Jumping...is useless!

Stuff and nonsense.

2009-04-23T05:43:00.000-07:00

(Funny statues in the Vatican)
Here are some things we have been up to:

1. Trip to Rome! I called a mandatory Spring Break and we ended up in Italy. I highly reccommend this trip if you have time. The city is such the opposite of Dubai. We rented an apartment very close to the Trevi fountain and Spanish steps. Because I am lazy, here is a link to the pictures on facebook.

Roma!

More Roma!

2. I have been writing up a storm. I have a very cool idea for a very different book and am now at 80,000 words - should be finished the the rough draft next month. I hope to start looking again for an agent by the end of this year.

3. We both have kept our jobs. Some friends here have not been so lucky. Eric and I are both grateful to be employed.

4. I turned 29 last month and had a surprisingly amazing day.

5. I seem to have lost my sister. If found, please return to the Brandts. Seriously, no communication for going on 6 months....

I have a case of the 'I wants.'

2009-03-11T04:55:00.001-07:00

A little extra time at work, huh? I should be busy at work on the new book, but this is way more fun.

Hope all is well in your part of the world...

Erin posting made me want to post.

2008-10-03T01:28:00.000-07:00

A busy month. Here, some pictures tell more words than I can.

I is pretty sumtimes.

2008-09-09T08:12:00.001-07:00

I am still alive - this is my new author picture. I have others, and they are good too. My friend Heidi is way talented.

Uhh...processing September - too busy.

States = good.

Paris plans in December.

My second attemp at a book trailer.

2008-05-27T03:43:00.000-07:00

For funzies.

My first attempt at a book trailer.

2008-05-27T03:42:00.000-07:00

Thoughts?

So, it's been awhile.

2008-04-22T09:27:00.001-07:00

A lot has been happening since our trip to Muscat.

In no particular order:

1. Going to Dubai World Cup (fancy pants races and getting to wear a hat)

2. Getting my gall bladder out!!!!! Health care in the UAE is fantabulous...having a gall bladder attach is not. Can you say screaming in agony? Can you also say weight loss?

3. My parents visiting.

4. Deciding to publish my next book, which will be out later this year - I hope!

5. Eric's been to Cairo (twice).

6. Turning 28.

7, Almost no contact with Dr. Erin Brandt!

8. Helping plan my 10 year HS reunion (from Dubai).

9. Not working a lot - between vacation and recovery and a lot of time watching bad TV.

10. A trip to the beach with my new work which was full of hijinxery.

Omaniacs!

2008-02-04T02:05:00.001-08:00

So, Eric and I took our first trip out of the country and drove to Muscat, Oman for the weekend. It is SO relaxed compared to Dubai, and was a nice change for us. The drive was easy - about 4.5 hours - roughly the same distance between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, although we did have to drive through a bit of a sandstorm to arrive. Muscat is the type of city easily accomplished in a day, so we spread things out, and explored the beaches, the port, and some of the shopping for Saturday and Sunday. All in all, it was the kind of place you stop and say, "Maybe we should think about moving here..."

One more stamp for the passport! 0 Brandt's Hedgehogs seen.

Brandt's Hedgehog

2008-01-31T04:31:00.000-08:00

Who knew I had family in the Middle East?

Brandt's Hedgehog (Paraechinus hypomelas) is a species of desert hedgehog native to the Middle East and Middle Asia. Brandt's Hedgehog is approximately the size of the West European Hedgehog, but has distinctively large ears similar to the Long-eared Hedgehog and is a much faster runner due to lighter needle protection. It is a fast runner, but, unlike the Long-eared Hedgehog, predominantely nocturnal and uses cuddling tactic more often, although still employing "jumping" attack.

Brandt's Hedgehog prefers arid desert areas and mountains. It uses natural shelter a lot, although it is still capable of digging dens when absolutely needed. It hibernates during colder weather.

It is named after (and by) Johann Friedrich von Brandt, a director of the Zoological Department at the St Petersburg Academy of Sciences.

Cuddling tactic, what??? We are related.

Also, baby hogs are called hoglets.

The end of an era...

2008-01-31T01:36:00.000-08:00

So, imagine my surprise today when I signed into facebook, looked over the 'groups' page and saw that 99X had been taken off the air. Immediately, I was brought back to high school, to the countless hours 99X had been the go to radio station in my car, how I woke up to it every morning, how it introduced me to bands I probably never would've listened to, Morning X with Barnes, Leslie and Jimmy, Live X, Organic X, the Pleasure Dome... Every visit home from the left coast, I would be happy to turn the dial to the familiar 99.7 and finally listen to some real music. KROQ in LA could never match the playlists and originality of my favorite home station.

When Eric and I left Atlanta in 2002, we departed very early in the morning, and tried our best to call the station - the Morning X - to try and get a song played. We were unsuccessful, but it was more that it seemed the appropriate thing to do. Like it was a way to say symbolically, "Hey, Atlanta, we're going to miss you." Arriving back in Atlanta with all our worldly possessions close to 5 years later, we called again, no luck, but it just seemed like the right thing to do, to announce to the city that we had returned.

Even here in Dubai, I would sometimes go to the home page and listen to the live broadcast - just for a slice of home.

Now, while the radio channel exists in cyberspace, it's not the same. What will the generation growing up in Atlanta listen to now?

In memoriam, 99X.

Things I love...

2008-01-28T04:12:00.001-08:00

So, I'm in the mall today and like usual, the music is cranked in every store. Even better? No store makes any effort to put on tracks that are 'family friendly' or radio edited. My old friends S--- and F--- get used all the time...no matter what the store. Eric and I were in a home goods store and a song came on and casually dropped F bombs like it was going out of style. It's funny, there's conservative behavior everywhere else, but g*dammint, they are going to have their rap music.

Hershkins - be jealous!

2008-01-27T11:39:00.000-08:00

So, this weekend, Eric and I drove the the highest point in the UAE - a place called Jebel Hafeet. It was a bit hazy, but we still had a nice time. It was made better by a few episodes of This American Life and no traffic.

Apocolypse...?

2008-01-14T02:50:00.000-08:00

So, quite honestly one of the weirdest things I ever experienced in my life. The city of Dubai is completely shut down. The reason? President Bush. Eric and I woke up this morning to find the roads completely deserted (imagine if the 101, the 405, and I-85, 78, and all the Peachtrees in Atlanta were shut down. Add to that the constantly circling helicopters and you'll get a sense of where we are.

Dubai is such a vibrant busy city, that it's weird to witness this particular occasion. I'll try and add some picture that Eric took on his phone of us walking down the middle of a usually packed road. We walked down to the mall, only to find it totally empty. the public and provate sectors were all officially shut down today. Eric says it feels like Savannah after a hurricane.

I'm glad for the day off, but ready for it to be tomorrow.

A Pakistani Joy Ride

2008-01-05T05:07:00.000-08:00

Umm...there is too much technology! Between facebook, blogger, and my digital picture frame, I have spent the better part of 4 hours updating everything. Oh well, I hope it's worth it.

So, when you live in a desert region, one of the things you have to do is go on an "Arabian Safari." Eric and I had held off on doing this activity, because, of course, it's way more fun to go with others. That's how me, B, Eric, Becky, Patty, and Paul ended up in a Land Cruiser with a Pakistani driver named Ali and on an adventure through the dunes on Christmas Eve.

We left Dubai at 2:45 in the afternoon, heading for the desert. Once there, we were definitely not disappointed. As we wound our way through the sand, taking pictures, posing for silly photographs, we finally found ourselves watching the sun dip below the horizon into the desert.

After dark, we went camel riding and then into a "village" for a delicious dinner, belly dancing, henna painting, shisha smoking, and star gazing. We were the last to leave, therefore allowing Ali to take the crazy route home. Driving faster and faster over dune after dune through the moonlight, my face actually hurt from laughing and smiling. After we filled our tires up with air, Ali cranked his own personal mix tape (Pakstani rap and R&B), and hit the roads of Dubai like we were still driving through the desert.

Somehow, we safely arrived home, and piling out of the car we ran into who else? Santa! Er, a weird version of Santa complete with blonde curls, but there he was in the parking lot. Not wanting to stop our party, Bridget, Eric and I went to the nearby "American Bar," the Boston Bar. Finding it loud and the drinks not as strong as we hoped, we left – but not without a parting souvenir.

That’s right, isn’t Christmas Eve all about stealing things? We had noticed party poppers on our way in, and determined to have our own, lifted two on the way out the door. Paper crowns in place and plastic whistles ready, we made our way to the Emirates Towers to a karaoke bar I had passed at least once a day, Harry Ghatto’s. There wasn’t much of a crowd, so we were able to (mostly) get down to the business of singing.

The night would’ve ended on a very high note here (pun intended) had it not been for Song Stealer. Basically, this guy refused to give up the mic to Bridget whose turn it actually was to sing. Now, December 24th might be about a little bit of thievery, but it is definitely NOT about hogging the mic and stealing someone else’s much anticipated song. Fortunately, one of Bridget’s super powers is a lethal stare. When the Song Stealer was done, he made the mistake of standing in B’s eye line. Shortly after, Bridget’s intense gaze proved to be too much and he busted out of the bar.

Ending around 2AM, altogether, it was one of the best Christmas Eve nights I’ve ever had.

Congratulations!

2008-01-02T23:50:00.000-08:00

With both sneaking in before the end of the new year, I'd like to say a congratulations and welcome to baby girls Dodge and Chambers! I wish you and your parents all the best.

The Token

2007-12-22T21:39:00.001-08:00

For most of my life, I have been in the majority. Not really by choice, more by circumstance than anything else. It’s an easy life being like everyone else. It’s effortless to fit in, but at the same time, this constant blending can get boring. So, when we made the decision to move three months ago, I realized, of course, I was going to be different. I wondered how I was going to make the transition.

Turns out, it’s a lot of fun to be the one who’s not like everyone else.

Here in Dubai, I’m getting my first taste of being the Token. From my experience so far, there just aren’t a lot of Americans running around in this particular Emirate. And you know what? That’s just fine by me. It means that every party, every gathering, every time I order in a restaurant, every taxi ride, every time I answer my cell phone, my accent, my being from the States, my very nationality marks me as unique – and usually inspires further dialogue and conversation.

You’ll have to understand that when you’re one of the over 10 million who call themselves an Angeleno or in a country populated by more than 30 million others, there’s not as much to distinguish yourself from the next person. For the most part, with the exception of regional accents, you are going to sound just like next person you meet, work with, or watch on screen. Here, however, more often than not, the person that sounds like me is actually Canadian and once again, I get to continue my status as Token.

Now, naturally, when you meet someone for the first time in Dubai, regardless of where they are from, there is a standard Q&A to get through: where do you live? How long have you been here? What brought you here? But in many (in fact, most) cases, a bond of nationality (I’m talking about you citizens of the United Kingdom, South Africa, Philippines, and Australia) is quite easily found. A camaraderie is struck over sports, school, food or politics. For my husband and I, that spark is not so easily found. Oh, don’t worry about us – we’re having a lot of fun learning all about what we’ve been missing by living in the States. Half the reason why we moved is because this world is a big place, and we’ve only lived in one particular part of it.

Maybe in the future I will miss interacting with my countrymen and women, but for now, there’s a lot of enjoyment in educating others about my nation. No, I didn’t vote for George Bush, yes, I’m embarrassed he’s the face and attitude so many people think of when they picture my United States.

So, even though I might adapt my speech patterns regularly, am slowly learning the subtle nuances between Rugby league and Rugby Union, have changed from miles to kilometers, Fahrenheit to Celsius, and “ize” to “ise.” I’m proud of my Token status, and will be more than happy to be “that Yank.”

From our festive party to yours...

2007-12-10T01:36:00.000-08:00

My best work mate, Jackie, Princess of Fiji, and I strike a pose at the ServCorp Dubai 2007 holiday party. It was fabulous darling, really!

I have no idea if I'll ever be able to figure out how to wear the sari again!!!

Pictures from Off Roading

2007-12-09T23:15:00.000-08:00

Yup, that's a real camel.

We look like ants.

6 Emirates: 24 Hours

2007-12-08T21:32:00.000-08:00

Here's the GPS from our Off Roading adventure this weekend!

Best. Names. Ever.

2007-12-06T01:26:00.000-08:00

So, my work is kind of getting on my nerves. They blocked facebook, our holiday party is going to be super lame, and I don't have any time to write, which annoys me. Still, I get little gems, and this week, I got not one, but two.

For the sake of privacy, I'll only share the best last names, ever:

Donkersloot

Seriously - look for this last name in an upcoming work of mine. The best ever?

Gotobed

No, you didn't read it wrong. Where did this name get started?? I have to know.

Irony, pure and simple.

2007-12-02T23:38:00.000-08:00

If UGA goes to the Rose Bowl, then, well...of course they will. Never mind that we now live 10 time zones away. Eric and I want to fly home and see them (hypothetically) kick some (hypothetical) USC butt!!!

Where do you work?

2007-12-02T23:07:00.000-08:00

Some shots from work. 42nd floor every day! The last picture is what the towers looked like last week - the marine layer is pretty awesome when we get it.

Lots of fun at Toys R Us...

2007-11-26T05:12:00.000-08:00

So, apparently, I am planning a bachelorette party for a co-worker that I have talked to 5 times. We are celebrating this weekend...I was trying to find some props to make the evening a fun one. Send good thoughts my way this Friday evening!!

Failing at Kiss Hello.

2007-11-12T04:18:00.001-08:00

Either way, here's my most recent lesson in being an expatriate...

One of the weird things that they don't tell you when you are moving to another country - is that everyone else in the world kisses each other ALL THE TIME - on the cheeks, at least twice, and sometimes more. Seriously. And I cannot get the hang of it. I always end up leaning in at a weird angle, or at the wrong time, or not enough, or just after I've reapplied tons of lip gloss, and I feel like I might as well wear a big sign that says, "I'm an American and I do not know what I'm doing. I cannot master a simple gesture." Now, it's not like I'm running around making out with everyone I meet, but apparently it's expected when you meet people and when you are saying your goodbyes. For example, we met up with a bunch of new people and you have to go through each person in the group and kiss hello - even if it's that you've just met. I'm sure you can imagine this takes a moment, and to me, feels completely awkward, "Hi, I just met you, now I will kiss you." I guess all I'm saying is that I really miss the hug. To me, hugs are a more universal, easier way to meet and greet. Oh, and it's really hard to mess them up. So, the next time I see you, and I look like I'm about to do something weird to your face, it's probably because of the Kiss Hello.

The world's largest spade

2007-11-12T04:12:00.000-08:00

So, this is how much Dubai likes to have World Records in EVERYTHING. So, Eric and I were shopping for outdoor furniture and happen upon the world's largest Spade. For realz. I know you are jealous. Here's something else to be jealous about - it's 80 degrees all the time here.

I hope this comes to the UAE....

2007-10-25T03:47:00.000-07:00

What a Week...

2007-10-24T22:50:00.000-07:00

So, back in the full swing of things here after a short week last week. It's been a busy five days and I'm very glad that it's Thursday! I got a cold, got a bad case of insomnia, had what seemed like a million early morning work meetings, and was happy to have my cats arrive safely. Tonight we get a bit of a reward and are headed out to celebrate Oktoberfest with the senior Cobbs.

Like everything else, getting the cats was an interesting endeavor. They arrived late from Amsterdam (past 11PM), so Eric and I were waiting around in Cargo Village at the import customs office for about 30 minutes or so. We finally made contact with the "agent" who was going to be actually picking up Brendan and Nubbins - he was vaguely eastern European and not necessarily the person I wanted to trust with my cats. He basically walked around the customs office, getting seemingly random stamps and paying cash to at least four different desks before he went out to the giant loading area and came back with the cats on the back of a little golf cart. I have no idea what would've happened if we had tried to get them on our own. We were so excited to see them.

I was worried, but it turned out they were the same as ever. They both had a sniff about the apartment, before using their new crap shack, eating some wet food, then some dry food, and then it was time for bed. Brendan spent most of the night walking around the room and telling me all about his exciting adventure.

Last night they were completely back to normal, and it seems as though they were always here with us. I'm sorry to have put them through such an ordeal, but I'm very glad to have them with me!

Just got word from Eric, apparently, we'll be able to start the move in process a few days early - like, this weekend!!! Pictures to follow soon.

I hope everyone in SoCal is okay - I guess Eric and I got out at the right time.

How many of you?

2007-10-21T04:36:00.001-07:00

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
18
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Musings...

2007-10-14T02:43:00.000-07:00

Probably the coolest thing about Dubai, and believe me, it's not the weather, is just how international the city is. We went out for a big old buffet dinner on Friday night, and our table was like the EU. There were English, Irish, Swiss, and French. At work, it's not different, in 22 employees there are: British, Lebanese, Phillipina, Fiji, Australian, and Irish. I am the token American. It's what I moved for, and I like that you never know what accent you're going to hear when someone opens their mouth. It begs the obvious observation that, "What about the Emerati?" Yes, all in good time. I don't want to be so Western specific, but at this point, leaving the wonderful and amazing friendships back in the States, I am desperate for companionship! That's probably the most difficult thing about the move. You try replacing 5-10 years of friendships all at once! It's impossible, because all my friends are true one of a kinds. A 'boop' to all of you.

Sentimentality aside, I have today and tomorrow off because of the Eid holiday - which is super nice. I'm abusing the free internet at work by catching up on about a month of being away from it. I went to the gym this morning and am hopeful this will be something I keep up with. Of course, laying at the pool tomorrow sounds like fun...

Eric and I spent the weekend further exploring the area, and scouting for our furniture. We also enjoyed a all you can eat, all you can drink buffet with some new friends.

It promises to be a busy week - hopefully, we'll be moving in to our apartment, there's a party on Friday, and we're supposed to get together for dinner with Bridget's parents soon.

Our new home away from home...

2007-10-07T20:41:00.000-07:00

Exterior shots of where we will be living - it's a fortress!! Guests are welcome.

And then there was Deira...

2007-10-06T05:59:00.000-07:00

Again, apologies for the lack of pictures. It's been difficult having to go to an Internet cafe to do all my e-mails...pictures soon - I hope!

So, last night, Eric and I decide that we're going to go grab some local food. No worries, there are a TON of places to eat. We (Eric) decide on a shisha place that is across the street from our temporary apartment. We kick off our shoes, kick back, crawl in, order a shisha, and then realize we are listening to "We Are The World." Yup, it's an all 80's CD and we are treated to "Lady in Red" as well as the stylings of Richard Marx. The best is when we hear Love Boat. Seriously. We've been in Deira since we arrived, it's a suburb in Dubai and very compact. There is bizarro traffic at all times of day, and all nationalities walking around. I have to admit, that the lifestyle of Dubai Festival City where we will be moving seems like more my pace.

Not to worry...we eat our shwarma (ummm...I'm trying to think what it is like) and hummus and have tea and smoke. It was nice, however, I'm looking forward to interacting with someone besides my husband tomorrow!

Less Than a Week...

2007-10-02T00:17:00.001-07:00

So, I've been here all of almost one week, and already I had my first interview! It's with a company that does something I excel at - executive assistance. Don't laugh, because it's actually a real skill. All those years of handling the Warner execs is really going to come in handy...

Either way, basically when really important executives come to town I help them out - at least that's what I can figure the job is. I have a second interview tomorrow and then...? Who knows? The great part is that my interviewer mentioned travel, like, if someone is needed in another office in let's say, Paris, then they see if one of us wants to go - sign me up! The salary is decent, they will pay for my visa, and a ticket home every year! (Eric's company is already paying for our tickets as well).

I got to go to the Emirates Towers to interview, and got my first "eagle eye" view of the city from the 41st floor (where the offices are) and it was amazing!!! Seriously.

In other news...Eric and I are moving clsoer to finding a place. Because Eric is basically totally hooked up with his company, we get first shot at some pretty amazing apartments in Dubai Festival City. If I get the job with Servcorp (which, yes, I know, sounds like some Animatronic fake name company - www.servcorp.net), then neither of our commutes would be that bad...which is saying a lot because traffic here is absolutely retarded. It's Atlanta and LA combined - but with NO RULES!!!

Anyway, things are definitely looking up - hope your past week was a good one.

Strangers in a Strange Land

2007-09-27T03:03:00.000-07:00

As-salaamu alaykom…

Well, I’ll go ahead and say that if you have the means, you really need to travel international business class if at all possible at least once in your life. Basically, Eric and I drank our way from ATL through to JFK and ended up in the Emirates lounge in New York. As much Veuve Cliquot as I can drink? Don’t mind if I do. Deluxe dinner buffet? Sounds great. Free magazines and internet connection? Thank you!

Boarding the plane, Eric and I settled into our fully reclining seats and began watching whatever we wanted on the 500 channels on the 17 inch screens in front of us. For some reason, around four in the morning I settled into the 15 stations of Disney animated features and fast-forwarded through to all the happy endings I could watch. The flight, all 13+ hours of it went by fairly quickly and once on the ground, our customs procedure was expedited because of our seating. We collected our bags, and after a slight hiccup in finding our driver, we headed to the Hawthorne Hotel in Deira (a suburb in Dubai).

Right away, we knew we were strangers in a strange land. If you’ve never visited a Muslim country, or have never been near a mosque, then you have probably never heard the lyrical Arabic chanting of the Adhan – one of the five times a day that there is a call to prayer. It is broadcast over a VERY loud PA system and can be heard for basically a 5-block radius. I can see how it would be a bother for some, but so far, I actually find it kind of soothing.

After a much needed shower, we began flipping through some familiar channels (CNN, ESPN – is there hope for watching college football???) before passing out cold.

The next morning we woke up even earlier than the first prayer – 5am – and laid awake for awhile before going to the breakfast at the hotel. Eric was fighting a cold, so we went back upstairs to lay down for a “few minutes” and woke up to find that it was already 1pm. Damn you jet lag!

I’m not sure why, but being abroad always makes me feel like I’m on an episode of The Amazing Race, so when we go to do something I feel like we have to do it in a hurry. This, coupled with the fact that the place we were trying to get to – a bank – closed early for Ramadan at 2PM, got me all kinds of agitated.
Getting a cab proved to be our first valuable lesson. Asking the hotel to call a cab makes sense, right? Yeah, not so much. So, Eric and I took to the sweltering streets and found ourselves a taxi. Upon arriving at HSBC, we were informed that unless we had a Salary Transfer letter, that we were out of luck and could not open an account. Strike one, Team Wright.

A little discouraged, we headed to the Mall of the Emirates to get cell phones, er, mobiles. For some reason, we first decided that we were starving and went to Carefour (kind of like if Super Walmart was attached to a giant mall and all the white and trashy people had been replaced Arab nationals), to get something to eat…however, it being Ramadan and all, we couldn’t actually eat in public, so I went to the closest bathroom to scarf down a Twix bar and drink my Coke Light (yup, that would be Diet Coke). Energy restored, we went to the Etisalat stand to get our phones and sign up for service. Oh wait, time to backtrack again – turns out you need a phone before they will sell you a card. Making our fourth lap around the Mall, we settled on some basic Samsungs and finally got ourselves connected.

Today’s quest has been to get Eric’s UAE drivers license. Of course, I was very good about getting us out of the country – but not so great about setting up things that needed to be done once we actually got to the Emirates. So, last night, I drafted up a list of all that was needed and this morning we set off – determined to get the gold card necessary for Eric to get his company car. After all, taxis are getting expensive!

After a brief lecture from the “translation” service guy about the virtues of women and marriage, we sat in a random room and waited for Eric’s number to be called. Success!

Like Eric said this morning, it’s all kind of like a big scavenger hunt. I’m hoping now to track down the clues that will find us a place to live and employment for me.

Yeah, I know that pictures would make this a lot more interesting...I just need to find the lead to the camera.

Road trip: Our Nubbins Approved Trip Across America

2007-09-13T13:04:00.000-07:00

Road trip: Our Nubbins Approved Trip Across America

The facts:
6 tanks of gas (roughly $50 each)
2532 miles
48 hours (total, 2AM Sunday – 2AM Tuesday)
38 hours driving
3 Red Bulls
4 Monsters
3 Coca Colas
1 giant Orange Drink
4 bottles of water
1 Caramel frappucino
0 Chick-Fila consumed

“What the hell am I doing, drinking in L.A., at 26?”
- Bran Van 3000

For whatever reason, we decided it would be optimal to leave on Sunday at 2AM, and why not? It’s not like we had been packing and selling everything we owned for the past week or anything. The decision made some hours before, we left our amazing going away party charged with excited energy, packed up the cats into our rental car (recently dubbed the Silver Douche), and quite unceremoniously, left Los Angeles. The night was cool, the stars were bright, and the smell was, well, disgusting. As per usual, Nubbins, our beloved and charismatic Japanese bobtail, decided to give us a smelly statement against being put in her cage. Not even three exits down the road; we pulled over, tossed the offending offering into the bushes of Griffith Park, and restarted our journey. Brendan Small, our extra large ginger colored cat and no veteran of long car rides decided that instead of defecating to show his annoyance, he would meow. Continuously. For 3 hours. I had planned on sleeping through the night so that I could take over driving for Eric in the morning…well, ear plugs and a pillow over my ears couldn’t shut out the vocal stylings of my scared cat. In my weird catatonic state, I would wake up to see Joshua trees whizzing by, the stars clearly marked against the early Sunday morning sky, and remember my friend James’ aversion to large windmills near Palm Springs – which were turning silently in the dark.

At 5AM, we pulled into a rest stop with the idea that Eric would quickly use the bathroom and we would continue on – of course, as soon as he returned, it became an unplanned nap time and we both passed out for an hour. We woke up just as the sun was rising (and the temperature in the car started climbing) and continued on our way, ever east, to the Arizona/California border. In a hazy blur, the day passed in a series of desert and mountain scenery, mile posts, small cities, funny and sad downloaded radio programs, and rest stops until we finally reached Interstate 20 in the Lone Star state. Have you ever driven across the second largest state in the union? It’s big. Like, really big. And everything there is big – we witnessed a giant lightning storm that lasted for hours, a monsoon where visibility was less than five feet and spanned just as many hours, churches that looked like convention centers, and a high school that resembled a shopping mall.
Somewhere in the state (the hours kind of blend together) we had to stop for a “border check” and the U.S. Customs agent asked us, “Where are you coming from?”
“Los Angeles,” I answered.
“What is your destination?” he queried.
For the briefest moment, I considered responding, “Your mom’s house.”

I kind of wonder what would’ve happened if that had been my answer, however, the Agent didn’t look like he was in a joking mood, so I said, “Atlanta,” and we continued on our way, slowing to take a picture of a rainbow shimmering in the distance.
Although we had hoped to make the drive straight through as friend James and sister Erin had done over four years ago, the packing, moving, meowing, and lack of sleep caught up with us near Abilene, TX, where, bleary eyed and exhausted we pulled off the freeway to spend the night. Hauling the necessities (important documents, Eric’s expensive bike, and the cats) in, stepping over a myriad of insects, we made it to room 260, where we promptly passed out for six hours. The first “day” was complete at almost 18 hours straight of driving and 1300 miles.

Getting up the next day, the rain was imminent and hit about an hour in – that, coupled with tons of road work throughout the next three states added plenty of extra time to our trip. The second day was mainly a lesson in passing time – we had a goal, my parents house, so it was literally a matter of waiting and driving. In the afternoon, we started listening to an episode of This American Life entitled “Road Trip” which caused us to wax a little introspective about our current journey. We weren’t setting out to learn anything or to get away from a particular situation, which I argued really didn’t make our tour a true road trip. We hadn’t simply gotten in the car to drive – we had a set purpose: to get from Point A to Point B as quickly and safely as possible.

Still, it was difficult not to pause and wonder at how amazing our country was. From California to the familiar roads Hwy 78, we covered a lot of territory and it was a nice way to mark our upcoming departure from the States.

There are some universal truths about a long road trip and I’d like to impart those lessons for any upcoming drives you might have:
1. An mp3 device playable through the radio is absolutely necessary. Two is better, and a playlist full of songs that everyone knows is always appreciated. I highly recommend episodes of This American Life for any ride over 2 hours. Believe me, you’ll thank me later.
2. Cruise control is the best invention, ever. Rent a car that has it, and watch your energy level stay high.
3. Caffeine is a big plus – buy it in advance. Pack a cooler with plenty of ice and have a cold drink whenever you feel like it.
4. Speed limits make a difference (I’m talking to you, Alabama – 55 mph??!!)
5. Polarized sunglasses make driving safer.

Also, with any trip, there are also some memorable people/events/inside jokes I’d like to share:
1. The child beating, curse word dropping, ghetto van driving mom in Demming, NM. We actually had a conversation about calling social services.
2. The white trash mom and daughter discussing the pros and cons of various switchblades in a random gas station late Monday evening in Alabama. Yikes.
3. The almost accident in Vicksburg – merge lane much?
4. Deciding that Brendan thought he was a Jaguar.
5. Deciding that Nubbins had the ability to “approve” things i.e. “My name is Nubbins and I approve this tree, billboard, box of French fries, etc.”
6. The positively awesome McDonald’s mural in Texas – who remembers Fry Kids?

Hoping you’re traveling safe wherever your road leads you,

~Courtney
9.13.07
I16 (en route to Savannah)

Craigslist rocks my face.

2007-09-04T17:31:00.000-07:00

So, yeah, I wouldn't reccomend moving out of the country, because, quite honestly, it's really annoying to get rid of EVERYTHING YOU OWN. However, Craigslist has made the process far more enjoyable. We've managed to move some of our stuff, efficiently and even get some $$ in return. We're down to 2 finalists for the Matrix, and that is good news.

Only 4.5 days left in Los Angeles.

The last day...

2007-08-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to lie to you, temping at Warner Brothers Studios may just be the very best job I've ever had. What's not to love? A desk (or office) all to myself. Printers, copiers, fax machine, countless office supplies, trades, magazines, a phone that rarely rings, pay of over $17 an hour, minimal work, awkward celebrity moments, a computer with word processing and Final Draft, and reams of paper on which to print manuscripts...

However, all good things come to an end, and today is the end of an era. It's perfect that today my temporary assignments end in the Marketing Department because they have been wonderful to me over the past three years (and, incidentally, are one of the only departments that actually WORKS).

I've worked for countless executives and departments and think that now, years after college, I have a pretty decent understand of how a studio is actually run. It's interesting, and I'll leave it at that.

Will I ever return? Who's to say...

But I want to thank Warners for their unknowing support of me as a writer. I would be fairly honest in saying that close to 80% of all my writing has happened on a AOL Time Warner owned computer.

Good Night and Good Luck.

Saying Dubai...

2007-08-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

Hey gang...sheesh, it's been a long time, and I really have no excuse for it.

So, I've got some exciting (non-book) news to share with you - I'm moving out of the country! Which country? The United Arab Emirates, more specifically, the city of Dubai. Me, Hubs, and the kitties have always wanted to experience work and life outside of the States and we couldn't be happier.

I don't expect this fact to really interrupt my writing or anything with this site, I just thought I would share this great news with you. The only thing my move will effect is my ability to sell signed copies of the book. So, if you are interested in one of those - you have until basically September 21st to get your order in via the website. Other than that, it should be life as usual...except that I'll be on a different continent.

Just to clarify a few things...

1. Dubai is perfectly safe!!! It is very Western and modern, and is home to both a Krispy Kreme and a Dunkin Donuts. Can any country with Munchkins be that bad?

2. The United Arab Emirates is on the Persian Gulf, near Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and yes, Iran (see 1) - it is not Brunei, Bahrain or in India.

3. No, I will not have to learn Arabic - most business is conducted in English. However, I'm sure we'll try and learn some phrases.

Let me know if you have questions!!!

The book is here!

2007-02-22T10:36:00.000-08:00

Be the first on your block to own a copy...or, be the first on your block to tell any high school students you know about it. (Yes, Herschel...your name appears in the book).

http://www.amazon.com/Line-Courtney-Brandt/dp/0595422810/sr=8-1/qid=1172169542/ref=sr_1_1/104-5896741-2289534?ie=UTF8&s=books

Or...

http://www.iuniverse.com/bookstore/book_detail.asp?&isbn=0-595-42281-0 (This one gets me better royalties...)

Thanks!

Courtney

Happy 2007!

2007-01-12T16:03:00.000-08:00

I can't really post this over on my myspace blog, so I'm posting here. I've gone and finished my fifth book...so that's cool. Susie and I have finished the rough draft on Take One at Mulhollhand High and are busy crackalckin' (our word) on the next draft. It's pretty much awesome and made even better by the fact that I'm going to see her next weekend in Denver (the Sunshine state).

2007 looks pretty kick ass. Looking forward to:

Being in a wedding
EB's graduation
My book being published
Going to Bermuda
(hopefully) going to Dubai
Finishing another book (or two)
Riding the rails again
Hubs turning 30

What are you looking forward to?

Is it a jackal? It's a jackal...

2006-10-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

I finished my fourth book today. I am proud of myself. Cover Art for the first book coming shortly.

Shhhhh!

2006-10-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

I sent in a secret about 2 weeks ago to Postsecret and last week was blown away to see it posted on the website. In the true spirit of secrets, I decided to let everyone know after the fact. Anyway, it was a cool feeling.

Who doesn't love a wedding?

2006-10-04T16:01:00.000-07:00

We went to a wedding in Newport Beach. Good times. Eric thinks the Captain was drunk...this may or may not be due to the fact that he was drinking in the bar with us before we all boarded.

Reflecting on a season...

2006-09-24T17:15:00.000-07:00

Wow...checking my calendar, I've been on and off the road since March and somehow, inexplicably, it's almost October. I didn't actually keep track, but I think I have definitely logged over 15,000 miles for work. I'll be the first to tell you that this country of ours is constantly surprising me with its grandeur and beauty and its propensity for all things random. I'll just create a quick list of some of my highlights from my months on the road:

1. Don't overrate your own home. There was something so wonderful about coming home and knowing that the greatest kiddens ever (Brendon and Nubbins) and the greatest husband were waiting for me. Sometimes, all I had was a few hours to do a load of laundry and check the mail, but it somehow could make my life sane for another week or more. This also extends to the fact that, at home at least, my bed is stationary and so is my shower.

2. Working with others is better than working alone. I've been out there by myself, but now that I know how much fun it is to be on the road as part of a larger team, I'll never go back! This is a shoutout to the best new friends I made this season, Megan and Susie, my Torority sisters.

3. The Grand Canyon is best seen with people who have never seen it before.

4. Good drivers make all the difference. This is a particular shoutout to Bill -- thanks for all the licorice!

5. Wash your hands a lot.

6. It can snow in Bryce Canyon in September (above picture was taken during a short snowfall).

7. The Beverly Hilton is an AWESOME place to stay -- free mai tais from 3:00PM - 5:00PM by the pool, courtesy of the original Trader Vic's.

8. One can work six weeks straight with only 6 days off. Sleep is something you can always do later.

I think that's all I got for now. I am happy and safe back at 10753 Blix St., ready to write and slack at Warner Brothers at least until January. I hope to be a more consistent blogger.

Happy Birthday to Eric, Jared, and Anna!

Random LA.

2006-08-24T17:32:00.000-07:00

Back from the almost last tour of the season. The road was once again good to me and I am now the proud member of quite possibly the nation's only "Tourority" formed by Sisters Healthy C, DJ Bend and Snap and myself.

Life is nothing if not random. In the month of August I have:

1. Met, nay, slept two doors down from the only two time Heisman trophy winner, OSU graduate, Archie Griffin.
2. Played War with President Jimmy Carter's Press Secretary's granddaughter.
3. Wrote a letter to Jack Nicholson.
4. Saw "Urkel" in the mall last night wearing a spiffy blue suit (he was filming something).
5. Worked more days than I would like to admit.

Sleep is overrated. (Yawn).

Old people are cool.

2006-07-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

So, back from my most recent 15-day journey across the Western US. Seattle --> Salt Lake City --> Los Angeles.

In EB's bullet point, very efficient style:

1. Met a Lord. For serious. An older gentleman traveler had these cards that read, "Lord of Burton Hastings." During WWII, he did something so cool for the United Kingdom that they gave him a title. The Greatest Generation indeed.

2. Drove the "Mc" into the ground.

3. Met a passenger who "hated" our gourmet food on the train, so ate a diet consisting of mostly ice cream and fried chicken. Would be dubbed "The Ice Cream Man," "nuts," or "Creepy McSkeeverton" by those who came in contact with him. Also had suspiciously fake looking hair.

4. Made quite a few hundees in tips.

5. Drove "Simmer Down" into the ground.

6. Learned how to survive with another person in a room with a total of 3 cubic feet available.

7. Saw a very amazing lightning storm on one side of the train and a beautiful sunset on the other (all while watching What Women Want in crew).

8. Came home to 3 rejection letters. Boo! They were all "good," but still super annoying.

9. Got a free ticket to anywhere in the continental US. I love you oversold airlines!!!

How's your summer going?

One for the road.

2006-07-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

Since I'm back on the road on Monday, I thought I would leave my vast readership with a nice image of super hottie Ben the Bartender.

I laugh every time.

2006-07-04T15:25:00.000-07:00

Elaine: Well, I tried, but he thought it was some sort of cat fight.

Kramer: Cat fight?

Elaine: Ok, why? Why do guys do this? What is so appealing to men about a cat fight?

Kramer: Yeye cat fight!

__________________________

Just ask Gerald and Eric.

Happy Anniversary, Mr. Wright!

I've been working on the railroad...

2006-06-19T15:15:00.000-07:00

(The passenger rooms are nicer...but I hope you enjoy the view from my office)

So, it's been a really interesting fifteen days.

Some of what I have experienced:

* Flying over the Grand Canyon/Hoover Dam
* Eating a fabulous lunch at the Bellagio Hotel overlooking the fountains
* Having three people throw up in front of me in the span of three hours
* The worst smell I've ever smelled
* Passengers threating the crew
* Kicking passengers off of the train (and that was in the first hour!)
* Walking over 10K steps a day (go pedometer!)
* Horseback riding in Sundance

* Seeing the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion and Grand Teton National parks (twice)
* Having a passenger ask me, "Where is Old Faithful?" after we pulled up right in front of the geyser
* Floating down the Snake River
* Having a passenger ask me, "Where is the Grand Canyon?" (It's that big hole on your right...)
* First trips to Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
* Having seventy-plus year old men flirt with me.
* Avoiding the "noro" type virus that we got on board last week (we refer to it as "Floyd" or "being bit by the squirrel." Symptoms include: diarrhea and vomiting.
* Being asked to be a bridesmaid! Congrats Rae and Michael!!
* Baby bison!!! They look like big red dogs!! I (heart) them.

(the one in the foreground is having naptime)

Running with Bulls?

2006-06-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

So, most everyone knows we're running with the bulls next summer. You are all invited. If you are seriously interested, NOW is the time to book a hotel or you will end up a) not getting one or b) have to pay some serious amount of Euros to make it happen.

Eric and I will be booked in Pamplona July 5th - July 8th, checking out the morning of the 9th.

E-mail me with any questions, etc.

I get paid to watch cartoons.

2006-05-31T18:40:00.000-07:00

So, temping simply gets weirder and weirder. I have really moved away from actually doing anything that could remotely be described as work over the past three weeks. Previous to this week, I worked for an executive who already had 1) assistant and 2) was in Cannes. Why was I even there? To print out copious amounts of my manuscript, that's why.

Today was my first of two days at Cartoon Network Studios. My day basically consisted of:

1. A full tour of the facilities meeting people who I will not need to know after tomorrow at 6PM. (However, meeting the voice of Spongebob was pretty flippin' sweet)
2. A trip to Starbucks (I didn't have to pay!)
3. Moving my car
4. Filing a few things
5. 1.5 hour lunch in beautiful downtown Burbank
6. Watching cartoons for at least 2 hours and picking out what would be the best "still" or "screen capture" from that episode all while completely mooching off of the sweet selection of snacks and treats they have.
7. Leaving early

What else have I been up to? Finishing my last student tour of the season and preparing to say goodbye to Nick who will be moving to Atlanta next week.

Watch ER this Thursday.

2006-05-13T18:42:00.000-07:00

Not because you get to see Shane West, but because you will possibly get to view myself and James Renfroe. So, set your VCR's or Tivo's or internal clocks for NBC at 10:00PM this Thursday and keep your eyes peeled. If you are looking for me, the best chance to see me will be when Abbie (Maura Tierney) turns by the elevators. I am wearing a denim jacket and walk through the background.

BTW, since James and I had some extra time on set, we had some time to develop a back story. We decided that we were at County General to "take care of a problem." See if you can recognize the motivation and nuances in our performances. Emmy committee, are you watching?

How is it May already?

2006-05-09T22:23:00.000-07:00

So, I've been on the road again, but not before a visit from Erin, which was very cool, even if we didn't really do anything...of course, free margaritas from a Catholic Carnival on a Sunday night was kind of a highlight.

The "training" was cool and I have a new appreciation for:
1. Beds that do not move in the middle of the night.
2. Showers that I can turn around in.
3. Water pressure.

One thing I do have to mention, however, when you get up in the morning and walk out to have breakfast and the Pacific Coast is literally a stone's throw away while you eat your French toast, you know the day can't turn out all bad.

Free with every visit to the Left Coast...Nubbins will act as your personal space heater.

Don't we clean up nice?

12/22 - 1/6/07

2006-04-23T12:19:00.000-07:00

Anyone interested in joining us for Christmas/New Year's in Costa Rica/Panama? Taking into account the budgeting for next year's adventures (Spain/Italy), we are very close to booking our trip on GAP Adeventures .

PS Alternatively, anyone interested in catsitting/housesitting while we're gone? 2 bed/2 bath in North Hollywood. All you have to do is clean out the crap shack.

Argumentative and Malicious, oh my!

2006-04-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

So, I'm on tour at the Grand Canyon with my school group from Manchester. One of my passengers is sick. The closest place to take him? The Williams Urgent Health Care Clinic. I call at 7:15PM and ask directions, they tell me and inform me that as long as I'm there by 8PM, they will see my passenger.

As I creep up on 8PM, I call the clinic at 7:50 to let them know that we are in Williams, but following the speed limit and are literally turning the corner to get to the clinic. And then they hang up on me. As we pull up 30 seconds later, they turn the lights off at the clinic.

We jump off the coach and I begin pounding on the doors. One guy finally comes up to the door and tells us he can't do anything. The time? 7:59. My passenger? Still sick. The man (a PA) walks away as I'm ranting about the Hippocratic oath and cursing the clinic, slamming my mobile on the window.

The next morning, my group leader and I go to the clinic. The (un)helpful nurse from the night before has no excuse as to why they would not look after my passenger. As I question her again, she tells me, "If you were at Walmart and wanted to buy something, would you expect them to stay open?"

Livid Courtney, "Are comparing my sick passenger and shopping at Walmart?!!?!?"

The nurse walks away.

We get the information for her superior, who I have just spoken with this afternoon. The conversation goes something like this:

Courtney: "Hi there, my name is Courtney and I was the tour director in need of assistance on Saturday evening, have you heard what happened?" (Anticipating an apology)

Cindy: "Yes, I have heard. Can I have the name of your superiors?"

Courtney: "Certainly." (Provides the information) "Now, can you tell me why your clinic would not see my passenger?"

Cindy: "Apparently you were the most argumentative and manipulative person to ever come to the clinic."

Courtney (ignores the slam, remains professional): "We were there before 8PM."

Cindy: "We could argue this until the cows comes home." (Proceeds to use the phrase a number of times).

Courtney: "So, can you tell me in any place that this is acceptable? I had a sick passenger that you refused medical attention to."

Cindy: Gets angry and proceeds to hang up on the phone.

WOW! Please tell me your thoughts on this. We (me and the Group Leader) are taking this as far as we can. The picture includes the lads (male chaperones) from the trip. To this I dedicate to them...Matt Damon wishes and Staples dreams!

March = Busy.

2006-03-15T15:39:00.000-08:00

Wow. I knew it was going to be like this, but it's cool. And BTW, you can get internet anywhere these days including Universal Studios and Disneyland. How do I know? Because that's exactly where this post is coming from!!! Anyway, this month is crazy and has so far included:

A trip to Tahoe
My first tour of the season (so far, so good...although my bus driver is a cranky SOB)
A guided tour of the stars homes (I know where the Ozborne's live!)
Being an extra on the set of ER (look for me in the season finale in May)
Getting my CPR card renewed
Writing (a lot! What's up books #3 and #4?)

Lots of love from the happiest place on Earth.

Courtney

PS There's a person on my tour who had never flown a commercial airline before, because she always flies in her parents private jet!!!!! She's 11. How is that fair?

When old interns do right...

2006-02-28T17:49:00.000-08:00

Yes, that's my former intern Carly, with super hot Dr. Goran Visjic (I think I'm missing a vowel in his last name.) She is, apparently, the crew member of the week over on ER. Props for that! She is also, possibly, going to get me a guest spot (as an extra) on the show. Coming up soon...before and after shots of my haircut/color scheduled for this evening.

W00t!!!

2006-02-24T18:08:00.000-08:00

That's me this summer mother-muchachos! Check out www.americanorientexpress.com for more details. National Parks! Culinary Tours! I am awesome and coming to a train depot near you. All the best...and I finished book #2 this week. Nothing can stop the Courtney train.

138/1103A

2006-02-13T15:39:00.000-08:00

My home away from home for the next two weeks. I'm working for the creator of Reunion, who, as it turns out, will not be showing up a lot. At all. If you had an office to yourself on the Warner lot and two weeks of work, what would you do?

I'm seriously considering bringing in my workout tapes and using the TV to just kick back and watch.

Also, on the novel front...from an actual agent.

"Courtney--well I did read it and I like it. I've just been wondering if it
did need work. Please send me a revision game plan I'd like to know what
you're thinking."

I am in the middle of revisions! Now, all I need a contract.

Finally, on this day of plenty, one of the major tour companies wants to interview me. Everything's coming up Courtney.

Cruisin' was made for love...

2006-02-08T15:48:00.000-08:00

In an attempt to get ahead, I'm trying to compile a playlist which I would like to title "California Dreamin." With the nifty technologies we have today, I can put together something on my iPod then use a radio frequency to play certain lists on my motorcoach when I'm on tour.

What songs remind you of California/Los Angeles? Please keep in mind, these should be appropriate for all age groups.

So far:

California Dreamin'
I'm No Superman
Mirror for the Sun
Free Fallin'
La Cienega Smiled
California
In God's Country

Ummm...that's all I got for now.

Remember Mr. Ford?

2006-01-27T09:52:00.000-08:00

I must become the world's biggest idiot when I sit at this desk. This morning I hung up, HUNG UP, on the award winning director/writer of the Sixth Sense.

Wow, somebody put me on the short bus.

Please make me feel better and tell me what stupid thing you did this week.

Back in the Saddle

2006-01-23T17:42:00.000-08:00

...and not the porcelain saddle either. What is that anyway? After my extended hiatus from real work (close to 5 weeks), I am officially back to the daily grind. I'm looking at 9-6 M-F 5 weeks at various Warner departments before I get out on the road. No worries though, I still got that pesky novel I'm trying to find an agent for (I have gotten multiple rejections, but also got a few people still looking) and the companion novel that I'm trying to finish.

Anyway, here's a list of things I hope to accomplish:
Another edit of THE LINE
Studying up on the Southwest
Starting some sort of work-out regime
Filling in the rest of my year with either Adventures by Disney or the American Orient Express
Coming close to finishing KEEPING IN LINE
Staying away from online shopping as long as possible

Are you back in the routine?

Test

2006-01-14T20:34:00.000-08:00

More Singapore fun.

2006-01-13T20:11:00.000-08:00

I was trying to explain to Melanie and Josh today about the tasty fruit, Durian. Banned from busses, hotels, and most public places and tasting of barf, here is Rae and I's short journey. Eric was off in the corner, trying not to throw up in the mall.

What day is it? October?

2006-01-09T17:06:00.000-08:00

Ok, I can barely stay awake, so I'm going to do my best to post some funny pics and commentary. Please visit E's site for a more coherent version of our trip.
The girls in Chinatown in Singapore.
Eric practices to become a warrior...?
We are not smoking weed. We're smoking shisha, which is flavored tobacco and very tasty. This is on a back street of Little India. The Egyptian owner hates Bush. We couldn't agree more.
Naughty!
Whee! Haw Par Village is so fun.

More to come on both blogs.

Double true!

2005-12-21T09:57:00.000-08:00

How's it going my people? Eric and I are gearing up for the big trip and are literally counting down the hours til we leave. Not sure when (or where) the next time I will get to blog. I've put together some extra fun stuff for my last post of 2005 however.

Did you know you can look at what you're going to eat on an airplane before you go? I can't wait to take pictures of the crazy things we will eat on our 12+ hour flight!! (Author's note: The above food would be what we would eat if we were flying from Seoul to Tokyo.)

Things I plan to do on trip:
Read!!! (Harry Potter 6, you will be my bitch!)
See my best girls
Get super tan (but not atomic tan like last time)
Spend Christmas Eve in Korea
Spend New Year's Even on a beach
Meet New and cool people from other cultures
Drink a Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel

Another gem before I leave...did anyone see SNL on Saturday night? I almost pissed my pants laughing at

this

A close second? The "Deleted Scenes" Episode of Aqua Teen Hunger Force. I want some Hypnorims for my car.

Keep on keepin' your fingers crossed for my novel. Someone requested a full manuscript, which I sent out yesterday. Here's hoping I have an agent by the time I return.

Best wishes and a happy new year to everyone!!!

I love this.

2005-12-12T21:46:00.000-08:00

I mean I can't actually imagine wearing it anywhere, or what occaision it would be good for, except maybe Courtney and Eric's 4th Annual White Elephant Party this Sunday, but it still cracks my shit up.

Shopping for a Pay Check

2005-12-08T22:17:00.000-08:00

It sounds glam, but in reality is not so fun. The entertainment industry is so messed up that we have to go around and buy gifts for people that can already afford everything anyway. However, it's kind of fun to go to Beverly Hills and spend money in stores I couldn't afford.

Also, a total bonus, me and the Hubs get to go to the West Wing holiday party. What's up, Alan Alda and Jimmy Smits?

I got another "nibble" on the novel on Tuesday. Keep your fingers crossed.

PS EB, get some pictures of those cute kids up online!!!
PPS Athens-folk, if I sent you an e-vite to our White Elephant party, would you write a funny response? (I live for e-vite.)

Everything's coming up Courtney!

2005-12-01T19:10:00.000-08:00

So, many of you probably do not know that I've been working on a novel off and on for the past year or so and it's finally done and I'm at that stage in the process where I have to find an agent. It's not that fun and there's a lot of rejection, but I'm putting myself out there. So, since I couldn't wait one more day (EB -- I still want your editing!!), I started sending out my query letter. Then, I checked my e-mail and someone wants to see my synopsis and first 3 chapters!!!!!! I can't even believe it. I know it's a long process, but I figure for Day One, it's not so bad.

That's all, I'm just giving myself a public pat on the back.

So tempting...

2005-11-29T20:06:00.000-08:00

I will do some sort of post-trip wrap up post tomorrow (hopefully), but this caught my attention today and I couldn't not write about it. Seriously...$917 for both me and Eric to fly roundtrip to Dublin in February or April...

On a completely unrelated note, Kingdom of Heaven is a really bad flick.

Half empty or half full?

2005-11-21T07:24:00.000-08:00

So, I'm about half way through my 2 week trip through the East Coast and I'd like to report thngs are good. I've been to Boston and Connecticut so far and am waiting to head down to the ATL as we speak. Big props to Delta for getting me on a direct flight that gets me in earlier. Tomorrow I reunite with Eric and I'm looking forward to seeing him!

I'm fighting off a cold. Damn you Flu Mist.

Flush!

2005-11-09T13:54:00.000-08:00

When it comes to celebrties, I figure my score is 1:1. After some witty comments about the Warner Brothers security and a successful, "Can I get you anything?" (A water and a coffee). Mr. Ford then asked to use the restroom. As a temp, and a lady temp at that, I had NO IDEA where the men's restroom was. So I sent him where I thought it was, then I realize it's not there and then this nice older woman helps me and Harrison Ford find the men's restroom. I try to hang out but not lurk around the bathroom and he comes out and I lead him back to our office and they have their meeting. I'm sure he's thinking to himself, "Warner Brothers must be scraping the bottom of the barrel with assistants like these."

As soon as I close the door behind me, I just think to myself, "Spazz!!"

The weirder thing that I still think about is I think back in my life at all the Harrison Ford movies I've seen and how, at 25, I would've never pictured myself meeting and talking to and leading to the wrong restroom...Harrison Ford.

Please...help me feel better and remind me that it could've been worse.

P.S. For those keeping count, my other celebrity encounter, the good one, was when I was Paul Sorvino's driver.

Duels are legal in Georgia?!

2005-11-07T15:29:00.000-08:00

Somehow, this became the topic of conversation last night. And, apparently it's true. A friend's father left the state over it! Weird.

Other weird news. I am temping this week and pick up the phone and who is on the other end? Harrison Ford. Yeah...he's coming to the office on Wednesday. What should I wear?

PS I'm super proud of EB. She knows why.

Rock Cornish Game Hens.

2005-11-06T17:45:00.000-08:00

What I've eaten this weekend: (in order) Chili and Lime chips, Sour Patch Kids, pear and bleu cheese salad, fries, chex mix, scrambled eggs, more chex mix, mashed potatoes.

I bought Rock cornish game hens because I had a coupon. No idea exactly how to cook them.

Watching Laguna Beach will rot your brain.

I am doomed...

2005-10-29T19:07:00.000-07:00

To seeing only C list male celeberties. Cheers to Alan Tudyk! Last night, me and my Argentine driver, Alex, went to Wokano (a sushi restaurant) and this guy was sitting at the table next to us. Props to James for remembering he was in A Knight's Tale. I only remembered him from Serenity.

P.S. I saw Alfonso Ribera (Carlton) biking this week.

Halloween Treats

2005-10-27T14:20:00.000-07:00

For pictures of pumpkins residing at the Wright residence, check out Eric's blog. The picture below is from my friend's sister Becky, who we'll be seeing this Christmas. I can't wait! It seems they do not celebrate Halloween in Korea like we do in the States. Peace out!

Random post 2.13

2005-10-26T21:03:00.000-07:00

So, I was minding my own business today when who should walk by my office? George O'Malley He was wearing white disco shoes.

Also, a poll to anyone who stops by www.cmuddy.blogspot.com. What are you going to do with your extra hour this weekend?

(Boca Raton) Florida Sucks!

2005-10-23T18:03:00.000-07:00

So, I've been busy with another week and another tour. This week was exceptionally LONG and stressful. I worked the Los Angeles Fashion Week helping a bunch of stuck-up, rich, and snobby girls from Florida's own Lynn University see the town and "learn" about the fashion industry. They were bored, cranky, and completely incapable of hapiness. However, some cool things did happen this week. Let's review, shall we?

- Worked backstage at the Mercedes-Benz Smashbox Fashion show
- Saw my first fashion show in person
- Saw Paula Abdul and Bobby Trendy and maybe Constantine at the fashion show
- Saw the creepy pharmacist from Desperate Housewives at the Grove
- Went to the IceHouse comedy club (good times in Pasadena!)
- Went on a tour of the Gehry Disney Music Hall (completely amazing!)
- Picked up an awesome Coach knock-off wallet from Santee Alley for $18!
- F-A-R-T-S

Am very much looking forward to working in the Warner Brothers story department this week.

Feelings of accomplishment!

2005-10-16T20:21:00.000-07:00

Wow...I did a lot this past week. To recap:

- Made an offer on a 4 bedroom/2 bathroom 3 level townhouse in Athens. Anyone know anyone who needs a place in the ATH?
- Went on a 4 day tour to Savannah with the Women of Distinction Girl Scouts (and their convention in Atlanta!)
- Went on a Dolphin tour (I think the final tally was like over 30 dolphins...)
- Went on a Ghost tour (so awesome!)
- Dinner, desert with in-laws
- Dinner with parents (twice)
- Lunch with Anna @ Transmet
- Dinner, comedy show and drinks with B and the gang. Alls I can say is: juicer, Girl Scout cookies, and C-Horses in Space

- Brunch with Erin and Rae @ the Grit
- Coffee with Josh Beard
- Met my sister's birthday twin
- Meeting with loan officer
- Got an Ipod nano (thanks Eric!)
- Mourned the USC v. ND game
- Went to see Foxtrot November play at Tasty World
- Drinks with Erin's v-school pals
- Purposely got bumped from a flight (What's up $200 Delta dollars?)
- Lunch with B at the airport
- Started plans for Fake Bachelorette Part '05 (Bachelorettes from Griffin)

So...I ate a lot and saw a lot of cool people. Eric says go look at his blog.

Look, up in the sky -- it's a bird, it's a plane...

2005-10-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

It's Superman!

That's my friend Lauren standing next to the new Superman (yes, I am too lazy to look his name up on IMDB). She said there wasn't enough time to get a picture with him in his suit. Lucky gal. I think she's officially the 2nd 2nd on the film. And yes, she also worked on the Matrix. Remind me again why I don't live in Sydney?

I am a domestic goddess.

2005-09-25T16:42:00.000-07:00

Take that Ralph's! I just saved $111.34 by being one of your members. I also saved a very respectable $50.40 in coupons.

Shout out to my April 11th peeps!

2005-09-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've actually posted a picture. So here's two.
Above, please find my younger sister, passed out a vet school. Way to go Erin!

The second is of one of my very oldest friends, and incidently, born exactly one year earlier than Erin, Adam Beard. Apparently, he is about to take a bite out of my head. Adam was in town for one night only and brought me a very cool gift. My own rock'n' roll copy of "Party All the Time." It seems some guys Adam knows were bored in the studio and re-recorded the Eddie Murphy classic. It's worth a listen.

My job is amazing reason #3,000

2005-09-10T14:28:00.000-07:00

So...I roll out of bed this morning and walk downstairs to grab some food and see my group off to their Grand Canyon adventure. Of course the other tour director doesn't show up and of course no one speaks English. So, I go over with the group to the airport and get them all checked in when one of the staff approaches me and is like, "Hey do you want to go on this trip?" And I'm all, "Hey, yeah, of course I want to go." So, I go for FREE up in this tiny plane which seats 8 over the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and the Grand Canyon and it lands at the Grand Canyon. I opt not to stay for the afternoon and ride back with my pilot who is named Luke and is probably just old enough to drink. He asks if I mind listening to some different music and I say "sure" and he pops in the best of Bob Marley. So, we take off and fly back to Vegas jamming to the drop 2 reggae beat.

Next trip: Savannah -- a Girl Scout Adventure!!

Star sightings II

2005-09-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

How fun is it to temp at WB? I went to visit my friend today on the set of ER. Turns out John Leguizamo just joined the cast. Turns out he was late for the read through and I got to escort him (with my friend) to my old place of employment...John Wells Productions.

While sitting outside Stage 11, I also glimpsed none other than Brian Austin Green. Yeah, I'll admit it, I LOVED me some 90210.

Also, I love technology. For my week stint at WB Legal, one of the lawyers gets sent the call sheet for Red Sun (that's movie speak for Superman). Anyway, I checked the sheet and sure enough, there was my friend's name. Around the world in Australia my friend Lauren is a PA on the shoot. How weird is it that I'm in LA and actually know a crew member?

Just thought I'd share.

Just don't do it.

2005-08-29T17:27:00.000-07:00

Public Service Announcement: Don't work 18 days straight. I'm at Day 14 and all I can think about is installing a bed under my desk did like George Costanza on Seinfeld.

An unbirthday present to me.

2005-08-23T11:26:00.000-07:00

For some reason these kittes always make me smile.
www.kewlfinds.com

The devil is in the details.

2005-08-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

So, you guys all know that I'm a part-time temp. And, usually it's REALLY easy work. And, I know, maybe I've been spoiled a little by that. But nothing could prepare me for my last three days in the Legal department.

Actual situation:

Courtney is date stamping a piece of incoming mail. Her boss, Mr. Legal, walks by and notices Courtney's "inadequate" stamping. The stamp Courtney has done is legible, but apparently not up to this department's standards.

Mr. Legal siezes the date stamp and process to stamp not once, not twice, but three times to get the "clarity" of stamp he desires, all the time muttering at the date stamp and its inability to stamp and its red and blue ink (as opposed to black ink).

Other rules:
Copying every single piece of paper that crosses my desk a minimum of 3 times (I shudder to think about how many trees I've been responsible for)
Stapling horizontally NOT diagonally
Having to recopy something because it wasn't "just so" (shameless waste of trees)
Having to print out all e-mails twice

I just wasn't made for this. The one awesome thing is that they get an hour and a half for lunch. Why the extra half hour? Because they don't take breaks duing the day. Ummm...does anyone else take breaks during the day?

To all my various friends in law school -- let this be a warning!! Do NOT end up where you life depends on exactly how things are date stamped.

So, days like these remind me why I don't want to be an assistant and motivate me to send A LOT of travel resumes out.

PS No communication this weekend...phones don't work in Yosemite.

All's I'm Saying

2005-08-11T20:58:00.000-07:00

"Champagne for my real friends and real pain for my sham friends."

How great is it that Rae is going to Singapore?!!!

Eric and I are going to Big Bear this weekend. Pictures will be forthcoming...

Star sightings!

2005-08-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

Just had a wonderful lunch at the WB Commissary and saw:

a. George Clooney
b. Brad Whitford (and family)
c. Lorelai (from Gilmore Girls)
d. Paul McCrane
e. John Wells
f. Zatch (former JWP PA)

Who did you see at lunch today? :)

Blast from the past

2005-08-04T12:04:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I haven't posted in a few days. Give a girl a break -- I worked 12 days straight! Anyway, last night's conversation with two of my former high school classmates sparked some (semi) serious discussion about what everyone from our high school class is up to. So, I ask you gentle reader, for 2 words. The first and last name of the person you would most like to see what happened to. Bonus points for explanations. I'll go first:

Josh Beard (No offense to Hubs, but I haven't seen him in like 4 years and I'm curious to see what the hell he's up to).

PS I can also answer for Nick, but when will the obsession for Ms. Dossey die? :)

Greetings from Utah!

2005-07-28T16:04:00.000-07:00

Isn't technology amazing? I'm at the Red Hills Best Western in Kanab Utah and I get to update my blog. Why wait 'til next week? Anyway, here are some of the places I have been this week. The top one looks like Easter Island...but it is actually Red Canyon. The other is from Bryce Canyon. My group is a lot of fun. Another girl's school from the UK.

I got a forward from a former BVG member about a freakin' hilarious site. Please

enjoy.

A few words before I go.

2005-07-24T22:18:00.000-07:00

It's funny how work works. My past self would love to be in the shoes of my now self, and my now self is like, "I wish this had all happened 3 years ago." Case in point, this month I have had the following job offers:

a) 3 temp requests in the WB Current Television Programming Department
b) 1 temp request from NBC's hit show ER (EVP office)
c) a request to be a producer's assistant for the month of August
d) an offer to be an office manager for a production company
e) a 2 week temp request in WB Domestic Thertrical Marketing (VP office)
f) an 8 day National Parks tour
g) a 3 day San Francisco tour
h) a 3 day Las Vegas Tour

Now, I know someday I will look back and wish I could have somehow simultaneously taken all the jobs, but unfortunately, that's not the case. I'm super flattered by all the attention...I feel like I should get a business card that reads, Courtney Brandt, Professional Temp and Tour Director. Anyone else been in a situation remotely like this? How do you come out looking like a star?

All for now...I'll be away from a computer for a few days. Leave a note and I'll get back to you.

Some pictures from my office.

2005-07-18T16:23:00.000-07:00

Montezuma's Castle (it is neither Montezuma's, nor is it a Castle...but it is a place to stop in AZ).

The Hoover Dam is gynormous. This pic was taken from about as close as you can get at the bottom...just before starting float trip down the Colorado. That wire across the top? Oh yeah, they are going to start a new bridge across. Frickin' amazing.

The Grand Canyon is a textbook definition of the word "awesome." Please click on picture to get full effect. I think this picture was taken from Mathers Point. Thanks to a thoughtful gift from my husband, I now have an awesome digital camera to capture the country! These pictures are from the Grand Canyon. Next up Zion and Bryce National Parks. BTW, if anyone has been to either of these parks -- let me know -- I could use some help!!!

I love my job.

2005-07-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

Those weird looking things are hoodoos - pillars of rock, usually of fantastic shape, left by the millions years of erosion. Good to know?

I'll probably say this again...but I just love my job. I am currently researching two national parks I've never been to, but have to learn all about so I can convince others I have definitely been there.

This always makes me laugh.

2005-07-13T14:28:00.000-07:00

Every time I see this picture I crack up. Now I can look at it every day on my very own blog! What are those things chasing after the poor kidden?

Why are these bunnies driving a car?

Congratulations!

2005-07-12T17:49:00.000-07:00

A big congrats go out to Beeb and Barbara Dodge to the newest member of their family. Little Gabe came along last week! We're so happy for all of you.

Some thoughts on croquet.

2005-07-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

If you have never played croquet, it is a very fun sport. I especially suggest Renegade Night Croquet if at all possible. Anyone up for a game sometime soon?

My past month.

2005-07-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

I have been to Vegas twice now in the past week. Both times with international groups. It's fun to see the city through new eyes. BTW, for anyone interested, I'll be there EVERY SINGLE WEEKEND in August. I only have room for one hitchhiker per trip on the bus, but if you meet me there, you can share my hotel room. Also, I can cut you a deal on a aerial tour!

So I have definitely been getting my travel on. It's turning out to be (mostly) as fun as I thought it would be. As I stood looking over the Grand Canyon, I thought "I can't beleive I'm getting paid to do this."

Updates...

Eric and I are about to begin our quest for the perfect starter home. Based on current housing prices in Southern California I believe Eric and I will end up in something like this:

And we will pay somewhere around $600,000 for it. I can't wait!!

Eric and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary this past 4th of July. The phrase "times flies when you're having fun" is definitely in effect.

Anyway, that's all for now. I will probably be updating frequently in the next month as I have some definite desk time at Warner Brothers coming up. One last plug...if you are truly bored at work and want to read a little story I've been working on, I'd apprieciate your comments. Laugh if you will, but when you are temping for 8 hours a day and have no real work to do, let's see what you'd come up with!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2176307/1/

(For now just cut and paste. I can't figure how to to the hyperlink thing. Any suggestions?)

My husband is very smart.

2005-07-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

Eric in his infinte wisdom got me started on my very own blog.

This is a test.

2005-06-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Haven't done anything like this before, and don't know how much I'll keep up with it, but here is the first entry in the blog.

Not much going on here...taking a few days off the road to recoop. My version of taking time off? More work of course.