Before you freak out, let me clarify for you non nerdy theater kids and writers.

Chekov’s gun is the idea that every element introduced in a story must be necessary and serve a purpose.

For example, in a play if there is a gun sitting on the table then it must go off before the end of the performance or it shouldn’t be included. Nothing extraneous to the story.

It hit me the other day that this could be a good philosophy to apply to my life.

I have a habit of purchasing self-help programs, writing courses and so. many. books. I have the best of intentions – I’m going to improve my finances, my health, my skills, my life!

Sadly, just like New Year’s resolutions they fall to the wayside; neglected, orphaned and choking on dust while I binge watch Cougar Town…hey, it’s Bill Lawrence so technically, it could be considered writing research, right? Right?

Well maybe Chekov can help me out.

1. No extraneous additions! If the item or experience doesn’t improve some aspect of my life, then I don’t add it…even if it’s FREE! Because it’s really not; everything costs something be it money, effort or TIME.
2. Follow through on what I already have. They say procrastination is caused by fear. So, if I committed to, say a course on shifting realities then I need to face my fears and schedule time for study…which will be even easier once I learn how to manipulate time travel! Where’s my Delorian?
3. I don’t really have anything more than the two, but I like the number 3. Hey, if you think of something let me know!

Now, I know what you are thinking. “Karma, what about your crazy sche—um, creative opportunity plans?”

I haven’t given up on my dreams of working with Edgar Wright, Robert Rodriguez, Kevin Smith and Ben Affleck…to name the obvious characters that we’ve already discussed but we haven’t even begun to delve into my new-ish fascination with Jason Mantzoukas. (not new to me, just new that I’m telling you) He is one of 5 of my favorite Jasons…what? You don’t have a list of Jasons? You should, it’s fun.

In no particular order:

Jason Sudeikis, Jason Segel, Jason Bateman and my brother Jason.

Mantzoukas is my bittersweet crush, my doomed love affair – for as much as I adore his crazy sexy smart self, he is allergic to eggs and that’s 95% of my sustenance.

 I think that would be like a vampire dating a woman who exists on garlic and holy water. ☹

But a crazy girl can dream.

Speaking of dreams, I haven’t mastered the skill of lucid dreaming yet. You know where you are dreaming but totally aware you are dreaming so you can control what happens? So, I’m at the mercy of whatever my psyche throws at me, which is very hit or miss.

Hit – A man told me he won the lottery and I said, “That is awesome, you totally deserve it! I’m so happy for you!” and then he told me he wanted to give me $1 million. 😊

Miss – Any work related or I’m trying to accomplish any menial task. Like needing to get somewhere by a certain time but I can’t seem to move or it’s really slow motion.

Questionable – The other night, I left my office job to join a group of men on a heist. We jumped out of a plane, and we landed in a barren field next to a giant building. As I was collecting everyone’s parachutes to hide, because I was the newbie, I was freaking out about getting in trouble for leaving work without letting anyone know and it had already been four hours!

Yep, that’s what I was worried about.

I left the building because I also started to worry about legal trouble and next thing I know I’m in a restaurant, I believe it was in Beijing or maybe downtown San Francisco. While I’m there I notice Keanu Reeves sitting at a nearby table. He says hello and invites me to join him. Isn’t he nice?

We talked about life and my crazy ideas for a Matrix – Dracula cross over. He totally loved it! Then I realize I’m actually in another country and I’m freaking out about how I’m going to get home.

I say, “I don’t know where I’m going to get the money to get home.” And he looks at me and smiles and says, “Hand me your notebook.”

He then proceeds to sign his name and then three other names and I guess I’m supposed to sell these autographs to buy a plane ticket home? Then he leaves. WTF?

Wait, I forgot. He leaves AND then the manager comes up to me and says, “I want to close up, and your check is the last one that needs to pay.” So no help getting home AND he didn’t pay for my dinner?! Harsh brah!

Needless to say, our relationship hasn’t been the same since.

Also HIT – Ben Affleck placed my hand in his and professed that I was his best friend and it made me feel all warm and gooey inside and I said, ‘Suck it, Matt!’ under my breath. Afterwards we went to Claire’s and got matching bracelets. You know the kind that are two halves of one whole? Okay, maybe I added that part to seem cooler than I am.

Anyways, hope this chaotic catch up post didn’t make you too dizzy and nauseous…if it did just drink some Pepto, you know that pink stuff. Hey that reminds me of another dream.

Just kidding! Hope your 2026 is shaping up to be a time of JOY and BIG DREAMS! Go get em’ Tiger!

Love and Blessings!

Karma Marie