A Little Laughter to Make Your Day...

Laughter is Medicinal!! 
How can you watch this and not laugh?
even just a little... 
This little baby really knows how to keep life in perspective!!

Television Pioneer Sid Caesar dies at the age of 91

Well, they say it happens in threes....

Sid Caesar, a true pioneer of television and comedy, passed away today at the age of 91.

His death marks the end of a life well lived.  How blessed was h to be able to have spent his life bringing laughter into the world?

With the passing of so many performers who've had an impact on my childhood, I'm reminded once again of how important it is to live life to the fullest with as few regrets as possible.

There is no point putting your dreams on hold because no one knows what tomorrow brings.

Shirley Temple Black: The Original Child Star dies at 85

I recall as a kid in Philadelphia watching Shirley Temple movies with my mum and sister. She was so sweet and endearing.  While it is sad that a treasure of my childhood has passed away, it is nice to know she had a rich full life and died peacefully at home.

With all the child stars whose lives fell apart from the pressures of fame, there is a lesson to be learned somewhere in the story of this child star who went on to become a diplomat and source of inspiration for many.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman Dead at 46?

What the hell is going on? 

I just heard that  Phillip Seymour Hoffman died at the age of 46 of an apparent drug overdose.  I'm stunned. What an incredible waste. This man had such talent. I just don't understand.

Just another reminder that life can turn on a dime so you better live your best life. 

JANUARY: Month-End Check-In on My 2014 Goals

I am working on holding myself more accountable to working on my goals for 2014. I think I may need to do a month end check-in just to keep me honest.

So far, things are looking pretty good.

1. I quit smoking "cold turkey" on January 5th and am going strong with no desire to smoke.
2  I also, have been using my LA Fitness membership.

Yes, I'm going to the gym almost every evening. For the month of January, my only goal was to show up at the gym as often as possible and just walk for an hour on the treadmill. At first it was to fight the nicotine withdrawal and insomnia that came with it for a solid week but now I am going because I like the feeling.

3. I have begun working on my Spanish studies but, honestly that has been not as consistent but some effort is being made.

4. I have been getting a bit more social.
I convinced a friend to join me in exploring different LA food joints. This month we went to this spot in the San Fernando Valley called "Lotus Vegan". Yes, I said vegan. No, I'm not becoming a vegan but I would like to add a few vegan dishes to my life but I prefer someone else to cook it so it actually tastes good. The cuisine was largely Thai and I loved it. It is pretty close to my house.It also has a nice vibe to the place so definitely going back again soon.

Not a bad start ...

Giving up cigarettes has been the best thing I could have done for myself. The cool thing is I am still able to hang out with my friends and play cards on Saturday nights. They still chain smoke and I don't try to get them to stop, I just drink some water and enjoy the company of friends. For some reason, something clicked in my mind and I am determined to remain an ex-smoker.        

2014 is a new beginning. A fresh start... I am excited for what amazing unknown blessing are already on their way.   I got a feeling... It's gonna be an awesome year!!!

Don't Quit...Keep Your Dreams Alive!!

I have made the decision that I just don't want to spend a lot of time complaining. That took up way too much time in 2013. Not that I will never complain again, but I will be avoiding getting  into that "head space" as much as possible. Even if I sound like a lunatic I want to focus on all the great things happening in my life.

Today, I had two auditions. My first was at Paramount Pictures. I went in, did my thing and left feeling amazing. I then proceeded to head over to Prospect Studios in Los Feliz. The crazy thing is, at my second audition,  I ran into a classmate of mine who I have not seen in years. We chatted a bit then both did our respective auditions. Again, I left feeling amazing.

I think the key was before I walked on either studio lot, I took the time to breathe and acknowledge the fact that I am living my dream. I am working as an actor. I get to wake up and say, come what may, I am following my dreams. With that frame of mind, it is almost impossible to get overcome with nerves or self-doubt. I'm living my dreams so I might as well enjoy each moment as it comes.

I must say, January has been pretty good. I am going in to shoot another episode of  "Hart of Dixie" as Ned and next Thursday, my funny "bit" on an episode of "Rake"  airs next Thursday. I am truly blessed.

I am gonna keep counting my blessings and see what wonderful new creative adventures are drawn into my life!

2014: A New Beginning

Ahhh...2014! A new year...a new opportunity to start fresh. I am grateful for 2013. I had some success in my career and this has me much more optimistic for what 2014 has in store.

I am happy I get to start things off with a small appearance on the new Fox show "Rake" with Greg Kinnear. Not exactly sure when it airs but still a nice way to kick things off. I had a blast on the set. Sometimes in the rush to succeed we forget why we do what we do. This set reminded me how much I love acting and that you have to enjoy each moment for what it is.

I have many goals for 2014:

Book more Film and TV work,
Lose weight,
Get into GREAT SHAPE by using my LA Fitness membership regularly
Make Healthier Food & Life Choices
Deepen My Spiritual & Meditative Practices
Laugh More
Track my Spending Better
Reduce Debt
Increase Net Worth
Quit Smoking
Improve my Spanish language skills
Become a Little More Social

Yeah..these are all achievable goals. If only half are manifested that is pretty good!