and all through the house all the creatures were stirring

Best Xmas ever. The studio party was fun, although veterans say it was the lamest yet. They want more dancing and better food, they say. I dunno. I had a good time. Maigen and I didn’t get to circulate much in the packed room but we were close to the bar so we had supply taken care of. We did manage to talk to the people I know best, which was fun. We really are different out of the shop, even as laid back as we are. I’m much more at ease with a glass in hand. Glasses in hands. Well, you know me.

The high point was probably getting a few minutes to talk to one of the producers. A very engaging and charismatic guy whom I hope to have the opportunity to talk with some more. Miguel says they’re good friends and it’s easy for me to see why. And I know Maigen made her usual utterly charming impression.

Tomorrow is the Da Vinci’s wrap party. Those of us nearer the end of the production process have to arch an eyebrow at having a wrap party when we’ve still got a month to go but we’re the minority compared to the legions of crew involved before us.

The legendary Wrap Party. This is the reason some people get into this industry in the first place. Shmoozing and boozing, pressing hands and handling press. Smiling and nodding to names & faces. There are those out there that go to strange lengths to get invited to these things, from the stories I’ve heard since day one. True stories, but not mine to tell. At least not in this forum.

I’m looking forward to it. Miguel has told me on innumerable occassions about the politics in the Vancouver film industry and I constantly underestimate it. I don’t think wrap parties are ground zero for that sort of thing but who knows. I certainly don’t. Really I’m just looking forward to seeing some of the cast in person. I don’t have a list of engaging questions prepared. I just want to say hi, and thanks for having me. I’m probably the country bumpkin at the ball, here. Maybe not quite that bad. But I’m not going in with an agenda. Good times, people, good times.

I guess that sounds a bit like wind talking. Maybe. I heard a very amusing story recently, two of them actually, about the maneouvering and angling and very Machiavellian mentality some people have in this industry in Vancouver. I guess it’s all over, and that sort of person exists in every walk of life, but gossip being what it is in the film industry (which is to say an industry unto itself) well, you hear about it more.

Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to my un-ulterior motivated very first wrap party with my gorgeous honey on my arm and maybe even some rhumba dancing…?

Not to give anyone the wrong idea. Every experience I’ve had here has been very positive. I’m having the time of my life and I hope I get to play in this playground for a long time to come. Everyone I’ve met has been very encouraging. I really am more excited about all this than I have been in a long time. I’m not a caperer, but I do feel like capering. Cavorting. A jig, at the very least.

And then on Friday before catching a boat to the island we’re having our own un-Xmas to see what goodies her family sent. And we’ll do the stockings. Seems crazxy to lug two three-foot high (and stuffed) stockings to the island just to see what’s in them, so we’ll jump the gun a bit there. I think Maigen’s about ready to gnaw an arm off if I don’t let her at those packages soon. She’s got jingle bells dancing in her eyeballs twenty-four seven. I love that girl. She’s as shameless about Xmas as I am.

A few days at the folks. We’re looking forward to the break from the crazy pace here. We’re looking forward to a few days of actually being bored. Walking, talking, holding hands. Hanging with the folks. Reading. Napping if we want. Who knows, and more importantly who cares.

On the 28th or 29th we’re trundling down to Victoria to hook up with some of our favourite people in the universe. I’ve missed everybody a lot. My plot to get them all to move over here has so far met with some resistance. Such as buying a condo. Foiled that one, though, didn’t I? Muah-ha-haaa.

Yep, best Xmas ever. And I promise stories after for all who can’t be there with me in person. Stories aplenty. None of which, Maigen, will be about a kitten. *sigh* I’m such a heartless bastard.