Month 1 - Take stock

That was fast. I can't believe it is already the end of the first month of the new year. That was seriously a blink of an eye. When time moves that fast, it's usually because you're too busy to notice, so I should take some joy in knowing that I've been busy, and hopefully - Productive.

I could say that I have been on most fronts.

Work - Helped to bash out a monster-thick book with a great team of colleagues. That was painful, but fun.

New Year resolutions - I reckon I'm still on track (this blog entry is part of that) The other resolutions are still in motion, so that's good. Motion, that is critical Brian. Keep that in mind you lazy bugger. Keep the gears churning.

Filming - Me oh my, this is what I definitely want to note down. After 2 and a half months of high tempo filming, I am stretched and tired. It's been a great experience thus far, stretching in terms of juggling work, rest, activities in church and a social life, but it's been priceless. Really really glad to finally have a chance to chill some on location with some of the guys on the show. Guys are usually the competitive type, but I love how the fellas on this show really aren't catty and backstabbing just to nose ahead. It looks like everyone is pretty grounded and mature in that we're all just doing our best, for ourselves, just to see what we are capable of. It's gloriously colorful to see how we excel in our strengths and really hit our faces to the floor laughing when we hit our snags. As long as we keep the laughs going, it's going to be a good show. I am seriously dreading the impending elimination round. Not the thought of not making the cut, but of the reality that some of our journeys on the show are about to end.

Had a great conversation with one of the guys on the way home after the shoot. He shared how his previous relationship ended because his ex couldn't take him being involved in things like pageants, tv ads, programmes, etc. All this "glamour"and such caused a lot of friction between them to the point where it just wasn't working. Hearing that reminded me that I think a lot of people out there have a seriously exaggerated view of what the 'limelight' really entails. Not that I'm in it or experiencing it, but I've obviously been watching the lives of the A-list artists that are on the show. It's really tough work. Just because people get dolled up with the hair and wardrobe and look dang good on screen, doesn't mean it's glamourous or easy at all. A lot of work and sacrifice goes into looking good in the clothes you're dictated to wear. A lot of work goes into remembering lines and keeping your energy levels high enough for entertainment value. I'm more than convinced that the artists I've been exposed to really work for their keep, just like anyone else that is NOT in the limelight. If anything, the exposure puts greater pressure on those in the limelight than those that can wear slippers in the office, slogging over night, not worrying if their gut is bulging or their nose hairs are trimmed.

Juggling both, a day job in the office and an evening/weekend affair of intensive filming, I'd say that filming is a whole lot more strenuous. So my hats off to the amazing hosts, producers and crew of this show who really don't have it cushy at all. I'm amazed that you put in the hours and still have the energy to take time to laugh and take care of silly contestants like me and the guys. We're slogging it out with you, but we're also grateful. I know I definitely am. I'm glad I've had the opportunity to see the grunt and sweat behind the glitz and glam on the tv screens. Even more grateful to have the continual opportunity to be part of the process as well.

I have to go for my day job once again, so I better knock out. So at the end of Jan 2010, I take stock that my colleagues are still amazing. I'm still on track with my resolutions and I am stretched but grateful for the new bonds of friendship, experience and opportunity on the beloved set of "U're the Man".

Month 2 - I have arrived.