Tonight on my ER shift, I’m walking down the hallway and I see this little Kid (two or three-ish) running around in circles, just outside Gyno (the room I NEVER want to be in).

The thing is, kids aren’t supposed to run around the ER–

It’s dangerous.
There are a gazillion germs.
Sick People aren’t really into Wild Kids.

So I pop into the room and ask the Mom if she wants me to play with him, which is a rhetorical question ( I think that’s the right usage) – because the Mom is flat on her back on a gurney, so of course the answer is, “Obvi.”

ER Volunteers Need To Be Creative

I say, “I’ll be right back” and go into the Storage Room (where the ice machine is) and grab a bunch of cups. Since I’m not sure if it’s allowed, I kind of hide them under my Volunteer Smock, which no one notices, since no one would ever actually look at someone wearing such a hideous outfit.

Back in the room, the Kid (notice how I don’t use names — I’m getting SO good at this Patient Confidentiality stuff) and I sit on the floor building cups. Yeah, yeah – I know there are a disgusting germs on the floor, but I try really hard not to think about them. Usually I don’t ask personal questions about why patients are at the hospital, because I figure they’ll tell me if they want me to know.

So as we’re building our architectural cup masterpiece, the Mom mentions that the Kid was born here two years ago (oh—I guess that makes him two- duh!)  So I ask if it was a happy experience (expecting a “yes” since the best reason to come to a hospital is when you get to take home something besides a bill) but she says, “No.” Apparently she and her husband didn’t think the doctor and nurses were the nicest (oops!)

Sometimes It’s Hard To Know What To Say

She goes on to say that her husband (who’s away on business in Chicago) insisted she come into the ER tonight to be checked because she’s spotting (I didn’t even know she was pregnant.)

I say, I’m really sorry and she goes, “But, tonight’s a completely different experience. Everyone’s so nice and attentive.” Whaaa?

Isn’t it weird she thought things were bad on a good day and good on a bad day?

(Has it ever happened to you where something turned out good from something bad or vice versa? Let me know in the comments.)

Liked that? Check out:

• Valentines Day: The Way To His Heart
• Drama in the ER: Unsolved Mystery
• Minding Your P’s and Q’s

facing fears

CASTING DIRECTORS (CD’S) are just PEOPLE, right? At least that’s what I keep trying to remind myself.  And like People, some get you, some don’t. Usually I’m pretty good about getting “a sense”-- but sometimes the perceptive part of my brain totally sabotages me.

I tend to walk into the room, and immediately get judge-y about what the CD is thinking. So in addition to remembering my lines, this whole other conversation is going on in my head about whether or not the CD thinks I’m right for the part and this all happens before I even open my mouth to say, “Hi, I’m Evie.”

Basically it’s a no-win situation, because before the CD has decided what he/she thinks of me, I’ve already decided for him/her and it sort of becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Ugh!  If I could just reverse my thinking, I could make the self-fulfilling prophecy a positive one instead of a negative one.

Listening to CD’s  -- A Confusing Mix

Feedback that just makes me nuts because it’s so not helpful includes classic lines like--

They decided to go younger.
They decided to go ethnic.
They decided to go a different way.

On the other hand,  sometimes CD’s call me in much later for something else,  because they really liked me before (but I didn’t know that then because I didn’t get a callback.)  It might not happen right away, but when it does, good feedback after the fact is really nice to get.

My favorite CD’s are super easy to be around. They smile (and actually mean it),  give good notes and allow do-overs when they like you. Even when I’m not right for a part, when I’ve just auditioned for a pro and I get the message that I’ve done well, I leave feeling good about the process.

Of course the best feedback of all comes in the form of an INSTANT CALLBACK (sometimes before I even have time to get home.) That’s when I’m filled with “Glee”--
It makes me feel all sparkly inside. Ahhh…

(What makes you feel all sparkly inside? Let me know in the comments.)

Liked that? Check out:

• Wardrobe Recycling at Wasteland
• Actors Taped on Network Test
• Wardrobe Recycling Part 2: Ebay.com

I’m the first to admit that unexpected hotspots can be sizzly, but after last night in the ER, I’m going to be a lot more cautious in that particular creative department, though you’d think I would’ve learned that lesson by now (oops!)

Mira and I are on the verge of signing out, when Anthony and this other male nurse come out of the Treatment area, whispering about two teens who were just brought in. So I pull Mira into the back, where we see Jacob the paramedic (Mira’s crushing on), reporting to the Charge Nurse about the Guy and his Girlfriend lying there on stretchers, with tons of surface cuts and dried blood all over their sweats. They apparently crashed through a glass tabletop while they were doing it. Ouch!

Feeling the Pain In Unexpected Places

The cute Guy looks pretty bad, all stiff and still, probably because it’s too painful to move. His Girlfriend’s cuts aren’t as obvious, but by her squirming, I suspect her glass fragments are going to be tricky to get out and I feel bad for her.

The Girlfriend’s crying and begging the Charge Nurse to NOT call their parents, but they’re obviously under eighteen, so the hospital has to do it. Bummer.

Mira decides to stay and hang because she’s a good person (plus Jacob’s still there). Before I leave, I go up to the girl and tell her that usually when parents get called into the ER for their kids, the ONLY thing they care about is making sure their kids are okay, which calms her a little.

On my way out, I say (and mean it)…

“You’re gonna be okay.”

(Something embarrassing you’re dying to share ? --ahaha!-- Say it in the comments.)

Liked that? Check out:

• Minding Your P’s and Q’s
• Drama in the ER: Unsolved Mystery
• ER Shift

I find myself living the life “in-between” (auditions, romance, a JOB,) so I need to create ways to make $$$ and make the most of my free time.

Selling clothes and accessories on ebay definitely requires more work and time than taking your old clothes to Wasteland or another Resale Boutique, but the financial rewards when things sell, far outweigh any other option. Plus it’s really thrilling to see how many people are “watching” your items during the week it’s posted and even more fun when you see people “bidding.”

While you’re waiting for your next big break, spend a little time on ebay.

Here are a few tips:

PHOTOS – Taking/ uploading  photos of your items is the most time-consuming part of this process. Be sure to take pictures that are clean and simple.

1. Hang Clothes in a doorway or against a white wall.

2. Place Accessories on a glass table or wood floor.

3. Get close-ups of fabrics to show texture or pattern.

4. If the item’s unworn, photograph it with the tag.

5. Photograph the Designer label. (Buyers fear knock-offs!)

6. Show a close-up of the size.

7. Show front and back.

8. Zoom in on any special details like buttons, pockets or beads.

9. Show the soles of shoes.

DESCRIPTIONS – Once you’ve uploaded the photos, you’ll answer a list of questions about size/color/fabric/wear & tear, plus there’s a place to write a description. Give the original prices (go high if you can’t remember.) Make a note if you wore the item once or twice. If new with tags, include NWT in the main title.

People like to know EVERYTHING. Get yourself a measuring tape.

MEASUREMENTS – Be sure to be as accurate as you can.

Shoes: Measure the inside toe to the heel.

Jackets: Measure shoulder-to-shoulder, the shoulder seam to wrist seam, length top to bottom.

Tops: Same measurements as Jackets.

Jeans: Waist measurement. Precise length top to bottom, inseam.

PRICING: I found that pricing things on the lower end is not such a bad thing. If you price things too high, you  might miss out on buyers who aren’t looking in that price range.  Sometimes if you price things low, people looking for a great deal get into a bidding war and you sometimes get even more than you anticipated (yay!)  You can also give a “buy it now” price or “best offer” so that someone who really wants it can just go for it.

Most buyers are responsive and dependable on ebay. Of course every once in awhile you’ll have to deal with a few Psycho Complainers. I find it best to just let them return their items for a refund, because life is wayyy too short to have people in your life who bring you down. Overall ebay is a lot of fun and a great way to recycle almost everything except for old boyfriends–
but that could be kind of interesting…

(Ever sell anything on ebay? If so, how was your experience? Let me know in the comments.)

Liked that? Check out:

• Wardrobe Recycling at Wasteland
• 20-Something’s 20+ Things “To Do” (Fun & Mostly Free)
• Gift Cards Prevent Holiday Headaches

Here’s a list of faves that make life EASY and FUN:

1) Laser Stars (Turn your living room ceiling into the most beautiful night sky you’ve ever seen.)

2) iPhone 3GS (Yes, I’ve become one of those people, but seriously-- this one’s faster and better.)

3) HP All-in-One Scanner (Now you can save those adorable baby pics with your mom forever!)

4) Martha Stewart’s Cookies (EZ, delish & great for Sunday Baking -- YOU NEED THIS BOOK.)

5) Original pressings of your favorite record albums (I love searching for treasures.)

6) Clairisonic (One minute a day for the best skin you’ve had in years.)

7) GHD IV Mini Styler (Per Rachel Zoe’s suggestion, i just got mine in the mail.)

Panasonic’s LUMIX Digital Camera (Best bang for your buck- small, adorable, great pics.)

9) Fujifilm Instax Mini 7S Instant Film Camera (Cool vintage-y pics a-la Polaroid.)

10) Commerical Garment Steamer (For those of us who hate ironing & bills from the cleaners.)

11) Mino HD Flip (For your inner-Scorsese/my new BFF)

12) Record Player (You have no idea how much better music sounds on vinyl.)
(What are your faves  I can put on my Wish List? Let me know in the comments.)

Liked that? Check out:

• Wardrobe Recycling Part 2: Ebay.com
• Wardrobe Recycling at Wasteland
• 20-Something’s 20+ Things “To Do” (Fun & Mostly Free)

So, I think the cake went over well.

The staff loved it.
They kept thanking me,
saying how delicious it was,
asking for the recipe.

My ER Doctor smiled when he took a bite. He said he was surprised by the layers. Was he talking about me or my cake?

(Wait– there weren’t any layers in that cake!)

Liked that? Check out:

• Love Hurts: ER Drama
• Valentine’s Day
• True Love = Happily Ever After

Be Brave.
Step Up.
S U R P R I S E Someone Special.

After all, It’s February 14th.

Take a chance.
I am!

the way to his heart?

Share and Enjoy:

Liked that? Check out:

• Valentines Day: The Way To His Heart
• ER Shift
• Love Hurts: ER Drama

Waited till the last minute?

I luv romance!

Only three two one day till February 14th.

If you’re looking for Valentines or Romantic Packaging to go with, check out my faves:

Pulp (cool)
Soolip (arty)
Papyrus (wide selection)
Paper Source (DIY)
A&I (custom photo cards)
Kates Paperie (they have a Valentine Boutique)
Jib Jab (awesome e-cards using photo faces)
ebay (vintage)

Liked that? Check out:

• Silent Running*
• Wardrobe Recycling Part 2: Ebay.com
• 12 Fun Things To Put on Your Wish List

Even though VALENTINES DAY is too often associated with–
stress and expectation (depending on who’s in your life or NOT)
my mom taught me that it’s an opportunity to do something–
Thoughtful and  U N E X P E C T E D.

On February 14th when I was about four, I helped her make my Dad’s favorite Chocolate Cake in the shape of a heart with “I love you” spelled out in red m&m’s (complete with an m&m’s trail from the front door to the kitchen for my Dad to follow). The cake was one of those concoctions with pre-mix plus other things (like pudding mix & chocolate chips) with this really really yummy chocolate-y frosting. I have a permanent picture in my mind where our faces are smeared with chocolate as we follow Dad into the kitchen laughing.

Since I’ll be Volunteering in the ER for part of next Sunday — Valentines Day,  I’m thinking about making something to take to the “staff.”  It’ll either be My Magical Mom’s Chocolate Cake or my own really amazing (even if I do say so myself) Coffee Cake (which is a variation of the chocolate cake recipe, only I’ve added cinnamon and white chocolate chips, chopped nuts and this really addictive powdered sugar drizzle-y frosting).

I’ve noticed lately that whenever I bring homemade cookies to the ER Staff, my entire Volunteer experience goes easier. It’s like I’m Pavlov and I’ve trained the doctors and nurses to smile when they see me coming. I’m not kidding. I really feel the love.

I just ordered a heart-shaped Spring Form Pan from Amazon with a rush delivery. I’m kind of hoping a certain doctor will be there Sunday to sample my creation. I won’t be spelling out “I love you” in m&m’s but maybe it won’t hurt to spell out a few random xo’s in mini chocolate chips. After all, it won’t be like I’m making the cake just for him—it’ll be for the “staff” (wink/wink.)

Here are the two recipes just in case you want to try one or the other. Ordinarily I wouldn’t put recipes on my blog, but these are so yummy and full-proof, well—let’s just say, it’s my Valentines Gift to you —   xo/evie.

My Magical Mom’s Chocolate Cake

Batter:
Duncan Hines Devils Food Cake Mix
1 Small Package of Chocolate Pudding Mix
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup Crisco oil
1 cup sour cream (one small carton)
4 eggs
1 cup of chocolate chips

Frosting:
6 squares of Bakers unsweetened chocolate
1 cube butter
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup sugar

Your Choice of Decorations:
M & M’s
Jelly beans
Chocolate Chips
Chocolate Sprinkles
Colored Sprinkles
Nuts

Use Pam or butter to grease a Spring Form pan.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In an electric mixer, combine all of the ingredients in the order that they are listed.  Add the eggs, one at a time.  Combine, but do not over mix. Pour batter into a greased Spring Form pan.  Bake for 55-60 minutes at 350 degrees. When completely cool, remove the sides of the spring-form pan, cover with frosting and top with decorations.

Frosting:
In saucepan over low heat, combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of heavy whipping cream.  When it is just at the boiling point, simmer for approximately 5-7 minutes.  Remove from the heat and add chocolate squares.  Next add butter.  Use whisk to combine completely.  As the mixture cools, it becomes thicker. Frost the cake then top with the decorations.

Evie Stewart’s Coffee Cake

Batter:
Duncan Hines Golden Butter Cake Mix
Small Package of Vanilla Pudding Mix
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup Crisco oil
1 cup sour cream
4 eggs

Filling/Topping:
4 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2-3/4 cup sugar
1/2-3/4 cup brown sugar
1-2 Tbsp. cocoa
Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
White Chocolate Chips
Chopped Walnuts

Icing:
Powdered sugar Whisked with a  little water
Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
White chocolate chips
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans

Use Pam or butter to grease a Spring Form pan.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In an electric mixer, combine first four ingredients.  Add sour cream and then eggs, one at a time.  Mix everything well, but do over mix.

In separate bowl, combine filling/topping ingredients (except for chocolate chips & nuts). Pour half of the batter mixture into a greased spring-form pan.  Then pour 1/2 of the filling/topping mixture.  Sprinkle with chocolate chips (make sure that there aren’t too many in the center.  Use a fork to swirl gently into the mixture.

Next pour the remaining half of batter.  Top with remaining sugar mixture and sprinkle with more chocolate chips and nuts.  Bake for 55-60 minutes at 350 degrees.

When cake has cooled completely, remove the sides of the Spring Form pan.  Combine the powdered sugar with a little water, using a whisk to make it very smooth.  I like to make this thick (the more water you add, the thinner it will be).  Drizzle over the top of the cake and sides, then top with the chocolate chips and chopped nuts if you wish.

(What thoughtful and unexpected things are you planning for Valentines Day? Let me know in the comments.)

Liked that? Check out:

• ER Shift
• Valentine’s Day
• Drama in the ER: Unsolved Mystery

Meet me on Melrose

Not only do I have to
ACT like “the girl,”

I have to
LOOK like “the girl.”

Audition PRESSURE!

This requires creative thinking since, as you may have guessed, my fashion budget has taken a recent nosedive.

Luckily I learned from my best friend Rachel (who now lives in Portland) to buy quality instead of quantity. She’s like a fashion psychic. She knew Tracey Ross on Sunset was going out of business before anyone else and told me about the practically everything off sale before it was even announced.

And um– whenever I do get a paycheck, I tend to splurge designer-wise (I know, I know.)

Once (when I actually was working) there was this really sweet costumer who let me take home stuff they bought for me to wear on the show, as long as I replaced what I took with something from my closet (like if I took home a pair of Chloe pants, I needed to bring some other pants as a trade.) I can’t give you any details, because I’d get someone in HUGE trouble.

Basically in one way or another I started to fill up my closet with some very cool clothes.

Being that I love keeping up with fashion (my current fave is Isabel Marant) while having to deal with the reality of NOT getting a regular paycheck right now (just residuals) the only way I can justify shopping is if I sell something first.

If you suffer the same dilemma (and live in the L.A. area or San Francisco) I suggest you pack up your car and drive to –

WASTELAND

I'll take one of those

Basically bring in a suitcase (or three) of your old clothes, middle to high end lines preferably. With the recession and all, they’ve definitely gotten pickier about what they choose. They will sift through your pile and price the things they like and you will get 1/3 of the total in check form up front –

INSTANT GRATIFICATION.

But, be sure to weed out things that are out of style. Jeans that are bell bottomed and not skinny, they’ll pass on. Even Chloe trousers from a few years ago didn’t fly because the fabrics and styles felt dated.

Here a list of easy pleasers with the buyers:

- Alexander McQueen scarves
- Elliot Jeans (current)
- Sue Devitt silk dresses
- True Religion jeans- Martin Margiella anything
- Alexander Wang- Marc by Marc Jacobs- Kain tees

The hard part about selling to Wasteland is that it’s so tempting,  so you’ll need will-power if you plan to leave the store with the money they give you.

vintage finds

Beware that with high-end items you may be dismayed by the value they place on them.

So if you’re lucky enough to have old Chloe, Stella or even Gucci purses to sell, I suggest you put those things on ebay http://www.ebay.com/ but that’s a whole other post.

(Do you recycle your stuff so you can buy more? Let me know in the comments.)

Liked that? Check out:

• Wardrobe Recycling Part 2: Ebay.com
• Actors Taped on Network Test
• Casting Directors: Feedback