My new office

Today was a great day but bittersweet at best.  It was my first day at PureFlix Entertainment in Torrance, CA.  I was pretty excited when I woke up, interested to get to work finally after moving for this very reason.  I got into my office and started my first project.  A film called The Book of Ruth which is an adaptation of the entire book of Ruth from the Bible.  It needed a revamp and re-edit.  I needed to tighten things, fix others, change and speed up the pace, etc.  I changed the ending and made it much better, something that should really help it.  It was the first time I’ve edited someone else’s stuff, with no basis.  Just spent the first hour and a half at work watching a movie (yea…I know crazy) so I could get the film in my head and make notes about things that needed fixing.

David A.R. White came into work today to work with Vance on Blink of an Eye.  It was great to meet him after seeing him in so many Christian movies and talking on the phone and emailing.  He’s a great guy, exactly how I thought he would be.  The office is a fun environment, I think I’m going to like it there.  The office is nice too, and I have dual monitors which is great to work with.  I really need to get a nice widescreen LCD at home, or two sometime.  I got through about half of the film, and should finish the rest tomorrow.  The edit wasn’t in as bad of shape as was thought by everyone.  After that I’ll be adding music from stock library and color-timing the film…then it’s off to a sound man for mixing and completion.  It’s neat to know I started on a feature my first day, not bad for a 20 year old farm boy without a degree huh?  Take that naysayers.

first edit job

We went to lunch together at Sushimon, a sushi place near work.  I have never had sushi and to my surprise I liked it.  However I made sure I got chicken and rice just in case I didn’t like it.  It was really good, I wolfed it down.  Afterwards we went back and finished out the day at about 7pm.  Work starts at 10am by the way, much later than people back at home are used to.  We start that early because most people in LA are out late or up late.  Weird for me but normal here, so whatever.

When I got home I did a thing or two then went to Target with Britney (Chris’ girlfriend) to get some stuff.  I needed to buy an office chair for my room, the kitchen one was killing my back.  I also needed a comforter.  I’ve spent a lot of money since I got here just to get situated.  Probably $500 plus of stuff just to get going.  Shower curtain, blowup bed, office chair, comforter, some small food and drinks, deodorant, q-tips, a trash can, etc.  It’s been expensive, hopefully It’ll balance out once I have all the essentials that can last for a while.  When I got home I put the chair together and opened the rest of the stuff.

I already started getting Happy Birthday requests on Facebook.  I’m sure when I wake up I’m going to find quite a few notifications on my profile, but that’s good!  It’s nice to know people care I exist lol.  I was talking to Jen, a best friend from back home and girlfriend of my other best friend Brad and we had some great conversation.  I love those guys, they are so in love and it makes me smile.  They have what I want someday, and I can’t help but encourage them every second I get.  It’s too special to pass up.  Every time they’re around each other I see that sparkle in their eye, it’s great.  I hope the Lord Blesses their relationship in a big way in the future.  While I was talking to her I started to cry.  I couldn’t help but feel a little lonely and sad that I’m away from home.  I cried more when her and Brad left my house for the last time than I did when I hugged my mom.  Friends are a close bond for me, most don’t really get it or talk about it but it’s serious business for me.  I’d do anything for my friends.  Whatever they need and whenever they need it, I’ll be there.  I miss everyone back home, and it’s going to be tough but I’ll survive.  Getting a Happy Birthday from everyone will be bittersweet…because I can’t hear it in person.  

All you guys out there helped make me who I am.  So many helped me break down walls I put up as a kid when I was really messed up, and I have so many fond memories of all of you.  I love you guys and I’ll keep in touch as much as humanly possible.  You all mean the world to me and I hope to see you all soon!  I’m so thankful God has given me a soft heart when it comes to loving people around me.  I don’t know how people do it.  Who doesn’t love a hug I mean seriously?  I can’t wait to find some friends out here I can share that passion with and grow together, not to mention hopefully a wife someday that I can talk to about things and share with.  I’m here, I just gotta find her.

You all (not just close friends but those online) are such an encouragement to me.  You keep me ticking when I’m down, and I’m eternally grateful for all of you.

What Did I Eat Today?:

Breakfast – Kashi Bar & Bottle of Water
Lunch – Sushi, Seasoned Chicken, Rice, Salad (no dressing), Coke
Dinner – Small piece of chicken from Britney
Odds-N-Ends – Mt. Dew, Gummy Bears, Pistachio Nuts