Second City Graduation

It's official, I am finally a graduate of The Second City Conservatory! We even had a graduation ceremony. There really wasn't anything ceremonial about the graduation. There was a short beer and pizza party afterwards and then we walked across the stage to shake a few hands and receive a t-shirt. Then we got kicked out so they could clean up. The best part of the night was celebrating with everyone. The experience was great but it's the people that really made the difference. It's great to look back and see how much we've grown as performers and friends.

Our last show was a perfect ending to the run of REBIRTH performances. We just wanted to have fun and I think we did. Our scenes were still fun to watch and continue to make me laugh even though I've seen them a thousand times. As an ensemble member I noticed small changes that made the scenes even better. We're proud of our performance and think we have every right to be proud.

Thank you to everyone who walked with me during this journey. You're as much a part of this as the people on the stage.

My Main Squeeze

Finally, the Fam sent more pictures of Connor. This was my favorite. Only two more weeks until I get to meet him!

My Future

My dad mailed me this newspaper clipping in the mail. I just received it yesterday. Along with it came a post-it that reads, "Kathryn, What a great horoscop - we're not supposed to believe in them - but whatever!"

Here it is:

IF MARCH 12 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: Singer, actress, performer Liza Minelli shares
your birthday. You have style! You're bold, daring and original. You don't do
things halfway. Furthermore, you have the courage to take a risk. These
qualities make you attractive to others. (Actually, you amaze them.) Always
trust your enthusiastic impulses. You might experience a change in this coming
year.

Isn't that just GREAT? I read this and think, "DANG! I wish this really was me!" So the conclusion is that I need to take more risks this year. I just mailed out my headshot/resume to some agents. Isn't that a risk? I risk rejection. Isn't it a risk to be associated with Liza Minelli? I rest my case.

March Madness Update

I, Katy, am ranked second in the NCAA tournament challenge. Maybe I should clarify, I'm ranked second out of the little group my brothers friends started. The fact that I went from twelfth to second in a matter of hours is A MIRACLE!!! They've been exchanging emails back and forth, trash talking. But now look who's on top! Oh no. I think I just jinxed myself. I hope I don't have to eat those words. Dear Lord, I pray that I don't have to eat those words.

REBIRTH Finale

See this group of people? Don't we just look talented? Don't you just want to laugh already just by looking at our faces? No? Well, YOU'RE BORING! Oh wait, you were kidding. Got it. So you do think we're funny? Oh, well then you'll have to see the show. The FINAL show. So sad but true, we're graduating from The Second City Conservatory on Monday night. Come see us on the E. T. C. stage at 8:00pm. We perform with two other VERY talented groups: Jamaica University and Box Movers. I promise we'll sign autographs....or I promise we won't. Whichever you prefer...

It's amazing how much REBIRTH has been through. We love each other like brothers and sisters and we fight like it too sometimes. But I think in the end we've all been drawn together and have finally formed a unique respect for one another. We're seeing how each one of us must play a part for the whole picture to come together. There's the loud, funny guy. The smart witty guy. The bumbling hilariously awkward guy. The woman with a flare for the dramatic. The woman who never ceases to surprise you. The woman who is not afraid to be graphic. The woman who will support you in anything. The woman who brings energy to every scene. Where do I fit in all of this? I'm not really even sure. All I know is that it works. It finally works. Somehow we've become an ensemble. I'm sad that we are graduating but hopefully it doesn't mean the end of working together.

It's been an honor and a blessing. I've fallen in love with these 8 other people. It's a beautiful thing.

Favorite TV Show: The Office (British Version)

I've made an observation since joining myspace a couple of days ago. Well, I've actually made a couple of observations. The first is that I'm addicted. I'm addicted to finding people I haven't seen in years. I'm addicted to having friends, lots and lots of them. I need medication. The second is that there are people out there who put under their favorite TV shows that The Office (British Version) is their favorite show. I find this hilarious. I'll just go ahead and answer this question for you: yes I've seen both the British and U.S. versions. The more probing observation here is that only certain people insist that the British version is their favorite. Yes, the British version is fantastic, but there's a since of snobbery about claiming it as your favorite. It's like saying, "you know what? I'm even more intelligent than you because I find the British version funny. My humor is more elevated than yours. Plus I discovered it before America discovered it. That just shows how cool I am. I'm hip. Much hipper than you. I watch the BBC because I'm cultured. I care about what happens in the world. You only discover things when they finally come out on DVD. While you were still hooked on American Idol (for which I prefer the British version, Pop Idol, that came first) I was working in the trenches to make sure this show stayed alive! I also was one of the founding fathers of Arrested Development! It's because of people like YOU, you DVD watchers, that the show had to be CANCELLED! You just don't get it do you? I HATE YOU!"

And that's how I feel about that.

Wicked

This has definitely been a week of theatre. Wednesday night my roommates and I had the opportunity to go see Wicked! I've been dying to see this musical since it first came out. I was a little sad that I missed seeing Anna Gasteyer perform as Elphaba but the new lead was absolutely amazing. We had seventh row seats and I was mesmerized by the costumes, sets, the humor and their amazing voices. I laughed hard and even cried at one point. You know when you watch something and it makes you so incredibly jealous that they are on stage getting to perform? That's exactly how I felt. I felt slightly jealous but more than that, I want to perform now more than ever!

The musical version of the story is not quite as dark or political as the book. I love the details in the book but I like the happy ending of the musical. If you ever have the opportunity to see these show, don't pass it up!

STEVE!

What a night I just had and it's only 7:50 p.m.! The roommates and I just met Steve (David Eigenberg) from Sex and the City. You know, Steve! John and Fernando, I can't hold it against you that you have no idea who he is. It's probably a good thing.

Anyway, Jessie, Janell, Lindsay and I went to see a rehearsal for Cradle of Man opening at Victory Gardens Theatre. We sit down waiting for it to begin. Next thing I know, "Steve" comes over to our aisle and asks to sit next to Jessie (two people away from me). Be still our beating hearts. He was really kind and funny...a little too funny. Quit with the one liners already! That's MY job! I'M FUNNY! I'M THE COMEDIENNE! They did five scenes from the show in a barely there set. They even called for lines.

Afterwards we asked to take a picture (like the little teenage girls we secretly are). He was really easy to talk to and not intimidating in the least. I even invited him to my Second City show. He can't come because he spends Monday nights with his father who has altzheimers. Sorry excuse! Whatever Steve! It's OVER between you and I! But then again, I forgive you because you told us to come see the show and you'd by us drinks afterwards. I'm sure his wife won't mind.

Isn't that exciting? I've never met anyone famous other than Martina Navratolova whose autograph I left on the floor...dad's still bitter. And now I've met two famous people in less than a month! That has to be a sign, right?!!!!!

March Madness

I have not watched a lick of NCAA basketball this year (or any other type of basketball for that matter). I enjoyed watching it when I was actually in the arena and could call the Hogs. Since then I haven't really cared much...until NOW! I am participating in the office NCAA Men's tournament challenge on ESPN and at the office. John, can you believe I'm writing about sports? I know you're so proud!

I might as well have been trying to read braille as I looked at the brackets. I decided I would ignore the statistics and go with a logical approach...choose teams in states where I knew people. Much to my surprise I saw that Arkansas is actually in the tournament this year. It's hard to believe that it's been 12 years since they won the National Championship. Yet we're still holding onto it. I feel like a traitor. I only chose Arkansas going to the second round but not beyond. I think I chose Memphis as the winner of that game. In the end I have Texas beating out Illinois by 3 points. I mean, I LIVE in Illinois but my heart is in Texas. Plus I know more people in Texas. Technically Texas and Arkansas are rivals but you can't be too choosey in this case. All the girls at the office chose Duke to win. I mean, that's so obvious. Too obvious; therefore it won't happen.

This is the most you'll EVER hear me talk about basketball.

Love Child

What Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar's love child would look like.

Pictures from the Birthday

One of 400 birthday cakes consumed by moi in two days. Aren't my roommates, Janell and Jessie, cute?

Pictures from the Birthday

Pictures from the Birthday

"How does the song go again?"

Pictures from the Birthday

"Didn't I Didn't I Didn't I See You Cryin'"

My Present to Myself

Did I want to by myself a piece of silver jewelry from Tiffany's? Or how about a spa package from the Red Door spa? Maybe I could have donated extra money to World Vision so the children could be fed. But what did I decide to buy myself in celebration of the Big 3-0? Eye Cream. Now I've been wearing eye cream for a good 5 years or more. No longer will the Walgreen's selection suffice. I need the hard core, heavy duty, make me look young and keep me young looking product! One little bottle cost me $45. I'm going to have to pick up a second job in order to keep myself young looking. It's so tough being a woman. sigh. But I did qualify for a free gift! Ah, sweet justification.

I'm 30!

My late 20's were so fabulous that I couldn't wait to jump into my 30's. I've always heard that your 30's are the best years because you know who you are, insecurity is at a minimum and you know what's important in life. Now I'm not so sure that I have all of those down but I can see what they're saying. I'm looking forward to the adventure that lies ahead.

My 30th birthday weekend was nothing short of perfect. Friday night I had a small army of friends over for some yummy appetizers. My roommates and I were sad to see that most of the food was gone. We made so much food that I thought we'd be living off of these appetizers for a good week. No matter, I'm glad they enjoyed it. My personal offering for the night was homemade Sangria. Me! Katy! Former Cheerleading Captain for Trinity CHRISTIAN Academy. Making mixed drinks! Whoever would have dreamed it? It's now my specialty. I even have the recipe memorized. Thank you Rachael Ray. Post appetizers, we headed back to Pontiac Cafe where I opened up the night with a beautiful vocal rendition of Cheap Tricks', I Want You to Want Me. The allure of my voice wooed the audience...actually, you couldn't really hear my voice. I'm not sure but someone may have turned the microphone down after the start of the song. My keen intuition tells me that it's because they didn't want to be outdone by ME! It was fun to seeing everyone else get to sing their song choices. My favorite part of the night was watching other people have fun. I love being able to open my home and serve others. I need to do more of that in my 30's.

My incredibly generous dad, who loves me so much, flew in my family (senza mom and sister/new family) and Wendy to help celebrate my birthday. The weekend was so unusually gorgeous for this time of year that we walked and walked and walked and then ate and walked and ate some more. I even took off my fleece one time. It was nice to let the skin breathe. I introduced my family to Spanish Tapas. I'm pretty proud of my dad. In one month he has tried both Sushi and Tapas. We'll be a cultured family yet!

I need to go on a two week fast to purify myself from the amount of cake, ice cream and creme based foods I've consumed this weekend. I should run too....lots and lots of running.

Thank you everyone who helped to celebrate my birthday and make it such an amazing weekend! I'll be sure to post pictures soon. I have yet to email about Becky's wedding. I need to get on that one too.

Greetings from Connor

I knew it. He loves me and he doesn't even know me yet!

McNuggets

Dad, this video is for you. I know you're a big fan of McDonald's Chicken McNuggets. That's no secret. You're the healthiest person known to man yet you can't resist the temptation of McNuggets. I think this video symbolizes how your heart feels towards those little fried pieces of meat.

Fernando and Thomas, from the Thursday night conservatory class, filmed this sketch that they use in their show. Just a warning, please don't watch at work. You'll laugh too hard and then you'll get fired and then you'll blame me and then I'll feel bad and then I'll be anxious and then I'll start having to go to therapy and then I'll have to get a second job to afford it.

Connor Christopher McCroskey

Apparently Connor weighed more than 8 lbs. when he was born. The scale was off and the doctor said that he weighed closer to 9 lbs. That's good. He's an eater. You can tell that he has a little Orender in him.

Everyone is doing well. Here are a couple of pictures. You can't really see Connor but you can still tell he's a good lookin' kiddo.

I'm an Aunt!

My nephew was born at 11:53 a.m. today. He is 8 lbs. and 19 inches. And our lives will never be the same. Each birthday, Christmas, Easter, Fourth of July, etc. will have new eyes for all of us. I love the thought of new adventures ahead for him and for the rest of my family. He is the luckiest most blessed boy in the world to be born to such amazing parents. I am still amazed at how blessed I am to have been born into this family. He is a lucky kid!

No names yet. I'll be sure to post pictures when they send them. Congratulations Erin and Chris!

Selfishness

I am swimming deep in the sea of Middle Child Syndrome and my floaties aren't helping. I knew this day would come. It's been predicted and after months of planning and strategy, I still can't seem to stay afloat! Less than 24 hours after Becky's wedding I find myself driving down Dallas Parkway in my mom's car to my "birthday dinner" with the windows open so I can dry my tears and hide them from my family. I start thinking about how my best friend is now married. I used to always be able to count on her for singleness and now I can't. And you know what, that's okay (she lies to herself as she looks in the mirror). The second big change comes in that my sister is about to give birth! I can't believe it! She goes into the hospital tonight so she can be induced tomorrow. What the heck is Cervical Ripening Gel? Wait, don't tell me. I'm not sure I want to know. Something about a cervix that needs to be ripened and the only way to do that is to use gel. I think it's all coming together for me. Bless her heart!

Chris and Erin have been pretty secretive with the names they've chosen for the baby. Chris is a major Comic nerd. And I mean that in the best of sense. You can visit his Komikazee website. He seriously asked Erin if they could give their maybe future son the middle name, Vadar. Lately it's been Thor. Ummm, no you can't! NO WAY IN HELL WILL I TELL MY FRIENDS THAT I HAVE A NEW NEPHEW NAMED THOR! What if they do name the baby Thor? I'll giggle nervously and tell them that it's a wonderful name and that he'll have no problems coming up with a halloween costumes. He'll probably have huge muscles and win lots and lots of body building contests. Then he can become the future governor of California. How can you not be successful with a name like Thor? I change my mind, Thor is a good name.

So please be praying for Erin and Chris. It's going to be a long 24 hours for them and the rest of us. It's killing me that I can't be there. They've promised to update me on every little detail...except the Cervical Ripening Gel.

Embittered Wife

Last week we had an amazing Level 5 show at Second City. There's something about being first in the line-up that brings about inspiring energy. It definitely showed. This week we are adding a few new scenes to our running order. My favorite is about the double luge. I always thought that this was a weird Olympic sport and it might be fun to do a scene centered around it. This one is a blackout that is mostly physical. We don't have much of that in our show and it might be a nice change of pace. I hope it translates well on stage. It was funny to us in our class room. You just never know in front of an audience. It's painful when you watch a bad scene. But it's even more painful when you're performing in one. No matter what, you have to try to sell it 100%. If you're sold, the audience will most likely be sold. Crossing my fingers never hurt either.

As I look at the running order I realize that in a couple of scenes I basically play the same character: the embittered wife. In one scene I sing (scary enough in itself), the other I play Madame Curie. It's more of a period piece. It makes it sound noble when I use "period piece." I hope this isn't type casting. Maybe I play the character so well because it's so opposite of my own personality and character. Yeah, yes, of course! That must be it.