After my whirlwind weekend, the next day while working at Inlet, old friends Jerry O'Connell and Rebecca Romijn came in with their twins. Now when I say "old friends" I mean in this case, 2 extremely nice patrons who I met at the restaurant last summer and we exchanged a few conversations. So sue me for exaggerating...
However, to my astonishment, and bliss, the couple remembered my expert waitering skills from the previous year and warmly received me and asked me how my winter had been. I was beyond stoked! I have been watching these actors work since I was little and the fact that they remembered who I was absolutely made my day. Nay, my summer.
I had previously mentioned to them my aspirations for the silver screen and was happy to report that I had actually done some professional acting since our last meeting. They were thrilled. They exuded such enthusiasm about my projects, I was flattered. They treated me like I was an equal, a friend, and it reinforced my benevolent feelings toward them and made me respect them even more than I once had (if possible).
The pair of them are representative of the notion that even if you are in the public eye, it doesn't mean that you cannot be nice or genuine. They bring such a warm aura with them and their charisma is so infectious, it's not hard to understand why they have such a loyal fanbase.
We promised to keep in touch and that we would see each other again toward the end of the season.
This was probably the best Fourth of July I've ever had. Why can't every weekend be like this?
Sunday, July 10, 2011
The Fourth (Part 1)
I attended a cocktail party at Elie Tahari in East Hampton last Saturday which was held to celebrate a performance by Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, the bluegrass band, because they were performing at a local theater. The wine was free, the hors d'oeuvres delicious, and when a waiter had to get rid of the food on his tray, he always came straight to me, knowing I'd polish off the snack. And I always did.
Food aside, the real highlight was being able to meet Alec Baldwin. He strutted into the boutique with his entourage and I was able to snap a few pictures as well as have a chat with him. And because I am a film-loving fiend, I am always aware of new pictures that are in production. Thus, I asked Alec if he was excited to work with Woody Allen again on his latest project. He seemed baffled that I knew about the movie and asked if I was in the industry. Now that I have done 2 films, I can safely say that I am indeed "in" the industry and I slipped him my business card. And just for good measure, I also slipped him and extra that I told him to pass along to Woody. Alec laughed haughtily and promised me he would.
I made Alec Baldwin laugh. How cool?
After the event I jetted to Amagansett and met up with some GofG co-writers for the opening of the new restaurant, "Banzai Burger". After some drinks, we headed out to Montauk for the Ben Watts "Shark Attack Sounds" party where Naomi Watts and Liev Schriber were dancing the night away. It was a huge bash and was definitely THE Fourth of July party to attend in the Hamptons. Earlier that day I had seen fun-seekers flying into the Montauk airport just for the event. And I got to go!
All in all it was a successful weekend. However, little did I know, the next day was about to be even more satisfying...
Stay tuned.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Smell the Roses
Lately, my life has been moving at a speed of approximately 500 mph; I'm working non-stop at Inlet, writing for Guest of a Guest, and have embarked on my newest exciting venture; doing work with the Montauk Playhouse.
It's hectic, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Last weekend I attended an after party at Georgica, in Wainscott, for the Artists Against Abuse Gala, which supports women exposed to domestic violence. I snapped some shots of the event, which you can check out here:
http://hamptons.guestofaguest.com/galleries/2011/6/artists-against-abuse-georgica-after-party/
It's crazy how fast-paced life can be. When constantly go-go-going, you forget sometimes to relax and take in everything that's happening to you so you can appreciate it. Even if your life is wrought with the mundane tasks of your everyday, it's still important to find something worth being thankful for; just think, it could always be worse.
Thankfully, I have a lot to be thankful for at this particular juncture in my life. When your life is moving at the speed of sound and it seems like a beautiful whirlwind full of opportunity and blessings, take a step back. Know that at any moment, the rug could be pulled out from under you and it all could be stripped away. Be aware of the possibility of the mortality of your opportunities. That way, it will make you work three times as hard in order to carry out your duties and succeed.
This coming weekend is one of the Hampton's biggest: The Fourth of July. There will be events to cover, food to serve, and stories to write about. So stay tuned. You're not going to want to miss it.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Kicking Off In Style
The Hamptons have been keeping me busy lately, which is all well and good because sitting idly by and not taking part in life is not my bag, but I did miss out on a phenomenal beach day on Saturday due to work.
However, despite my work schedule and my habit of picking up extra hours, I also began writing for the website blog, Guest of a Guest (GofaG), specifically the Hamptons chapter. The publication highlights where-to-go, who’s-at-which-event, and publishes fun posts to keep readers “in the know” for the current Hamptons summer season.
So I slapped on my Hamptons-best and attended my first event through GofaG at the opening of Restoration Hardware in East Hampton. The kindly girl at the door took down my name on her list and cordially led me inside where 3 waiters with trays of champagne were waiting for me. I could get used to it. Throughout the evening, I interviewed workers and other guests about the shop, until around 7:30 when Molly Sims strutted in.
I was stoked. Save for Charlie O’Connell who had had lunch at the restaurant the other day, she was my first celeb this season. Before she left, I told her who I was and she shook my hand before graciously posing for a picture; not only is she stunningly attractive, she’s nice too.
As much as I loved covering the event, I realized that I don’t really want to be the reporter asking celebrities for pictures for the rest of my life, I just want to be friends with them and get the scoop because we’re tight. Is that so much to ask? Hopefully though if I get to frequent events like this one, my request may not be too far fetched; I’ll be able to establish a rapport! And that is what this summer is going to be about: networking and making connections so that come winter, I’ll have some leads.
I cannot stress enough how exciting working with GofaG is going to be. The staff seems great and the “work” is anything but work; it’s fun. Going to invite-only events and sipping champagne from Cipriani’s? I’ll take it. And I better find something to do after this summer is over because knowing me, I’m going to grow accustomed to this life of luxury and be rudely shocked by reality if I have to return to South Jersey.
Yeah, life could be worse…
However, despite my work schedule and my habit of picking up extra hours, I also began writing for the website blog, Guest of a Guest (GofaG), specifically the Hamptons chapter. The publication highlights where-to-go, who’s-at-which-event, and publishes fun posts to keep readers “in the know” for the current Hamptons summer season.
So I slapped on my Hamptons-best and attended my first event through GofaG at the opening of Restoration Hardware in East Hampton. The kindly girl at the door took down my name on her list and cordially led me inside where 3 waiters with trays of champagne were waiting for me. I could get used to it. Throughout the evening, I interviewed workers and other guests about the shop, until around 7:30 when Molly Sims strutted in.
I was stoked. Save for Charlie O’Connell who had had lunch at the restaurant the other day, she was my first celeb this season. Before she left, I told her who I was and she shook my hand before graciously posing for a picture; not only is she stunningly attractive, she’s nice too.
As much as I loved covering the event, I realized that I don’t really want to be the reporter asking celebrities for pictures for the rest of my life, I just want to be friends with them and get the scoop because we’re tight. Is that so much to ask? Hopefully though if I get to frequent events like this one, my request may not be too far fetched; I’ll be able to establish a rapport! And that is what this summer is going to be about: networking and making connections so that come winter, I’ll have some leads.
I cannot stress enough how exciting working with GofaG is going to be. The staff seems great and the “work” is anything but work; it’s fun. Going to invite-only events and sipping champagne from Cipriani’s? I’ll take it. And I better find something to do after this summer is over because knowing me, I’m going to grow accustomed to this life of luxury and be rudely shocked by reality if I have to return to South Jersey.
Yeah, life could be worse…
Sunday, June 19, 2011
The Return
Well, it’s official…
…I’m back! Back to the sandy, sun-soaked, beachside hamlets of The Hamptons for another summer season. (Cue music: The Boys are Back in Town) Once again I am working hard in one of Montauk’s finest restaurants, Inlet Seafood, which has already brought in the O’Connell family and will hopefully garner the attention of more celebrities as the season commences; a guy has to network after all…
This year I’ve come prepared with some snazzy new business cards which I plan to hand out in abundance to promote myself and I hope to be writing for some area publications if all goes according to plan.
I’ve only been back for a week, but as soon as I dropped my bags in my old digs and became settled, everything came rushing back to me. It feels like I never left. Probably, because a part of me never did leave, as I dreamt up summer fantasies throughout the entirety of winter to keep me warm.
Though summer is upon us, I’m determined to make this one count for something, make it worth my time. Last year was beyond amazing, don’t get me wrong, but I have to keep reminding myself that I am getting older and escaping reality every few months can only last for so long. I want this summer to be the one where I can really grab a hold of something and take off on another new adventure. I want to meet that person, or write that article, or have that summer romance that will blossom into the next chapter of my life.
As of now, I have some big plans come September, but who knows what will happen between now and then. As John Lennon famously said, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans”, so who knows…
I have however beefed up my acting resume since last year, completing 2 films, and also my writing one as well. But until my even bigger break, I’m (happily for now) waiting in the Hamptons!
…I’m back! Back to the sandy, sun-soaked, beachside hamlets of The Hamptons for another summer season. (Cue music: The Boys are Back in Town) Once again I am working hard in one of Montauk’s finest restaurants, Inlet Seafood, which has already brought in the O’Connell family and will hopefully garner the attention of more celebrities as the season commences; a guy has to network after all…
This year I’ve come prepared with some snazzy new business cards which I plan to hand out in abundance to promote myself and I hope to be writing for some area publications if all goes according to plan.
I’ve only been back for a week, but as soon as I dropped my bags in my old digs and became settled, everything came rushing back to me. It feels like I never left. Probably, because a part of me never did leave, as I dreamt up summer fantasies throughout the entirety of winter to keep me warm.
Though summer is upon us, I’m determined to make this one count for something, make it worth my time. Last year was beyond amazing, don’t get me wrong, but I have to keep reminding myself that I am getting older and escaping reality every few months can only last for so long. I want this summer to be the one where I can really grab a hold of something and take off on another new adventure. I want to meet that person, or write that article, or have that summer romance that will blossom into the next chapter of my life.
As of now, I have some big plans come September, but who knows what will happen between now and then. As John Lennon famously said, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans”, so who knows…
I have however beefed up my acting resume since last year, completing 2 films, and also my writing one as well. But until my even bigger break, I’m (happily for now) waiting in the Hamptons!
Monday, October 4, 2010
All Good Things...
Well it's hard to believe, but my time in the Hamptons is almost finished. In exactly one week I will be headed back home to New Jersey with the beach in my rearview mirror and the open road in front of me. I must say, this past summer has been on of the most interesting summers I have ever had. In a way, it felt like another semester abroad. I went somewhere on my own and for the most part had to make new friends, survive, and find a way to suport myself. The whole point of coming here was so I could have "one last summer vacation" before "real life" began, but now, I'm starting to realize that I am living my "real life".
My summer in the Hamptons was merely the first chapter of my life post-college. I mean, sure, it was a little cushy (making hundreds of dollars in only a few hours by night and sunning myself on the beach by day), but it was still a part of my journey and I learned a lot about myself.
I think many college graduates like myself look at finding a job as very black and white. You go to college, you graduate, you get a job. The problem for me is, I simply cannot justify living my life that way. Ever since I was little, my imagination has been on overdrive and I live in this fantastical world that's not exactly in tune with the rest of reality. For example, I always pictured myself as a well-respected actor/writer who was well-liked, influential and a good role model. But then I thought: what if the things I imagine for myself are my reality? I mean, if I think about what I want passionately enough, who's to say that it won't come true? There is a quote I love by a woman named Gloria Steinem that says, "Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning."
In my heart of hearts I know that I can't just settle into a menial job, earn an average salary and pay for my boring expenses. I know people, both older and my age, that are doing just that. One of the things I learned this summer about myself is that one of my greatest fears is complacency. I know I can't be the guy who drives to work every morning in rush hour with everyone else in bumper to bumper traffic. It's just not me.
And I know that there are people, my peers as well as my elders, who feel similar. They want to explore different opportunities and do exactly what they've always dreamed of, but for whatever reason, they take the safe path and make choices that bring about security instead of happiness.
That will not be me.
For myself, and for all those other people out there who didn't take that internship they really wanted, or didn't major in their area of choice because it seemed too far fetched, or didn't "seize the moment", I want to dedicate my life to doing exactly what it is that I want to do. I don't want to have regrets about how my life turned out. I want to be able to look at it and say, "Yeah, I did that. Maybe it wasn't the best idea at the time, or maybe it was, but I did it because I wanted to and I learned from the experience."
So maybe this summer was just a precursor to what my life will bring. Maybe it will be cushy and fun, and me being able to work minimal hours for great pay (one can only hope). And even if there are speed bumps along the way that force me into a meaningless career to pay the bills, I promise that it will only be temporary. I feel that I have too much to live for, and I think everyone in their own respect does too.
My summer in the Hamptons was merely the first chapter of my life post-college. I mean, sure, it was a little cushy (making hundreds of dollars in only a few hours by night and sunning myself on the beach by day), but it was still a part of my journey and I learned a lot about myself.
I think many college graduates like myself look at finding a job as very black and white. You go to college, you graduate, you get a job. The problem for me is, I simply cannot justify living my life that way. Ever since I was little, my imagination has been on overdrive and I live in this fantastical world that's not exactly in tune with the rest of reality. For example, I always pictured myself as a well-respected actor/writer who was well-liked, influential and a good role model. But then I thought: what if the things I imagine for myself are my reality? I mean, if I think about what I want passionately enough, who's to say that it won't come true? There is a quote I love by a woman named Gloria Steinem that says, "Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning."
In my heart of hearts I know that I can't just settle into a menial job, earn an average salary and pay for my boring expenses. I know people, both older and my age, that are doing just that. One of the things I learned this summer about myself is that one of my greatest fears is complacency. I know I can't be the guy who drives to work every morning in rush hour with everyone else in bumper to bumper traffic. It's just not me.
And I know that there are people, my peers as well as my elders, who feel similar. They want to explore different opportunities and do exactly what they've always dreamed of, but for whatever reason, they take the safe path and make choices that bring about security instead of happiness.
That will not be me.
For myself, and for all those other people out there who didn't take that internship they really wanted, or didn't major in their area of choice because it seemed too far fetched, or didn't "seize the moment", I want to dedicate my life to doing exactly what it is that I want to do. I don't want to have regrets about how my life turned out. I want to be able to look at it and say, "Yeah, I did that. Maybe it wasn't the best idea at the time, or maybe it was, but I did it because I wanted to and I learned from the experience."
So maybe this summer was just a precursor to what my life will bring. Maybe it will be cushy and fun, and me being able to work minimal hours for great pay (one can only hope). And even if there are speed bumps along the way that force me into a meaningless career to pay the bills, I promise that it will only be temporary. I feel that I have too much to live for, and I think everyone in their own respect does too.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Ups and Downs
The warm summer breeze has been exchanged for crisp autumn air, the hundreds of window shopping tourists have vacated the main streets of the Hamptons, and nothing is as lively as it once was. It is officially fall. And it came out of nowhere. I thought September was going to be my beach month; not too hot, not too cold, perfect for warming yourself on the white sand beaches. But everything good must end at some point I guess, right? You become so excited about something and then are devastated when it's stripped away.
While waiting in the Hamptons, I have been applying for jobs in addition to my waiting tables. Some opportunities have been local and others have been more farfetched. For example, the latest job I applied for wanted to potentially hire me, but I unfortunately could not afford to take time off and travel south to ANTIGUA where the job was based. Okay, so I'm surfing CaribbeanJobs.com for fun, because how awesome would it be to live in the Caribbean, right? So, it seems like it's fate. They are in need of a talk show host for a sports network! Me, having my own TV show? My one and only dream come true. So I apply for the position, not thinking much of it. The worst they can say is no...or so I thought.
About a week and a half later, I get this call from a woman with an accent I can't particularly place. She asks for me, and I tell her she is speaking to the man she's searching for. Apparently, she was a producer or something and she said she was very impressed with my resume and writing skills (which shocked me because my resume includes nothing TV-related and the only writing sample I gave her was a link to this blog) and she asked me to come in for an interview! She told me she had narrowed down the applicants to just a few, and I was one of the chosen! Ecstatic outside my mind, I'm totally gung-ho for an interview.
Then she asked me what my current location was. I told her New York.
Oops.
She then said, "Oh (very disappointingly). I guess you can't come to Antigua for an interview tomorrow then?" Antigua? Well, no, I regretfully informed her that I was unable to fly down to Antigua for the afternoon and meet with the CEO of the sports network. I know I'm in the Hamptons, but I haven't really made it to that jetset status just yet.
However, I told her I was more than happy to do a phone interview in the meantime until I was able to travel down to the Caribbean. She told me she'd be in touch. Ouch. So I began researching plane ticket prices from JFK to Antigua and I didn't like what I saw. The tickets were upwards of $500.
A couple days passed and I called the woman with the accent back and asked her if a phone interview was possible. She said no, understandably so. I mean, if they are putting someone on TV, they want to see their face, I get it. I just wish there was some way they could have seen mine. I then inquired if maybe the network would compensate either a partial or full amount of my plane ticket if I indeed made the journey south. She told me she highly doubted it. And that was it. An official rejection.
Rejection is a part of life and I think I handle it pretty well. I can't even say I'm that upset about the circumstances because it's so funny and ridiculous now. But hey, that's my life.
I feel that life is full of that kind of rejection. You get your hopes up about something and then you unfortunately are let down. In the restaurant, I'll get so stoked because a very nouveau-riche looking couple will be seated in my section, and then they end up tipping me $30 on a $300 tab. Very anti-climactic.
However, I also believe that great things might fall apart or not work out so other things can come together and provide better opportunities. I recently had an article published in the East Hampton Star, the local newspaper, which was great exposure. It may not have been a TV show in Antigua, but it's a start that hopefully will lead to something else down the road. I don't think we are set up for things that will skyrocket us to success right away. Because if we are, where's the journey? Where's the learning, and making mistakes, and finding ourselves through our experiences that's supposed to happen in our twenties? If we all received six figure jobs right after graduation, life would be pretty bland because there would be nothing to work toward.
So this seems to be the time in life when there are ups and downs, invitations and rejections, clear headedness and confusion. Later in life though, when our life's journey has led us right where we are supposed to be, we'll look back at this time and understand that everything happened for a reason.
While waiting in the Hamptons, I have been applying for jobs in addition to my waiting tables. Some opportunities have been local and others have been more farfetched. For example, the latest job I applied for wanted to potentially hire me, but I unfortunately could not afford to take time off and travel south to ANTIGUA where the job was based. Okay, so I'm surfing CaribbeanJobs.com for fun, because how awesome would it be to live in the Caribbean, right? So, it seems like it's fate. They are in need of a talk show host for a sports network! Me, having my own TV show? My one and only dream come true. So I apply for the position, not thinking much of it. The worst they can say is no...or so I thought.
About a week and a half later, I get this call from a woman with an accent I can't particularly place. She asks for me, and I tell her she is speaking to the man she's searching for. Apparently, she was a producer or something and she said she was very impressed with my resume and writing skills (which shocked me because my resume includes nothing TV-related and the only writing sample I gave her was a link to this blog) and she asked me to come in for an interview! She told me she had narrowed down the applicants to just a few, and I was one of the chosen! Ecstatic outside my mind, I'm totally gung-ho for an interview.
Then she asked me what my current location was. I told her New York.
Oops.
She then said, "Oh (very disappointingly). I guess you can't come to Antigua for an interview tomorrow then?" Antigua? Well, no, I regretfully informed her that I was unable to fly down to Antigua for the afternoon and meet with the CEO of the sports network. I know I'm in the Hamptons, but I haven't really made it to that jetset status just yet.
However, I told her I was more than happy to do a phone interview in the meantime until I was able to travel down to the Caribbean. She told me she'd be in touch. Ouch. So I began researching plane ticket prices from JFK to Antigua and I didn't like what I saw. The tickets were upwards of $500.
A couple days passed and I called the woman with the accent back and asked her if a phone interview was possible. She said no, understandably so. I mean, if they are putting someone on TV, they want to see their face, I get it. I just wish there was some way they could have seen mine. I then inquired if maybe the network would compensate either a partial or full amount of my plane ticket if I indeed made the journey south. She told me she highly doubted it. And that was it. An official rejection.
Rejection is a part of life and I think I handle it pretty well. I can't even say I'm that upset about the circumstances because it's so funny and ridiculous now. But hey, that's my life.
I feel that life is full of that kind of rejection. You get your hopes up about something and then you unfortunately are let down. In the restaurant, I'll get so stoked because a very nouveau-riche looking couple will be seated in my section, and then they end up tipping me $30 on a $300 tab. Very anti-climactic.
However, I also believe that great things might fall apart or not work out so other things can come together and provide better opportunities. I recently had an article published in the East Hampton Star, the local newspaper, which was great exposure. It may not have been a TV show in Antigua, but it's a start that hopefully will lead to something else down the road. I don't think we are set up for things that will skyrocket us to success right away. Because if we are, where's the journey? Where's the learning, and making mistakes, and finding ourselves through our experiences that's supposed to happen in our twenties? If we all received six figure jobs right after graduation, life would be pretty bland because there would be nothing to work toward.
So this seems to be the time in life when there are ups and downs, invitations and rejections, clear headedness and confusion. Later in life though, when our life's journey has led us right where we are supposed to be, we'll look back at this time and understand that everything happened for a reason.
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