Stories By Johnny

Okay, I feel bad. I’ve neglected this blog for quite some time now. I would think that with the start of my journey to losing weight that I would document it here, but alas, it did not happen that way. Instead, I got sucked into the micro-blogging world that is Twitter and shared my most profound thoughts there under 160 characters. I think blogging has come a long way, and now it’s getting old. Micro-blogging is the new thing since, like, 2007? So I seem to think it’s useless to write paragraphs in a blog now. Or maybe I just have gotten lazy actually to write something. I’m going to be posting some highlights of what’s been going on:

Weight Loss Achievement

I did it! I lost over 100lbs, and I feel great! From pant size 58 to 36 has been a hard rocking journey for me. I have one of the best trainers at Gold’s Gym. His name is J.C., and he promised me he would help me in any way to become the person I have become. I can honestly say that I’ve had my doubts at the beginning of 2008, but I’ve learned to trust J.C. He’s my best friend. He’s also like a brother to me. And my role model.

Career Goals

With the career path I’m in right now, I can honestly say how happy I am to be working in media entertainment. It’s something I’ve always known I wanted to fall into. Sure, when I was a kid, I had dreams of working as an actor in Hollywood after crushing on little Drew Barrymore in E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial as Gertie. I joined school productions thru high school, after graduating I auditioned at an acting school where I got extra roles in feature films like Spider-Man and Bee Season, and The W.B.’s (now C.W.?) hit tv show Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 4 (Ep This Years’ Girl). But by my early 20s, I slowly became interested in screenwriting, producing, and managing. I don’t regret having to change majors in school. I went from psychology, English to media communications. All I ever wanted to do was act, so thinking of a major in school was confusing. Media Communications came easy to me because 1) it branches out into many ent. careers like news anchors, authors, writers, tv, actors, film, etc. 2) Web design is a big part of media, and I love designing. So, joining a film production to collaborate with a few celebrities in Hollywood things got good for me, and I’ve gotten many opportunities today. I can’t wait for what my future holds.

This is all what I can think of now lol.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2009 – It was our last morning together, so we decided to eat breakfast in the Hotel, reflect on what happened over the weekend, and got everything packed. We waited for the airport shuttle outside and then accompanied Lucy and Brandon to their gate. We said our goodbyes, and then I walked out to look for my shuttle to take me to my terminal. I got dropped off at American Airlines, got my itinerary, and asked someone if they knew where I could get my poster wrapped because I couldn’t get it into security. They didn’t know, and I was stumped. I called Jackie to see if she could come to pick it up since I didn’t know anyone else, and the family I had in Long Beach were in Mexico at the time. I felt helpless! I started to freak out because I didn’t want to lose my flight, and where would I go get my poster shipped home? I sat down to calm down and saw a FedEx truck.

And then an idea hit! I took a taxi to the nearest FedEx, and that’s where I was able to get my poster wrapped and ship it home. Then I asked where I could get the nearest shuttle, and they directed me to the corner of their street where a free shuttle was waiting. As I waited for my shuttle, Jackie called and apologized for not calling sooner, and I explained I had found a solution. I also apologized for calling her numerous times, but I didn’t know what to do. She laughed and said not to worry about it and to let her know when I got home. Once I was at the airport, I went to order a drink at Starbucks and saw Robin Thicke, who also performed at the Grammys, pass by. He looked at me, nodding at him, and he smiled back and kept on walking.

This is it, folks! I really had a great time in Los Angeles, and I know that I’ll move there to work in my career one day. If it’s five or ten years from now, I want to visualize myself working in the movie industry and writing stories that will inspire many.

P.S: – My Grammy’s performances highlights are Coldplay, Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus’ duet (for the song “Fifteen”), Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Katy Perry, and Justin Timberlake.

GO BACK TO PART 2

BACK TO PART 1

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2009 – Lucy and I went to get coffee and went to talk outside. We couldn’t believe the day was finally here and just in awe of how things connected us. After that, we went to get dressed and then got a taxi about four blocks from the Staples Center, where the Grammys were going to be taking place. We showed our IDs and Grammys access letters and then given a purple VIP wrist band. Suddenly we were put into groups and escorted inside the Staples Center. No phones were allowed, but we saw people bring them in. Pfft!

The inside looked spectacular with the lighting and colors. The interior was spectacular with all of the lighting and colors. Talent and other people arrived from different angles, so our escort had to take behind the seating area before we were to sit with the celebrities. Did I mention that these seats were $3,000-4,000 a piece? Insane! At that moment, the biggest of the news broke that Chris Brown had hit Rihanna, and it was the talk of the night!

When it was time to be seat fillers, Lucy and I sat on the 4th row, and Brandon got to sit three rows behind us. We could see the stage color stage being set up, and the stairs were lighting up. As I turned to my left to see who I was sitting next to, I realized I was face to face with Timothy B. Schmit of The Eagles. His wife sat next to him and asked me if the seat I had taken was mine. I told her that I was a seat filler, and I’d move once an artist was going to go present on stage. Adam Levine of Maroon 5 was sitting in front of us, and behind was Natalie Cole. On the first row, Lucy and I saw Paul McCartney and his wife standing in the first row. Lucy pointed and smiled at Paul, and he reciprocated the gesture. Lucy was glowing from ear to ear. In that same row was Nicole Kidman and her husband and on the center row was Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and Myley’s mom. T.I. was behind them. Zooey Deschanel was five rows back. We were right with the stars!

Then everything came into place, and Coldplay opened the show with a ballad-like number on a piano and then sprinted down toward the stage. Lucy and I smiled at each other and saw everyone dancing in their seats. Taylor and Miley stood up and grooved to it. I looked around the arena, and it was indeed a spectacular view of people celebrating this special night.

On the first break of commercial, which in real life lasts about 45 seconds, artists who were about to present on stage ran toward the side, and new seat fillers get to sit in their place. Lucy and I didn’t know if to move, so we stayed one more round to see how things worked. Thankfully, Timothy of The Eagles called out to Taylor and waved at her to come over. She and Miley immediately came to where we were, and Adam Levine high fived them before they got to Timothy. Without second thinking it, I high-fived Taylor and mouthed, “you are awesome!” She smiled, high fived me back and said “thank you!” very excitedly. She talked to Timothy and his wife for a few seconds. Then I see Chris Martin, lead of Coldplay, came over Adam and kneeled beside him to tell him something. Then the narrator of the show informed everyone it was time to go back to their seats.

As the show went on, Lucy, Brandon, and I got to fill in random seats. I saw Justin Timberlake and got to shake his hand as he ran toward the stage. I yelled out, “Jackie Guerra gave me your DVD autograph!” and he smiled. By the half-hour of the show, I was on the third column (right side), and The Jonas Brothers were at the very front. Across from me was Katy Perry (she looked stunning!) and Kid Rock. Before the show ended, Katy Perry took her mom’s hand, and they left the arena. It took me a while to find Lucy and Brandon, but we went out to eat once we did. No after-party of us as we needed a ticket to get in, but it was so much fun!

GO BACK TO PART 1 > GO TO PART 3

I think I had the best time of my life in all my 27 years!

This weekend (February 7-9, 2009), I headed to Los Angeles to attend the 51st Grammys with Lucy and Brandon. A huge thanks go to Jackie Guerra for scoring these tickets for us! She played Suzette, sister to Jennifer Lopez’s titular role, “Selena.” We also planned on meeting the night before the Grammys in Universal City, but more on that later. Okay, on with the story:

FEBRUARY 7, 2009 – On Saturday morning, my dad took me to SFO airport, and I checked in just in time for my 9:25 am flight. I handed in my suitcase (my Grammys suit was inside), successfully passed security, and waited by the designated gate. Thankfully it was a smooth flight to Los Angeles and no one seated next to me. Because I’m a writer at heart, I took out a pen and paper to keep occupied. One thing you should know is that you’ll ALWAYS see me carry a pen and notepad. They’re my creative tools.

I arrived an hour later. I texted my parents, Lucy, Brandon, and Jackie to let them know I had landed safely. Brandon replied that they were waiting for me by the luggage area. As I was looking for them, Lucy called out to me and we greeted each other. It was just so lovely to see them both again. I just needed my other film buff friend Connor and we’d be complete.  I had to wait for my luggage to come out, which took about eight minutes, and I began to worry because I didn’t want the suit for the Grammys to get lost. Finally, a second carrousel started working, and out comes my suitcase. After that, we waited for a taxi, and it took us to our Hotel in downtown Los Angeles at the Wilshire. There was a mix-up when we checked in at the Hotel, and the receipts we had weren’t showing in their system, but it worked out and we settled in.

We decided to have breakfast, so we went to City Grill, a restaurant across from the check-in, and went over our two-day schedule. We would meet up with Jackie Guerra, an aspiring actor friend, Jamie Fishback (from Twitter), network our feature film in the works, and attend the 51st Grammy Awards! We each went back to our own rooms to relax because of jet lag.

I wake up after an hour because I have the strangest sensation that something is missing, and sure enough, the confirmation letter that grants me entry access to the Grammys is missing. I freaked out and called the Hotel’s service for help. I describe to them that the letter is inside a manilla folder and where I remember leaving it last. So, they direct me to the main lobby to talk with security, and I update Lucy and Brandon, who generously helped search for it. Then, after an exhaustive search, I see the manila folder at the front desk and asked who left it there. A friendly security guard had found it, so I wrote a friendly message telling him how I appreciated him finding the access letter because it was very important to me. The manager at the front desk said they’d give him a promotion. Of course, he deserved it! Geez, a few hours in Los Angeles and already into check-in mix-ups and lost documents? What could go wrong next?

After coordinating with Jackie, it was decided to meet up at Universal City Walk (by Universal Studios) at 7:30 pm and eat at Camacho’s (a Mexican restaurant). I let Jamie know about the itinerary, and we went to get ready. After a few hours, we took a taxi and got there first. We waited while the music played, and then Jamie showed up. First time meeting him in person, but he’s a great guy. Then, out of nowhere, Jackie Guerra and her husband Bill* were walking towards us.

I stood up to greet her and gave her a big hug, and she squeezed me, LOL. Bill was behind her and held a massive frame. He turned it around, and it was the “Selena” movie poster with Jackie’s (and the rest of the cast) personal autograph! Jackie had told me earlier that day that she was planning on giving me something “big” and that we’d have to think of a way to ship it, but I never imagined it would be this. Then, because it was an early birthday present, and knew that I liked Justin Timberlake’s music, she handed me a DVD and Golf magazine signed by HIM! I was left speechless and thanked them profusely. After all of this grand introduction, we got to talk, laugh, eat good food and take tons of pictures and videos.

After the grand introduction, we got to talk (movie projects, networking), laugh, eat good food, and take pictures/videos. Jackie also showed us her first written book, which we bought, and she signed them. Before Jamie had to go to his wife, we took one group photo, and then Jackie took us to a quieter place to drink coffee. She let us know about the Grammys, and if there was anything we needed help with, to call her. She and Bill hailed a taxi, and we left our separate ways. P.S: – Oh, I helped install TwitterFon and Shazam on both Jackie and Bill’s phone and they loved it!

GO TO PART 2

Hey guys! I’ve been uber busy with things with the start of the year. First off, I’m still working on my weight loss. I’ve lost over 70 lbs, so I am very excited about that. USED to wear a 54 pant size and now..? a 38! I took out tons of clothes that I don’t want to wear ever again.

As for my projects and career: It’s going amazingly well. Two weeks ago, I started networking with one of the cast members from MTV’s The Real World: Brooklyn. We’re working on their site, and it’s a hush-hush project right now. And on Twitter, I got a follow from Chalene Johnson of Turbo Jam. We’re also working on some stuff now that she’s seen my portfolio. I guess the way you network on there is by tweeting keywords because people will search for that, and they’ll see who mentioned those words. They wanted me to do some audition, so they asked for a banner, and I got good feedback – then we went on from there. I might be traveling overseas in the next few weeks. I’m going to help out with SEO (Search Engine Operations) and Internet Digital Marketing. I’m also looking to designing web banners!

Last but not least, I am reading a True Crime book titled “A Dance With the Devil,” which is a true story of a woman who mas married to a psychopath and succeeds in getting out of his life. It’s such a page-turner, and you wouldn’t believe what the guy does to get what he wants, but the woman, Barbara, later finds out what he truly is. She’s from the Bay Area, so I wish her the best of luck on her book and tours. Check it out! Buy it at Amazon here!