Yes, I'm still here.....

Unfortunately, I seem to be posting more updates like this than I would like. Life seems to be getting in the way of blogging!! A few updates are in order.

My vacation didn't quite turn out like I had hoped, but then again, it never does!! I did have 2 wonderful days where I didn't do anything!! Spent me time, sleeping, relaxing and catching up with some old friends online. Like Facebook or not, it has become a great tool for me. I have reconnected with a few old friends from high school, and have been having a great time. Many years and miles have been put between us, and it's been nice to see old faces and find out what's going on in their lives.

Then, within a 24 hour period, Mike got his layoff notice in the mail and I found out my grandma's sick. The layoff will be permanent, although it won't take place for awhile (at least hopefully). There is always the possibility that Mike will be able to transfer within the company, but it's pretty slim. Regardless, we are taking steps to get his resume updated and starting to look for something else....again. In the meantime, I'm picking up extra shifts left and right to try to put back some cash just in case.

Grandma, is another story. With my horrendous schedule, I haven't been able to do a lot of connecting with her lately. She lives about 2 hours away, and I've been lax. It's just that any free time I have is usually spent trying to catch up on sleep. I guess now I'm just going to have to suck it up and start doing a little more travel. It is not good, and I don't have a lot of time left. I'm taking a couple of days next week to go visit and take the kids.

On a brighter note....yesterday I spent the afternoon on a movie set!! Sounds fun, right?? My best friend, Aaron, who I've mentioned a few times is making a movie!! He wrote a screenplay, is directing and producing....and even acting in it. I'm so incredibly proud of him!! It's low-budget, to be sure. But he has a few minor celebrities in cameos and it was so much fun to see. The star is a young kid named Derek North, who is not only the sweetest guy, but just about the most gorgeous thing I've seen in ages!! I'm really hoping he becomes a big star, because he deserves it!!

AND, he wrote in scenes for each of the kids!! Yesterday, Chad got to get out of school and film his. He had 3 lines (which he nailed!) and was filming with Wendy, the Snapple Lady!! She is a hoot!! The film crew had me doing stand-in for her. It's funny, because I'm short, but I always wear heels of some sort. I had on my 3 inch Mary Janes, and they thought I was too tall....till I took my shoes off!! When I get all the pictures from the crew, I'll post them.

But for now, I'm posting the few that I took:

Here is Chad and Wendy. She is an incredibly sweet lady, who only was in town for the day. She had nothing but praise for Chad, and he just loved her!! Initially, he was a little scared. AND he was hoping for a scene with some hot young girl. But the second he met Wendy, he was instantly feeling better. The cast and crew treated him so special....he was in his heyday!!
Here is Chad with Richard Pryor, Jr. He was the first person on the set to come over and introduce himself. Super nice, and praised Chad for being so professional! He said Chad could be a big star someday!! Not sure that's the life I hoped he would have, but I guess if he wants to try.....Aaron wants to hook him up with an agent. Sheesh. Just what I need!!

Here is Chad and Derek. Like I said, Derek is a doll! I'm really hoping for good things in his future!! The shoot was at a men's clothing store, if you are wondering about the backgrounds!!

Finally, here is Chad with Aaron. Aaron's the best. He pulled us both in right away and introduced Chad as his nephew and me as his best friend. So, everyone treated us super!! We had a blast...and now the girls are wicked anxious for their day in the spotlight. Filming is going on all month, so I'm hoping to be able to catch some more time with all of them. Help out where I can. It's fun to be a part of something like this!!

That's all for now. Will check in again this weekend!!