how to waste time doing nothing....

I know there are a lot of *us* out there. People skilled in a craft, that they may or may not love, but something that they were once paid for. I am an Out of Work Camera Assistant in glamorous Hollywood. I put the "Out of Work" part in capitals because I feel that it is now apart of my whole job title. I have only worked 1 day in the last 4 months. It's hard when I was coming from a place where I was dividing my time between 4 network TV shows. Now my biggest concern is rationing out my to do list so that I will have enough errands to fill my week. But also rationing out my funds to complete said errands.

They say that Hollywood thrives in times like these because people are spending less to entertain themselves. So they stay home to watch TV or pay $12 to see a movie. HA! The only people thriving in these times are the Above the Line producers, directors, actors, etc.

It's sad. Sad when every corner of the house is in order and I'm looking for other things to clean, organize, or donate to goodwill. Sad when all I do is sit on facebook when I was the person, 8 months ago, that used to make fun the people who felt it necessary to let everyone know what they were doing every 15 minutes. Now I'm checking every 15 minutes.

I will say that being unemployed has helped me figure out some positive things about myself though. I now know that I *NEVER* want to be a stay at home mom, a house wife, or anything of the sort. I couldn't stand the monotony of it all. I'm not putting down those who do stay at home, I actually think making that choice is great. I nannied for a number of years and families and I understand the role of the stay-at-home parent. It's hard work that's not for me. I would and do feel like a prisoner in my own house.

Another positive aspect is that I am healthy and fit. Working 12+ hour days in Hollywood doesn't allow for enough time or physical energy to keep a steady fitness routine. During the Writer's strike I realized that I needed to be prepared to have a back up job incase there was another strike. I wanted to choose something that was healthy for my body and my wallet. Last summer I became certified as a Pilates instructor for just such an incident. And it worked for a while. But with the economy being crap, I lost most of my paid clients. Now I am mostly training with a few friends for free. But, keeping my body moving is payment enough. I recently added Yoga to my routine and I feel great. Along with healthy food that I am taking the time to prepare and I have the recipe for a pretty svelte figure.

So being unemployed isn't always bad, just a little boring at times. I fill my days up as much as I can and hope that this will be the last time I'm in this situation. However, I am looking for a part-time job, if anyone is asking.....now off to the gym I go!