amentoramuse

Let It Develop

amentoramuse — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 17:24:55 +0000

Nik: Sit, settle in, soak in the creative bath, let the words find you, ride the ride, let it unfold, let it be great, let it be average, breathe life in and let it live.
Alex: Are you starting a new pilot?
Nik: Yep.
Alex: Yesssss. I can’t wait to read this bad boy. Is this on your new pilot playlist?
Nik: #1 and currently on repeat.
Alex: Do you always make a playlist for every project you write?
Nik: Normally I find one song that inspires me and I listen to it over and over. It usually matches the tone of what I’m writing and puts me in an aligned emotional state. Or sometimes I just need a song that inspires me but can be white noise at the same time. On my last project I created a playlist and listened to it everywhere (driving, working out, etc.) to keep me motivated. But it all starts with one song…
Alex: Sweet! Do you remember all of your “starter songs”?
Nik: A few of them… For my very first pilot, I listened to Nowhere Again by The Secret Machines over and over and over. Another one was Berzerk by Eminem. Oh! And Lenka’s Everything At Once. I can’t remember the other starter songs…
Alex: I really like this idea. I constantly make playlists, but I never have it catered to one specific thing I’m writing. It’s like creating your own soundtrack. I’m going to try it.

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Sober January

amentoramuse — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 17:31:27 +0000

Alex: A lot of people in LA go sober for the month of January. Mostly because they drink so much over the holidays and need a refresh. I decided to join the trend and take on the challenge. I don’t have a drinking problem or anything, but I wanted to realign my will power. As a writer, you set a lot of your own deadlines and I felt like I was slacking with self discipline so I needed to remind myself that I control my choices. I went with what I thought would be simple… sobriety. But it wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. I noticed how much of a crutch drinking is in a social setting. The booze becomes a security blanket that warms me up when stepping outside of my comfort zone. It’s easier to talk to someone you just met or dance and not care what anyone thinks once you’ve had a few drinks. But after the first night I realized how much more I appreciate a sober conversation. You’re not only more present during the conversation, but you can remember them afterwards. It was eye-opening to be the only sober one at a party and watch people talk about the same things over and over. After a couple of weeks, I started to feel more motivated, it was easier to get up in the morning; life just seemed a little more grounded when I wasn’t prioritizing the weekend escape. I’m not saying that I’m done drinking, I’m just done pretending like I’m still in college.
Nik: Although I just had a Sunday mimosa and am a little buzzed as I type this, I must admit there’s something really powerful about going sober. I don’t consider myself the most devout person, but every year I give up something for Lent. I like the discipline of it and the psychology behind giving up something that’s challenging to live without. One year I gave up french fries, another year shopping and one year I gave up booze. I was sober for 40 days. It was hard at first, mostly because as a single person in LA, a lot of what you spend your time doing includes drinking with friends at dinner or various events. But without it I found that my conversations with friends were more succinct and meaningful, my mood was more balanced, I slept better, I got more done, and I just felt an overall sense of well-being that can only come from that sort of discipline. It was pretty great. And man that first sip of wine after taking 40 days off tasted like poison. It was crazy. I think it was really good that you participated in Sober January. I think it’s a good lesson in self-discipline and makes you really understand that you’re in control of your choices and the power that comes with that.
Alex: French fries?! What are you giving up this year for Lent?
Nik: I gave up negativity. It’s so hard! I mean AWESOME!
Alex: Boss status. I like the idea of giving something up each month.
Nik: Me too. It’s such a great practice in mindfulness and forces you to be present.
Alex: I agree. Hmm what should I give up next?
Nik: Pizza.
Alex: No.

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I’m obsessed with… HOURGLASS Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick

amentoramuse — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 17:37:38 +0000

Nik: Ballet. On mah mouth. I'm so into the lip color trend that's happening right now.
Alex: Love me some pink lips. Oui, I love how sexual that sounded.
Nik: Dirty. Bird.
Alex: Naughty. Nerd.
Nik: Smelly. Turd...

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Paleta Farm-To-Table Meal Delivery

amentoramuse — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 19:41:23 +0000

Nik: Paleta. That is all.
Alex: What kind of balls are those? Beef balls? Chicken balls? Lamb balls? Man balls? You plate like a whore.
Nik: Ate like one too.
Alex: For how long?
Nik: Two weeks.
Alex: And they deliver?
Nik: Yep, every morning.
Alex: And the food was good?
Nik: Really good. It’s great for anyone who wants to kickstart a diet or reacquaint themselves with healthy eating habits.
Alex: I like the word reacquaint.
Nik: I like meatballs.
Alex: I like you.
Nik: I like you too.

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I’m obsessed with… Dermalogica Pure Light SPF50

amentoramuse — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 21:30:07 +0000

Nik: I love this sunscreen so much I want to marry it.
Alex: Nikki Dermalogica. Has a nice ring to it.
Nik: Seriously. It’s really good. You have to try it.
Alex: SPF 50 is a little high for me. I try to stick with SPF 4 or lower.
Nik: What’s the point?
Alex: A healthy glow.
Nik: Why do you think I look like I’m still in my twenties?
Alex: Green juice?
Nik: Wrong. SPF 50.
Alex: Ew, is this what growing up feels like?
Nik: No, being able to choose your own JammyPack is what growing up feels like.
Alex: Speaking of JammyPacks…
Nik: Bye.

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JammyPack

amentoramuse — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 17:26:24 +0000

Alex: My life won’t be complete until I get my JammyPack. I can’t decide between Catsoncatsoncats or SpacedOut…
Nik: I made dinner for friends three nights ago and my fingers still smell like garlic. It’s so gross.
Alex: Catsoncatsoncats or SpacedOut? I’m thinking SpacedOut, but there’s something about a fanny pack covered in cats that screams–
Nik: Crazy? Do SpacedOut. Ooh…Super Diamond Pure Gold would be fab at Disneyland.
Alex: I just don’t know if SpacedOut is too like…ennnnergyyyy and the universe… Wait, Super Diamond Pure Gold? WHO ARE YOU?
Nik: Who are you?
Alex: Actually, I’m going with The Ventura.
Nik: I’m just happy fanny packs are back.
Alex: Will you look at The Ventura?
Nik: I like JammyBlank.
Alex: That will get dirty so fast.
Nik: How I like it.
(Later)
Alex: I still can’t decide. Why is this so hard?
Nik: Purple Haze.
Alex: Really?
(Silence)
Alex: Hello? I’ve got a big decision to make here. I need you.
Nik: Purple. Haze.
Alex: Are you sure?
Nik: OHMYEFFINGGODALEX! FLIP A COIN!
Alex: Geez, somebody needs some lemon on those garlic-stink-fingers.

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Michael Symon’s 5 in 5 Cookbook

amentoramuse — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 16:50:41 +0000

Nik: Five ingredients. Five minutes.
Alex: WHAT?
Nik: Yeah.
Alex: No way.
Nik: Mmhmm.
Alex: Whoa.
Nik: Right?
Alex: What’s your favorite recipe?
Nik: Salmon with Rosemary and Garlic.
Alex: Yum. My mouth just watered.
Nik: Or Turkey Cutlet with Brussels Sprout Salad.
Alex: Cutlet reminds of the Bears. They suck.
Nik: Or Breaded Chicken Breast with Tomatoes and Basil.
Alex: Winner winner chicken dinner.
Nik: Please don’t say that again. When I hear people say that it makes me want to stab a fork in my eye.
Alex: BEEEEF. It’s what’s for dinner.
Nik: No.
Alex: YES.

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Meow

amentoramuse — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 19:19:27 +0000

CHLOE Drew Mini Chain Shoulder Bag

Alex: Sexy.
Nik: You’re sexy.
Alex: No, you are.
Nik: No, you are.
Alex: No, you.
Nik: No, you.
Alex: You.
Nik: YOU.
Alex: (hair flip)
Nik: (head bang)

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Ms. Understood

amentoramuse — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 18:09:52 +0000

Alex: I’m trying really hard to turn my frustration, and hurt, into motivation. I think that’s the only thing you can do when you’re feeling these emotions. I sent my dad and stepmom a copy of my script (they always nag me for not having anything done) so I was excited to hear what they had to say when a 55 page script arrived at their front door. The excitement was short lived. When he called to congratulate me, and let me know he received my script, he also told me, “I probably won’t read it word for word.” REALLY!? I mean, come on. Can you at least pretend you’re going to read it? It took every ounce of strength in my body not to shout at him. I spent so many hours working on it and he couldn’t even take thirty minutes to read his daughter’s script? That’s when I realized how different we are. I know he loves me, but he’s not supportive of my dream. He doesn’t care what job I have, as long as it’s a job. I’ve never felt more alone. I feel so misunderstood by my family. Did your parents support your choice to become a writer?
Nik: Sorry bug. I can’t imagine how hard that must be. I was lucky to have a mom who fully backed my creative efforts so I haven’t been in your position. I do have a few thoughts though. First, I think you’re right to use it as motivation. It’s easy to let people’s opinions stop you in your tracks and make you question yourself and become fearful, but it can also be a huge motivator if you let it. I also think it’s important to understand that they’re just looking out for their little girl. There’s nothing easy about getting into TV writing and it isn’t a stable career. On some level, I’m sure their lack of enthusiasm is more or less concern for your well-being and your future. You can’t be mad at them for that. You just have to hear them out and try to understand why they feel the way they do and then surround yourself in LA with like-minded people who will keep you on track and help motivate and inspire you. I think too many people die without ever having lived their passion or fully realizing their God-given talent and potential. And I think that’s a damn shame. Good for you for believing in yourself enough to pursue your dream and not let fear or self-doubt (or that of others) keep you from it. Can you imagine growing old and always wondering ‘what if’? I can’t and that’s why I chased my dream until I caught up to it and tackled it to the ground making it my reality. And you know what? There isn’t one single day that I wake up and dread going to work. I freaking love it. I love it so much that when I’m not on a job, I’m at home writing for free. To me, that’s happiness. That’s what living should be. Now, release it and write your Emmy/Golden Globe/Academy Award acceptance speech and thank your parents for keeping the fire under your ass nice and hot.
Alex: Holy shit, Nik. I have goosebumps. Thank you.

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Inch By Inch, It’s All A Cinch

amentoramuse — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 18:06:01 +0000

Nik: Get up at same time everyday, use Sonicare, meditate, run, take vitamins, take probiotics, drink less coffee, drink more water, drink less wine, exfoliate, wear sunscreen, get healthy, think healthy, be healthy, eat healthy, strong mind, keep moving, strong spirit, keep laughing, love more, hate less, be positive, be impeccable, cook more, travel more, be a better friend, be a better daughter, be a better sister, be a better lover, be a wife, be a mother, be a creator, motivator, mentor, finish spec, start new spec, finish feature, work on my serve, go to the driving range, learn Spanish, learn French, organize drawers, organize schedule, organize mind. Breathe. I’m ready, are you?
Alex: I’m so ready to… unapologetically say no, read, write, read, stop slouching, moisturize my skin, cut out gluten, read, appreciate every inch of my body, have more dance parties in my room (or your living room), laugh more, worry less, be thankful for life and did I mention read? I also second everything you said. 2015 feels like it’s going to be a good one. I know people say that every year, but my perspective is different. My values have changed. And my give a damn about what anyone thinks is busted. CHEERS!
Nik: Cheers panda!

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