01 Jan 2012 in Review
Growing up, my mother had always told me that one of the greatest sins of man is self-pity. I’ve never forgotten this and try to live life to its fullest. And, when things might not look so good, I turn away from self-pity and go to the recesses of my mind and recollect positive experiences.
In particular, this year has brought a lot of positive experiences to add to my memory banks.
2012 has offered a lot of accolades and recognition for me. From being featured on wireimage.com to a February issue of US WEEKLY magazine, there’s been a lot of fun media exposure. My favorite write-up was by a good friend (and Hollywood Foreign Press chairman) Ruben Nepales, who wrote an article entitled “The Hardest Working Fil-Am in Hollywood”. Add to that an updated website, commendations from the Mayor of Burbank and Senator Diane Feinstein, a keynote speaking engagement with Catholic Filipino Youth and a selection as a guest of honor for the DCI foundation ball, I’ve been blessed with many good memories to hold on to.
This year, I’ve also mastered my ability to sell. At auction, I’ve sold off personal items and memorabilia benefitting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. From having an estate sale in my home to gathering over 3,000 eBay Power Selling feedback points, I have had a lot of fun with the sport of selling. (My favorite story of selling wares includes selling personal items to a set designer the Michael Douglas biopic on Liberace, BEHIND THE CANDELABRA.
Giving items and money away (for a good cause) became a mantra for me, as well. Whether it be giving towards the support of stationed soldiers in Iraq, giving Disneyland tickets to a family in need, or donating items to a Rett Syndrome silent auction benefit, I’ve been a firm believer in giving.)
As I’ve given and sold items, I’ve also shopped. From shopping at Bob Hope’s estate sale, a citywide flea market in Jacksonville, Oregon or at a nun’s convent liquidation in Sherman Oaks, I’ve done a lot of shopping. A fun time shopping included shopping at designer Patricia Field’s store in New York and having her tell me personal stories. And, later in the year, taking my dog, Rocco, shopping on Thanksgiving night for Black Friday sales near Palm Springs.
Whenever I enter an event, a room or a place that brings me much joy, I try to bottle up my feelings to absorb the positive energy and emotions. This year, I’ve been blessed to attend many functions, expeditions and events. The assorted list of places and events I’ve been to include: an outdoor wedding amidst the Oregon nigh skies, a party for designer John Varvatos, a Whitney Houston exhibition, a private Playboy Mansion party, a birthday party for my friend Karen’s dog, an event in a Beverly Hills mansion owned by a castmember of THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS, a limited access dining experience at Disneyland’s private Club 33, and a jet boarding trip down the Rogue River.
(Some of my favorite moments of attending events in 2012 include being attendance of documentary screenings…at my local movie theatre. Documentaries that I highly recommend include: CRAIGSLIST JOE, THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES, THANK YOU FOR JUDGING and DIANA VREELAND, THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL). Anyone that knows me know my love of pop culture. This year’s been an eventful year for me with all things pop culture. Aside from beginning a mini metal lunch box collection, this is the year that I created an entire wall, in my garage, dedicated to Farrah Fawcett. This is the year that I took part in a spontaneous, min GREASE reunion (with a couple of the 1978 stars). And, this is the year that I worked with many top celebrities to honor Dick Clark in a tribute for New Year’s Eve.
Things that made me sad this year include moving from my beloved home…a choice that I made due to construction defects; finding out about the death of one of my first friends in Los Angeles: Nick Lynch (via text); staying home (alone) on Halloween night for a third year in a row; being rear ended during the summer months….for a THIRD YEAR in a row; and, receiving a traffic citation for holding my bluetooth, in my hand, while driving. The sad moments are overshadowed by my favorite moment of 2012 (or, my life to-date): my 40th birthday, red carpet, event (otherwise known as The 2012 Black and Gold Gala at L.A. Center Studios benefitting BC/EFA).
To steer away from self-pity, I also look at the many (fun) random occurrences that have happened to me in 2012. From rejoicing in Dana Kenerson’s first Emmy nomination as a producer to driving a U-Haul on three different occurrences within a three month period, to discovering a (new) favorite restaurant in New York City (Num Pang), to receiving a buzz cut (for the first time in my life), to getting my teeth whitened in an indoor shopping mall’s walkway and having a gym membership to two (different) Burbank gyms less than 1/2 a mile from each other, I’ve definitely had my fill of random stories. These stories don’t compare to my favorite random story of 2012: performing RENT’S “Seasons of Love” (onstage)….with acclaimed RENT alumni and Original Cast Members!
As I close 2012, I can’t help but think of those that are lonely, isolated or have no one to turn to. I am fortunate to be able to have friends and family in my life. I am truly blessed to know so many people. In retrospect, the knowledge of having friends and family in my life should be enough to alleviate any form of self-pity that may enter my mind….ever.