Perestroika

A new year, the rebuilding begins. I died my hair, found some new music I liked and I have no regrets going into another new year. Of course I have plenty to work on and I accept the challenge. I'm ready for what ever comes my way. I'm so glad I had the chance to begin my career and do what it is I love to do. And I'm glad I made some close new friends who I will treasure forever. I can't wait to see them again. I don't have any specific resolutions, I just want to keep striving to be successful at my craft. I can't stop here, my life is just beginning. I have no definite idea of what this year or any year will hold for me, but I don't care. I love that my life is always changing and bringing me new possibilities and opportunities. I believe that's what it means to LIVE. So, that's my goal for this year, to pick up the pieces and really live. Happy New Year! Love, Rochie BTW - I hate New Year's. It's really a worthless holiday. I can only take so much sitting around in a bar watching people get drunk for no reason. Okay, 'nuff said.

Not Heinous and Heinous

Here's the Christmas update. The actual day was great. I woke up to find that "Santa" had come. Yeah! My parents are still convinced that on Christmas all of their twenty-something children are 10 years old. I don't mind, I can still reap the benefits. The toys just get better and better as we get older. I can't complain. I got some new duds and and iPod! Wicked Awesome! I've been playing with it for two days straight. I already have 1200 songs on it and I still have almost 14 gigs left. SWEET, iPods RULE! It just kept getting better, we had an incredible breakfast spread...pancakes, egg caserole, ham, sweet rolls, fruit, hot chocolate...you get the picture and then we got our big family gift. This was a total surprise. My grandma, before she died, paid for the entire family to go on a two week cruise to the Mexican Riviera. I can't wait. It's not until next fall but time flies and it'll be here before I know it. So that was my Christmas day. Today was pretty lax. We really didn't do all that much. My mom wanted us to go to church and since my dad is the bishop I thought it would be a nice gesture. WHAT A TREAT (sarchastic truth)! The program was all by some guest performers, a senior citizen choir called "The Cheery Notes". I had a hard time not laughing but they were very cute and it was a nice way to start the day. ...more gorging on food... Later we did something I don't think we've done as a family for what? twenty years? We played a board game. Life, Simpson's edition. It was actually a lot of fun, I think we're all a bit more competetive now so there was an added element. Then...it happened...the HEINOUS event to make our roller coaster plummet. You know those yankee candles, the big ones in the jars. So, my sister has one in her bathroom and instead of burning it she keeps it on a little candle warmer that melts the wax. Basically it's a big jar of hot melted wax. I think you can see where this is going. Long story short, Christel knocked the jar over today by accident and hot RED wax went splashing all over the bathroom. It covered the counter, the wall, the floor, the sink, toilet, brushes, razors, soaps, hairspray, pretty much anything you can find lying around a bathroom. And that's what I've been doing tonight, cleaning red wax off every surface in the bathroom. I should have taken a picture to add. Maybe I'll draw one. Oh, the best part was, we heard Christel yelling "HELP" from the bathroom and my brother went to find out what was wrong. At first glance he almost had a heart attack because the red wax looked like blood and it was everywhere. He thought she was dying. Then there were two screams and we all jumped to find out what had happened. All is well now, the clean up is done and we can laugh about it. Ah, adventures, I have to enjoy them when they come along. Usually things are pretty boring around here. Hope everyone had a enjoyable Christmas, let me know, and I'll talk to you all soon. Love, Rochelle

12/24 Christmas Eve

It's Christmas Eve and I've been wrapping presents for my mom, watching A Christmas Story marathon and eating way too much food because it's all over the house. Those pilates videos will come in handy after the feeding frenzy is over. My anticipation for tomorrow isn't what it used to be, especially this year. It's just not going to be the same without Granny. I'm not ready for how sad I'm going to feel. On the other hand, I am here with my family instead of spending Christmas in an apartment in New York listening to the deaf people above me and eating pizza for dinner. Just not the same. My family goes overboard with Christmas. They have the music playing all the time, lights and decorations all over the house, the little village that lights up and the inflatable snowman out front. Good times. I love my fam. This is random, I've been trying to blog the last couple of days but nothing is really going on and I can never think of anything to say. I'm thinking I want to go back to school. I have this thought once in a while. That's why until this last June I've been a professional student. If only I could afford it. I think I would pursue more psychology, maybe get my masters or doctorate...my friend Janna has inspired me. Crazy talk...I'd be a good clinical psychologist though. Okay, back to watching A Christmas Story marathon.

Today was better

I woke up this morning to one of my favorite smells, my dad's buttermilk blueberry pancakes. YUMMY! Already I was off to a better start. I had a great laugh when my mom went to get some milk out of the fridge and realized she had put the toilet paper in there as well. Ah, mom. Menopause kickin' in. The things women have to look forward to. My sister and I were feeling creative today and decided to make some jewelry. Necklaces to be exact, made out of fishing line, Coke bottle caps and sea shells. They turned out great and we personalized them with a word describing the person wearing them secretly placed on the back. The afternoon was pleasant aside a little tiff I had with my sister. That was short lived after we both determined that she is a bitch...but she's a good bitch...you gotta give her credit. Now it's time to begin the OC marathon...I promised Christel we'd watch it together. Later. Ro

Dismal

Current mood: morose
I've been in a very dreary mood the last couple of days. I can't seem to pinpoint the exact cause of my bleak outlook, but it may stem from the intense fog that has plauged the Salt Lake valley the last few days. Everything is grey and dull. I can't see the mountains or more than 50 feet ahead of me for that matter. I'm unmotivated to show any kind of emotion. I feel a bit like I'm a French beatnik observing everyone with disdain. They ask me if I want to go anywhere or do anything and I just look away and say, "but why...I'm le tired...go away" It's a funk. So, I'm listening to funk, Deodato to be exact-something my brother had, in hopes of moving me out of my funk. Actually, what I really might need is some hardcore inner male rage music. That may do the trick. I think I'm sick of people today. I hate holiday shoppers. I need a magic wand, a magic "to Hell with you" wand. Then anyone who pisses me off I can just point my wand, say to Hell with you and POOF! Gone. I love it. It's a good thing I don't have telekinetic powers. BREATHE ROCHELLE...IN...AND OUT...IN WITH THE GOOD...OUT WITH THE BAD...IN...OUT... Okay, a little better. I just wish I could figure people out. Everyone is so hidden. Why do we hide. Why are we so afraid to be honest with others and with ourselves. I'm le tired. Off to not sleep because my brain won't let me. Tomorrow will be a better day.

You know I do...

Just returned from my cousin's wedding where, once again, I was dragged into providing the musical entertainment with only a half days notice. Not to worry, I pulled out my trusty Ella and Frank standards and lulled the happy couple in silvery tones. That is, until my sister joined me and we livened things up with some Wedding Singer classics from the 80's interspersed with random improv happy hands sign language and interpretive dance interludes. It worked with the black and hot pink theme of the wedding (which we were all dressed in). Leave it to my cousin "E" to keep things interesting. So, earlier today I got in a fight with the sales guy at some crappy clothing store. I needed a hot pink skirt at the last minute and my mom and I went to some ghetto place near by because I knew they would have something and I didn't want to bother with going far or spending a bunch of money. Hmmm...now I know why I don't shop there. The sales guy was giving me such attitude the entire time and for no reason. It all culminated when I purchased a hair accessory and there was a big nasty black curly hair in it. I pulled it out right in front of him with a disgusted look on my face and told him he could keep that and laid it on the counter. He just threw me the 'evil eye' and I rolled mine. As I was walking out I turned to my mom and said "He must really hate his job". I was almost to the car when he came running out yelling at me saying "WHAT DID YOU SAY!" and calling me on. So I told him he must really hate his job and that he was very rude and I didn't appreciate his attitude. This went back and forth for a while until I finally turned and walked away. He just kept on yelling and stared at us as we were driving away. My mom and I were laughing hysterically and as we passed him we both winked and blew him a kiss. And that was that. All I know is that I'll sleep fine tonight knowing I will never have to step foot in GenX Clothing again. Goodnight and Peace. ~Rochie

My spoon is too big, I am a banana

Amburgers and Wootbeer

Current mood: chipper
I'm back in Salt Lake with my fam and all we've been doing is sitting at the computer, watching ridiculous animation and laughing our asses off. Just for giggles...http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/end.php It's good to be home. I feel very inspired here. Tomorrow I'm going to begin working on a metal sculpture that I've had plans to work on for years now. I keep dreaming about it though and if I don't start it now it'll haunt me. Okay, back to funny flash movies. My brother and I are going to create a flash movie that will rival anything out there. Well, that is, anything but Amburgers and Wootbeer. That's my fav right now. Check it out...http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/aw.php Enjoy! ~Rochie

Busted...part deaux

12/9 Busted...part deaux
Okay, so I slide right through with my accomplice, Ty, and we are immediately spotted. I didn't even realize what was going on for a minute. I heard "POLICE, POLICE!" coming from a little voice and I didn't know WHERE it was coming from until she shoved her tiny little hand holding a badge in my face. I guess my surprise was genuine and when she started interrogating me I was so stunned I could hardly speak. "You just slipped through the turnstile" "What? No, I didn't (as innocently as possible)" Ty taking my lead, "no, what?" "Let me see your subway card." Ty pulled out the subway card that we had obviously just used once and she would know that right away if she checked it. "Did you just both use that to get in?" Me, with my stealth wit remembered I had put an expired card in my pocket just that morning. I quickly slipped it out and again in the innocent voice said, "no, I used my own card." "Oh, I'm sorry, it just [pause to think] looked like you had both come through together" "Oh, no. That's ok," We calmly walked away and headed for our train and sanctuary. She believed us, whew. Either that or she was intimidated by us towering above her and just wanted it all to end. They should get her some back up. I mean she's great at spotting perps. She's in perfect juxtaposition with the turnstile, but she needs some brut to finish the job. At any rate, I'm not about to try that again for a while. Saving on a two dollar subway ride is not worth having to pay $120 fine or get arrested for (which I've seen happen). Hopefully there aren't any NY cops reading this. I'm reformed, I swear. I'll just stick to stealing pens at restaurants and hotels. ~Ro BTW - Halo 2 is hard, but then again, I really suck at video games.

Busted by the subway police...

I'm not usually the type to do anything against the law...reason being I always get caught. However, lately I've been trying to outsmart the subway police. It has worked wonders and saved my sorry poor ass plenty in transportation costs. I've managed to slip through turnstiles without a cop even blinking an eye. Today that was not the case. I was not expecting an undercover midget cop to be patrolling...ok, I can't finish this right now. I'll be back to finish later. Ha ha.

Deaf people are loud

Ah, the irony. I can't get to sleep. Is it because I have a million things bouncing around in my head? Maybe. Or, it could be the deaf people who live above me. Yep, that's what it is. They are the loudest humans on earth. At first I thought someone was dying up there, then I thought they might be vampires, or cat people. No, just deaf. They screetch louder than chimpanzees and I swear they wear wooden shoes. Whatever...it's after 2 and they have picked this hour as the perfect time to rearrange the furniture. Lucky me. I'm determined to get to sleep. Earplugs? Check. Soothing nature sounds on my alarm? Check. Windows open to let the sounds of NYC in? Check. Dreamland, here I come. ~Ro

Happy Turkey Day

As if I didn't get enough riding on a bus in the last couple of months, what did I do today? That's right, I took a Greyhound from NY to Philly. Not a very long ride but infinitely more uncomfortable than the tour bus. The reason for this ill-timed commute...Thanksgiving dinner. I can't complain though, if it weren't for my fabulous friend Deborah I would be heating up a frozen Hungry Man. Thanks Deb for providing a pseud fam. The entire night was very fulfilling and entertaining, thanks to gay uncle Larry. Everyone should have a gay relative...livens things up. I did miss my real family though. My dad makes a bomb ass dinner and I really can't say anything compares. My parents were all alone this year since their kids are spread all over the globe. I'm in NY, Nick had to work and Christel's still in China. We'll talk about her dinner later. Mom and dad ended up going to Granny's house with my aunt, uncle, cousins and all of their kids. Here's a funny little story, my four year old cousin Weston asked my mom and dad when they were going to have children. He told them it was time. Tee hee! My mom was tickled. Poor Christel...no turkey in sight. She did alright though, potstickers and duck. Yum? She invited all of her Chinese friends and they made paper turkey decorations. I guess that will do. I can't wait to see everyone in just a few weeks. I love you all. ~Rochie

Self-medicating at the mall

Current mood: creative
So, I have this termial disease. It's called shopping. Actually, I think it's genetic and was passed down from my parents. In any case, I have it and it was in full force today. It doesn't help that I live within walking distance from the largest mall in NYC. I'm convinced the mall has a homing beacon for all of us who are infected. I found myself strolling out the front door to take a peaceful walk around the block and before I knew it I'm walking through shiny glass doors into the cavernous corridor of a glorious retail palace. Since I'm not raking in the cash right now I really didn't spend that much. In fact, I was quite the bargain shopper. Instead of buying a bunch of overpriced items, I sauntered from store to store taking in all the latest fads and then proceeded to buy materials to recreate what I saw on my own. New projects...yea! I'm convinced I can make anything out there for less money and with more of my personal flare. Okay, maybe not jeans, but I'll tackle that next year.

New York...home.

Dazed, I made my way down the subway stairs today draped in bags, a backpack and a pocket book and dragging behind me two overstuffed suitcases. The familiar rumbling and gust of air from the oncoming train gave me my first jolt back into reality. New York, I'm home. No more traveling from hotel to motel, waking up in a different city every day with no recollection of where I've been or what day it is. No more eating fast food (that is if we can get the cooking gas hooked up) and no more contorting my body into a pretzel-like state in order to sleep on a tour bus.
I'm tired and sore and mentally exhausted, yet I can't get myself to slow down. So, here I am starting something I have always wanted to do, an online journal. If I can keep this up it will truly be an accomplishment. Being out on the road has given me plenty of time to think about my life and if I don't record some of it I may forget and begin my contiuous cycle of "what do I do now".
So the plan, as it stands today, is to research agents, find at least 3 auditions a week, and in the meantime live the actors dream of schleping burgers to hungry tourists at the Hard Rock Cafe. Woo hoo!
Before I start that, I'm going to take the longest shower of my life, curl up in my comfy robe, sip a cup of Grandma's Sleepytime tea and drift off to sleep in my own bed with my own pillows and sheets I know are clean. Life can wait until tomorrow.