Elisa

Elisa, not to be confused with Lisa, has been my friend since I was about 6 or 7. We lived in San Francisco, went to the same schools, lived a block from each other, and our mothers were, and still are, dear friends.

Elisa and I couldn’t have been more different from one another when we were kids. I'd sleep at her house and she would play show tunes for me on her record player. It was something she loved and something I loathed, but eventually I knew all the words to "Cabaret" whether I liked it or not. Sitting in her room, I would ramble on about horses and the goings on at the stables in Golden Gate Park (Something she tolerated). We'd spend hours bickering over what to do on a Saturday afternoon; she wanted to go shopping or to Ghirardelli Square or to the beach; and all I wanted to do was ride. I don’t actually remember us ever making it out of the house.

Elisa thought my home life was interesting: my parents in the theatre, actors sleeping on our living room floor, but I preferred what she had: a quiet home with 2 cats, junk food in the cupboards and a mom who liked to cook. Funny, with all our differences, not only have we remained close, we ended up in the same profession.

Elisa has a huge laugh that's ready to be released at any given moment. She is spontaneous, joyful and curious, and is always in search of knowledge. She responds to nature more than anyone I've ever known, and her home is flooded with light and filled with flowers. Like she is. She teaches me how to enjoy life and appreciate moments and I am so thankful to have her in my corner.

Elisa lives in L.A. and is a television and film editor. She recently wrapped her second season on the show, "24," and is currently editing a feature-length documentary.