SLEEP, SHOWER, EAT, WORK, AUDITION / FILM, AND REPEAT

The last couple weeks have consisted of the above at a fairly steady pace. During this somewhat difficult time in the acting industry and with the economy, I am thankful to have any work, particularly when part of it consists of work that involves acting! Therefore, getting to be back at CBS filming “The Young and the Restless” is a true delight for me. Additionally, I have the gift of receiving super flexible hours of side work through a friend who currently has multiple successful companies. All this, while having little adventures and fun gatherings with friends here and maintaining from afar the close friendships I have had with friends for over a decade, provides me that extra bit of refreshing energy to push forward.

I think the best thing for an actor, or anyone for that matter, who is lacking stability on the work front, is to keep as busy as possible, make a plan, and create something to accomplish or work towards each day. It’s especially true when you aren’t getting work in the area you desire, which for many actors is often the case. Keeping busy allows you to be out there meeting people, interacting, and making yourself feel more productive, than if you are just sitting around waiting for the next audition or next possible booking to happen, while working a job you might not like, but need to keep afloat.

Financially and opportunity-wise, this is a slow and difficult time for most. This is something I am actively seeing among my friends, especially those in the industry, and myself. It is somewhat of an odd feeling for me personally, because I find myself wanting to reach out and help them, whether I know them well or not. However, I realize that I can’t do as much as I would like - aside from being supportive, offering a listening ear, and/or sending a card covered in stickers to hopefully brighten their mailbox and day. All this could be nice in theory, but I suppose doesn’t help as much as needed when someone can’t find a job, is going through a truly difficult time, can’t pay all their bills, or even really buy groceries.

Current times have contributed to my finding joys in strange places. Like seeing how much I can save when I go to buy groceries for the week by turning it into a bit of a game, something my marvelous mother used to do when she lived in Paris, before she married my extraordinary dad. I now cut out coupons, search online for additional discounts before going to purchase my items for the week, buy what is on sale, and opt for non-name brand items, etc. I am amazed at how much one can truly save with just a little extra time and effort! I probably should have been doing this for years, but in all honesty, my situation didn’t require me to do so up until recent times, a fact that I never have, or ever will, take for granted! However, I see more clearly now the significance of it, regardless of whether you need to do it or not. Ultimately, small savings, where one can save, just makes sense!

I am beyond lucky to have constant support from my loving family, financially and emotionally, whenever I need it; something that many I know do not have. There is so much I still hope to accomplish, as well as to “give back” financially and through a charity. Even though this seems far away for me in this moment, I continue to stay as positive as possible, and plan to do all I can to make it happen one day. Which for now means I need to sleep, shower, eat, work, audition / film, and repeat!

“These are not tough times. They’re tremendous times for tough people.” - Anon