So long, sweet summer

I have officially completed my first week of SENIOR YEAR! Although I am slowly making my way into the daily routine of classes, bus schedules and partying, I still cannot shake off the memorable summer that I was far too fortunate to experience. The past few months culminated into the best time of my life, and I'll never forget the times I had in Cannes and L.A. Since this blog was born as an outlet for my adventures, I really don't know what I'm going to post from now on. I guess I could talk about how terrified I am to graduate, job hunt and leave behind the best three and a half years of not giving a fuck about responsibilities. Sound like a plan? :)

Here's to the best semester yet!

Love.

Got a new MacBook Pro. I'm in love.

so...lazy

Good thing I don't get paid to maintain a blog.

"It has two giant cups!!....That's what she said."

I don't really know where to begin with this ole yarn. But it's a doozy.

Today is Friday, July 31, 2009. Also known as one of the best days of my life.

Throughout the duration of my internship, I have always wanted to visit the set of a television show. I finally get my chance when Joanne graciously allows me to visit "The Office" set while they tape the season premiere episode and film EPK's (electronic press kits). Holy crap. I'm so excited I can barely fall asleep the night before. I am fully aware of the fact that I need to play it cool and contain myself when I meet the Hollywood love of my life, John Krasinski. But that doesn't deter me from waking up extra early this morning to put a little more effort into my appearance.

Joanne drives us (me+Ryan) to the set, about ten minutes away from our own office. I have no idea where we are, but as we pull into the parking lot, I'm suddenly aware that we are in *THE* parking lot. I see reserved parking signs for "Michael Scott" and "Kevin Malone." The Dunder Mifflin logo is planted everywhere in sight. We run into some security guards who are suspicious enough to grill us of our intentions on sight. The security is TIGHT on set, and trespassers will not be tolerated. Joanne sets the guards straight with her authority as she is the press manager for the show, and we march right into *THE* warehouse. It looks like an ordinary warehouse with towers of office supplies boxes reaching toward the ceiling, but as we continue to walk, I recognize the props, the staircase, the knick-knacks here and there that make silent appearances in the background in every warehouse scene.

We walk on over to the building, *THE* office. I see the vending machine, Jim's desk, the reception area, everything. The space is pretty small and cramped but somehow the cast and crew fit in there perfectly. It is completely silent on set since they are filming. After ten or so takes of each scene, it's finally lunchtime.

So rumor has it that "The Office" has one of the best (if not *THE* best) craft services in show business. Well, that rumor is pretty freakin' true. They served NY Sirloin steaks, garlic chicken and they even have a full pasta bar. The best part is the dessert table, where they had fruit, cinnamon cake, the most delicious pumpkin pie in the entire world, and PIZOOKIE! I ate like a king.

Time for EPK interviews. One by one, each talent gives a brief interview on what's to come for the next episode, in this case, the season premiere. Joanne introduces me to each cast member. The entire cast couldn't be nicer. I meet Angela Kinsey first, who is smiley and chatty unlike her icy character on the show. She's hilarious. I find out that Brian Baumgartner (Kevin) and Ed Helms (Andy) are both from Atlanta (they attended Westminster High School!). Ed talks about "The Hangover" for a little bit, and starts talking to Ryan and me about our internship. Phyllis Smith is the warmest, sweetest woman. I have no idea she started out in show business in casting. Kate Flannery is enthusiastic, full of energy. Super nice. I'm pretty excited to see STANLEY (my fave) and am extra happy when he turns out to be a really cool guy. Oscar, Creed and Ellie are also really friendly.

Now onto the Big 5. Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fisher, and BJ Novak. Sadly, I really don't have much to say about them because they're too "busy" to do EPK's (Jenna was the only one who did it....albeit hesitantly). Steve wasn't there because he had finished his scenes, Rainn straight up refused to do an interview and was standoffish the entire time, and BJ was busy writing. It was BJ's birthday. I ate some of his delicious birthday cake from Porto's.

John. Oh, John. I really shouldn't say what I really want to say about my experience with him because it would be quite unfortunate for my opinions to jeopardize my potential future relationship with NBC. Mind you, I was preparing to confess my love to him today. I want to tell him how brilliant "Brief Interviews with Hideous Men" is. I want to tell him that I'll ignore the fact that he made that movie with Mandy Moore.

Turns out... he's got the classic case of the Hollywood disease taking over an unsuspecting fella. Eh, happens to the best of them. I was disappointed, but not surprised. I will say this: he is very. very. very. beautiful in the flesh, ladies. And gents. And that is all I can really say.

The day ends early at 4:30pm, which is unheard of with EPK's and the sheer size of this cast. But this show also happens to have one of the best production crews in television, and they get the job done. I catch my last glimpse of Dunder Mifflin as we drive away from the parking lot... and attempt to mentally digest what happened today, as well as physically digest the feast I had. Today was awesome.

I need to find out that pumpkin pie recipe.