Summer in Wisconsin

I was actually back in Wisconsin twice in less than a month.  I went back in May for a week to spend some time with my family, see my cousin, Nicole, graduate from UW-Madison, celebrate my cousin, Tyler, and my Dad's Birthday, and also attend Tyler & Monica's Bridal Shower.  Unfortunately, my second trip back was specifically for my Grandpa's funeral.  You can read about my Grandpa, Edward, here: My Wonderful Grandpa but we were able to enjoy the few days I was home with some fun as well!

Dad walking the pups!

It was my Dad's first time meeting Rutherford B Hayes, and also Rutherford's first airplane ride.  He got his Wings (Thanks Southwest) since he was such a good traveler and the flight attendants fell in love with him!  Dad was very excited to have a new puppy in the house but I'm not sure our dog back home, Cheli, was very happy about it.  Rutherford figured it out pretty quickly that Cheli would let him kind of 'rough house' with her, meanwhile, she was just annoyed with it, and would try to get away from him, any chance she got.  She even let him play with her toys!  They did have some cute moments together, like when Dad would take both of them for a walk, but they were both pretty tired by the time the trip back to LA came around for Rutherford and I.  We lost Cheli just this month, so it's been a very difficult year of loss for my family and I hope that we can all stay positive and find the lessons that God is trying to teach all of us.

Cheli & Rutherford taking a nap together <3

Bobby and I were able to go and see my Dad do his Trap Shooting one night and after we went and had Dinner at City Club.  There burgers are pretty darn good!  Lindy and Dave came to meet us at Pour Vino, which is always a go-to when I'm back in Wisconsin (especially for half-priced Wine on Tuesday nights). Dad and I planned a Boat Day for Thursday, since Bobby needed to get back to Madison that night and I was heading back to LA on Friday evening.  Lake Winnebago is less than 45 minutes from Plymouth, and I was very excited to see Dad's new boat, although I was skeptical at first, it was very cool.  We always make a stop and get Lunch and I had to get a good old fashion, Wisconsin Bloody Mary (Lyndsey style, of course) while we were there.  Rutherford even joined us on the boat, he's quite the adventurer!  Dad let me drive on the way back which was a lot of fun and it was the perfect sunny day!

Enjoying the Sunshine and a Coors Light on the Lake!

I know that as mad as my Mom would have been that my Dad bought a new boat, once she got on, she would have really enjoyed it!  Even though I know she was with us while we were out that day, it's family moments like that, that make it really tough to not have her physically with us.  I miss her every day.  It was really nice to be home with my Dad for a few days and get to spend some quality time with him :)

My 2013 Resolutions Redux

Last year I made some positive resolutions for the new year.  You can read all the details here: 2013 Resolutions and Goals.  For the most part I kept true to them and much more!

I wanted to create my own web series and post episodes on social media.  Although, I haven't yet gotten that far, the ball is rolling and it's closer to production than before.  Throughout this year I have posted videos and am working towards creating a brand.  I also created a Fantasy Football section on my blog that I updated on a weekly basis.  While it may not be my own show, I am Hosting for Afterbuzz TV which airs LIVE weekly on their website and has all the episodes on YouTube.  Host Lyndsey Wegner for Afterbuzz TV.  My Co-Hosts and I bring viewers a recap, opinions, gossip and news for Supernatural and Shahs of Sunset.  That's me Hosting a show where I can be myself and that's what I wanted!

Hosting for Afterbuzz TV

I was waiting to share the news until I could tell my family and close friends and am happy to report that I now have Representation for TV/Film and Hosting by Chez Chic Talent.  We are currently putting together a portfolio of headshots and photos as well as a video section with all my projects, commercials, and reels.  I finally feel like I have someone who is as excited as I am to find and book work, that wants me to succeed in a business and career sense.  It's a great feeling and hopefully there will be some big work to come this year.

My favorite resolution of last year was to do more new things and get out of LA on a regular basis.  From a trip to Carmel and Clint Eastwood's restaurant with my Mom and Dad, to hitting up Las Vegas for an impromptu trip with my roommate, going to Santa Barbara with Neil, and having a family vacation in Punta Cana; it was nice to travel and do something different and fun.  There were tons of concerts I saw this past year, Sara Bareilles, Keith Urban, Matchbox 20, and Buckcherry to name a few as well as seeing Jekyll & Hyde at The Pantages Theater and other theater performances that were incredible.  I also got involved in the Creating Arts Company and had my first theater experience here in LA being cast as Mary Contrary in Babes In Toyland.

Goo Goo Dolls at The Gibson

As I'm looking back on this past year and the goals I set for myself, I didn't realize how much I've achieved with my hard work and dedication.  I'm getting to do what I love, I'm working at a few bars here in Los Angeles and having a blast and I even get to enjoy some fun experiences.  This 2013 was pretty good but I truly believe that 2014 will be even better!

Catch up time!

I can't believe 2013 is over half-way gone and we're nearing Fall!  I'm proud because I've got some great jobs that keep me very busy and I'm able to save up money to do all the fun things when I've got some free days.  I've been keeping my Resolutions for the New Year; I'm going out of town and traveling to new places, having spontaneous vacations, seeing tons of live music and bands, and trying new restaurants and recipes.  I'm also working towards getting Representation and had fantastic headshots taken by Hillary and am just choosing my favorites so we can get them sent out to Agents and Managers soon!

At Universal Studios for the Matchbox Twenty
and Goo Goo Dolls Concert!

Just last month in July I went to Punta Cana for a week-long vacation with Family.  I had never been to the Dominican Republic and while we all had a blast, it'll be a while before I go back to the Caribbean anytime soon.  I also saw Matchbox Twenty and The Goo Goo Dolls perform; two fun bands from the 90's!

I had my 30th Birthday in June and got to spend it with friends and family throughout the month (including our week in Punta Cana).  I've been working on new recipes and posting them on here more often and had the last photo shoot of my 20's with my friend, Kristina, the day before my Birthday.  June also started my Lector Duty at Church and I've been doing that for the past 3 months and just got our schedule for the next 3, so that's a fun and exciting way to enjoy Church!

In May, I had my first ever BIG SAG Audition since I had joined the Union which was exciting.  Even though I didn't book the Audition I did film a couple Match.com Parodies and got to put my Princess Leia costume to good use, once again.  I also got to see one of my favorite artists, Sara Bareilles, perform at The El Rey Theater and to make the month even more exciting, Emily and I made a spontaneous trip to Las Vegas for 2 nights and had an absolute blast.

I made my first move towards creating my Web Series this past weekend, pulling out Neil's brand new Canon Camera and just playing around with the video and photo functions.  We took a couple headshots and also filmed me doing an opening sequence for my show in a few different ways so that was a lot of fun and super creative!  I've got some ideas for the show already written down and now it's a matter of filming a couple episodes so I can put together a Trailer and get the show up on YouTube.

Testing the new camera...

I can't wait to get started on a show that's all my own :)  Set those goals and you can reach them!

Mom's Visit to LA

Mom always says when she comes out to visit that it's a true vacation.  While we like to have stuff to do, we never make any big plans or have a set schedule to follow which always makes for a nice visit.  Even without plans we always keep busy and have plenty to do.

She flew in on last Sunday and we went to Maxwell's for Lunch (I had food envy of her Burger with Goat Cheese).  It's one of our favorite places to go and a must when she's in town.  That afternoon we went grocery shopping and then took a long walk outside.  Another must do when she visit's is Yogurtland.  I took her there 2 years ago and while she wasn't very excited on her first visit she became a huge fan after getting to choose from so many different flavor choices and toppings!  Her new favorite topping is Boba Balls and there were plenty of Boba Balls to go around this time...I had to ask if she was going to have some Yogurt with them ;)

Monday and Tuesday were beautiful days so we got to lay by the pool and get some sun as well as get in good work-outs outside (Mom walks, and runs when I force her to, while I do sprints or the stairs).  Monday was busy because of Memorial Day but it's a nice perk to have a pool when it's gorgeous outside.  On Monday night I made Dinner for her and Jess, and did my Gnocchi Mac & Cheese with Maple Apple Sausage along with fresh steamed Green Beans and a Salad filled with veggies.  Two glasses of wine later and Mom said she had to take a walk to burn off the wine and woozy feeling!  Tuesday was exciting because we were going to The Melting Pot for Dinner.  It's a fondue restaurant and even though we sat in traffic for almost an hour and 45 minutes (it took 25 minutes to get home without traffic) the food was well worth it.  We started with Spinach & Artichoke Fondue (probably my favorite cheese fondue I've had), then a California Salad which was really good, the entree portion was Mahi Mahi, Sirloin, Shrimp, Chicken, Mushroom Ravioli's and vegetables, and we chose the Chocolate and Crunchy Peanut Butter as our dessert fondue.  We were both very full after and very satisfied!

Wednesday was a busy day because I had my Audition in the afternoon and then Mom was getting her hair cut at the Aveda salon after that.  We had Soup Plantation for a late lunch/early dinner because Mom had never been and I felt like we could have a healthy meal after such a big dinner the previous night.  Of course, there was a stop at Diddy Reise in the afternoon because we were in Westwood (another must do).  That night I had to Host Karaoke and Mom came with me to that as well and even stayed all night until close!

Thursday was another beautiful day so we got some more sun by the pool and then got ready to head to Downtown to see the The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, one of the largest Cathedrals in the US.  It was huge but so beautiful; I certainly understand why people have their weddings there.  Outside there were angels etched on the glass walls overlooking LA and the freeways.  There were some gardens and a Mausoleum below the Church as well.  We picked up some Yogurtland in Hollywood on the way home and then that night I made some Veggie & Sausage Wraps for Dinner.  After that Mom helped me go through clothes and shoes that I could give to Good Will.  There will be another blog on that!

On Friday we walked around the neighborhood and picked flowers for my kitchen.  I love that I live in a residential area with some beautiful homes.  We also went shopping that day and played cards, just the two of us.  Bobby's show was that night in Downtown so we were able to see Downtown during the day yesterday and then all lit up that night.  Bobby and his band mate, Heather, and their Roadie, Chris stayed at the apartment on Friday night so we all went out Maxwell's for breakfast before I had to take Mom to the airport on Saturday morning.  I liked my meal that day (California Omelet) much more than Saturday's lunch!  

Mom & I at The Redwood for Bobby's Show

Overall, Mom and I kept really busy all week long but had so much fun and maintained our vacation attitudes.  I think sometimes she worries that she's staying too long and I get sick of her, but that's not the case.  I love spending time with her, and while we're very much alike, that's why we can get on each others nerves.  But I always look forward to having her here and being a part of my life while I'm living in LA <3

What happens in Wisconsin...

I'm back in LA after a wonderful 6 day trip back to Plymouth, Wisconsin.  To be perfectly honest, the time back home went way too fast and I wish I was still hanging out with my family for a few more days.  Normally, I'm pretty excited to get back to LA and back to my friends, work, and acting, but this weekend went by all too quickly and I wish I had just a couple more days with my Mom & Dad to relax since it was such a hectic week!

My flight got into Milwaukee around 6 pm on Wednesday and after my parents picked me up we had to stop by Potawatomie Casino for Mom since we were nearby.  Dad and I headed to the bar to grab a drink while Mom played her 'free' cash.  I ordered my first Amber beer and it was delicious!  Dad and I talked sports, LA, what's been happening in Wisconsin among other things.  After about 45 minutes Mom had lost her money and we were getting ready to leave.  She told me to play the 'Wizard of Oz' slot machine since the last time we went I actually won a bunch of money on it.  I wasn't feeling it but played a couple pulls anyway...nothing.  So Mom sits down at the open one next to me, puts some money in, and 2 pulls later wins almost $1100!  I don't think any of us could believe it...it was one of those surreal moments that happened in slow motion.  The number just kept going up and no one got excited or yelled because I think we were all in shock.  Dad pulled that cash voucher out immediately and went to cash it before we left.  Mom's never won that much so we were all very excited for her.  Good for you Mom!  We went to Lisa's Pizza in Milwaukee, where my Mom and Dad had their first date over 30 years ago and is one of our favorite restaurants to go to and usually a staple when we're in Milwaukee.  The food was delicious like usual.  By the way, a parking ticket in downtown Milwaukee is $19 in case you were wondering (and we didn't get one, just inquired) while one in LA is over $70.  I was also able to meet up with a good friend of mine who went to Winona State with me but now lives in Plymouth.  Dan was heading to a Baseball Game that weekend so we met up at Antonio's to have a couple drinks, or for me, a Leinenkugel's Berryweiss and chat!

On Thursday Mom and I went to Oneida Casino in Green Bay.  Yes, this was something we planned, and while I'm not a big gambler, Mom enjoys it and I knew we would get to spend time together so hopefully I would win like I did the last time we went around Christmas.  That was not the case, Mom and I both lost...a lot.  I just wasn't feeling any of the machines that day but Mom and I had a lot of fun together, watching all the crazies, including a woman who stayed at the same machine for the whole time we were there (which was about 5 hours), winning and losing.  We took a little walk outside and enjoyed the fresh Wisconsin air and also had the Lunch Buffet which was really good...Cheesy Bacon soup...oh yes!  We made it home in time to watch a movie with Dad before bedtime for everyone!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Friday was my Dad's Birthday and we were having a Birthday Party at my cousin's house, because of all the family that was in town, and we were also celebrating Olivia's 4th Birthday as well.  During the day I went to the library to check my e-mail and get some stuff done.  It's amazing that it smelled the exact same way it did when I used to go every week as a little kid and that brought back awesome memories.  I was really happy to see that when we got to my cousin's house, Greta and Grayson, her kids, remembered me, and Olivia seemed to recognize me as well.  It was my first time meeting Dru and I was excited to see the rest of my family as well and catch up with them since they were visiting from Japan and Texas, as well as the fam that still lives in Wisconsin.  I ended up playing with the kids the majority of the time I was there and had a blast.  I'll get more into that in my 'Playtime' blog!  After the Birthday Party we all headed over to Antonio's to have a couple drinks and I was meeting up with my good friend, Brittany and her boyfriend, Josh.  I had never met her boyfriend and hadn't seen her in at least 2 years so I was very excited to catch up!  The Lakers were on, I was hanging out with my family, and good friend and saw some other friends from Plymouth High School.  Meg, we definitely need to set up a fun photo shoot for December!  When we first got there we ordered 2 beers and 3 drinks, which cost $18.50...how I miss Wisconsin prices!  It ended up being a really fun night and hopefully it won't be so long before I see my friends again.  Friday also ended up being a creative day for me because I was in the mood to write some lyrics.  So I pulled out my notebook and wrote down a few lines and feelings.  It was slightly difficult to get into a creative mood this past week with all that was going on but I'm glad I was able to keep up with my Castings and e-mails and get some lyrics written while I was home.

Britt & I at Antonio's in Plymouth

On Saturday I started cleaning out our refrigerator when I couldn't find something I was looking for.  We threw away a whole bag of expired food...it was like the Black Hole in there.  There was even cheese from 2001!  Bobby made it home in time for lunch and Dad grilled out.  I was excited to be eating a Johnsonville Bratwurst.  That night after Church (once again, more on that in my 'Playtime' blog) we went to St. Anne for Dad's Birthday Dinner.  We played Spades during our hour long wait and then sat down to have our dinner.  It's been a long time since I've had a steak and it's always perfection there!  We got a Birthday Cake and sang for Dad before we headed back home.  Then Dad and I made our usual stop by Rosie's Bar for a couple drinks before heading over to Lindy's to play cards with the whole family. 

Potato & Pasta Salad...YUM!

Sunday was my Aunt Nadene's Celebration of Life.  She passed in November from Throat Cancer and we wanted to have a gathering to Celebrate her life.  Her iPod played in the background along with a slideshow of pictures she had.  Over 40 people came, many of whom I haven't seen in years, and got to catch up with.  It was great to see everyone, have a great meal, and enjoy some cake while turning a negative situation into a more positive event!  It was an absolutely beautiful day outside so Mom and I went for a walk after the Celebration.  Before Bobby left we all ended up outside shooting a couple rounds on the .22.  Dad had blown up a frying pan just a day or two before and had now placed golf balls on a string to shoot over 100 yards away from the deck.  I didn't hit anything on my first round, but the first bullet out of the .22 on my second round hit that golf ball round and round.  I was done after that :)  Unfortunately, earlier that day I had found out I had an Audition that afternoon for a movie in LA but couldn't attend.  I hate when that happens but there's nothing I can do while I'm in Wisconsin and I'm super aware of what day the audition is to make sure I'm available when I submit so something must have changed to make it on a day while I was out of town.  Bummer!

The Wegner Clan

Monday was my last day in Wisconsin so Mom and I went on a long walk that morning before we played cards, just me and her, while snacking on leftover food from Sunday.  Dad came home from work early so that we could go to Dinner at Cheesecake Factory in Milwaukee before I got on my flight to LA.  When we got to the Airport my flight had been delayed for a half hour but instead of leaving me at the Airport to wait, my parents stayed with me and we played a few games of Spades before I made my way through security and right onto the plane.  The whole time back home just went by so quickly and perhaps that's a good thing because now I want to go home much sooner than my planned Christmas trip.  So Wisconsin watch out...I may be back sooner than you think!

Oh, and Chewies.

Fell in Love in Spokane...

I arrived in Spokane, Washington, around 8 pm and very excited to take a breath of fresh air, check out the snow, and get to work!  

As I got off the airplane and headed to the baggage claim to meet me driver, there Steve was, holding a white placard with 'Ms. Wegner,' on it.  Whoa!  That was for me :D  He escorted me to the town car, got me a bottle of water and we were off to The Davenport Hotel in Downtown Spokane.  He talked to me about the History of the town, pointing out certain buildings and the celebrities he's driven around and about 15 minutes later we were at the Hotel.

WOW!  After I checked in I stopped in the lobby to take in the rooms around me, high ceilings, beautiful architecture, lavish furniture and paintings, it was so exquisite, I could barely believe it and kept thinking to myself, am I really this lucky!  Up the elevator I went to the 9th floor and room 909.  I walked into a room with dark mahogany furniture, a HUGE King Size Bed, and a marble bathroom with a glass shower and gold fixtures.  I had a view of Spokane and the train tracks (where a train came by every 5-10 minutes from 10 pm - 7 am).

I wanted to get in a quick work-out and take a swim in the pool so I could get a good nights sleep.  After my half hour run I swam laps in the pool.  It was empty and so serene with the painted scenes on all the walls.

I rinsed off and after changing headed down to the Peacock Lounge to have a glass of wine and study my script.  The Lounge was buzzing and after a few sips I realized I was pretty sleepy so I went back to the room, wine in hand, and took a nice long shower and cuddled into a bathrobe before I finished my wine and had everything memorized and prepared for the next day!

View from my room with a train rolling by!

The bed was so comfy and I literally sank in to the pillow top mattress but was so excited for my shoot I barely slept.  So I packed up my stuff and headed down to the lobby to grab a bagel and a Chai Tea Latte.  The producer picked me up and we were off to the ILF Media Building.

I met the crew I would be working with and was off to wardrobe to try on my outfit for the shoot.  After all the wardrobe was settled I got into the make-up chair while Amy worked on my hair first and then my make-up.  She was super sweet and an awesome artist!  When I was all glammed up I went onto the set with my green screen back-drop and ran a rehearsal with the director.

You'll be seeing me in the video for Kaplan College as one of their Spokesmodel's, talking about the Radiology field.  The shoot was quick and easy, and while we did the whole shoot two different ways, one with Radiology and the other with Radiography, it took just over an hour!  I was booked until 3 pm and we were finished by 12:15.  I had a blast on set and everyone was so fun to work with.

We all had lunch together and then Amy fixed my hair up for the plane ride back to LA and I chatted with Jim, our Director, about trips to Europe and New York, and then it was off to the airport.  Jim gave me a mini-tour of Spokane, taking me to a beautiful waterfall that during the Spring is in full force!  I fell in love.  The city was so beautiful, I had one of those moments where I could see myself living here at some point in time :)

I'm in love :)

I had a long wait in the airport and was finally on my way back to LA at 5 pm with a stop in Boise and Oakland before my final leg to Los Angeles.  A very long day, but worthwhile in so many ways.  I felt incredibly special the entire time and so thankful!

Let's keep this momentum going!!

Free Wi-Fi in Oakland

I'm currently en route to Spokane, Washington, for my Shoot with ILF Media!  I checked out the weather and it's going to be in the 30's tonight...YAY!!  So excited to see some more snow because I did not get enough of it while I was home in Wisconsin for Christmas.

Lucky for me, my audition material was my shooting script, so memorizing it has been quick and easy.  We have our shoot tomorrow morning and I fly back to LA at 5 pm, so it will be a very short day tomorrow as well.  

Last night Thi and I celebrated our new jobs over a Dine LA Dinner at The Palm in West Hollywood.  Dine LA is basically Restaurant Week here in LA.  A bunch of Restaurants throughout LA offer a prix fix menu that includes an Appetizer, Entree, (sometimes a side), and a Dessert for a set price based on the restaurants normal prices.  I haven't had steak since I was home over Christmas so I ordered the filet, asparagus, an arugula salad, and chocolate cake, while Thi ordered their famous 3 pound lobster!  Over wine, the time flew by and 3 hours later, closing the restaurant down, we were packing food to go and saying goodbye.  A great celebration and dinner with one of my best girls :)

This morning I had a wonderful e-mail from my Mom, wishing me luck, congratulating me on this new acting job, and continued success, as well as achieving one of my dreams...couldn't have been a better way to start my day!

So here I am in Oakland, waiting for my connection, taking in the beautiful bay as the sun sets.  I could get used to this...