I think this is the first time in my life that I've been told that I'm OVERqualified to be an assistant editor. Compliment, of course, but...WHAT?!? I'm anything BUT overqualified to be an assistant editor. Have you SEEN me as an assistant editor? Wow, I'm totally downgrading myself now. It's just I don't see how I could be anything more than assistant editor at this time. It's that stage for me. Previous employers had no problems in hiring me as "less" than assistant editor, and I had no problems in taking the jobs. I just need the money! I understand the concept of working your way up in a company.
I also understand the cliche saying of "Everything happens for a reason." I firmly believe in it. But where's the hope when no one replies or says "You're awesome, but you're overqualified"?
Friday, July 28, 2006
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
No means NO!
*Originally posted at blog.myspace.com/charlenevt on July 9, 2006*
Has this happened to anyone?
Through my apt. search in L.A. (even in all other cities), I have never, ever encountered anything so ridiculous.
It all started this past Monday, when i found an attractive ad on craigslist for a Hollywood apartment. The price was right and close to the E! office. But something held me back from writing down the number and calling right away. Looking back over the ads to see if I had missed anything, I ran across that particular ad again. i wondered why I hadn't taken down the info. In rereading the ad, I figured "eh, why not?"
I reached for the phone and called the three numbers I had jotted on my writing tablet. The first call was to the Hollywood apartment. The guy kept me on the phone for a while, asked me what I do for a living, told me about his tenants, told me he's looking for someone who's going to stay for a while. It was a bit awkward being on the phone that long, but it made sense that he wanted to know a bit about a potential tenant.
The next morning, July 4th, I headed over to the apartment, which was still being cleaned and painted. The manager greeted me and remarked that I had "such a nice personality." I took my own little tour of the place. It wasn't bad, but didn't compare to an apt. I had viewed in Studio City the day before. The manager continued to talk up the apt., tell me about the neighbors, tell me that he considers his tenants as "friends/family," show me the front yard with a hammock, the laundry room, and where I would park. As we walked back to the unit, he tells me "I'm going to make a deal for you. Ask me why." Me: "Okay. Why?" Manager: "Because you seem like a nice person. You have such a nice personality." The deal? He lowered the rent and waived the key deposit fee of $50. If I filled out an application right then and there, I could've moved in the following day. He wanted me to call him that EVENING to tell him my decision. Um. Okay. Did he REALIZE that it was the 4th of July and that I might have plans?!? But oh, there were other applicants who are interested. Right.
Towards the end of a cookout in Santa Monica, I stepped away to give the manager a call. Of course, I had decided to pass on the apt. Most NORMAL people would say "Okay, thank you" and say goodbye. No. This guy proceeded to ask me "why" and "what does the other apartment have that this one doesn't?" How 'bout more space, a private patio, and a pool? Oh, but I don't want a pool. I'm no "hoodlum"! I was on the phone with him for over 10 minutes as he tried to convince me to stop by on Thursday once the floors were varnished, and he would make me an even "better" deal.
When I FINALLY got off the phone with him (and he was still talking after we had said "bye"), he called AGAIN! The phone didn't even ring; that's how fast he had called. He left a message saying that he had forgotten to tell me something about this "better deal" he was going to offer me.
The next day (Wednesday), he called. Surprised? And this was after we had agreed to speak on THURSDAY. I didn't answer since the call was marked as "private."
Thursday comes, and Andrew offered to call him and get rid of him. I think he expected it to be a simple "Charlene's not interested. Goodbye." conversation. Yeah. No. The manager was "confused" and didn't know who "Charlene" was. Then he finally "figured it out" and said "Oh, she can't call me herself? Okay. Thank you." *click*
Really, when did apartment hunting become like THIS?
Has this happened to anyone?
Through my apt. search in L.A. (even in all other cities), I have never, ever encountered anything so ridiculous.
It all started this past Monday, when i found an attractive ad on craigslist for a Hollywood apartment. The price was right and close to the E! office. But something held me back from writing down the number and calling right away. Looking back over the ads to see if I had missed anything, I ran across that particular ad again. i wondered why I hadn't taken down the info. In rereading the ad, I figured "eh, why not?"
I reached for the phone and called the three numbers I had jotted on my writing tablet. The first call was to the Hollywood apartment. The guy kept me on the phone for a while, asked me what I do for a living, told me about his tenants, told me he's looking for someone who's going to stay for a while. It was a bit awkward being on the phone that long, but it made sense that he wanted to know a bit about a potential tenant.
The next morning, July 4th, I headed over to the apartment, which was still being cleaned and painted. The manager greeted me and remarked that I had "such a nice personality." I took my own little tour of the place. It wasn't bad, but didn't compare to an apt. I had viewed in Studio City the day before. The manager continued to talk up the apt., tell me about the neighbors, tell me that he considers his tenants as "friends/family," show me the front yard with a hammock, the laundry room, and where I would park. As we walked back to the unit, he tells me "I'm going to make a deal for you. Ask me why." Me: "Okay. Why?" Manager: "Because you seem like a nice person. You have such a nice personality." The deal? He lowered the rent and waived the key deposit fee of $50. If I filled out an application right then and there, I could've moved in the following day. He wanted me to call him that EVENING to tell him my decision. Um. Okay. Did he REALIZE that it was the 4th of July and that I might have plans?!? But oh, there were other applicants who are interested. Right.
Towards the end of a cookout in Santa Monica, I stepped away to give the manager a call. Of course, I had decided to pass on the apt. Most NORMAL people would say "Okay, thank you" and say goodbye. No. This guy proceeded to ask me "why" and "what does the other apartment have that this one doesn't?" How 'bout more space, a private patio, and a pool? Oh, but I don't want a pool. I'm no "hoodlum"! I was on the phone with him for over 10 minutes as he tried to convince me to stop by on Thursday once the floors were varnished, and he would make me an even "better" deal.
When I FINALLY got off the phone with him (and he was still talking after we had said "bye"), he called AGAIN! The phone didn't even ring; that's how fast he had called. He left a message saying that he had forgotten to tell me something about this "better deal" he was going to offer me.
The next day (Wednesday), he called. Surprised? And this was after we had agreed to speak on THURSDAY. I didn't answer since the call was marked as "private."
Thursday comes, and Andrew offered to call him and get rid of him. I think he expected it to be a simple "Charlene's not interested. Goodbye." conversation. Yeah. No. The manager was "confused" and didn't know who "Charlene" was. Then he finally "figured it out" and said "Oh, she can't call me herself? Okay. Thank you." *click*
Really, when did apartment hunting become like THIS?
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Hello, hello!
It's been about a month and a half since I've been in sunny California, and even with one steady part time job on my hands, I have to say that things couldn't be better! As some of you know, I've been working as a photographer at the UCLA hospital doing portraits of newborns. It's definitely a "cute" and creative job opportunity. However, the pay and commute may make my stay there a short one. Only if a better paying/more enjoyable job comes my way.
About three weeks ago, I started a freelance assistant editing gig with E! Entertainment. The job was heaven sent. No doubt I was a nervous wreck the first three days, seeing that it had been a couple of years since I had touched an Avid! but like falling off a bike, I was back on and well on my way each day that passed. However, the work has dried up since July 5th.
Finally on the job-update, a two-year old network called SiTV (pronounced "C-TV") gave me a ring to ask if I could come in for an interview for an assistant editing position. The downer to the gig is that it's a graveyard shift (midnight to 8:30am). Unbelievable that this shift is even worse than what I worked at Discovery! Anyway, the interview went well, as far as I know. The director of post production said that they were impressed with me and I "presented myself well." So, we'll see what happens!
Two weeks ago, I signed a lease on a new apt. in Studio City. I love the place! It's spacious, big closets, has a patio, and the complex has a pool. My apt. is right by it! Andrew and I have been busy painting and "remodeling" it. I'll be sure to post pics as soon as it's all done. :-)
Speaking of apartments, I do have one other blog I want to post that I originally posted on myspace. It deals with just one crazy apt. manager I had to deal with before finding my current haven.
Other than becoming more "Officially Californian" everyday, I've also enjoyed my new home by celebrating the 4th of July at a cookout in Santa Monica and watching the fireworks in a local neighborhood shot from CBS Studios, going to Disneyland for a day (I'm an annual member! ;-)), going to see one of my favorite performers ~ Kristin Chenoweth in concert at The Greek Theatre, and going to see "Pirates of the Caribbean" opening week at the El Capitan theatre ~ which is owned by Disney, so it was a huge to-do! We're talking employees dressed up as pirates, pieces and props from the movie on display, and an organ player dressed up as a pirate entertaining us in the theatre before the movie. Pictures to come for that, as well. I've also started back up with voice lessons. My teacher played Kim in "Miss Saigon" on Broadway back in 1992 and is Filipino! hehe. :-) As soon as I'm settled, I'll be looking for auditions again!
Hope all is well with everyone!
Charlene
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