November Karoke

November was a good month for Karaoke!  I was in my 'No Drinking' phase until that last week so my voice was healthier than normal, even though I was fighting a cold or sore throat.  Dad was visiting me for Thanksgiving so he came into Gabe's the night before and even sang a song.  Overall, it was a fairly busy month!

Rick Astley - 'Never Gonna Give You Up'

Shania Twain - 'That Don't Impress Me Much'

Paula Abdul - 'Cold-Hearted Snake'

Rob Thomas - 'Someday'

Roxette - 'Listen To Your Heart'

Marty was really excited that I was
finally drinking again!  I ordered the
girliest shot I could, perfect for this
Winter weather ;)

Cher - 'I Found Someone'

Pat Benatar - 'Treat Me Right'

10,000 Maniacs - 'Because The Night'

Jewel - 'Angel Standing By'

Natalie Merchant - 'Wonder'

Madonna - 'La Isla Bonita'

Wilson Phillips - 'Hold On'

The Ronettes - 'Be My Baby'

Lifehouse - 'Breathing'

Stockard Channing - 'There Are Worse Things I Could Do'

The Beatles - 'Come Together'

Sara Bareilles - 'Gravity'

Blondie - 'Call Me'

Rent - 'Another Day'

Kansas - 'Carry On My Wayward Son'

Nancy Sinatra - 'These Boots Were Made For Walking'

Rent - 'Take Me Or Leave Me'

Cher - 'The Shoop Shoop Song'

The Kinks - 'My Sharona'

Journey - 'Separate Ways'

It had been a while since I sang some Rick Astley so I opened with that and my new song of the night was 'Someday' by Rob Thomas.  A personal favorite song and it was great for my voice.  I saw Matchbox 20 and Goo Goo Dolls in concert a few years ago and they re-invigorated my love for them!  The next week was my Mom & Dad's Wedding Anniversary so I did a few of my Mom's favorite songs and a song I wish I could have sang for her when she visited me as my new song.  I did Jewel's 'Angel Standing By' which is such a beautiful song and it was fun to sing.  The next week was a little more low-key, people must have been prepping for Thanksgiving.  I added some more songs to my history and did 'Breathing' by Lifehouse which was pretty difficult and needs to be lowered a note or two for my voice.  It was just out of my range with his jumps.  With my Dad in town for Thanksgiving I did songs he requested or that he hadn't heard me sing.  I had to open with The Beatles, he sang a Beatles song later too, and then I did 'Gravity' by Sara Bareilles.  Another favorite song of mine, to hear and to sing!  Dad requested 'Call Me' which is vocally difficult but I was able to pull it of, and then Zach and I sang 'Another Day' from "Rent" which is a song I adore!  My new song that night was 'Carry On My Wayward Son' by Kansas, a fun song to sing, and of course pays homage to my Afterbuzz TV Aftershow I do for 'Supernatural.'  That closing week in November we were celebrating Hadiyyah's Birthday and we had a bunch of friends singing, so Emily and I sang 'Take Me Or Leave Me' from "Rent" and my new song was The Kinks 'My Sharona.'  It's lyrics are only slightly scandalous ;)

December has already started and it's only two weeks of Karaoke for me since I'll be heading back to Wisconsin for a couple weeks for Christmas and the Holidays with my family!  Next week we'll be doing Holiday music so join us at 9 pm for an exciting night of great music!

No Alcohol for Six Weeks!

In October I got sick with a sore throat and cold.  I was run-down from rehearsals for two different shows, performances, work, Rutherford, and life.  I found myself having a glass of wine for Dinner with friends, or a beer while we watched Football on Sunday, or multiple beers while at a Dodger Play-Off game, or shots with friends at Karaoke, and before you know it, you're having at least one drink a day, a couple to a few times a week.  I enjoy drinking but I certainly don't need to have a drink to get through the day, and I'm very glad and thankful for that.  Although, I sincerely appreciate a great glass of wine with a home-cooked meal or while out to eat and work hard so I can enjoy that.  I knew I wanted to take a little break so I figured since I had just come down with this cold, it was a good time to take a week or two off.  

Headshot by James DePietro

On October 12th, I decided to not drink for two weeks.  Those initial 10 days flew by and I knew I'd be able to hit two weeks easily.  As soon as I hit two weeks, I thought, I can do another week, maybe I can do a full month?  I liked challenging myself.  As I went through that third week, a month seemed like a breeze.  In fact, as that month was about to hit, it was simple to not drink.  Mind you, I work in a bar three to four days a week, so I am constantly around alcohol, and yet, it was easy to say, no thanks.  Even on Halloween, while at a friend's House Party, I was able to enjoy the night with friends, food and games, and a glass of tea in front of me.  I did miss having a glass of wine while I was cooking my Blue Apron Dinner's, but it wasn't the end of the world.  I didn't even drink the night of the election when I think everyone was having cocktails!

I figured after a month, I'd go back to my occasional cocktail, but at that point, I really had no reason to drink so I was going to see how long I could go.  It was nice to be the Designated Driver, to know we were all getting home safely, to leave the bar at 3 am and not worry about being pulled over because I was completely sober.  As Thanksgiving was approaching, I knew I was going to have wine and I didn't really want to be a 'party pooper' and be wrecked after a couple glasses while we were with our friends.  So a couple days before, Giana and Adam came over, we played Wineopoly (leaned about wine from all over the world) and drank some delicious reds, watched a movie, and laughed.  It was fun, it was contained, and I woke up the next morning feeling great.  I felt healthy, there was no hangover (although I did take an aspirin just in case), and since I wasn't drinking alcohol lately, I had been on red alert to drink tons of water, and did the same thing that first night back, so I was hydrated.  I'll write more about that in my blog for my New Year's Resolutions from this past year ;)

What did I learn in six weeks of no alcohol? 

I'm still getting sick; no alcohol also means I'm restless in my sleep.  This past year has been a rough one and I still haven't gotten back to my normal sleep patterns, so I truly think that's the reason I've been on and off with a cough and cold for the last couple months.  I'm just worn down; alcohol is not a major factor in that but that doesn't mean it helps if you're already feeling under the weather.

My singing voice has improved.  My voice is much clearer, I'm able to hit higher notes, and it sounds more full.  I'm still working in the bar, yelling over the music, and my voice is still healthy.
I feel more accomplished.  I started writing the sitcom I've had on the back-burner for years.  Could this inspiration be because I haven't been drinking?  Maybe, maybe not.  But my thought process is clear and not clouded, and it's completely creatively-fueled!  I've been having late night writing sessions to keep up with the ideas in my mind, and sharing this project with my close friends has gotten me more excited about this whole process.  It also makes me want to start working on little projects that we can film and put up on YouTube since I have so many talented friends.
No hangovers (which I rarely have anyway) and no drinking time means more time for hanging with friends, getting my work-outs or work done earlier so I'm more available for the people who are important to me.  My friendships have flourished in the last couple months and when we're hanging out just a few of us, because I'm not drinking, it usually means, none of the other gals are either.  We're able to enjoy each other's company and really talk.  

I've been eating more healthy and doing two-a-days for my work-outs.  I've gained weight (it's probably muscle, right) but I feel stronger and healthier in that aspect, and can run for longer periods of time, do more push-ups and squats without tiring.  I've also been taking yoga classes once a week, and a positive mind means a positive body.  
My skin is clearer (another thing I attribute to drinking copious amounts of water) and there's no bloating!  My stomach is flat, aside from the little food baby, since I enjoy eating.  My eyes look brighter, in fact, my body as a whole just looks healthier, and that's a natural glow!

I've been working more hours, longer hours, and picking up shifts at the bar and I've been able to handle all of that much better than I normally would.  Stress is still there but I'm not drinking to make anything feel better.
I didn't even think about the monetary savings...as I said, I'm not a big drinker anyway, but I know I saved money by not going out, not eating food just because I had a cocktail or two, or buying a bottle of wine when the girls and I were hanging out!  That's money better spent on other fun activities!
Lastly, it's cool to not drink!  Go on, and try it!

Overall, it was a really welcomed break.  I didn't mind being the one not drinking, and I really do believe I've gotten more accomplished in the last six weeks because of it.  Now perhaps we'll see how the next six weeks go that I'm gradually welcoming cocktails and wine back, and see if I'm still on this creative path, healthy-eating, strong work-outs, and awesome relationships.  I know I will be...fresh perspective means positivity and I'm not about to let anyone down :)

'Supernatural's' Ruth Connell & Kathryn Newton at Afterbuzz TV

We started off Season 12 of 'Supernatural' with a bang!  After ending last year with God & Amara (his sister) going off on a 'Sabbatical' together and Mary coming back from wherever she was, I think we all were excited to see what the writers were going to come up with this year.  Every episode has been a home run in my eyes, bigger, bolder, more emotion, and a whole new story with the Men of Letters London Chapter coming into play!  Katie and I are back Hosting our 'Supernatural' Aftershow at Afterbuzz TV and hoping that Alexis can jump in whenever she's not too slammed with work!

In fact, during our second episode we were able to get Ruth Connell and Kathryn Newton in to discuss Rowena's return, typical 'Supernatural' talk, and also chat about Ruth's Coven Couture clothing line for Charity.  Katie and I even got to wear tops from the line, super comfortable, and for a great cause!  Thankfully, we got to see Rowena, but only for an episode, before she jetted off for some alone time.  Meanwhile, Crowley and Castiel are working together and Mary has gone off for some solo thinking time as well.

Behind the scenes at Afterbuzz TV with Ruth & Kathryn

Ruth has been traveling all over for the Conventions and Kathryn has been busy working too and hoping for a 'Supernatural' return.  You can check out our episode here :)

As we make our way into the season, I'm really happy with how it's going so far even though we've heard nothing from God or Amara.  We're seeing a more sensitive side of Dean, Nina-Lopez Corrado directed last week's episode (so great to see her name up there again) and Lucifer has been banished to the depths of the ocean...for now.  This week we got the return of Billie and Detective Jody Mills, saw a different side of Jody, and Billie isn't giving up the fight for souls.  If you want to watch us LIVE check out our Aftershow on Thursdays at 11 pm on YouTube by searching Afterbuzz TV and upcoming LIVE streams.  Feel free to join in on the chat as well and let us know what you think!  You can catch all of our past Aftershows on YouTube, iTunes or Soundcloud!

October Karaoke

While October was a really productive month it was far less productive for me, Karaoke-wise.  I took a couple weeks off to deal with a sore throat and vocal rest since I was still doing Thenardier's Inn and wanted to keep my voice strong for that.  This gave everyone else more opportunities to sing and that always makes for happy singers!  We did not have a Halloween Karaoke Theme this year since Halloween fell on a Monday, although we've got a great group costume already in mind for next year :)

Gretchen Wilson - 'Here For The Party'

Amy Winehouse - 'You Know I'm No Good' 

Pat Benatar - 'Heart Breaker'

Alanis Morissette - 'You Learn'

Melissa Etheridge - 'I'm The Only One'

Sir Mix-A-Lot - 'Baby Got Back'

En Vogue - 'Shoop'

Britney Spears - 'Hit Me Baby One More Time'

Fleetwood Mac - 'Dreams'

Toto - 'Hold The Line'

Journey - 'Separate Ways' 

The Temptations - 'My Girl'

The first week of Karaoke was Ashley's last night in LA so we had a lot of people visiting and celebrating!  Plus, Ashley, Carolyn and I had a couple group songs including our go-to, 'Baby Got Back' and 'Shoop!'  My new song of the night was 'You Learn' by Alanis Morissette and I can't wait to sing that one again.  I also had to sing Pat Benatar's 'Heartbreaker' by Ashley's request.  Overall, it was a really fun night with everyone!  The next week we were celebrating Carolyn's Birthday and we were packed with Karaoke singers.  That was also the last day I drank that month...I had one Campari Press and haven't drank since.  More on that below!  I didn't do a whole lot of singing for Carolyn's Birthday but I did dedicate my new song of the night to her by doing 'My Girl' by The Temptations, another song I will definitely sing again.

Two of my longest LA friends <3

I've done 29 days of no alcohol and going for a full month-long break or more to reset and get some clarity!  It's actually been so much easier than I thought (even over Halloween weekend) and my creativity has been thriving.  I'm not sure if that's because I'm not drinking or I've just been inspired lately, but I'll take it either way.  I can already tell you that Karaoke is back to normal for November and my Dad will be in LA for Thanksgiving, so we'll have a fun Pre-Thanksgiving Karaoke celebration!

'Thenardier's Inn' Encore!

We had another three-week run of 'Thenardier's Inn' in September and October.  We had shows at our studio space in Santa Monica (CAC Studios) and then at Three Clubs in Hollywood!  Once again, all the shows were sold-out/over-sold and we had a great cast of people to bring our story to life!

There were a few originals from our cast and also some new people.  Our new people brought some excitement and fun to the show, bringing a different character trait and that made it interesting.  As we've all said from the beginning, no show is exactly the same and that's what really makes our show magnificent. 

With the Steward and Jean Valjean before a Friday Night Show!

I was back to my Lovely Lady antics for the show, brought my crazy hair back, and love doing my make-up for this show!  We had Todd, Bartending for us at the Studio in our closing week and he had a beautiful set-up of food and drinks that were popular in France during the Revolution.  I had a Mint, Vinegar, Simple Syrup and Water drink that was absolutely delicious and got rid of my sore throat within a day!  I found out the next day as I was perusing Pinterest that Vinegar kills bacteria.  Who knew?!

We all wrote a little something on the wall to remember
our first real CAC home <3

Unfortunately, as we did our last show at CAC Studios last weekend, we informed the audience that we no longer had that space.  Thankfully, we have outgrown it, and this clears the way for bigger and better things!  We started 'Thenardier's Inn' and CAC Studios there and we ended with that show nearly two years later, where it all began.  

Thanks to Courtney for coming to two of our shows and bringing her roommate, Jacqueline, and her Dad!  I loved having you in the audience and I'm so glad you all enjoyed it :)

'Thenardier's Inn' certainly isn't ending; I've said from the beginning, can we just do this show forever? #notlesmisforever  And I know we will <3

September Karaoke

We had a couple busy nights at Karaoke in September and I even skipped a week to protect my voice since I had "One Night Stands," the play I was in, running for three Friday nights, and also "Thenardier's Inn" re-opening for three weekend performances in September and October!

Fleetwood Mac - 'Go Your Own Way'

Bush - 'Comedown'

Nancy Sinatra - 'These Boots Are Made For Walking'

Bryan Adams - 'Everything I Do, I Do It For You'

Alanis Morissette - 'You Oughta Know'

Macy Playground - 'Sex & Candy'

Guns & Roses - 'November Rain'

Destiny's Child - 'Independant Woman'

Ace of Base - 'All That She Wants'

Jewel - 'Don't'

Seal - 'Kiss From A Rose'

Fuel - 'Falls On Me'

Stone Temple Pilots - 'Interstate Love Song'

Cher - 'If I Could Turn Back Time'

Stevie Wonder - 'I Just Called To Say I Love You'

Toni Braxton - 'Unbreak My Heart'

Tonic - 'You Wanted More' 

That first Wednesday night was the closing night at Afterbuzz TV for "Hard Knocks" and I also had "Real Housewives of New York" so it was a busy day of running around, and I actually took Marty up on his shot offer, immediately, which is unlike me!  I wanted to add some songs to my history and sing some songs that brought the emotion, and also tried Macy Playground's moody, 'Sex & Candy,' which was fun to sing.  I skipped the next week and for that third week, I had Rachel & Giana at Karaoke with me so we opened with 'Independent Women' which was new for me and fun to sing as a trio.  I kept the 90's music going all night long and included another new song, 'Kiss From A Rose' by Seal, which was interesting to try, but Giana really can rock it!  That last week in September was pretty quiet so I opened with 'Interstate Love Song' as my new song of the night and kept it chill for the rest of the night.  

I knew October would be a big month with Ashley visiting and Carolyn's Birthday, plus Halloween at the end of the month!  It was nice to take it a little bit easy in September!  Happy Halloween Month :)

Closing Night of 'One Night Stands'

I can tell how busy I was during September considering I only posted three blogs that month and we're a week into October and I'm just trying to catch up with everything!  I wanted to post one more blog about the show I was in at the Avery Schreiber Playhouse, 'One Night Stands' since it was such a fun and challenging role!

Our closing night was two weeks ago and we did it for a sold-out house!  It was great to have such a full audience that we had to wait in the front of the house and I felt like all of our scenes were on point!  I had lots of friends in the audience that night, Justin & Gail, Giana, Scott, John, and Nick and some of his friends.  It always feels nice to have the support of your friends and they loved the show.

Some our Cast of Ladies <3

This was the first night I was able to go out with some of the cast after the show and my friends came out as well.  We hit up El Tejano for giant beers and some chips and salsa, got to know each other and had conversations about the show and what else we're all working on.  

I would love to be a part of this show again in the future.  I had such a great time with my role but it might be fun to change it up and do something different.  They've got another run going on right now but since I had 'Thenardier's Inn - A Les Miserables' Cabaret opening two weeks ago and running for three weekends I jumped right back into that :)

Scott, Giana, Justin, Gail and I after my Final Performance :)

Any opportunity to do theater really helps me grow and there's nothing like having a live audience; they are unpredictable but they also bring an energy that is unparalleled.  Plus, it was really fun working with a different theater company, the other actors, the directors and writer were just a blast to get to know and work with!  See you all again soon!