This year my husband, Earnest and I are entering 13 years of marriage and boy did we celebrate! Yeah baby, my honey took me out for a night on the town - literally! We actually spent the night on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena awaiting the 120th Tournament of Roses Parade.
We arrived on Colorado at noon on the 31st of January (our Christian wedding date) to stake our claim for a prime spot for the parade. This is a huge event that draws millions of people and every inch of space is literally fought for. Thus the need for law enforement who patrol the area. And their presence is felt and heard all night long! (I can actually imitate the sound of a police siren. Earnest gets a big kick out of this. It's a gift.)
We got there so early that we were interviewed on three television stations. It was our suitcases and all our gear that caught their attention. The television crew found it amusing that we came ALL THE WAY from Burbank with so much stuff! (Burbank is less than ten minutes from Pasadena.)
A side note: The parade does not actually begin until 8:00 am January 1st (our Buddhist wedding date).
From noon to midnight everyone is allowed to put all their belongings on the sidewalk. At midnight (officially New Year's Day), everyone races to put their folded chairs on the street just behind a marked line. But, it is on the 'street'.
So, as one can imagine, it is very hard to sleep. A: It's cold. B: It can be dangerous. C: It's too darn cold (oh, I said that already huh?) and D: It's too noisy to get any rest. Earnest and I slept a total of two hours each - if that much.
Somehow sitting in the cold, I just kept thinking about how I had to go to work right after the parade and Earnest would be going home, kicking back, and watching the USC game on television and that made me mad. I didn't hesitate to let him know that either. So much for my Buddhist practice in that moment. Where was my compassion? (I was hogging it all up on me!)
We were very fortuate to get a great spot right in front of Starbucks, because after midnight, from 1:00 a.m. until 5:00 a.m. (which is the longest part of the night), the hot chocolate sure came in handy!
This is an annual family event for the Harris household and as we sat there in our folded chairs, wrapped in our blankets (shivering), my son commented, "So Mom, you and Dad actually have a 48 hour anniversary".
I had never really thought of it like that! I had always focused on the fact that in order to honor both of our religious beliefs, we held two weddings on two separate days.
So being the woman that I am and looking for another reason to throw a party, I have decided to milk the 48 hour anniversary celebrations and bump it up. The other day I mentioned to Earnest that I would like to renew our vows in both traditions (Christian and Buddhist). He said he would 'think' about it. I'm thinking January 2, 2010 and extending the anniversary to 72 hours! I might even talk him into breaking it up into two days again for both ceremonies (Jan. 2nd and 3rd) and going for 96 hours!!
BUT, I will not choose to 'go out' all 96 hours!
Around 4:00 in the morning as we sat in the cold (freezing our nalgas off), we looked over at our children sleeping (through all the noise) on the air mattress snug and warm and it occurred to us, "We must be idiots! We are choosing to be homeless on a night that is considered the most unsafe of the year, while all our worldly possessions are at home nice and toasty!", "On top of that, we are trying to sleep inches away from the street where people are driving up and down the boulevard, probably drunker than two-day-old skunks!"
We couldn't help but laugh. It was at this point that I decided I would be so kind as to share my gift of making siren sounds. We laughed our (very cold) butts off!
And yet as the morning rolled in and the parade began, we looked at each other and knew without saying a word - it is so worth it and we'll do it again next year!
We really are match made in heaven and truly do deserve each other!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Life With Dianna
I had an Ikea moment the other day. Well almost an Ikea moment. Have you seen the commercial where the lady runs out of Ikea and as she is walking quickly to the car she yells to her husband who is waiting in the car, "Start the car! Start the car!", as if it is some kind of bank heist and they need to get away quickly before the store clerk realizes she undercharged her?
My husband and I were at Ralph's (our local grocer) picking up a few items. Several from the frozen food section. I forgot to grab a small basket at the entrance of the store and the items I had in my hands were very cold. I have no idea why grocery stores are so darn cold. Well actually I do, but that doesn't stop me from mumbling under my breath, "Could somebody please close the refridgerator door!"
Anyway, my hands were freezing so I took off running with all the cold items in my hands towards the entrance to get a small basket. I was hunched over because I was freezing and must have looked like I was running towards a football goal line as I clasped the frozen food under my arm as if I were going in for a touchdown. As I grabbed the basket and I turned back to see if Earnest was waiting for me, he had a bewildered look on his face. Apparently he didn't hear me say I was going to get a basket. He was appalled! He looked scared. Really scared and worried.
When I caught up to Earnest, he had a look of relief on his face and said, "Babe, I know these are hard times, but we CAN afford these groceries. I had no idea what you were doing when you took off. I thought you were making a run for the door without paying and I wasn't sure if I should cause a diversion or what I should do." To which I replied, "Start the car! Start the car!", "Whoaaaa!"
Total Grocery Bill: $15.91
Look on Earnest's Face When He Thought I Was Stealing: Priceless
My husband and I were at Ralph's (our local grocer) picking up a few items. Several from the frozen food section. I forgot to grab a small basket at the entrance of the store and the items I had in my hands were very cold. I have no idea why grocery stores are so darn cold. Well actually I do, but that doesn't stop me from mumbling under my breath, "Could somebody please close the refridgerator door!"
Anyway, my hands were freezing so I took off running with all the cold items in my hands towards the entrance to get a small basket. I was hunched over because I was freezing and must have looked like I was running towards a football goal line as I clasped the frozen food under my arm as if I were going in for a touchdown. As I grabbed the basket and I turned back to see if Earnest was waiting for me, he had a bewildered look on his face. Apparently he didn't hear me say I was going to get a basket. He was appalled! He looked scared. Really scared and worried.
When I caught up to Earnest, he had a look of relief on his face and said, "Babe, I know these are hard times, but we CAN afford these groceries. I had no idea what you were doing when you took off. I thought you were making a run for the door without paying and I wasn't sure if I should cause a diversion or what I should do." To which I replied, "Start the car! Start the car!", "Whoaaaa!"
Total Grocery Bill: $15.91
Look on Earnest's Face When He Thought I Was Stealing: Priceless
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Stay Present
As tough as 2008 was for all of us. Especially for those of us in the moviemaking business. I remain forever hopeful for 2009. If anything, I am even more determined to make sure my business succeeds. Not just for my immediate family. But for everyone involved with Marlo Productions. I feel a greater sense of obligation to continue to create work for those of us in the entertainment industry because of how crazy the ecomony is and how the movie business has been affected.
It is my belief that even during very difficult times that we should allow the creative juices to flow. We shouldn't turn off the camera nor should we stop jotting down our ideas. I refuse to turn off the camera in my head. I love watching people and being fully present in life. Every moment is more material for me as far as I'm concerned. Life is rich with material and can be so entertaining. We just have to be involved in it and stay present with each other in each moment.
So as we enter into a new year, a new beginning, let's keep that camera rolling. Roll sound. Roll camera. Action!
It is my belief that even during very difficult times that we should allow the creative juices to flow. We shouldn't turn off the camera nor should we stop jotting down our ideas. I refuse to turn off the camera in my head. I love watching people and being fully present in life. Every moment is more material for me as far as I'm concerned. Life is rich with material and can be so entertaining. We just have to be involved in it and stay present with each other in each moment.
So as we enter into a new year, a new beginning, let's keep that camera rolling. Roll sound. Roll camera. Action!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
This World Is Conspiring For Our Success
Have you ever met someone that no matter what you say to them, they just seem so negative? They complain about how life is just so unfair and it is either something or someone else's fault. It can't possibly be them or their attitude about life. And no matter what you say to be uplifting or encouraging, they refuse to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I seem to attract this type of person. Oh, they will laugh at one's self-deprecating jokes, and that is usually a cue to bolt (and fast too). Yes, this type of person loves to bask in their misery and in others shortcomings.
Recently, I mentioned to someone (just like this) who was having a so called 'bad day' that in spite of how bleak things may be for them, that I truly believe that the world is conspiring for our success. Their immediate response, "Well, I don't believe that!" I have to go on record that this 'someone' is a person that I have to deal with on a professional and personal basis nearly every day.
I truly believe that no matter what life may throw our way good or bad, these challenges are an opportunity for us to find out what we are really made of. Will we cave under pressure? Will we step up to the plate? Will we actually try something different? The old way isn't working, so let's do something that is not ordinary. Or will we bury our head in the sand and feel sorry for ourselves.
That is not to say that there are not some extreme hardships in life like losing a job, falling behind on your mortagage and on the brink of being homeless, a business going under, or losing a loved one. All of which require tremendous strength. All worthy of great compassion and each exceedingly difficult to deal with.
Everyone has pressure in their life and each of us deals with their's differently. But, we do have a choice about how we go about doing so.
Case in point: My husband and I have had a slow period in our movie-making business. Because of the possible actor's strike, our production has been delayed until next year. This should have been one of our most productive years in the industry. No one could have foreseen how the writer's strike followed by the SAG hold-out would have affected our business. But it did and it hit us hard. Earnest and I had to shift gears. One could say that we our down-on-our-luck.
So, to change things up, we started frequenting a coffee shop in the Burbank area to get out of the office and strategize about our business and how to keep things moving forward in spite of the delays.
The coffee morning meeting ritual has been going on for a while and we now know the early morning clientele of this establishment. Recently we met another Producer/Director who we have seen in the coffee shop and have on occassion said hello to in passing. We watched this individual from a distance and it was immediately made clear to us that he too is in the 'business' (the film industry). After chatting with this individual, it turns out he is in need of much help on a television production that starts up in two weeks. He has asked us to come on board and help him with his project.
Luck?
I'm not one to put much emphasis on luck. I don't believe in good or bad luck. There is just life and my hope is that we all live it fully. My husband and I could have chosen to stay in the office and feel sorry for ourselves and the whole "Woe is me," bit, and try to blame somebody but that is not who we are.
Like I mentioned earlier. I not only attract the 'negative folks', I attract the highly energetic types too. But, we do have to keep our eyes open and make ourselves available to the opportunities that are being presented.
The real question is are we paying attention or are we so self-absorbed in our own problems?
So, here is my challenge to all. Stop. Take a deep breath. Are you dealing with something really heavy? Does the the burden seem overwhelming? Good. You're probably right on track.
Recently, I mentioned to someone (just like this) who was having a so called 'bad day' that in spite of how bleak things may be for them, that I truly believe that the world is conspiring for our success. Their immediate response, "Well, I don't believe that!" I have to go on record that this 'someone' is a person that I have to deal with on a professional and personal basis nearly every day.
I truly believe that no matter what life may throw our way good or bad, these challenges are an opportunity for us to find out what we are really made of. Will we cave under pressure? Will we step up to the plate? Will we actually try something different? The old way isn't working, so let's do something that is not ordinary. Or will we bury our head in the sand and feel sorry for ourselves.
That is not to say that there are not some extreme hardships in life like losing a job, falling behind on your mortagage and on the brink of being homeless, a business going under, or losing a loved one. All of which require tremendous strength. All worthy of great compassion and each exceedingly difficult to deal with.
Everyone has pressure in their life and each of us deals with their's differently. But, we do have a choice about how we go about doing so.
Case in point: My husband and I have had a slow period in our movie-making business. Because of the possible actor's strike, our production has been delayed until next year. This should have been one of our most productive years in the industry. No one could have foreseen how the writer's strike followed by the SAG hold-out would have affected our business. But it did and it hit us hard. Earnest and I had to shift gears. One could say that we our down-on-our-luck.
So, to change things up, we started frequenting a coffee shop in the Burbank area to get out of the office and strategize about our business and how to keep things moving forward in spite of the delays.
The coffee morning meeting ritual has been going on for a while and we now know the early morning clientele of this establishment. Recently we met another Producer/Director who we have seen in the coffee shop and have on occassion said hello to in passing. We watched this individual from a distance and it was immediately made clear to us that he too is in the 'business' (the film industry). After chatting with this individual, it turns out he is in need of much help on a television production that starts up in two weeks. He has asked us to come on board and help him with his project.
Luck?
I'm not one to put much emphasis on luck. I don't believe in good or bad luck. There is just life and my hope is that we all live it fully. My husband and I could have chosen to stay in the office and feel sorry for ourselves and the whole "Woe is me," bit, and try to blame somebody but that is not who we are.
Like I mentioned earlier. I not only attract the 'negative folks', I attract the highly energetic types too. But, we do have to keep our eyes open and make ourselves available to the opportunities that are being presented.
The real question is are we paying attention or are we so self-absorbed in our own problems?
So, here is my challenge to all. Stop. Take a deep breath. Are you dealing with something really heavy? Does the the burden seem overwhelming? Good. You're probably right on track.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Signs of Old Age
Today it finally happened. I am embarrassed to admit it, but I cannot deny it any longer. I am getting old and losing it. That fact was made very clear to me in the most humiliating way.
I was sitting in the waiting area at a Toyota dealership in a room with about fifteen people all waiting for their cars to be serviced as well. I just happened to look down at my feet and noticed that the black shoes I thought I had on were not black at all but NAVY!
And then right there in front of everyone and for no apparent reason, I let out the biggest, "HA!" and started laughing hysterically. Everyone in the room looked at me as though I had just lost my mind.
After my little moment, I immediately looked to see what else I was wearing and noticed that I had on a black top, khaki pants and a grey sweater! Nothing I had on matched. Imagine my surprise. And those darn navy shoes! I decided to 'try' to hide the top by zipping up my sweater and then it occurred to me, "Oh no, how am I going to hide the fact that my black purse will not match with my navy shoes!"
Well needless to say, I was relieved when I was buzzed by the service department that my car was ready. I scooted out of that place and couldn't wait to get the you-know-what out of there!
When I got home, I told my husband what had happened and his response floored me. "I thought you knew the shoes were navy when you bought them." I was blown away. I bought the shoes a couple of months ago and really believed they were black. I would never have purchased navy shoes. Everything I wear is black to make me look slimmer. (Yes, I am that shallow!)
A little history about the shoes. I had seen them several times at the mall and kept eye-balling them until they were finally marked down to a price that suited me. I actually spotted them months ago and refused to pay full price for them. So, I really thought I was getting a great deal on those cute little black heeled sandals that would go great with my little black dress.
In fact, the day I bought them, I was so excited, that I ran to my closet as soon as I got home, slipped into my little black dress, touched up my lipstick and ran into the living room to model the whole outfit for my husband. I went on and on about how cute the shoes were and how much I loved them.
As I played the event over in my mind today, I just had to ask my husband (in my best trying-to-not-sound-mad voice), "Why didn't you tell me the shoes were not black?" His calm and honest response, "You were so happy...besides, I figured you knew they were navy and were bucking to get a navy outfit or handbag as well...you've done that before Dianna!"
I was appalled! And hurt. And to make matters worse, my husband had the audacity to imitate the way I modeled the shoes the day I bought them. It was too much for me to take. He was hilarious. We both fell out laughing.
So, I have been duly shamed and do hereby admit, it's time for me to slow down a bit. I'm getting old and can no longer deny the signs of aging, whatever color they come in!
I was sitting in the waiting area at a Toyota dealership in a room with about fifteen people all waiting for their cars to be serviced as well. I just happened to look down at my feet and noticed that the black shoes I thought I had on were not black at all but NAVY!
And then right there in front of everyone and for no apparent reason, I let out the biggest, "HA!" and started laughing hysterically. Everyone in the room looked at me as though I had just lost my mind.
After my little moment, I immediately looked to see what else I was wearing and noticed that I had on a black top, khaki pants and a grey sweater! Nothing I had on matched. Imagine my surprise. And those darn navy shoes! I decided to 'try' to hide the top by zipping up my sweater and then it occurred to me, "Oh no, how am I going to hide the fact that my black purse will not match with my navy shoes!"
Well needless to say, I was relieved when I was buzzed by the service department that my car was ready. I scooted out of that place and couldn't wait to get the you-know-what out of there!
When I got home, I told my husband what had happened and his response floored me. "I thought you knew the shoes were navy when you bought them." I was blown away. I bought the shoes a couple of months ago and really believed they were black. I would never have purchased navy shoes. Everything I wear is black to make me look slimmer. (Yes, I am that shallow!)
A little history about the shoes. I had seen them several times at the mall and kept eye-balling them until they were finally marked down to a price that suited me. I actually spotted them months ago and refused to pay full price for them. So, I really thought I was getting a great deal on those cute little black heeled sandals that would go great with my little black dress.
In fact, the day I bought them, I was so excited, that I ran to my closet as soon as I got home, slipped into my little black dress, touched up my lipstick and ran into the living room to model the whole outfit for my husband. I went on and on about how cute the shoes were and how much I loved them.
As I played the event over in my mind today, I just had to ask my husband (in my best trying-to-not-sound-mad voice), "Why didn't you tell me the shoes were not black?" His calm and honest response, "You were so happy...besides, I figured you knew they were navy and were bucking to get a navy outfit or handbag as well...you've done that before Dianna!"
I was appalled! And hurt. And to make matters worse, my husband had the audacity to imitate the way I modeled the shoes the day I bought them. It was too much for me to take. He was hilarious. We both fell out laughing.
So, I have been duly shamed and do hereby admit, it's time for me to slow down a bit. I'm getting old and can no longer deny the signs of aging, whatever color they come in!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
What A Month!
I can't believe that it has been a month since I've written. It has been really busy on the homefront. What an exciting time this has been for our family. We now have a new President and a bi-ethnic President at that and I couldn't be happier! As a mother of two bi-ethnic children I am encouraged by the message this sends to all people of color. I was on board as an Obama supporter back in November of 2007. What a crazy ride it has been!
My last blog was written during the height of the Presidential campaign and boy did it get ugly. Thank God it's all over, the campaign and election that is, and now the real task begins for President-Elect Barack Obama.
I can't help wondering what a mess Obama has inherited. But, I truly believe that he is the right person for the job. I was one of the many who cried like a baby when the returns came in and he went over and above the electoral votes needed.
Join me please in prayer and support for our new President. God Bless America and God Bless President-Elect Obama!!
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