Happy 5 Year Anniversary!

Hello, everybody!! Boy, it's been a while since I posted a blog! I'm sorry to all of you that check often hoping for a new update. Part of the reason I have not been blogging lately is because this has been one of my busiest years ever! I am thankful and very blessed to have had some great gigs come my way since the start of 2012. 

Today, I celebrate my 5 Year Anniversary in Los Angeles. It's hard to believe that it's already been 5 years since I moved away from Milwaukee to this crazy city we call Los Angeles. When I first moved out here, I knew nobody. I quickly found ways to get my 'foot in the door', and I remember meeting a friend who worked with one of the studios in town. He told me, "If you can make it past your first year, you are in good shape. If you can make it five years, you can be here for a lifetime". The phrase really stuck with me, and I often share it with my friends that move to LA. In my five years here, I have seen so many of my friends come and go. Many leave because LA is so different and they are not used to the big change. Others leave because they think it's too hard. And sometimes, people leave in search of other opportunities. 

That being said, one thing remains the same. I am still here and still moving strong. I wasn't sure if I would make it 5 years in this city. I wasn't sure of anything, really. I've had so many wonderful opportunities and experiences, and I have received an overwhelming amount of exposure in this industry. I am not a household name, nor am I making big paychecks, but I feel like I am well on my way. I love this industry. I have seen every side of this city, worked for a variety of television shows, appeared on numerous shows, met countless celebrities, produced and directed my own projects, traveled with work, and even started my own camp. I am thankful every day. I know that not everyone gets the type of opportunities that I have had. I know this could all be taken away in an instant. 

LA has taught me a lot. LA has taught me to appreciate small moments and love big moments like they may never happen again.  Have friends, but make sure they are friends.  Always be willing.  I am not like everyone else and I will never be like everyone else.  I am special and have a lot of talents to be thankful for.  People love my energy and find it irreplaceable.  I can do whatever I want to do.  I can make great decisions.  I am a good teacher.  I am a great friend. I have great friends.  I hate traffic. The list can go on and on! 

I don't have a lot of friends, but the ones I have are amazing. My friends back in Milwaukee that still stick by my side mean the world to me. They know who they are. I am also blessed to have some fantastic friends here in California, too. It's really nice to have people you can trust in an industry where trusting people is often difficult. As always, my family has always been there to support everything, and it, too, means the world to me. 

In a nutshell, hopefully you've had a chance to see what LA has been like for me over the past five years. It has been a wild ride, and I know that I am just getting started. I am thankful every day for the opportunities, and I cannot wait to see what's in store for the future. 

Inhale big, EXHALE BIG! I made it!!!

Happy 5 Year ANNIVERSARY!!!