Instagramming Auckland#242

Not really much to say about NZFW. It rained. People had wet hair. So many entourages. All a bit high school clique-y. In other news, I'll be in Hollywood in under 24 hours. Thank goodness. 

This will never EVER EVER get old #61

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Nothing like transitioning back into New York life by taking a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. I just remembered what this guy said to me on the plane, it was something I'd expect to hear on the subway.

One of Those Nights When Your Liver Hates You #57

At 3am this morning I was, as many of us do, contemplating why I had that last apple martini. I felt so horrible I was close to looking up my medical insurance to see what options I had. First things first I'm not a big drinker but it was a friends birthday, I was in Hollywood, the drinks suddenly became free, the music got really good, we had the best seats in the house, there was something being filmed there, and it just sort of got on top of me. You know. However lets skip back to 3am this morning when I felt like I was going to  die. I love how in those moments you contemplate where you are in your life, what the hell you were thinking, and the meaning of your existence. As I was leaning over the toilet bowl staring into the abyss of American toilet water I said to myself, "Holy shit. I'm in Hollywood" and that was soon followed by "Holy shit I'll be back in New York tomorrow" and later on "HOLY SHIT I DID IT". I can't even explain to you how long I've been dreaming of this place. I had all the cliche pictures and maps of New York on my wall. And I would even google street view the East Village on a daily basis. All I can say is I'm totally living the dream. And I'm proud of myself for once. But that wouldn't be possible without my family so thanks guys. I promise I'll kick ass!

Apart from the aftermath, of what seemed to be a great idea at the time, it was a great night out. I highly recommend if you happen to be in L.A stop by Lola's in West Hollywood. You may think it sounds familiar that's because an episode of The Hills was filmed there. I did have one realisation moment when I was in the toilet that perhaps Lauren Conrad had pee'd in the same place as me. I'm not really a Hills fan but it was just one of things that kept surfacing in my brain. Whatever.

And I'm out.
Peace, Morgs
p.s NEW YORK I HAVE MISSED YOU. I am definitely and East Coaster.

Kicking it old school. Polaroid style #55

I'm going through that 'reject digital' phase and I've gone back to taking photos with a Polaroid (hold the hipster insults). I like the idea of taking polaroids, or even using disposable cameras, because you don't get a 'take 2'. Polaroids separate the men from the boys, the females from the chickens, the cats from the dogs, the Coke from the Pepsi, the grapes from the raisins, and the photographers from the Asians. I don't mean to get all philosophical, but I think we sometimes use digital cameras too much and don't appreciate the value of a tangible photo. Maybe I am just in some retarded hipster funk. Whatever. 

In other news...

Hilarity struck today when a friend and I went to get a burger from the local diner. The woman behind the counter was the loveliest little Asian woman and she proceeded to sing my order back to me. She then told me my bag looked like a Chinese fortune cookie, and to top it off she drew a picture of me on the paper plate my burger was served on - with the words "just for you". After I composed my laughter I was left feeling very important. Thank you anonymous woman I will probably never see again in my life. 

Last day in L.A tomorrow. I may just scale the slopes of Runyon Canyon to kick my ass.

And I'm out.
Peace, Morgs

Haylie & Morgs 2hr Hollywood Reunion #53

I met up with my buddy ol' pal Haylie in Hollywood today with her pops. It would have been magical to do some filming had we thought of it at the time. We had some pretty hilarious fun on the back of a pickup truck driving around Beverly Hills scoping out star homes. It was jolly good to see her and very sad to say goodbye a second time. If you didn't catch our last vlog over on the New York Manifesto click here.

And I'm out.
Peace, Morgs

How to win at life (American Style) #50

Photo : © M.Godwin 2012

I've been in the USA a few months now so I am giving myself permission to write a 'somewhat educated' list on how to win at life, American style. This comes from real experience, I shit you not.

1. Be prepared to hand out your business card. Confused? Go get some printed. You don't need to work for any company. That's irrelevant these days. You are your own brand (yes I said it again and I will continue to say it until you get it). A bit of advice, drop the 'pinksurferchick1990@gmail.com' for something a little more professional like 'modernwaveriderwoman1990@gmail.com'. Word. 
2. Rehearse some really good stories for situations where you 'aren't on the list'. It will result in you mixing with some crazy people and getting some contacts so next time you'll be on the list. Tip: Practice infront of the mirror first. Talking to yourself in the mirror is not the first sign of craziness. Trying to get into an event that has 150 security personell, that's craziness.  
3. Get some professional head-shots. I went to apply for a job at a coffee shop when I got here and they wanted head-shots of me. Really?! I also applied for a job at a finance company and they too wanted head-shots. Moral of the story stop mocking those people on facebook that pout for their profile pics, and get vain motherf**ker. 
4. Talk your ass off. Americans love to chat. And dear I say it but "Fake it till you make it". There is nothing wrong with a little exaggeration being thrown in now and again (over here they just call it 'hype'). Hype yo self!
5. Get some guts. It's a very kiwi expression but there is few P.C. ways I could put it. Maybe 'grow a pair' would be more appropriate. If you want to work for someone don't just ask for an interview. Stalk them down. Learn everything about them, or rather be a walking Wikipedia. For example, say you wanted to work for Peter Jackson (possibly not but stay with me). Don't just wait for a job opening or send him a loving email. Find out where he's filming. Talk your way on set. Introduce yourself if he isn't busy, or if he is busy, conveniently leave your resume taped to his car window. Be creative. 
6. Dress like you just walked off the set of James Bond. Don't take that too literally. It's somewhat metaphorical. By all means if you can rock sweat pants and converse then do yo thang honey (*clicks fingers while chanting work it, work it, work it). American's can smell confidence from 10 blocks away, thus if what you're wearing says 'I own this shit bitches' then you need not to worry. Tip: Find your feel good song. Maybe I'm a little cliche but if I crank Jay-Z before I leave the house I feel even better-er.. 

I hope you learnt something. Maybe you disagreed. Whatever. Let's still be friends. Listen to this it always makes me feel better (click here).

In other ELLEN related news...

A few of my new American friended travelling buddies and I have decided tomorrow (1st of March) is ELLEN DAY. Because Ellen tickets have been so goddam impossible to get we are taking matters into our own hands. This entails us going to go over to the studio and seeing if we can make something happen. This isn't some stalker crusade so hide that weirdo perception you just cooked up in your head. This will be done in a tasteful manner (well sort of). And the best part? We'll be filming it all.

And I'm out.
Peace, Morgs
p.s POST 50! Whattt! Thank you for reading and happy ELLEN DAY! 

Road Trip to Malibu & Backstage Hollywood before the Oscars #44

I'm not one to start that awkward conversation about the weather but I must say that today had a chilling breeze, and I secretly liked it. It made me miss New York. Anyway I have made some really awesome friends where I am staying and we decided to road trip out to Malibu to see the 'beach houses'. Wow. There is some serious architecture out there. It's like Pauanui but on steroids. I finally got to spend a brief moment at the beach in lieu of missing summer. Total win. We sort of may have sneakily bluffed our way into this really intense university (slash they had really crap security on the gate). It was pretty freakn magical. Road trips are best when you have crazy adventures.

Photo : © M.Godwin 2012

Photo : © M.Godwin 2012

Los Angeles is one big mother f**ker! #42

Los Angeles is so big that even finding a Starbucks within walking distance is dam near impossible! (Starbucks is on nearly every corner in NYC). I walked about 8km today in 30 degree Celsius weather. I am now sunburnt. How did that happen?! New York was snowing and Los angeles feels like it's about to catch on fire. It doesn't help my cause that all I have to wear is a winter wardrobe. Not ideal. So what have we learnt from this? Los Angeles is one big mother f**ker. Rent a car or die a painful death on the sidewalk.   

Oscars in 3days! This place is about to hit celebrity central!

And I'm out.
Peace, Morgs