thank you, universe (and outgoing blue collar dude on 58th street)

"Gossip Girl" was filming in my work neighborhood this morning. i actually walked through the location set on my way to the office—there were lights, a ton of tech people, a limo with a pile of prop luggage on the sidewalk and a "handler" walking one of the stars to his mark.

but i never watch the show so it wasn't that thrilling. i made my way to 58th street, where all the trailers were set up, wishing that i could happen upon "Ugly Betty" filming instead (i'd surely make an ass out of myself if i did).  and as i was walking, a guy—who might have just been a loitering construction worker, or perhaps a grip or some other union guy with the show—waved me down. i pulled my earphones from my ears to hear what he had to say. it seemed important. 

"do you wanna be in the movies?" he asked me.

real original, pal. (though i admit for a split, split second i thought maybe he was someone with "Gossip Girl" and they were going to give me a walk-on part right then and there. such a loser.)

"no," i said, with a laugh.

"ohhh, you should be, you really should be," he told me as i walked by. then i heard him call after me, "you Irish?" 

i turned around and flashed a smile. "yeah," i told him.

"oh, god bless you," he said. 

and for the rest of the walk to my office, i had a huge grin on my face. regardless of who he was—casting director, boom mic operator or homeless bum—i appreciated the compliment, and the timing of it. it was a nice little lift on a Monday morning, especially after spending half of my Sunday night tossing and turning thanks to my hyperactive brain.  

that guy really made this Ugly Betty's day...

mb