Family in LA for Monica & Tyler's Wedding!

My entire family came out to LA in July for my cousin, Tyler and his fiancée, Monica's, Wedding in Newport and a week of celebrations!  We all grew up in Wisconsin but family came from Texas, Connecticut, Japan, and all over.  It was a really wonderful week with family and I wish we could all see each other more often!

My Dad, brother, Bobby, and his girlfriend, Melissa, got in late Wednesday night, and were here until the following Wednesday.  On Thursday they came into Irish Times while I was Bartending and had Dinner and hung out.  On Friday I had to film an Audition for a Hosting job in Lake Tahoe the following weekend (unfortunately I didn't get it, but I made it to the Top 4.  Thanks to the Casting Director who kept me in the loop and let me know I beat out over 1200 submissions to get to that level, hopefully I can get the next one) and after that we were on our way to Newport for the Rehearsal at the Church and then the Dinner after.  I got to meet my Goddaughter, Alina, for the first time at the Wedding, along with the rest of the Wedding Party.  At the Rehearsal Dinner our family was able to catch up with everyone and they all got to meet Rutherford too!

Bridesmaids...dressed and ready to go!  On time too :)

The Wedding day was sort of a whirlwind; I had gotten ready at the Hotel before heading to Monica's house in Cypress for some Wedding Photos with the Bridesmaids.  Then we all went to the Pacific Club to do some more photos with the Wedding Party before heading to the Church and doing some finishing touches.  The Wedding was beautiful and I know Mom was shining down on all of us.  We had some more photos after the Wedding with the all the families and the Wedding Party got to have some cocktails and snacks in the limo between everything.  Tim and I had planned what we were doing for our entrance into the Dinner and I definitely think we won that with our 'Dirty Dancing' lift and dip!  By the time we got to Dinner I was famished, and the meal was so elegant!  They have a Live Band that sang popular songs and were seriously awesome.  We all danced the night away, took pictures, and had fun!  It was an incredible Wedding...congratulations Tyler & Monica!

My Goddaughter, Alina and I, at her Baptism here in LA <3

On Sunday I was up really early because I had to get ready and prep for Alina's Baptism at my Church here in LA.  I was Reading in Church and they were going to say a little something for my Aunt & Uncle's Wedding Anniversary.  Father Joseph set up a really wonderful Baptism and even did a Ceremony for my Aunt and Uncle that was so special!  It was such a wonderful day and I was so glad we were able to do all of this at my Church!  Dad, Bobby, Melissa and I all had Brunch at Cafe Laurent, one of my favorite places and then went back down to Anaheim to hang out by the pool with my family and just hang out.  We had a family get-together at Monica's parents house that night, with cocktails, a Mariachi Band, and an incredible Mexican feast!  It was also a send-off party for Monica & Tyler who were heading to Mexico for their Honeymoon the following day!

Read more about the wild week in Part 2 below!

Bestie's Birthday & Lector Training

The sun was out all weekend and it was a perfect 90 degree day in Porter Ranch on Saturday for Mike's Birthday!  I drove up that afternoon after picking up some goodies from Trader Joe's for the Party and was so happy that it was 15 degrees warmer in Porter Ranch than it was in Palms!

Mike's been doing a Birthday Pool Party for the last 3 years and I love being able to catch up and celebrate with him.  Plus, it's time spent with all the animals, and it only makes me want to get a dog because everyone brought their little ones with them.  Amy introduced me to her newest additions, Violet and Zooey, and I love seeing my favorite, Riley Boy Weiss!  It was also my first time meeting Scarlett, Nic's Cavalier King Charles, who is by far the prettiest King Charles I have ever seen; she's literally perfect.  We got to enjoy the day by the pool, sipping on some yummy cocktails, snacking, and catching up while enjoying the sunshine.  Awesome day!

Happy Birthday Bestie :)

On Sunday, I had Lector Training for Church.  A couple months ago when my parents were visiting and we were at Church they asked if anyone would be interested in doing the Readings.  I used to do them when I was younger and since I've finally found a Church I like, I figured it would be something fun to do, not to mention, keep me focused in Church ;)  It was a LONG Training session, between another girl and myself, and I'm lucky because my Acting experiences really helped me out.  We had to practice in the Church and as I was reading, I did what I do when I'm at an Audition, (if I'm not already memorized) let the words float off the page and just take my time and enjoy.  Except in Church, you get to look around and make eye contact with everyone, but I think it'll be fun too because I'll try to make the readings exciting and interesting, because I know how boring it is to sit and listen to someone who's monotone while they read.  I won't get to do the Readings for a few more weeks, but then I'll be put on the schedule regularly, and more involved in Church.  YAY!

It was a busy weekend but I'm so lucky to have great jobs that I love, awesome friends, and activities that challenge myself and keep me motivated :)

47 Days

Today I had one of those awesome work-outs where you really feel like you worked hard, and know the hard work is paying off.  I suppose it didn't hurt that a couple who was working out at the stairs when I was, asked if I was training for something.  Nope just working hard to look and feel my best :)  Yesterday is my usual Yoga day at Yogaglo, and unfortunately, my class got cancelled, so I did Yoga at home for almost an hour, semi-following a practice that was on On Demand, but also incorporating the poses and techniques I've been doing weekly at Yogaglo.  So this week has started off incredible!

Today is Fat Tuesday aka Mardi Gras aka the day before Ash Wednesday, for us Catholics.  I like to give up something for Lent, and usually I give up Soda, Fast Food, Junk Food, and Candy.  I don't drink a whole lot of soda, or go out for Fast Food that often, or even eat candy that regularly, but when I add them all up, it becomes a challenge.  Subway does not count for junk food, and ordering a Grilled Chicken Salad at McDonald's is acceptable, in my book anyway.

Right now, I'm thinking of adding no hard alcohol, to what I'm giving up.  I'm not saying I'm going to buy a bottle of wine every night, because that's not helping me, but if I feel like a glass of wine or a beer if I'm out watching a sporting event, I'd like to partake in the festivities!  Most people during Lent have one cheat day a week, but since I'm not cutting everything cold turkey, there are no cheat days for me.  I will say this though, any candy I still have in the house is fair game, and I have a little bit of Passion Fruit Vodka left...besides it was Valentine's Day last week, and all that candy was on sale on February 15th.  Maybe I'll just have to eat or drink it all tonight!

So in 47 days I will be craving a Root Beer, having Taco Bell, getting a DiGorno Pizza, eating some Cadbury Cream Eggs, and enjoying a Vodka Tonic.  I'm predicting on April 9th I might be sick...