Just another story from my sketchy past...enjoy...

Rock and Roll Ralph's

Manda Leigh Moore

Rough Draft November 1, 2008

I had been living here for about three months and partying a little too much at the time, I began to realize this one night out with my binge drinking roommate Aims. She and I went out with a couple of her guy friends she had made from the Beverly Hills Playhouse. If you know anything about the playhouse students then you know they have a reputation. So they swung by our townhouse on Poinsettia Place in this black Jeep Cherokee, and picked us up and away we went to bar after bar. At one point I was at some shady dive bar in Culver City pouring drinks for everyone from behind the bar and taking money as if I worked there. It was one of those nights that you always look back at and laugh about but in the back of your head you know that at any point through out the night trouble could have arose and you would have been stuck in the clank with a few prostitutes and a big scary chick giving you the stink eye as you reexamine your life wondering where you miss-stepped to end up there while you are fighting to get a scratchy blanket that most likely would give you lice before it would keep you warm. And then you laugh because none of those things luckily happened.

Back to the story; we met these people at the dive bar that invited us to some after hours party and of course we went. At the party I drank a shit ton of tequila something I don't normally drink, I always thought it made me a mean drunk. We decide to leave and the boys are driving me and Aims home. They get lost and we end up on the dodgy end of Sunset Blvd for some reason, I kind of remember being on the highway and feeling queasy as the guy driving was going around 100 mph weaving through traffic at three in the morning. As we make our way back into Hollywood everyone is talking about getting something to eat, I am just trying to focus on one thing so the interior of the car stops spinning. Around this time we get to Poinsettia Place which is conveniently located right next to Rock and Roll Ralph's*. At the exact moment the decision is being made to turn into their parking lot on the right instead of making the left down Poinsettia to our house I am opening the back driver's side door to throw up everything I am worth. Tragically the driver cuts the turn pretty sharp and he has leather seats, so out I go flying into the bushes that line the parking lot. Aims screams and then starts laughing, the driver's eyes get so huge, and I am trying to not slam my head on the concrete. They pull in next to where I have landed, I stand up dust myself off and then lean over and throw up about a liter of tequila. Aims says, "Manda hurry up I am hungry!" I wipe my mouth and say, "Okay now I can eat something. I feel a lot better however I think I might have cracked my hip."

 We then fled the scene of the crime, went back to our building and walked into my super feminine gay neighbor's townhouse, he was having a party. We went into his frig got out a California Pizza Kitchen frozen pizza and promptly cooked it. Drunkenly I reached into the oven to grab the pizza out with my hands because I couldn't find the damn oven mitts. I then drop the pizza on the floor and after picking it up while everyone watched in horror, I didn't have anyone but Aims wanting a piece. This did not bother her or me in the least. She and I split the whole thing and even ate the crumbs that were left on the counter. I had a few more drinks, wondered down the hall to our townhouse and crashed on the couch with my dog Groove and Aims' dog.

The next morning I barely could move my entire left side was a bruise. I have never drunk tequila since, and I never will. I also try not to ride in Jeep Cherokee's that have leather seats when I am drunk.

*Rock and Roll Ralph's is a Ralph's grocery store that is open 24 hours and is known for everyone stopping by on the way to partying, while partying, and after partying. It is also a notorious place to see random celebrities especially of the musical variety.

Another story, hopefully you get a laugh!! LA can be dangerous!!

Put out the fire…please

Manda Leigh Moore

Written: November 1, 2008

An underage girlfriend of mine, Nicole, had come into town from San Diego for a night of debauchery in LA. Being that she was underage I took her to one place at the time I could get away with murder, The Abbey. It had been raining most of the day and the bar had put up tents everywhere she and I found a cabaña in the back and laid down, we had a handful of drinks each and then ran into Kevin Huvane and Larry Hancock, we talked with them for a long time and stuck near them at the main bar. Nicole wanted to smoke a cigarette so I went outside under a tent with her by the front gates. We were about ready to go when this little Australian guy and his gay friend started talking us up. The guy was funny; I was in a mood and basically acting like a bitch. Apparently bitchy girls are his type. We exchanged number's and through conversation learned that he was friends with Kevin and Larry as well so I pointed them in their direction and Nicole and I bounced. We had gotten this idea that I would make tortellini and garlic bread and invite Ben the bartender from Lola's over to eat with us when he got out from work at the bar.

When we got to the car on Melrose, Ben called and said he was down for some good food. So it was on.

Nicole and I got back to my house and I went to work. Everything was going perfect. The whole time I had just used the burners on the top of the stove, when the pasta and marinara was basically done I turned on the oven to heat up the bread. Ben got there about that time, he was telling us about his crazy night at work as I was dishing out hot pasta on plates for everyone. Nicole took hers and sat down on the couch. I got the bread out of the oven and cut it up; I turned off the oven and sat down with Ben at this little table in the kitchen area. I had literally had one bite of pasta when I started smelling smoke. I look over at the oven and through the top vents are flames shooting out about a foot high. I freak. I run over and make sure everything is turned off. It is. I open the oven door and a blast of flames skyrockets out taking part of my eyebrows with it. The smoke alarm starts going off and Ben runs over to me. I grab the phone and tell him there is a fire extinguisher in the hall of the building. He runs out the door I run upstairs while calling 911. I was trying to get the dogs that ran scared upstairs when the fire broke out. The whole time I am opening every window I walk past. Both my roommate Aims' dog and Groove are hiding under my bed. I am reaching under trying to drag them out while telling the 911 operator what is going on. Aims' dog keeps nipping my hand and I am started to curse that she practically lives at her boyfriends now. Ben at the time is in the hallway trying to break open the case that holds the fire extinguisher attached to the wall. Funny enough all you really have to do is turn the little knob and open the door. I am sure if I had witnessed him trying to break the glass I would have laughed.

So there I am carrying a 70 pound dog and my little 12 pound dog down the stairs, talking on the phone to 911, and coughing because of all the smoke. When I get at the bottom of the stairs this is the scene I walk in on: Ben pleading with Nicole to just open the oven door so he can spray the extinguisher and put the flames out. She is still sitting on the couch with her food, somewhat oblivious and drunk. She is slurring and saying that she really doesn't think it's a good idea for her to do that seeing how she doesn't like things that are hot.

I put the dogs on leashes and tell her to take them down into the garage under the building. She does. When I get her out the door I turn in time to see Ben opening the oven door with his foot!! He then sprays the extinguisher and puts out the fire. Now the entire bottom level of the townhouse is covered in white powder, including Ben and I. I knocked the fire alarm off the wall with the Clorox Ready Mop to silence it and begin praying that the sprinkler system doesn't kick in and ruin everything Aims and I own. Then I hear sirens. Why is it that the Calvary is always a minute late?

Two fire trucks, three ambulances, and one cop show up at my building. The fire fighters storm up the stairs to the main door and need to be buzzed in. I open the door for them and walk them down the hall. The fire fighters are so hard core, one guy was carrying an axe and another warns me to, "STAY BACK!" Ben and I are in the corner of the room as they open the oven door and look puzzled. They then open the broiler door on the bottom and pull out a silver pan containing what looks like a bluish slop that is smoking. Turns out Aims' mother stupidly stored my blue $4 plastic Ikea cutting board in the broiler. When I had turned the oven on to heat up the garlic bread the plastic started to melt, then lit on fire.

The fire fighters kicked Ben and me out to bring in these giant fans to ventilate the house and the hallway of the building. Ben went down into the garage to wait with Nicole and the dogs. I had to go and talk to one of the men and answer some meaningless questions about what exactly happened for their report. You would think that they would have talked to me in the garage but no they insisted I stand with them. So there I am in a now see through white wife beater, PJ pants, and Uggs in the pouring rain covered in a white muddy film of extinguisher powder on the lawn in front of my building. I bet it looked like a wet t-shirt contest gone terribly wrong.

I ended up standing in the garage freezing with my two friends, one in my eyes a hero and the other a dumb drunk, while the dogs are still scared and confused about why we are standing in a garage at almost 5 in the morning are looking at me with sad eyes. After a good hour or so the fire fighters said it was safe for us to go back in the house. When we walked in it looked like all of Columbia had dumped their coke on everything. Nicole ended up passing out right after we got back in the house and I announced that I needed to get the mess cleaned up. She said she was going to go "to the bathroom" but she never came back down stairs. Ben and I spent the better part of the morning cleaning up all the mess. Let me tell you that that white powder does not clean up easily. Three days later I was still trying to get the shit off the floor. But honestly the smoke smell was by far the worst part, for about a month it smelt like burnt plastic in the house.

Since that day when I introduce Ben to people I always add that he saved my life once and put out the fire in my townhouse!!

So i have been writing out some of the true stories that have occured in my life since moving to LA... here is one of these stories.

The BIG audition

Manda Leigh Moore

Written: November 1, 2008

At the beginning of my Hollywood adventure a friend I was hanging out with the entire time "hip pocketed" me with his agency. This was a big deal for me because I was getting sent to these great auditions for Warner Bros shows and a lot of the networks.

This one in particular I was super pumped about, I really thought I had a great chance. They were looking for someone that fit my description and I liked the character but most importantly it was for a newer show and they weren't looking for a name for the part. I knew I had a real chance if I just went in and killed it. I got to the audition early and took my time, went in and nailed it. The casting director called and wanted me to come to the producer casting session the next day. The second audition was in a different building and I had never been there. Everything went wrong from the start. I spilt my drink on my shirt on my way out the door, I tried to get the stain out for twenty minutes before I came to the conclusion that I had to change my entire outfit. I was getting frustrated and started to panic a little. Then it takes me what seems like an eternity to change. By the time that I leave my house the second time I am in such a hurry that I accidentally leave my headshots, directions and brain in the house. So I get a few blocks before I realize this. Then I have to go back and get the missing items required to make it to this audition.

By now I am going to be five minutes late, this in my world is a disaster. I hate being late, if I have to be there an hour early to not be late and then sit in my car for 45 minutes I would do it. There I am barreling down the road, with the directions in one hand and a cigarette in the other, trying to figure out where in the hell I am supposed to park without paying $20 bucks. I make a lap around the building and realize I am screwed, I check to see how much cash I have and its only $11.48. I cruise by the parking garage under the building and see that there is a sign that says cash only, credit out of order. I am $8.52 short. Great, it is my lucky day!

I see a loading zone spot and take my chances and park my used but brand new to me 2003 Jaguar X-Type in the spot. As I am half running toward the building I glance back at my car and say a silent prayer that it doesn't get towed. I then rationalize that if I get this part I won't care, that is my way of looking on the bright side of things.

I approach the office and sign in. Get handed new sides. Now this really freaks me out. I had no idea that we were going to have new sides. I am completely un-prepared for this. The other girls in the room have their own copies and they are highlighted, some have notes written on them, most of them look like they had been faxed to them. The girl sitting next to me makes a snide comment that my agent must not care that much about me to not get the sides to me yesterday. I smile and tell her that I am not worried about it. Inside I am screaming, I want to cry, I want to have a re-do on this day. I ask where the restroom is and strut my best "I don't give a shit about the rest of you bitches strut" to the door of the ladies room. Once inside I allow myself ten seconds of panic then I take a deep breath and start reading the lines in my head. I develop the same character analysis that had worked for me the day before and then I head back to the waiting room where the other four or five girls they are auditioning for the part are sitting. I end up going next to last, which I was at the time annoyed about because I like to go right after I have it set in my head, but in retrospect it was probably for the best.

The casting assistant comes into the tiny room and calls my name, takes my headshots and leads me to the room. We walk through the opened doors and there sits the casting director and three of the producers for the show at a long table. I walk to the mark on the floor in front of everyone and smile while saying hello. My headshots are given to everyone and then they look at the picture and flip it over to see my not so great resume. The camera is off to the right side of me so I angle my body towards the camera lens. The casting assistant states for me to say my name, agency, and character name to the camera (known as slating) and then that I will be reading with her. That I am to direct my acting towards her. Standard bullshit that happens at every audition.

Right before I begin reading I get this amazing confidence and all nerves fall away. I am in the zone and I do really well. After saying thank you I began walking out super happy about my audition I am looking down at the time. When I glance up I walk right into the glass doors with a loud, "WHACK!" Apparently when the casting assistant had come into the room she had shut the glass doors. My face print is left on the glass and I fall backwards landing on my ass at the feet of the producer closest to the door. I quickly stand up and say, "Well that was probably the most interesting exit you guys have seen thus far." Laughter trickles through the room. I walk out of the room, run through the waiting area, run to the elevator and push the button about a million times. The elevator finally gets there and I get in as quick as I can. There is a guy in a suit standing on the right hand side, I stand on the left and tears starts rolling down my cheeks. The guy looks over at me and asks if I am okay. He grabs an actual handkerchief out his pocket and hands it to me. He asked if I got hit by someone, because my nose is bleeding. Excellent, so not only did I make an ass of myself and walk into a glass door in front of people I am trying to impress but I also busted my nose and I am crying in front of a complete stranger in a damn elevator. I tell him thank you and sorry about the handkerchief which is now full of tears and blood. He shrugs it off and says, "Have a nice day" as I am getting off at the street level of the building.

I walk out to where I left my car and luckily it is still there but I have not one but two parking tickets on it. I don't even take them off my windshield I just get in and drive straight home. I parked in the garage, went straight to my door, in the house, up the stairs, into my room and threw myself on the bed and cried for about an hour then laughed for 30 minutes. I called my best friend in Seattle and re-lived the entire story with her. She got a good laugh and in the end I did too. I did get a second call back but I didn't get the part. I hope the second call back wasn't for pity because I walked face first into a glass door but was because they actually liked my acting.

 A few years later I was at a casting workshop and the casting director told a story that an associate had told him of this girl that they liked for this part who walked into a glass door and knocked herself out right after auditioning. I don't know if that story was actually about me or not, however how often does that truly happen? Who knows?

From now on at any audition I have, I always check the exit before I head towards it!

Ode To My Smokes

           By Manda Leigh Moore

November 14^th, 2007

2:30 pm

When time stands still you are my pause.

When I am waking up you are my first thought.

When I am bored you are my entertainment.

When I am crying and can not stop you are my comfort.

When I am intimidated you are my confidence.

When I am so stressed I can not think you are my break.

When I am alone you are my constant companion.

When I am scared you are my defense.

When I am driving you are my passenger.

When I am in need of getting away from the crowd you are my excuse.

When I am going to bed you are my last ritual.

We have been together for over 13 years, you are consistent.

Saying no to you I have failed many times.

But my friend the time has come.

My goodbye will be hard.

No longer will I have to hide you.

No longer will I have to lie for you.

No longer will I have to cover you up.

No longer will I have to mask your smell.

No longer will I have to be on the outside.

No longer will I have to crave you.

No longer will I have to worry about your effect.

No longer will I have to afford you.

No longer will I have to be a slave to you.

My time here has become too important.

My maturity has developed without you.

The moments we had I will cherish.

Goodbye my pause, my first thought, my entertainment, my comfort, my confidence, my break, my constant companion, my defense, my passenger, my excuse, my last ritual.

Hello again to life before you, the way I do not remember but welcome.

Okay so here's the story today.... I have been having a great month for the most part it has included the following: Started working at Bar Nineteen 12 in the Beverly Hills Hotel, made some great friends with my fellow employees (love you TARA), talked at length about the Dallas Cowboys with Jerry Jones and his sweet wife, saw dozens of celebrities get intoxicated or make frequent trips to the bathroom, met the most amazing team one could ever ask for: CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB, proceeded to continue working stunts and having a blast with that, then went to a Chelsea party, then started to decide that the bar wasn't worth my time, went to a historical event (i.e. Galaxy vs. Chelsea)courtesy of the Chelsea team and even had shirts and jackets to wear to said event (thanks coaches), then i quit my job the day they were most likely going to fire me, got a new job immediatley, found and lost love and re-found myself, got an audition that i really wanted, kept contact with my favorites from Chelsea, spent the most amazing night at a dive bar with the greatest girl and the nicest guy, whatever tomorrow brings i am ready....

Manda

We shared a moment one morning both naked from the night before, locking eyes,, i layed on top of you, those big brown eyes. Staring straight into your soul,  i feared you, that hurt i felt you would cause.

Blocking it out of my head for months i continued on.

We shared another moment one night as we hurried up the stairs your hand on my back. Supporting me so i wouldn't fall or was it you pushing me into it all again.

Blocking it out of my head for months i continued on.

The last moment we shared was in the bright light of day. Saying goodbye until we were to meet again. Your words were so careful, chosen to insure hope for us yet all i heard was the bye. I knew it would never be right again.

Blocking you ot of my head for months i continued on.

I no longer hear your voice. No more moments to share. My hurt must end, the ache is almost gone. Your sorry was never recieved though it was spoken. In a few months i will be one of many you loved.. the number is always climbing.

Weight sits a top my head its climbed off my shoulders in an attempt to drown me with bills, parties, booze and bad jobs.

Rejection at every door, banging so hard, bloody knuckles, mascara stained cheeks, worry....

Dirt under my fingernails is a common occurence, aching feet, that smell of failure a stench my senses has adapted to.

Looking at the homeless woman on the corner different, wondering how long ago she was at my point in life. How far she went, how high she rose on that pedastool made of glass. If she reached out for something to grip on her way to the bottom of skid row?

Where am I? How will i get out in one piece with pride and dignity?

Where, how, why? STRESSED>>>

Maybe i invented you

though you do exist

my idea of you might not.

I have imaginary meetings with you,

of course they always flow into happy endings, a chance for a "real" life...

I fear one day you will fade away from me running through a field waving behind you, or perhaps i will grow and not need you to comfort me: to fill my daydreams or obsessions anymore.

There is always a new story about you and i always ponder the truthfullness behind the words..

I am always two seconds from meeting the real you but think fate keeps me from that..

What would happen if i didn't have my secret intergration?

LA is cold and wet for the first day of 2006. i am hoping that this does not predict anything...

Why is it that LA is so damn intoxicating that you can have so many ups and downs in one week yet you never want to leave? Its always, what will happen next here.. I have decided that if you do not see it here it does not exist! I have seen things that actually left my mouth wide open for atleast a minute.  After a little over two years of living here, i finally call it home!

This life is so strange.... i love it!