“There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth...not going all the way, and not starting.”

If you're going to do something, you might as well do it right..... Right? Well, if you're asking me, then yes. That is absolutely my motto. So now that I feel a bit more settled in LA LA land.... the survival job, the rehearsal schedules, the workshops/classes, the personal life (getting there, slowly but surely getting there) - I found that the only thing I was really missing was dancing/working out. I started looking around for a gym and a class schedule that would go along with my crazy yet somewhat settled life and am so glad I was able to finally find something that works for me.

It's been a while since I've conditioned physically. It really takes time, effort, and discipline to keep yourself in shape! Life in LA (before you find your rhythm, and even thereafter) is A LOT of driving around and across the city (and in this traffic, forget it! if there was only a way to do crunches while driving!) just to get to auditions/callbacks/film/work/ect. It's NUTS! But at some point things kiiiiinda stop being so nutty and kiiiiinda just start working. I think I'm finally getting to that point. I think. Hahaha.

I feel like I keep reading posts, tweets, and vlogs on dance and I really, really miss it. And even though some say it may be just like riding a bike, ummm, I danced in Miami and Tampa, but in LA, dance is like those classes on steroids! An intro class alone is just craaaaaazay! (In a good way!) So because it is something I love to do and feel such a release when doing it, I said to myself, "Denisse, girrrrrlllll, get yourself to a gym first to get back in shape!" How funny is that?! I need to get in shape to take a dance class that helps me stay in shape. Well, that would seem funny to all you non-dancers out there. Those of you that dance totally feel me! Now, I don't pride myself on being a "dancer" as much as an "actress that moves well" but hey, it's one more skills I do posses so why not ;) I have such an admiration for dancers, the way they constantly condition and train - it's truly incredible.... Such dedication! Such discipline! I find that when I'm dancing or even working out, my whole life is affected by this change. I'm much more focused and balanced. And it's about time that I utilize that focus/balance. And it always hurts so good when there's a killer pilates, bootcamp, yoga, boxing, ect class that KICKS YOUR @$$!

So the whole point to me blogging about this is because one - I am genuinely excited about finally making time for myself and my fitness since I've moved to LA, and two - it all ties in together. My body is my instrument and I need to make as much time for it as I do for classes and other things I do to improve my craft and advance my career.

My final thought (and this can apply to anything you strive to be or do in life):
"When you are not practicing, remember, someone somewhere is practicing, and when you meet him he will win.”-Ed Macauley

8 is my lucky number....

I want to start off by saying HAPPY 8-MONTH-A-VERSARY LOS ANGELES!!! That in itself is an accomplishment. When I think of where I was when I first got here and where I am now, I have to be pretty darn pleased with myself :) I'm proud that I can afford to live on my own, have wonderful adopted pets that complete my life, and take action every day that brings me closer to where I want to be in my career.
Speaking of, I am faaaaar too excited to keep quiet about the AMAZING people I will be working with this month!
I just started my Sam Christensen workshop and the guy is nothing short of genius - not to mention such a pleasure to work with! I am so glad to be joining that family! I've met a great group of people in that class. I will also be workshopping this month with Dean Fronk (great film CD) who has more projects in the works that I can even name on two hands. He stays real busy and I am thankful that I will finally get to introduce myself to him! I am begining a workshop intensive with Michael Donovan (theatre, commercial, film, and tv CD) who does it all - my kinda guy! Now these next two, I kiiiiiiiiiiiiinda died when I got into their classes because they fill up faster than anything I've ever seen!!! First is *drum roll* Eric Souliere!!!! If you don't know him, you should http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1394982/ Just sayin ;-) And the second intensive I'll be starting in March will be with the undeniably awesome Allen Hooper who does casting for Modern Family!!!
Needless to say, I am ecstatic!!! I realize how much I sacrifice and give up in order to do what I do, but in 8 months that I've been in LA, to be where I am right now, in my career as well as my life in general - I can't complain. It's worth not going out partying every weekend or even having a boyfriend! That's right! If that's all I needed to be happy, I would have stayed in Florida. But the truth is, I couldn't do this all by myself. No. I have an AMAZING support system, of those that are striving to build their careers as I am as well as non-actor folk. I've met quite the bunch while in Los Angeles, and I am so very blessed to have each and every one of them in my life. Instead of a crazy night out (which we do allow on occassion lol), we prefer tea/lunch dates, ice cream runs, walks in local neighborhoods, or pizza and wine nights in! We share our stories, our victories as well as the auditions that may not have gone our way, but at the end of the day we all wouldn't have it any other way.
So here's to a beautiful 8 months LA! Thanks for all the life lessons, the struggles, the victories, but most of all the amazing friendships and opportunities that continuously show me I'm exactly where I need to be!

"Anything's possible if you've got enough nerve!"