Last week was lovely.  I had a several commercial and VO auditions, got great exercise in as I think I am almost completely over the pulled groin muscle and watched several movies.

Tom and I had dinner, got into our jammies and headed to the library for large screen viewing. My rating is based on a 5* scale: War Horse 5*, Carnage 4.5*, Cars II 4*, Rango 5* Drive 4.5*, Arthur Christmas 5*.

Got myself some new eyeglasses. Tom went to church three days last week to devote time to waxing the sanctuary ambo, altar, lectern and organ.  He put in about two hours each day until it was done.

Got the Christmas letter written and mailed/emailed.  Big task off the table.

Tom took some photos of me in hopes of nailing a new head shot.  We’ll scan through them this week and shoot more if we need it.

The Children’s Christmas Vigil Mass that I lectored for was simply lovely.  The church was beautifully decorated and all Tom’s labor enhanced the glow of the sanctuary.  Another beautiful Christmas Eve with the man of my dreams.  I love the great memories we make just being together doing something wonderful or ordinary.

We rarely give each other presents on specific days as the truth is we are able to buy what we want and need when we need it.  But this Christmas we did exchange a few small things and it was fun.

Christmas Day we will sleep in late, make a meal of steak, brussel sprouts, potatoes and dessert and watch movies, possibly three.  Basically it will be day to be together, relaxing.

Monday we are going to a party in the evening, to Rick & his son Henry’s.  We don’t see them enough so this will be great fun.

With two events in Beverly Hills on Thursday we will have a full day. I want to take Tom to the costume exhibit I saw a few weeks ago with my girlfriends.  Theatrical Costumes by Italy’s haute couture designers. It was so spectacular I want him to see it before it leaves.

Then it’s off to a party at Joe Bologna & Renee Taylor’s who are celebrating the Golden Globe & SAG nominations for their friend Jonah Hill.  We don’t actually know them but I suspect I got the invitation because I am in the Academy.  I did work with Joe many years ago on a long forgotten sitcom TOP OF THE HEAP.  I wonder if he even remembers the series.

One more party on Friday, given by our friend LA County Supervisor Mark-Ridley Thomas.  He and his wife Avis were just at our home for our party so we thought we’d return the gesture by attending his Black-eyed Peas luncheon.

Merry Christmas.

The week leading up to our party for 100 was filled with a wild run of auditions, callbacks, and general mayhem.  I was literally in first position on five jobs that all worked the same time period in that they overlapped possible shoot days.  It was a very frantic and fun time jammed with  baking, cooking, shopping, cleaning, and general party prep and stress.

To top it off I got a bladder infection, the very first one of  my life.  I was still fighting a lingering cold so my gym visits had nearly dropped off. I also have been fighting a pulled groin muscle for about two months, thanks to my over enthusiasm at pilates.

Lucky for me when I got my facial Brandi convinced me to see her reflexologist.  I got in 4 days later when someone cancelled.  He was the one who told me I had a bladder infection which I thought was off base as I had no symptoms.  But about 6 hours later I did and it worsen into the night.

While he worked on my feet he told me about other little issues, all of which I knew.  He did  identify the pulled groin and said he could take care of it. He said it will take a couple of sessions but honestly, I have to say it is 95% better.  Very rarely does it fire pain anymore.

And the interesting thing about the infection is that although it was worse through the night when I got up in the morning most of the symptoms had gone. Thanks to the reflexologist, I believe. Still I went ahead with an emergency appointment with the internist who put me on meds.  So that issue is behind me now.

The jobs finally shook out like this.  I shot another MIKE & MOLLY the previous Friday, Monday & Tuesday.  Wednesday I did another voice over for International Delight and Thursday I shot THE MIDDLE for fourteen hours. The other two jobs did not pan out.

What a merry, merry Christmas a slew of jobs can make.  Oh yeah.

Our party turned out to be the most successful one we’ve given.  That was the general consensus.

I think it was especially good for several reasons: I had a new menu, all Italian, we had a  great mix of people, I hired a singer/pianist who got folks singing, I say 30 of the 100 had never been here so the house was like a sparkling jewel and that generated energy and finally, we wore name tags which everyone appreciated.

In lieu of a hostess gift,  we asked friends to bring baby items from 0 to 18 months to be donated to the pro life non profit Los Angeles Pregnancy Services (www.LAPS.org).  They came through in a huge way with dozens and dozens of items.  Some brought checks too.  I'd say the total donation is worth about $2200.  I deliver on Monday.

On Wednesday I did an interview with David-Elijah Nahmod, a writer for Monster Palooza magazine about eight seasons playing “Norma” on PASSIONS. Once it sees print I’ll let you know how to find it.

Got all my baking done for our civil servants at the police and fire stations.  Made eight mini loaves of pumpkin bread.

Because of THE MIDDLE I had to forgo attending the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, something I’ve wanted to experience for 15 years.  Tom and friends enjoyed it immensely.  It’s back on my bucket list.

There have been so many parties we had to turn down some.  Still I made it to Kate & Mike’s annual soiree which was fabulous, as usual.  And I hope to get to Bridget & Carlton’s this Sunday.

We looked for a new car for Tom on Friday but were unsuccessful.  I say “new” but I always buy used.  Still, we’re looking for a 2010 or 2011 Honda Odyssey EX-L.  Maybe this coming week we’ll find it.

Finally saw: BRIDEMAIDS (total hoot), HUGO (5*), TIN TIN (4*) & THE IRON LADY (5* - another nom for Streep no doubt.).  We’re trying to do two a night for a few days, to unwind and catch-up.

I still have our Christmas letter to write and Tom has to make copies of the photo that goes out in the hard copies.  I’ve neglected my desk and bills for over 10 days so that is going to be rectified this week.

My episode of THE LEAGUE is scheduled to air on FX this Thursday, December 22.  It’s adult material so please be sure your kids don’t waste their time on it.

Tom is going to try to shoot a new head shot of me sometime this week.

We wind up the week with me doing the lectoring at the Christmas Vigil Children’s Mass on Saturday, December 24.

I hope you have a very safe and merry Christmas.  And that you feel the warmth and love of our Lord every day of your life.

Oh my dears, I am exhausted from preparing and then giving our every other year Christmas party.  I actually forgot to write my blog.

I'm working this week on another MIKE & MOLLY. At 3 I have a fitting over at THE MIDDLE as I am doing an episode on Thursday & Fri. then home, change, gym, eat party leftovers and go see 2 foreign films.  I'm not going to get to the blog.

The rest of the week looks just as dense.

So, I am going to write a fairly long one for next Sunday.  By then I should have some party pictures and with any luck, a good nights rest.

Incidently, my first MIKE & MOLLY airs this Monday, December 12 on CBS.

Tom and I are just back from a spectacular Christmas Gala by Catholic Charities held at the magnificent California Club.  We were guests of our pastor Msgr. Montoya who is vice president of Catholic Charities, a position he has held for thirty years.

My friend Cece lent me the most gorgeous ball gown.  Hopefully the photos we took will show off the dress.  Honestly I received more compliments on my clothes than ever before.  I felt fabulous on my handsome husband’s arm.

We also sat at a terrific table full of interesting people.  We laughed and chatted all evening long.  An altogether wonderful way to start the most beautiful season of the year.

True to her word Mary Pat gave me 6 hours of uninterrupted labor.  Together we got the entire inside of our home decorated.  Even the tree brought down, assembled, lighted and decorated.  I can not tell you how it has changed my mood to have this huge task handled in one 12 hour session.  As MP pointed out we have done some really lousy jobs together over our 40 year friendship but we always, no matter what, have a great time.

The gale like winds have kept me from decorating the outside which I intend to do this coming week. I’ve been battling a cold which has now dwindled down to a cough but still very annoying. I haven’t felt up to working out and that is a problem.  Hopefully I’ll be back to the gym soon.

Last week I saw MONEYBALL, J. EDGAR, 50/50 & WIN/WIN, YOUNG ADULT all of which I enjoyed.  None get a 5 out of 5 but they all deserve a 4.

Did a commercial call and booked and worked a VO for International Delights, the folks who hired me several weeks ago.  We did another run at 3 demo spots with another actor this time, Louise Chamis playing opposite me.  Had a ball.

Since I went to Mass on Saturday evening I’m off to meet the girls on Sunday morning for my birthday brunch.  I picked one of my favorite spots, bld on Beverly.  Tom will be at the 2nd part of his camera class.

I may try to get my exterior decorating done after lunch and before I head over to volunteer for the historical heritage Christmas Tour.  I am a docent or a sweep which is the one who keeps the stragglers moving along.  It’s a tight schedule as we get hundreds of tour goers through 5 hours and a 5 course meal spending only 30 minutes in each house. 

Monday evening I’m seeing two foreign films OCTOBER BREAK from Peru and THE FRONT LINE from Korea.

Our piano tuner comes on Tuesday and our block club Christmas Party is that evening.  I’ll be spending all my days this week getting the house in immaculate condition for our party.    I’ll be making lists and then lists of lists.  Lots of shopping, ordering food, polishing silver, putting on the good linens.  You get the picture.  Tom will go to the flower mart on Saturday and buy loads of red tulips, my perfect Christmas flower.

Wednesday evening we are going to see VIGIL at the Taper.  Don’t know much about it but am hoping it is humorous.  We’ve seen a lot of heavy movies this season.

December 8 is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  I’ll attend Mass in the AM and go food shopping that afternoon.  From here on out I am preparing food, pulling platters and figuring what goes on what and do I have back-ups.  I’m sure there are a few more runs to the store between now and the party.

If by some miracle we are ready for the Open House, then we’ll go to MISSION IMPOSSIBLE Saturday evening.  I know how much Tom wants to see it so I may in fact, take him there and get him in, then leave.  That works best for me this week.