Fitness Muppets

On Wednesday I had a Fitness Audition!  I worked with Chako on the Barry's Bootcamp Fitness videos I did years ago and she called to see if I was available for the Wednesday Audition for Body By Jake.  I was really excited to be going to a Fitness Audition and even more happy that Mom was going to be able to come with me since she was visiting this past week.

The Audition was in Brentwood and as we were walking to the building I ran into Anne, whom I worked with on past Barry's Bootcamp videos.  It would be awesome if we could work together again.  She's got great energy is such a positive person.  It was great to see her if even for a few minutes!  When Mom and I got up to the suite I signed in and filled out my paperwork.  There were a few other girls in the waiting area and more walked in as I was filling out my paperwork.  After about 15 minutes Chako came to get 3 of us for the next group and gave me a hug and we were off to the audition room.

Jake was actually sitting in on auditions so we all got to meet him and he was very friendly!  He definitely had a charisma about him.  Then we met the trainer whom I recognized from doing Exercise TV work-outs in the past.  The Audition was performing 3 different exercises, starting with marching in place, then a step bicep curl, squats, and finally a triceps extension using a resistance band that gets clipped through a shoelace hole on your sneakers.  Chako told me earlier in the week that this video was going to be a breeze compared to our Barry videos so I was looking forward to that as well!  There were a few other people in the room watching us as we did the exercises.  We only did them once through with music and were told to show personality and keep the energy high.  After the exercises we took photos and that was it.  I thanked everyone in the room and met Mom out in the lobby.

I definitely felt like the audition went well!  I knew I had a lot of energy, was very smiley and out-going.  Hopefully I'll hear from them this week :)  And if I'm not in this video, something else in the future.  Chako told me they had lots coming up this Summer so finger's crossed!

That evening I hosted Karaoke at Gabe's and Mom accompanied me there as well.  The night got started right away and it ended up being a busy night, lots of friends coming in to visit and meet me my Mom or hang out with us.  There was finally a Double Entendre performance of 'Man or Muppet' which was quite exciting.  There were a few duets, lots of great singers and songs, and even some requests from Mom.  My new song of the night was Linda Ronstadt's 'When Will I Be Loved' which always reminds me of Elisabeth Shue singing that in "Cocktail."  I've actually never heard the verses to it, just the chorus, so it made it entertaining and fun.  I was more excited to sing 'Don't' by Jewel because I know Mom likes that song and I dedicated it to her.  By the time I finished the song she had tears in her eyes, gave me a big hug, and said it was really pretty.  YAY!  Debbie even tried to get my Mom dancing while she sang!  I was glad I had some friends come and visit and we all had a really great night!

Metal & Karaoke

I just got back into LA on Monday Night so I was getting a 4 day week this week.  I knew I had a lot going on, being back in Wisconsin last week for 6 days and trying to play catch-up but the family time is always worth it!

On Friday Night, Neil and I headed up to Tarzana to check out his client's band, Superfix, play at Paladino's.  I had never been there but Neil has talked about it for a long time, saying a Pat Benatar cover band used to play on Friday's, and hopefully, we can catch that one of these times!  The show we were seeing was starting an hour later than we expected so we got to check out the band before, Superfix.  They had Gogo Dancers, played Metal music, and were really loud, so not my type of music but weren't too bad to listen to while enjoying a couple cocktails.

Superfix was on next and I was impressed how on schedule they stayed starting promptly at 10 pm!  They usually have a female singer but she was apparently replaced for this show with a dude who had long blonde hair.  I'm not going to lie, his entertaining capabilities were on, he was really excited to be there and worked his butt off, but once again, Metal music is really difficult for me to listen to because I like to hear the lyrics and when you scream them, it's just noise to me.  The sad part of the whole thing was that the music was awesome.  Neil's client, Eric was an incredible guitarist and I also thought the drummer was really good.  The songs were catchy; I just didn't like the vocals on the songs, but perhaps that would be better with the female singer.  I guess we'll just have to check them out a different time :)

On Saturday night I was Hosting Karaoke at Gabe's.  The night started off a little slow but picked up immediately and after our first rotation got 10 more people signed up to sing.  Because we were so busy I happily gave up my chance to sing so other people could.  Sometimes it's nice to take a break.  I opened the night with some Fleetwood Mac and was really feeling it and hoped the night would be a good one.  Khad and his sister, Jamie, came in and had a couple friends in tow, along with Sean and his girlfriend, Julie, and some of her girlfriend's from their Girl's Night earlier.  It ended up being a super busy night.  Personally, I think the best part of the night was the fact that I had a really good time through all the crazy and busy, and everyone was feeling that same vibe ;)  I wish we could have had another Double Entendre performance but we ran out of time and I had to close the show with a new song since I hadn't sang one all night so as a last minute decision, I sang 'Send Her My Love' by Journey.  I definitely wasn't prepared for the song and would like to sing it again after I've listened to it once or twice.  I also lowered the key by 2, so perhaps singing it in the normal key would be a better choice.  Overall, everyone was happy, tipsy, and enjoying the Memorial Day Weekend!

So here starts another week and once again it's a 4 day week...lots of craziness and lots of busy ahead so stay tuned!!

The Odyssey and Disney Supersets

I got back from Wisconsin on Tuesday and I had an audition on Wednesday!  I was really looking forward to it all weekend because I found out when I was at home.  There's a Summer Children's Theater in Culver City that I auditioned for last year and I was going to miss the auditions this year because of my trip to Wisconsin and luckily one of the Directors said I could come straight to call-backs on Wednesday!

So on Wednesday evening I headed over to the Veteran's Memorial where auditions were being held and went straight into the Audition Room.  B* (the Director of the play 'The Odyssey') even asked how my trip was!  Then I performed my Comedic Monologue and felt really good about it.  I found it a couple years ago in a movie and felt like it was a really fun piece and not completely like me so it's one of my favorite monologues to perform.  B* laughed and then handed me two different scenes to do as a cold-read.  I read over both scenes twice and then B* came in to read them with me.  

The first scene was between 3 different types of characters:  guests, the Gods, and the servants.  I made sure to address each of them differently and after the first read through he said he liked my choices but to make them even more different especially when speaking to the servants, so I did that and he said it was great.  The second scene was basically one long run on sentence in a 2 minute monologue.  In my first read through of that I made sure to emphasize certain words but keep it flowing quickly.  When I got done he told me to find a specific rhythm and smile throughout the whole monologue, and I felt like I did a much better job the second time through with his direction and B* said that was just what he was looking for.  We discussed my schedule and I was so happy to say I had no conflicts and was completely available for a rehearsal schedule, he said thank you and that was it!

I actually felt really good about the whole process and have missed theater so much I really want to get back into it at some capacity.  I e-mailed B* this morning to thank him for having me come in and he e-mailed me back shortly after saying he loved my energy but unfortunately couldn't find a part for me and to blame Homer for making 'The Odyssey' so heavily male, but that he looks forward to working with me in the future.  You can't get them all and it just pushes me harder to book something else, but I still had so much fun auditioning for it :)

Last night after my Audition I had my first night Hosting Karaoke since I was back from Wisconsin.  I was really excited to be back and we got started right on time!  I sang a bunch of duets last night, 'Lucky' & 'Unforgettable' with Jerry, and sang background for some fellow Karaoke singers as well.  Khad and Sean both came in so I knew there were going to be performances by Double Entendre as well as super fun choices being made, like George Michael by Sean, Otis Redding by Johnny, and Khad singing 'Personal Jesus' by Marilyn Manson which followed my new song of the night, 'One of Us' by Joan Osborne.  Debbie came and actually danced on stage this weekend at Boogie Nights at The Greek when they honored Donna Summer so she sang Donna Summer to pay homage to her.  Of course, the night would not be complete without a superset, and tonight it was Disney songs, started by Sean's version of 'Part of Your World' from the "The Little Mermaid", Khad's "Mulan" song, and Khad joining his sister Jamie for 'A Whole New World' from "Aladdin" and I couldn't miss out on the fun so I closed with another new song for me, 'Colors of the Wind' the actual "Pocahontas" movie version!  Fun was had by all and I look forward to Hosting Karaoke on Saturday this weekend!

Playtime!

One of the great things about going home to Wisconsin is being able to spend time with my cousin's kids and since I had so much family in town from out of state and another continent that brought more babies around!

Friday night was Olivia and my Dad's Birthday so I was able to meet Dru for the first time and see Olivia who was 2 years older than the last time I saw her.  I hadn't seen Greta or Grayson since Christmas but was happily surprised when both of them remembered me.  My cousin, Nicki, has so much patience as she's the guinea pig for the kids; always playing with them and baby-sitting, and just being a good cousin and God Mother!  As soon as I got there I was playing Hide & Go Seek, jumping in the balls and answering Olivia's questions.  She might be the smartest child I have ever met!  Since she lives in Japan she is bi-lingual in Japanese and English which is so cool!

Grayson all ready to play 'Bomb'

After Dinner, and after 3 requests to come and play, I headed back downstairs to play 'Batman' with the kids.  Grayson has a Batman costume so I ended up wearing the headpiece and playing Tag with the little ones.  A little while later Olivia opened presents and Grayson made up a new game.  Find the Bomb.  I tried to teach them 'Hot & Cold' but it may take another year before they can figure that one out.  Just around 9 pm we tried to get them settled down with a movie; while that was quite a predicament to find something all 4 kids under the age of 5 would like, and that Nicki and I wouldn't fall asleep to, we settled with a 'Land Before Time' movie.  Olivia snuggled in right next to me and I just about melted.  They were so sad when it was time for bed and we had to leave but I knew we would see them soon.

Movie Time with Olivia...CHEESE!

Then on Saturday we all went to Church and when Olivia and Dru saw us there, Olivia came right over and ended up sitting next to Mom and I.  Of course, Mom being the grown up has fruit snacks in her purse, and the next thing you know she's giving them to Olivia and Dru sees them saying, 'Chewies' in her adorable 2 year old voice.  We told Olivia to save some for Dru but they were gone quicker than you could say Chewies!  LOL!

When Mom and I came over on Saturday night for cards at my Aunt Lindy's, Grayson came running outside yelling my name and asking me to play.  As we walked in each kid came up and gave me a hug.  Talk about feeling loved.  It was one of the greatest moments of my weekend...no joke!  We got over there pretty late so it was nearing bedtime for all and while Olivia made her best effort to stay up late and give a reason as to why she didn't want to go to bed, she gave out hugs for 15 minutes and then when we had all caught on she trudged off to bed, only after Dru had given us goodnight hugs as well.  Grayson and Greta didn't go so easily...Grayson ended up over his Dad's shoulder, pouting and so cute, while Greta went kicking and screaming, but not before Mom and I kept reminding her of the bug under her arm and my suggestion for more soap.  Of course, being 3 she went straight to her Mom and said, 'bug,' lifting her arm and 'more soap.'  Ooops...sorry Katie!  We were all told later that both kids were asleep before even getting home, less than 5 minutes later.  Way too cute!

I already miss the little ones and can't wait till I can see them again.  I'm sure they'll be smarter than ever and even cuter :D

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.

Swimsuit Contest?

Once again I'm trying to play catch up writing blogs for the past week!  I was in Wisconsin for 6 days and just got back late last night.  On top of all that, I didn't have much free time, and since we have dial up back home (yes, it still exists) there was no way I was going to be able to update my blog!

Last Tuesday I had a Swimsuit Audition for a Swimsuit Contest.  It was paying $100 just to be in the contest and you had the potential to win prize money as well so I thought it would be worth it to audition!  I got to the Audition location in Beverly Hills and made my way to the 4th floor suite.  Everyone was very cheery and upbeat when I got into the office.  I was able to go in right away and met T* who was going to be one of the judges for the Competition/Contest.  She went to get the Director of the show as soon as I got into the meeting room.

I met B* who was very out-going and friendly, which is always nice at an audition; plus makes you feel so much more comfortable especially when you're going to be in a swimsuit.  We all chatted for a couple minutes, both women complimenting my blue dress, and then I got into my swimsuit.  I slated and they took a couple pictures.  Then they had me walk the room and pose like I would at the Contest.  Of course, it's nerve-wracking because you want to look good but I tried to look confident and smile, I do a much better job of that then trying to be 'sexy.'  When I was done and was able to get back into my dress we did the interview process.

Some of the girls who got into the Contest weren't going to get paid and they asked me if I would do it if that was the case, and I've always been told to say things are negotiable, so that would be negotiable.  Then they talked about their Production Company and some of the projects they have coming up asking if I would be interested, which I said of course I would.  Both women said I had great eyes and they would love for me to be in the show as one of the paid models but that it was up to a panel of male judges and that I would know in the next few days.

I felt good about the audition but wasn't sure if the Competition would be something I would want to do.  I just had a feeling.

Well, on Sunday I got an e-mail saying I was picked to be one of the girls to get paid just to be in the contest.  It was a Vh1 Personality Hosting the Event with 3 Celebrity Judges and after looking at the flyer I realized I probably wasn't going to feel completely comfortable doing this and while it was a great compliment to be chosen and I'm appreciative of everything I am offered, I just had a gut feeling.  So in following my gut, I'm going to politely decline the offer and hopefully I won't regret making the decision to forgo the Contest.

Best of luck to all the Ladies that were chosen and will be strutting their stuff on Friday!  Rock on :)

Guinness & Music & Yogaglo

I wondered why last week flew by and as I'm writing these entries I'm understanding!  So much was going on and I kept really busy.  On Saturday I was Bartending at Irish Times from noon until 7 pm.  It was my first time setting up on my own so it was a nice little work-out for me as well, getting ice, taking down bar stools, running back to my car because I had left the instructions in there and it was parked 2 blocks away.  Once everything was set up I had some time to hang out until some guests arrived.

Last week when I had worked they were filming something when I arrived and about an hour after I opened Karen, (she used to Bartend there and is a good friend of the bar) came in with a Boom Operator (sound guy) to get bar noise for the film.  We got to talking and found out she has an insane schedule next week because she runs her own Casting Company.  She said she had seen my headshots and submissions on LA Casting previously and said to make a note when I submit saying we know each other from Irish Times and also gave me her e-mail.  YAY!  My first customers arrived after 2 and the day stayed steady till I closed.  I had a rush right around 5 pm which kept me running.  Most people that came in had lunch or dinner so there were drink orders, food orders, and lots of chatting.  Plus, a bunch of games were coming on so it ended up being a really awesome Saturday.  I'm getting to know the regulars now and making new friends too!  

I left the bar just before 8 pm and headed home to get ready for my friend, Mike's show at Molly Malone's.  I saw him play there a couple months ago and was excited to see him play again since I now had his CD and knew the songs better.  I really love the style of his music and his band and him jammed on stage; Neil pointed out they were a lot like Dave Matthews, which I could definitely see, but I don't like Dave Matthews voice, and Mike's is so incredible.  He's got one of the greatest voices I've heard and huge range!  On top of it all, it was so great to see Amy and Nic, and Mike's family, and it's always awesome to see a big turn-out and people showing support for a good friend!  I loved singing along this time and rocking out with Mike and he closed the show with a cover of The Darkness's 'I Believe in a Thing Called Love' with the full band so it rocked!  

Molly Malone's

Talk about a busy Saturday and busy weekend!  I always look forward to my Yoga class on Monday's and after the weekend I was stoked to be in class, even though my favorite teacher, Jo, is out of town for the next two months; I figured I'd try another teacher's class.  So today we worked on stretching our legs and really getting deeper into the stretch.  After doing this for about 20 minutes it was really interesting to see how far you had come from the beginning of class.  The last 40 minutes of class we worked on inversions, doing shoulder stand and head stand.  I'm actually a little sore from it so I'm definitely missing Jo's class right now!  I really like flowing too and today's class was concentrating on Hatha Yoga which is more sustained poses and for someone who doesn't do a whole lot of inversions or in most of the classes I've taken, you're only doing it for 5-10 minutes, this was a big change for me.  I'll just have to keep working at it!

Whew what a busy week and I can't wait to do it all over again this week, except this time, I'll be back in Wisconsin for it!