What Am I Doing?!

The movie Idiocracy is about future of the US, where it has transformed into a "dystopia where marketing, commercialism, and cultural anti-intellectualism run rampant and dysgenic pressure has resulted in a uniformly stupid human society." The most popular T.V. show is called "Ow, My Balls!" And it features an actor getting repeatedly hit in the balls...in a variety of different situations.







Me? I just spent 6 hours watching people pick random suitcases. Then, once all the suitcases were gone, they got money. Then another person got up and did the same thing.

I'm speaking, of course, about the show Deal or No Deal. 14,600,000 people watch this show every week. Apparently scientists have researched the show highlighting it's complexity in decision-making and probability. But to me, it was about as much fun as watching someone slowly scratch a lottery ticket. I remember when game shows required some kind of skill, or intelligence to play (even Press Your Luck had a round of trivia questions). It seems that a disturbing number of shows now are more interested in the personalities of the contestants than the actual competition.

But I've digressed terribly (and preachily). The point is, today I went crawling back to "audience work," and subjected myself to 6 hours of boredom.

Now, I don't want to step on any toes here, but things are going fairly well in this household of ours. Chad has received all of his SAG Background vouchers, and is now eligible to join the Union. Erika has also gained eligibility...but I'll let her tell you how (don't want to get in trouble for breaking big news before she gets to). Lindsay has secured her first (of the three required) SAG voucher, and is now taking classes at the Groundlings, and working pretty consistently in background gigs (including a semi-regular spot on the show Greek).

Then there's me. I watched Deal or No Deal for 6 hours, and got paid for it. I have zero SAG vouchers. The registration on my car has been expired for 2 months, and I don't have enough money to get it renewed (plus there is an exhaust leak, and a slowly dying starter and alternator). I earned a "King's Bounty" of "Just under $400" working Background last month. I've had one audition since returning from Bellingham. I've only worked once or twice a week as an extra since moving back.

All in all...things are not going well. But I don't say this to whine (although it sho' do feel good), just to let you all know where I'm at. I wish I could report happier things, but when the family clamors for updates (as is their right), I'm afraid I'm just not full of real great news at the moment. The household seems to be doing very well...but yours truly is in a bit of a rut at the moment (and not the awesome deer sex kind). Hopefully I'll break out soon -- damned if I'm going to let this business break my spirit. I just hope it's sooner rather than later...

As for specifics...well, here's what I know. I'll be appearing in my awesome blue blazer in a Benihana during the show 'Til Death, airing on September 24th. And that's all I know for now (there will be other shows, but the new seasons haven't started up fully yet).

But enough of that. Man...I go to make a simple update, then I get all whiny and weepy. Terrible.