'The Wizard of Oz'

I'm happy to announce that I will be playing the Wicked Witch of the West in Wizard of Oz.  Once again I will be working with the wonderful and talented Creating Arts Company!  It opens on April 12th at the Promenade Playhouse in Santa Monica and I will be performing on Saturday's at 2 pm as well as one Sunday in April at 3 pm.  It's running for six weeks and I can't wait for this exciting challenge :)

Playing the Wicked Witch will definitely be a fun experience for me since I'm used to playing the good girl but as I've been doing some research on witches, I've found some really awesome traits to use for this role.  Hansel & Gretel with Gemma Arterton and Jeremy Renner was really beneficial for me to watch as they're witch hunters and Famke Janssen plays the main evil witch.  She was a great strong character and her demeanor was interesting.

I've also been trying to find the perfect make-up for the role.  In typical Wizard of Oz fashion the Wicked Witch was an ugly evil witch but Mystic (we're sharing the role, she's incredible and performing on most of the Sunday's) said she brings out the fun and sexy side of her.  Since Wicked has come out there's been a whole new idea that the Wicked Witch is just misunderstood and really not some horrible person.  So I plan on using qualities from that musical and the movies I've seen to create an intriguing but really sassy and wicked character with stylish make-up more like the movie Oz: The Great and Powerful.

Rehearsals are under-way, I'm almost completely memorized and we open in two weeks.  We've got an amazing cast and crew and I can't wait for this acting adventure!

'Plaid Flannel' Music Video

Neil's Dad turned 60 this past week and in honor of this very special Birthday he put together a music video that was dedicated to his Dad's love for plaid flannel.  He got friends and family of his Dad to send in 'video selfies' of themselves dancing and singing to add to the personalization of the video and this is the final product!

Not only did Neil rap and sing in this video but he was the creative mind behind the lyrics, scenes, and editing!  I had a fun little cameo as well, so if you want to see my old-school dance moves make sure you check it out :)

St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day marked my two year anniversary of working at Irish Times!  I had actually worked one or two shifts after I got hired in March but my first real shift was our favorite Irish holiday and now it's a yearly thing to have our entire staff working throughout the day and it was my third St. Patty's Day with everyone!

Kiss me...I'm Irish!

I actually prefer to work the early morning shift so that I can be done before all the rif raf comes in and the crazies aka drunks come out.  Los Angeles had a pretty big earthquake that morning around 6:30 am that shook my apartment and had me jump to the middle of my bed just in case the picture above my bed fell down.  Of course, it's always interesting to check out Facebook right after an earthquake with all the status updates and this one didn't disappoint, with people commenting that it was the Guinness kegs rolling off the truck, or that 'We Will Rebuild' with a photo of a plant that fell off a desk and 'Los Angeles Strong' just below that.  The earthquake was centered in Westwood and was a 4.7 and probably the biggest one I felt since moving to LA.

Needless to say, I couldn't get back to bed so I just got up and got ready for the day at Irish Times and started the shift at 9 am!  It was actually a little more quiet than normal, most likely because it was a Monday versus a weekend Holiday.  The kitchen always starts the day off with a traditional Irish breakfast of eggs, toast, ham, three different kinds of sausage including black pudding and tomatoes and then there's a choice of Fish & Chips, Beef Stew, and Corned Beef & Cabbage after breakfast is served.  It did get busy later in the afternoon and I had some friends filtering in and out throughout the day.  In fact, Marty who was only going to have one stayed for my shift and there were many Hell Fires to be had!  I believe that was the first and last time Aimee will ever take Hell Fires ;)  And St. Patrick's Day at Irish Times wouldn't be complete without live Irish music, shots of Jameson and a Bagpiper.  

Starting the day at Irish Times before the Hell Fires were served ;)

By the time I left at 5:30 pm the bar was packed and I was happy to be done with the shift and getting to relax and enjoy some basketball, good food, and a jalepeno cocktail at Freddy Smalls!  Another successful St. Patty's Day in the books...Diddly Doo!

Karaoke with Friends!

Karaoke the past couple weeks has been pretty fun and we've been getting a really good crowd of singers.  We took a couple weeks off from the theme night but there's always a round of songs from musicals or a super-set of artists to get people excited.  And although this past week's Karaoke, just a couple days after St. Patrick's Day, could have been slow, we had a big group and lots of fun!

I'll start with two weeks ago and a slow start to the night brought out my Amy Winehouse, 'Back to Black.'  It's been a long time since I sang 'The Sign' by Ace Of Base to which I performed in a middle school talent contest with a girlfriend almost 20 years ago.  I still remember part of the routine and the swimsuits/leotards we wore for our performance.  LOL!  My new song was 'Almost Paradise' by Mike Reno & Ann Wilson.  It was new for both Marcus and I, and a fun little challenge.  I can't remember the last time I heard it so that made it exciting to try.  Since Carolyn had come in to sing we did an R&B round so I did Destiny's Child, 'Say My Name,' and next up for me was Roxette's 'Listen To Your Heart.'  I decided to close out the night with 'Again' by Janet Jackson.  Carolyn and I had both auditioned for "American Idol" years ago so we sang our audition songs, and that was another song I hadn't sang in years.  I do love that song :)

This past week it was empty when I walked into Gabe's and Aimee had considered calling Karaoke off.  Luckily, a couple people started off the night and then a big crew of people came in and were ready to sing.  We had a long rotation of singers but everyone was really good.  I had started with 'Dreams' by Fleetwood Mac since I was just getting over a cold and was trying to find some songs that were in a lower range.  It was jazz next with Tracy Chapman's 'Give Me One Reason' which I love to sing.  It was musicals and duets after that so 'Light My Candle' was my next song as we did some good songs from Rent.  Then it was my new song of the night and Neil was filming his final scenes for his 'Plaid Flannel' music video.  Everyone had on flannel shirts and danced around while I rapped with the help of McCracken and Spark (surprising that I knew most of the rap) and sang that catchy female part.  We all slowed it down for our next round so I did 'Here Without You' by 3 Doors Down and my final song of the night was 'Hold On' by Wilson Phillips with Jamie singing along with me!

I love when friends come in to sing and it had been so long since the normal crew was singing at Gabe's.  I definitely think the next theme night needs costumes since it's almost half-way to Halloween!  Preparations and ideas are welcome!

Apartment Hunting in LA

I've been living in LA for over eight years and have only lived in two apartments which is pretty rare for the length of time I've been out here.  I don't really dislike moving but maybe that's because I haven't had to do it much and it's been fairly easy when I have.  I've found two of my roommates on roommates.com and lived with each of them for over three years so I'd say I've been pretty lucky in the roommate department.  

My current roommate, just moved out to be closer to her job so I joined roommates.com once again in hopes of an easy breezy move-in with someone new.  My last roommate and I had met at work and because of all the luck I'd had on the website in the past, I figured I wouldn't have any trouble finding someone new.  Unfortunately, this is LA, and people are flaky, disorganized, or just plain unreliable.  I'm not going to get into details but this time around has been such a frustrating process.

I looked at one bedroom apartments on-line about a month ago and actually went and saw over 20 apartments in two days last week.  I found one I really liked but that was about it.  There were a few that I could make work but when a decent one bedroom starts at $1400 and that's getting a bare minimum apartment with no amenities in the building, you feel like you're getting taken advantage of.  Especially knowing you've got about another $200 in bills for Internet/Cable, Gas or Electric, and Water.

The current apartment I'm in, which is a two bedroom, two bathroom, that are Master Suites, with all the amenities you could ask for (gated parking and entry, pool, hot tub, sauna, fitness center, laundry on every floor) is just a few hundred dollars more than a one bedroom.  If I move out, the rent for my apartment goes up $500!  So we were getting a steal because my second roommate and I had moved in when the economy was horrible and rent can only go up a certain percentage.

So after all of this, it's really a tough decision.  Do I stay in a place that I love and feel safe in?  It has everything I want and is close to my job, grocery stores, parks and my perfect running route.  Or do I take the plunge and move into an apartment on my own?  It's a big step and it is really exciting to think I'd have something that was all mine.  But I'd be saving a lot of money by continuing to share this two bedroom if even for a few months...  

There's no right or wrong answer and with as difficult as it's been, I wish someone could make the decision for me.  I've been looking for signs hoping God can help me decide but time is running out and I'm still stuck.  I know something will happen to make it all work out and I need to forget the stress and focus on the positive...so I'm starting now :)

Fingers crossed!

*I apologize for a more real/bummer type blog.  It's not like me, but I figured it would be good to share how I'm feeling and hopefully it can bring a new perspective to this situation now that I've gotten my feelings out!*

An Arizona Wedding :)

Over Valentine's Day weekend I headed to Phoenix, Arizona, for my friend, Brad's brother's Wedding.  Todd and Carley were getting married on February 15th, and while it was my first time meeting Carley, I've known Todd for a few years from him visiting Los Angeles.  Plus, Carley's family is from Wisconsin and had a bunch of Wisconsinite's coming to Phoenix for the Wedding so I was looking forward to a fun-filled weekend!

Pizookie!!

I got in on Thursday and that was the night of the Wedding Rehearsal and Dinner.  Brad's parents were having it at this beautiful resort and the meal was just incredible.  Thankfully Brad's Dad, gave me the head's up on the giant cookie that was made to order and arrived in a deep dish pan with ice cream melting on top.  Absolutely amazing!!  

On Friday morning we went hiking in the mountains and got in a good work-out while enjoying the beautiful 80 degree day!  Brad was searching for rattlesnakes and we Go-Pro'd most of the hike but the only wild life we saw was a Jack Rabbit running along one of the mountains.  That night we went over to Carley's family's house where they were having a get-together so everyone had a chance to get to know one another.  A friend of mine, Ned, from college at Winona State University was actually there because he's been friends with her family for years!  I was just happy to get to hold some babies and chat with people from Wisconsin on top of eating more great food :)

Hiking in Phoenix!

Saturday was the Wedding and it was the perfect day for an outdoor Wedding at the Secret Garden Event Center.  The ceremony was beautiful and it wouldn't have been complete without some antics from Brad, offering a shot of Jameson from his flask to the Bride and Groom before handing over the rings.  Everyone loved it!  After that it was cocktail hour and we all made our way into the reception for Dinner and dancing.  They did a scavenger hunt before Dinner got started to see who would get to hit the buffet line first and I ended up being the one chosen to win it for our table.  Unfortunately, it was me against a woman from Wisconsin and I had my hands on that salt shaker but she wasn't going down without a fight and literally threw me around and I was far too worried about falling out of my dress to fight back.  It was all in good fun.  Dinner was yummy and then it was time for dancing and the usual Wedding songs that get every one up and moving.  I was sitting with a few of Todd, Brad, and Carley's friends, so it was nice to catch up with all of them!  After the Sparkler exit for the Newlyweds, Joyce, Mike, Brad and I went out in downtown Phoenix for a few drinks and I think we were all so exhausted it was nice to call it an early night before bar close.

Brad, me, Carley & Todd at their Wedding...Congratulations!!

On Sunday morning, we met up with some of the Wedding Party & Newlyweds as Brad's parent's took us out for our favorite breakfast at Waffle House!  Thanks to Harry & Nancy for letting me stay with them that weekend and taking such great care of me :)  I flew back to LA that afternoon and it was a really nice break from the hustle and bustle here at home.  Plus, the weather was so gorgeous and it was nice to see some friends and spend time with people who remind me of home in Wisconsin. 

Carley & Todd's Wedding brought a WSU Reunion for Ned and I!  Just a little bit of home makes me happy :)

This Week's Auditions!

I've been battling that sore throat that was making it's way around LA and a week later, avoiding alcohol (ok, I had 2 glasses of wine), and eating healthy, I feel like I'm almost back to normal!  Luckily, I had Monday off to take a little break and rest up before a busy week with two auditions in addition to my normal work schedule.

On Wednesday I had a Hair Audition in Woodland Hills for a Webcast.  I got there early and was told it was actually starting 15 minutes later than planned and when I got to the holding area there were about 50 people already waiting so I was glad I got there when I did.  By the time they started the casting about 20 more ladies had arrived.  They announced that for this Webcast they were looking for girls with thinner hair.  They needed a short-haired and long-haired model.  Thankfully, some of the girls knew they weren't right for the casting with their full thick curls or extra long hair and thanked the stylist and left.  They do give some instructions and this one included no processed hair so as the stylist dismissed the bleached blondes I wondered why they would want to waste their time knowing they couldn't be cast in this project.  We are all so busy in our lives, so driving out to Woodland Hills isn't a five minute trip, it took me an hour round-trip, I'd want to make sure I fit the exact description of the casting.  As the stylist walked through the mass of girls and came to me she approved me for the next round.  We got cut down to about 25 and after they went through the short-haired models they got to us.  Now we had the stylist and director checking out our hair and the director loved mine, saying it was so full and pretty, and then pulled it back.  The stylist asked if it would be too much, and he said it just might be, but thanked me for coming and said I had a great head of hair.  From other conversations I heard it sounded like they were doing updo's and adding in extensions and with a full head of hair, mine would be too thick for the look they were going for.  Now, I can't really be mad about this, not even disappointed.  I got a great compliment and made it to the second round.  Let's just hope the next Hair Casting I go to, that they're looking for full bouncy hair and maybe I'll get that one ;)

Yesterday, I filmed a video submission for a Smile Design Center.  It was a wordy script and since I also had to read in Church, I had lots of memorizing to do.  It needed to be taped on a phone for quality purposes (over a webcam) and Neil helped me out by shooting it for me (thank you for not wanting to kill me after all those takes).  I think I did about 50 takes and just couldn't get it perfect.  I am a perfectionist and for me, it either got too saleswoman with a sales pitch, or too best friend and lost that excitement and energy.  I hate to give up on something but knew I had to walk away because the longer I was working on it, the more frustrated I got.  I tried it sitting, standing, in my heels, without them, and everything in between.  Maybe I was being too hard on myself because as I watched all the takes today to decide which one I was sending my Agent, I picked out two that I was happy with, though not perfect.  My Agent got back to me this morning after I had texted him last night saying I didn't love any of them and he said, a good painter must know when to stop; Casting was looking for personality and delivery.  When he saw both I sent, he agreed that his favorite was also mine, and it was natural and personable, plus my gestures sold it.  So...fingers crossed on this one...

It was great to get back into the Audition game and will be happy for more to come!

Karaoke Nights!

Sunday's are my catch up day from a busy week of work and prepping for the following week.  I start it off with a great work-out or nice long walk through the neighborhood and today it was 80 degrees outside during my walk.  I had a work meeting this morning and when I got into my car I saw it was 90 degress...in March!  So it was the perfect walking weather :)

My friend Khad and his fiancee, Heike, have been in town for a couple weeks and were staying with me for a few days and we got everyone together for Karaoke two weeks ago.  I opened the night with 'Summer of 69' by Bryan Adams and switched it up to some Michael Jackson, 'The Way You Make Me Feel' for Art (our chef who loves when I sing that song).  My new song of the night was 'Paint It Black' by The Rolling Stones and was a really fun song to sing.  Since Carolyn was singing some R&B I decided to go with 'Don't Let Go' by En Vogue.  Khad had gone from Jim Croce to Meatloaf to Pearl Jam while Heiki sang Garth Brooks, Britney Spears, and Disney since she was a Disney Princess!  It became a Rent kind of night as I did 'Take Me Or Leave Me' with McCracken's friend, and then 'Light My Candle' with Neil.  The night wouldn't have been complete with a performance by Double Entendre as all the guys got together and sang 'I Want It That Way' made famous by the Backstreet Boys but only really rocks when these guys sing it!  We all closed out the night with 'Baby One More Time' by Britney Spears.  It was a full night of Karaoke and lots of fun!

This past week's theme was 90's music so I started off with 'Head Over Feet' by Alanis Morissette.  Next up it was country so I did Shania Twain's, 'Any Man Of Mine,' while my new song was Nirvana's, 'Come As You Are.'  I've been feeling the guys vibe lately for new music and I do like singing Kurt Cobain because it's totally different than my voice but I like to make it my own and have fun with it.  Since I had sang Nirvana I figured Hole would be another good 90's choice so I did 'Celebrity Skin.'  Yet another favorite 90's song that I didn't discover until 15 years after it was released was 'Possum Kingdom' by The Toadies.  Then once again, we all closed out the night with another Britney Spears song, 'Crazy.'  Throughout the night we heard songs by No Doubt, Weezer, Pearl Jam, Gin Blossoms, Matchbox 20, Joan Osbourne, Green Day, and songs from Aladdin and Moulin Rouge.  It was another great Karaoke night!

The theme night did really well this past week and it will certainly be a monthly addition to Karaoke.  Next time I'll try to give people notice so they can dress up because we all know everyone loves Halloween for that reason!

Hosting at NHRA's Winternationals 2014

Back in February after a fun meeting at the CarCast studios in Glendale I got asked by Alexis DeJoria's assistant if I'd like to attend the Drag Racing Competition in Pomona that weekend.  Since my Dad is an avid Drag Racer and fan of course I was interested in going to this huge opening event and checking out Alexis race and hopefully win.

Unfortunately, Alexis had a bad run on Sunday so she was knocked out in the first elimination round (although on Saturday she became the first woman in NHRA drag racing history to make a pass under 4 seconds).  Congrats to her for that but certainly a bummer to chat with her later in the hospitality tent and see her disappointment.  John Force whom I met at SEMA a couple years ago and my Dad's drag racing idol ended up winning the whole thing.\

I was able to get footage at the track as well as get some hosting shots to put together a short reel of the Drag Racing Winternationals in Pomona California.  I'm excited and happy to share it here :)

It was a fun day and I can't wait to hit up another race this 2014 season!

John Force and I at SEMA 2010 when I was Hosting for PowerTV