HAPPY HUMP DAY!!  I will have to agree when someone told me that Wednesday's are their fav day ;-)   We have made it through the 'rough days' and can look forward to the glorious weekend ahead.  I hope you're all having a wonderful week so far.

 

We are going to do things a little different today and to start off with one of my favorite life quotes from the Bible; 'Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself'. (Matthew 6:34)

 

When I was a freshman in High School, the most random thing happened in my life.  I am not talking, 'seeing someone you haven't seen in years' random, I am talking 'medical mystery' random.  I woke up on December 27, 1999 feeling fine and dandypants.  Fast forward through the hazy day... after sitting in Abington hospital for 4 hours, then being rushed down to Children's Hospital in Philadelphia, it was explained to my family and I that I had a stroke.  Yes, a stroke...bizarrrrooo right?  A few MRI's and some odd tests later my doctor, Dr. Finkle (Finkle IS Einhorn!!...Ace Ventura ref anyone?)  said there was no real explanation for the stroke, that it was a 'fluke'.  Yup, you heard it right...A fluke??  I didn't know you could use that word in an actual sentence when diagnosing a patient?

Now, I had two choices:

1.- To wake up every day scared that this 'fluke' would happen again.

OR

2.- To wake up every day thanking the BIG GUY for my health, and enjoy every minute that is given to me.

 

I decided to go with option 2...only bc I like even numbers.

 

Why worry about things that you cannot control?  You will make yourself go nutso!!  All you can do is go along with your life, and think about the things you can control.  The anticipation of something happening is the worst part.  Think of these scenarios, when you get a flu shot or you get your eyebrows waxed.  Think of the seconds leading up to the actual action, it is AWEFUL!  But, once your done with the shot or the wax, it wasn't so bad, right? 

What you can do today is stop worrying about those people or things you cannot control.  If someone doesn't like you, why would you want them in your life anyway?  If you don't have enough money, figure out ways to entertain at home with your family and friends.  Surround yourself with people that make you feel good.  Life is too awesome to waste your sweet energy on those that aren't worth it.  Focusing on the things you DO have rather than the things you DON'T have, are important ways to change your thought process.  As I have gotten older, I realize more and more that everything absolutely happens for a reason.  If you are in a relationship, and it doesn't work out the first time, there is a reason.  Those hours are not wasted, that person was in your life for a purpose.  If you keep faith that everything will work out, you are on the right page. 

Just let go, and be. 

I will end with another quote...TWO QUOTES IN ONE SMILE-LUTION!!  WOAH, it's getting banannananas up in here.

Let this one marinate, b/c it's a keeper :-)

 

"There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying things which are beyond the power of our will."

I hope you all have a wonderful WEDNESDAY!!  Go outside and enjoy this beaut weather.  Maybe rake some leaves, and jump in them!!

-Liz Dugan

xoxoxoxoxo

Goood Morning Folks, and a BIG Happy Friday to you!!  I don't know why, but this week seemed especially long.  It could be the slightly later hours at work, or that I am just very excited to go home and see some sweet family and friends.  Being away from the fam, I need a little revival every now and then to bring me back to normalcy (well, as normal as I can be).

 

I was thinking the other day (Yea, that happens every so often), how in the world did I get to this point in my life?  After critiquing a few changes and decisions I made, that it was only through the help of some great friends (shout out to Jenny), my family and the desire to bring change into my life, I am living the life I do today.  Here's the thing, about two years ago...(WOW does not feel that long).  Anywho...about two years ago I was working for an Insurance Company (better to not reveal the name) in Center City Philadelphia.  After some crazy 8 months, and listening to people complain and complain, I realized I needed to get out before I went nusto!!  Many people just said to stay and stick it out, 'you'll be fine' they would say.  I knew I was not happy, and I needed to make a change...and FAST!!

 

There are many times when we feel we are stuck.  So, all we do is complain and belly ache (I've always wanted to use the term belly ache in a sentence...Betty's bucket list-Check!)  This is way more detrimental to our health than we realize.  By complaining, we are putting ourselves down when we should be building ourselves up for success!!  I have been wearing this purple bracelet on my right hand that says 'SPIRIT'.  I found this online at 'acomplaintfreeworld.com'.  IMAGINE what it would be like if no one complained, if no one belly ached (two times!).  The main reason for this bracelet is to go 21 days without complaining.  If you catch yourself, you have to switch the bracelet to the other arm and start over.  The purpose is to just be mindful of your complaints; you are sort of filtering your thoughts before they come out...well most thoughts in my case.  In the end, you're outlook is more positive bc you are forced to think the glass is always have full.  You are sort of training yourself to feel good...and why not feel good?? 

 

If you feel yourself complaining, take that opportunity to stop and think, bc you can change your circumstances.  You are by no means stuck!!   I promise you*

This is your life, and you have the power to change.  Use your desires to not let yourself settle for anything less that what you truly deserve...HAPPINESS!!

I leave you with this amazing quote from Thomas Edison...(I mean he did invent the light B)

"If we all did the things we are capable of,
we would astound ourselves."

 

I hope you all have a wonderful Friday, and even better Weekend...WOOOOOAHH!!!

 

Love you all!!

Xoxoxoxoxo

 

-Liz Dugan

HEY HEY!! 

  I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! 

Surprise...Fall is here!! Yup, as much as we have tried, we just can not fight it anymore (can't fight the feeeeeling!!).  Embrace the beauty of autumn; the sweetness of leaves changing, brisk walks and even snuggle parties with your fav feety jammers...it's a beautiful time of year!! 

I have heard so many people complain that summer is over, aheemm...yes, including myself.  I must say, I really do love all seasons.  If you sit back and enjoy each with the same effort, you will learn to love the hot, cold and messy times of year.  This is a nice glide into my theme for today...

 

Ferris Bueller once said "Life goes by pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it". 

 

Every day I walk to work, watching people walk SO fast they are practically running.  It could be from the Venti quad espresso with two pumps sugar free caramel and soymilk (that may or may not be my drink of choice...and yes, I do have to practice before ordering), or that they are having an internal race with the pedestrian next to them.  New York is chock full of fast moving...well, EVERYTHING!!

Ferris had a great point, if you just sit back and enjoy each day, you may be surprised with the outcome. 

It is wonderful to set goals and anticipate the future, but you can't forget the path you are currently on is guiding you into your future.  Each day you have is a chance to really enjoy life.  What you can do today is wake up with an attitude of gratitude.  Look at your life, and count every blessing.  And don't tell me you don't have any, b/c I can think of 3 right now...you have a computer, you have eyes and you have fingers.  YAY!!
Wake up everyday realizing that today is a gift.  I am not saying you have to go out and accomplish great feats in one day, but make each day special.  My Aunt Mary always told me that our Grandmom McHugh (my mom's mom) always said to use the 'good china'.   Why not make yourself feel good??  What are you waiting for to wear that beautiful dress, the new tie, or use the good china?  Use it now; use it today!
When you go to bed tonight, reflect on your day.  Even if nothing wildly drastic happened, there are always highs and lows throughout.  Focus on the highs, even if you just smiled at someone and it made you feel good (you know, you got that little fuzzy happy feeling).  What you do today, will set you up for the future.  With your new attitude of gratitude, your thought process will change.  You will WANT to get up in the morning!  (Yes, a bold statement, I know.  But try it, and prove me wrong.) 
  
On my daily search for quotes last night, this particular one jumped out of the pages:

"It's not what you achieve in the end that matters, it's who you become in the process."

 
Think about this one...No, REALLY think about this one.  Every day is a stepping-stone, take it as such.  Small moves can sometimes have the biggest impact. :-)

I hope you all have a wonderful day!! 
XOXOXOXOXO
-Liz Dugan

Hey Hey Everyone!! Happy Hump-a-lump Day!!

  Welp, we have come to the middle of the week.  Just hours (well, about 36 hours) until the weekend hits!!  I feel that if you think of it in hours instead of days, it seems closer...no?

     I was walking to work this morning, and I saw one of the cutest things that reminded me of my childhood.  There was this boy, couldn't have been older than 4, walking with his mom.  He was wearing a cape, goggles, frog shoes/slippers, board shorts and a Mets jersey.  I could just see this morning, his mom saying "OK 'Phil' ( I felt the need to name him), go ahead and get changed in whatever you want".  So, Phil taking his Mom's lead put on the clothes that made him happy.  With his 3ft stature, he walked as though he were 7ft tall.  Phil was so proud to be HIM.

If you have seen me as a child, I use to do the same thing.  I miss those days when I use to dress in my big sister's recital outfits.  Those sequins and sparkly ruffles made me feel good!!

I don't know when the line was drawn, but at some point we have all lost a part of ourselves to please other people.  No one is perfect, so why try to be like someone else?? 

I remember when I was in grade school; I was easily the biggest and tallest person in my class.  I didn't embrace this; I actually fought it by hunching over and trying to be smaller in attempt to not feel like a GIANT.  This is so silly to think about now, but back then it was traumatic!  My attitude of trying to be something that I wasn't, carried over into High School and College.  I always wanted to be smaller and thinner, never embracing whom I was inside. 

 

I think our society is fixed on 'perfection'.  Most people are striving for the perfect figure, the perfect face, the perfect hair.... UHHH it's exhausting.  It's not until you find out what YOU want inside, that you become the perfect version of yourself, not anyone else.  Chasing after perfection is like chasing after a unicorn...sorry to burst some people's bubble, but it doesn't exist. 

Instead of judging people that look different than you, admire them for their courage to stand out! 

I challenge you today to write down a list of things that YOU want to accomplish in this life.  Go ahead, you have free reign on this one...I won't judge :-).  Make sure this list reflects your hearts' desires, not factoring in the reactions of others.  This is one step closer to becoming the perfect version of YOU.  Embrace your quirks, your desires, even your own style.  Life is an amazing journey, and is truly enjoyable if you just let go and BE.  Embrace your inner 'Phil', and wear what makes you happy!!

 

I leave you with this on HUMP DAY...another quote by the Mr. Ralph Waldo Emerson (He's just so dang smart!!)

 

"Insist on YOURSELF, never imitate."

 

*Let it marinate...:-) *

 

I hope you all have a wonderful day!!

xoxoxoxoxo

-Liz Dugan

Howdy folks!!

  It is SUNDAY FUNDAY!!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend;  now it's time to ready yourself for another beautiful week!  Maybe this will help you get over the 'Mondays'  :-)

  Today, I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the 'Race for the Cure'.  I walked with my breast (no typo there) friend Jenn, Brit, and the fam.  I had no idea what to expect when I woke up this morning, all I knew is that I was excited to wear my pink Eagles hat!! (two for one deal; pink for the race, and Eagles to get pumped for their first game of the season!!)  When I approached Central Park, I was in awe of the thousands of women, men, children, and even pets that came out to support the cure for Breast Cancer.  I felt so overwhelmed looking around seeing all the people, each having their own unique story as to why they were walking.  I saw a group of girls my age walking for their breast friend;  a group who has Breast Cancer run in their family and are fighting to save their women;  young children with "for my mom" on their shirts.  As I looked around, I realized this isn't a sad gathering, but it is the MOST amazing expression of LOVE of I have ever seen.

This made me realize the true power of LOVE;  it can accomplish great feats.  I know from personal experience, that you can not wait to tell someone you love them.  Whether it's your family, friends, significant other, pizza man or doorman, to express love is one way to show that you appreciate them in your life.  So, go out today with an open heart and a SMILE.  Show the people in your life that you care about them with a text, email, or MAYBE a phone call.  (OK I may have been a little ambitious with the phone call thing.)  Who cares what the form of communication you choose, just don't be afraid.  This is a double bonus, you make someone else feel great, and in-turn it makes your soul happy!!  What's holding you back?  Give me one good reason.  What's that?  Ohhhhh, you don't have one.  Good then, NOTHING is holding you back from being all lovey and mushy :-)

I must say, I am excited for you to go out there and LOVE!!  Once you start, you just can't stop!! (I may or may not have to reference 'Pringles' for that one.)

I leave you with this from the great Ralph Waldo Emerson (since he says it the best) to start off your Monday...

"To laugh often and love much...to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to give one's self...this is to have succeeded."

I LOVE you all and I hope you have a wonderful start to the week!!  **See I just did it...not hard, AND I feel goooooood.**

-Liz Dugan

xoxoxoxo

 

Hey Hey Everyone!!
  Welp, we have made it through another week.  I feel like this week was especially heartbreaking for some people around me., the end of summer...waaaaah waaaaah.  Like I said before...new season, new year, new opportunities!  Let's focus on the cool fall mornings, and snuggle parties with your loved ones :-)

Now, today's theme hits home for me..."confrontation."  If you know me at all, I love awkward situations.  Yes, I understand this is a bold statement, but there's nothing funnier than being in a really awkward situation with your parents or friends.  For example, those Herbal Essence commercials!  They are pretty graphic, and Dad, I don't know about you, but when we are sitting on the couch and they come on I get really uncomfortable.  You simply just have to laugh at it!  Here's the thing, awkward situations are WAY different than confronting a possible problem, failure, anything that is negative.  This is because it makes us humans vulnerable, and NO one likes that.  If anyone knows me, they know that I get really nervous about confronting any situation.  I don't like drama, and my happy place has no chaos.   However, as I have grown up, confrontation has really been a positive thing.   You may think that acting like everything is copasetic is the best way to deal with negative situations, but the best way to deal is to hit it head on!! 
My sweet job right now has really tested my confrontation skills.  In life it is easy to hide, but in my job everything is out in the open.  If I make a mistake, everyone on my team is notified.  So, if I hide they will find out anyway...and probably be more pissed that I didn't say anything first!  I am happy that the past year has tested my comfort zones, and brought me closer to the people I work with.  
I double dog dare you to face your demons head on, go for it!  What do you have to lose??  It's OK if you're scared, we all are.  I tell you in full confidence, the only way out is through...(yeaaaaaa, let that one marinate a little).
I leave you with  this...
"Meet up with your fears.  If you're afraid of sharks, go learn all about sharks.  Get into the water with one.  If you respect fear, face it straight on and act anyway.  What you'll find isn't terror it's exhilaration and the moments that you never forget."

I hope you have a lovely night, and HAPPY FRIDAY!!

-Liz Dugan 
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Hey Everyone!   An intro may be necessary, my name is Liz Dugan and I have this idea; it's called a Smile-lution or SMILE revolution. Don't laugh yet...let me explain first. Have you ever realized what an impact a smile has on your well-being? Try it, smile for one minute, and I am telling you, you will instantly feel uplifted. These days, it is getting easier and easier to go through our days without actually having any human interaction. This is more detrimental to our lives than you think. We have lost all intimate contact, and switched over to texting and emails. Don't get me wrong; I am a huge advocate of texting. If there were phone plans that were strictly texting I would be the number one spokesperson! I think we need to change the way we think and feel. We should want to feel good, naturally.  I will be sending out daily inspirations and little things you can do that day to make yourself and someone else feel good! Feeling good is great because well...it feels good!! It really is that easy :-) I also have bumper stickers on the way (thanks Taylor!), that say "have you smiled today?". I will be giving these out to whoever wants them. If you get anything out of these blogs, I hope it's a smile.  That one smile may start the happiness train!!  I leave you with this... "The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace from that day. We cannot change our past; we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string that we have and this string is Attitude. I am convinced that life is ten percent what happens to me and ninety percent how I react to it. And so it is with you...We are in charge of our Attitudes."---Charles Swindoll

Good Morning/afternoon/evening!!
I hope everyone had an awesome Labor Day weekend. I know, I know you are not happy about being back in work today. BUT if you think about it, we are getting closer to the holiday season!! (Yup, I realize this maaay be a stretching it!!)
This is a nice lead in to my theme for today...

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us."

While going through the tough times; whether it's illness, broken relationships, death, or whatever has your heart aching, it's almost impossible to look on the bright side. These tough times almost seem endless. How in the world can we try to figure out why this awful occurrence has happened? I can tell you, there IS a reason for everything, even if you don't see it at the time. In times of heartache hold tight to the ones you love, they will be your life jacket through the storm.
Life isn't always going to be easy, no one ever said it was. If we didn't have those heart wrenching days, we would never understand what happiness feels like. The memories of being happy are the crutch we can lean on through the agony. There WILL be bad days, but there inevitably be great days!! It is a known fact that one positive thought outweighs a negative thought. So hold tight to those positive thoughts, you never know when you need to break them out.

I leave you with this...put your sunglasses on, and look forward into the sunshine!! (not too close, we don't want your hurting your eye BALLS!)

Have a wonderful day!!

-Liz Dugan
xoxo

Good Morning!!!! WOOOOO it's FRIDAY!! You all made it, very proud!

In the beginning of July, a friend of mine (*shout out to Wayne OOOOO OOOOO*), asked to me do a half marathon with him. I have always wanted to really challenge myself and feel the pure adrenaline of finishing a race of that caliber. Now, I must tell you I never actually realized that training was not all fun and games, especially when I don't really like to run. (minor detail, right?) What in the world was I thinking?? The training started this past Monday (8/31), and I am following a 'novice' schedule. Tuesday's three mile run was not THAT bad, but last night was a test. I wasn't even into my first mile, and I wanted to give up. 'This is TOO hard, I can't do this", was playing over and over in my brain. Then I realized, I am not the only one going through this, I also recruited another person (*shout out to Jay OO OO*), and we are all doing this together. In order to get my 3 miles in, I had to push through this run.
It's not easy, but the three of us have one goal, and that is to finish the race. Each of us are there to encourage and cheer each other on in times of struggling. With out them, I know I wouldn't be able to complete this race.

This is so true in life. As I get older, I realize there are many different phases in life; good and bad. Both of which mold where we are today. I also understand that it's silly to think we can walk this life alone; friends, family...pets; whoever you hold dear in your life, help you through the deepest of times. This isn't a negative statement, but the truth is, no matter how happy and content your life is, the next day it can all be turned upside down. There have been nights where I cry and felt alone, there have also been many nights where I smile and laugh so hard I end up crying anyway!! We can not predict the times ahead, but we can prepare by having our loved ones as close as possible, to help each other through this crazy run of life.

Here's a little quote to take with you today,:

'Hold a friend's hand through times of trial, let her find love through a hug and a smile.'

I hope everyone enjoys the long weekend !!

-Liz Dugan

Xoxo

Hey everyone!! HAPPY MONDAY!! I know some of you have a case of the Mondays :) But hey, think of it like this; it's a new day and a new week!! You can start over today, and begin to really enjoy yourself and your life.
Today's theme is, daddaddddaaaaaa (*that's a drum roll...) 'choices'. Some choices are more difficult to make than others, however, it's inevitably OUR decision. Our lives are filled with options; do you want a bagel or muffin top; do you want to work or play? The choices we make in our lives pave a path towards a certain goal...hopefully one that will make you happy. You should feel good about your decisions, b/c they are what YOU want. My challenge to you today is to look deep inside your heart and follow that desire. It is so easy to conform to what you think other people want for you. That's crazy talk, the world is not living your life, you are!
Be resilient and trust in yourself...aaaaand for the daily quote-
'Resilience is about believing in yourself, and trusting your own wisdom rather than being swayed by the opinions of others.'


I hope you all have a wonderful day!!

-Liz Dugan
Xoxo

Howdy Everyone!
I hope you had a great week...aaaaaaaand now it's FRIDAY!!
Today's sweet theme is "taking small risks". This is based off of one of my fav quotes from the KING. No, no not Elvis; but Martin Luther King J
"Take the first step in faith, even if you don't see the whole staircase, just take the first step".

My challenge to you today, set a goal for yourself that you are sooo passionate about; there is nothing that will stop you from achieving that goal. The whole point to this quote is to follow your heart, even if you have NO idea how it will work, you set your sights on the goal and have faith that everything will work out. I will give you a little example. Aheeem... If anyone knew me in grade school, they would know that I was mildly obsessed with HANSON. Yup, I said it, HANSON! I say mildly, but in all honesty I had a weird obsession. I knew somehow and someway I was going to meet these teen heartthrobs. Whelp, it happened. After frantically calling Q102 radio station to list the top 9 at 9 songs of the week, I won front row seats and backstage passes!! Easily one of the single most exciting moments of my life.

I like to say, have 'childlike faith', faith that does not let any negative thoughts take over. Do it today, and make a habit of it. Let people laugh at your dreams, but don't let them take it away from you.


I hope you all have a wonderful day!!

-Liz Dugan

xoxo

Hey Everyone!!  HAPPY HUM-DADDY-UMP DAY!!  We can officially start feeling the weekend approaching!!
Today's theme...dare I say it...'Risk Taking'.  Let's break it down a little, I would beat box, but it's too early.  So, I will just explain in 'Time New Roman' font...
The word 'Risk' has always had a negative stigma attached, but for those bold peeps that actually take risks feel that it is a necessary step to follow YOUR true passions.  I understand it may seem scary and a bit uncomfortable.  Most of us are conditioned to feel that we need to stay in a place of stability, even when we are miserable.  Whatever walk of life you are in, there is always time to change your surroundings to fit your heart's passions.
I have an analogy for you...WOOOOOOO!  If anyone has ever been rock climbing (in a gym), you understand there are paths mapped out for you, you just follow your color!  Now, some of these paths are easy and some more difficult.  They all have one thing in common; the last 'rock' you have to grab on to is usually juuuust a bit out of reach.  In order to hit the last mark, you literally have to take a little leap up to grab hold.  Sometimes you stick the mark, which gives you the feeling of great success and accomplishment!!  Once this happens, you are addicted and you want to keep climbing!  Other times, you don't stick the mark.  But guess what, there is either a rope or HUGIE safety pad to break your fall.  My challenge to you today, is to leap for the things you want; get out there and take that risk!!  Even if you fall, there is always another path to your destination of happiness!

This is a great quote I found this morning that is perfect...

"Living at risk is jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down."

I hope you all have a wonderful day!!

-Liz Dugan

xoxoxo

If you know anything about me, you know that i have a tremendous amount of goals that i will achieve in my life time. I will do hair with Ted Gibson for the Victoria Secret fashion show, i will fall head over heals in love when the time is right, i will meet my nephew one day & have a close relationship with my older brother Brandon, i will be a good role model for my little brother Ricky, & last but not least i will be seen on the big screen one day. There is a lot more to my list, but those are a few of my favorite things. My point being, my dreams were never a real priority until i started putting effort and time towards something so beautiful and real. I stopped sweating the small shit & started to dream big. All it took was my first meeting on the upper west side where i was introduced to a whole new crowd that i grew to love. I find it so crazy how you can go a whole year thinking about how nothing ever changes, but then you look back and everything is completely different. This time last year i was a different person, with different goals that can't even compare to what i dream about now. Some of you might think that is a bad thing or my dreams are out of reach, but it doesn't matter because i know that i always have something worth fighting for, i will always be proud, and working hard to get there. If you're not getting where i'm going with this ..

Uranium made, makes, & is making dreams come trUe.



(Special shout out to Joan & Stephen for giving me my very first role !)



- The beloved "Intern"

Hey Uranium fans, I'm Heather, Chief Financial Officer and business guru of Uranium Film Productions. Now that I've introduced myself I'll share some facts about me:

• Entrepreneurship is my passion.
• I read business blogs, articles on the Wall Street Journal's website and Inc. and Entrepreneur magazines for fun. 
• I don't believe in working for the man.
• I feel that everyone has the capacity to create an empire from scratch new, to take their future into their own hands and not have to be at the mercy of others for a paycheck every week. (Where is the security in that?)
• I think that the traditional route of job hunting when you finish school is overrated.
• I strongly believe in the quote, "Do what you love and the money will follow."

I first heard about Uranium a few months back when my significant other began helping his cousin design a simple website for her brand new film production company. They began to talk about finding a way to showcase their newest project, Rock Hero. This led to the birth of UraniumTV. As I watched John work day and night creating this amazing thing and listened to he and Joan talk about their vision of creating the ultimate social network for independent artists, I grew more and more impressed. 

After spending years at school reading textbooks about management, marketing, and all other aspects of business and entrepreneurship, here it all was, playing out right before my eyes. Right from the start, there was such a buzz surrounding UraniumTV. Everyone involved seemed so dedicated and devoted to making this thing a success; I couldn't help but want to be a part of it. Now I spend my days doing market and industry research, compiling a business plan, talking about UraniumTV on Facebook and Twitter, playing around with QuickBooks and mainly watching this thing grow at lightning speed. 

I feel so honored to be part of this company and to take part in the entrepreneurial process of growing something small into a remarkable success. There is nothing more inspiring than a group of people working together to bring a vision to life and this is what I have been witnessing every day since joining the Uranium team.   I can only hope that this inspiration rubs off on all our fans, friends and family and motivates everyone to go out and follow their dreams the way it has for me.

"How I Spent My Summer Vacation"

      Hey good people of Uranium and beyond.  I'm sure you've heard Rock Hero Ep 3 was released this week, if you haven't seen it yet, please...please check it out.  Upon its release Joni had asked if I'd be down to blog about my experience.  See for me Ep 3 is really special and not because of my cameo, oh you didn't know...of course I'm in it.(shameless self promotion) Nor the fact that my best friends and my greatest love are involved, but more of the fact that I was lucky enough to even be on set for that last shoot. 

 

      I've been in LA most of this past year working with a group of devious musicians who

call themselves Fat City Reprise(more shameless self promotion fatcityreprise.net  myspace.com/fatcityreprise) In that time Joni and the  Uranium team have been putting every drop of energy  into the production of Rock Hero and the birth of this amazing site that allows me to type these very words. To hear the progression of things over the phone was exciting but the experience was cheapened... at least for me. I wanted to see it, I wanted to be there, I was tired of hearing about these extradionary things second hand.  When we were finally on the same coast Joni had invited me to the set the last day of filming, she even had a small part for me. Now I've been asked to work on various film projects in the past and hands down this was the most professional environment I had ever walked into.  From the integrity of the script, location scouting, set design, the amazing and talented crew, the talented and dedicated actors, the overall comradery and respect for each other. The first part of the shoot was spent in our boy Shaun's apartment in Brooklyn. I'd never been to the BK and I loved it, the mega city feel of New York mixed with the quaintness of South Philly. The shoot went great, the whole apartment was flipped into a film set, and a very good one at that.  Lighting, sound, director, DP, at first it was actually overwhelming for me. Coming from a promotional /marketing background a lot of my work is done pre production, and few people see my face, which I like.  Being on a film set, the behind the scenes is essentially still in front of a crew of 25, everyone has to be on point right then and there, if there's a lack of motivation you can't go back and do it later, you better find your mojo. The crew treated my novice mind with patience; I helped them as much I could, moving furniture and equipment, helping with wiring, and my first time slating, if that's the proper term. We wrapped up the shoot, gave Shaun his living space back, jumped in the car and drove almost an hour to locatation 2 in Connecticut, another first destination for me, well I drove by a couple times but that doesn't really count.  The set for the afternoon was in a posh bar/ lounge, I was going to be in the 2nd half of the shoot where the bar was transformed into an office setting.

 

       I'd heard about it over numerous conversations and now I was living it.  That day will always stay with me.  It's one thing to believe in something, some would call it faith.  It's another to witness something with your own eyes; most would call that undeniable truth.  That day there was an undeniable truth that what was going on was special. With time deadlines to meet and financial caps abound, this team has made a timeless, priceless project.  It was a complete honor to be there and see how the project was run, it was a complete honor to see Joan at work, and it was a complete honor to be accepted by a crew who with the exception of a select and special few was relatively unknown to me.  Everyone involved in this completely maxed out themselves and their resources. The old barter system in true manifestation. Each person bringing what they have to offer and sharing with those with different talents/resources.  This is a microcosm of how the world should work.  If everyone expressed, shared, and built upon ideas in this fashion, mountains can be moved.  The uranium team has exemplified what friendship,teamwork,community and countless hours of hard work can build.  The crazy thing is this is only the beginning and I'm more than excited for future projects, and more than willing to lend help in any way possible. Thanks to everyone who lent to this amazing on set experience for me.

 

Special Thanks:

Tina, Jackie, and Steven- thank you so much for the love and respect. You guys are like Christ...the truth, the way and the light haha.(sorry, felt this blog needed a dash of humor)

 

Joni-  I'm so proud of you! This stupid font could hardly express. Thanks for going through this crazy life with a crazy person.  It hasn't been easy living away for awhile, but easy is weak. What we've been through has built up an enormous amount of strength that will last till death.  Hopefully I die first, life would be shitty without you.(sorry, a lil more off color humor)

Love you.