New Star Crush!

Okay, so maybe he's not a new star crush but he's definitely someone to think about and entertain the lonely over the holidays. Jessie, Maggie and I went to see The Family Stone last night for $5 movie night (such a bargain these days...plus free popcorn). The movie was pretty good, not great. The first half of the movie I pretty much hated everyone. No one was kind... or merciful... or normal. The one redeeming person in the movie was Luke Wilson. Therefore, I have a crush. Now I had a New Years resolution last year that I am to have no more star crushes. And I really don't have one on Luke...okay, maybe a tiny one. His character was just so likeable. Maybe in reality he wouldn't be likeable but with the mosaic of dysfunction in his family, he was a gem!

Jessie really is the one with the crush. She's stated her crush-like feelings for a while. So last night on the way home I was mentioning how he's a great guy because not only is he from Texas but also from Dallas!! Check out the film Bottle Rocket...it was filmed there (another Wilson/Anderson collaboration). You can see one of my old high school rival schools in one of the scenes (St. Marks). So I told her that I would probably run into him in Dallas and she went on and on about how cool that would be. I asked, "what if we meet and then I make out with him...how would you feel?" I am so mean! She said she would be jealous but "if someone makes out with him, it might as well be a friend." Then I mentioned my concern about the danger of his pointy jaw. That could put someone in the hospital.

Laser Update

Yesterday was the first day of the rest of my life! I ventured into American Laser Centers during my lunch break to be zapped. I have to admit that the preparation itself took longer than the zapping. I had to make sure that everything was exactly the way I wanted it before I went in. I'll spare you the details. I feel as though I've already said too much.

The process was much less painful than I had expected. It felt more like someone was flicking my skin or snapping a rubberband. But the pain went away instantly. The weird part was the gel they had to use on your skin. EWWWWWWWWWWWW! And I did feel a bit exposed to say the least. Revealing is the word I'll choose. Again, I'll spare you the details. But I did have to wear these cool sunglasses to protect my eyes. Basically I think that they make you wear the glasses to bring a little modesty to the process. This way neither of us can see what the other person is really thinking.

No ice packs were needed. I walked out of the office like nothing had happened. I just can't wait for this whole process to be OVER!

Good Question!

Because Jessie and I had hours of fun in the car driving to and from Danny's wedding, we got to know eachother better. We asked questions like the following:

1. If you fell in love with a wonderful man with the last name spelled S.C.H.I.T.Z, would you keep your own last name? We agreed that it would be a very unfortunate thing but we disagreed with what we would do.

2. If you could have any song writer write you a love song, who would you choose? Jessie chose James Taylor and I of course said Bono.

3. If you could have any song playing while you danced with a man that you just realized is the love of your life, what would it be? Tough Question! I don't think we ever came up with a solid answer.

4. What movie/literary character best represents you? I said Jo from Little Women. I think Jessie thought the same of herself.

5. If you could have acted in any movie, which would you choose? I said "Sense & Sensability." I don't remember Jessie's choice.

6. If you had to marry one of your guy friends, who would you marry? So not revealing this one! Partially because I don't remember who I said.

7. If you could act in a movie with any co-star, who would it be? I said a young Mel Gibson.

8. What actor would you have play you in a movie about your life? I don't remember the answer to this question...probably Tyra Banks. Ha!

What about you? Any thoughts?

Quick!Paddle!! Finale

Last night was the final Quick!Paddle!! show after our extension. Little did we know that there would be yet ANOTHER extension. However, this is only for one show on New Years Day and I won't be there. I'll still be in the Promised Land of Texas.

I don't know what it was about the show last night. It was just ON. We all felt it and you could tell that we were having a great time. Thax Douglas was back and he hopes to make the next show too! That would be 5 shows for him. Our suggestion was "harmonious beans" and took place in a restaurant, again. At first I played a server who was always second to Amy, another server. I should have been Prom Queen and therefore I cut myself. I wasn't so inspired by that character so I went with one a little closer to home. I played the wife of a preacher and it was so much fun. My christianese came out and I was definitely an expert on the topic. She was a fun and random character. My husband and I brought peace to the kitchen and mended relationships through prayer and baptism.

It was fun to have friends in the audience. Jessie and Jason have proved to be my greatest fans. John, Chelsey and Anne made it out too. Plus Gina and Megan from the office showed up.

Once again I'm thankful to be able to perform with such a talented cast.

Wedding #317 in Year 2005

Guess who caught the bouquet? Yours truly! Granted there was never a bouquet toss. They were too smart and kind to do something so cruel. The bride and groom, my cousin Danny and his wife Angela, were speaking with me after the reception. They realized that they had never thrown the bouquet and therefore handed it to me. That makes four bouquets and zero magic. But hey, you never know, the magic could be around the corner. For instance, New Years. I mean, I'm bound to get all dressed up and head out to a party that will be sure to meet my expectations of the greatest night of my life! Uh huh, right. Classic night of disappointment that would probably land me asleep by 11:30 p.m. Oh yes, it's happened before (Beckles, remember Barry?). But this year will hopefully be a repeat of last years dinner party that kept me laughing for hours. Wait, how did I get on the topic of New Years?

The wedding was fabulous. I took a risk and went with the curly/wavy hair look. I kind of liked it and will have to test it out again. A couple of hours into the wedding people found me on the dance floor shaking my hips to Kenny Loggins' "Footloose" and the Village Peoples' "YMCA." Unfortunately my black velvet suit turned out to be a sweat factory. Three songs in and I had to remove my velvet suit top and just sport the strapless number. I felt a little pasty and a little revealing but I went with it. I took my chances. There weren't any mishaps of the top falling down in the middle of the "Y" motion with my arms during "YMCA."

One of the shining moments of the weekend was my sisters first baby shower. It really hit me that she IS GOING TO HAVE A BABY! I so can't wait for the baby to come. That way I can finally call it a "he" or "she" instead of "it." She is going to be a fabulous mom. The shower was topped off by tears from me and my sister. Mom was too sick to come so she sent a note and a present which immediately made me and Erin cry like babies. She so knows how to do that to us!

Did I ever tell you how last week I watched "Little Women" and cried so hard (VERY LOUDLY) that I looked like I had been punched in the face? That was awesome! I needed that cry.

And finally, we saw the sites that Springfield had to offer! Sites in Springfield? Yesiree! If you ever have the chance to see the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, DO IT!!! What an incredible museum filled with so much history. Who knew that Lincoln was so hated by the country? Interesting how he is so revered now. Plus they had awesome theaters showing films of his life. That's my review!

Game Night

With Jock Jams 4000 playing in the background Game Night I commenced. For weeks we've been trying to coordinate a game night. Nobody does those anymore and they are just good old fashioned fun. Alcohol didn't even enter the picture. See folks, these aren't drinking games. These are games for the intellectual and witty. That's me. Do you want to know what other people are intellectual and witty? John, Chelsey, Fernando, Anne, Jessie, Janell and I. Jenny is normally intellectual and witty but she was also very sick. We wanted no part of that!

The night had an ambience of white Christmas lights, jolly holiday tunes and the smell of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies...and fierce competition. Now what most people don't know about me is that I can be extremely competitive. And it's not pretty. But last night I was mostly all talk because I couldn't yell at my teammates on our first game night. I'd never be invited again. So we laughed, giggled and patted eachother on the backs.

We played two different games last night: 1) Catch Phrase and 2) Apples to Apples. Normally Catch Phrase is a scene stealer but last night Apples to Apples was definitely the crowd favorite. You can talk, eat and play at the same time. Before we knew it it was almost midnight and this princess was about to turn into a pumpkin.

I'll post pictures from the night later.

FYI 2

My teeth have sweaters on them from the mounds of sugar I have consumed today.

FYI

I'm eating chocolate covered peanuts like it's popcorn. Someone rescue me. Anyone.

Laser Technology!

Praise the Lord! Those of you who have walked through many years of my open discussions on waxing can now rejoice with me! Beginning in one week I will be going through the laser hair removal process! It's been a long road of research, reservations and invasively intimate appointments. I am so excited about this that I could just give up chocolate forever (whoa! that was a strong statement. I take that back.)!

Yesterday I met with Amy at American Laser Centers and she walked me through the process. It's easy to say, I'M SOLD!!!!! I don't know one woman who wouldn't want to have this done. I mean, never having to shave or wax again! I might become addicted. Next I'll have my legs done, then my arms, then my eyebrows, then my head...wait. Slow down.

It's an expensive habit but I think it will be life-changing. I'll let you know how it goes.

Amen.

Feast

Santa has arrived at the office. The kitchen looks like it's been ravaged by mad hungry women. Why couldn't have all these goodies arrived two weeks ago when I was in the prime of my PMS'ing? At least devouring colonies of chocolate makes sense when you're about to start your period. It doesn't count. Now my raging chocoholism is purely for gluttonal reasons. It counts, and then some.

Let's see, what have I tasted today?
- chocolate chip cookie
- sugar/butter cookie
- chocolate covered plum
- chocolate covered pretzel
- chocolate covered popcorn

And the day isn't even nearly over! Someone please help me. I'm crying out for help! CAN'T YOU HEAR ME????!!!!!

I guess I'm going to have to walk through this alone. Well maybe not totally alone. There are 15 other women in this office who will happily walk with me....to the kitchen.

Winter Storm

So here it is, the picture of my neighborhood after the first winter storm of the season. Where's Katy's car? Let me know if you find it. I need to dig it out.

Singing Cab Driver

I absolutely love this city. I do! It must have something to do with the fact that every moment presents a potential adventure or curious meeting of interesting people.

Last night as Uncle Joe and I were leaving dinner there was near blizzard-like snow. As we stood on the corner in our puffy jackets looking like lost little kids, we searched for a cab amongst the crowded streets. Most taxis were already occupied and there was little hope. As if it was our destiny, a taxi pulled up behind a bus to let out a passenger and Joe and I quickly hopped in the empty cab. Our cab driver was very friendly and talkative. I noticed how he chose to wear a suit as he worked. Obviously he took pride in his work. Our driver navigated us through the slippery streets and drove us a mile in 20 minutes. We dropped off Joe at his hotel and then the taxi driver and I were off on the second leg of our adventure.

On our way to Adobo (for the most delicious Margaritas anyone has ever tasted!), he reveals to me that he is Ray St. Ray: the Singing Cab Driver. Oh yes, he really does exist! He gave me a card and everything. He offered to sing me a song and since we weren't getting anywhere fast I was happy to oblige him. He said, "What kind? I have songs about: life, love, sex, social significance, dreams and other." I optioned for love. He then said, "sappy, sad, love for the intellectual, cautious, lustful..." When I had chosen love for the cautious he immediately began the show. The show had lighting and everything! I was extremely impressed. Besides being a little quirky, he had a funny song and wonderful presentation. I would be happy to ride with him again. Unfortunately you can't just call up and request Ray St. Ray. He says that it "is a cosmically selective process who gets the Singing Cab Driver. When your kharma is due, [i'll] arrive to make your day, shamelessly promote [my] career agenda and deliver you to your destination in one piece, right side up!" After 14 years, 8 months and 8 days of driving, he sure has built up a repetoire of songs: 81 to be exact! All written by him, all unique and all sure to make you smile!

I hope that someday you too will have the joy of riding with Ray St. Ray.

Blizzard '05

Yesterday was amazing. I absolutely love snow. Maybe it's the Texas girl in me, but I'm still somehow fascinated by the accumulation of pure, white snow. So maybe it's not totally pure because we do live in the city and I definitely don't want to eat a handful anytime soon. But there's something absolutely romantic and wonderful about the city in snow. I love how the streets are quieter when it snows. People are less in a hurry and it gives a purpose to the cold.

As you can see from the pictures some poor corvette driving soul is going to have to dig his car out of the snow. Bless his heart.

I also took a picture of my neighborhood in the daylight this morning. I'll be sure to post that one soon.

Picture Worthy

You have the Reynolds girl look. Reynolds girls had the typical British beauty. The eighteenth century British portrait painters would have been attracted by your brilliant complexion and your classical features. Sir Joshua Reynolds loved to paint girls like you in white dresses with blue satin sashes. Reynolds and other portrait painters of his time also portrayed blue eyed, dark-haired girls, and golden-haired ones too, plus the occasional red-head. The following painters would have painted you; Sir Joshua Reynolds and Sir Thomas Lawrence.

Oh this is WAY fun! I was introduced to this by one of my favorite blogs: Amy Loves Books. Girls, which artist would paint you? Take this quiz on quizilla and find out. Mine was Sir Joshua Reynolds. Interesting. Better than Picasso.

Warm Fuzzies

Thank you to everyone who has been kind enough to express concern for my well being today. It's this kindness that is keeping me warm and allowing me to walk to and from building to building in the cold.

I have one question: HOW COULD IT POSSIBLY HAVE BEEN ZERO DEGREES WHEN AWOKE THIS MORNING? I'm in denial that it is actually December. This means that we still have three more months of these frigid temperatures. I heard someone mention that this was supposed to be the WORST winter we've had in a while. I chose not to believe that. I'm still holding onto the slim hope that the rest of the winter will not contain all single digit temperatures.

This morning I had to run to the gym to work out and then afterward I had to move my car from the school zone (I somehow remembered where I parked my car). Why didn't I wear my big puffy sleeping bag coat? At first it wasn't too bad, but after a block I could hardly feel my butt and thighs (even with it's extra winter padding). Let's not even talk about how I had to sit on the frozen leather seats with my already frozen toosh. I had dirt on the windshield but couldn't clean it off due to everything freezing. Speaking of freezing, I did something stupid. I know, you're shocked. I left my laundry detergent in my car and it's now this gel/paste like substance. It may take months to thaw.

The good news is that the heat is on and our apartment is toasty. Unfortunately my comfort isn't exactly translating into an affordable energy/gas bill. But I am thankful that I have a job that allows me to have a place to live... with heat.

So I say that it's so cold that my butt is freezing off. But why doesn't it really freeze off? Couldn't I have a couple of inches here and there freeze off? WAIT! I know why! Because then I wouldn't have the opportunity to work up a sweat as I'm hiking my freshly dried jeans over my thighs. See, it's God's protection. Amen.

Celebrity Look-a-Like

It's official. I look like Shania Twain. I knew I resembled greatness somewhere out there. My sister just introduced me to the greatest website! My Heritage does face recognition. Just download a picture of yourself and they will analyze your face and match you up with your celebrity look-a-like. I also resemble Doris Day, Penelope Cruz and two of my favorites: Kate Winslet and Audrey Tautou. Uh oh, I also resemble Katie Holmes. I have both Penelope and Katie on my list. Am I destined to end up with Tom Cruise and give silent births? I certainly hope not!

I also resemble Lance Armstrong and Elijah Wood. Now that's random. It seems as if I'm destined to take great painful adventures.

Erin and I definitely resemble eachother. I mean, we are sisters. She too got the Shania Twain nod.

Belly

It appears that over Thanksgiving I am either going to be giving birth to a child or I ate too much. Seeing as the first would have to be a virgin birth, it's probably the latter.

I went shopping with my sister, Erin, for maternity clothes (may I remind you that they were for HER, not me). She could not be cuter being preggers. No doubt one of her boobs weighs as much as my head. Bless her heart. After much laughter and tears (sometimes both at the same time) we finally found some great clothes that don't make her look like a ho. She was a great sport.

I'm thinking that I may want to purchase some of those maternity jeans after my Thanksgiving binge. I mean, who would really notice? Only I would really know. But then again, it may allow me to continue on this path to destruction.

One of the girls I work with works right near the kitchen and I have to pass by her office every time I enter. I'm seriously thinking of buying her a taser gun to shoot me anytime I venture into the kitchen for those "treats" that everyone keeps bringing around the holiday season. Seriously, I can hardly help myself. So I need other people to help me.

Tonight I went running. Last night I ate cookies and drank hot apple cider. I think I'm turning a corner. I'm not sure which corner exactly, but it's a corner.

Christmas Treat

Because it's snowing in Chicago and it feels like Christmas out, I am giving everyone a little treat today. Who on earth has the time to do something like this? Not me, but I'm appreciating the skill and artistry.