23 April 1998

The Last Class

But not the last of my class: I've plenty of that to spare.

Today was our last Thesis class. We were supposed to pitch our next projects, but for the first half of class--yes, it went just as long as a regular class--we drank my bottle of Dom Perignon and talked about the business: how we're going to get taken to the cleaners and what to watch out for.

        LEN
    I'd better watch how much of 
    this stuff I drink so that I
    don't say anything I shouldn't.
    
        DIANE
    Damn. Should have brought two
    bottles.

During the first half of class I asked Len, "So why do you keep doing it?" He has endless numbers of horror stories about what can happen to you in Hollywood. He looked at me and said, "Because everything else is boring." Which I guess is as good an answer as any.

At the break I finally got a hold of him and thanked him for the class (which has been the best class I've ever taken, and he's the best teacher I've ever had). He asked me to pitch my next project to him quickly, and just as quickly he threw back a million ideas about the ways it has to go: if this, then this. Boom, boom, boom.

I don't think I'd take all of his ideas directly, but he certainly made me think about the story more. And he's so fast when he does it. Argh. Makes me envious.

I left the class at break to drive across town to Neiman-Marcus and pick up the dress for my sister's wedding. Then I drove over Beverly Glen and came home. I can't believe how tired I am. And it's all not over yet.

According to Linda, class continued until after 6 (eeek!) and Len paid no attention to her story--gave her no feedback whatsoever. He spent 40 minutes on Erica's, completely outlining the entire movie. So Linda did not leave a happy camper.

I haven't mentioned this, but Darin has been cooking up a storm recently: broiling fish, grilling chicken, pan-searing tenderloin. We've eaten out very rarely of late. It's wonderful.

Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics

Just to prove that upper respiratory tract infections and sore throats do not hobble one, I did 3.5 miles today. Not speedily, mind you. But I did them.