I have been in LA for a few days now, working on SLAB with Gleason. We had a wonderful reading of a new version of the script with a group of actors that Gleason got together, including the lovely Lizi, who it was wonderful to see. Gleason put together a whole PowerPoint presentation to help explain the slide show, but then we couldn’t get her computer to work with the projector. She was bummed. But we just put her laptop on the table for people to follow along with as we read, and it worked out almost as well.

The reading was fantastic. Everyone had great questions and seemed to really dig the script. It was wonderful to have such an enthusiastic, generous group together. We’re feeling really confident about the state of the script. Now: we have to plan a whole film shoot in New Orleans. Yikes.

I am staying with Gleason and Darryl and Montana. They live in a seriously cute house and I have my very own room and bathroom. They even have a Christmas tree:

I am trying to see as many friends as possible while I am here. Yesterday I spent the entire day with Colin. We had breakfast – he contends it’s the best breakfast in LA. It was pretty good. Then we drove out to Venice where we had some coffee and walked on the beach. There were people surfing despite the sharks. These people: maybe crazy. Then we went to Santa Monica, mostly so that I could sit on a couch – you never know when you’re going to need a new couch, so it’s always a good idea to sit on the one you’re interested in. Just for future reference. Later we had some tacos and then went to a bar Colin likes to have a drink. He was supposed to have an acting class at 7 – the last one until after the new year – but he ditched it to hang with me some more.

It was great to see him. He seems to be doing really well. He even got a modeling gig while we were out and about yesterday. But I have to say: the beer in LA isn’t anywhere near as good as the beer in Colorado. Just sayin’.

Today I have to finish up my grading for CU and Naropa. End of the semester grading: it may be the death of me. But the fun I get to have with the students all semester makes it worth it.

LA-the-person and I have planned some adventures for New Year’s, which I am very much looking forward to. I miss her and it will be nice to have a few days to ourselves as we are sent hurtling into the new year.

Huzzah!