Open Bar Situations

A post or so ago I mentioned the joys of volunteering.  Well, the message may not have been as joyous then but now that the LA Femme Film Festival has came and conquered, I can look back with with a smile.  My networking was a little weak, partially because I'm incredibly awkward, partially because I was busy setting up.  However, I did encounter a few peeps that may or may not lead to future meet-ups. 

I also found myself caught in an open bar situation.  

For a post-college girl looking for work, the open bar is a very, very dangerous place.  Luckily I was able to maintain a fairly composed performance.  Aside from hanging out by the DJ's, over indulging at the cheese platter, and having to call my roommate for a ride home, the film festival was heavy in fun and conversation.  

There was even a little celeb spotting of Sara Gilbert from "Rosanne", Diablo Cody, the writer of "Juno", and realizing after the fact that I took a picture of her and a friend that it was Angela Bassett (Stella never lost her groove - she looked great!).  Otherwise, it was a low budget film festival in West Hollywood, people watching was at an all time high.  

Of course catching the bus very early in the morning so I could get my car off the street before the City of LA did it for me was a painful aftermath.

For my first film festival, I'd say, keep 'em coming!  

Columbus Day PreGame

In honor of Columbus Day I hope to achieve excellent levels of productivity, particularly directed at propelling my career. Of course the best way I to distract myself from doing so is by fueling my energy into a blog post.

I do have some weekend story telling to distribute, so it's not a total waste of time. This past weekend I tried my hand at the northern lands of California in Napa Valley. Though I foresee myself with a wine hangover for the next month, the trip was vastly successful.

The decision came as a last minute thought after hearing a good friend from the wintry fields of Upstate New York would be shipping overseas to Iraq on the 22nd. With no other 315'ers on the West Coast and a shared amount of time off (for very different reasons obviously) we ventured to a half-way meet-up point which just happen to work out to be America's wine country.

As an Ithaca grad I've delighted myself on my fair share of Finger Lakes "grape juice", but I jumped at the opportunity to flee the urban jungle of LA and see what the rest of this state has to offer.

Predictably, Napa is one expensive neighborhood. For travel and expense reasons we only dabbled in three wineries. Considering ourselves anything but wine experts, little difference was noticed and even less knowledge was gained from the trip.

 Luckily I did discover, with the help of an intriguing commercial and advisement of the hotel clerk, a dinner joint fully in tune with what I love. BBQ, classy girl right?

Gracie's BBQ in Vallejo had all the great aspects of a quality BBQ joint.  Though I would have enjoyed some less expensive options, the rib/link combo plater I order came out within ten minutes.  Can't beat that kind of timing.  We we're on a beer schedule so I didn't want to mix but they did offer some traditional "swamp juice" or flavored sweet tea in mason jars.

As for sides, I had some quality slaw and perfect cornbread.  My friend enjoyed the bread, mac salad, and we both skipped over the unfortunately bland red beans and rice. I noticed some homemade pies that I was temped to order but price and fullness put me at a standstill.   

I know the links don't really look pretty in the picture but trust, very delicious.  To give the menu a look see or if you're ever in the area: Gracie's BBQ

Happy Columbus Day.

Back to NY with Lady Gaga

I love how strange Lady Gaga is. I also love NYC and miss my summer as a Lower East Sider very much. Now I present you with a video that made me both very happy and a little sad.



Rivington = excellence.

"Volunteering Doesn't Pay"

Some of you may be familiar with the harsh realities of volunteering.  Whether one is trying to cure cancer, overthrow Mid-East dictatorships, rebuild devastated areas, or help put on a film festival.

A film festival for women that is....

Alright the times are getting a little tough in LA so to keep myself busy I've taken on some volunteer hours for the La Femme Film Festival taking place in two weeks out here in Los Angeles.  The set-up is pretty grassroots, 5-6 people in the directors cramped apartment calling car services and hotels for group discounts.
I'm not exactly a film junkie so my passion isn't completely with the project but I'm always up for a new experience and some fresh contacts.  Plus, as a volunteer I can pretty much dedicate how ever much time I want so I still have time to send out 15-20 resumes a day and run errands.


Speaking of resumes, I have to take this time of blogging out to give a big thanks to the Star family for their help and support in my job search!  Starzynski's - the best Buffalo has to offer.  Chicken wings are an unbelievably close second.

 "those girls"

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly

One day following my 'good news' e-mail to former college roommates I was informed that after just a week of employment I'd been layed-off.  That being said, I'd like to go back in blogtime and let everyone know, I got a job working for the director from Night at the Museum and other family fun and ridiculous money making pics.

Fast forward to this week and I'm back on the job sites looking to strike gold.  What happened with my one week adventure in job land was, as so I've been told, purely budgeting reasons.  I was working as one of the directors personal assistants as he wraps up a movie with Tina Fey and Steve Carrel and begins production on a new action/syfy movie for Dreamworks.  Therefore, Dreamworks was actually paying my salary and after seeing that I was heavy on the personal assistant duties and light on the production, they didn't want to pay for it.

Blah, blah, blah, it was upsetting but not the worst that could happen.  I'm getting paid through the end of this week and hopefully can find something with potential by the start of next week.  

In other news, I finally applied for my California license.  Hopefully the DMV doesn't check my blog because I've been here far longer than I'm legally allowed to have been without notifying the state.  I think I'll be good.

Also, yesterday (or Monday for you East Coasters) I made my semi-triumphant return to the street hockey world of 'Hangover Hockey'.  Big Rach Hill and I were the bash-sisters of this Sunday afternoon free for all almost a year ago and now I'm back flying solo.  It's so much fun. Old guy Bostonians and Canadians sweating out beers from the night before.  I'm not much with a real hockey stick just yet but I've got a lot of hustle.

Now I must rest my very sore and out of shape body.  Wish me luck and C's ya lata.

2 Weeks

I've officially lived in LA for two weeks.  (By official I do not mean that I've legally registered myself as a California resident at the DMV so I'm basically an illegal alien.)

West Coast life so far has gone as well as one can hope.  Lack of consistent employment is frustrating, paired with my pending homelessness and absence of close friends and family.  On the other hand, I've been able to work two separate productions each weekend and have been making some small time cash as an audience member on the Newlywed Show.

I'm not much of a game show fan but I have to say that Carne Wilson is pretty funny.  I'm not sure her humor and quality are translating on stage but from the observed moments of her backstage, she's a fun loving mom with an unexpected potty mouth. 

So I'll be hanging with Carne for a ridiculous number of tapings on Wednesday and Thursday.  They're doing approximately 65 episodes in a month and half, and for the rest of the week I need to do some serious apartment hunting and get a job to fund said apartment. 

GOOD NEWS, I'm doing a phone interview this morning for MyDamnChannel.com. Even if I don't get the job I highly recommend anyone to the site.  One of my favorite comedian/directors David Wain's hilarous series "Wainy Day's is hosted here among several other fantastic and professional webseries'.  

That being said, immersing myself in the world of MyDamnChannel in preparation for the what will hopefully turn into a successful phone interview. 

C's ya lata.

An LA Note

I'll finish on this post for tonight on my first five days in LA.  I have my first 'gig' tomorrow, unpaid of course.  Nonetheless I'm excited, it's new people to network with and its a distraction from unemployment.  All I can say about it is that I'm going to be working as the set videographer while the crew films a movie trailer.

Meanwhile, the peeps I've forced into friendship are celebrating their labor pains with a good ol' trip to Las Vegas.  Hopefully tomorrow I'll get some much needed writing in and keep working on applications.  If I'm feeling brave I might check out a comedy show either Saturday or Sunday as well.

One thing I can say, and a step outside my usual posting style, I miss everyone from home a lot.  I've talked with several close college friends recently about this feeling.  The feeling of separation with no foreseeable end.  That sounds much more dramatic than it actually is, but when you spend time alone on the computer all day you get time to think.

Courage comes with a price and growing up takes courage in my mind.  Good luck to all of us and have a fantastic Labor Day weekend no matter where you spend it!

C's ya lata.

Gettin' Bigger in Texas

One last food picture before I get back to the current locale... if you run back through the Rt. 66 Album you see some photos from the famous tourist destination in Texas.  When you're traveling through Texas on the 40, well, as they say, everything's bigger in Texas.  The Texas Roadhouse is well overpriced but the giant dinning hall, arcade shooting gallery, and photo cutouts do their part to make up for it.  I must say the buffalo burger below was pretty amazing.  I had a side of rice that was fairly terrible but I can't complain with complimentary cups and fresh jalapeños!

 

The Food Diaries Return Again...

My last few days of eats have yet to be published... until now. Though I'd rate the local Memphis BBQ my favorite overall experience, we did enjoy some stellar traditional New Mexican cuisine that is running for a first place in my stomach.

I'm not at all embarressed to say that this is a picture of a salad.  Not only were they more then plentiful but the in-house chili-vinegar dressing was amazing! From there I did the chicken enchiladas with green chili sauce while Big Red had blue corn fried chicken with roasted potatoes. 

As you can see the enchiladas were plentiful and the verde chili was some of the best I've ever had.  It had just the right spiciness matched well with the cheese and tortilla shells.

The blue corn chicken was super crunchy and well portioned.  The potatoes and carrots were nothing to write home about but I blame Red for ordering a less than exciting dish.

The pictures do no justice but this high end New Mexican restaurant in the middle of nowhere outside Albuquerque.

Alright after looking back on the trip I still rate Neeley's my favorite food stop based on experience, fast service, and downtown flair.  Though, those you know anything about me, Mexican is one of my favorite cuisines.  For whatever reason anyone would find themselves at this little spot, just across from the a lovely Holiday Inn Express I might add, it's a must try.

Now what's the name of this fabulous restaurant? You'll have to wait till Red sends me the details... pictures are nice though right? 

The Grand Canyon Photo Album

I promised some media and here it is... mostly pictures from the Grand Canyon... more to come about my new life in LA (Spoiler Alert: strangely similar to the last life)

Final Days of the Trip

In Case You Were Wondering

We accumulated 3171.2 miles total by traveling from Boonville, NY to Los Angeles, CA. I have to say that new Pontiac did its job - proud-a-you!

We have arrived...

For all four people, at most, who check this blog my apologies for the lack of updates recently, especially considering all the fun news I have!

We arrived in Los Angeles around 4:30 yesterday. I'm pretty much all moved in and will post pictures of the apartment and area (beach!!) soon. Big Red and I just got back from a long walk on the beach.

Speaking of Big Red... she turned 60 on July 12 and since then has...
- run her first 5K
- lost 30 lbs.
- drove across country
- hiked the Grand Canyon

... and now finally has been to the Los Angeles for some Pacific Ocean waters and juicy In 'n' Out burgers.

Now if I could just get a job to pay off my incredible debt to her...

Anyways, I've got lots of media to come your way soon. Tomorrow is going to be a computer day, after I drop Red off at the airport at 5AM!!!!

C's ya lata!

Grand Canyon = no internet...

To the desert we head and the internet we leave... my blog posts may be MIA for a day or so because we'll be at the Grand Canyon!!!!

In the meantime feel free to check my Twitter where I do the most updates and constantly upload photos!

http://twitter.com/courtneyclark

C's ya lata!

Getting our kicks on Route 66

Through fields of red dirt and past angus, milkers, and brown cows, we're off to the desert! The 40 has finally given us signs of road trips past...

Remembrances of Rt. 66 can be sceen all along the 40, as well as some opportunties to hop on the bumpy road as you'll see in the album below.  Billboards of Rt. 66 muesumes, Outposts, and "Large Clean Bathrooms" clutter the roadside.

It finally feels like we're living the beat life of Jack Kerouac in "On the Road"... okay I'd be very hard pressed to compare our trip to that American classic but I do appreciate the historical relevance.

Here'e the beginnings of our slideshow:

Route 66

In the Crossroads of America - Day 4

With 1,666.8 miles down and approximately 1,300 to go, we're just over the half-way mark in Oklahoma.  We're resting our heads and our ribs in Yukon, the home of country star Garth Brooks.

There were no thunder rolls in Oklahoma but we did get our first taste of "Danny".  Actually it rained for a 15 minute hiccup through Oklohoma City so nothing like the tweets I've been getting from Al Roker.  (Yes, I follow Al Roker, he has interesting pictures and some of the most informative Tweets #followfriday!)

As for other excitment...

Grasslands.

Things are pretty dull from here on out.

I did experience my first CiCi's, which is a cheap version of Chuckie Cheese.  Then for dinner we went to a place where ribs can lay their heads at night.

"Rib Crib" is a chain similiar to "Smokey Bones".  They had a more creative menu than Bones but I liked Bones' BBQ flavors and atmoshphere better.  However, Red favored her "sweet and sticky" Rib Crib's ribs.

I did try a local Oklahoma wheat beer that turned out be a fantastic light and spicey flavor.  I didn't even get any dirty looks about having a beer with dinner consider Oklahoma's strickt alcohol regulations.

All in all, the people in Oklahoma have been the nicest people we've encountered.  I don't see myself going back anytime soon but wouldn't be upset if I had to either!

C's ya lata with news of Texas and New Mexico!

Day 3: Memphis BBQ

After our rendezvous in Graceland we headed for our hotel in downtown Memphis.  We stayed at the Holiday Inn so we could watch the rich folks stumble in and out of their Cadillacs into the famous Peabody Hotel.  Feeling adventurous we took a walk to experience some real down at home BBQ.

Neeley's seemed close and famous enough that it wouldn't be to much trouble... One piece of advice, drive, don't walk! Needless to say tourists is the most p.c. way to describe us wandering the back streets of Memphis. Actually the city appeared more threating to a couple of Upstater's than it actually was.  Though, as you can see Neeley's wasn't much to look at from the outside.

Before I get into the food, some may wonder how I found this place.  I had a list of possible "off Beale" BBQ joints to try.  Beale is Memphis's version of Bourbon Street, actually I read somewhere it's the second most visited street after Bourbon.  Either way, Neeley's is owned by Pat Neeley of Food Network's "Down Home with the Neeley's" and his brothers and sisters.  Going on that information, some good reviews, and perceived walking distance we took a chance.

GOOD CHOICE.  This slightly less corporate joint was so fast and delicious.  Not to mention to whole meal was $20 including 20% tip.

The lemonade was made fresh and the pork was smothered in sauce.  We got the small pulled pork sandwiches and were stuffed but the platters and large sandwiches looked amazing if you're going hungry!

I'd have to say I wasn't to impressed with Memphis as city overall but the Neeley's gave me reason to consider another go at it!

More to come on a night on Beale Next!

"All Shook Up"

One night in Memphis and my new blogging responsibities have fallen to the way side.  Actually we had some pretty terrible wireless at the hotel last night and blogging from my phone has proven to be unsuccessful.  Enough about my misfortunes, we've got a lot to cover.  

First things first, Graceland = over-priced tourist trap.  It was to be expected but Red and I actually had a pretty good time.  Our only big disappointment was the lack of Elvis impersonators.  That's right, not a single one.



For the goods you'll just have to see for yourself, click on the Graceland Mansion below for our photo album!

Graceland

Day 2: 1138.7 Miles In

After a nights stay at the Extended Stay Hotel (yes that's an oxymoron) we traveled through Kentucky then onto Tennessee.

We passed what I've decided with the help of Google were fields and fields of Arugula (aka Eruca Sativa or "rocket").  From what I read arugula and asparagus are pretty popular in Ohio.  More interesting, I found out that, "the first county farm bureau was formed in Broome County, New York.  That's the Binghamton area I believe, but thanks to the American Farm Bureau Federation for that fun Upstate New York fact!  (Okay it's not really that interesting or fun...)

Anyways, Big Red and I are watching some "Ace of Cakes" courtesy of the sketchy Quality Inn just North of Memphis.  Next up is "Unwrapped" on how Crackel Barrel makes their chicken 'n' dumplings ironic considering:

I had to give myself a BBQ break in order to get ready for a day in downtown Memphis tomorrow.  Expect a lot of Foodie pictures and a few shots of Elvis.  

C's ya lata.

LA Road Trip Day 1

After months of threatening to move to LA I have finally committed myself. Big Red and I began our treck this morning at 9 AM. Three pitstops later I report to you on a full belly in Columbus, Ohio.

The BBQ Tour of America included two Chipotle BBQ Snack Wraps from Mickey D's for lunch, and a delicous dish from Smokey Bones BBQ joint in Columbus.

Based on our hotels information leaflets this city seems to be an emerging fun zone. Perhaps another time I'll further extend my stay, nottttttt.

Next stop will be just outside of Memphis (obviously the BBQ will be increasing in deliciousness). Let me know if anyone has any suggestions for must see's along the 40 or any questions about the trip!

C's ya lata.

Things I'll Miss from the 315

Besides all the friends and family there are some things that a girl really can't get outside of the 315. I was able to catch a few shots of local hotspots on my way out this weekend but read through for musings on other delights I'll miss as well.

This picture actually gives Sylvan Beach about as much justice as that beach deserves - I love it anyways.

Oh Boonville, there's not much out there that offers such delights like the Woodsman's Field Days. This is a little shot I took on my home the other afternoon. I would have snapped the pig races but I think you need a press pass for that crowd pleaser.

This is the bar that helped raise me when I lived in Vienna, NY. The .10Cent Wednesday Wing night is where I first discovered that Upstate New York culinary institute.

So besides chicken wings, Saranac, Labatt Blue Light, and Dinosaur BBQ, I think I'm ready for LA.

See ya on the Left Coast.

Unintentional Birthday Message from Twitter

For those familiar with all things CC - this seems appropriate in ways too numerous for blogging.