Nerve-wrecked would be the best way to describe how I felt as soon as I woke up. Yes, again, I'm opening my eyes at around 7am.
I'm WAAAAY too nervous to eat breakfast today as I'm gearing up to meet:
Mckenzie Westmore - Host of Syfy's FaceOff. Dwight D. Smith, Michael Agbabian & Derek Atherton from the awesome Mission Control Media production company. Robyn Wilson & Jarrid Masse cast of Marcel's Quantum Kitchen.
Lunch was at 12:30p in Hollywood and I didn't want to be late! I take off like 2 hours before our meeting, and that gave me plenty of time to navigate traffic, enjoy a nice cruise on Sunset Blvd and find some parking.
I arrive at the restaurant at around 12:20p. The waitress invites me to sit down and offers me some water while I wait for the rest of my party. I guess she noticed I was nervous and said "Hey, don't worry - whatever it is, it'll be fine. Instead of water, would you like a stiff drink?" LOL - that broke the ice a little.
As I kind of figure, punctual and precise... McKenzie walks in the door! My heart raced and broken ice from earlier froze immediately! Such a sweetheart though! She sees me and I get up and immediately gives me a hug!
She welcomes me to LA, and asks how my trip is going so far. Right about this, Jarrid and Robyn make their way in. We all introduce ourselves, and the best thing? Mckenzie, Jarrid and Robyn had never met before. So, I was witness to new friendships! AWESOME!
As we're decided whether or not to wait in the lobby or at our table for Mission Control, they walk in. Understand, 7 months ago, I didn't know MCM, Dwight, Michael or Derek. Now, I can't imagine a day without some sort of interaction with them! Let's just say, these guys are complete gentlemen! Kind, genuine and clearly gave me the impression this wasn't "just another lunch!" Dwight didn't waste time to say they brought a MQK Tshirt and I was pleasantly shocked they would even think to offer it.
The lunch meeting was a BLAST! I spent quite a bit of time speaking with Michael as we struck up a conversation. Sitting next to Robyn proved a bit difficult - I mean, how can one eat when you're next to such a beautiful lady! I wish there was a way I could slow down time - the meeting was surreal and I wish it would not end! I could spend hours talking to these people. They were clearly inviting and approachable!
I exchanged some modest gifts with them, took some pictures, and they were nice to do some autographs. I said this day was going to be awesome - and it was!
BTW: During this lunch, Jack Black arrived and sat in the table/booth next to us. Any other day, I would of been gawk-eyed - but, today, I was with people I admire and Jack Black can wait. =)
As the lunch drew to a close, the awesome Robyn and Jarrid offered for me to meet Marcel as he was nearby. I'll skip the details about getting lost, but suffice to say, they were troopers for waiting for me while I made my way to where the taco truck was!
Yes, I said, TACO TRUCK. Sure enough, there was Marcel and he's exactly as you see him on the show. We were introduced, and immediately he offered some tacos. We talked a bit, discussed MQK and unfortunately, time was running out. We all shook hands, Robyn was nice to take a few pictures, and we all went on our way.
I can't begin to describe how awesome this day was! Everyone taking time out of their schedules to meet was wonderful. For those that know of Mission Control Media - they are exactly what you think they would be. No bullshit - down-to-earth, kind, and you feel the genius energy when you talk with them! Saying that being in their company is an inspiration is an understatement!
Thank you, Mission Control Media, Dwight, Michael, Derek, Mckenzie, Robyn, and Jarrid for making that day one I will never forget!
Day 4 and 5 will be posted later - some interesting things here and there, but nothing compared to what I just wrote - so, those entries can wait a bit. =)
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
LA Vacation - Day 2 - Part II
Ok, here it was. Time to hit the 405, 105, 110, and whatever other FWYs needed to get to where America's Got Talent is taped. I was completely blown away by how courteous the drivers are in LA. Sure, you'll come across a few asshats, but, overall, it was a pleasant drive. I think I had more traffic trouble on the street to get to "The Grove" in Hollywood, than the freeways themselves.
I remember tweeting being lost at The Grove and loving it - and those words weren't a lie! What a beautiful open-air shopping area with awesome open-air restaurants which served anything your heart desires! I would of loved to have gotten even more lost, but, I needed to make my way to AGT.
Time passes, and I'm finally being lead into the studio. The nice crew from Mission Control Media set this up for me, and I was seated in Section A (from the stage looking out, right hand, lower side). What a beautiful studio, and it was exciting. Meanwhile, Cory, the guy that keeps the audience occupied before and during the show was trying to get us energized! He did a great job, and I guess I did as well. At one point, he's on the AGT stage and points at me, asking me to join him.
I'm a fairly reserved guy at first, and now staring at an audience with all their eyes on me - while doing "dance moves" was definitely overwhelming! Cory directs me to do some dance moves and I follow through. I kicked ass doing the "Cowboy" - hello? I'm from Texas, Cory. =)
Finally, he asks for me to shake my booty where I instantly stop and go "uhhh.. no." However, I forgot I was not in charge here. Cory, picked up the mic and asked the audience if they wanted me to shake it - and well you know what they said. Of course, I couldn't go against the audience, and I started doing it. Embarrassed as hell, the audience cheered, and applauded offering support. Those couple of minutes felt like an eternity - and frankly, looking back, what a HELL of a time I had!
As expected, the show taping was phenomenal. I was about 10 or feet from the AGT judges - my favorite being Howie Mandel.
The show taping ends, and it was time for us to leave. As I make my way to my vehicle, the "audience" recognizes me amongst the crowd and offer their compliments on my "performance."
So glad, I don't live in LA!
This was obviously an awesome day! But, it's about to get even better!
I remember tweeting being lost at The Grove and loving it - and those words weren't a lie! What a beautiful open-air shopping area with awesome open-air restaurants which served anything your heart desires! I would of loved to have gotten even more lost, but, I needed to make my way to AGT.
Time passes, and I'm finally being lead into the studio. The nice crew from Mission Control Media set this up for me, and I was seated in Section A (from the stage looking out, right hand, lower side). What a beautiful studio, and it was exciting. Meanwhile, Cory, the guy that keeps the audience occupied before and during the show was trying to get us energized! He did a great job, and I guess I did as well. At one point, he's on the AGT stage and points at me, asking me to join him.
I'm a fairly reserved guy at first, and now staring at an audience with all their eyes on me - while doing "dance moves" was definitely overwhelming! Cory directs me to do some dance moves and I follow through. I kicked ass doing the "Cowboy" - hello? I'm from Texas, Cory. =)
Finally, he asks for me to shake my booty where I instantly stop and go "uhhh.. no." However, I forgot I was not in charge here. Cory, picked up the mic and asked the audience if they wanted me to shake it - and well you know what they said. Of course, I couldn't go against the audience, and I started doing it. Embarrassed as hell, the audience cheered, and applauded offering support. Those couple of minutes felt like an eternity - and frankly, looking back, what a HELL of a time I had!
As expected, the show taping was phenomenal. I was about 10 or feet from the AGT judges - my favorite being Howie Mandel.
The show taping ends, and it was time for us to leave. As I make my way to my vehicle, the "audience" recognizes me amongst the crowd and offer their compliments on my "performance."
So glad, I don't live in LA!
This was obviously an awesome day! But, it's about to get even better!
LA Vacation - Day 2 - Part I
This was weird. I woke up at 6:55am! This is nearly unheard of for me considering I'm not a morning person. Obviously the time zone change was working in my favor, plus the excitement of being in a new city most probably contributed.
I got dressed, and arrived downstairs to eat breakfast. Now, Embassy Suites LAX South offers cook-to-order breakfast and it's quite popular. There were people everywhere enjoying their first meal of the day. So many people, I had to find an alternate location to eat - which in this case was a bench near the entrance to "breakfastland."
I'm about to start eating, and the hotel manager approaches. He immediately offered me a booth in the closed dining room area to enjoy my breakfast. I was in a semi-darken, quieter area - chomping down breakfast while catching up to the day's news, facebook and twitter feeds. I felt like a VIP but without the entourage.
Next up? Venice Beach! On my way there, my mouth drooled as I passed the "Electronic Arts" building. And when I finally arrived, I was taken back by the awesome air temperature! It was likely 70F and a bit foggy. Beautiful!
I was fully prepared for this impromptu trip. With jeans and tennis shoes, I stepped onto the sand. =) And, it wasn't long before my feet met the Pacific ocean - shoes removed of course.
Having a great time, I had to make my way back to the hotel to get ready as later in the day, I was going to be an audience member for America's Got Talent!
I got dressed, and arrived downstairs to eat breakfast. Now, Embassy Suites LAX South offers cook-to-order breakfast and it's quite popular. There were people everywhere enjoying their first meal of the day. So many people, I had to find an alternate location to eat - which in this case was a bench near the entrance to "breakfastland."
I'm about to start eating, and the hotel manager approaches. He immediately offered me a booth in the closed dining room area to enjoy my breakfast. I was in a semi-darken, quieter area - chomping down breakfast while catching up to the day's news, facebook and twitter feeds. I felt like a VIP but without the entourage.
Next up? Venice Beach! On my way there, my mouth drooled as I passed the "Electronic Arts" building. And when I finally arrived, I was taken back by the awesome air temperature! It was likely 70F and a bit foggy. Beautiful!
I was fully prepared for this impromptu trip. With jeans and tennis shoes, I stepped onto the sand. =) And, it wasn't long before my feet met the Pacific ocean - shoes removed of course.
Having a great time, I had to make my way back to the hotel to get ready as later in the day, I was going to be an audience member for America's Got Talent!
LA Vacation - Day 1
I awoke, and was excited, nervous and anxious all rolled into one!
No problems when I arrived at airport security, and before long I was sitting on the plane making my way to DFW - my first stop before LAX.
Very nice, smooth flight and 1st class service was ... interesting.
DFW > LAX
Once at DFW, I couldn't wait to get on the plane. A bigger plane this time and more goodies awaited. During the flight, I was surprised to have the flight attendant not only ask for a drink order, but what I would like for dinner. I've heard people talking about how bad airline food can be, but I can't complaint. Cheese pasta with meat sauce, salad with grapes and pecans, a small dish of shrimp with a cup of marinara, warm sourdough (or wheat) rolls and your beverage of choice. For dessert? A nice, warn brownie with vanilla ice cream!
Finally at LAX, I proceeded to the baggage claim an saw that my luggage was first to appear. After getting directions on how to take the shuttle to my rental car location, I was on my way.
Once in my rental vehicle, I was a bit nervous - as I'm used to driving in a city of 100,000, not millions! My flight was delayed, so it was night now and I still had to drive to my hotel.
Before long, I was in 5 lane street, going through tunnels and a myriad of road signs. However, my trusty Google Navigation was keeping me on the right track. I breathed a sigh of relief when I arrived and checked in at the hotel.
I remember that night thinking to myself that I just drove in a foreign city - at night - my fear tossed aside. It was clear, there was nothing to it, and whatever FWY traveling I had to do was going to be easier from now on.
I settled in, and after a 7 hour trip - tiredness took its toll.
No problems when I arrived at airport security, and before long I was sitting on the plane making my way to DFW - my first stop before LAX.
Very nice, smooth flight and 1st class service was ... interesting.
DFW > LAX
Once at DFW, I couldn't wait to get on the plane. A bigger plane this time and more goodies awaited. During the flight, I was surprised to have the flight attendant not only ask for a drink order, but what I would like for dinner. I've heard people talking about how bad airline food can be, but I can't complaint. Cheese pasta with meat sauce, salad with grapes and pecans, a small dish of shrimp with a cup of marinara, warm sourdough (or wheat) rolls and your beverage of choice. For dessert? A nice, warn brownie with vanilla ice cream!
Finally at LAX, I proceeded to the baggage claim an saw that my luggage was first to appear. After getting directions on how to take the shuttle to my rental car location, I was on my way.
Once in my rental vehicle, I was a bit nervous - as I'm used to driving in a city of 100,000, not millions! My flight was delayed, so it was night now and I still had to drive to my hotel.
Before long, I was in 5 lane street, going through tunnels and a myriad of road signs. However, my trusty Google Navigation was keeping me on the right track. I breathed a sigh of relief when I arrived and checked in at the hotel.
I remember that night thinking to myself that I just drove in a foreign city - at night - my fear tossed aside. It was clear, there was nothing to it, and whatever FWY traveling I had to do was going to be easier from now on.
I settled in, and after a 7 hour trip - tiredness took its toll.
LA vacation - Preps
Alas, had some time coming and at first decided I'd stick around home and relax. However, for the longest time, I had wanted to visit Los Angeles & things just starting meshing.
For one, being a big fan of #FaceOff & Marcel's Quantum Kitchen which is produced by Mission Control Media I thought I'd ask them if they offered a tour of their production facility. Now, I had been in frequent contact with MCM via twitter and facebook so we got to know each other well over time.
I was elated when they offered an opportunity for a lunch meeting! Texas meets LA! Couldn't turn this down.
Things couldn't have been scripted better
This being early July, and my trip not until early August, I started preparing, checking flights, hotels etc. Things were just falling into place as though in a carefully written script! Having had a work-related accident earlier in the year which could of easily have been life threatening, I decided that I needed to live life to the fullest! I was full-filling a childhood dream in visiting LA, and that you just never know what the future holds.
Alas, this trip was an event of "firsts." I had never flown 1st class, and with the airline offering a reasonable "upgrade", I went with it. I had also been pricing car rentals, and as soon as I made my flight reservation, I decided to check car rentals via the airline reservation page and found a great deal - better than what I had seen so far.
I waited on the hotel reservation, knowing that as time passed by, the rates would go up. Nope. When the time came, I found the rate had actually gone down - another win!
Finally, a few days before my flight, Tropical Storm Don wanted to make a visit. On the day of its arrival, it fizzled. This was obviously a trip that was meant to be.
Alas, excited, the day before my flight, I packed and got a good night's rest as I knew tomorrow was the beginning of an exciting trip!
For one, being a big fan of #FaceOff & Marcel's Quantum Kitchen which is produced by Mission Control Media I thought I'd ask them if they offered a tour of their production facility. Now, I had been in frequent contact with MCM via twitter and facebook so we got to know each other well over time.
I was elated when they offered an opportunity for a lunch meeting! Texas meets LA! Couldn't turn this down.
Things couldn't have been scripted better
This being early July, and my trip not until early August, I started preparing, checking flights, hotels etc. Things were just falling into place as though in a carefully written script! Having had a work-related accident earlier in the year which could of easily have been life threatening, I decided that I needed to live life to the fullest! I was full-filling a childhood dream in visiting LA, and that you just never know what the future holds.
Alas, this trip was an event of "firsts." I had never flown 1st class, and with the airline offering a reasonable "upgrade", I went with it. I had also been pricing car rentals, and as soon as I made my flight reservation, I decided to check car rentals via the airline reservation page and found a great deal - better than what I had seen so far.
I waited on the hotel reservation, knowing that as time passed by, the rates would go up. Nope. When the time came, I found the rate had actually gone down - another win!
Finally, a few days before my flight, Tropical Storm Don wanted to make a visit. On the day of its arrival, it fizzled. This was obviously a trip that was meant to be.
Alas, excited, the day before my flight, I packed and got a good night's rest as I knew tomorrow was the beginning of an exciting trip!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
