Day 46

What has happened in ten days...let me see...

A lot!

I went to Denver for 4 days.

You know, LA is a place where something is always happening.

Everything I want to get done, always takes a little bit longer than planned. Things just keep popping up.

I have done a few fun things so far. I shot this infomercial last week for the products "Elegant Shaper" and "Butt Wonder", haha, yes I said Butt Wonder. We shot in Malibu in this massive mansion on the hill. I was so high up that I had 0 reception. That's T-Mobile for you. "Elegant Shaper" and "Butt Wonder" are products that enhance certain body parts of women. Great product and the funniest underwear I have ever seen! Sorry, it only airs in Europe:( And don't judge, because Evangeline Lilly (LOST) was first seen on an adult chat line infomercial...that's right...you heard me:)

I was also a part of the music video for Melanie Fiona. If you haven't heard of her, look her up. She is fantastic and CANADIAN!

My mom was with me all weekend. My boo was in town too; I am real blessed. This is the first time I have felt this lonely in a while.

Being busy helps, but it is tough to have loved ones around, and to then find yourself alone again. It's a good thing that LA keeps me on my toes.

I am off to read scripts, that have to be read, even though I need to get on with writing letters to agencies. One thing at a time, right? Or maybe I will write the letters first. Who knows...whatever gets done, gets done.

Eating salmon now. Trying to stay Hollywood slim. I tried on a dress at Bloomingdales yesterday, and it was a size 4, haha, it pays to eat salmon and green beans for dinner.

Bless,

Melissa

Day 36

Well, L.A has been absolutely beautiful this week.

I have been going non-stop and my beauty rest has been compromised but it's all worth it. If your going to take the dive you have to keep diving until you find the hidden treasure. There is no time to slow down in this town.

I discovered Runyon Canyon and have made it my gym. Hiking up that mountain is no easy feat. I feel my butt getting tighter and tighter by the minute.

Everyday is a blessed day, and today was especially.

I finished the revisions on my script and can now ship it out. I got a call from my agent saying that he has set up a meeting for me with a manager for next week Thursday, and as I was hiking I got the phone call that I booked my first L.A film. I don't shoot till April, but I will keep you posted on that.

I am off to Denver for the weekend to see my boo.

Giddyup and God Bless.

DAY 31

Happy Valentines Day.

It's always hard to be away from your loved ones, especially on special days. I know that Valentines Day is really only just another day and it should never be an excuse to show the ones you love appreciation. Any day is good for that. Even so, the romantic nature of this day is all around and can still be a little lonely if you do happen to be away from them.

I spent all day working.

From the time I woke up I went to get my screenplay printed from this amazing shop on Sunset.

I actually had been to this shop 3 years ago to get some pictures copied. When I came back to Toronto, someone I knew, who had been in that same shop a year later, told me they has seen my picture in a display. I said no way. So Friday, I had walked into that same store for the first time, since I have been to LA this year, and was greeted by the owner who recognized me right away. He said, you had that picture with the blue background. I knew it was you from the moment I saw you. We had that picture displayed for 3 years and just took it down the other day. We got so many compliments on it.

I mean...that's crazy right? I was so flattered.

He gave me a big hug when I went in this morning. It's like we are old friends.

Once I got home, I started working on the script immediately. I have started to make cuts and even add scenes here and there. Basically a full on revision.

I was scheduled to meet this very talented writer, who has graduated from the writing program at UCLA, so that we can work through my film page by page.

This is a very long process but I have this huge production company waiting on me and I need to get it shaped up and shipped out. I know you are wondering which company but that's TOP SECRET!

It took us 7 hours to get through, and that's just marks and notes. I still need to start on the re-writes.

So I finally get home and I think I have time to rest, but find out that I have an audition tomorrow at 3...no rest for this brain.

It's been a very productive Valentines Day.

I do love my work so it's fitting.

Day 26

Very entertaining day today If I may say so myself.

This morning was quite leisurely as I went through my routine of getting up, having my yogurt and going for my run. By the time I got home Los Angeles was starting to flood. The rain was coming down so hard...it was wet, wet, wet. I got myself together as I had an audition for a film today and felt good and ready to go. I left a little early so that I could stop at the post office and mail my sweetie his Valentine's day card. Even amongst all this business here in Los Angeles, I still have to remember the other important things in my life.

Once I'm done that I hit the gas station because this audition is quite far and the last thing I want is to be stalled on the 101 in the pouring rain.

So there I am pumping my gas, when this guy comes up to me and hands me his card. He says he is a fashion photographer and asks me if I'm a model. Anyway, he says he is going to New York in 2 weeks and wants to style me and do a test shoot before he leaves. Do I trust him. Absolutely not. Go to see some strange guy and get some photos done, ummmm no thank you. I have to admit that I did entertain the idea for a split second but come on, this is Hollywood. No one is who they say they are!!!!!!

I get to my audition and there are at least 40 actors in the room. Why do I have to love acting so much. I wait for an hour and a half to be seen but the wait was worth it. I get in the room, do my slate and my scene and BAM...I nail it. The whole room clapped for my performance. I was happy about that one:)

Then I get home, feeling good, check my email and guess who I have an email from. Sam Rhima, the casting director for Playboy. Yes playboy. Okay it is not what you think. I am a good christian girl. He just wants me to come to Playboy entertainment and meet with him and interview for the spot of a new host they are casting for a show on the playboy network. No nudity people...I promise.

I figure I might as well go and interview. I have nothing to lose. Plus I have great hosting skills.

So anyway, I will be doing that interview on Thursday.

Tomorrow is a chill day. I'm having lunch with a producer in the morning and then who knows.

Anything can happen in Hollywood:)

Day 23

It's the weekend, but that means nothing here in Los Angeles. Except Super Bowl Sunday!!!! Yay!!!

Yesterday morning I had my audition for Phantom. I was in bed by 11:00pm and up at 6:30am. I was in the shower doing my vocal warm-up and thought, yes, I feel good.
Even though I was up early, giving myself time, I still ended up getting there later than I hoped. Oh well...that's what happens when you straighten your hair.

I thought, oh no, there is going to be a huge line and I'm not going to get out of here when I need to. You see my boo was in town and I wanted to rush back and see him before his game.

So I get to the audition and there is no one there. I sign up and get the earliest time. Great!! Once the time started to pass and we got closer to audition time, people started to show up... one after another, after another, after another. Okay already, stop showing up. It was cool though because I was the fifth one in. Bamb, bamb, thank you mam. It went wonderfully and they were floored that I came all the way from Toronto. Bonus? Maybe.

Then my uncle called and wanted me to stop at the Palm Springs Hotel and Casino because they were having this cattle call to find beautiful bartenders who are talented and can sing or dance or act. The money would be amazing, but it's important to keep your focus and not get sidetracked, no matter how much the money. I am a starving actress for good reason. Because I have faith in myself and I know something will come.

I was so tired last night and still had these lines to learn for this horror film I auditioned for this morning. My audition was at 11:30am, but because I was so tired I set my alarm for 6:30am for some strange reason. Needless to say, I did not get up. I still got up for the audition though...geez...who do you think I am;)

Anyway, It went brilliantly and now I'm at home writing you all about it.

So far casting has been very open, and receptive in my opinion. It's funny because when I am auditioning in Toronto for a Los Angeles casting director, I find it sort of cold and unwelcoming but here in Los Angeles, It's been the opposite. Very odd.

"Merrily I role along:)"

Day 21

Yesterday went well. My meeting with the manager here in Beverley Hills ended up being an hour long. We really hit it off:) He is a great, great guy!! And I also found a parking garage that gives you your first hour free, right off Rodeo drive. And then it's only 2 dollars each hour after that. I mean come on now, if that isn't a sign.

I am off to Vegas now. More driving!! I'm so TIRED of driving. Okay, I'm done complaining. Got to do what I got to do. Phantom of the Opera audition tomorrow morning at 9:30am.

"Think of me, think of me fondly, tomorrow at 9:30."

xo

Day 20

Today is a big day. I am almost ready to go for my run and clear my mind. Then I'm going to get to studying, pray and then off I go to my meetings. The big question here is "WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?" This business is so much about how we look. Gotta turn up the heat;) Look good and put together, but not like your trying to hard.

So yesterday I sent Mr. Brett Ratner (director of x-men) a text letting him know that I was in town. We had met in the past a few times and so I thought I would see how he's doing. Haha, yeah right. All I'm thinking is "put me in a movie Mr. mega producer, and how are you?"

He called me back and told me to stop by for a visit. Now he lives in a big house over in Beverley Hills. He had to leave at 3:30pm for a meeting and when he called I was just leaving for my jog. By the time I got myself together and to his place it was 3:15. I thought okay this is fine. I will say hi and we can talk for 15 min.

His secretary buzzes me in and I drive up to his house. I park my Yaris amongst all the Bentley's and Mercedes that are in his driveway and walk up to his front door. I go inside and there are 2 other people in the house. A music producer and his manager, who are there to pitch a movie idea to Brett. So I sit down and wait. Brett comes out and sees me. Gives me a big hug and tells me to relax. So I do. The whole time I was there I was sitting in on this meeting and that was it. When it was over Brett had to go and we said goodbye, you look good, and that was it. I said maybe 2 words to him. It was the most awkward meeting in history.

Then I drove my little Toyota out of his gate and went home.

(*Brett, call me. We have to do lunch. I have a movie I wrote that I want you to produce.*)

I'll let you know when he calls.

Alright, I am off for my jog.

It's another bright day in Hollywood:D

Day 19

Well, I am almost settled in my new place in West Hollywood. This morning I woke up at seven because I felt like I just had so much to do. Once I got myself out of bed and dressed for my run, I knew this was going to be a good day. So first thing I notice as I am discovering my area is that I am only half a block from Sunset Blvd...haha "holy moses" I think to myself, how fortunate am I.

So I called today, "phone call day". Today was the day I went through my phone and bombarded some of my contacts with..."you don't know me but..." I also sent some reminders to a few contacts as well saying "hello, remember me?" You have to be diligent with people in this town because they forget or just postpone, postpone, postpone. You really have to hustle.

I did score a nice meeting this Wednesday with a manager in Beverley Hills, so think of me at 4pm pacific time on Wednesday and send a prayer if you'd like. Wednesday is actually a big day because I also have a meeting for a movie that night as well:)

Today I also got to see my friend Matthew Rosenberg, an old high school friend of mine. He came to pick me up at my new crib and treated me to the Urth cafe, our favorite cafe I may add and guess who I see? None other than miss Maggie Gyllenhaal...you know Jake Gyllenhaal's sister. She walked right on passed me, wearing these really weird tie dye Capri pants.

Oh yes, it was a good day.

Bless the Lord

Day 16

Praise the Lord!

Today I woke up feeling tired, having had no sleep. Emotionally I was just drained. I forgot to mention that I had no clean sheets to sleep on, so I curled up in my comforter. I also had no towel to shower with. I knew I was forgetting something. So the place I am staying at now in Venice is nice and big, but not my thing. Also I am staying in someone else's room while they are away. I want to be somewhere that feels like it's mine. And my roommate now, he is very nice but I need a cozy and quaint place and a female roomy who I can relate to and laugh with. I want to talk about boys and do my makeup with someone and if I had a lousy audition, someone who will lighten the mood.

Well I found that:) I put out a search for a place last night and found one in West Hollywood. I love that area. It's no beach front but it's in the area I need to be. It's full of 20 and 30 something year old's in the entertainment business. Perfect right? I can go to the beach on the weekends.

My roommate, Mindy, is beautiful and fun, and full of great energy. I am very excited. I move in Sunday...fast I know:D

Yay, I have someone I can read my lines with.

I also have new sheets, (they're very nice..I love target), and new towels. I feel like a new woman.

Day at a time people.

Moving upwards and onwards. West Hollywood here I come.

Bless

Day 15

Hello from Los Angeles,

Well I finally made it to my final destination. I spent the last week in Vegas and I have to say I really love the city. Not for the big hotels or the casinos or keno, or everything else Vegas is known for. I fell for the community's, the streets, the shops and the mountains. I like it so much that I even went to look at some homes for potential investment properties:/

PS. The Wynn hotel has the best buffet...ever!!!!!!! Wear sweats if you eat there:)

While in Vegas I stayed with my uncle, his wife and their 7 year old daughter Sza Sza. Her and I are attached at the hip. She wouldn't leave me alone for a second, which was fine with me because I could use the company. The thing about taking a huge plunge like this is that it does tend to be quite lonely.

I am suffering from loneliness right now. If you think about it I am truly all alone. Other than a few acquaintances, I have no one. It's tough. I have to admit that I'm shedding a few lonely tears. It really hits you, the unfamiliarity and emptiness of it all.

I went to this Mexican bar to get something to eat and of course this guy who lives in long beach and sails to Venice every weekend, ends up offering me a beer. It's happy hour so you get 2 for the price of 1 so I guess he was generous, haha. Anyway, the man talked my ear off and then when I was about to leave he asked if I could watch his sweater while he went to the bathroom. Okay? Once he came back he asked me out for sushi. Wow! I probably said two words to this guy. Entertaining first night. I'm even more lonely.

I have to remember my purpose and why I am here. It is only the first day so it will get easier. After all I am in Venice beach. I can see the ocean from my place and smell the salt from my balcony. I hear the sunsets are pretty amazing too.

Tomorrow is a new day. I have a place to discover and people to meet.

I will pray and find my way.

Day 9

Thank you Jesus.

I am finally in Vegas. I rolled in at 11pm last night after almost a twelve hour drive. I left a little late, at 10:30 thinking my sleep was important so I better sleep in a little. Once I hit the road, my gps was saying I would be in Las Vegas by 8pm. Score! Until I hit a super snow storm in Utah. It all started when I was high up on the mountains. Flurries began to hit my windshield and I thought, okay, this is okay. It will pass. Flurries turned into heavy snow, fast winds and icy roads. I couldn't see so I slowed down to a crawling 20mph. Worse, I had no service on my phone so I was praying nothing would happen to me. I saw no cars around me and who would stop in this weather. I gripped my steering wheel as tight as I could and just prayed, prayed, prayed. As I rolled along I saw cars in the ditch, ambulances out, cars slipping and sliding. It was a nightmare. Two hours later I finally drove through Arizona. Thank God I made it. It wasn't smooth sailing yet, as there was heavy rain, but the road conditions were still a lot more safe. As I drove past a truck, he kicked up some major water that hit my windshield so hard that I'm surprised it didn't break...again. I couldn't see a thing and almost stopped my car right there on the highway. Thank God no one was behind me and thank God I didn't swerve into the truck. Wheeeeeeewwwwwww!!!!!!!!!

Once I got to Nevada the roads were clear and safe. I stopped for gas and a much needed pee and picked up some willie wonka taffy. It's my favorite. I deserved it!!!!

My gas tank was full, I was alive and my car was in one piece. I was ready to get myself to my uncles in Vegas and lay down. I drove into Vegas and the lights...they hypnotized me. All of a sudden my gps was saying one thing but my car was going another. I was in a trance. I drove around, looking at all the hotels and casinos and just thought wow, this city is alive. Wow, I just drove here. AAAAAAaaaaahhhh!

By this time my gps was yelling at me so I decided to listen to it and made myself over to my uncles. He is only 10min from the strip. Not bad. I drove up to his beautiful home where him and his wife greeted me at the door.

The rest you can imagine.

Good Morning from Vegas.

Day 7

Goodbye Colorado.

Today is my last day in Denver, until I come back that is. I have to come back. This is where my boo is.

I have a new car window "check", a new suitcase "check", well a suitcase, a mini roll on and a bag (the wheels broke on my original suitcase so I needed to replace it. I now have three new bags to replace the one. What? It was a beautiful set. I'm thinking about the future.) A new body "check". Haha, I'm kidding. I can't afford plastic surgery, at least not yet. Joking, my name isn't Heidi Montag. All natural all the time with this girl. The gym is my best friend. While I'm here in Denver, I get to work out at the beautiful Ritz Carlton. That's motivation enough.

Alright, it's time I get going on to the next chapter of my trip.

Tomorrow I leave for Vegas. I am going to try and do the drive, well not try, but I WILL do the drive in one day. It's twelve hours I think. So my goal is to leave at seven a.m. I hope I can do it. Get up I mean. I have to pick up my boo from the airport. He is flying in tonight from San Fransisco, but he doesn't get in till very late. I will pack the car tonight and give myself a head start. I feel rested and ready. I will nap this afternoon, that's what I'll do. Bring it on!!!!!

You know this will be my first time in Vegas. Yeh yeh, I am a Vegas Virgin!!! Any tips?

VEGAS HERE I COME!

Pray for me.

Day 5

Another beautiful day in Denver Colorado. I woke up after a nice sleep in and had a leisurely morning.

Eventually I got myself together to go to the gym. As you know my trip has been easy breezy so far, but today I noticed a small glitch. I have a huge crack in my windshield. Those big trucks on the road I tell ya, not the nicest things to drive with . I got a rock on the window but didn't see any damage until this afternoon. I guess Toyota I'll be callin' first thing tomorro'. I can't worry about it though. Things like this happen. I just have to get it fixed...it's as simple as that.

I didn't let it get to me and enjoyed the rest of my day. Did some grocery shopping and then went to see my boos game at the Pepsi Centre. They won!!!!!!! I also enjoyed some of the Golden Globes. "Save my space on the red carpet because I'm a coming:)"

You know we have to take things as they come and try not to stress. There are certain things we have no control over. Just always remember that everything will be okay. Keep smiling and allow yourself the pleasure of staying calm.

Day 4

What an absolutely gorgeous day in Denver. It was plus 7 and I was out in my spring jacket walking around with not a shiver in my bones. This morning I woke up and made myself a yummy peanut butter and banana smoothie...man I LOVE peanut butter, then did some push ups and sit ups. I know my 6 pack is just waiting to make an appearance. Soon I tell it, soon:)

As I was out on the town I went into a pet shop and saw the sweetest puppy in the world. It wanted me to take him home, I just know it. And I wanted to. It would be nice to have a furry companion on this trip but not having my own place makes that a not so clever idea. Oh little doggy, one day you will be mine.

It feels so nice to just chill in Denver for a while and not be driving. This is my time to really focus on the next part of my drive... TO VEGAS BABY!!!!!!

I also just did a little boxing workout on the Wii and had a nice healthy salmon dinner which my boo cooked for us. How blessed am I.

Feeling more Hollywood ready everyday.

Like the street performer in downtown Denver said. "Hey, there goes Beyonce."

Soon they will know my name:)

xo

Day 3

I'm in DENVER!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!

You guys won't believe it but I was actually up in time to make the continental breakfast. I was excited to get to Denver so I was up and ready to drive. Plus I was HUUUUUNNNNGGRRRYYYYY!!! All I ate last night was a granola bar. LA standards...remember.

I knew I was a long way from Toronto when I was greeted by a very precious woman by her calling me baby. I thought I was so special until I noticed she called everyone baby, baby cakes, sugar pie, sugar plum,hunny bun. She made a mean waffle too.

People in Omaha are so friendly. Everyone says hello and good morning. Really puts you in a good mood:D

Once I got on the road, the time past by so quickly. My agent called me to see if I could do an audition for a film that shoots in Winnipeg but, hello...I'm on my way to Hollywood.

Once I reached Colorado I couldn't believe it. There was no snow. It was so warm and man was it beautiful. I really felt free.

This is my destiny and I am so happy.

Day 2

Hi from Omaha. Nice city from what I can see so far. Lot's of tall buildings and lights. A lot of casino's. Hmmmmm...naw won't do it.

As you all know I left New Buffalo for Omaha.I left late because I decided to do a little sights seeing. Where? In good ole Indiana. You know, there is nothing out there, except...this one thing that I call the best thing ever...AN OUTLET MALL. So I had to stop and do some browsing;)...and maybe a little shopping and yes only a little. Everyone was so friendly and wanted so bad for me to try on everything in the store. I guess they get bored out there in this city that really isn't a city because I think I saw maybe one person...okay 2.

I finally left at noon and started my journey west to Nebraska. Really nothing too exciting happened. Just stopped for some Orange Julius and a Wendy's chicken wrap. Very healthy:/ Man this driving thing though is tough. The right side of my bum is always falling asleep. What is that about?

I drove through some heavy fog and finally reached Omaha. Once I settled in my hotel room, I did my usual, and went down for a workout. Have to rid my body of all that Wendy's. I watched 27 dresses as I walked the treadmill thinking, that will be me one day. talked to my boo on the phone and then went to bed for some much needed z's.

All in all a very pleasant day.

Day 1...

Okay well I have come a long way from Saskatoon. Yes Saskatoon. Where is that you ask? It's the centre of Canada and you can see right across it. I have been pursuing this performing career now for 7 years and have had some great success. But I have also had some very hard times, where a contract has ended and I am back to the drawing board, no job and only rejection after rejection. I love it though and continue to strive each day to achieve my dream. I have been living in Toronto for 5 years...wow...I didn't realize it has been that long. My gosh. Hollywood has always been on my radar but you know how life is? There is always something keeping us back...excuses, excuses, excuses! Well not anymore...not for me anyway.

I have finally decided to take that leap of faith and drive off to LALA LAND. I know...I'm driving...call me crazy.

Today Jan, 13th, 2010. The 13th is my lucky number so I couldn't have left on a better day. Funny because I didn't even plan it that way.

Anywhoo, I left this morning at what was supposed to be 8am, but i hit the snooze button 3 times. I was excited to get up and start my journey but you all have to know I LOVE my sleep.

So I finally get out of the house and my first stop in New Buffalo. Why here...because this is where my mom told me to go. Always listen to your moms. I don't think anyone lives in New Buffalo, I'm surprised it is even on the map. Ha, who am I kidding, i'm from Saskabush.

When I went across the boarder, the poor security almost fainted when I told him where I was driving to. I know, I am a brave girl.

I booked my self into a Holiday Inn Express and yes, it is quite nice. Big, room, even a mini kitchenette, until I go to the pool for a swim. needless to say I was a little frightened to see that the ceiling was falling down. I still swam though, need to exercise so I can fit in with all the Hollywood actresses. I did have a Reuben for dinner though. That was the healthiest thing on the menu.

Well, like I said I need to sleep. Gotta hit the gym in the morning too. Maybe tomorrow I'll shop for some size 0 close. Isn't that the standard in LA?

Good Night from New Buffalo!!!