Take a Moment

Take a moment to let the troops know you support them over the holiday season. It's easy and fast! Just click here. Thanks Beck!

Jacks

Leave it to me to once again humiliate myself and everyone around me. The winning quote of the weekend (Becky, you'll love it) spoken enthusiastically by me while mom taught us to play Jacks:

Dad! Did you know mom was so good at jacking (Katy suddenly realizes what she just said and tries to cover it up)...people...up?

Dad was blushing big time. Erin & I couldn't stop laughing. Mom probably could have killed me. I deserve to be shot.

Heroes for Heroes

My brother-in-law, Chris, started a non-profit organization to help support the troops overseas. He was an ROTC guy at Arkansas and he has a heart for supporting those who keep us free. Here is a little blurb from him that shares more about the organization. Please consider helping with a small contribution.

At Heroes For Heroes we collect, comic books, magazines, DVD's, CD's and any other portable media we can get into the hands of our troops. We want to keep them culturally plugged in and also let them know that we are constantly thinking about them. Visit the website www.heroes4heroes.org for more information. We have raised over $3,500 in the last four weeks, but we need a lot more to accomplish some big goals. I know it's the holiday season but if you guys could spare an extra $10 or $20 it would help immensely. Our first packets will be comic books and magazines that we will have placed on the seat of every soldier flying out on the 14 hour flight to Iraq . We are going to make as many packets as we have money for. Let me know if any of you have contacts or have a soldier serving overseas that we can send a packet to.

Chris is also one of the founders of the Komikazee.com website. Check it out!

Photos From the Weekend

Pictures sometimes tell the best stories. Here are some photos to tell a little about the Thanksgiving Weekend:















Us ladies love to lounge, eat and talk.

















The healthy folks participated in the Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning. This was the first time in years that I walked the Turkey Trot, but I had fun hanging out with Patrick and Cade. I've learned my lesson. I will run the 8 mile from now on. When you're stuck in the back with the 3 mile walkers you see more dog doo doo and puke. Nasty. Get a bag people!






















We headed out to the Lakehouse in Possum Kingdom Thanksgiving night. It was so relaxing! Connor and I got some good bonding time. He's beginning to look like a little man!


















This time of year brings thousands of vultures to the cliff where my parents house sits. They are fun to look at but also freak me out.

This is my dorky little brother. He gets it from me.

The Texas girl in me came out this weekend. Patrick taught me to shoot skeet. The first time I pulled the trigger on the shotgun I screamed. It had a kick in it that threw me backwards. I learned to love it though. So DON'T MESS WITH ME! One thing's for sure, if we had to rely on hunting for food, my family would be okay.

Homeward Bound

Tonight I leave for Dallas and I cannot wait to go home and hug my family, play with the dogs, woo Connor with my animated faces and eat lots and lots of food that will eventually clog my arteries. It's only been three months since I've seen a Texas sunset but it feels like forever. For some reason I'm homesick. The next few hours are going to crawl by so slowly. But there's something so fun about the anticipation of an exciting trip.

You probably won't hear from me for a few days. So here's an early Happy Thanksgiving! I hope that you have much to be thankful for this year.

Here's a picture in case you miss me.

My Mom

Here's a picture of my mom that my brother found recently. This could be a picture of me!

Gave It My All

I just finished an acting class and it was one of those classes that made me LOVE acting. It wasn't necessarily the class as much as it was my finally "getting it" in regards to my Tennessee Williams monologue. I just put it all out there and laid my insecurities to rest. I went for it and it paid off. Everyone stopped rehearsing their monologues to look on while I performed mine. A small huddle of congratulations formed when I was finished and I was a little embarrassed. But it sure felt AMAZING!

Leona is a dynamic and complicated character. I'm so glad that I've been able to play her. She's opposite of me and it allows me to show some versatility. I wish I could go out and audition right now for some spectacular play. That's the confidence I feel after an awesome class.

Emmitt Baby!!

Oh sweet victory, Emmitt has won! While in a work meeting last night, my roommate, Janell, texted me to let me know that Emmitt was taking home the trophy! I let out a yelp of excitement and happily shared the news with my co-workers. They too support Team Emmitt.

It seems like the right man won. He had the moves, the personality and the fans. Sorry Super Mario, but you just can't compete. It seems that you were a little miffed that your "perfect technique" didn't bring you the trophy. You've got style, how about a little grace?

I have to admit that I watched the last 10 minutes of the show before I came to work this morning. I teared up when Emmitt and Cheryl shared how great of an effect they had on each other. DON'T JUDGE ME!

Anyone free on Tuesday nights? I have nothing else going on anymore.

Happy Birthday Dad!

My dad turns 62 today and I want to wish him a great Big HUGE HAPPY BIRTHDAY! He told me today that he doesn't deserve me and I told him right back that I don't deserve him! I am truly blessed to be the daughter of such a great man. I know that there are plenty of people out there wishing they could be his daughter. He's so good to his family! He's so good to me!

My 62 year old dad is planning on running the 8 mile Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. I'm hoping to run the 3! He also ran a half marathon when he turned 60. He had so much fun after that one that he decided to run a couple more. He loves fly-fishing, tennis and continues to perfect his golf game. He constantly looks for ways to help other people who are hurting and in great need. He loves the arts, a good joke (and some bad ones) and probably wishes he could be a sports caster. He's my dad!

I love you dad!

It's Official

I just received this email today from Second City.

Katy:

Thanks for participating in the annual Touring Company Understudy Auditions. We enjoyed meeting you and we hope you enjoyed playing with us. Although there is not a position available for you currently, we look forward to seeing you in auditions next year.

Oh, yes, you will see me next year! And next year you're going to want me!

The Art of Passport Photography

I just got my passport photo taken at Walgreens and am now borderline suicidal. I realize that Walgreens doesn't exactly hire fashion photographers or Annie Liebowitz's but you'd think they would hire someone who could take a decent picture!

My face is washed out and I believe I'm in mid-sentence of some profound statement. I don't think that it's quite in focus and it couldn't be grainier! I also think I suddenly gained 10 pounds in my face. How could the good ol' USofA decide on the most unattractive dimension of a photo? "Top of head to two inches below the chin." Chubbs! I mean, how am I supposed to show my passport to anyone without having to follow it up with a sob story about Walgreens passport photography?

Maybe I'll try Wolf/Ritz Camera next.

And yes, cousins, I too am going to Cabo. When you're 30 and single it could happen for you.

Dancing with Emmitt

Last night's episode of Dancing with the Stars did not disappoint! I was so riled up after watching the show that it took me forever to go to sleep. Plus I kept trying to vote by phone and I kept getting a busy signal. So instead of my planned 15 votes, I was only able to vote 5 times.

Here are my thoughts about the final three dances:

1. Mario and Emmitt both chose to do the Samba (do you think that was planned?) to a Stevie Wonder song. Emmitt & Cheryl did an incredible job and you can't believe how fantastic Emmitt's fancy footwork is. He just looked smooth, cool and full of energy.

Mario & Karina's dance was good. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't more than good, but it just wasn't fantastic like Emmitt's dance.

2. This was the dance where they picked their favorite from the whole season. Of course Emmitt did his fun fun fun Mambo. It was even better than the first time!

Mario chose the Paso Doble and it really was incredible. He's a dynamite dancer and he knows it; which makes me not like him.

3. Freestyle dance! Finally! Hammer-time came back and it was so much fun to watch. Cheryl and Emmitt looked like they were having a blast and it translated in their dance. Plus they had some incredible lifts. I mean, who else could lift his partner and swing her around with ONE ARM???!!!! The whole dance really fit together and was a crowd pleaser. I was so mad with the obvious over critical response from Bruno (who is just obnoxious. he loves himself). You know he had to give Emmitt a 9 so that he and Mario would be dead even after the scores. Bleh.

Mario and Karina wanted to bring it back old style. Well they brought something back and I didn't like it. It looked like Hip Hop with Jazz hands. A jazz dance group could have done a better job. I mean, Mario had on white yachting pants with a faux chain. PULEEEZ! The individual moves were cool but it looked so disjointed. Plus his lifts were no where near as awesome as Emmitt's. I could pretty much see the mechanical thoughts of Mario as he went through the different steps of the lifts. I totally disagree with the judges! This dance just didn't add up! Was it Jazz? Was it Hip Hop? Was it a poorly choreographed talent show routine?

At the end my apartment became one big Dance USA party. I think I burned more calories in those 10 minutes than I did when I ran a marathon. I respect these people. It's hard work!!! My roommates and I also talked about what song would we use for our freestyle dance if given the choice. I think I'd use Billy Idol's "Dancing with Myself." It worked for me last night.

So tonight is the big reveal. No matter what happens, Emmitt will always be my favorite! And don't you forget it!

Thank Goodness for Good Personalities

I just received this email:

ATTENTION:
ALIENS ARE COMING TO ABDUCT ALL THE GOOD LOOKING AND SEXY PEOPLE.

YOU WILL BE SAFE.

Thankfully I have a good personality.

More Good News

Check out this fun news! Here's a hint: it has a little something to do with Patrick & Alicia.

Becky Does Chicago

Becky is on her way to Chicago! She'll be here in less than 4 hours! We're nearing the two year mark since she was last here. She's been a busy girl these past two years. She got engaged, married, graduated from seminary and passed her licensing exam to be a counselor. That's what I would call a productive and successful two years!

We first met at a McDonald's while we were both on our way to work for Kanakuk Kamps. That was WAY back in 1999. It's one of those friendships when you know immediately that that person will play a significant role in your life. These friendships don't happen very often. God knew I needed a friend like her. As Becky said to me the other day, "Katy, you need a counselor as your best friend because getting you to open up is next to impossible." And she's pretty much right. She has my trust and she knows how to ask the right questions. But she's also hilarious! Many post K-Life hours were spent in front of the mirror creating characters that only we would ever see. We'd laugh ourselves into tears. Those K-Life years were lean in terms of a social life. Dedicating your life to mentoring junior high and high schoolers can pretty much kill it. But it was worth it and I'm glad we got to walk through that time together.

We've walked through so much together as friends. She's a true blessing.

Game Time

Wooohoooo! Emmitt is in the finals! We get one more week of seeing him glide across that dance floor. The world is a better place because of it. Amen.

My enthusiastic state from Emmitt's victory was a little dampened by the news of Joey's departure from the show. This genuine guy who "wears his heart on his sleeve" won't be seen dancing again on the show. They played a short tribute reel to his time in the competition and the way they ended it was almost as if he died and we were saying our goodbyes. Reality t.v. knows how to manipulate emotions...at least my emotions.

Joey, we'll catch you on the tour!

McFadden for Heisman

Forgot to vote yesterday? Here's one more chance! We're in the voting mood. Click here to vote for Arkansas Razorback, Darren McFadden for the Heisman trophy. He only needs 37,000 votes by this weekend. Considering the HUGE readership of Katy on the Loose, this shouldn't be a problem. In the bag.

Pig Sooie!

Cha-Cha-Cha-Ching Baby!

Last night I found myself clapping passionately and hugging my roommates after watching Emmitt's fun and fantastic Cha Cha! He is so fun to watch and you know he's having a good time out on the dance floor. He's by far the most improved. You can see why he was such a successful running back. HE WORKS HARD! Two of my friends, who shall remain nameless, did not vote in yesterdays election. The horror! So I made damn sure that they voted for Emmitt! We each voted for him five times. I'll simply die if he doesn't make it into the next round!

Sweet Joey. You know he has to be the most sincere "nice guy." He wouldn't hurt a fly. He loves what he's doing and I think he's found a new calling. Apparently he will be going on tour with Dancing with the Stars soon. I love it! You know I'm going to buy tickets for the Chicago show. Last night he gave two fantastic performances. He deserves to move to the next round too.

Mario has the most talent, no doubt. But I just don't buy into his routines. His authenticity as a person just doesn't come through on the dance floor. "But Katy, you're being so ridiculous. This is a dance contest, not a personality/character contest." If you say that, you obviously haven't seen the show. Just stop reading now. Mario has to go. He's fantastic on the dance floor but he just hasn't won my heart like Joey and Emmitt. A.C. Slater...ugh. I also heard a rumor that he may be doing a remake of Dirty Dancing. GAG!

I'm so nervous for the results show tonight! Whatever happens, they all are fabulous and know how to work a crowd. But Emmitt....you're my fav.

Vote

I voted! I'm still not really impressed with the candidates but I still think that it's important to take advantage of this opportunity. Too many people are lazy on voting day. Don't be lazy! VOTE!

Don't I already sound like a celebrity?

I'm rejoicing today. I'm rejoicing because the election will be OVER today. And the election being over means that I won't have to endure any more of those hideous, lying, overly-dramatic and repetitive political ads. Anyone else tired of those? Those ads are keeping people from the polls. Nobody likes anybody because we're sick of everybody.

Tonight I can enjoy Dancing with the Stars without having to see the faces of Judy Baar Topinka or Gov. Blagojevich. Woohoo!

My Man Emmitt!

Oh my gosh! Somebody call me right now about Dancing with the Stars! It's been at least 45 minutes since I've talked about it and I'm having withdrawals! I've tried to convert the male populace recently about the greatness of this show. I've had some definite push back but only from the uneducated.

Tuesday night's dances were phenomenal! Once again I found myself smiling and wishing that I were a B movie star so I could be asked to be on the show. Here are my thoughts on the dancers/dances:

1. Joey Lawrence: I LOVED the tango. even though it was to the Addams Family tune and Edyta was wearing long ugly hair, I LOVED it. The strange stiff movements really worked with the music. Joey rocks at the ballroom dances! And let's talk about the Paso Doble...whoa (remember Blossom?). It was great!


2. Mario Lopez: His dances were rock solid as usual. I loved his partners short red wig. I wish I could wear my hair like that. I'd probably look like a chubby Dorothy Hamill.

I totally had this haircut in elementary school. My mom loved it and probably still wishes I had it. Tempting...

1. Mario knows he's good but he's a little arrogant. I'm not the only one who thinks so.


2. Monique: She tries so hard. She tries too hard. Her cha cha was fantastic and she deserves major props for that dance. But her first dance was a little too weird for me. You know what? I did like the dance but didn't like her lipstick or her dress. Too distracting.


3. Emmitt Smith: Foxtrot = eh. Rumba = omigosh he's amazing! I concur with Glen. I wish he could have given you an 11! He's still my favorite.

SPOILER ALERT!

Three cheers for Emmitt and Cheryl! I was so nervous that they wouldn't move forward. Then I would have cussed myself for not voting. My favorite moment of Wednesday night's show was Joey's face when they said he was moving forward to the next round. You know he's genuinely thankful! At that point we all knew that Monique was going home, even she did. She's great but just doesn't have the fan base. So long little lady.

I can't wait until next week! I'm so nervous!

Post Secret Bookstore Visit

Post Secret's Frank Warren is coming to Chicago again on November 15th. I have a work party that night, otherwise I'd be sure to go to Barbara's Bookstore. Scroll to the bottom to check out the tour schedule. I may have to purchase the new book he just published. The first one was pretty cool.

Happy Halloween

Connor roars on his first Halloween. He's excited to eat candy with his new tooth.

Hope you had a great Halloween!