Saturday, January 14, 2006
I watched the movie "Collateral" last night. It was a good movie. Tom Cruise was fantastic. He makes a very good villian. His performance was almost as good as what he did in "Magnolia" and "Born on the fourth of July". I'm really getting into Jamie Fox as an actor. He is quite good. What was really great about the DVD was the director Michael Mann's commentary. His commentary was like a seminar on how to write a good screenplay. I returned it to Netflix, but I am contemplating buying it so I can listen to Mann's commentary again.
My Numbers Reading from Glynnis McCants
I bought Glynis McCants' numerology book, "Glynis Has Your Number", and found it fascinating, so I decided this year to get a reading of my numbers done. This is what she sent me. I think it is quite accurate.
EXPLANATION OF NUMBERS
Brenda's #'s
SOUL NUMBER - 9
What you feel inside. Not necessarily what people see.
PERSONALITY NUMBER - 5
A face you show the world.
POWER NAME NUMBER - 5
This number represents the strength of your name and tells a lot about who you are.
BIRTH-DAY - 6
The way you appear to people.
LIFEPATH - 7
The number that you need to fulfill in order to be happy. The most important number in your personal Numerology.
ATTITUDE NUMBER - 7
The first impression people have when talking to you.
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SPECIAL NOTES
Brenda, when I see 7/6 as the birth numbers that means the person often feels "confused and not sure." I suggest when you make a decision, go with your first thought, and do not second-guess yourself.
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THE LIFEPATH NUMBER
The Lifepath is the number that you need to fulfill in order to be happy. It is the most important number in your personal Numerology.
When you add together the month, the day and the year, you get your Lifepath Number, and that is the number that fulfills you. We call that number the Lifepath Number. That number is the most important number in Numerology. Always remember, what's going to make you truly happy is focusing on your Lifepath Number.
Brenda, Your Lifepath number is 7. Here is the description:
The "7" Lifepath:
The Faith Seeker
7s are here to learn to have faith. If they don't have faith they can't really be happy. If you have a 7 child, you'll notice when they sleep they really do look like angels, and this is because they have that energy. In fact when they grow up and become adults, you're going to continue to feel that beautiful spirit. If 7s have faith they tend to be very spiritual and you can learn from them. 7's are incredibly bright.
They have a powerful mind if they use it. If they don't believe in a higher power or they question the process of life, they are exhausting to be around. I honestly believe there are two kinds of people on our planet. We either thank God, or think we're God. Believe me, this is true for the 7. More than any other number, the 7 needs a strong spiritual base. 7's tend to escape, when they're off track, through drugs, alcohol, geography, or work.
It often seems that 7s are visiting from another planet in that they are the observer and commentator. This is a very direct number. 7s tend to tell the truth, and if they don't like someone, it is very obvious. 7s can have lethal tongues. They have a mental steel door. They can take you in, but if they decide they don't want you in their lives, they shut that door and that is the end of the relationship.
7s have a loner quality, and though they can be with people, they definitely like their time alone. Anything connected to the water: river, ocean, or lake, helps 7s to get out of themselves because they do tend to think too much. 7s are very intense, and just like the 4 vibration, over analyze every situation. They walk into a room and they see all of the details (as a result, 7s tend to be very good writers). They also become computer experts and scientists-anything involving technical work. 7s are good at discovering things. It would not be surprising, if the cure for AIDS is found by a 7 vibration. They come up with major solutions and don't necessarily know where the answer came from. It is because 7's are so linked to God when they are in the positive element of their number.
7s love natural beauty: the mountains, the snow, flowers, plants, green grass, and they definitely need to be surrounded by it. 7s have a wonderful love of simplicity, such as animals. They like the unconditional love that comes from pets, because they are not always good at understanding people's needs and wants.
7s like to have air of mystery and will do anything to keep the mystery. So the more you pry or ask questions, the more they shut down. It can be difficult for them but 7's like to have their own story and will not share it with everybody. They are exclusive. It's not uncommon for a 7, even in a marriage to sleep in a separate bed or even in a separate room, and this no offense to the spouse. 7s just need their own space. If you are in a relationship with a 7, don't take it personally when they do get so quiet. 7s are definitely assessing and dissecting al those thoughts and ideas.
7s might have trouble saying, "I love you," or praising their partner because they fear that if they do the person might feel too good for them and leave. The irony is that if the person leaves it's often because he feels undervalued and neglected.
This number is not known for cheating, and generally, the 7 is very loyal. 7s tend to work a lot too. That's their passion. 7s throw themselves into their work and that's because they think they have control there. 7s have the Peter Pan syndrome. They are children for life in many ways, and yet when they are children their parents often point out what old souls they are. 7's say things that are beyond their years. 7s have tremendous wisdom and insight, and when a 7 child tells you something, listen carefully. They tend to have intuition and know things without knowing why.
7's can be misunderstood because they have a quality about them that makes people feel judged in their presence. People may feel that they are cold or aloof, but I can tell you that they are truly just observing. Their silence can be powerful 7s are definitely opinionated and when they do speak they feel what they say matters.
Occupations for the 7: psychiatrist, psychologist, anything to do with the study of the mind. They have psychic ability, so they can excel at Numerology, Astrology, and Tarot card reading. A lot of 7s go into forms of radio or television broadcasting. This is interesting, because although they don't seek major attention, when they do speak, people want to listen to them. Other occupations would concern the mysteries of nature: oceanography, astronomy, geology, these are fields they excel in also.
How the Lifepath 7 gets along with each number:
Natural Matches: 1,5 and 7
Compatible Numbers: 4
Challenge Numbers: 2,3,8 and 9
LUCKY NUMBERS
Everybody wants to know which are the best numbers for winning. Your lucky numbers are based on your Lifepath.
I did some research in Las Vegas. Out of 100 people in a casino, 80 of those people had a 5 in their birth numbers. I also did a television segment called "Lucky Lotto Winners." I researched the birth numbers of the four million-dollar winners to search for a pattern, and all four were 5 Lifepaths.
I would caution a 5 not to play with "scared money," however, and that of course is money they need for rent or a car payment. Otherwise, I would say go for it because the odds seems to be in their favor.
If you're not a 5 Lifepath and you want to play, get a 5 Lifepath friend to bet for you.
Brenda, your Lucky Numbers are derived by the Lifepath #7.
Month: July.
Best days of the month the 16th and the 25th.
Days of the week: Saturday you do well with people. Sunday you should be alone or with a kindred spirit.
Lucky numbers for the 7: 7, 16, 25, 34, 52, 61, 70, 79, 88, 97, and 106.
THE SOUL NUMBER
What you feel inside. Not necessarily what people see.
Knowing your Soul Numbers is extremely important regarding you and your partner because it is what you feel inside. People may not see your Soul Number characteristics, but you will feel it on a deep level. Take a look at your Soul Numbers and know that this is the number that will lead you to inner peace.
Brenda, Your Soul Number is 9
My 9 soul is fulfilled when: I have resolved old family issues that have caused me pain. When I am living in the moment taking in everything that life has to offer me. When I am making a good living and it involves contributing to humanity.
THE PERSONALITY NUMBER
What is the Personality Number?
What is a Personality Number? When you add all the consonants of your name together you will get your Personality Number. This number tells you how you appear on the outside, that is to say, how the world sees you.
Brenda, your Personality Number is 5
You have an air of fun and energy that makes you a welcome addition to any party, and The 5 Personality is someone who wants to know where the party is! You are very clever and others enthuse to your ideas. 5s love excitement and you seek adventure, and failing that—a juicy secret, someone else’s adventure! Watch overindulgence, you can have an addictive streak. Unfortunately, you, yourself, can become easily bored. Try to find harmless things to refuel your interest—sports, movies, books are some suggestions.
THE POWER NAME NUMBER
What is the Power Name Number?
When you add the Soul Number and the Personality Number together and break it down to one digit you will get your Power Name Number. This number represents the strength of your name and lets us know who you are.
Brenda, your Power Name Number is 5.
The Power Name Number 5: This is a high-energy person. People can almost feel the electricity surrounding you. You can be an escape artist—it might be sex, drugs, alcohol, geography, or work. You are the celebrators of life; you want to travel, to see what’s out there. You love to make things beautiful. You are the master party decorator—and parties can bring gossip—another favorite of yours, as you love a mystery and dig for facts. Stay busy, and within reason keep those frequent flyer miles going.
THE BIRTH-DAY NUMBER
The Birth-Day Number is the day you were born. It is the way you look, and how people will perceive you at first glance. Since the Lifepath Number is who you really are, it is easiest when the Birth-Day Number is either a Natural Match or a Compatible vibration to your Lifepath.
However, if your Birth-Day Number is a Challenge number to your Lifepath, you will always baffle the people that are in your life. If this is the case in your own chart, just be sure to let people know who you really are (your Lifepath Number ). It will help you to avoid unnecessary heartaches/headaches throughout your lifetime.
Brenda, your Birth-Day number is 6.
The 6 Birth-day ( People born on the 6th, 15th, 24th)
People born on a # 6 Birth-day appear as a born nurturer, someone who craves love, friends, and companionship.When a 6 Birth-day walks in the room, people will feel your presence immediately.You have a dynamic energy. The world sees you as a solid personality, very responsible and capable of managing other people. A 6 birth-day will instinctively know how to deal with children.
THE ATTITUDE NUMBER
The first impression people have when talking to you.
If you look at the Lifepath Number of an individual that you want to understand better and it doesn't seem accurate, then study their Attitude Number (add month and Birth-Day together). Let's talk a little bit more about the Attitude Number. How to get it is to add the month and the day together and break that number down to one digit. For instance, for someone born on September 17th: 9 + 1 + 7 = 17 = 1 + 7 = 8 8 is the Attitude Number of a person born 9-17.
Brenda, your Attitude Number is 7
Attitude #7: It is hard to know what the 7 Attitude is thinking. They are very
selective with whom they confide in. However, they are very good at getting information out of other people.
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Meanings of Repeated Numbers in your Chart
When a number repeats itself in your chart, pay special attention to it because it plays an important part in your character. This is especially true if the repeating number is a Challenge number to your Lifepath.
Brenda, your repeat numbers are 5 & 7
The repeat number 5 Means you must find ways to celebrate your life, and never let someone else control you. Go out and explore the world. Experience all that is new and exciting. Establish balance to avoid falling into a depression. The repeat number 7 Means you must have your time alone with nature in order find your true spiritual self where there is no hypocrisy. You must overcome your constant need to escape and find healthier outlets such as keeping a journal, going on a cruise, or exploring the Seven Wonders Of The World. No pun intended...:)
EXPLANATION OF NUMBERS
Brenda's #'s
SOUL NUMBER - 9
What you feel inside. Not necessarily what people see.
PERSONALITY NUMBER - 5
A face you show the world.
POWER NAME NUMBER - 5
This number represents the strength of your name and tells a lot about who you are.
BIRTH-DAY - 6
The way you appear to people.
LIFEPATH - 7
The number that you need to fulfill in order to be happy. The most important number in your personal Numerology.
ATTITUDE NUMBER - 7
The first impression people have when talking to you.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL NOTES
Brenda, when I see 7/6 as the birth numbers that means the person often feels "confused and not sure." I suggest when you make a decision, go with your first thought, and do not second-guess yourself.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE LIFEPATH NUMBER
The Lifepath is the number that you need to fulfill in order to be happy. It is the most important number in your personal Numerology.
When you add together the month, the day and the year, you get your Lifepath Number, and that is the number that fulfills you. We call that number the Lifepath Number. That number is the most important number in Numerology. Always remember, what's going to make you truly happy is focusing on your Lifepath Number.
Brenda, Your Lifepath number is 7. Here is the description:
The "7" Lifepath:
The Faith Seeker
7s are here to learn to have faith. If they don't have faith they can't really be happy. If you have a 7 child, you'll notice when they sleep they really do look like angels, and this is because they have that energy. In fact when they grow up and become adults, you're going to continue to feel that beautiful spirit. If 7s have faith they tend to be very spiritual and you can learn from them. 7's are incredibly bright.
They have a powerful mind if they use it. If they don't believe in a higher power or they question the process of life, they are exhausting to be around. I honestly believe there are two kinds of people on our planet. We either thank God, or think we're God. Believe me, this is true for the 7. More than any other number, the 7 needs a strong spiritual base. 7's tend to escape, when they're off track, through drugs, alcohol, geography, or work.
It often seems that 7s are visiting from another planet in that they are the observer and commentator. This is a very direct number. 7s tend to tell the truth, and if they don't like someone, it is very obvious. 7s can have lethal tongues. They have a mental steel door. They can take you in, but if they decide they don't want you in their lives, they shut that door and that is the end of the relationship.
7s have a loner quality, and though they can be with people, they definitely like their time alone. Anything connected to the water: river, ocean, or lake, helps 7s to get out of themselves because they do tend to think too much. 7s are very intense, and just like the 4 vibration, over analyze every situation. They walk into a room and they see all of the details (as a result, 7s tend to be very good writers). They also become computer experts and scientists-anything involving technical work. 7s are good at discovering things. It would not be surprising, if the cure for AIDS is found by a 7 vibration. They come up with major solutions and don't necessarily know where the answer came from. It is because 7's are so linked to God when they are in the positive element of their number.
7s love natural beauty: the mountains, the snow, flowers, plants, green grass, and they definitely need to be surrounded by it. 7s have a wonderful love of simplicity, such as animals. They like the unconditional love that comes from pets, because they are not always good at understanding people's needs and wants.
7s like to have air of mystery and will do anything to keep the mystery. So the more you pry or ask questions, the more they shut down. It can be difficult for them but 7's like to have their own story and will not share it with everybody. They are exclusive. It's not uncommon for a 7, even in a marriage to sleep in a separate bed or even in a separate room, and this no offense to the spouse. 7s just need their own space. If you are in a relationship with a 7, don't take it personally when they do get so quiet. 7s are definitely assessing and dissecting al those thoughts and ideas.
7s might have trouble saying, "I love you," or praising their partner because they fear that if they do the person might feel too good for them and leave. The irony is that if the person leaves it's often because he feels undervalued and neglected.
This number is not known for cheating, and generally, the 7 is very loyal. 7s tend to work a lot too. That's their passion. 7s throw themselves into their work and that's because they think they have control there. 7s have the Peter Pan syndrome. They are children for life in many ways, and yet when they are children their parents often point out what old souls they are. 7's say things that are beyond their years. 7s have tremendous wisdom and insight, and when a 7 child tells you something, listen carefully. They tend to have intuition and know things without knowing why.
7's can be misunderstood because they have a quality about them that makes people feel judged in their presence. People may feel that they are cold or aloof, but I can tell you that they are truly just observing. Their silence can be powerful 7s are definitely opinionated and when they do speak they feel what they say matters.
Occupations for the 7: psychiatrist, psychologist, anything to do with the study of the mind. They have psychic ability, so they can excel at Numerology, Astrology, and Tarot card reading. A lot of 7s go into forms of radio or television broadcasting. This is interesting, because although they don't seek major attention, when they do speak, people want to listen to them. Other occupations would concern the mysteries of nature: oceanography, astronomy, geology, these are fields they excel in also.
How the Lifepath 7 gets along with each number:
Natural Matches: 1,5 and 7
Compatible Numbers: 4
Challenge Numbers: 2,3,8 and 9
LUCKY NUMBERS
Everybody wants to know which are the best numbers for winning. Your lucky numbers are based on your Lifepath.
I did some research in Las Vegas. Out of 100 people in a casino, 80 of those people had a 5 in their birth numbers. I also did a television segment called "Lucky Lotto Winners." I researched the birth numbers of the four million-dollar winners to search for a pattern, and all four were 5 Lifepaths.
I would caution a 5 not to play with "scared money," however, and that of course is money they need for rent or a car payment. Otherwise, I would say go for it because the odds seems to be in their favor.
If you're not a 5 Lifepath and you want to play, get a 5 Lifepath friend to bet for you.
Brenda, your Lucky Numbers are derived by the Lifepath #7.
Month: July.
Best days of the month the 16th and the 25th.
Days of the week: Saturday you do well with people. Sunday you should be alone or with a kindred spirit.
Lucky numbers for the 7: 7, 16, 25, 34, 52, 61, 70, 79, 88, 97, and 106.
THE SOUL NUMBER
What you feel inside. Not necessarily what people see.
Knowing your Soul Numbers is extremely important regarding you and your partner because it is what you feel inside. People may not see your Soul Number characteristics, but you will feel it on a deep level. Take a look at your Soul Numbers and know that this is the number that will lead you to inner peace.
Brenda, Your Soul Number is 9
My 9 soul is fulfilled when: I have resolved old family issues that have caused me pain. When I am living in the moment taking in everything that life has to offer me. When I am making a good living and it involves contributing to humanity.
THE PERSONALITY NUMBER
What is the Personality Number?
What is a Personality Number? When you add all the consonants of your name together you will get your Personality Number. This number tells you how you appear on the outside, that is to say, how the world sees you.
Brenda, your Personality Number is 5
You have an air of fun and energy that makes you a welcome addition to any party, and The 5 Personality is someone who wants to know where the party is! You are very clever and others enthuse to your ideas. 5s love excitement and you seek adventure, and failing that—a juicy secret, someone else’s adventure! Watch overindulgence, you can have an addictive streak. Unfortunately, you, yourself, can become easily bored. Try to find harmless things to refuel your interest—sports, movies, books are some suggestions.
THE POWER NAME NUMBER
What is the Power Name Number?
When you add the Soul Number and the Personality Number together and break it down to one digit you will get your Power Name Number. This number represents the strength of your name and lets us know who you are.
Brenda, your Power Name Number is 5.
The Power Name Number 5: This is a high-energy person. People can almost feel the electricity surrounding you. You can be an escape artist—it might be sex, drugs, alcohol, geography, or work. You are the celebrators of life; you want to travel, to see what’s out there. You love to make things beautiful. You are the master party decorator—and parties can bring gossip—another favorite of yours, as you love a mystery and dig for facts. Stay busy, and within reason keep those frequent flyer miles going.
THE BIRTH-DAY NUMBER
The Birth-Day Number is the day you were born. It is the way you look, and how people will perceive you at first glance. Since the Lifepath Number is who you really are, it is easiest when the Birth-Day Number is either a Natural Match or a Compatible vibration to your Lifepath.
However, if your Birth-Day Number is a Challenge number to your Lifepath, you will always baffle the people that are in your life. If this is the case in your own chart, just be sure to let people know who you really are (your Lifepath Number ). It will help you to avoid unnecessary heartaches/headaches throughout your lifetime.
Brenda, your Birth-Day number is 6.
The 6 Birth-day ( People born on the 6th, 15th, 24th)
People born on a # 6 Birth-day appear as a born nurturer, someone who craves love, friends, and companionship.When a 6 Birth-day walks in the room, people will feel your presence immediately.You have a dynamic energy. The world sees you as a solid personality, very responsible and capable of managing other people. A 6 birth-day will instinctively know how to deal with children.
THE ATTITUDE NUMBER
The first impression people have when talking to you.
If you look at the Lifepath Number of an individual that you want to understand better and it doesn't seem accurate, then study their Attitude Number (add month and Birth-Day together). Let's talk a little bit more about the Attitude Number. How to get it is to add the month and the day together and break that number down to one digit. For instance, for someone born on September 17th: 9 + 1 + 7 = 17 = 1 + 7 = 8 8 is the Attitude Number of a person born 9-17.
Brenda, your Attitude Number is 7
Attitude #7: It is hard to know what the 7 Attitude is thinking. They are very
selective with whom they confide in. However, they are very good at getting information out of other people.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanings of Repeated Numbers in your Chart
When a number repeats itself in your chart, pay special attention to it because it plays an important part in your character. This is especially true if the repeating number is a Challenge number to your Lifepath.
Brenda, your repeat numbers are 5 & 7
The repeat number 5 Means you must find ways to celebrate your life, and never let someone else control you. Go out and explore the world. Experience all that is new and exciting. Establish balance to avoid falling into a depression. The repeat number 7 Means you must have your time alone with nature in order find your true spiritual self where there is no hypocrisy. You must overcome your constant need to escape and find healthier outlets such as keeping a journal, going on a cruise, or exploring the Seven Wonders Of The World. No pun intended...:)
I received an email from my screenwriting seminar leader this morning saying it's going to be a small group. She said that each participatnt would have more time tomorrow so we could bring extra stuff for review.
I think I will bring the second screenplay I wrote, which I still want to rewrite. I'll bring ten pages of it just to see what the group has to say about it. I like how the people in the group review. They are very detailed and their feedback is very concrete and not personal.
One of the women in the group, whose screenplay is now being shopped around to all the studios, said she rewrote her screenplay 100 times. I don't know if this is an exagerration on her part, but I got the picture.
My new screeenplay is the first one I have started writing, where I haven't written 15 versions of the step outline before I started writing. I've written one four page story summary and one step outline, and it feels like I'm flyind blind in my writing process. YIKES!
I think I will bring the second screenplay I wrote, which I still want to rewrite. I'll bring ten pages of it just to see what the group has to say about it. I like how the people in the group review. They are very detailed and their feedback is very concrete and not personal.
One of the women in the group, whose screenplay is now being shopped around to all the studios, said she rewrote her screenplay 100 times. I don't know if this is an exagerration on her part, but I got the picture.
My new screeenplay is the first one I have started writing, where I haven't written 15 versions of the step outline before I started writing. I've written one four page story summary and one step outline, and it feels like I'm flyind blind in my writing process. YIKES!
I went to Starfbombs and spent 3.5 hours writing 7 pages of my screenplay. Wow! The time just flew by. By the time I looked up from my laptop, it was dark and when I looked at the time it was 6:45 pm. I got so lost in writing my screenplay. I kind of love when I get that way, where I get so consumed I'm not aware of time or of anyone else around in the cafe. Except I did notice that I heard the same song by Al Green twice. Somebody forgot to change the cd.
I think I figured out how to fix my screenplay. I have to write out a 60-beat step outline to know if I really did find a way to fix my structural problems, but I have a good feeling about it.
I like my seven pages. They're not bad. I tried to not let it get it too talking heads, and kept my one long talking scene down to three pages, and I worked on showing and not telling.
Still seven minutes of screen time in 3.5 hours is not good production for me. At that rate, it will take me about three weeks to finish my screenplay. I think it will take me at least one week to iron out my step outline, and after that I can start writing in earnest.
Check it out.
FADE IN:
INT. SILICON VALLEY - DAY
A montage of scenes from Silicon Valley in late 1990’s, its successful companies, the high prices on NASDAQ, the houses, etc.
INT. ATHERTON - LATE AFTERNOON
WENDY JOHNSTON, a pert blonde with wavy perfectly styled long hair, is driving to her house in a brand new sky-blue Mercedes convertible. A very large diamond platinum engagement ring can be seen on her hand. She pulls into a gated driveway of a large two story mansion with columns and parks her car.
Wendy, who looks like she just leaped out of a fashion magazine ad, steps out of the car. She pulls various shopping bags from the car each bearing the name of a high-end store.
Wendy walks to the door of the house, opens it and we glimpse an interior that looks like a spread out of Architectural Digest.
INT. THE DINING ROOM WENDY’S HOUSE - EARLY EVENING
Wendy, attired n a designer 50’s retro cocktail dress and matching stiletto heels, arranges white french tulips in a crystal vase on the dining table. A paper bag from a gourmet grocery store sits amidst two place settings of special occasion very formal china, crystal and sterling silver with several matching serving dishes.
Wendy opens the bag and takes out containers of gourmet food and empties them into the serving dishes.
She then picks up the telephone on the side table.
WENDY (INTO THE PHONE)
Hi honey. Just calling to say hello. I’m just about through making dinner. Can’t wait to see you. Dinner is at seven. Love you.
INT. THE LIVING ROOM - MID EVENING
Wendy is sitting on the sofa with television on mute talking with her friend JULIE ROTH (JULES for short). Jules, who looks like her red-headed twin sister, is dressed in figure hugging jeans and a glittery T-shirt and thigh-high black suede boots. Two half-filled wine glasses are on a table in front of the sofa.
WENDY
What do you mean give him an ultimatum? I can’t do that.
JULES
How many times has he done this? You can’t sit around here every night waiting for him to come home.
WENDY
But if I don’t have dinner waiting on the table when he gets home, he gets angry.
JULES
And how many times has that happened?
WENDY
Once, but once was enough.
JULES
If you don’t try to confront him now, he’ll never change. Is this how you want him to treat you?
WENDY
Of course not. But what if it doesn’t work? What if he gets mad and breaks up with me?
JULES
Trust me, he won’t. Most guys just need a little yelling at to keep them in place every now and then. And you’ve left it go far too long. You should have cracked the whip a long time ago.
WENDY
You don’t know Karl. He’s not like other guys.
JULES
Sure he is. Now promise me you’ll do it. Don’t look so worried. I’m telling you, I’ve done it and it works. Promise me?
WENDY
I promise.
INT. THE DINING ROOM - LATE EVENING
The dinner on the table has been untouched. An empty wine bottle is on the table. KARL WARNER, a thin tall mousey blonde of a man with glasses an overbite and pock-marked skin, enters the room and puts his beat-up canvas briefcase which has initials on the table.
INT. THE LIVING ROOM
Karl enters the room and sees Wendy asleep on the sofa with her heels on. He glances at the late night comedy show on the television and smiles as hears a funny line. Two empty wine glasses and a bowl with a few pieces of popcorn sits on the table besides two bowls stacked on top of each other filled with two spoons and an empty pint-sized ice cream container. Karl walks to the far end of the sofa and sits down and watches the end of the skit.
Afterwards he turns to the sleeping form on the sofa and tries to wake Wendy up. Wendy opens her eyes, sees KARL and sits up.
WENDY
What time is it?
KARL
After eleven. You missed a good skit.
WENDY
Why didn’t you call?
KARL
I was busy.
WENDY
Have you eaten?
KARL
We had pizza at the office. You had your usual dinner with Jules. Did you pick up my shirts today?
WENDY
What shirts?
KARL
The ones I told you this morning to pick up. I left reminder notes all over the house. (silence) I ask you to do one thing and you can’t even do it.
WENDY
This is the what? Let’s see. Three times a week every month for twenty-one months is roughly about 250 times that you forgot to call me and tell me you’d be late.
KARL
Don’t exaggerate. Besides it’s the not the same thing. I’ve got a job.
WENDY
Then why promise you’ll call if you don’t mean it?
KARL
Because you nag at me until I promise, that’s why.
WENDY
I’ve had it Karl. I’m tired of slaving hard at making a good dinner every night, setting the table, dressing up, and waiting for you to come home, only to have you walk in hours later without a call. It’s not fair to me and I won’t be treated this way.
KARL
So what do you want me to do?
WENDY
I want you to promise me you’ll call me if you’re going to be late, and don’t just say it if you don’t mean it.
KARL
And if can’t make that promise, then what?
WENDY
Then, I’ll leave, you know, move out.
Karl and Wendy sit in uncomfortable silence for a few minutes. Karl is watching the television, and Wendy looks down at the diamond engagement ring on her finger and turns it from side to side staring at the glittering lights winking back at her.
KARL
Is this an ultimatum?
WENDY
Yes.
KARL
You really want to do this?
WENDY
Of course.
KARL
If you’re than unhappy with me, then I think you need to leave. I really like you, but this is my life. I’m running a start-up company and it’s going to be like this at least for another couple of years. I’m sorry.
Wendy sits there with her mouth half open. She slowly stands up and leaves the room.
EXT. SUNNYVALE - DAY
We see a modest run-down 70’s style apartment complex somewhere in Sunnyvale. The freeway can be seen and heard behind the complex. Wendy’s Mercedes convertible looks out of place parked between the motorcycles, trucks and older model cars. Large hedges and trees in need of some serious pruning are scattered around the complex. We hear in the background a couple fighting, televisions blaring, Latino folk music playing and children screaming. A door to an apartment in open and we see a man sitting in an apartment watching television. A laundry line full of very colorful shirts is strung across the living room.
INT. WENDY’S APARTMENT
Wendy, dressed in gray oversized sweats with dark brown streaks in her blonde hair which is an early dreadlocked state, sits on a dime store sofa crying holding a picture of Karl. Used tissues form a cloud around her that spill on to the floor. Jules, dressed in an expensive skirt and top and red boots, sits beside holding a box of tissues.
JULES
How long are you going to keep this up? It’s been six months.
WENDY
Forever. I told he was different.
JULES
So why do you want to be with somebody who is that weird anyway? You have to get over with him. Come to a party with me on Tuesday. Lots of single guys will be there.
WENDY
I don’t want anyone else. I want Karl.
JULES
You’re never going to get him back with your hair like that. You look like you have birds’ nests on your head.
WENDY
It doesn’t look that bad. I just haven’t brushed it in awhile.
JULES
You didn’t make out too badly did you? He let you keep the car, the clothes and the jewelry, and he gave you a job at his company. You’re coming to the meeting tomorrow night aren’t you?
WENDY
I don’t know. I don’t think it’s helping me.
JULES
Of course it is. You just haven’t given it enough time. And try not to be late again.
INT. WENDY’S PLACE OF WORK - NEXT DAY
Wendy, dressed in modest blue skirt, blue skirt and white blouse with her hair in a bun, sits at desk outside of an office typing a memo. Her desk is a jumble of papers and files. There is an empty coffee cup on one side of her computer, and a half empty water bottle on the other side. A postcard of woman with frazzled hair with the caption “Bad Hair Daze” is tacked to back wall.
On the other side of Wendy is another desk where GLORIA, an older woman with teased-out bleached blonde hair wearing a too-tight cheap purple suit sits filing her nails and talking on the phone.
JOHN, a young file clerk, stops at her desk and puts a stack of files on an empty space.
JOHN
These need filing today.
Wendy glances over at Gloria.
WENDY
I’ve got a stack of letters that need to go out by 4 p.m. (Wendy glances at the clock) Can’t someone else do this?
JOHN
Jay says he want you do it before you leave. He says you know where they go, and he wants to be able to find them again someday. He’s your boss not mine. See you later.
John looks at Gloria, then back at her, smiles and walks away. Wendy looks at the clock, the stack of files, the stack of letters and keeps typing.
I think I figured out how to fix my screenplay. I have to write out a 60-beat step outline to know if I really did find a way to fix my structural problems, but I have a good feeling about it.
I like my seven pages. They're not bad. I tried to not let it get it too talking heads, and kept my one long talking scene down to three pages, and I worked on showing and not telling.
Still seven minutes of screen time in 3.5 hours is not good production for me. At that rate, it will take me about three weeks to finish my screenplay. I think it will take me at least one week to iron out my step outline, and after that I can start writing in earnest.
Check it out.
FADE IN:
INT. SILICON VALLEY - DAY
A montage of scenes from Silicon Valley in late 1990’s, its successful companies, the high prices on NASDAQ, the houses, etc.
INT. ATHERTON - LATE AFTERNOON
WENDY JOHNSTON, a pert blonde with wavy perfectly styled long hair, is driving to her house in a brand new sky-blue Mercedes convertible. A very large diamond platinum engagement ring can be seen on her hand. She pulls into a gated driveway of a large two story mansion with columns and parks her car.
Wendy, who looks like she just leaped out of a fashion magazine ad, steps out of the car. She pulls various shopping bags from the car each bearing the name of a high-end store.
Wendy walks to the door of the house, opens it and we glimpse an interior that looks like a spread out of Architectural Digest.
INT. THE DINING ROOM WENDY’S HOUSE - EARLY EVENING
Wendy, attired n a designer 50’s retro cocktail dress and matching stiletto heels, arranges white french tulips in a crystal vase on the dining table. A paper bag from a gourmet grocery store sits amidst two place settings of special occasion very formal china, crystal and sterling silver with several matching serving dishes.
Wendy opens the bag and takes out containers of gourmet food and empties them into the serving dishes.
She then picks up the telephone on the side table.
WENDY (INTO THE PHONE)
Hi honey. Just calling to say hello. I’m just about through making dinner. Can’t wait to see you. Dinner is at seven. Love you.
INT. THE LIVING ROOM - MID EVENING
Wendy is sitting on the sofa with television on mute talking with her friend JULIE ROTH (JULES for short). Jules, who looks like her red-headed twin sister, is dressed in figure hugging jeans and a glittery T-shirt and thigh-high black suede boots. Two half-filled wine glasses are on a table in front of the sofa.
WENDY
What do you mean give him an ultimatum? I can’t do that.
JULES
How many times has he done this? You can’t sit around here every night waiting for him to come home.
WENDY
But if I don’t have dinner waiting on the table when he gets home, he gets angry.
JULES
And how many times has that happened?
WENDY
Once, but once was enough.
JULES
If you don’t try to confront him now, he’ll never change. Is this how you want him to treat you?
WENDY
Of course not. But what if it doesn’t work? What if he gets mad and breaks up with me?
JULES
Trust me, he won’t. Most guys just need a little yelling at to keep them in place every now and then. And you’ve left it go far too long. You should have cracked the whip a long time ago.
WENDY
You don’t know Karl. He’s not like other guys.
JULES
Sure he is. Now promise me you’ll do it. Don’t look so worried. I’m telling you, I’ve done it and it works. Promise me?
WENDY
I promise.
INT. THE DINING ROOM - LATE EVENING
The dinner on the table has been untouched. An empty wine bottle is on the table. KARL WARNER, a thin tall mousey blonde of a man with glasses an overbite and pock-marked skin, enters the room and puts his beat-up canvas briefcase which has initials on the table.
INT. THE LIVING ROOM
Karl enters the room and sees Wendy asleep on the sofa with her heels on. He glances at the late night comedy show on the television and smiles as hears a funny line. Two empty wine glasses and a bowl with a few pieces of popcorn sits on the table besides two bowls stacked on top of each other filled with two spoons and an empty pint-sized ice cream container. Karl walks to the far end of the sofa and sits down and watches the end of the skit.
Afterwards he turns to the sleeping form on the sofa and tries to wake Wendy up. Wendy opens her eyes, sees KARL and sits up.
WENDY
What time is it?
KARL
After eleven. You missed a good skit.
WENDY
Why didn’t you call?
KARL
I was busy.
WENDY
Have you eaten?
KARL
We had pizza at the office. You had your usual dinner with Jules. Did you pick up my shirts today?
WENDY
What shirts?
KARL
The ones I told you this morning to pick up. I left reminder notes all over the house. (silence) I ask you to do one thing and you can’t even do it.
WENDY
This is the what? Let’s see. Three times a week every month for twenty-one months is roughly about 250 times that you forgot to call me and tell me you’d be late.
KARL
Don’t exaggerate. Besides it’s the not the same thing. I’ve got a job.
WENDY
Then why promise you’ll call if you don’t mean it?
KARL
Because you nag at me until I promise, that’s why.
WENDY
I’ve had it Karl. I’m tired of slaving hard at making a good dinner every night, setting the table, dressing up, and waiting for you to come home, only to have you walk in hours later without a call. It’s not fair to me and I won’t be treated this way.
KARL
So what do you want me to do?
WENDY
I want you to promise me you’ll call me if you’re going to be late, and don’t just say it if you don’t mean it.
KARL
And if can’t make that promise, then what?
WENDY
Then, I’ll leave, you know, move out.
Karl and Wendy sit in uncomfortable silence for a few minutes. Karl is watching the television, and Wendy looks down at the diamond engagement ring on her finger and turns it from side to side staring at the glittering lights winking back at her.
KARL
Is this an ultimatum?
WENDY
Yes.
KARL
You really want to do this?
WENDY
Of course.
KARL
If you’re than unhappy with me, then I think you need to leave. I really like you, but this is my life. I’m running a start-up company and it’s going to be like this at least for another couple of years. I’m sorry.
Wendy sits there with her mouth half open. She slowly stands up and leaves the room.
EXT. SUNNYVALE - DAY
We see a modest run-down 70’s style apartment complex somewhere in Sunnyvale. The freeway can be seen and heard behind the complex. Wendy’s Mercedes convertible looks out of place parked between the motorcycles, trucks and older model cars. Large hedges and trees in need of some serious pruning are scattered around the complex. We hear in the background a couple fighting, televisions blaring, Latino folk music playing and children screaming. A door to an apartment in open and we see a man sitting in an apartment watching television. A laundry line full of very colorful shirts is strung across the living room.
INT. WENDY’S APARTMENT
Wendy, dressed in gray oversized sweats with dark brown streaks in her blonde hair which is an early dreadlocked state, sits on a dime store sofa crying holding a picture of Karl. Used tissues form a cloud around her that spill on to the floor. Jules, dressed in an expensive skirt and top and red boots, sits beside holding a box of tissues.
JULES
How long are you going to keep this up? It’s been six months.
WENDY
Forever. I told he was different.
JULES
So why do you want to be with somebody who is that weird anyway? You have to get over with him. Come to a party with me on Tuesday. Lots of single guys will be there.
WENDY
I don’t want anyone else. I want Karl.
JULES
You’re never going to get him back with your hair like that. You look like you have birds’ nests on your head.
WENDY
It doesn’t look that bad. I just haven’t brushed it in awhile.
JULES
You didn’t make out too badly did you? He let you keep the car, the clothes and the jewelry, and he gave you a job at his company. You’re coming to the meeting tomorrow night aren’t you?
WENDY
I don’t know. I don’t think it’s helping me.
JULES
Of course it is. You just haven’t given it enough time. And try not to be late again.
INT. WENDY’S PLACE OF WORK - NEXT DAY
Wendy, dressed in modest blue skirt, blue skirt and white blouse with her hair in a bun, sits at desk outside of an office typing a memo. Her desk is a jumble of papers and files. There is an empty coffee cup on one side of her computer, and a half empty water bottle on the other side. A postcard of woman with frazzled hair with the caption “Bad Hair Daze” is tacked to back wall.
On the other side of Wendy is another desk where GLORIA, an older woman with teased-out bleached blonde hair wearing a too-tight cheap purple suit sits filing her nails and talking on the phone.
JOHN, a young file clerk, stops at her desk and puts a stack of files on an empty space.
JOHN
These need filing today.
Wendy glances over at Gloria.
WENDY
I’ve got a stack of letters that need to go out by 4 p.m. (Wendy glances at the clock) Can’t someone else do this?
JOHN
Jay says he want you do it before you leave. He says you know where they go, and he wants to be able to find them again someday. He’s your boss not mine. See you later.
John looks at Gloria, then back at her, smiles and walks away. Wendy looks at the clock, the stack of files, the stack of letters and keeps typing.
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