I’m Not A Really Good Actor…

But oh man, did I have to do some serious acting in this one commercial gig that I booked recently.

I got called in for an infomercial for a particular teeth whitening company. Based all over malls in the US, the teeth whitening system takes 20 minutes to do and you also get a free massage in the process.

When I got to the shoot, I find I’d be working with three other actors, two girls around my age and an older man. The older man had done a previous infomercial for the same company and told us the product was really good and swell.

So we shoot some scenes involving us faking getting the procedure done. Everyone’s smiley and acting naturally, etc.

Then the company offered us free trials so that we’ll actually know how it feels to get this particular type of teeth whitening done.

First, the whitening assistant stuck the CONTRAPTION pictured below into my teeny mouth.

posted by Janice | Comments: 5 | Job, Los Angeles

I Do!

She said yes!

posted by Janice | Comments: 3 | Friendlies, Love

Getting Lost Will Help You Find Your Way

This poster isn’t even that original. All the statements are common sense or have been found elsewhere. It’s easy to read and get inspired but it’s another thing altogether to take it into your heart and truly LIVE YOUR LIFE this way.

The one that’s shouting out at me is: “Travel often; getting lost will help you find your way.”

I’m overswamped with work. I have plenty of friends here that I need to catch up with. I have family that I should be spending more time with. I really don’t have any money to be spending on a plane ticket.

But I’m going to Vancouver this weekend. Bags packed, passport in the pocket, plane ticket bought.

I’m hoping the fresh Canadian scenery, the lack of laptop and cell phone, and the long-amissed faces and conversations of my cousin, Liz and friend, D, will be what I need to rejuvenate my soul. Will update my adventures (hopefully, there are plenty!) on here when I get back.

What are you all up to this weekend?

posted by Janice | Comments: 2 | Blog, Friendlies, Inspirations, Travel

Yes, I’ve Been Eating…

…And quite well, actually, thank you very much.

Following Sinosoul‘s advice to eat well while looking well, I’ve given up on the stringent diet of spinach and brown rice for breakfast, lunch and dinner (that lasted like, a day) and have been just carefully monitoring my caloric intakes through eating smaller portions at a slower pace and really holding back on that second slice of chocolate cake.

And I allowed myself to attend the annual Plate by Plate tasting benefit. Organized by Project by Project, a national 100% volunteer-run org. with chapters in LA, NY and SF, Plate by Plate is basically the biggest potluck by some of the best chefs you’ll ever come across with plenty of ladies and gents dressed to the nines, a fun photo booth, and an expensive extrance fee.

posted by Janice | Comments: 4 | Food, Job, Los Angeles, Writing

Audrey’s Fall Cover Gal | Jenna Ushkowitz

I love my job sometimes.

Sure, there’s plenty of sitting around at my desk, my shoulders strained so hard it feels like it’s going to cave in on me and exchanging frustrating emails with catty publicists who think they own the world but sometimes, there are magical moments where we’re creating art and telling stories.

Like Audrey Mag‘s fall cover shoot with Jenna Ushkowitz. (Shown here getting all dolled up for the shoot.)

We placed Jenna in the middle of Park Plaza, in all its old Hollywood glam, dolled her up in sleek evening gowns and pearls where Diana took dreamy shots of her.

Check out the behind-the-scenes coverage and interview we got, with the help of Asian American entertainment network MYX TV. You’ll get the inside scoop on Jenna’s make-out sessions with Harry Shum, Jr. and her favorite Glee episodes.

I can’t wait to share the rest of our shots–and the magazine– with you! Audrey Magazine Fall 2011 issue hits stands early September. Purchase your copy here.

posted by Janice | Comments: 2 | Fashion, Job, Look, Los Angeles, Magazine, Music, TV, Writing

Life is A Freaking Crazy Adventure

I haven’t been around much the past week — it’s been a roller coaster of a ride. One filled with family, chasing little munchkins around, driving, much talking and gabbing and laughing (and sometimes crying), celebrating love, walking my toes numb in high heels, meeting incredible, life-changing new friends, bettering myself, learning more about my Chinese culture, practicing my mandarin, dressing up like a navy officer, facing the REAL world (it’s a surreal one), and doing things I’m incredibly afraid of.

Though it’s only been a week, I feel like I’ve been gone from my real life for a month.

The ultimate that I took away from the week is that life can be SO FREAKING CRAZY SOMETIMES.

But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

posted by Janice | Comments: 1 | Job, Los Angeles, Personal