My Life in Los Angeles

last couple of days

2008-07-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a very relaxing week as I have been off from work since the 30th. On Wednesday Ryan and I went to Raging Waters in San Dimas. The park wasn't quite as big as I thought it was going to be, but Ryan and I still had a great time. We were the hottest guys in the entire park by far, but I suppose that wasn't too hard to beat because everyone else there was under 13 years old. On Thursday Luca, Gunner and I celebrated Ryan's 24th birthday. We spent a majority of the day in the pool with cocktails and by 5:30pm I was passed out face down in bed with my wet bathing suit on. Yesterday, all of the decent folks from 10645 Valley Spring came together for a BBQ, drinks, and the pool. It was another enjoyable day in the california sunshine. wish you all were here.

happy 5th of july, y'all.

let's kick it!

2008-07-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

After hearing rave reviews about the new Pixar flick, Wall(e), Ryan and I walked over to universal last night to see it. Universal Studios is on the top of a really big hill, so during standard business hours there is a tram car that shuttles people up and down the hill. We arrived at the bottom of the hill just as the tram was pulling up. We hopped into a car and there was one seat left on the isle we were sitting, then Zac Efron jumped in next to us! Right before the tram took off for up the hill, Zac moved to the row behind us to sit next to his buddy. People on the tram were taking pictures over their shoulders and girls were going crazy. He was there to Hancock, or so his friend said loudly talking into his cell phone. So, since Ryan and I were going to the movies there too, we followed him. While purchasing our movie tickets at the kiosk next to him, I was so close I could practically smell him. Ryan and I decided we'd be good friends with him if he knew us. Maybe we'll bump into him again sometime; I hear he lives in Studio City. Oh yeah -- Wall(e) was wonderful. It was an amazing story about a trash compactor that included practically no dialog, simply beeps, cranks, and clicks. I recommend it to any adventurous movie goer.

[ Zac, e-mail me, please. billy@billy-murray.com / billy-murray@att.blackberry.net ]

grassy little knoll

2008-07-01T19:12:00.000-07:00

I've been training Gunner to use indoor potty pads while I'm away and unable to take him outside to tinkle. Today, Ryan and I put a stop to tacky looking potty pads and went out and made homemade grassy little knolls for both Gunner and Luca. It was wicked easy to create and looks pretty sweet around our place. Now, the boys can pee-pee on grass inside and outside!

Gunner

2008-06-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

Ut oh...

2008-06-14T13:40:00.001-07:00

BAD LADY

2008-06-11T20:56:00.000-07:00

Since before Christmas, I have wanted a dog. Years ago, I thought that I responsible enough for pet and purchased a parrot... but, that's another day, another story! After the parrot ended up not working out, it has pretty much been about five years since I've had a pet, with the exception of the cat episode for one week last year. After a lot of research on different breeds of dogs, I have decided that I want a boston terrier.
This past week I have been researching the appropriate produce to follow when purchasing a puppy from a breeder. After feeling confident enough, I began searching and quickly had results. By Wednesday I found myself already having an appointment with a breeder in California not too far from where I live. My appointment ended up being on Sunday at 11:00am. At about 11:05 I called the chick to let her know that I was running a few minutes late. I left a message and she called me back.... "Yeah, Hi... I'm running late, I can't meet with you until after 3pm." I said that was fine and turned around to head home. It bugged me that I drove ALL the way there and then had to turn around. At 3pm, I showed up right on time, as I had to be to work by 5pm. At 3pm she calls me and says that it's going to be another 15 minutes longer. Figures, those 15 minutes pass and it ends up being another 30 minutes. By this time, I'm pretty fed up and think the bitch is pretty rude for being so inconsiderate of me and my time. Finally, my time to view the puppies had come! When the chick and I first talked, she told me that she had 2 boys and 2 girls available ranging in price between $850/$1100. She invited Ryan and I into her house and offers us a seat on the couch while she went to get a boy to play with. He was so cute! But by the time I made it on Sunday she said that she only had one boy and one girl left, and that she wanted to keep the girl for herself. I asked how much the little guy was and she said $1200. RED FLAG! she previously mentioned a different price! Dumb bitch. I forgot to mention that the puppy she handed over was a little wet, smelly and had poop crusted on one of his ears. RED FLAG! I began to run through everything that I learned when researching reliable breeders. She ended up not being willing to let me meet the parents of the puppy, RED FLAG! Would not show me where the puppy had been playing, sleeping, etc. RED FLAG! She began getting caught up in her stories and I quickly ended up getting turned off. Due to all of the flags that went off mentally, and the apparent shadiness of the woman, I decided against the puppy. It broke my heart to have the baby in my lap and have to say no. But had I said yes, I would have been supporting whatever bullshit that cunt has running in her backyard. I reported the incident to the SPCA. I have beliefs that there is dishonest dog breeding happening in the backyard of her house. Even though I wish the situation would have been better and that puppy would have been mine, I feel really good about doing something about it. Hopefully with my efforts something positive will come from it. BE CAREFUL WHEN BUYING A PUPPY! don't let the cuteness of the dog make you make silly decisions!

bad dreams

2008-06-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

At least three or more times now, I have had dreams that teeth have fallen out of my mouth. Last night, I had another one. They are so vividly painful that it makes me sick, and it is all that I can think about the next following day. I spent some time googling the meaning of dreams, and here's what it supposedly means:

Dreams of falling teeth may come from your fear of being embarrassed or making a fool of yourself in some specific situation and these dreams are obviously an over-exaggeration of your worries and anxiety.

Teeth are used to tear, chew, gnaw and bite so, in this regard, teeth represent strength and power. The loss of teeth in your dream may be sparked by a sense of powerlessness. Perhaps you are lacking power in some kind of current situation. Maybe you are having difficulty expressing yourself or conveying an opinion that you feel strongly about. Much like everyone, you feel frustrated and belittled when your voice is not being heard. Experiencing feelings of inferiority and a lack of self-confidence in any situation or relationship in your life may also trigger such dreams.

This dream is clearly an indication that I must to be more assertive and believe in the value of my own opinion.

So nervous that my teeth will actually pop out, I now wear a mouth guard to sleep. It's really hot.

sightings

2008-06-03T18:13:00.000-07:00

Today at work, this called room service and ordered some food. One mezze plate with extra hummus, the Spanish frittata, the grilled yogurt marinated chicken breast, and a large bottle of water. I of course set the tray for two people. logical assumption right? I knocked on the door and announced, "Room Service." The door opened to appear a HUGE man. He was about 6'5" and easily 280 or more. Turns out the order was just a dude's lunch! He answered the door with his shirt off and jeans sagging below his black with red strapped calvin kleins. I was, no joke, up to the dude's elbow! I have never felt so small in my entire life. I googled the name that appeared on the caller ID when I got back to my station. The photo of the professional wrestler above is what came up. It was a trip. Later on, David Carradine sat at the bar at about 2pm. you may remember him most famously for his role as Bill in "Kill Bill." He ordered a shot of jager, a double espresso and a shot of vodka, all at once. I was impressed.

Sex & the Fire!

2008-06-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

Last night Ryan and I walked over to Universal Studios to see the 6pm showing of Sex & the City at one of their huge movie theatres. I LOVED the movie. I think they did a wonderful job turning the television series into a movie. I laugh, I cried, and ate a shit load of popcorn. This morning, I woke up to the sounds of explosions and fire trucks. Turns out that a fire has started at Universal. Looking outside my window, I can see the sky filled of smoke. Ash and soot is flurrying through the sky like snow and landing on cars, trees, and in my sparkling pool. It is all very 911ish, minus the airplanes and Arabs. Below is a photo of the smoke from outside of my building. the small white dot in the smoke is the sun. the news is reporting that residents in the neighborhoods around where I live are being evacuated. I smoke is making me cough, bad. Say your prays for everyone suffering from and battling towards this terrible hollywood fire.

eggs? bacon or sausage? salad or homefries? wheat, sourdough, or an english muffin? coffee or tea? juice? orange? grapefruit? watermelon? or carrot?

2008-05-31T15:18:00.000-07:00

i quit the standard!

I can't believe it. after working there a little over a year, i have had thousands of interactions with people from all around the world. It was a positive learning experience and I do not have an ounce of regret for having worked there. Yes, i have many things that i would change had i the chance, but who wouldn't. i'm going to be working at the gym full time now. i think it will be good for me for awhile, but I will sure miss dealing with shit like this everyday..................

today, at universal

2008-05-30T22:16:00.000-07:00

this morning I was able to sleep in until about 8am. Ryan was up and out early taking his mom somewhere between here and vegas. i had to get an early start because i needed to swing by kinkos to print out my resume before i had to jet to my audition at universal. it was weird only wearing a t-shirt and mesh shorts. i showed up a little early and got my paper work filled out. i cant believe how many ugly people audition to be the characters at theme parks. they were all sitting there talking about how they've been extras in this and that and i just sat there rolling my eyes into the back of my head. when signing in, they gave us all numbers. i was number #347. ROUND ONE: a character catwalk. some people were really able to break out of their shells. others, well, i felt like i looked like they did. i pretty much just tumbled to WOW! everyone instead. it worked. about half of the group was cut. ROUND TWO: move from one green X to another. X one; the door. create entrance. X two; greet a family with children. X three; exit. All in the character assigned and without costume. I got bart simpson. if you made it past round two, you went into fittings. when everyone that was selected moved to the fitting room, myself and one other kid were taught a dance. I BOMBED. I'm pretty sure they arent going to use me for whatever the dance was for but, i got fitted for bart and lisa simpson! the costumes were awesome. hot as balls though. even being inside with air conditioning, i was sweating after being in the costume only a few short minutes. i can't believe what its actually like outside in 100 degree weather! turns out though, they only pay $8/hr.! Sorry but, thats a little bit less then what I'm willing to work for. especially a job with such physically demanding requirements! long story long, i'm pretty sure i'm not going to take the job. i'm still however, going to attend my interview on tuesday, just to see. BUTTTTT!!!! breaking news about the standard coming tomorrow. dontcha wanna know, bobby?

I'ma KILL you, BMW!

2008-05-29T17:24:00.000-07:00

:: s i g h :: what a crazy couple of days. all of my boxes are unpacked and my decor is hung. I'll tell you what, the place looks wonderful. Ryan and I did a great job setting up our pad and I'm glad it turned out so well. As for the parking well... I wish that had been as easy. When I first moved in I was told that spot #7 was mine. Not so much. Then I'm told it's spot #17, then #23, then #17 ?!?!?!?! WHAT? fucking get it together douche bags! It ended up being spot #17 -- the only spot on the property that takes me 86 tries just to turn into the goddamn spot. I'll deal; at least it's parking, right?
So, tomorrow morning I have my audition at universal studios. The audition is for folks between the heights of 4'0" to 5'2". If you ask me, I'd say my chances are pretty good, no? I mean, how many other people are little, too? HA! Anyway, the audition is for Bart and Lisa and Simpson, as well as a penguin from Madagascar. If you haven't already, check out the You Tube video from my previous post showing what the penguins actually do. It's lame but, lord knows I'd have a blast.
Regardless of the parking spot drama, I have also been have bullshit problems with my BMW. There are about $3000 in parts that need to be replaced. My money tree isn't growing fast enough, goddamnit! Metro is looking more reliable... I love sitting next to crack-heads.

holy shit.

2008-05-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

I finally moved. It has been quite a bunch of work, let me tell you. I feel like everything that could have gotten in my way while moving, did! My car was in the shop until yesterday, which totally blew. Ryan & Tory (the guys from my act in studio 1945) helped me with the move. Ryan, of course, moved in with me. Our stuff is looking great together already. We are really excited to see how it all turns out. I'm REALLY looking forward to the pool this summer, oh and of course, THE PARKING! Turns out too, that the building in living in is looking for a manager too. Ryan just so happens to be looking for a new job right now and is considering the managerial position. If that ends up working out, my rent could be reduced to as little as $275/month!!!!! PLEASE PRAY FOR US!

On a different note, on Friday May 30th, I am auditioning at Universal Studios to be a Simpsons character or a penguin from Madagascar. Can't you picture me doing this?

still shots

2008-05-20T22:36:00.000-07:00

THE PAPER

2008-05-20T20:23:00.000-07:00

One of my newest favorite shows on television has been MTV's "THE PAPER." It may have even replaced "The Hills!" It reminds me so much of the wonderful time that I had being a part of my high school's newspaper. Amanda, the main character, and editor in chief, is by far my favorite character. I even wish I knew her! She reminds me an awful lot of Lindsay Wiebe. The editor and chief of my high school's paper, and my best friend! Amanda, if you're reading this, I love you and I want to know you. Lindsay, If you're reading this, don't worry, no one could ever replace you! I probably just love Amanda so much because I miss you.
I tried googling for Amanda to find her myspace but didn't have any luck. However, while googling I came across a posting on MTV's website advertising a casting call for season 2 of "The Paper." I'm so bummed that there will not be a second season with my girl, Amanda. I'm worried the show won't be the same without her.

If you have not yet tuned into MTV's "The Paper," DO IT! You'll see why it's my new love.

Billy, Ryan & Tory in STUDIO 1954

2008-05-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

Last night our performance in 1954 went great! The music didn't skip, but some of our stunts may have. Check out the performance below!

STUDIO 1954!!!!

2008-05-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

Listen, Ryan, Tory and I have worked hard on perfecting our partner acrobatics for this piece. We've rocked at it twice, and our music has screwed up two times one time. Chances are our music will F-up again this Friday & Saturday night too, that's why we need YOU there! Please come cheer us on! There is a killer open bar that believe me, I HAVE LOVED before, during and after each show so far. Come see us and the bar for yourself. You'll be glad you did.

A theatrical collaboration of artists, actors, musicians, dancers, and acrobats,
performed through an evocative narrative set in 1954

Benefiting S.C.O.P.E. to encourage greater voter turnout in 2008,
and Feminist Majority Foundation’s “get her vote out”

A r t S h a r e L A
801 E. 4th Place, L.A. 90013

Fridays, May 9th and 16th Saturdays, May 10th and 16th
7pm - Doors Open for Art Exhibition 6pm - Doors Open for Art Exhibition
8pm - Theatrical Performance 7pm - Theatrical Performance

Swank '50s-era attire is encouraged for all guests.

Reception afterward with DJs, additional performers, and free cocktails!

General Admission: $25, V.I.P. Seating: $50
Book your ticket in advance at http://artistsonthebrink.org, or call (310) 828-5260

homosay WHAT?!

2008-05-15T20:25:00.000-07:00

Guess what, hippies!? I found a place to live!!! I'm going to be moving out of Silver Lake and into Studio City... sooner then I even think! May 22nd is my move in date. As far as i know, THAT'S NEXT THURSDAY! May 22nd is also Kristen Voget's 22nd birthday, Happy Birthday, Kristen! I will be sharing my one bedroom apartment with Ryan, whom many of you have met. He's a good fella, good taste. I'm looking forward to it. Our new apartment will have one parking for one car (mine) and a fucking pool! This will be my first summer since I've been 21 years olds that I will have a pool to drink in! I can't wait. Andrew (drew), my brother, says he may come out in august before school starts again to visit. I told him he could bring a friend too. I hope he's proud of what I have accomplished and acquired over the last few years. I am!!! When are YOU visiting?

new release

2008-05-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

remember robyn? she had that 'show me love' single awhile back. she has recently released a new album, and i love it. check out a video from one of the tracks below.

Life could be a dream, life could be a dre--*@&#$!

2008-05-10T22:19:00.000-07:00

[ IT HAPPENED AGAIN! ]

Sound check, please.

2008-05-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

Last night as you know was opening night for Studio 1954. Running extremely late, Ryan, Tory and I showed up about ten minutes before curtain. We quickly threw ourselves through our stunts and got to places. The three of us were squeezed backstage with about eight other girls and a wardrobe chick while we listened for our cue. "Alright, we've got a pack of live acrobats going on in 60 seconds, places everybody!" Our music starts and plays for about eight counts when all of a sudden the music skips, shuts off, then the music from the first scene began playing, then that stopped and ours started again!!! Umm?! We continued on with our routine as we should, music or not. We hit every move and we looked great! Maybe tonight the sound guy will have his shit in order.

Opening Night

2008-05-09T14:04:00.001-07:00

I cannot believe that it is already may 9th! It feels as if new years eve was just yesterday!

Tonight is opening night for the production of Studio 1954. Over the last few weeks, I have struggled with time management to put together my piece for the show. Not only did i struggle with time, but I also was challenged with casting my act. Without being able to gain a few professional acrobats to perform with me, I figured I'd just make them myself. Ryan, and his best friend, Tory were quickly appointed as they are both extremely talented actors and dancers. We put together a total of about 6 routines before we have finally settled on the one we will perform tonight. I'm going to try to get it on video. Check back soon for that.

A theatrical collaboration of artists, actors, musicians, dancers, and acrobats,
performed through an evocative narrative set in 1954

Benefiting S.C.O.P.E. to encourage greater voter turnout in 2008,
and Feminist Majority Foundation’s “get her vote out”

A r t S h a r e L A
801 E. 4th Place, L.A. 90013

Fridays, May 9th and 16th Saturdays, May 10th and 16th
7pm - Doors Open for Art Exhibition 6pm - Doors Open for Art Exhibition
8pm - Theatrical Performance 7pm - Theatrical Performance

Swank '50s-era attire is encouraged for all guests.

Reception afterward with DJs, additional performers, and free cocktails!

General Admission: $25, V.I.P. Seating: $50
Book your ticket in advance at http://artistsonthebrink.org, or call (310) 828-5260

Don't let downtown parking deter you — we offer FREE PARKING on site!

Where's my bungalow?

2008-05-02T21:56:00.001-07:00

My one-year lease at 3408 W. Sunset Blvd ended on April 30th. I have been looking for a new place for about two months now but just can't seem to find anything that fits me and all of my requirements. Location, Price and Parking are the three biggest aspects of my search, and I'm floored that I am unable to find something. Can you believe that I cannot even find something bigger then a studio for less than $1200/month!? Paying that in Philadelphia would score me a dope-ass penthouse in Rittenhouse Square for sure! I would LOVE to find a cute little one bedroom bungalow that has a parking spot that is included in the rent, and perhaps even a little area outback for BBQ's and a small garden. Am I asking for too much? Does a place like this even exist in Los Angeles?

Damaged.

2008-04-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

So, there is this dance studio across the street from me. I've seen paparazzi footage of Britney Spears leaving the studio therefore, every time I walk past, and hear music coming from within, I always put my hear up to the wall of the building to check if I recognize the song being played. This evening, Ryan and I were walking down Sunset looking for a place to have a bite to eat and grab a margarita, and passed the studio across the street from my place, I didn't quite recognize the music, but I can't even say that I got a good enough listen because Ryan kept walking... Anyway -- about 5 minutes later, Ryan and I approached the host stand of a nearby restaurant while out of the corner of my eye, I think I may recognize someone? Maybe someone lacking a little make-up? Is that Aubrey? Ryan and I and are seated, our 'mystery beers' arrive and a chick sits down at the table next to us. Ryan says "hi!" right anyway. Turns out, the chicks from Danity Kane were flooding my block! If you're not familiar with DK, they were P Diddy's 'making the band' group. According to the conversation Ryan had with "Dawn" they are practicing for their upcoming "Making the Band Tour." Long story long, it was neat running into the chicks from Danity Kane so close to home. You never know when you'll run into a star in Los Angeles. Sometimes they're right across the street.
Check out Danity Kane's new single "Damaged"

CSI MIAMI

2008-04-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I took another step into the world of Hollywood. One week ago, I joined an agency that books the small roles, and background work for television, movies, and commercials here in Los Angeles. Monday night, i received a call from the agency looking for folks who are "18-to-look-younger" for an episode of CSI Miami. I jumped aboard as fast as i could, thanks to Marissa who was willing to cover my shift at The Standard. I played a high school student at a prep school. Featured in the scene was the main guy from CSI, David Caruso, as well as the very familiar face, Elisabeth Berkley, whom you may remember from Saved by the Bell, Showgirls, and the new hit Bravo show, Step it up and dance. I enjoyed being on the set so much that it reminds me just how bad I do want to get down and dirty with Hollywood. Being on set was a great learning experience, and i had the time of my life. I even got yelled at for looking into the camera. ha! Look for me on CSI Miami, COMING SOON!