'Twas the Night Before Christmas

So it's Christmas Eve. Feels weird, doesn't it?

Last night, Ryan, Adam, and I helped decorate our cathedral. Setting up the trees and the nativity scenewas difficult but fun. Then we joined Alaina and her brother to hit up Dunkin Donuts and Coney Island.

Oh yeah. I also saw Black Swan yesterday. It was crazy but very good. It was a sort of film that I have not seen before - very dark and artsy. The whole movie had a dancing movement to it, and you can't help but get completely lost in it. Definitely check it out.



So far today, my family and I have been busy preparing - cleaning the house and baking cookies. The holidays always end up being stressful, and we started the day with an argument. After everyone had their say and cooled down, we sat in the living room with our heads in our hands. Now things are better, and I'm looking forward to break.

For some reason, I really missed my grandparents today. My church had a mass dedicated to them this morning at 7:00 am but none of us made it. I hope they're somewhere warm.

Well, wishing you all the best! Less than 24 hours until Christmas!

Saying Goodbye

The dorm building we stayed in at film camp had many groups staying in it, but the sixth floor remained unused. On the last night, my mentor David was on night patrol. He helped some of us break out and sneak to the lounge on the sixth floor.

By the time we got there, it was very late. We sat around and talked for awhile, and soon everyone started falling asleep. We headed back to our rooms knowing that tomorrow we would finally get to leave the black hole. But did we want to now?

After two weeks, we had truly become afamily. I knew some of the kids at film camp better than I knew kids at my own school. Together, we managed to complete some sweet short films and maintain our sanity.

The last day went by quickly. It all ended with a closing ceremony. Many parents and relatives showed up. We watched the movies we had made and got to see work by the screenwriting and comedy improv students.

After the certificates were handed out, I found Carol Anne, Danny, and Danielle, and we started walking toward the parking garage. Just like that, it was over. Walking back to the car, I felt strange. We all felt as if the two weeks would never end, but they did. And as I grabbed my luggage, I knew that I would most likely never see those people again.

I really miss you guys. I hope you are enjoying the end of summer, and I hope that we meet again someday.

"You met me at a very strange time in my life."
- Fight Club

Film Camp! Part One

Film Camp!

After four days, I had adjusted to living at Apartment de Brad, Danielle, et Erica. So as we approached UCLA after a breakfast stop at Hamburger Hamlet, I was a little nervous. Plus, as I mentioned earlier, after forking over all of my savings, I had high expectations for this camp.

Carol Anne and Danny escorted me to my room where we bumped into my roommate Walter. He looked to be about thirty. Now, I was even more nervous. We met with our groups, and the day soon began. It was of course awkward at first, but I expected this. The first day or two at any sort of camp is always awkward.

We then met with our professor for the next two weeks: Michael Wohl (Look him up - he wrote a book about editing with Final Cut Pro). He explained that we would be placed in groups of three or four. That night, we would have to come up with an idea for a five minute short film that involved minimal dialogue. We would pitch the ideas the next morning, and then he and a group of UCLA graduate film students would tear them to shreds.

I was placed in a group with Walter. That night, we met in our room with Reid and Kevin. Reid suggested a comedy about two men who formed competing lemonade stands. My fears were eased as we all liked the idea.

We survived the pitch the following morning and spent the rest of the week developing scripts, casting actors, and preparing for the shoot. We would have one day to film - Saturday.

The second day was fun, and by the third day, I was in love. Teenagers came to this Advanced Digital Filmmaking Camp from all over the country and all over the world. We all shared the same passion and the same drive. Naturally, we became a family.

More on this later. And one more thing... Walter was actually seventeen. He was also one of the nicest and funniest guys I have ever met. Lesson learned? Never judge a book by its cover. Duh.

Family

Meet the people that took care of me for three weeks.

About a year ago, I found my second mom. Her name is Carol Anne. She's my mother's cousin. She, with help form her husband Danny and children Brad and Danielle, is responsible for getting me out of Johnstown. I owe these amazing people a lot.

Brad has become like my big brother.

And then there's Danielle and Erica (a roommate and friend of Danielle and Brad). The three of them share an apartment, and it is there that I called home.

With them, it was impossible not to have fun. Carol Anne made sure that I ate at least five delicious meals each day. And Brad, Danielle, and Erica took me bar hopping, taught me new vocabulary, fed me sushi for the first time, and got me completely hooked on the stupid show Pretty Little Liars.

Thanks guys!

Toy Story 3!

For a late Father's Day gift, I decided to treat the family to a movie-going experience. The outing came with a price tag of $53 which is ridiculous, but it was probably only the second time that my whole family went to the movies together.

Anyway, Toy Story 3 was awesome! The movie opened up with an exciting reintroduction to the characters. I couldn't help but smile because I can still remember going to see Toy Story 2. Seeing Woody and other characters I grew up with on the screen was like a rebirth of my childhood.

The new Toy Story was interesting because I am now in the same boat as Andy as he heads off to college. I guess it's not all bad though. I started to gather together things for my California trip tonight, and I'm pretty excited. The message of Toy Story 3 was being able to move onto the the next chapter in your life. It also had a strong sense of family (which may bring a tear to your eye). I don't know what lies ahead, but I have my friends and family who will always be there for me, which is exciting in itself. Summer adventures, here I come.

Exposition! (Part Ten)

Meet Ryan.

Oh goodness.

He's my brother - three years younger than me. I felt obliged to include him because he plays a pretty big role in my life. We often argue, but he too is my partner in crime. Together, there's nothing we can't do.

I come from a family of six - mom, dad, me, Ryan, Tyler, and Addison (who is girl in case you were wondering - I have met boy Addisons). We're crazy, but we're family.