Last week was amazingly slow which was nice.  I got more sleep, something I always need.  I even got all my tax prep ready for the CPA once the W2s arrive. Got the big annual alma mater charity auction donations logged, packaged and UPS’d. Cleaned out the only messy closet in the master bedroom, saw myself on MIKE & MOLLY and THE MIDDLE, took my 3rd zumba class, facial is done and got the food shopping done for the month. Also finished a “welcome guide” to our house as we are about to have a number of people staying here while we have a little getaway time.

Before I left for Mass last Sunday I read an email telling of an “open to the public” tour of the Wilshire Ebell, a historical LA women’s club.  So after Mass and breakfast at a new place, Vees Café (VG), I dropped Tom off and headed back to the fabulous Ebell.

It was established in 1894 by a small group of women with a desire for learning and being of service. College was rare for women of that era, and their opportunities for formal study were limited. So Ebell members lined up erudite speakers and prepared edifying presentations on Robert Browning, Shakespeare, Cleopatra and ancient Egypt, Berlin art, prison reform, Queen Dido and Jezebel.

At their height there were 3000 members.  Now they number 350 but held the Open House in an effort to expand their membership.  I have no doubt they did just that as I’d say their were 500 people in the buildings while I attended.  Great Sunday afternoon outing.

I took Tom to get a lumbar epidural as he was two months late in going.  The pain had once again become untenable.  But after a day of recovery he was feeling much, much better.  He is scheduled for two more visits in the next month to get the thorasic and cervical areas.

My entire career activity for the week consisted of putting down 2 VO auditions, going on one callback for a commercial which I did not get and picking out a new headshot from a photo shoot.  Now waiting for the agents to weigh in.

While shopping for blouses I stopped to sign a petition to stiffen penalties for those found guilty of perpetrating sex slavery in America. The woman seeking signatures is survivor and wrote a stunning book about her experience.  It is a very real, raw, stream of conscious type read and I recommend it.  The Streets, My Cradle by Jennifer Lynn Jackson, You can click on the link to order it.  http://www.streetgospelpathofhealingandlight.com

Here we are in the dead of winter, LA style, and our jonquils have bloomed.  They are magnificent huddled next to the barren rose bushes.

Tom’s cousin Paige is here and we’ve had a ball, laying low, watching movies (well they have as I’ve seen them already).  Did manage to get to the museum (LACMA) to see their newest exhibit, Metropolis II.  Oh my!  It “ is an intense and a complex kinetic sculpture, modeled after a fast paced, frenetic modern city. Steel beams form an eclectic grid interwoven with an elaborate system of 18 roadways, including one 6 lane freeway, and HO scale train tracks. Miniature cars speed through the city at 240 scale miles per hour; every hour, the equivalent of approximately 100,000 cars circulate through the dense network of buildings. According to Burden, "The noise, the continuous flow of the trains, and the speeding toy cars, produces in the viewer the stress of living in a dynamic, active and bustling 21st Century city." It’s worth the visit and bring your kids.Paige is back to DC on Sunday.  The rest of the day I hope to force myself to do some pension work on my 2010 statement.  I LOATHE checking it but this time I have put it off for almost a year.  I simply have to do it before the 2011 statement arrives. 

Happy Birthday to my sister Elaine. Monday she is 68.  How did we all get so mature?  I won’t say old as it doesn’t sound right. Have a rockin good day, Sis!

That evening I am doing another SurveyLA pitch at an area Neighborhood Council meeting.  I didn’t make the two from last week but intend to catch them this week.

Thursday we see CLYBOURNE PARK at the Taper.  Don’t know anything about it but we’ll be there.

Friday we’re off to Santa Barbara for the weekend.  Absolutely nothing planned.  We may just sleep, read and eat until we return Sunday evening to watch the SAG Awards.

I take Tom for the thorasic epidural on the day after we return from SB.   He’ll be down for a day or two.

Very dear friends of mine are coming to lunch on Wednesday.  Mike & Corinne are from Michigan where I worked for 6 years right out of college at the Meadow Brook Theater.  They were faithful subscribers and soon felt they knew me seeing me in show after show after show.  We developed a lovely friendship which has remained active these last 30 years even though I have not seen them.  I am really looking forward to introducing them to Tom.

Every Thursday Tom volunteers as a tutor at the Immaculate Conception grade school in downtown Los Angeles. He’s got the kids fairly fired up about reading, math and history.

If all goes as planned we will drive to Phoenix on Friday giving our brand new Honda Odyssey a chance to show us what she’s got.  My niece Allie is doing an internship there and her mom my sister Jeanne is flying in for a visit.  Figured I’d double dip by getting them both on this weekend.

Have two SurveyLA Neighborhood Council meetings to attend on Monday February 6.  Another one of Thursday evening.

Block Club meeting on Tuesday evening, right next door so I figure I better show.

We’re scheduled to see the National Theater Live production of TRAVELING LIGHT, afternoon screening.  If nothings happening I’ll go while Tom tutors.

Round off the week by volunteering at a Heifer Fund Raiser at the Skirball Museum exhibit WOMEN HOLD UP HALF THE SKY.  The exhibit is a reflection of a wonderful book I am reading HALF THE SKY by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn.

It’s a luncheon for 30 with a tour of the exhibit and guest speakers.  I’ll be a greeter and will assemble the gift bag the week before.

That evening Tom and I will see A RAISIN IN THE SUN at the Kirk Douglas Theater.  I actually have to change my tickets from the matinee to the evening so I HOPE to attend the evening performance.

Big birthday wishes to our great nephew John Michael, totally awesome pal Eva and  favorite former pastor, Msgr Antonio.

Tom, Mary Pat and I had a good but challenging time shooting I HATE MY DAD, the Adam Sandler feature due this summer.

It turned out to be about two hours shooting a wide variety of interpretations of the scene provided by a team of writer/producers coming up with multiple  “on the fly” line variations.  I have to tell you, it kept all of us on our toes.

Tom found the experience enjoyable and declared he has a much better understanding of what it takes to be an actor.  He said you better leave your ego and critical mind at the door because there is no time to think of anything else except what is immediately going on.  In this situation he is absolutely correct.

Bottom line, I enjoyed the experience because once again I got to work with the amazingly talented and kind director, Sean Anders.  He really is the best of the best.  (See photos posted on Behind the Scenes 2010)

My pitch for SurveyLA went well.  I’ll try to get two more done this week if my schedule remains open on Monday and Tuesday evening.

Cleared a couple of dreaded items from my desk: filed two sets of medical reimbursement claims and successfully rebutted a denial of AFTRA secondary insurance coverage for 2012. 

Took my second Zumba class and find it a wonderful workout.  I’m surely the oldest in the class but am managing fairly well.  I probably can do about 60% of what the instructor is doing but best of all I feel no aches or pains 48 hours later. THIS is a good sign.

I want you to know I am driving the oldest Lexus on the roads of Los Angeles.  It’s starting to act a bit wonky but my mechanic can’t find the problem.  This doesn’t bode well.

Having just plunked down 35 grand for Tom’s car I can not face having to buy another car for me, not right now.  Pray this baby makes it another six months, at least.

Finished all my AMPAS foreign movie viewing in order to cast my ballot for Oscar nominations.  So now it’s a wait and see for the final ballot to arrive.  I’m enjoying the break in movie viewing.

On Saturday I finally got to the hazardous waste recycling center, donating about 20 cans of almost empty paint cans, 2 computer towers, various electronic odds and ends, a few batteries and Tom’s medical waste from diabetes injections.  So pleased to move that item off my long term TO DO list.

We’ve started watching THE BORGIAS and I’m not enthralled, yet.  Hope to get there as I love period drama, especially the Old Country variety.

After Sunday Mass I’m going to spend about an hour trimming our pitasporan bushes. I’m trying to trim them into the shape of a golf ball.  Since you can only trim every two months each trimming is critical.  I wish they had wires you could put around them so I could use it as a guide.  I haven’t been able to find any.

Will see what Ricky Garvis is up to on The Globes that evening.

Before I forget, two things.  Happy Birthday to my niece Allie.  On Monday she turns 24.  That night my second episode of MIKE & MOLLY airs on CBS.

I also have a callback that morning for a commercial audition I did last week.  That and some VO calls kept me busy, career wise.

On Tuesday Tom and I are going to an AMPAS event, the screening of the 1927 film  WINGS with Clara Bow, reception to follow. We’ve never seen it, have you?

Mark your calendars to watch my episode of THE MIDDLE airing Wednesday, January 18 on ABC.  I had a great time shooting this and eagerly await the airing.

Tom’s niece Paige will be back for a visit on Thursday, staying through the weekend.  Unfortunately Tom has to get an epidural that morning so he’s likely to be in bed throughout her visit.  But we’ll get some things done such as going to a new exhibit at our County Art Museum, called Metropolis II. I’d also like her to see the Il Teatro all Moda costumes I visited a few months ago.  They’ve extended the exhibition so that is high on my list.  Will also try to see the National Theater’s Live broadcast of COLLABORATORS.

I’ve planned a small dinner party for her Saturday evening to say hello to some of our friends she’s met over her previous visits.  And if I can talk everyone into it, a game of charades.

Major congratulations to my brother Jack and his wife, Sue for celebrating fifty years of marriage on January 20.  And they’re not yet 70!  Now that is a major accomplishment.

Week of January 8, 2012

Just when I thought the party season was behind me I end up with another invitation from my Heritage Association., They had to cancel their Volunteer Appreciation event and have now rescheduled it for this Sunday.

Since I’ve taken off the feed bag, so to speak, I decided the best way to deal with another amazing menu is to volunteer to work it.  I’ll be cleaning and bussing and replenishing for 90 minutes and then go home. Feeling in control about it.

Got through my final few movies last week: BEGINNERS, WARRIOR and TINKER, TAILOR SOLDIER, SPY and thoroughly enjoyed all of them.  I mail my nomination forms in this Monday.

I only vote for best actors and best film so once we have the final in all categories, I’ll be seeing a slew more flicks for sound effects, make-up, animation, Etc. Frankly, I welcome the break til then.

Our house was scouted for an interior scene for BODY OF PROOF.  Still waiting to hear about BONES.

In the meantime I did a callback for a JC Pennys commercial and about 9 VO auditions.    Then Friday I get a call about being asked to do a “bit” for the Adam Sandler film that just wrapped filming, I HATE MY DAD.

Turns out I know the director, Sean Anders from my pilot PLAYING CHICKEN, and his film SEX DRIVE.  Adam knows me because I did a table read of one of his movies.  So, they asked me to do it AND, this is the kicker, to have my husband Tom do it with me. 

Tom is a non actor but apparently he’ll be playing my eye candy, er husband in a non speaking extra role.  There is more.  My best pal Mary Pat Gleason is also doing it with us.  She has done several Sandler movies and Adam loves her.

So basically we’ll be doing a home movie on Monday that the whole world can see.  Isn’t that just too much?

That evening I’ll be seeing two foreign films: “Amnesty” from Albania & “El Shooq” from Egypt as part of my panel viewing for best foreign film nominations. 

Friday I see two more: “Morgen” from Romania and “Aballay” from Argentina.  It’s been a big responsibility and a major time drain.  I’ve loved seeing them but never again, until I’m retired, should I ever retire. 

Worked on getting our old van ready to sell.  For being a 1994 it is still in very good condition.  Runs beautifully but has no suspension.  With Tom’s chronic pain that is not going to work.

Anyway when our housekeeper came last week she asked what we’re asking as she thought her brother might buy it.  And if he didn’t she thought she would.

When I ran through the good and bad about the van, gave her a $1500 price she said she thought she’d take it herself.  I told her if SHE wanted it, we’d give it to her.  She was absolutely speechless and I loved it.  We adore Angelina who has worked for us for over 20 years.  It is so nice to be able to do something for her that she really wants.  It’s a win-win for all.

Got an email that we are gearing up for the third and final phase of SurveyLA.

That’s the program here in LA where the Department of Historic Resources is conducting a citywide survey of historic resources.

As one of their volunteer public speakers I am gearing up to pitch the program at seven neighborhood councils in the next few months. I’m kind of excited to be getting back into it as I believe in it so much.  Once all the data is collected and collated I think it will be the most useful management tool every put together by a City.  The information has so many applications from city planning, film locations, cultural celebrations, population growth, tourism and on and on and on.

Happy birthday to brother-in-law Ronnie and belated best wishes to great niece Sophia.  You rock!

I write this on New Year’s Eve before I hear fireworks and regrettably a few gun shots.  No matter how aggressively LA campaigns against such inane activity a few imbeciles manage to unload a firearm in the air and inevitably some innocent bystander is wounded when the bullet finally comes down. Maybe tonight will be different.  That is my prayer.

2011 was a wonderful year.  You’ve read about my year on this blog so there is no point in rehashing it.  I’m very grateful to have had another year with my husband, great job opportunities, living in freedom as an American, free to express my faith and beliefs, surrounded by family and friends.

Last week I watched a lot of movies.  I’m trying like crazy to view any movie that might have great acting or be worthy of a best picture nomination.  My ballot is due January 13 so I will continue this week with more movie screenings.

On a 1* to 5* scale here are my assessments: The First Grader 4*, Olive 2* (low production values, Gena Rowlands work is a 5*), Higher Ground 3*, Anonymous 4*, A Better Life 5*.

I found out this week that my friend Michael who struggled with rectal cancer for four years succumbed Christmas day night to the disease.  He fought it mightily as he was a single dad of 8 year old James.  Tomorrow, January 1 is his memorial service. We’re all meeting in his belonged Topanga Canyon for a final salud.

As hideous as it is that he has died it is wonderful he is no longer suffering.  It is also wonderful that sweet James is being adopted by a loving couple with two children who have been in his life actively this past year, preparing him for the difficult transition.

My former hairdresser, Alejandro, has been going through a very difficult time for many, many months.  He has lost his home and his health is compromised. Last week I found him living in a  friends garage, confused, sick and hungry.

We spent some time together, I helped him with some paper work, gave him some money and returned today with some food and more conversation.  In just six days he is much improved but still in an incredibly difficult situation.  Please keep him in your prayers for this entire year as his journey is going to be long and difficult.

Last Thursday after visiting my amazing reflexologist for a treatment to address my pulled groin muscle (which is barely firing at this point) Tom and I went to the dealer we contacted the week before and picked up our 2011 Honda Odyssey XDL. Tom has needed a new van for some time and we finally got it done by going through an auction dealer. 

That night was the party at Renee & Joe’s but Tom didn’t feel up to it as the days activities had exhausted him.  I really didn’t want to go alone as I did not expect to know anyone but felt compelled to do so in support of my career.  Well, I had a blast!!

First their home is enchanting.  The backyard was obviously designed as a fabulous Italian garden and party center with a bacce ball court, pool, pizza oven, bar, large table, beautiful landscaping, gardens, trellises, lush greenery, open library and living room, jazz trio, wonderful food and drink and many Hollywood luminaries.

Once there I realized I was not invited because I am a member of the Motion Picture Academy as the majority of people there were not Academy people.  I also saw several people I know and many more I have worked with.  There was also a large contingent from SAG.  I still don’t know why I was invited but am delighted to have been included.

The honoree was Jonah Hill so when he walked by I started to introduce myself but was stopped by his enthusiasm at meeting me.  He was so warm and complementary about my work that I was completely surprised.  What a lovely, lovely young man.  So now we are new best friends! Check out the photo I posted under Friends link. And be sure to see his winning work in MONEYBALL.

After Michael’s memorial I’ll swing by home, change clothes and head out with Tom to a dinner party in celebration for our friend Teri;’s birthday.  It’ll be the core group for the most part given at Cece’s magnificent home in La Canada. It’s a terrific way to ring in the new year.

On Dec 27 my great nephew Matt turned 19.  Congratulations. December 31 my sister Cecilia and her husband Joe celebrated 45 years of marriage.  Hats off to you both.

All the agencies are open on Tuesday.  With any luck I’ll have an audition this week or possibly a callback from one of those commercial auditions a week ago.

If nothing else I’ll be working my desk, cleaning files, doing some preliminary tax work.

Thursday evening I’m back to viewing foreign films.  VOLCANO is Iceland’s entry, then KON KHON by Thailand. Tom will be back to doctor’s Appointment and tutoring the same day.

My great niece Sophia celebrates her 6th birthday on Friday. Oh happy day!

My new year’s resolution is the same one from last year, get more sleep.  I made progress in that area last year and will continue to make more progress.

Here is to a wonderful year filled with many blessings for all of us.