Firsts

As I sit here and write this, I am listening to the rain hit the sidewalk outside and it is just glorious.  This is my first LA rain.  All I want to do is run around outside in it, barefoot, with my mouth wide open just like Andy when he escaped Shawshank.  Some like to say that it rained about two months ago, right after I got here, but that was in the middle of the night and would barely qualify as a sprinkle.  We are going on an hour now of continual dripping noises, and I couldn't be happier.  It only took 97 days!!!

I have finally spotted my first celebrity here, and I am sure very few of you will know who I'm talking about.  Does anyone know who Leslie Jordan is?  Anyone?  During my laid off time in New York, I became obsessed with Will & Grace.  Leslie is a very minor character on the show, but is southern (he's from Chattanooga) and that accent is somewhat addictive.  Daniel and I were eating dinner at this place called Baby Blues BBQ (North Carolinian owned) down the street from his house, and in walked Leslie.  I almost passed out.  He is so short and adorable.

Ever since my last big role in a theatrical production, (Old lady #2, Tom Jones, Stockbridge High School), I haven’t really dreamed of being an actress.  Sure, I thought it would be fun, but I had no expectations of hitting it big given my thick southern accent and a physique that would be considered plus size in Hollywood.  I think this is why background work fits me so well.  I still get to be involved in some pretty cool projects, without the pressure of looking a certain way and also memorizing a lot of lines.  I also get to meet (and work with) celebrities.  What’s not to love about that?

While in New York, I was able to work on 30 Rock, Man on a Ledge and the Newlywed Game Show.  Since moving to L.A., I have been on a court tv show (I have no words to describe that experience), but my first major background work was on Arrested Development.  Unfortunately when I was cast on AD, I knew nothing about the show.  Had never even really heard of it and I certainly didn’t know what to expect.  I can now, with pride, say that I am a fan of the series.  Yesterday, I was on 90210.  Talk about a blast from the past, only this time, I felt REALLY old watching it.

Next week...my first LA wedding (a big fat Greek one), my first bake sale (certainly not my own baked goods) and my first LA viewing of a Twilight movie.  Premiere tickets still pending.