A New Computer!

I have sold my current computer because it doesn't have a DVD burner and I am taking that money along with my Christmas money to get a new Apple Computer. I just purchased the new MacBook Pro with the Intel Chip. Unfortunately since the MacBook Pro is so new it takes 3-4 weeks for delivery and I am selling my current computer...today. Basically I am left without a computer for the next 3-4 weeks and I am not sure what I am going to do without a computer for that long. I will try to post to my blog when I can until I get my new fancy computer. I am super excited.

Back to the Mat

Last night I attended my first gymnastics class in almost 9 years. I felt so alive as I flipped along the tumbling mat. I was surprised how much came back to me yet I lost a lot of the harder skills. I started taking gymnastics again for stunt training. In stunts I may not have to do back handsprings for the camera but the fundamental skills such as flying through the air and knowing where my body is so important.

Jon also went to class last night. This was his first gymnastics class...ever. He did great. The teach said he was a natural and that we will have great gymnast children. He laughed and said "You mean hockey children." We both are a bit sore today but had a blast last night. I can't wait for the next class.

My First Mention

I just found that I was mentioned in my first article as a stunt woman. The article is about Lost in Hawaii Magazine. In the article titled, "Lost on Oahu", they talk about different locations we use around the island to shoot the show. All be it a small mention it is still cool. How exciting, my first PR piece as a stunt girl.

You can read the online article here.

Hanging in a Net

Did you see Jon doubling the new guy Henry tonight on Lost? Jon was hanging in the net right before Sayid cut him down and he fell to the ground. He also we running right before he got shot with the arrow in the back. Nice work Jonathan! Here are a few pictures of Jon working that day.

I am in the next new episode, which I think airs on March 1, doubling Claire. Next week's episode is the original Pilot (I think). So you will have to wait two weeks for a new Lost. Just remember as much as you hate reruns, we love them because we get paid again. Yeah!

Back in Hawaii

We arrived safely back in Hawaii this evening. We had an amazing time in LA. We were so busy. We even squeezed one last meeting in on the way to the airport today. We met with so many stunt people who were all so wonderful and gracious. However, I felt like a little fish in a big pond over in LA.

A few of the highlights included: going to the set of the new Oliver Stone movie about 9/11 and other sets to meet stunt guys, seeing old friends, going to Disneyland, stunt training, going to my first professional hockey game (thanks for the tickets Eddie!) and getting a convertible rental car (you really need a convertible in Southern California).

Here are a few pictures from the past few days. (On a side note, Jon will be in this weeks Lost. I will post pictures after the show airs of his stunt.)

Training

We spent the day training with one of my dad's old friends. He is such a great guy. We started off doing tricks off a mini trap into the pool. Next, we moved to the big trap and practiced different skills. Then we did flips from the mini tramp into pads. (That is what Jon is doing in his picture). Last, we spent some time working on fencing. It was a wonderful day!

Hustling

Part of being a stunt person is hustling, a craft which I have been learning about this week. Fortunately, Jon and don't need to hustle work yet but there will come a time when this much needed skill is necessary. Hustling is needed when you are not working. Basically you go on to a set and either introduce yourself to the stunt coordinator if you don't know them, or say hi and just check in if you know them. The reason for this is to keep top of mind in the stunt coordinator's mind. Coordinators are always hiring people and if they need someone 5' 10'' and 165 lbs and you were just on set they may think of you over someone else.

At this point we have jobs so this isn't really necessary for Jon and I. However, it is important for Jon and I to meet different stunt coordinators so in the future when we do need work they will already know us. The best part is we are not going to sets looking for work, we are just going to introduce ourselves. I guess this is where my expensive business degree comes in, good networking skills.

Here are a few basic rules I have learned about hustling from wise older stunt men (mostly dad): 1. Don't walk up on a set with your head shot in your hand. The coordinator knows why you are there and if they are interested they will ask you for a head shot. 2. Don't talk about work basically just fluff talk. People want to hire people they get along with, not annoying people who just talk work. 3. Don't come out and ask for work. Again they know why you are there. 4. Treat the set like it is the coordinator's home. Don't just help yourself to craft service because it is sitting there, wait to be invited. 5. Don't over stay your welcome. Know when to leave.

I am learning so much out here. It has been a successful trip so far. Later on this week we are meeting with an old friend of my dads, who is a stunt coordinators, to do some stunt training. We are also going to Disneyland with my family who is flying down from the Pacific Northwest. It should all be very fun.

Lovin' LA

We arrived save in LA last night. We are having a great time. We are staying with a great friend of mine from high school and are having a wonderful time. We have a full two weeks but are enjoying our stay. Pray that our time goes well for us here.

It is always hard leaving Hawaii. The weather is so nice in Hawaii and we are just getting settled in our new place but the life of a stunt man requires living out of a suit case from time to time. I just love it.