When I go back home to England, I’m often ‘accused’ of being younger than my years; I use the word ‘accused’ with forethought, as I’m pretty sure that it is not always intended as a compliment. I think I’m grown up plenty enough, in that I pay my rent and bills on time, I remember family members’ birthdays, and I even eat ‘my greens’ regularly. I work full time as a personal assistant, and have done so (for the same person) for the past 20+ years. However, because I enjoy what I do immensely, it seems to translate that I don’t have a ‘proper job’.
One of the things I think I love most about Los Angeles is the fact that we aren’t forced to “grow up”.
I honestly can’t decide whether most people living in Britain/or outside of LA, actually dislike their occupations or whether they have been indoctrinated to just not enjoy working?
I often see statements on social media from my UK based friends lamenting that Monday has come around too quickly, or that they are counting down the hours until the weekend rolls around again. Whereas my LA counterparts will be more likely to post a celebratory “Yay, I booked a job”.
I might have to conduct a social experiment and post a “I can’t wait to get back to work tomorrow” just to see what kind of response I get. I know it is a bit like comparing apples with oranges, but still….
although I am completely aware that it is much more pleasant to go about your daily business when the sun is shining!
Talking of which, there is definitely a more youthful vibe here but we have a surprising amount of Brits in LA members who are 70+ and they are usually the most playful of us all! But I think the majority of the people I meet at our events are eternally young at heart, whatever their age. As most of you know, Craig and I leap at the opportunity to be silly whenever we can. Two of my favourite occasions that spring to mind are both flash mobs; International Pillow Fight Day (falls on April 6th this year), which can be found at several cities around the world, and the Gettypede. The latter consisted of hundreds of people playing Follow the Leader whilst walking around the Getty in an orderly silent single line. I know it sounds a bit daft but it was thoroughly enjoyable. I am not sure if that one still occurs, so please get in touch if with us if you have any current details. I think the general consensus is that Los Angeles is a huge magnet for people afflicted with Peter Pan Syndrome, but that’s fine by me.
It is probably no surprise if I tell you that our annual film competition The Toscars has got off to a resounding start. It is basically a group of grown adults who are collaborating over the next three weeks to make five-minute parodies of the Oscar-nominated films. Sounds ridiculous? Yes it is, but in the best possible way. It involves a lot of hard graft but the end result is absolutely worth it. The films are shown on a big screen in a theatre which is followed by a star-studded award ceremony. The winners receive a golden fist (aka a Toscar!) There are definitely tantrums and the occasional tiara involved but also lots of fun and laughter. Sign up to participate this year has now closed but you can still attend the main event as an audience member. It will be at the Renberg Theatre in Hollywood on Thursday February 21st. Tickets are on sale now. Visit TheToscars.com for details.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our valiant team leaders who have taken on this daunting task. So a big shout out to Tate Dewey, Kim Morgan Greene, Scott Kaske, Victoria Hoffman, Richard Keith, Juliet Lemar, Sandro Monetti and Martin Lee White! We have everything crossed for you!
On a more serious note please take a minute to read the story of this weeks Meet a Member Aaron Ellis. I did mention him in this column a couple of weeks ago, as his partner Anthony has been in hospital and sadly since then he has had to have his big toe amputated. So if you can spare anything to help to ease the pressure of the ever-mounting hospital bills please head over to their GoFundMe page https://tinyurl.com/AaronEllis2019
Lastly, we have a pair of tickets to give away to see James Blake at the Fox Theater in Pomona on March 15th. If you would like to enter send us an email to info@britsin.la. Make sure to put ‘James Blake’ in the subject field. Winner will be picked at random on February 4th and notified via email.
If you have any questions or comments drop us a line at info@britsin.la. We always enjoy hearing from you!
Cheers…
Eileen
