So. Another month has gone by without me doing a blog post, I have my theories as to why I haven't been inspired to blog lately. Other than just being stressed out, I have realized that I miss getting dressed up for my old job. I get "dressed up" for my job right now, but it's not the same. I wear jeans a lot...I know, I complained when I wasn't allowed to wear jeans to work...but I truly miss PLANNING outfits. Hopefully someday soon (like, REALLY soon) I will have a full-time job that will allow for that balance.
But I have also been super busy this past week because, in a addition to my usual retail slavery, my roommates and I have have been volunteering. We volunteered for the Texas Book Festival AND the Austin Film Festival! The Texas Book Festival was a great experience, but the Film Festival definitely took up more of our time. The festival began with the opening night premieres of "Butter" (Jennifer Garner...it's HILARIOUS!) and "Martha Marcy May Marlene" (VERY good movie). We worked a lot at the Paramount Theater here in Austin; working the lines, handing out voting ballots, and general customer service. The nice part about volunteering was that we got to actually sit in and see most of the movies we worked during (if there were enough seats). Also, after working a certain amount of hours, we earned a "Film Pass" that allowed us to get in to any of the other movies during the festival. The big "Hooplah Celebrity" coming to the festival this year was JOHNNY DEPP!! If I may toot my own horn for a second...There was much speculation leading up to the festival, about the "secret actor" that would be gracing us with their presence. It was a big secret, but after thorough detective work I made the J.D. prediction a few nights before he was announced as the guest (I swear, you can ask my roommates...) Then I learned that I was RIGHT! Johnny Depp came that Friday night during the festival to premiere "The Rum Diary", host a showing of "Edward Scissorhands", and to accept an award. In honor of Mr. Depp, I decided to step it up and try a braid headband...and apparently my forehead wrinkles wanted to show up too.
But of course, were assigned to work at a different theater that night, however we did get to witness the CRAZINESS when he arrived...seeeeee
Yup...that's him! Oh yeah, and we met Fred Stoller. He was really nice and yes, he sounds like that in person.
That Saturday night we went to see "Jeff, Who Lives at Home" and "Albert Nobbs". Both were really great films that I highly recommend checking out if/when you get the chance. Our next big red carpet/heartthrob situation was...ready for it?...JAMES FRANCO!! He was premiering his film, "Sal" Sunday afternoon. The movie was good/interesting, but the best part was that we had the day off from volunteering at the film festival and were able to stay for the movie AND the Q&A afterward.
Oh! I almost forgot...before the premiere and "our time breathing the same air as Jame Franco", Paula Deen (yep, butter, cooking, and charm) was speaking in the same theater for the Book Festival (Downtown Austin was CRAZY that weekend because there were like, 9 festivals/events happening at the same time). Her session was open to the public and had available seats. While we were waiting in line to see James Franco, I popped in for a little bit to listen to Paula Deen. It was AMAZING. She is just as charming and sweet as you would think. I didn't get any pictures, but I did take video (which is turned the wrong way of course). My friends Lucy and Joanna happily held my place in line while I went in to see her. I got a little teary-eyed at one point because it really made me miss my family back home.
We took the day off from the Film Festival Monday and "enjoyed" the warm weather by the pool of our apartment complex. I didn't get in the water, I just read and soaked up some Vitamin D. I've been reading Bossypants by Tina Fey. This book was amazing, please check it out. I also found it interesting that at the same time, my roommate Joanna was reading Going Rogue by Sarah Palin. That's how we roll.
I also received two fun Halloween cards from my mother this week. I decided to use them as decoration for our mantle...sadly this is pretty much the extent of the decor in our apartment.
Tuesday night we were volunteering again at the Paramount Theater when they were showing "The Artist" and "The Woman, in the Fifth". "The Artist" was a really neat silent film ABOUT silent film actors. I really enjoyed it and I hope it's shown nationwide. Also, there is a tap-number at the end of the film...Love it. "The Woman, in the Fifth" was one of Ethan Hawke's new attempts...bless. It was a good film in essence. It was just VERY confusing in the end. I was completely lost and didn't know what was going on half of the time. The main redeeming factor of the film was that the characters mostly spoke French (yes, they had subtitles).
Wednesday, I worked...
Oh...and then this happened...outfit blog post coming soon! RAWR!
Before we had to report to the Paramount Theater to volunteer Thursday night, we grabbed a quick bite at Royal Blue Grocery. This is one of my new favorite places because of this sign they had about their cookies. The film festival came to a close, Thursday night. The closing film was "Union Square" and one of its stars, Mira Sorvino, came for the premiere.
The movie was great, another interesting ending, but great.
After her red carpet appearance, it was time to roll up the red carpet...the end of the festival!
Volunteering was a great experience and I hope I get to do it again next year and with events coming up!
XOXO Bevin
