01 Jan 2008 in Review
Everyday, as I drive to work, I pass by a billboard with one word: Reach.
I have to admit that it seems appropriate to pass this daily message as I
start my day. 2008 has been a year of “reaching” for me. I’ve stretched
to reach my goals. I’ve reached within my inner being to absorb and
remember meaningful experiences that have occurred throughout 2008. And,
I’ve worked on climbing to reach out of troubled times.
As I write this, I am moved by what God has given me in my life. He has
not only given me the greatest people to surround me with, but he has given
me circumstances and experiences that I am truly thankful for. It seems
that He has reached down to provide me with interesting, memorable, and
enjoyable experiences.
My most memorable experience this past year occurred in New York City. I
found myself upon a rooftop deck in Manhattan on Tony Awards night
celebrating the win of IN THE HEIGHTS for numerous Tony Awards. The evening
was heightened by being surrounded by friends, loved ones, a beautiful
night and lively music. From there, celebrations were endless. From
three weddings to my own rooftop birthday party (encompassing the 2nd floor
of a club). I am blessed.
I’ve travelled to different (local) places this year. Each location
conjures up a distinct memory. In Sacramento, I went shopping by the
riverbanks. In San Francisco, I road on a trolley car and landed in
Fisherman’s wharf. In Northridge, I went to a close friend’s own private
and personal Lucille Ball Museum. In Pasadena, Chyna and I went
chandelier shopping (and ended up with three of them.) At UCLA, I attended
a dance-a-thon fund-raiser. And, in the Hollywood Hills, I had my own,
non-threatening stalker at a birthday party.
This year, I’ve reached to try and escape my addictions….without much
luck. 2008 is the yeart that I became addicted to Facebook and my DVR
(which was one of the prizes I received as a DEAL OR NO DEAL audience
member.) I also became addicted to digital frames and the movie SLUMDOG
MILLIONAIRE (I’ve seen it many times.)
Professionally, I’ve done things to help me accomplish my goals. I
developed a pilot television show entitled STAR TREATMENT. I compiled a
new dvd reel of my work. I was the subject of a high fashion photo shoot.
And, also shot publicity shots for an upcoming film, on the beach. Aside
from all this, I became an on-line blog contributor, starred in a PROJECT
RUNWAY spoof, and entertained meetings with New York publishers Harper
Collins and Random House for an upcoming book deal. My personal website
was also updated this year (www.christianmoralde.net).
I reached deep within the universe and captured new experiences. I went to
my first Bonham & Butterfields auction and also managed to travel with a
four foot tall panda to New York City (a gift for my God-daughter). I was
proud when I changed my condo lock (all by myself). And, I donated my time
for an organization dedicated to phone support for troubled youth.
Another interesting experience was attempting to rescue a misplaced
Chihuahua on the side of the 110 freeway (he escaped unharmed.) I also
became daring and went to my local U-Haul sidewalk and hired an out of work
immigrant to do yard work.
2008 was also a troubled time for me. This is the year that I spent the
Fourth of July and Halloween with myself. It is the year that I witnessed
my car getting towed, received (another) j-walking ticket, and, fractured a
tooth-resulting in an extraction. Perhaps the biggest horror for me this
year was a vehicle/bicycle collision with an illegal alien who darted (on
bicycle), unexpectedly in front of my car. Thankfully, all is fine. But,
all was not fine days after spending Oscar night at the Four Seasons Hotel,
(I had a two week hang-over.)
This year, I reached to re-connect with others. I am thankful for
re-connecting with old high school friends and my high school Speech Coach.
And, I was able to reconnect with former members of my acting group (PAA)
for our tenth anniversary reunion. Importantly, I’ve been connecting to my
inner-self and working on exercising self-improvement through spirituality,
prayer, religion and the Law of Attraction.
In terms of reaching on a physical level, this year resulted in reaching to
touch different people and things. I reached out to touch the walls of St.
Francis’ church in San Francisco, one of the holiest places on earth. My
hands reached out to erect a trellis, redesigning the patio to my master
bedroom. And, my hand reached out to shake Michael Phelps hand; weeks
after he became a record-breaking Olympian.
Overall, I am pleased with all of my experiences of reaching. It is my
wish for all of you to reach out and make your dreams a reality. Reach out
of your comfort level and touch new experiences. I strongly believe that
your life’s dreams and experiences are only a reach away……………….