Black & White Meg

The Weekly Quarterly

2010-03-05T04:12:00.002-06:00

Hello to anyone who actually reads this. I'm in the process of moving my blog to Tumblr. At the moment, I'm thinking I'll still keep this blog up (just in case I decide to come back). Until I make my decision, I'll be at http://theweeklyquarterly.tumblr.com/

Come visit me!

The Exposition

2010-03-02T19:23:00.007-06:00

Well, I've been out of a job for nearly three weeks now and have sent out numerous resumes with no results. My move to Los Angeles has proved to be as difficult as I knew it would be but hoped it wouldn't.

Ever since my temporary position concluded here in AZ, I've had plenty of time to scour the internet for open job positions -- and believe me, I have. So much so, it seems I'm in the process of developing eye-strain. OK, so the 'Spaced' marathon I had this weekend on Hulu.com might have contributed, but I was ALSO working on my resume during a couple episodes. Don't judge me. Anyway, I've been squinting quite a bit this week and getting headaches which has put a damper on my search. I really should take a day or so off, but you know as soon as I do, the perfect job will be posted and I'll miss it. That's what happens in the sitcoms anyway.

So, the current deal is (for those who want to know) is that I can't find an apartment/room in L.A. because I don't have a job and therefore don't have proof of income which any and ALL landlords are requiring nowadays. Rightfully so. And I can't find a job in L.A. (theoretically) because I'm applying with an AZ mailing address. Who's going to hire a girl in AZ for an entry-level job in a megalopolis full of wannabes?

So, it's a vicious cycle. Not knowing anyone to crash with in L.A. has proven to be a critical disadvantage I can do nothing about. Staying in a hotel room for only 5 days would burn up 1/5th of my hard earned savings and I'm pretty sure it's gonna take a couple of weeks to apply, interview and obtain a job...even with Target (which is starting to look pretty darn good about now, by the way).

Anyway, I have no idea how this is all going to work out, but I do know that it's going to work out. Failure is not an option. I'll probably struggle along the way, but it'll only make me stronger. I have what it takes. I just have to prove it. Prove it to myself and to the hiring managers in the greater Los Angeles area.

A Toast to 2010

2010-01-09T17:13:00.007-06:00

2010. The old year has been left behind and a new year is before us. Looking back, the past year has been full of great change for me. I willingly left a secure job to chase my dream across the country with no promise of a job in sight (and no real idea of how to get one). I’ve left behind amazing opportunities, even more amazing friends and family who support and love me, and security; I’ve left behind any kind of security I’ve ever had.

Last year was full of firsts: I visited Oklahoma, New Mexico, and California for the first time, I drove across country through these states (by myself), hotel stays by myself, toured one of the Navy’s most BA* active missile destroyers, and saw the Pacific Ocean for the first time.

I’ve just completed the most unstable and exciting year ever and 2010 doesn't look to disappoint. I just got back from my very first trip to Nevada where I visited Las Vegas. While there, I lost $40 bucks, ate amazing food, and saw a cute guy check me out…repeatedly. Not a bad start to the year!

I'm temping with an AMAZING company which is about to end soon, and at that point, I get to play the exciting game again: "Where Will Megan End Up Next?" Well, with my eyes on the prize of fulfilling my dream of becoming a film editor, I'm still looking west. I'm like Indiana Jones in the Canyon of the Crescent Moon trying not to make a wrong move so I can cross over unseen obstacles to reach the Holy Grail. Oh--always remember that in the Latin alphabet, Jehovah starts with an "I."

(Oh yes I did!)

Anyway, I'm excited for what this year holds for me. I'm starting to apply to jobs in California that will get me on, or near, the path to becoming an editor. I'm starting to take better care of myself so I can turn 30 as a hot, middle-aged-thang. And I'm going to enjoy every second of my single life until I discover who Mr. Right is…and then I'll REALLY enjoy every second of my life after that!

So, here's to 2010. May it be the most BA* year ever!

*Bad Ass

**The photo of the USS Halsey was discovered on Wikipedia. It's in the Public Domain.

***The photo of the Bellagio Fountain was taken by me. Please don't steal it.

Moving On

2009-12-13T02:53:00.012-06:00

Recently, one morning after waking up, I found myself in a very interesting place. Not geographically. I hadn’t sleepwalked my way downtown or into a neighbor’s backyard or anything like that. I awoke with a dream in my head and an ache in my heart.

You see, I have had a MAJOR crush on a certain guy for years. In fact, calling it a “crush” really isn’t very accurate. I admire this man. I’ve never met a guy before or since who evokes the same feelings from me that he does. I respect him. He’s simply a tremendous person who has become a permanent benchmark which all other men will be measured against from here on out. Not because of how I feel for him, but for who he is as a person. But despite how amazing this man is, he has also become the subject of some personal heartache and turmoil as well.

Mr. Wonderful and myself haven’t lived in the same city for a couple of years. When I visit friends once or twice a year, I always get a chance to see him. It seems like he usually makes an effort to see me when I’m in town which of course thrills me every time. We hang out and he’s always interested in getting all the details of what’s going on in my life. There are even moments when I’m convinced he’s interested in me as well, like when he wouldn’t stop hugging me during a New Year’s Eve party. I didn’t even have on my “Free Hugs” t-shirt.

But after I leave town, I simply want more and I never get it. I try to keep the connection alive by email or Facebook, but it never works. He says to keep in touch and will go as far as to ask me how things are going. I’ve never known him to be insincere, so I always answer. But after I write back, I get nothing in return. I’m not exaggerating. Nothing. Back. Then I’ll visit again a few months or a year later and the whole maddening cycle starts again.

So after three or four times, I wised up. I started swearing him off after I’d leave town. I’d talk a big game, “I’m through with him. I’m done. I’m done with the whole thing. Never again.” But no matter how sincerely I promised myself, as well as others, that I wouldn’t fall into this familiar trap…I still did. I always do.

But recently, even with the “rumors” floating around that he in fact was interested in me (whether that’s a current or a historic fact is unknown) I’m still sick of the cycle. And maybe now more than ever, I’m in a better place to make my declaration and both mean it and keep it.

Because here’s the thing: I want to be pursued. When there’s a guy out there that’s interested in me, who thinks I’m worth getting to know because he sees me as someone valuable and unique—he’s going to pursue me no matter how far away we are from each other. I want a man who will pursue me the same if I was across town, across the country, or across the globe. And the plain and simple fact is that this particular gentleman must not see me this way, because he’s proven he’s not willing to pursue me. And why should I waste my time waiting for him to wise up? I shouldn’t, because it may never dawn on him.

Well, I guess by now, you’ve guessed that this amazing, yet obtuse man is the subject of my dream so let’s get into it. In this dream, he and I were walking into a Costco/Wal-Mart-like place and chatting up a storm. It really seemed like we were having a great day. I was telling him some story as we entered the place and all of a sudden I noticed he wasn’t beside me anymore. I stopped to see where he was and spotted him talking to a female cashier that he apparently knew, but I didn’t. I was SO pissed off! Yes, I was jealous that he was talking to another chick, but more than that, I was upset that he didn’t simply say, “Hey, hold on a second. Let me say hi to so-and-so.” That’s all I needed and I would’ve been ok, but he didn’t. So, I decided to go on without him with the intention of leaving without him as well. Told you I was pissed.

Anyway, I found what I was looking for after a GREAT deal of effort (nothing's easy in a dream). I felt like I was up against a deadline. I needed to hurry up, get my stuff, and get to the car so I could leave him there. (By the way, as an aside, I'm really not this vindictive. Don't forget this is a dream.) After more trouble checking out, I was on my way to the car when I ran into people from high school that needed my help finding something or someone…this is where the dream gets fuzzy and strange. Needless to say, whatever the crisis was, it hindered my getaway and Mr. Wonderful found me before I could leave. I don’t even think it dawned on him I was trying to leave without him. I was a bit disappointed that he caught up with me, but as we left, I was more upset with the people who got in my way than with him.

Now, I’m no dream expert. I don’t pretend I can interpret dreams even a little, but I do see the parallels between real life and the dream. To put it simply: Without knowing he does it, he drives me crazy and all I want to do is get away or make it stop or something. The conclusion is that the cycle needs to end.

So, as I awoke from this dream, I was humiliated and hurt, but more than anything I was ready to move on. I mean, I’ve wanted to move on for some time, but my insane ability to hope beyond all hope has held me prisoner to this "crush." Now, I think I’m more ready than I’ve ever been to kick this. It also helps that I haven’t seen him for a few months and probably won’t see him for a few more. And as we’ve learned earlier, he certainly won’t be in touch anytime soon. So, I have time to solidify my resolution before his charming, delightful nature tests it.

So, here’s to hoping this dream is the starting-off point of ridding myself of unnecessary emotional baggage, of freeing up some space in my heart for the right Mr. Wonderful, and to dreams that are more pleasant and more frequent.

*The picture above is by an artist named Tyrza. You can find this beautiful piece of art as well as others by this artist on Redbubble by clicking HERE.

Comic-Con 2009

2009-07-26T23:27:00.019-05:00

On Friday and Saturday of last week, I was able to take off to beautiful San Diego, CA to attend Comic-Con International.

It. Was. FANTASTIC!!

On Friday, I arrived at the convention center around 1:30, got my badge and decided to just orient myself to what's going on and to walk the exhibit hall. The exhibit hall was PACKED with costumed fans and amazingly expensive vendor booths. Below are some of my favorite booths I saw.

On Saturday, I woke up SUPER early and headed to the Con to stand in line for 3 hours with thousands of other attendees to get into Hall H. Hall H holds 6,500 people, but it fills up fast and ALWAYS has a line of about 1,000 the rest of the day to get in. I was BLESSED to get a great seat. First up in Hall H was probably the most anticipated panel of 2009, LOST. Since this is the final season of LOST everyone was psyched to see what Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof would present to us. They decided to that this last panel would be all about fan appreciation. After showing some ridiculously hilarious fan films (which I desperately hope they release at some point) they had some special guests ask questions:

After LOST was Solomon Kane, starring the very beautiful James Purefoy, which was featured in an earlier blog of mine, 'The British Are Coming! Yay!' They showed extensive footage of the film to inspire the Comic-Con crowd to create a buzz via word-of-mouth. The footage looked great, but they had me at "Purefoy." I'll see anything that man is in. Anyway, I think Solomon

Kane definitely looks worthy of a viewing. Hopefully, they can get distribution in the US and find a fan base for the duration of the trilogy.

Solomon Kane is another creation of Robert E. Howard (the same guy who created Conan the Barbarian). Kane is a 16th century Puritan whose adventures have been of the bloody, selfish kind. After a close run in with hell, he then straightens out his act and tries to walk the narrow road...while vanquishing some evil along the way.

Following the Kane panel, writer/director Mike Judge presented his newest film, Extract starring

Jason Bateman and Mila Kunis. To be honest, I wasn't sure why Extract was being presented at Comic-Con. But after being reminded that Judge is responsible for Beavis and Butt-head, Office Space, and King of the Hill, I understood his appeal to this audience. And also...there's Mila Kunis. Her cheers from the fellas rivaled Scarlett Johansson's later in the day. The clips they showed were funny and the film promises to do well. Jason commented that he wanted us to go see the movie, but added "we don't want your matinee money either! You go see it prime time"...I'll probably just wait for the DVD. Sorry Jason.

Next up was Zombieland. That film is going to be CRAZY!! Very bloody. Very Funny. Very fast zombies. By the clips they showed us, this film promises to be like no other zombie flick you've ever seen. The way they kill zombies should raise the bar for all other zombie flicks from here on out. Plus, it has Woody Harrelson in it. Yep. Crazy.

After Zombieland was the main event: IRON MAN 2. Everyone was psyched to see this panel. People literally stayed after the LOST panel (at 11:00am) just to see Iron Man 2 (at 4:0opm). But it was well worth the wait. Jon Favreau, Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson and Sam Rockwell were in attendance and the crowd went wild to get to see footage!

I would LOVE to give you the footage he gave us, but 1. I didn't want to get thrown out of Hall H, and 2. I love keeping secrets regarding things I hold dear to my heart. Just ask anyone who's ever quit watching LOST but have asked me if Jack and Co. get off the island. My response is always, 'I'm not telling. You've gotta watch." Anyway, Jon was gracious and excited, Robert Downey Jr. was delicious and "on" as usual, Scarlett was flustered and uninteresting, Sam was flat and uncooperative, and Don was the man! By the way, War Machine....RIDICULOUS!!!! They showed the footage twice and everyone roared both times they showed War Machine. You're gonna love him! Anyway, not to many good photos of this panel, but MANY, MANY good memories.

Anyway, hope you liked the run down of my trip to Comic-Con 2009. It was fantastic and I would recommend everyone go at least once. As for me, I'm planning on being there next year.

Much Love!

On the Road

2009-07-13T14:48:00.003-05:00

The Exodus has begun. I've hit the road and completed my first leg on my journey in becoming a film editor. I have three more legs to go and then the hard part begins. Let's hope for the best!

MANY thanks to Jon and Rachel for allowing me to crash in Nashville for a couple of nights before the real traveling begins.

Stars and Stripes

2009-07-10T21:38:00.008-05:00

Earlier this week I decided to visit our nation's capital as a side trip from our visit with family in nearby Maryland. As much as I'd like to say that Capital Hill fascinates me. As much as I'd like to say that the history of our nation drew me to it like a moth to a flame. As much as I'd like to say that my love of my country led me to see the red, white, and blue fly high around the Washington Monument...I can't. THIS is the real reason I went to DC:

...to see the original starship Enterprise at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. This sucker is huge! It's 11 ft long from the nacelles to the nose, 32 inches in height, and a shocking 200 lbs in weight (it's made from poplar wood). This is the model they used to film the special effects shots for the original Star Trek series. It's on display with the stand that held it in front of a blue screen. The shots of the ship were later superimposed onto a backdrop of space, and VIOLA we have a spaceship in space...the final frontier.

Anyway, if you want to behold this beautiful piece of history when you're in the DC area, head to the basement of the Air and Space Museum gift shop just off the Mall. Now, I also hear that the Air and Space Museum has other exhibits as well. Um, I don't really know what those could possibly be about, but it might be cool? Just a guess.

Live long and prosper.

The British Are Coming! Yay!

2009-07-02T19:42:00.016-05:00

I don't know if you've noticed or not, but Hollywood is becoming an international town. It's not abnormal to have a British lead in an American film (Hugh Grant, anyone?), but when it comes to television, it's been a rare delight. After Hugh Laurie landed the now iconic role of Dr. Gregory House (on the aptly named House M.D.) Hollywood has been shipping Brits in by the truckload: Rufus Sewell (Eleventh Hour), Damian Lewis (Life), Jamie Bamber (Battlestar Galactica), Simon Baker (The Mentalist)....ok, so Simon is from Australia, but you get my point.

Although some shows starring Brits haven't exactly had the longevity their creators have hoped for, I think H'wood has found a great pool of talent from across the pond. Most British actors are classically trained and well-seasoned in ALL mediums made available to actors. It makes perfect sense that these are the professionals that Hollywood would want fronting their shows. The latest of these imports happen to be two of my favorites: Joseph Fiennes, starring in ABC's much hyped 'Flash Forward' and James Purefoy who carries 'The Philanthropist' for NBC. James Purefoy is best known for his portrayal of Mark Antony on HBO's 'Rome' and even for his small role in 'A Knight's Tale' as the benevolent, action-seeking king. Joseph Fiennes is best known for sizzling on the screen in pretty much any project he touches...God bless that man!

(Pictured above: (left) Joseph Fiennes, (right) James Purefoy)

This is an interesting time for TV shows in general. Movie stars have been gracing the small screen more often over the last 5 years, Glenn Close being one of the award winning notables. Bringing in British film stars is simply the next step, but Hollywood went above and beyond getting these two fine actors.

Well, I fully support Hollywood's stand on immigration. I'm gearing up to start a petition to rename California as New Britain and to allow all hottie actors dual citizenship and no-fuss marriages to the women of the United States. What do you think? Can America handle a British invasion? I know I'm ready.

Up Next...

2009-06-20T23:45:00.004-05:00

Well...here we are. It's been a while and some big things are about to happen. So, in light of those big things I'm rebooting my blog! As you can see, I've changed the title. I think "Black & White Meg" is rather appropriate considering my ethnic background. And the title also works because, well...ANYTHING is classier in black and white don't you think?

The focus of this blog will mostly be to inform those who want to know about my long road to becoming a film editor. I'll soon be leaving the mountains of SW Virginia for the Hollywood hills and I'm sure there will be some fun stories and harrowing tales to tell. Plus, it should be interesting for the public to see exactly what it takes to become an editor. I know I'm interested in that subject. I'll also use this blog to record my observations on people, life...and whatever tickles my fancy (what a great phrase). So stay tuned!

I should go ahead and say that if--check that. I mean to say, WHEN I get some amazing job on some amazingly secret film, I will absolutely NOT diverge ANY details so don't even ask. Instead, you might get something like this, "Wow. Big day for a BIG stunt. I've never seen anything like that before. Too bad I can't tell ya! ;) But it'll be worth the wait. TRUST me!" So, not a total loss. I still think you'll get some interesting tidbits here and there.

Anyway, here we go! You can also follow me on Twitter for additional updates in 140 characters or less. It should be interesting!

Back in the Saddle Again

2008-09-29T00:04:00.005-05:00

Wow! I haven't posted a blog in over a YEAR! Sorry.

I guess I didn't keep my promise to post something everyday, including a photo. Well maybe now I'm ready for such a commitment. So, I now declare that I'm reopening my blog and will try to post something weekly instead of daily since I'm not doing much these days.

I guess the subject of my blogs can be expected to be about everyday occurrences , passions, movies, and my long journey to get to NYC and my goal to become a film editor.

So, as to celebrate this momentous occasion, I give you this picture taken with the infamous digital camera.

I'm Just Like Everybody Else!

2007-04-10T13:41:00.000-05:00

I got my digital camera yesterday! Nothing fancy. Just something that I can take silly pictures with and help with selling some stuff online. My self-portrait (at right) was during my first self photo shoot. I'm excited about just taking random pictures. I think it'll be good for me.

So look for random pictures of the day! I hope to take a picture most everyday concerning what I've done and experienced no matter how mundane it may be. It should make for some good posts.

Anyway, thanks for stopping by and I'll catch you later.

Today's Random Photo:

Indecision Day

2007-04-09T12:13:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm at work and I can't decide what to do for lunch. I started looking at my blog. Just staring at it. Hoping that an answer about what to eat would somehow be spoken from my computer screen. But since I'm on my blog I might as well blog, right? So, here I am...confused about what to do for lunch, and here you are reading about it. What lives we have!

My dilemma is that I didn't bring any food for lunch. So that means that I'd have to leave to get food. Which is no problem except that my car is pretty much on empty at the moment. So I could get food and come back, but that would limit the amount of gas I have to get to a gas station after work (no reputable gas stations in the downtown area that I'd like to brave today--or anyday).

But I could hop in my car, head out of town, get gas, go to Target to buy a digital camera, and then snag some food on my way back to work. The only reason I would do this is to get my hands on my camera NOW!!! I decided last night that I would buy a semi-cheap digital camera for all my activities in the coming months, and I want. it. NOW!!! I'm a bit of a tech geek, although I NEVER fully know about any of my gear. I guess you could say that I'm a lazy geek.

So...after all this...I still don't know what to do.

Maybe I'll just stay here, be patient about getting my camera, and just eat a light lunch--popcorn. Then, after work I can go get gas, get my camera, and get some heavier food for dinner and explore the world of digital photography. I think I like that plan...that way I'll have something to look forward to after work.

Lesson #1 about me: I'm VERY indecisive about food.
Lesson #2: I love technology, but am lazy about how much I know.
Lesson #3: There's few easy decisions in my life.

Hi!

2007-04-07T23:09:00.000-05:00

This is my first real blog space (beyond myspace.com) and my first real post. Hopefully this will be a place where you can get to know me a bit better, and a place where I can get to know myself better as well. It will be a trial and error sort of thing. So forgive me if I'm a bit naive or immature in my posts. But I have big plans for this thing and I hope to get it up to speed soon. So...check back often! Hopefully I won't get too busy to update. Later.