Once upon a time, I had the best job in the world. Minus the drama of the break room, the less than satisfactory pay, and the not enough hours, it was indeed, with no sarcasm intended...the best job ever. If I could go back to it, I would in a heart beat. Sadly it is on the other side of the country, one I left behind along with my TV, bed, kitchen table, and everything else that wouldn't fit into my rented SUV.
In short, I "lifted the veil of secrecy on some of Hollywood's hottest locations". No joke. I was...a tour guide. And I absolutely loved it. After three weeks of training, a bible of a script to memorize and or learn, as well as a tram test at the end, it may have been the most work I put into landing a job. I was a delicate balance of facts and cute. I don't play funny well, so my tour was never one of constant jokes. But with a few quirky quips here or there, and high energy, I'd like to think that my tour was unique to me and lovable for just that reason.
Working at Universal Studios Hollywood, I looked forward to going in every time I landed a shift. Just me, 174 strangers, leaving behind tram dispatch, as well as the part of myself that went home to that lonely Valley Village apartment, for what was likely to be an adventure on most days. Worming our way through the front and back lot of the tour, with attractions throughout...no script in front of me, just some video clips to rely on, it was my time. There was no time to dwell on the what ifs of my personal life, the cranky tour guide I left behind on the couches in the break room, or whether or not I could stand another moment of the LA nonsense.
It was the one job that I got to just be, doing what I loved. While it wasn't the "Josslyn DeCrosta Comedy Hour", as many of the other tour guides were good at, it was just me being me. I aimed to please, but I was also such a dork about it. I'm sure half of my jokes were only funny to me, filled with sarcasm as well as love for what I was talking about. Each tour became how many people could I make smile, or even chuckle, just a little.
The job was a special one. One that I felt not only that I was good at but also that I had this bit of time with these strangers on each tour to make their time in the park just a little bit brighter, even though I was having, on some days, such a tough time. It's something they did not need to know, and or I am sure they never once sensed as I put on my microphone and my smile, hands up in the air yelling a big "how's everybody doing today?" and looking for the type of response I wish I was feeling inside. Most days I went home, and felt just a little less lonely from my strangers on the tram.
Just a girl, longing for that job in the California sun, to make people smile once more by just being...well..herself, in one of the most fun jobs...ever.
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