It Can Happen To YOU!!!

It hurts how stupid I can be, sometimes. There are some situations in life you hear about, but you never think they will actually happen to you. Here is an example of one of those situations that happened to me.

I got home tonight a little before midnight from work, tired and ready to be relaxing. I had to park a few blocks from the apartment because there was no parking nearby. As I was walking, I situated my car key between my right index finger and my middle finger, so that if an attacker came along, I'd be able to swing my arm and hopefully injure whatever body part the key found. As I crossed my street onto the opposite sidewalk, I heard someone say, "Hey." I turned around, and there in a newer-model Volkswagen Jetta, was an Indian man in his mid-to-late 40s. Thinking he may need directions, I replied, "Yes?" and stepped just a few feet from the car. "Do you live around here?" he asked. I told him I lived a ways down the street. He said he was looking for an apartment, and I asked what address. He didn't have an address that he was looking for. Then, he said he was looking for a rental. At this, I thought, "Aren't all apartments rentals?" That should have been a red flag. I also noticed, there seemed to be no luggage or boxes in the back of his car. Another red flag. I then proceeded to tell him about Westside Rentals and how you register and look for apartments on a website. Then, he said, as he was in the middle of the road in his car, that he'd better pull over so he didn't get a ticket. I told him he wasn't going to get a ticket, but he pulled over anyway. Then he changed subjects, "How old are you?" "In my 20s," I replied. He introduced himself as Chris, and we shook hands. "Are you single?" That question, though, I replied, "Yes, I am," was finally the one that made me realize that this was not a good situation. He asked if we could talk for five minutes, to which I said we could not because I had a friend waiting for me that was ready to go. He pleaded with me, but I was firm that I had to go, and walked away. I heard him speed his car the opposite way, and then I ran home.

So many mistakes made.

1) It's almost midnight. Why the freak did I even stop to talk to this creep? I should have just said I was in a hurry, kept walking, and kept an eye out for his return.

2) Why did I even tell him I lived down the street? I mean, some would support this because it means that someone might be expecting you, which would ward off an attacker because he would want to have as much time possible between taking his victim and someone finding out. However, I just opened up a new can of worms by telling him this because, now he knows a young girl lives on this street. You can bet I'll be watching my back oh, so carefully.

3) He's looking for a rental...All apartments are rentals...Unless he's looking for a condo. This man isn't sure what he's talking about. No luggage or boxes, looking for an apartment to "rent" at NIGHT. Should have been a HUGE red flag.

4) Changing the subject from "apartment hunting" to "let's get to know each other." "Can we talk for 5 minutes?" Inevitably, if I'd said yes, he would have gotten out of the car to "talk" which probably would have lead to kidnapping, rape, or even sex-trafficking. Thank goodness I AT LEAST knew not to let him get out of the car around me.

5) We shook hands. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT I DID THAT! Even as I did it, I knew I shouldn't have. Ladies, WE NEED NOT BE SO FRIENDLY! He could have taken hold and pulled me into his vehicle, and I'd never be heard from, again. DO NOT TOUCH STRANGERS!!!

I think a lot of us girls think when an attacker comes, it'll be all showy like the movies. There will be a surprise attack, some physical altercation where we can use our martial arts skills that we think we know, hit him a few times with our purses, and get away. However, I'm discovering more often than not situations that lead to kidnapping or worse often start a little more "innocent." For example, remember when we were little and we were taught not to go with strangers offering free candy in their vans because they would kidnap us? Now, these low-lifes use that same kind of tactic to prey on women through their words and malicious smiles bathed in a fake syrup of sincerity, "You're so beautiful. I find you intriguing interesting, and I possibly might love you and marry you one day. Let's talk for a little while. Will you go out with me?" I have had TWO men drive up next to me now, and show "interest." The first was in broad daylight on a busy road last week, and second was the one I just told you about.

Now, family who reads this, know that I AM OKAY, and I WILL NEVER DO THIS AGAIN.

You can bet I debated on posting this story. I hate admitting when I've messed up, but I'm hoping by reading this someone will be better off for it. The Lord would not let me sleep in my bed tonight until I wrote this and posted it. PLEASE, SHARE WITH EVERY LADY YOU KNOW.

"Just Gotta Have Faith"

Hello! It's a beautiful sunny day here in LA. I just got home from my internship a little bit ago. I've been interning with an agency for two months, now, but I had to put in my two-weeks notice today. The jobs that I'm pursuing want more availability, and I have to focus on making ends meet more than doing what I actually want for a while. I have truly loved getting to know the agents I work with, and the business from their point of view. I'll miss going there every Monday and Wednesday.

On the job front, I start training to be a hostess tomorrow at a restaurant. I'm hoping to eventually become a waitress there. Also, I met with a nannying agency last week, so I'm hoping I'll get sent out for interviews soon, and if that picks up, I'll make it my full-time position instead of waitressing.

I've been feeling quite down on myself lately for not having a good job. I'm down to the wire on money, and I've been worried sick over it. I've only been out here two months, and I really don't want to send myself home. I believe God has control over everything, though, so I'm hoping He's just trying to teach me to have more faith and patience. Haha!

So, in conclusion, things are moving, slowly but surely. "Just gotta have faith"---Thanks Violet. ;)

Blessings,

Lindsay

Music Video for Moby's "After" Edited By BK Garceau

Hey, y'all!

Here is a music video that I had the pleasure of being a part of! It's a new Moby song called, "After." My wonderful friend, BK Garceau III edited it beautifully, so check out his other videos, too! If you have a Vimeo account, please comment on the video, too, because BK would enjoy some feedback. Thanks!

http://vimeo.com/23476133

MOBY - "AFTER" (Hello, Future) from BK Garceau, III on Vimeo.

God Bless America

Tonight, the world received the news that the United States killed Osama Bin Laden. What news! My first reaction was disbelief. It has been ten years since the brutal attack on our country, and I had lost hope that we would ever find him. My second reaction when I realized it was true was sadness. I found myself feeling sorry for him. Yes, he did terrible things and he deserved to be brought to justice, but I really wanted to hug him. I am one of those people that always believes in the good in people. I figure, if we show them enough love, they'll turn from wanting to hurt others. I know this may not always be true, but I'm sure it could help someone. My third reaction was a mixture of relief and wanting to celebrate. He is gone, and we'll not worry about him, again.

I do fear retaliation. I am not sure what that future will hold, but I know we'll meet it well. People may say that fairytales are not real and that they set us up for a fall. However, there is one concept that is always right and true. That good will prevail. He is good and He will prevail.

I love the United States and what we stand for, and I am glad good people are willing to fight to keep us safe. I am glad we are a country founded under God.

God Bless America.

Bishop of London's Sermon

The Bishop of London wrote a really powerful speech for the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and I wanted to share.

Written transcript of the Bishop of London's speech:

http://www.officialroyalwedding2011.org/blog/2011/April/29/The-Bishop-of-London-s-Sermon

Video of the Bishop of London's sermon:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1vh-zWt9h8

End of April Update

Hello! I know it's been FOREVER since I've written. My grandpa gently reminded me of that today. :) I know it's because I've nothing really new to report in regards to career or jobs. I might have a waitressing job. I'm told the hiring manager really liked me, but things are for some reason being held up on the corporate side. I'm working on giving out fliers to start giving clarinet lessons. I know I'll love that. I have missed playing so much. Also, I am planning on registering with a nannying agency. You may be wondering, "Why all of these jobs? Why not a normal one?" Well, believe me, the practical side of me is screaming at the prospect of these types of jobs because they're not stable. However, the heart of me knows these jobs are what I need because they're flexible enough to work with auditions and other entertainment industry appointments.

As far as stepping stones to my career...

I am trying to organize when to get my headshots done. My hair is not the length, style, and possibly color that I want right now...And to spend good money on headshots requires that I at least have the style and color right. Currently, I am working on that decision. Also, another investment I am making is singing lessons. I LOVE to sing. So much. I love it more than any activity in this world. I so look forward to going to heaven and sing in God's choir. Meanwhile, here on earth, I want to hone and use the talent He's given me to make people smile.

On the emotional front...

Not having a stable job is hard. I work demos every once in a while at grocery stores, but it's quite sporadic. I do get down sometimes because I don't have a set income or schedule, but I'm learning to accept this is where God needs me right now, and I just have to keep trying. He will provide. I did defer two of my school loan payments for six months, so that's helped me feel a little more at ease.

What's fun?

Last week, I went to Malibu for an hour. It was gorgeous to watch the sun go down, but I went when it was a wee bit nippy out, so that was an experience. On the drive home at night on the PCH, I could see Santa Monica Pier all lit up. It looked so beautiful. It's just those little things that make me smile. Yesterday morning, my friend, N, and I hosted a very cheery party for the Royal Wedding. We even dressed for the occasion, him in a suit with some snazzy shoes, and me in a dress with matching high heels. Five hours of broadcasting, a wedding, British accents (Yes, us too!), British cookies, a spot of tea, a brilliant sermon, Kate's marvelous dress, William and Harry nervous before the ceremony, and two balcony kisses--All add up to a perfect evening--er, morning, I mean. :) In honor of watching such a joyous occasion, history in the making, I've included a picture of the happy couple.

All in all, I am extremely happy to be out here, though I do get homesick at moments. I do miss the smell of Texas and my family, but God is adamant--This is my home, now, and I am happy to serve Him.

Stay Strong

Hello! I know I'm always writing late at night, but that's when I feel the most open and inspired. :)

Anyone who knows me knows I'm OBSESSED with the Disney Channel. I think it's because of all of the positive messages that they promote in their shows and music. "Believe in yourself." "Never lose hope." "Chase your dreams." Right now, the big one is "Stay Strong," popularized by Demi Lovato. So simple, you've heard it before, but I love it. Two words that are so simple yet mean so much. They encompass all that the Disney Channel stands for with the previous messages above. In LA, it is difficult to keep "sane," for lack of a better word. There are all of these people who are telling you who to be and what to do, money seems to take the cake more than art, and people are literally selling their souls for little tidbits of "success." It is important to remember to "Stay Strong" in the face of these things. It is important to remember what's more important than "success" as defined by Hollywood, and who we're living for: HIM. He will keep us sane. He will fight our battles. He will give us strength to do what He needs us to do for His glory.

I felt the need to say all of that to remind myself and others what we're here for. :)