Janet Varney

photo taken by Clayton Hodges

One of the cool things about working for Austin Fusion is all the cool stuff I’m able to do, and the amazing people I’ve been able to meet. The coverage for the Moontower Comedy and Oddity Festival was no exception, and I was able to meet and interview the very talented Janet Varney.

Janet Varney was at the Moontower as part of the sketch group Theme Park. Jessica and I sent over a request for an interview based on her involvement with SF Sketchfest.  She is a co-producer and creator the festival that’s grown to be one of the most talked about comedy festival.  I wanted to get her opinions and insight on Moontower.  All the typical questions you tend to ask when someone has knowledge on a subject you’re writing about.

To my surprise, and joy, we ended up talking about so much more than that.  Yes, we talked about the festival, and if you read the Moontower article on Austin Fusion (link) you would of read her wonderful insight.  We also talked about her new job as the voice of Korra from the Avatar series in The Legend of Korra, her new podcast JV Club.  By the end of the conversation, we (AFM staff) had a woman’s crush on her; she’s just so sweet!

I hope you enjoy, and please check out all that Janet has done.  I promise you won’t regret it.

IMDb

Twitter

Website

JV Club Podcast on The Nerdist Network

JV Club Facebook page for bonus material

SF Sketchfest

Keep an eye out for some upcoming projects.  An online show with Ben Stiller’s company, called Burning Love, and her show with dear friend Neil Patrick Harris on The Nerdist YouTube Channel (spoiler, there are lots of puppets)!

 LMM: How has your experience been at Moontower, at our inaugural year?

JV: I’ve been so impressed.  Our festival just celebrated its 11^th year, and to be in the first year and it be this smoothly run, with excellent communication leading up to it, it’s nailing everything.

LMM: What was behind starting the Sketchfest?

JV: The whole reason we did the festival was because we had a hard time finding places to perform. We wanted to do a run, but couldn’t afford a theater to rent, so we asked five other sketch groups if they wanted to help with the rent, and promoted it like a festival. What we were doing was unique enough that we got some crazy coverage, and we sold out every show.  The second year we took applications from elsewhere, and had two headliners; Fred Willard and his sketch group, and Upright Citizen’s Brigade. The following year we asked a few more headliners, and it just grew out from there.

LMM: Do you find that people want to be involved now?

JV: Yes. The word of mouth has been really great, and the ripple effect of those involved has been amazing.

LMM:  With listening to so many podcasts, the weeks leading up to it, they all seem so excited to be involved with it.

JV: Yeah, it’s so great. What podcasts are you listening to?

LMM:  Oh man.  Um…The Nerdist, Jordan Jesse Go, Pod F. Tompkast, Marc Maron. I’m listening to like 19.

JV: I’m such a music nerd, and I have some friends who listen to NPR when they drive instead of music, and I envied them.  How can they learn while driving?  I just want to zone out and listen to music.  With the shift towards podcasting, things began to change for me.  Now, I just listen to Radiolab podcast. 

LMM: It’s been great, since I have a desk job, I can listen to all these shows.  Once I finish catching up, I am excited to download a few new ones.  Yours is next on my list.

JV: I’m always shocked when people come up to me and say they’ve listened to mine.  It’s so new, and I know how many other amazing choices they have.

LMM: How has your experience been with starting JV Club podcast?  Did having friends with podcasts help?

JV: It’s been so great.  I recorded so many episodes before I started airing them, and I’m glad I did it that way because it was really scary putting the first episode out.  With the podcast, you’re not playing a character; it’s a raw form of you.  I’m just talking, and if it doesn’t resonate with anyone I can’t blame him or her.  My friends have really helped in this venture; it’s been helpful to see the process on so many different types of shows, and of course dealing with the feedback. The negative comments hurt my feelings, but the positive things have been the most exciting feelings in the world. A few reviews even said they were surprised how well done it was for a first episode, and I appreciate that compliment, but it should be taken off me and placed right on those other people that showed me the way.  Without them, who knows what I’d be doing.

LMM:  All of the Nerdist podcasts are great; you know you’re going to hear something great.  It’s also a great way to be introduced to new comics.

JV: I’m so glad it’s become what we hoped it would, and that it hasn’t been over saturated.  There are so many choices, and there is something to celebrate about that.  That’s something great about the festival, too.  I don’t know if it’s because I’ve seen so much standup, but I really prefer a comedian on a podcast.  It’s not that their stand up isn’t great, cause it always is, but at the end of the day I would rather hear them talk.  What surprises them, when talking to a guest, is more electric than their act on stage.  That’s my best way to get to know a comic.

LMM: When you get to hear them on the podcast, you connect with them on a different level, which makes you understand their standup even more.

JV: I couldn’t agree more.

LMM: I hate to ask the typical question, but with the movie Bridesmaids being such a hit, do you feel it’s a new era for the female comic?  Do you feel there is more pressure to succeed?

JV: I think it has made a huge difference.  It sucks to go to a place, in the middle of celebrating, to be so excited yet worried that the trend will end.  I really hope it doesn’t end.  In a way I feel the pressure that we have to find a way to ride the wave.  We shouldn’t have to feel this way.  We should be able to feel that our work is valued, not because it’s part of a trend.

LMM: Can we discuss your voice over work in The Legend of Korra?  How has that experience been?

JV: I was so excited when I found out I got it.  It’s been so well received, and I’ve never experienced anything like that before.  It’s a great show.

LMM: I had a huge debut.

JV: It’s has a huge fan community, a protective anime fan community who know everything and more about the series.  If you know it, you know it and love it.

JH: I started watching the show, and I wanted to ask, did you have an influence on the visuals of Korra?  I ask because you both have the same striking eyes.

JV: Oh, thank you, that’s very sweet.  No, they had the character totally drawn.  I wish I could say I inspired any of it, because she’s awesome, but they had already illustrated the character. I, by the way, didn’t see any association at all. She’s awesome. I saw the character and was nervous about how to audition.  Oh, right, it’s a voice, and you don’t have to look like this. 

LMM: Is the first thing that you’ve done that’s been so fan oriented?

JV: Yes. This something fans are inspired by and reach out about their love of the show.  It’s the first thing I’ve ever done that… I get so emotional about it.  There is something so pure about it. They love the show, and they love and approve of me.  I get tweets from these fans, “You equal Korra.  Korra equals awesome.  You equal Awesome.” It feels so real, good natured, and positive.  I love that.

LMM: You’ve been doing a lot of new technology, with the online series and podcasting, is it fun coming back to something like Moontower, when you have an interaction with an audience.

JV: It’s been great.  There’s nothing like it. I don’t get to perform live all that often, so getting out in front of an audience, in a different city outside of LA, like Austin is great.   There is freshness here.  The audiences are smart, savvy, there to support; and that’s why people love performing in a city like Austin because they feel like everyone is having fun.  Performing in a city, be it a show or a festival, that supports your craft (comedy) makes such a difference.  The fans make it all so worthwhile.

Moontower Recap

Man, I had such an amazing time this past weekend at the Moontower Comedy and Oddity festival.  It was a great festival for a newbie.  Things were smoothly run, and if there were any issues, they were fixed the next day.  That says something about the staff and how much they care about their participants and performers.

In the course of 4 days I saw some awesome comedians: Jackie Kashian, Chelsea Peretti, Aziz Ansari, Moshe Kasher, Maria Bamford, TX Artist: Paul Varghese, JR Brow, Mike MacRae, Bob Biggerstaff, John Ramsey, 
John Tole, Matt Bearden, Aaron Aryanpur, and Chase Durousseau, John Mulaney, JB Smoove, Theme Park with Oscar Nunez, Janet Varney, Jessica Makinson, Cole Stratton with Special Guest Laraine Newman, and finally the a showcase with Rachel Feinstein, Joe Mande, Chelsea Peretti, Brody Stevens, Brendon Walsh, Sean Patton.

Lots of comedians, lots of different styles, and lots of laughs.
My favorites are Aziz, Moshe, John.  It was amazing to see Maria at work.  She gets so involved and into her characters when she's performing, it's fascinating to watch her work.  It was cool to see JB, I'm not familiar with his standup, so it was interesting to see his style.  We got a chance to talk to Janet, and will be posted our conversation on the 10th to coordinate with the Austin Fusion Magazine Moontower article, and she was so sweet and very friendly.

I hope we're able to continue covering this festival throughout it's growth.  Even though there are quite a few famous comedians, and some that are big in the comedy community (us comedy nerds know them), the festival was very calm and laid back.  We were able to get into the artist/badge lounge each day, and so did the comics.  They were relaxed and open to conversation.  I didn't go up to any (which I would of talked to Marc Maron), but it was cool to know they were there if you wanted to.   Then again, comics are friendly.

Such a great time.  I was sad to see the festival end.  I can't wait to see what happens next year, and especially see the line up.

Laughter is the best medicine.

Oh, so true.
It's been such a great few days with the Moontower Comedy festival.  We have seen some great acts; Jackie Kashian, Aziz Ansari, Moshe Kasher, Maria Bamford, and some good old Texas boys (Paul Varghese, Jr Brown, Mike MacRae, Bob Biggerstaff, John Ramse, John Tole, Chase Durousseau, Maat Bearden, and Aaron Aryampur).

That's one of the cool things about a festival like this.  With so much going on, while it can  be intimidating, you always have options and they are always good.
Yesterday we got out late from the Moshe/Maria show, and there wasn't anything we really could  make, except Texas Stew.  We knew we wanted to cover a local show, with local acts, just didn't know which one.  Man, it was awesome.

It was a rapid fire of comics and bits.  You were exposed to their comedy, and aware of who they are.  It's the beautiful by product of festivals.

I also mentioned yesterday that the festival had some growing pains.  They tackled those issues, being aware of what they were, and corrected them for the next day.  Pretty impressive.  Then again, when you're in a city that has a festival about every 2 months, you are familiar with how best to fix things.  Well done, Moontower, well done.

Today we have our first interview, with Janet Varney.  Looking forward to meeting her and getting an insight into her comic brain.  That's one of the coolest things about comics, they are so friendly and talkative.  I very much enjoy having conversations with comedians.  I hope I can have several throughout the rest of the festival.

For our scheduled shows, whatever happens.  We all have shows we want to see, so we'll let the night shape the road for us.  No matter what happens, it's going to be awesome.

I heart comedy.

If tonight is anything like last night...

it's going to be amazing.

It's so fun being apart of a festival, especially like Moontower.  It's one of those festivals that you know people are there  because they really enjoy the shows they are seeing.  It's like going to a comic con, or any con, in the sense that are you surrounded by liked minded people.

Although, since there are some pretty big names headlining the festival and they are on big networks, you also get the audience members who just know these actors/stand-ups from those shows.  A lot of the times the actor is not the same as the stand-up. 

I also noticed that your topics of conversation tend to revolve around the festival itself.  I never realized this before because I'm such a film nerd that I'm always talking about films.  Granted, I talk a lot about comedy as well, but that's besides the point.  I noticed that last night my conversations were about what comics we liked, what bits where our favorite, even which comics we've seen (which oddly enough sounded like I was bragging).  It makes complete sense though, you talk about what's around you.

So far my experience at the festival has been nice.  It's hard to have an entire feel for the festival after only one show, and you also have to take into consideration that they are going to have growing pains that every first year festival goes through.  Above it all though, I'm excited to be a part of it.

Tonight promises to be just as awesome, maybe even more so.  I have an idea of what to see, as my OCD organized person likes, but I'm also leaving it up to whatever strikes my fancy at the crucial decision time.  That's a brilliant element of a festival, and also their downfall, so many choices!

Today is the Day

Moontower Comedy and Oddity Festival starts today.  I'm so excited.  Comedy, yay! 

Our first show is going to be Maria Bamford.  I can't wait.  I remember watching one of her specials, years ago, and I have to admit, I didn't like it.  It's not necessarily that I couldn't get her comedy, I couldn't get over her voice (which I know probably wasn't her real one).  I've grown as a comedy nerd, and I'm pretty sure I can re-evaluate her stand-up routine.  That, and everyone freaking loves her.  If all the people I love, comics and fellow nerds, love her, there's got to be something to her.  I'm excited to revisit her stand-up and hopefully board the Maria Bamford train.

After that, I think we might try to get into Aziz.  I'm not sure, but that's what the original plan that I had mocked up would be.  Of course, we'll discuss it, Jessica-Clayton-myself, and figure out what we want to do, and what we can possibly get into.  (ah, the damn annoyance of festivals)  But, come on,  you know Aziz Ansari is going to be badass!  I've seen a bit of his stand-up and loved it. 

There will be a bit of pressure on me this week, which I don't mind, cause I'm definitely the biggest comedy nerd out of the three of us.  I will be leading the charge on what shows to catch, or who we have make sure we see.  It will be kind of fun to organize the raid for the next few days.  I just hope they like it as much as I know I'm going to.

Let's be honest, though, have you seen the list of comics?  It's an awesome list, any show is going to be badass!

So excited!  I love when work and my nerd traits collide. 

A New Chapter

These last two years have been a roller coast ride in life.  So many things have happened, some for the good and a lot for the bad.  I'm still working through the bad elements, and not sure if I'll ever fully recover, but that's okay.  Maybe one day I'll express it on here, it's something that people go through all the time, but it's still being worked out in my head and can't release it.

On the much bright side, things have been great in the career area.
I am now writing for a wonderful online magazine Austin Fusion Magazine.  It's been a great experience and I can't wait for things to continue to grow.

The other "crew" members are awesome and we have a great time together.  It's fun to be around people, it's fun to do things.  It's always a good thing when your co-workers are cool and you enjoy hanging out with them.

It's also been a great writing exercise for me.  I'm used to writing stories, creating this new world with situations and characters.  Now I'm writing interviews and descriptive pieces.  It's not that I'm horrible at it (my April interviews were awesome, if I do say so myself), it's just taken a few articles to feel totally comfortable in my new writing role. 

Viva Latino has also taken on a new life.  We have hooked up with iLatino.tv, and will be airing the new season, as well as starting a Fitness Channel.  It should be up and running by this summer, and I can't wait!  The girls at iLatino are amazing, and it's going to be a great venture for all involved.

It's an interesting time in my life, that's for sure.
Looking forward to all that's involved.

Speaking of which, check back this week for recaps of the upcoming Moontower Comedy and Oddity Festival.  Austin Fusion Magazine will be covering it (don't forget to read the article in the May issue of the magazine), and I'm so excited!  Comedians!  Awesome.

2012

Happy New Year!
I can't believe it's already 2012. Time seems to be going faster and faster as the years go by. I can't say I'm sad to see 2011 go, but I wasn't happy for it's quickness either.

2011 for me was a year of some very low lows, and some equally high highs.
It's funny how life can tend to do that. Maybe it does that on purpose, balancing out your existence and experiences to help in shaping a well-rounded human being. Or maybe things just happened to happen that way.

2011 set up a very interesting 2012. I know that this year will bring, going to stay positive, some of my best moments. I can feel them coming. I know that this will be the year that things really start growing within my career. 2011 did a good job with dropping some varied projects into my lap, of which I'm stoked! Yet, at the same time, whether I want to admit it or not, I'm afraid that this year might also be the hardest moments of my life. I want to stay positive and think that things will sustain, but I can't be selfish. So again, highs and lows are what is for seen in 2012.

With the shift that my life seems to be gravitating towards in 2012, I feel calm about things. Maybe this is a good thing. Maybe more good than bad will occur this year. Maybe it's my avoidance of reality that's kicking in. Maybe it'll be a year of acceptance as well as advancement.

I'm trying not to picture the year, or whatever time increment you want to use, is a positive or negative light, instead I'm focusing on taking things as they happen. It's not that the universe is for or against me, things just happen. Instead of focusing on what will happen, I just need to focus on my present and make sure that I'm happy and doing what I can, when I can.

That is my resolution, after all. To steal Chris Hardwick's line from "The Nerdist Way" (you should pick it up, fa sho!); Don't be a pawn for the darkness. It's a good life philosophy, but one step at a time.
I want to be a better person. Not that I think I'm a horrible person, cause I'm pretty rad, but there is always areas of my life that need to be worked on. All of us have those areas, so why not make a conscience effort to evolve.

Life is evolving everyday, from new career paths to a change in family. The only way you can experience the fullness of life to absorb everything, let it breath within your bones, and then incorporate it into your being. This seems like it would be the logical thing to do, however we tend to let our emotions take control over our thoughts and effect how we react. I'm a very emotional person, sometimes a person who relies on emotional contact, so not making it about my emotions is going to be a challenge. Instead, for every bad thing that makes me want to hide under my blanket for a week, I'm going to focus on the good in my life. It's all about balance.

A life of balance. That's not a bad resolution/goal to strive for either in 2012. I hope I'm able to attain/stick with my resolutions.
It's a new year, anything is possible.

I don't know what's wrong with me.

I don't know how many times I've talked about keeping up with this blog, especially since I'm actually a contributing writer to different things, yet I don't ever do it. I can't keep making excuses for myself. This time around, I was just lazy. I would of much rather listened to my podcasts and crochetted the Christmas presents for people. I'm promise it will happen less. (uh...)

As it gets closer to Christmas, I'm starting to concentrate on not getting stressed. This year I will be visiting my father and step-mom for the holidays. I'm looking forward to seeing and spending time with my dad. We've gotten closer in the last few years, and I do enjoy our time together.
It's not going to be as stress-free as it has been in times past, due to situations, but I'm focusing on the positive in hopes that positive energy wreaks havoc on the wicked.

It's always interesting spending Christmas with my father because he's not a big Christmas celebrator, never has been. I, on the other hand, love the holiday. I love decorating and spending time with those you love, buying personal gifts for people (I take gift giving very seriously). It's my family holiday. I don't even know if the house will be decorated. Not that I'm complaining, cause I would never. I am very happy and looking forward to seeing my dad, I'm just stating the fact that it's going to be different.

One other thing that I'm looking forward to and focusing on is New Years Eve. I will be away from friends, which is always a blow out, and will be with family. New Years Eve is one of my favorite friend holidays (along with Halloween). (I'm the nerd that dresses up in awesome things...that no one gets.) So, yes, selfishly I'm going to miss the drunken crazy of that night downtown. However, and a BIG HOWEVER, I not only will be with my father, who's birthday it will be, but I will be with not one, but both of my siblings. The first time in like 23 years. I'm serious, 23 years. Maybe ever, but that is a little unlikely. (not by much)

Oh, my siblings. I'm super bffs with my sister, so any time with her is awesome. I'm close to my brother, still looking up to the big bro. When you get the three of us together, which is a rarity, there is no telling what can happen. We've all gotten closer in the last few years, so I'm really excited to just be with them. I can't wait to have that conversation, "What do you mean you don't like Community?" The three nerds together again. Yes, there will be alcohol involved. The best thing about that, my brother will become a comedian himself! OMG, NYE is going to rock.

I may seem to be focusing a little too much on NYE, but I'm focusing on the positive than the negative of what could happen. This holiday season is something that we are all grateful for, one that we won't didn't necessarily know was going to happen, and may not ever again. It's not the easiest situation to go into, but there are enough things that will occur during these two weeks of the holidays to make these the best two weeks of the year.

My family is incredible important to me, and knowing that I will be ending 2011 with all of them means a lot to me. One memory that I know I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Run Away, Run Away...

In my head I picture the Monty Python crew running away from the 'French' castle while barnyard animals are being pelted at them. If only my issue was that funny.

I've realized in recent weeks that when the tough gets going, it takes all of my strength to not run and hide. I attribute this to my youth when I would get the belt for doing something bad. I don't want to imply that I was beat by any means, or that I have a fear of my parents in anyway (they are awesome, actually), but I never liked getting in trouble.

This isn't to say that I'm constantly getting in trouble in my adulthood, I've been quite good thank you. I've grown a lot since I was a child and have gainned strength I never knew I had. Yet, I still want to hide when things go down hill in my life. Like right now, I don't want to face reality.

Maybe that's what it is all about. I don't want to face the possible turn my life could be taking. I know that it's not anything new in the world, and many people, people I hold dear, have had to deal with in their lives, but I don't want it to be a part of mine.
Does that make me selfish? Probabaly, but that doesn't mean it's not any less hard.

This issue isn't something that's new to me, either. It's something that has been in the back of our minds for just about 10 years. The big difference now is that there might not be any more treatment options. That is the scariest thing and my worst fear. It's really hard not to shut down and question whether it's all worth it.

When issues like this happen to you, you find yourself questioning everything. What's the point in doing this if this person won't see it? Why do this if it isn't going to be anything more than an experience. It's hard not to fall into a huge depression pit. I let myself feel this way, I think it's healthy, for a few days. Usually I start to pick myself back up and move on. This time around, it's taking even more strength than usual.

I'm not really accomplishing my goal of movement, to be honest. I'm forcing myself to do things daily. I know it's not healthy, but until I know what my future path will be, I'm in limbo myself. That's what's the worst thing about this situation at the moment, we don't even know if there is or isn't any opions available to us.

I know that I will only run away so far. I can't completely check out. For one, I need to be there for him. I really believe that he gains strength from me, and I can't let him down, not now. I also know that if I let go of the rope while being in the pit, I could be done for. I don't know if I'm ready to give up. So, I continue on this battle and hopefully come out on top, not matter how appealing the hidden cubby-hole looks.

Back to Normal

I never thought I would be a schedule type of person, but there is something to say about having a daily routine.

October was a busy buys month for me.
First off, my dear friends got married. It was a beautiful wedding. It was at a vineyard just north of Austin, and we ended up staying in a hotel.

Yep, we after after partied there. Not too long, since we have a long night at the wedding. Before we went to the wedding we got some drinks, however they didn't have a liquor store close by, so we had to get malt beverages at the gas station. It was pretty hilarious.

As for the wedding itself, it was full of dancing, tears, smiles; a great time with great friends. That's one of the good things about going to a wedding of your close friends, when everyone you know will be there. My whole group of bffs, The IC, was there (half involved) so the night was one of the best nights we have all been together. At the end of the night, we even got the most amazing picture we have ever taken! I love this picture.

After the wedding, 4 days after the wedding, was the Austin Film Festival. I love this festival. It is always full of amazing movies and great panels. This year I got to see The Artist, The Rum Diary, Coriolanus. The panels I went to were Showrunners; Zombies, Apes, and Vampires; and Producing Outside the Norm. A week full of crazy. My highlight, meeting Martin Starr. He's so cool. (and Johnny Depp is awesomely rad!) To read more of my thoughts, go to www.austinfusionmagazine.com and see my November article.

Halloween. I love Halloween. It's one of my favorite holidays, my favorite friend holiday for sure. This year I went as Lucy and my bff went as Ricky. We looked amazing.
We spent the Saturday of Halloween at house parties, which was a nice change from the crazy of downtown. (And I didn't get super upset at the stupid sexy bag costumes.) I don't want to say it has anything to do with my age, cause I still like to party downtown, but I like the idea of house parties for events. We need to have more of those.

A few of us also went to a haunted house. I'm not the scary easily type of person, so it became very clear to me that I don't ever have to go to one of these. Sure, the anticipation of something jumping out at you was scarier than the things that actually jumped out at you. I also think that if you go in a large group, you're screwed. You hear the people ahead of you scream, so you know something is coming your way and you brace yourself. If it was with a smaller group, just you and the friends that came with you, it would be so much better. However, this would mean they would take FOREVER and you'd be waiting in line longer than the tour of the house itself. You really want to scare me, take me to a real haunted house and lets just hang out. No bueno.

November is now upon us. I wish it was colder outside, but it's a calmer month for me. I do have things coming up, but most of it is 'work at home' stuff so I can handle that with ease (and at work when we're slow) instead of running around town. This also starts the Xmas shopping time. I love shopping for my family, so this is never a chore. I have most of my ideas done, so that's good, and the others will come when they come.
I also have a wedding of a great friend of mine coming up. I can't wait to attend, but it's a simple wedding, and I already have my outfit, and there really aren't wedding gifts to get. It's just going to be a day together. Awesome.
I'm also working on articles for both Austin Fusion Magazine and Viva Latino (as well as attend the Wizard World Con), so I have a lot of 'work' coming up.

Okay, so it seems that November will be a full month too. Bring it on!

Favorite Albums

There are a few albums that I can listen to over and over again, just like movies.
Okay, so that's not exactly true. There are several that I can listen to over and over again (and tons of movies I can watch on repeat without getting annoyed or bored. Right now it's "How To Train Your Dragon.").

I am currently listening to one of them. It's an album that my sister made me for my 28th birthday. It is one of 4 cds, inside joke cds you could call them. They revolve around a certain book we used to swoon over (before realizing how awful they really were). One revolves around how heartbroken someone is, one is about how he's dealing with his decision to break up, one is all about being in love with your best friend, and one is just a bunch of random 90s rap songs. F-ing awesome.

I'm listening to the bff cd. Some of the songs are Interpol, TV on the Radio, Death Cab for Cutie, Cold War Kids, The Magnetic Fields, and Guided by Voices. They really are amazing songs. Sure, there has been a few times when I've listened to the album with other intentions, but most of the time it's just a good listen. I mean, the Pixies are on this mix.

The point is, there are those albums, those bands even, that you love so much that you just connect with and dance in your seat. The songs that when you listen to them you are transported to another time when you heard the song or the lyrics remind you of a place. It's all about the power of music.

That's why music is such an important player, in my opinion, in a movie. If it done well, you don't even notice, but if it's done bad you can't pay attention to anything but. Then there's the ones that don't use any music at all and can still evoke emotion.

Granted, there is the other side of the coin with the songs that just are bad. They don't have a good beat, their lyrics are lame, and you just can't wait to turn it off.
Then again, if they are still making music, some one have to like them, right? Maybe they don't like the music I listen to and can't wait to turn off Band of Horses. Music is objective after all.

No matter what way you look at it, music is one of those creative means that makes many people smile. I love it, and I love listening to "She Will Be...The Death of Me!"

The Flood Gates Have Opened

It seemed to come out of nowhere, really, but I have not been able to stop coming up and participating in creative ventures.

If it's designing jewelry, composing mixed cds, crocheting various projects, making a wedding card box, or working on my scripts. Out of the elements named, I'm only NOT doing one. And even then I'm still trying to find my Sparkly.

My Sparkly. Do you remember the movie "Secret of NIMH"? I LOVE this movie. It's one of my childhood favorites, one that was missed by the masses but should not have been. One that I have also shared with my niece (even though I don't think she loved/loves it as much as I did/do). I am putting together my outfit for my dear, dear friend's wedding in a few weeks. I am planning on wearing red shoes and want the amulet from that movie, or something similar, to wear with my planned jewelry. Charcoal colored dress, red shoes, cultured pearls with a red amulet. It's going to be awesome. Classic with a hint of wild. Anyways, I've been looking for a red pendant that could pass as the amulet to attach to the strand of pearls I already bought. So far, sadly, not too much luck. But, I have a few more places to check out. I don't know what I'll do if can't find out. Na, I'll probably make it.

Okay, so my little cousin is turning 1. In order to save the surprise in case his parents read this, I'll just leave it at that, I'm composing cds for his bday. Yep, cds, plural, as in two. =)

Crocheting, also for gifts. One dealing with the cousin above, which if I can make the plans in my head come to life, it's going to be awesome! I also made a stuffed bear for a friend's kid's first bday. (Lots of baby's turning one!) I also have future projects that I'm starting to plan and am itching to do. Have to finish the little one's first!

My dear, dear friends asked me (or the bride technically did) to make a box to hold all the wedding cards at the wedding. You know, one place to put the cards instead of on other presents and risk losing them. Anyways, I have almost everything I need, and just need to make a pattern and follow through with everything. Again, this is one that the plan is in my head and I'm hoping beyond hope it's as easy as I see it. I told some other IC members about it, and they were a little shocked at how much is involved. Although, they weren't surprised. If you ask me to make something for you, I don't hold back. Especially for people who are so near and dear. I definitely make things with love.

Finally, my script. I've started another one. Yes, I know I need to do a second draft of the summer one, but I couldn't stop thinking about this one. (So what if I'm casting in my head before it's even written.) I sort of jumped right into it without writing a treatment. Not that that's necessarily a bad thing. My mind is full of ideas and scenes and the direction of the story, so writing, when I get to it, flows pretty easy. It's fun to be writing like that again. I really do like creating a world for these characters and see what happens. It's like you have this shell of people, fill them with a juicy center, then drop them into the Colosseum and see what happens.

It's fun to be overflowing with creative energy. It truly does make me happy.

Idris Elba Day!

That's what I'm officially declaring today. Why, you ask, because Luther is back! Season 2 airs on BBC America tonight and I can't wait. I'm evening having a dinner party to watch it with other fans...Okay so it's me and my in-laws but whatever.

The first season was amazing. My sis-in-law turned me on to it, and I watched all 6 episodes pretty much back to back on Netflix. That's a lot to get through. In the sense that it's not the easiest show to watch because of the dark subject matter and emotional roller coaster you end up going on. But I think it's also the best way to watch the show. You are so involved with the characters that you want to know immediately what happens to them. The only problem, when you're done you're at a loss for the show. I'm also excited to watch it as a serial and watch it week to week. Real time viewing (minus the fact that it already aired in England).

I won't spoil anything because I hate doing that, and you need to watch it, but I can't even imagine what's going to happen this season, where it's going to go.
The unthinkable happened last year (which was dealt with nicely) and I don't know if he can come back from that. All of those involved, crazy different backgrounds, but all in this together...What! So amazing.

The next question is about his co-workers. What is that dynamic going to be like. There was this fantastic evolution with several co-workers, you wonder if it's going to fold into itself. How much do they know about each other, how much will they question authority and do what they think is right.

Oh, and then there's always Alice. I really hope she stays one of the main focuses. However, with this new season, will they continue with her being the "Big Bad" or bring in something/one new? They could go the typical serial type and have each season (he just signed on for a 3rd!!) have a new focus, or they could just stay on track and continue from what they left off on. There is definitely enough story and subplots to continue on the same road.

Man, so many questions.
I love good TV!

New Television Shows

TV Season, 2011.
Not bad so far. I know this probably should go in the TV section, but whatever. I'm such a TV person that the new fall schedule makes me happy. I guess the easiest way to do this is what is my new favorite show for each day.

Monday: 2 Broke Girls
First off, I like Kat Dennings. I've surprising seen many of her films (true, sometimes by accident), but I've her even in the bad movies. I like the writting, it's smart and witty (thank you Whitney Cummings). I think it's realistic, but with outlandish humor. Does that even make sense? To me it does. True, a server would never talk back to a customer (without getting fired), but it's the dialogue they all wish they can say. I also though the pilot was funny. It laid out the entire show, there is an end in sight, and you can imagine the crazy stuff in the middle of it all.
I'm excited for Terra Nova, though. So we'll see after tonight.

Tuesday:
Yeah, I'm not sure yet. I'm watching Ringer with SMG, but I'm not sure. I liked the pilot, there is a twisted web of mystery. Besides, it's SMG, it's Buffy. The second episode though, sucked. It told the same plot points and storylines over and over again, which was already set in motion in the pilot. I will stick with it, just don't know if I'll make it a whole season.
Also, New Girl. Yes, Zooey Deschanel is absolutely adorable. It's funny and nerdy and a little much. The little much part, not sure how much I can handle that. Granted, Happy Endings is a little much, but I connect with those characters so I deal with it well. We'll see. I'm sure I'll end up loving it.

Wednesday
Not watching anything new, but it's the night of Luther, so yeah.

Thursday: Person of Interest
JJ Abrams. Enough said.

Friday
So excited for Grimm!

Sunday:
Can't wait for Once Upon A Time!

ACL 2011

Well, I made it, once more, through the crazy weekend known as Austin City Limits Festival. 3 days of music, weird Texas weather, and good friends. It's really an amazing part of my year, and I can't imagine not going.

I have now been 5 years in a row. Each year is different in it's line-up and personal atmosphere. For example, last year was a solitary year with indie bands I heard about from my bro-in-law, and this year was hanging with different groups of friends and exploration of new music. Each year I have more and more fun, each year I hear more and more awesome bands.

This year, though, I think I'm going to go something about the new music. I've only bough records one other year, and those are some of my favs! This year, I will get an album of one new band for each of the days. 3 new albums: Friday=Santigold, Saturday=Cut Copy, Sunday=Elbow.
I have also realized that my favorite types of shows to see at ACL, besides my favorite bands obviously, are the DJ/electronic sets. Something about dancing around to random yet manicured beats in the heat is awesome.

My Friday this year was spent with my friend from Houston. We haven't seen each other since she moved up there, a year ago, and it was awesome to spend all day with her. Not only do we totally get along, but there is this connection that the two of us have. For not really hanging out or talking all that much, and that our friendship is sorta new, it's pretty freaking awesome.
Saturday was spent bouncing between my groups of friends. I saw some great bands, not really having a schedule, it wasn't too crazy. I was able to see Stevie Wonder, who was amazing. I didn't stay the entire show, though. Not that I didn't want to, but I did want to rest up for Sunday and at the end of the night I was a bit tired of everyone. (more on that later)
Sunday was a day with the besties. For the second year in a row, my boys came on Sunday. I love my boys, and we had a good time checking out everyone's music choice, and everything worked out schedule wise. We also had a friend with us who had never been at ACL. This was her first day, ever. It was pretty awesome. I'm glad I got to be her host and show her how awesome it is. I am a bit of an old pro, so I of course had her try The Mighty Cone!

Okay, so people on Saturday.
The only real designated spots they have for the audience is where you can and cannot take your chairs. Other than that, it's open season. There are no designated walk ways or blanket only areas. People were just getting so upset if someone walked in front of them in the crowd. Where else are we suppose to go? Seriously, you're at an outdoor festival, where there are a good 60,000-80,000 people. I'm sorry in my attempt to get out of the ridiculous crowd I stepped on your blanket on the ground! Where were my Austinites at?

With that minor mishap, I had a great time. It's a place where you can go for 3 days, listen to good music, maybe meet up with people maybe not, and just there. You can kind of check out from time to time, and that isolation while being in a crowd is nice.

Now I get to prepare for the Austin Film Festival. Yes!

The First Week of School

There are a few things that I really enjoy about my day job. You could even call them perks. I can relearn and study up on history, refreshing my knowledge. I can also read stories and books that I might have never read, or reread some of my favorites. I also can challenge my memory on whether or not I remember the correct Algebra equation to answer the problem.

One of my favorites though, is the questionnaire they give at the beginning of school so the teacher can get to know the students. This is a very personal perk. I don't know what it is, but I love filling out questionnaires or quizzes about myself. I always have, I used to fill them out in the teen magazines of my youth. I'm sure there's some deep rooted answer to this, or the simple on of narcissism. Either way, I have fun with them.

So, to fulfill the narcissistic element of myself, I will fill out one that was handed to our 5th grader. I'll do just one, because otherwise I won't get anything done.

My family: I have an amazing mom, a strong father, a heroic brother, and a creative sister. All of which are amazing! I also have a step-mom, awesome in-laws, and a niece and nephew I love more than myself.

My birthday, birthplace and places I have lived: Being from a military background this is a fun question. I was born in Cheyenne Wy on January 31 at Fort Warren Air Force base. I have also lived in Omaha NB and Eatontown NJ, and McAllen TX for a while.

My hobbies, talents, pets, sports, and other interests: I like to make jewelry and write screenplays in my spare time, as well as paint and make cards and scrapbooks. Pretty much anything you can do with your hands, I can do. I'm a pretty creative person. At the moment I don't have any pets, but we are in the market for one. It's been a while since we've had a pet in the house, and I'm beginning to miss my furry companion. I love playing volleyball, pool party/beach v-ball is my favorite summer activity. I'm also getting really into kickboxing, and have branched out (slightly at the moment) into martial arts. I love reading books and watching movies/TV, spending time with my friends and family, having a wonderful conversation over a beverage...

The most interesting experience of my life: I've had some awesome experiences in my life. I've been able to travel to several places in the states, and out of country. I've had the crazy nights with my friends, in city and out of city. I've had the monumental concert experiences, seen some awesome bands. But, if I had to pick one to talk about, I'll discuss my 30th birthday.
It started with the spending a day in Fredricksburg with my dad and having a great time just being together, being close, being a father-daughter team. Then, the night before I left for my trip, my friends threw me a dinner/drinks party at a wine bar. All of the IC was there, even a bff from out of state flew in just to see me. They all made me bday cards, which is something I always do for them. Then, I went to see my sister and bro-in-law in WA and we spent the weekend in Vancouver Canada. Not a bad way to start off your 30s, not at all.

My best memory from past years: I have a lot of great memories from my youth. Most of them include my brother. However, I'll say one that involves my sister, to show her that I don't just think of how mean she was to me. I was 13, I believe, and Interview with the Vampire was soon to be released in theaters. Of course I couldn't get in on my own, and my mom wasn't going to take me for she hates 'horror' films (that has since changed). My sister offered to take me, on one condition. The condition being that I had to read the book before I saw the movie. I think I complained at first, I wasn't ever a big reader when I was younger, but I did it for the movie. I loved the book! It also started me wanting to read the books (usually before) I see a movie adaptation. Anyways, I remember going with my sister and her bff (who they are still friends, and who I hang out with from time to time and view as a sister) in the bffs red Chevy Beretta to Northcross Mall. One of the times when my sister let me hang out with her and her friends when I was younger, and had a great time (and loved the movie).

My favorite school subjects: I love History and English. My favorite classes in college were Gothic English, Military History, Vampires in Eastern Europe, and Narration in World Cinema.

My favorite books, foods, movie, and TV shows: Books would be Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein, Harry Potter, and The Hunger Games. Foods would be Mom's home cooking, Asian, and really good hamburgers. Movies would be Casablanca, Millions (Danny Boyle), Fifth Element (Luc Besson), Talk to Her (Almodovar)... My favorite TV shows would be Buffy, White Collar, SOA, The Shield (am going to start The Wire so chill), Extras...

My plans for the future: My main plan for the future is to be happy. I know it sounds lame and a cop out, but it's true. As long as I continue to make choices that make me happy, then I'm set. Sure I want to work in the industry and direct a script of mine and continuing writing, but that's stuff that makes me happy. I want to spend time with my loved ones and stay close, but that fills my heart with love. I would like to have a family one day, but that'll come when I finally meet my Mr. Darcy and makes me happy. It all comes down to being happy with where you are and who you are. Everything else is just details.

Those Guys

You know the ones I'm talking about. These are the ones that you can't stop thinking about. These are the ones that you feel you have a connection with, you enjoy spending time with them, and they make you feel all gitty and teen-like. These are the ones that you find out want nothing to do with you. These are the ones that don't think of you as you think of them. These are the ones that after all of that, you still find yourself thinking about from time to time.

We don't know why we do this to ourselves. Our entire psyche is telling us this is unhealthy, that we are causing ourselves more pain than what this person is worth. Yet, stubbornly we don't listen. We think it's fun to imagine how things could have gone if you were controlling the universe. We like to think how things in our perfect world would be.

This has happened to me many times in my life. While the type of guys has changed, the situations have not. You would have thought that I would have learned at one point or another that what I'm doing is wrong. Nope, I must have missed that lecture. In the past, I would have at least learned a little something about myself and what type of guy I was "crushing" on. I wouldn't necessarily change, but I would realize that maybe these aren't the healthiest types for me, the ones that don't fit my life and lifestyle. Maybe I did learn a little after all.

It's actually fun to look back at my tastes in guys and see the evolution from when I was a teen to an adult. To make this fun, I'll use my Hollywood crushes as examples: Devon Sawa/Jonathan Brandis' to the Elijah Woods/Mike Vitars to the Justin Timberlakes/Josh Harnetts to the Orlando Blooms to the Chris Kliens to the Jake Gyllenhaals to the Brandon Boyds to the Chris Evans' to the Joel Edgerton/Alex O'Loughlins (some of the later ones have yet to fade). Typical, I know. The pretty boys to the tall dark and handsoms to the musicians to the men. At least this is how I see it. I should see it, they're my types.

Most of that evolution comes with age. Being in my 30s (gasp! still think it's weird), I want to feel secure. I want to feel like I'm taken care of, but not suffocated. It's that traditional model with a modern twist. I always say that my perfect man is Mr. Darcy. One who challenges you and pushes you to look deep inside yourself to find out who you are, and the one who will love you for you and who doesn't want to change anything about you.

That seems to have been a problem for me recently. I thought I had found my Darcy. Now don't go all crazy like and think I said the one, because I so did not! Yeah, I may be around the new marrying age, but I'm not about to just jump into a dress and haul myself down the aisle. I'm still having way to much fun with my life to think about that. But yes, I do think I'm looking for someone to have a relationship with. I thought I found the guy I could have a relationship with. Then I thought I found someone who I had a lot in common with and would have a fun relationship with. Both of them went down in flames.

Rejection is an interesting word to use because I'm not sure one of them was rejection. I'm very sure the other one was, and it's whatever. That one would have been more fun than anything, and for me there was a crazy attraction (that has a root in a nerd element so we'll forget to mention that part) and knew it wouldn't be a long connection anyway. Not to say that I wouldn't try it or that it wouldn't be fun to try...I'm just okay with it burning in flames at the moment. The other one could of just been out of ignorance. Okay, okay...it probably was all my fault because I never said anything about how I felt.

I don't like to think of that, necessarily, as all my fault. I'm not your typical modern girl (my phrasing early was perfect, by the way). While I am very independent and am secure in my ideas and thoughts, I also believe that it doesn't always have to be the girl to make the first move. Why is it wrong to think that if a guy is interested he should approach the girl in question? That traditional element, and some more, of 'old school' courting is something that I think is missing in our generation. It also has to do with the fact that that tactic hasn't worked for me so I'm boycotting it for a while. If you're interested in me, you can approach me instead of me approaching someone who isn't interested in me. It makes sense to me.

Either way, there is a person I can't get out of my head. The thing that is so frustrating is that he was gone for a good while. I experienced something that knocked me down, so I separated myself from the situation. I did good. Yea me! Not so fast strong self, one little dose and I find myself right back where I was. Maybe I'm a little bit better now, at least now I know it's unhealthy for me.

What I really need to do is focus on something else. Put those emotions into something else. That is something a writer would say, isn't it? Having crushes on other guys has helped in the past. Almost helped. The last one was the one that I didn't expect to ever see again and ended up realizing we have stuff in common then resulted in rejection.

I think this time I'll just focus on my Hollywood crushes. It's more fun and the element of rejection isn't there. Unless I actually meet them, which in my career isn't all that impossible. All we can do then is hope things end up differently than before. Now that is what I call fun!

Welcome back....

The summer has officially ended for me. I'm back at work.

I didn't do much this summer, or at least it feels like it, but I did. I guess I'm referring to the list of household "To Dos" that I never finished. You always have those things of Spring Cleaning or Summer Projects that get pushed aside. I did do a few things on those lists, but with our super crazy hot summer, I just got lazy.

I spent many a days lying on the couch watching Netflix Instant. Amazing. It was fun just watching random movies. I cleared a lot of my Q, but then repopulated the list with television shows. I don't know if I'll ever get it down to a manageable number.

I did do some really awesome things this summer, too. Those days were mainly spent filming segments for "Viva Latino!" We have been on the air since July, and still doing strong. We're starting to get some buzz around town, which can only mean good things in the future.

It's been a really good summer in that sense. Our crew, at this point, have a sibling like relationship. Filming days may be long, but it's fun. It's nice to have such an awesome crew, and it's really nice that we all get along. It sucks that we can't film as much as we'd like, but our crew is still stationed in Beaumont for the time being. I think we all long for the day we are all based here....with a studio. Some day.

I also spent some awesome days with my bffs. Many a days just lounging by the pool. I actually have a tan, I have color! Then, one day of playing volleyball changes all that to me having tans lines. Ugh. That's okay, though. While I may be working again, our weather still is in summer mode. I have a few more pool days in my future.

I also got to travel. I went to Virginia to visit family. That may not be most people's idea of a summer vacation, but it's mine. I love spending time with family, especially those that live in other places. Besides, the whole act of traveling, plane trips and packing a suitcase, make it a vacation. I had an awesome time with my family. While I didn't get to see all that are in Virginia this time around, the ones that I did see was time I cherish. And plus, I got to go to my favorite clothing store, I was happy. Hey now, I'm still a girl and I do like to shop.

I didn't read as many books as I would have liked, or wrote as much as I had planned. I definitely didn't keep this up as I had planned many months ago. But, I do hope that with this new school year I will be more proactive on what I want to accomplish and create.

That new motivation will come from a few new places. For writing, I want to create. I want to get back to my roots and jump back into my characters and create this new world for someone. It's about writing down or perfecting this image I have in my head. It also helps that with my networking that is coming from Viva, I want to make sure my blog is up to date and presentable. I am a writer, and promoting myself as a writer, I need to write.
Another new motivation is coming from a side business. I have been making jewelry for a while now, and am expanding my talents every day. I've gotten compliments on some of the pieces I've made, for me or others, and think I have enough interest to sell. I'll start off small and reasonable, and make them one of a kind pieces for a particular person. We'll see what happens.

It's interesting, still, that I view my years as having two new beginnings. I have the obvious new beginning in the new year, but I also see the start of school as a new beginning. Between going to school and college, and now working for the district, our years start at the end of the summer. I have two times a year that I can recharge my batteries. I have two times a year I can refocus on what's important in my life. It's nice to have this. Now, if only I'll stick with it and not be hypnotized by the television and what all is offered....

Things they are a moving...

I know, it's been a while. Things have been busy, but mainly I've just been lazy. I don't know what it is as of late, but I've been super lazy in my personal life. Although, when I have the days of doing nothing, I feel bad and anxious, as if I'm supposed to be doing something. Of course, it turns out I should have been putting the finishing touches on Father's Day and nephew's birthday presents.

Moving on...
Things in my world seem to finally have settled. The past 5 months have been a roller coaster, one scary stressful ride. Luckily, things have worked itself out and things are good. They never will be perfect or fixed, but they are fine and that makes me happy. Since that aspect of my life has evened out, I feel balanced and content.

Of course, this also might have to do with the fact that I'm working on a television show.
I know, right, super exciting. It's something that has been in development for a while now but is now really starting to get going, production meetings and everything! It's going to be a great show that highlights the Latin community in Austin, and Austin in general. A lifestyle show about what makes us, us. It's great to be working with a crazy talented group, and personally exciting to show my stuff. It's also nice to be working in the industry again.

It's kinda weird to think that in a few short days I'll be on a set (so to speak) filming segments for our show. It's so great to know you're apart of something from the very beginning, and have a say and can help with what happens with the show. It's a big step for me, career wise, and I think that's why I'm so stoked about it. I know I will rock this position. The possibilities, and future possibilities, are endless.

So, here's my plug...!!!

Viva Latino!
CW Austin, channel 12 (knva for those non-cablers)
Sundays
First episode July 3, 2011

Ramble

I know, I know. But, things have been super busy lately. I know it's not an excuse, or a lame one at least. If it makes you feel any better, I have finished my script. Yay, go me. Work has been sorta busy, and at home I've been trying to get things together with all the new additions.

Eh, that's besides the point. I'm back, and writing and whatnot.
Man, AS, that is my new phrase because of you.

I am in a good place right now. I'm scared to say so, though. (dammit.)
I'm feeling good. Things have balanced out and seem to be doing okay. My family health issue is stable. I miss him, man do I miss him, but I know that this is the best thing. I still talk to him all the time, making sure to stay just as connected as we were when he was here. Career seems to be actually going. Little by little, but I have the road ahead of me know, and I'm on it. I'm doing things that I've wanted to do, and know that other things are just around the corner. I'm feeling better about myself. I started kickboxing, and there is such confidence and power that comes from hitting a 300 lb or so bag.

Balanced. Maybe that's how I should approach it. I know that the tables can turn any moment now, that while good, they aren't necessarily stable. It's happened in the past. I've talked about it before. I've declared my war on life, taking back what's mine, then getting pelleted from life. I've learned my lesson. What I need to do is take things one day at a time. Do what I want to do, what I feel I need to do, one item at a time. As they say, life is what happens when you make other plans.

I don't want to sound like I've had some big revelation or anything, but the roller coaster I've been on lately has made me realize that you can never be sure things will stay constant. I don't necessarily have my guard up, but I'm protecting myself. That's all I can do, really.

As they also say, take the bad with the good. Realize that bad stuff is going to happen, but you have to let it go and let in the positive. I think this is a good way to start my summer. My crazy exciting summer.