched this show EVERY night growing up (when it was on "Nick-at-Nite") and then on TBS in the mornings, summer and sick days were the best!
I've read books about Montgomery and the show, she was an actor/producer and really worked hard to bring this show to the forefront of television.
The show ran for 8 seasons, and I have 4 of them on DVD. I can't wait to collect the rest of them!

For now, I will continue to watch it on WGN and DVD.

If you haven't seen any Bewitched, here's a little taste.

WAIT!

I just looked for something to embed on this post, and found that Bewitched has a CHANNEL on Youtube!!!

Okay-- now here's a taste!

My Fiesta is Spoiled

2009-05-09T19:01:00.007-04:00

In the past month, the Ford Fiesta that I won has been treated with more care and better treatment than my Acura has ever received.

I have had my Acura since 2004 and it is a 1999 edition. It has seen it's share of bumps and dirt. The Fiesta has now seen it's share of vacuums and suds. I make sure it is clean and tidy.

I am sorry Acura-- I don't feel a lurking presence from a higher authority in our relationship-- the Fiesta has a stronghold.

Here is some footage of the cleanliness of the Fiesta. Enjoy.

Shout out to University Car Wash-- I go there to get the car cleaned and vacuumed.

I took the Fiesta for some fuel. I love that I have a gas card for 6 months, it's a huge perk! The card is amazing and the car only needs gas like once a week! I haven't taken any long trips, but I didn't even have to fill up until I reached Easton from Northern Jersey! Sweet digs.

The push-pop door for the gas tank is really fantastic as well. There's no cap for the tank, so there's no crawling under the car, getting gasoline on your hands, grease marks on clothing, or chances of someone peeing in the tank. There's a tiny latch that closes when you pull out the hose-- that's what she said--Gross.

Exxon has this little television screen that has CNN on when you pump gas. I don't think this is necessary. Granted--it could inform a person of news of an attack (thinking post 9/11 world...blah) or of the death of a celebrity, but honestly, is it that worth while? I don't think it is. I don't like 24 hour news stations. I think it's bogus to have them. You should read the news, listen to it on the radio or catch it at the specific times, preferably on PBS. But that's just me.

Also-- when you're about to hear a story-- your tank is full and the news stops. Can't it just wait until you turn your car back on, get home, or maybe receive and update on your iPhone/Blackberry?

The next time I get gasoline it will be for my adventure to Salem VA to see the NCAA Division III Championship weekend!

I Have A DVD Player Again!!

2009-05-09T18:46:00.005-04:00

There was a DVD player for $29 bucks and I haven't had one since January-- I had to get it.

I am extremely excited about this for a few reasons:

I watch many DVD's and watching on the computer screen just doesn't cut it.
I like to watch movies by myself, especially when it's the first time I watch one, or it's one that I really love. Watching them in the living room has lead to much mockery of, talking during, and sharing movies. I like to do films on my own terms--it's one of my many quirks.
The computer doesn't have sleep timer-- not convenient for making myself stop watching at night. I'm such a little kid.

Now I just have to decide what film to watch first!

I have recently obtained The Reader, The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons, Doubt, The White Countess, The Parent Trap (1998) and Netfilxed Asylum. They are ALL amazing movies-- what to watch!?

Maybe I'll go continue reading Naked by David Sedaris-- it's causing unceasing laughter-- which is always embarrassing when you read quietly around people. I think I like that choice for now! :)

I'll probably watch The Reader first.

30 Rock is Love

2009-05-07T21:42:00.004-04:00

Let's review:

Favorite things about my love-- 30 Rock.

Tina Fey

Alec Baldwin

Mamma Mia! reference tonight.

Slankets

Isabella Rossellini

Conan O'Brien

John Lutz

Cheese knives

"I want to go to there"

Cleavland and Jason Sudakis

Every reference EVER

kissing cousins

"blurg"

"I'm going to go talk to some food about this"

"It's LIZ LEMON!"

Oprah (aka Pam)

"Happy Valentimes"

Jane Krakowski

The Birthday Party

Punching Dinosaurs

Edie Falco

Tracy Morgan

EVERYTHING

Jason's Shoutout

2009-05-07T20:18:00.003-04:00

Jason Martin gave the Fiesta and me some major props on his blog.

Check it out here : Grayscale

Woot!

Seatbelt Test

2009-05-07T19:05:00.001-04:00

The seat belts passed Julia's test: "The Super Fun Seatbelt Test"

Mission Statement

2009-05-07T14:31:00.003-04:00

So my plan to surprise my sister with an "Alice in Wonderland themed party" was a no go. Things just didn't work out because of this ridiculous holiday-- Mother's Day-- and money wouldn't be here in time and other poo.

Here's the sweet invitation my dad made for it-- thanks Dad for your hard work--sorry it's not going to work :(

So I will be coming up with a new mission-- maybe a BETTER one? How about DEFINITELY.

I know some of you who have bore children, expelled them from your wombs and cared for them might feel offended by my disgust for the holiday. Hear me out.

I think celebrating your mother one day a year is commercial bull dukie. I think everyone should celebrate their moms as much as possible. I mean-- they put up with your crap ALL the time. Even if their not alive anymore or maybe they lost their minds or suck... they still brought you into this world-- and for that you should be thankful every day. Especailly if you consider yourself and AWESOME person.

So I will tell my Mom "Happy Mother's Day" but I think I'll give her somethign the day before or the day after-- just to stick to my guns.

My Mission has Been Postponed

2009-05-06T16:24:00.002-04:00

This weekend's mission has been postponed due different circumstances.
I'll update later and post some upcoming events :)

New .gif

2009-05-05T21:18:00.000-04:00

Thanks Adi for the new .gif ! :)

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

2009-05-05T20:27:00.004-04:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

It's been rainy all day-- but I stood outside to take some pics of the Fiesta.

I also wore some festive gear today. My shirt that Jeff brought me from Mexico.

Jeff's Nacho Libre masque, his MX belt and a piñata. PS Jeff-- I'm borrowing your Nacho Libre masque, your MX belt and a piñata.

Now all I have to do is have some food and drinks and my holiday is complete! :)

Mission

2009-05-05T00:21:00.001-04:00

Mission Page

Mission!

2009-05-04T14:44:00.003-04:00

I received my first mission for the first month of the Fiesta Movement!

I'm really stoked about the mission and CAN'T WAIT to complete it.

I don't want to tell everyone what it is quite yet. I will give you a hand full of hints.

#1. It involves the Fiesta (DUH) and travel (DUH DUH)

#2.

#3. Friends, family and pets will be involved-- CRAZY TIMES!

#4. Things will continue to get "...Curiouser and curiouser."

Lax Fiesta Weekend

2009-05-04T10:38:00.003-04:00

This weekend was a crazy time for me.

Most of our alumni from Salisbury came down to get their lax on. Seeing these girls is always a treat. I don't get to see them very often and when we all get together--things get nuts.

I brought the Fiesta to the event and everyone was thrilled to see it. Questions flew through the air like jets. I didn't have much time to react, so I grouped them together, told them what it is all about and then had Jason take some pictures of us.

The game was fun and so was the Fiesta.

Truffles and the Fiesta

2009-05-02T10:16:00.009-04:00

In our house we have a troll.

The troll's name is Truffles.

We rescued Truffles from the Goodwill store. He was $4 dollars and creepy as hell. His face is this weird skin like material and his fir is like a dog. His eyes follow you, his nails are painted, and if we could get over the slight fear of his mystic nature, we might find out what he sounds like by plugging in his batteries.

(Look how creepy/cute he is! Jeff washed his face with disinfectant so he's much better now)

Truffles is a kind of a game here at our house.

We hide truffles in places to surprise each other. The toilet, closets, cabinets, laundry, blankets, suitcases, and more. It's a really fun way to get a scream out of your roommates. He's creepy, but lovable.

Truffles is going to become part of my agent work with the "Fiesta Movement." He's going to travel with me to places.

This STARTS TODAY!

The day before our missions are available. The day of the Alumni game. The day Truffles makes his debut.

Stay tuned! Missions start tomorrow. Be sure to spot Truffles--he'll be along for some of the ride!

Jason Martin

2009-05-01T10:32:00.005-04:00

(Photo courtesy of Jason Martin)

I posted a blog yesterday about Jason Martin, and photos he took of the Fiesta. I would like to take this opportunity to re-blog about the incident because that blog was lame--and the event--was NOT.

I was really excited yesterday because Adi invited me to go to eat sushi before our normal NBC Thursday night line up (the highlight of every week--hands down). I have been on what SC calls a "money diet" this week. But yesterday's excitement of potential raw fish sent me into an unpreventable frenzy-- SC had no choice but to spoil me with a slight advance so I could have my way! haha!

Dinner was fantastic. We ate at my favorite Japanese restaurant in town, ShoGun, and the food was delicious and filling. The conversation was a great release to what had been a stressful day-- so crazy that it lead me to the strange quote: "Breast cancer is so much quieter than children."
Don't worry, I'm not sick or pregnant. Lol.

While we were waiting for food, Byron and Adi noticed a man in the parking lot taking pictures of the Fiesta. I turned around and saw him as well, of course, duh! I went out to the parking lot and gave him a bit of a fright. He asked me if the car was mine and I asked him if he'd heard about the "Fiesta Movement." He said he hadn't, but that he reads Motor Trend magazine, and had been shocked to see a Fiesta anywhere, especially Salisbury.

The man's name is Jason Martin.

(Jason)

He is a wonderful photographer and blogger stationed here in Salisbury, MD. He posted a entry on his blog, "Grayscale" about my work online as well as the "Fiesta Movement." He is going to shoot some more stills for me this weekend at the Alumni Women's Lacrosse game at SU and hopefully will work with me in the future.

His photos of the Fiesta came out beautifully, if you'd like to see them head over to my flickr page and check it out!

Tennis Hostage

2009-05-01T00:07:00.002-04:00

"FAULT!"

THANKS JEFF FOR YOUR HELP! :)

Shooting a Video

2009-04-30T23:41:00.004-04:00

I posted a video that has caused some tension in the tennis world--at least here in Salisbury.

The video was a little joke that I did and really it only made it to youtube.com because I thought Julia was adorable in it.

Here's the video:

As you can see, when you read the comments, the ladies are less than happy about the video. I still think the video is funny, so it stays. Julia loves it and to me, that's all that matters.

So I am currently shooting an "apology" to the tennis world-- get ready for some high anxiety because these pictures are going to have you worried for my safety as well as sitting on the edge of your seat wondering when the film will be released (which really is as soon as I convert and edit the video).

Get ready for some high impact, duce-duce type, tennis, faulted, out, 40-love, film.

Also-- I don't think I can ever eat pizza there again--especially at lunch/tennis time. Lol.

Swine flu? Don't Just blame Édgar

2009-04-29T13:56:00.003-04:00

Édgar Hernández is in the NYtimes today because he is reportedly the first case of Swine Flu in Mexico. He's doing fine now, but the strain of influenza is making big news and big worries.
I looked up the disease and the Center for Disease Control says that this strain is contageous from human to human and there isn't much of the vaccine (currently) to go around.

I'm not a big fan of sickness and try to avoid it at all costs. This Swine Flu really scares me. It scares me in the same way that it probably scares a lot of people--through the news, the threat of getting it, the threat of not having a vaccine--yes that all traditionally scares me. Let's talk about the name. Gross. I don't want to be lumped in with the pigs. I don't want to have some crazy disease that is like something out of the movie Outbreak. F-that. (Hey Erin: "Katie NO!")

I would like them to really rush to find out how to control this or help the poor people it is effecting. Édgar shouldn't have to see his face in the news for getting something he didn't mean to get. That's not fair to him. Granted, we have the right to write whatever, but still--I feel for the little guy.

Another thing that is scary--the reports of pork in Mexico and the States being rejected by foreign importers. I hope that doesn't become the start of this recession's "dust bowl." Sure, it's not dust, but the Times is reporting it as a threat.

I'm definitely going to keep popping vitamins, working out, and an eye on the news.

Natasha Richardson

2009-04-29T00:33:00.005-04:00

This past weekend I watched quite a few Natasha Richardson films. She was amazing and her death was sad and probably preventable.

I watched her Charlie Rose interviews-- and she seemed to have a sense of accomplishment but also a sense of mortality. She said to live each day to the fullest and I believe this to be true, so I hope she was living that way.

Her films were wonderful. You should netflix them if you haven't or go to amazon and buy one or two. I think, so far, my favorite is Widow's Peak she and Mia Farrow are marvelous in this film.

I think what I find saddest about her death, is her work ethic and ambitions must now be carried on by others. She was a real force in the fight against AIDS. Her father died from the disease, and she was one of the biggest propenents for amFAR to help raise money to find a cure for the illness.

She was also a Tony award winning stage actress. I think when someone dies and can no longer be seen on the live stage, is one of the saddest things in the world. I think most theatre goers and enthusiasts might agree with me here. There is no replacing an actor or actress who fills the room when they walk on stage. The stage and theatre are so intimate, emtional, jaw droppingly brilliant and irriplacable-- it's hard to think one could never have the opportunity to see a grand performance ever again.

In tribute to Natasha Richardson--I'd like to post this video of her work in the theater.

I hope her spirit carries on and wherever she is she knows how appreciated her work was (and in film/television, is).

SnugWow

2009-04-28T08:47:00.003-04:00

An old friend from high school sent me this video via twitter @audra. I think it might be the best thing ever. I really want a snuggie and a shamwow-- a combo?! Yes I will pay $19.95 a month for this.

I mean this past week's 30 Rock really sealed the deal on the whole "wanting a snuggie thing."

Liz Lemon got to eat cheese on the couch wrapped in the warm goodness of her snuggie, why can't I have that dream realized?