The Reserves

That is the title of my documentary. I think it's brilliant and sublime in its simplicity! I spoke to the Chief yesterday on the phone and pitched him my idea. My knees almost buckled and I probably exhaled audibly when he said he thought it was a "kick-ass" idea and that he was excited to hear something so "out of the box." He really did sound excited about the project and promised to take my proposal and my treatment to the Sheriff!!! I sent it to him this morning and I just got an email back from him saying he will let me know after reviewing with the Sheriff. Oh please, oh please!

Meanwhile I am working on my script (it's practically writing itself--I am reminded of that scene in the movie The Paper where Randy Quaid is scribbling out the article in the car before deadline and he says, "This piece is writing itself. It's like butter! I mean, there is actual butter coming out of my pen!") every spare moment I have got. Even my reading is taking a backseat to this project! My dad has requested a meeting with me next week to discuss particulars and he and my brother are on board. They will help me with cameras, equipment, editing, all that technical shit of which I know nothing. I am busy with writing and being creative and even plunked out a few ideas for an original musical score on my keyboard the other night!

So the next steps are:

1. Receive final approval from the Sheriff.
2. Think of a name for my production company? Do I even need this? Why not, it'll be fun! So far I'm almost married to "2:10 Train Productions."
   
3. Finish my script before next Friday's meeting with pater familias.
   
4. Finalize budget, shooting schedule.
   
5. Contact the specific Reserves whom I want to feature in the film.
   
6. Research and apply for outside funding, sponsorship, etc.
7. Finalize script.
8. Get ready to rock and roll! Shooting to begin Summer 2009?
   

Of course, meeting with my father could reveal lots of other steps I don't even know about yet. He's sent me a few emails but I think these are the major things that need to happen FIRST. My brother warned me to be prepared to spend my entire life on this project so I guess that means all my nights and weekends. Should be fun! Am I crazy and naive? Maybe, but it should all be fun regardless! I can't wait to see my vision come to life onscreen. I just can't let my dad get to me and drive me batshit the way he tends to do with everyone around him.

In health news, I have cause to be concerned, at least financially. I had my sleep study follow-up yesterday and they recommended a mandibular realignment device that a dentist must make for me. This will help with my airway being so blocked and should lessen the snoring problem. The good news is that, unbelievably, my insurance will cover it! The bad news is, they will cover it after I've met my deductible for the year. The deductible is $750 and the device could cost $900-1000. SHIT! He also gave me a prescription for restless leg syndrome, even though I don't have RLS, but he gave it to me anyway so it'll help with my kicking, twitching, rolling and thrashing. S says he thinks there was less of that last night but the snoring remains, of course. S says I need to get the dental device. I am going to have to find a dentist that will put me on a payment plan. Again I say, SHIT!

This weekend will consist of me working like a madwoman on my script, reading when possible, and a patrol shift sometime tomorrow. I may actually go out with Mudflap on the 11p-7a shift tomorrow night since he's been requested to work in my district for once. I just may do that. That means I should stay up real late tonight and sleep extra late tomorrow morning so I am better prepared for that 11-7! But first, tonight a trip to the new House of Blues with G. so I can personally inspect it and check it out!