Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
The Fourth (Part 2)
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?
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?
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.
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