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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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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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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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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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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Nik: Alex! We need to make Pina Ghouladas! I found this recipe on Martha Stewart’s site.
Alex: What were you doing on Martha Stewart?
Nik: Looking at stuff.
Alex: No comment.
Nik: What? She has cool recipes and crafts.
(silence)
Nik: I’m being really serious right now.
Alex: Me too.

INGREDIENTS:
FOR THE “BLOOD”
3 tablespoons corn syrup
1/4 teaspoons red food coloring
FOR THE DRINK
20 ounces pineapple juice
1 can (15 ounces) cream of coconut
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup orange juice
10 ounces good-quality rum

DIRECTIONS:
Pour the corn syrup in a shallow bowl. Dip a toothpick into the food coloring, and stir a very small amount into the syrup to combine. Hold a glass by the stem, dip rim into the syrup mixture, and turn glass, coating entire rim. Turn the glass upright, allowing mixture to drip down sides. Dip the remaining glasses. Set aside.

Whisk together drink ingredients. Place 2 1/2 cups ice in a blender, and add 1 cup drink mixture. Blend until smooth; add more pineapple juice if mixture is too thick. Repeat with remaining ice and mixture. Carefully pour into prepared glasses; serve.

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Nik: I can’t get enough of the Harvest Pumpkin. It’s so gooooood. I crave it.
Alex: Will you make your pumpkin cake soon?
Nik: I love all of their soups. I buy a bunch and keep them in the freezer. They’re perfect for nights when I work really late and don’t feel like pounding a big meal before bed.
Alex: I love pounding before bed.
Nik: I’m seriously addicted. My mouth is watering just talking about it. And they’re super healthy, all natural and vegetarian.
Alex: Bummer, I like meat. Especially sausage.
Nik: Will you just sleep with that guy I told you not to sleep with? I’m trying to have a serious conversation about soup.
(long pause)
Nik: Annnnnd this is why I’m single.

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Alex: It’s been almost two months since I’ve waxed my eyebrows. That’s a record. They’re starting to look like caterpillars.
Nik: They’re a little unruly.
Alex: Where do you get yours done?  And do you wax them or get them threaded? Haha… the word threaded is fun to say.
Nik: Threaded.  Threadddded.  Thhhhhhhreaded.
Alex: You get them threaded?
Nik: No. Waxed. I was seeing if it was fun to say.
Alex: Isn’t it?
Nik: So fun. I kind of can’t stop.  Thhhhhhreaded…
Alex: Tell me where!
Nik: I get mine waxed with Mirella at Anastasia in Brentwood.  She’s expensive, but I like that she listens to me.  I’m very specific.  I like a full brow.
Alex:  Full bush?
Nik: Nope. Lil bush.
Alex: I wonder if you can get that threaded…
Nik: Seems inefficient.

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Alex: I feel like EVERYTHING has been done before. It’s annoying and irritating and makes me want to pull my hair out and kick my computer screen off my desk and scream like a child who just found out that Christmas isn’t happening this year. While I was writing a scene  last night, I thought of a concept for my next pilot. Later, after I was done writing, I danced with the new idea for a bit. I decided to do a little research and within 30 seconds I discovered it’s already been made into a show. I put away my phone and pouted like a little girl until I fell asleep. Why? WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY!?
Nik: My first pilot was in development until the network called and said they were passing on the project because it was in conflict with a show that had been picked up to series.  And by ‘in conflict’ they meant that it was too similar.  So.  I’ve been there.  And it sucks.  But it happens and it happens all the time. Not long after, I found myself at this great art exhibit at the Whitney Museum in New York and it was life changing.  The show had pieces from all the greats hanging in couplets–I can’t remember exactly, but it was something like Picasso’s Bathers with Beach Ball hanging next to Nudes With Beach Ball by Roy Lichtenstein and so on.  They were clearly inspired by one or the other.  They were of the same subject, but in the artist’s own style and medium.  It’s the same with music.  And it’s the same with writing.  Very little is 100% original.  It’s almost impossible to achieve.  But you know what’s original?  YOUR voice.  Not one single person has your voice or your experience or your spin on the story that you want to tell.  If your idea is already out there, then figure out a way to make it new.  Add your vision and your voice and make the idea YOURS.  If it’s something that has been done, ask yourself how you can make it fresh.
Alex: You just gave me goosepimples! You are so right. You’re always right. I don’t know what I did to deserve such a smart mentor but I sure am thankful. I copied and pasted this response into my phone so I can read it whenever I’m frustrated with this subject. I do have a voice and I’m excited to share it with the world. A wise woman once said, “There’s a storm in my head, the world should take cover.”
Nik: If only we had more twitter followers to see those nuggets.
Alex: Ugh… I haven’t had chicken nuggets in so long.
Nik: Me either. Let’s tweet about it.
Alex: And eat about it.

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Alex: I really enjoy lunch time because I get to listen to the writers talk about their favorite shows and other cool things they’ve done lately. Today one of my co-workers was talking about this interactive haunted play called Delusion. It’s supposed to make you feel like you are in a scary movie. Are you a scaredy cat? I am but for some reason I really want to do this. You have to sign a waiver because you run and crawl and people touch you. We have to buy our tickets soon because they’re half sold out already. I’ve never been into this kind of stuff but I’m all game right now. What’s gotten into me!?
Nik: It looks very cool.  I’m not sure I can get down with strangers touching me though.
Alex: C’mon pretend like you’re in college.
Nik: Only my boyfriends touched me.  And even on my drunkest night I never crawled through the woods on my knees.  I did fall in a snow bank once.  And ask a female cop to arrest me.
Alex: Was she hott?
Nik: No, she looked like a dude, but I wanted to be handcuffed.
Alex: Kinky, I like it.
Nik: You would.  Should we go?
Alex: YES!

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