Persnickety Tutu

Back in the day, when I was a mere catering whore and not the big bad event mama that I am today, I worked on the Pitt/Aniston wedding. It was a trippy time for me because I had just married myself and my then husband and I both worked it together (he was a salaried guy where I was still playing the part of the struggling actress). It was my first gig back after our honeymoon and it was so weird to cater such a flippin' expensive wedding after we'd had ours for like five grand!

So, after I was dropped off in a parking lot, sent through security and been told to leave the mobile in the car, I was bussed to the wedding site. I went through more security for that wedding than I did for the various presidential visits I've done! Yes, I have been officially cleared to take care of our boy Bill whenever he's in town. I'll just leave that there for you to nibble on...

I must say, it was a fabulous affair. Ms. Friend was radiant and lovely and the Pitt was handsome and friendly. The gospel choir that sang was brilliant and it was tres cool to hear Melissa Etheridge sing. All in all I was impressed by those two delish creatures.

OK, the super crazy part of it all is that first my ex and I divorced and then a few years later they split up as well. The TRIPPIEST part of the whole thing? We both used the same private judge for mediation! I mean shouldn't Jen and I, like, get together for drinks and vent? We're like soul sisters who both got sucked up in the love tunnel and came out a bit bruised and winded, but looking damn fine and as strong as wildcats. Well, I don't have to face Angie as part of my deal. That must just suck... big time.

Needless to say, I've been in camp Jen ever since. Can you blame me?

I had a gig last night that was a bit of fun. I worked a cool photo shoot. It was at one of those crazy houses in the Hollywood Hills were all you see is glass and skyline. I know almost nothing about American Idol and never even knew there was one in the UK, but this shoot was for an Idol guy. It was for the cover of his album. Super nice guy with a definite Justin Timberlake look and vibe. Man, I’m a sucker for British men. That accent is insane!

Next week I’m going to the Standard Hotel Downtown LA to see and be seen at a cocktail party at the rooftop bar. I’ve never been, though I’ve been meaning to go since they opened. It’s a work thing, but I’m hoping to meet up with a friend afterward in Little Tokyo for some sushi and sake. If I’m trekking downtown and cocktailing it, I might as well hang down there and make a night of it.

Sometimes I just really dig LA.

I had an event last night that got me home at 2.00 am. I'm awake, taking nourishment, and have assumed a vertical position. That said, my ass is dragging...

I have private clients that I have to head out to in a while as they have invited 40 of their bested friends over for the usual musical Sunday soiree. Don't get me wrong, I love these people. Showing up for a gig at their house, which happens to be on the top of a knoll high above the Los Angeles, is a treat for me. I know their friends, they all want to hear about my life and hang out with me in the kitchen (I've been known to be mildly charming and somewhat amusing at times), and I get paid good money. Who's complaining? Did I say I was complaining? No, I'm just looking forward to tonight when I can resume my favorite position on the couch in front of the telly with a glass of something red and wine like in my hand.

My gig last night was for one of those very cool gay Hollywood couples who have one of those fabulous Hollywood houses where even the guest towels perfectly match the trim. They had 40 of their bestest friends over to celebrate one of their 40th birthdays. It was an evening of candlelight by the pool, happening music and me with blisters on my toes. Wearing $400 Marc Jacob shoes to cater a party that goes 8 hours? Not so smart. I ended the night in flip flops. Sexy...

I'm off to have a massive cup of tea and to try and make myself look amazing, sparkly and fresh all over again. Here's hoping.

Yesterday was a work day for me. I hightailed it out to the Valley here in sunny LA to cater a gig for some colorful people. It was well over 100 degrees and I was a cranky little biddy because my bartender was over an hour late and I was down one other person to help set up because we had to send him out to make an emergency grocery store run. So, I became three people and set that sucker up, along with two lovely women, and got it DONE. Funny how I can always rely on the women. Strong women rule the world, don't you know?

It was the model bartender boy who cruised in late looking picture perfect whilst I was dripping sweat and already on my second shirt (I'm smirking here).

Now, I'm usually the all in black type when I work events, but I opted for the shorts and t-shirt combo that the rest of the staff wore. And Kathy don't do shorts! I would have worked in a freakin' bikini if I could have.
It was that hot.

Makes Kathy a cranky little tutu.

It's morning, I'm drinking my first piping hot cup of tea, and my body hurts in places I didn't even know existed. I'm beat out from a long day yesterday of catering. I am fairly well cooked. Today is my day off so I'm getting things done and it looks like I'm meeting up with Diva from Slow Travel who's in LA right now. That'll be cool. I could use some good chick chat.

I'm done with four straight days of photo shoots (at the kitchen by 6.15 am for breakfast prep), site inspections, and cocktail receptions for film screenings. I have loaded and unloaded vans, driven said vans (totally fun!), worn khakis and white tees only to turn around and throw on something utterly fabulous and elegant to then throw on jeans to do a walk thru on the beach for an upcoming party I'm overseeing. I have new muscles that I catch myself admiring in the mirror every now and then when I walk past one. I am turning into a buff little girl.

Now, until Saturday when I have a little soirée in house for a private client, I am DONE. I have two days to rest, get a mani/pedi, a massage, and take a day to lose myself in Little Tokyo where I will pretend I'm in Japan and eat nothing but Japanese food and buy little tidbits for my place like ceramic cat food dishes that are so divine and sweet and only something like $1.50 each.

Happy me!

Next week it all begins again. I have three straight days of on set catering for a photo shoot and it’s a group I really like. I actually look forward to it all beginning again. You see I have a plan to leave LA some day soon and move on to the next stage of living life fully so I am committed to working my tail off to make that happen. I have a dream...

I have to admit that I am enjoying this hard work. I am trying something new and working a different part of my brain. I am just completely digging this balance of elegant boss woman and onset catering girl wearing the apron and setting up buffets and making smoothies.

I can do anything now.

I have just started a photo shoot marathon, am home from working a 10 hour day, and won't come up for air until Thursday. I have another photo shoot marathon starting on Sunday. I am one tired little tutu...

I am taking a vacation, thank you! As soon as things die down I'm on a plane with visions of handsome men bearing wine and chocolate dancing in my head.

Wherever shall I go?

It's 5.30 am and I am about to leave for work. I am doing another photo shoot marathon, this one being five days long. I never get up at 5.00 in the morning unless I'm leaving the country!

The photographer happens to be British and handsome. I mean really handsome. He's nice too. *Swoon*

I am free. I finished my five day photo shoot yesterday and it kicked my butt. I have bruises up and down my backside and legs. I sliced a finger to the bone cutting up ginger for the star photographer who wanted carrot, apple, and ginger juice every day. You remember the handsome photographer I mentioned before? It turns out his girlfriend is a freakin’ super model. Figures!

I got a call to assist Anthony's yoga class over at City Yoga this morning and I gladly took it. It was a total vacation for me after a long week of 10-12 hour days! It was almost shocking how easy it was for me to jump back in and I realized how much I have learned. I was on fire! Anthony, who I adore, told me after class that I am damn good at what I do. He always did support me and he told me I'd be a great teacher one day.

I am becoming one now...

I am creating great balance in my life. Slowly but surely, it is finding me.

More on my upcoming trip to Antigua Guatemala below!

Long couple of days running a very cool event. I got to play at Chanel this week and I have to say I kind of dig those cats. I was given a very nice quilted black eye mask for sleeping that has those fabulous little C's on it. I'll be the super stylish chick in coach flying the overnight flights from here on out. This little baby is sweet!

I spent the last two days in Coco Chanel and I think I'd like to treat myself to some eventually (the parfum not the cheap eau de toilette). I don't generally like perfume but this was really nice on me.

My dad actually got Coco Chanel for me as a gift when I was younger. I've been missing him a lot lately. I think wearing it these last two days made me feel sort of nostalgic and tender and comforted. It really is funny how a scent can affect you, you know?

Now that I'm done with events for the week I'm going away tomorrow to meet a friend down in La Jolla. I've never been so it will be a nice treat. I need a couple of days of relaxation and some quality down time with a friend I haven't seen in two years now. She's in from Chicago and we plan on drinking wine, catching up and just doing some good old fashioned connecting.

I am so ready for my trip to Guatemala at the end of the month. I crave it like chocolate.

Actually, make that chocolate and Coco Chanel...

I am looking forward to sharing so much more about my trip to Guatemala, but am currently back in the midst of a very busy event week! I'm back at Chanel for a couple of days and I have photo shoots and a few evening events to get to as well. It's a week of long days and even longer nights. I come home spent to then dream of the cobblestone streets and sounds of Antigua. I cannot wait to return in January. I will work my backside off until then.

When I return home in the evening I often snuggle in on the couch and watch British mystery series on DVD. It takes so little to make me happy. Add a hot bath and a cup of tea or a nice glass of wine and I'm one happy little tutu. It also takes while to unwind from the craziness of the day.

I did an event this past weekend at a home by the sea that was so grand it really looked nothing like a home at all and more like an ornate Italian hotel. The garage held eight cars and the grounds went on forever as if there was no beginning and no end. A few of us ran to the end of the property (it was so long we were out of breath once we got there) just to take in the splendor of the house. In one word: Spectacular.

I do not envy the people I work for, but I am at times awestruck by the houses they live in.

Off to work then. I have to run a swank little gig tonight and must get ready to be fabulous and in top form!

Yes, it is true. I am back in the thick of yet another week of catering photo shoots that have me getting to the kitchen as early as FIVE AM some mornings. I suck at five am! I'm no good getting to work when it is STILL bloody dark out. And it's not like I can go to bed early the night before. Nope. Getting up at 4.00 am? Totally evil and wrong...

So, once I've gotten through this week I will have something meaningful and profound to say. Right now I'm just cranky and tired. I am thinking about the trip I'll take out of the country come January or February and I must confess that keeps things in perspective. And let's face it: I like hard work. I like the days off after these kick-my-butt stretches because I know I've earned them.

Last week was a tough week as I had to deal with exceptionally persnickety euro asses (there are bad lots in every bunch) who didn't make requests they freakin' barked at me. I took it all with grace and tried to rise above. Rising above ain't always easy, let me tell you. My secret is that I have mastered the art of pretending I can't hear someone when they are being dicky. I make them keep repeating themselves until I finally decide to acknowledge them. Bad wicked me.

Excuse me, what are saying? I can't hear you! La la la la... *big smile*

Off to work then. Come Friday night I'm going to be one tired little tutu...

As Christmas approaches I get busy with events. It is quieter than usual this season and it is clear that the writer's strike is effecting my business. People in LA are spending less money and having fewer parties this year. This strike is effecting so many of us, not just the writers.

I am doing a three day gig for a film studio beginning today and it is pouring rain outside. So, I'll be driving a van full of food in the pouring rain and by the time I get inside to meet and greet the client I'll look like a wet rat. Happy flippin' me.

I then have back to back events leading up to a Christmas day in home event I'm doing for someone I don't even like. I get to cater to a spoiled Hollywood type and I'm only doing it because the money is great and I have plans to travel over the next few months and I am willing to deal with the spoiled princess so I can do bigger and better things for myself. I'll make the most of the day. I'll drink wine and then treat myself to something yummy the next day. It's all about BALANCE, dig?

I started running recently and I am finding it's kind of fabulous to race through the streets with my iPod blasting funk out tunes. Granted I have to stop and pant from time to time as I'm a total lightweight, but I love the feel of being out there alone on the darkened streets. I feel like a panther. We'll see if I keep it up. I'm lazy by nature. I'm really just a big cat.

Off to the rain then. And yes, I actually love the rain. I'm like a cat, after all. I just want to nap or make love to the sound of it. Well, perhaps run in it as well....

Yes, I have succumbed to the cold going around. After a week of back to back events I got sick last night. Methinks my body is telling me to chill out already. I'm home chillin'...

I'm not working on Christmas day as planned. I was on the fence about it as I don't like the woman I was going to work for and she is beyond demanding. I got a call last night as I was leaving for a client's house that the Christmas day Hollywood housewife had "requested" that I do a walk through at her house on bloody Christmas Eve. I said I was already giving up my Christmas day so the biddy wasn't about to get my Christmas Eve. as well. Then I asked WHY this woman needed a walk through for a family dinner party for all of 26 guests. Well, you see she's having the thing in a tent on her property and there is a serious heating system involved. When I booked this I was told there would be a heating guy there to take care of all of that jazz as Kathy don't do rental/heating stuff. It seems little rich and spoiled Hollywood studio head wifey decided she didn't want to pay the heating guy the $900 he was to get to be on site to handle said heating so she decided I, that's ME, was to do it instead. Excusez-moi??

Needless to say Kathy will not be working for said rich spoiled Hollywood wifey on Christmas day. I said they could find someone else. Yep. I don't do two jobs for the price of one. Fug dat.

I'm also leaving a work relationship with a woman I've been working with who, when you look in the dictionary and find the term passive-aggressive, her name is there next to it all in CAPS. She has a knack for asking you to do things above and beyond what you're hired to do and then always tries to find a way to manipulate you into doing them. Tricky chick. She's a master at the game. Now I know why she can't hang on to her assistants, oh yes. My path no longer finds its way to that door, but I am grateful for the experience. Be peace, I say. Oh, and may you find yourself a good therapist. *big hug*

So, now that I'm free for a while I'm going to get over this cold, spend time with friends, and make some travel plans. I've people to see and places to go. My New Year is going to be a bloody fabulous NEW YEAR. I see bright and shiny things in my future. This chick has plans...

Oh, and my clients from last night asked if they could fly me up to their new house in Berkeley to do an event for them. They'll put me up in their guest house and I can pop around San Fran for a day. I likey!

Did I mention I'm damn good at what I do? I am.

So my thought for the day is this: I have found that in life we must learn to listen to our instincts, trust that wee voice inside and have the courage to say no when no is what needs to be said, or perhaps say yes when an opportunity comes along that lights us up from within and makes our wheels spin. I say be the you that you have always wanted to be. It's really easier than you think...

I say shake things up!

I worked the Critic's Choice Awards on Monday and it was so very clear there is a strike going on. Very few name actors attended and I'd have to say most simply sent their reps. The president of Screen Actor's Guild ( and I'm a member) had asked SAG members not to attend the show in support of the Writer's even though Critic's Choice was not a picketed show. I believe his request was in large part honored. Sure I saw Angie and Brad who cruised in last minute and the same goes for George Clooney (presented an award to his comrade Don Cheadle) looking finer and leaner than I have ever seen him and God knows I've seen him plenty over the years of doing these events. Oh, and I had a few words with Javier Bardem *swoon* who was in desperate need of a loo. He is one fine specimen of man. Seriously.

I ran the cocktail reception for the caterer (and he always does an amazing job) as well as the post show after party. This was the first year we had an after party and it was a swank affair. It was tented, a study in white and there were fabulous Flamenco/Salsa dancers and hot little bite sized snack bartenders everywhere. I'm always happy when I see it all come together. I've got this award show thing down.

And I got a kick out of saying hi to my man Snoop Dogg who was a true gentleman and may I add was pimped out true Dogg style.
Fer Shizzle.

After a long day on my feet and screaming into a walkie talkie I needed some down time so I spent a good part of yesterday in bed. I've been sick for over two weeks now so I knew a time out was in order. I took advantage of the day off and dropped my car off to get some long overdue and much needed work done. Almost a grand later and my Volvo runs like a dream. It's all about multi-tasking, no?

Now to book my ticket out of the Country later this month.

I feel some traveling coming on...

I'm slipping into big bad mama in charge mode and heading off to an event that will take me on location to, well, the middle of flippin' nowhere for 8 days or so. I'm bringing my yoga mat with me, my laptop and some good books. Oh yes...

I'm doing a gig for a swank European car company that is flying press in from all over the world, giving them private drivers and letting them test drive their new cars over the hills and through the woods and out to the desert they'll go. I'm helping run the food end of it so I'll be the chick in the suit making sure my staff is on the ball and that the client is supremely happy. I'll also be dorm mama cracking the whip if people act up in the hotel. When I'm off the clock at night I expect some peace. If anyone acts up and disturbs that peace bad things will happen. SERIOUSLY.

More from the road once I settle in...

That's me.

I'm back in LA for one day to teach a yoga class and grab a few more things I need to ride out this event. I've survived the first three nights out in the high desert and the first two full days of the event. It's looking sweet...

Just a short and sweet check in while I'm wrapping up my event out in the desert.

I have somehow become one of the guys on this gig and the chefs have become family. I've even been invited to cook with them in the kitchen on future events. Love them! We just have such an amazing time together and the laughs never end. I feel crazy blessed to have the perfect balance of hard work and wickedly good play time at the end of the day. Last night we hit the jacuzzi and pool and then had family meal in front of the hotel's big screen TV. Tonight it was happy hour with chicken wings and cocktails and now I'm about to head out for the jacuzzi and some pool time with my people. Life is good...

OK, so I forgot to take the staff aprons and ties off of the truck and bring them back to the hotel for dry cleaning and the kitchen forgot to grab the kitchen towels to wash tonight. WE'RE BEAT. We all piled into my car and drove up to the site, a long and seriously winding ride, to grab our stuff before heading out for our nightly adventures. The beauty of it is that we all come together and help each other out. I handle the front of the house and they handle the back of the house. Sweet...

My days start early and run late. I am now officially dorm mother assigning rooms, dealing with issues that come up and coming down on those that seem to forget this is a non-smoking hotel. No weed in the rooms people! It's a big freakin' desert out there. Be creative...

What happens in Hesperia stays in Hesperia.

Off to fax time sheets and inventories. And yes, I truly do love chefs. Some of the coolest people I know are chefs. Oh yes...

I had to pack it up and leave my event in the desert today (and let me just say that I am TAN). I have business back east and couldn't stay the weekend. I set things up as best I could and made sure the young woman stepping in for me has an easy time of it. I worked my ass off to insure everyone was in line, on the ball and that the client was happy. Hell, I even got invited to the client's wrap party (Super nice Germans. Working with them was a pleasure!) and there is talk of work with them in the future. I'm damn good at what I do and PR is half of it. Good social skills are key, let me tell you.

I had breakfast with the kitchen staff this morning and there were lots of hugs and talk of plans to all get together when I return from the east coast. I even stayed an extra hour to finish up room assignments and wrap things up with hotel management. Even the hotel dude (my man Dion) said he was going to miss me! And let me say, if you are ever passing through Hesperia and need a place to stay on the way to Vegas or San Diego, you just have to stay at the Holiday Inn Express there. Those people seriously rock it out! And man, were they accommodating and good to us. Anything I wanted they were there to hook me up. And that jacuzzi and pool were divine at the end of a long day. AMEN.

I'm back home and have just enough time to unpack, clean, do laundry and re-pack for my crack of dawn flight on Monday. I also have to teach my class tomorrow night as I promised I would. When did I become so goddamned responsible? When did I become a.... GROWNUP? Crazy poop.

Must go love on my little feline beasties for a while. Thank god a new and delightful friend stepped up and volunteered to take care of them after another girlfriend flaked on me and put me in a really bad spot. It's always so bloody nice to know you have good people you can count on. The ones who flake on you? Well, as my dear and lovely friend Heather always says: Bless and release.

I have no room for unreliable people in my life. I have too many good people who would be there for me no matter what. Man, do I adore them. And I am solid to the bone. My word is everything to me and friendship sometimes means being there for someone even when it's not convenient. I think we all need to learn to be a wee bit more selfless. It's in the giving that our hearts bust wide open...

I'm sending love out to my friend Tracey for loving on my girls when I was gone and to Andy, Tarik, Jose, Lindsey, Jason and the one and only Gregg (my partner in crime and the boss on the other end) for making this event so incredible for me. Your girl has more big ideas to come!

I got nothin' but love for you people.

I have been asked to teach another Restorative yoga class at this really lovely studio here in Los Angeles called Urth Yoga. It's in the Silverlake area and I felt at home the first night I taught there. It also happens to be an eco-conscious studio to boot and the space is simply fabulous. Now I just have to work on my bio for them. No easy task!

So, catch me Sunday nights@ 7.00 and get your bliss on at Urth Yoga.

I'm telling you, this good stuff just keeps finding me...