Pics from the Night

A little iChat with my sister and Connor and a gorgeous sunset seen from our fire escape made for a wonderful night!

Missoula, Montana

Hello friends!

I will be heading to Montana tomorrow for a week of fly-fishing, hiking, and white-water rafting with my family. We sound so athletic and adventurous. Yes, believe everything you read! I don't know if I'll have any internet access while I'm frolicking with the trout and bears. I'll be sure to update if I can.

Meanwhile you can read about my past Missoula adventures here and here.

Tonight I am preparing for the trip by treating myself to a manicure and pedicure. I like to remind myself that I'm a girl by looking down and seeing brightly polished toenails. It's what visibly distinguishes me from the men out there on the river. That and mascara.

I'll Take It

This morning the parking guy looked at me and said, "Wow. (shaking of the head) I mean. You're looking good. Whewow."

Thanks Spanx!

I'll take it. Even if it's Eric the "parking guy who tosses out compliments like they're candy."

iChat

I heart Mac...as in my computer. It's more than just a computer. It's an avenue for better communication with my family.

My sister, Erin, just got a Mac for her birthday. We decided to test out iChat to see how we liked it. WE LOVED IT! It was almost as if we were sitting face to face having a conversation, except we were staring at our computers and seeing each other at very unflattering angles. One should never take a picture of me from below eye level. It's very unattractive.

Our laptops have tiny little cameras built in and we see real time videos of each other. You just talk to the computer and it transmits it perfectly. I have no idea how it works, but it works. I was able to give Erin a tour of my new apartment and she showed me pictures of her latest ultrasound as well as her growing belly. Then I flashed her. Sometimes I can't help myself.

Heavy Closes

We closed the show Friday night. We had a small but mighty crowd. They loved to laugh...at us and with us. Then we closed down the bar with more karaoke. My muse that night was The Bangles' Eternal Flame. Tears flowed in the crowd. It really was beautiful.

Housewarming Party

Saturday we had our first official house party! Here are a few pictures from the night. It was fun bringing all of our friends from a billion different walks of life. Thanks everyone for celebrating with us!

Room with a View

We had a board meeting at the Midday Club today. It's on the 56th floor of the Chase building. I had to take a picture.

Aaron Eckhart

OH MY GOODNESS! My roommate is a manager for a Starbucks in Chicago and she just called to tell me that my ALL TIME MOVIE STAR CRUSH IS IN HER STORE! She just served him up a grande non-fat latte. I could love a man who drinks a grande non-fat latte. If I hadn't of just taken my lunch break you could guarantee that I'd be in a cab right now heading down there to see him (and Kelly, I would choose to take you out for a birthday lunch any day over stalking a crush). Apparently he's just sitting there reading a book. Janell said he's gorgeous. I could hear her blushing over the phone. I wish I could talk to him on the phone...oh that voice.

Now I sound like a stalker. I'm really not. It's not stalker-ish to know that we have the same birthday. No, not stalker-ish or junior high-ish at all.

She's going to try and sneak a picture of him for me. She's a good roommate to call and tell me this news.

I'm DYING! Maybe I'll run into him sometime. Seriously though, I have a plan of what I would do if I saw him. I'd pretend to trip and fall right in front of them. That way we'd have to talk. Brilliant? I believe it is!

Summer Solstice

It's another amazing day in Chicago. That's three in a row! Three glorious days that I spent sitting at my cube and wishing I was outside. But that's okay. I have three fabulous days of fly-fishing ahead of me!

Today is the longest day of the year. I love the sun. Sunlight brings me so much joy. I think that's why I like being outside so much. So today should be my favorite day of the year. But my spirits are dampened a bit when I realize that from now on the days are just going to get shorter and shorter. That thought depresses me. So maybe today is the quentessential bitter sweet day.

Today I met five men who reminded me of the guys from Return to Me. I love that movie. The old men are one of the reasons I love it so much. I stood on a corner waiting for a taxi and they were sitting in their lawn chairs talking the day away. I think I was a welcome distraction. Three of them were happy to help me flag down a taxi. We were there for around 10 minutes waiting and watching. I asked them why they were all gathered at the corner. One said, "Oh, we're just a dirty old mens club." Another one said, "Emphasis on the OLD. The youngest one in the group is 70 years old." I responded with "Haven't you heard? 70 is the new 30." They really were too cute. Dirty old men over the age of 70 are cute. Dirty old men any younger than that are just creepy.

Amazing Discovery

I want to point out a discovery that was made recently. After weeks of scientific authentification this news can finally be made to the world.

Katy actually has cleavage. Here's the proof:














No, I swear it's there. Look closely. See it? No? Oh. Well, it's there...somewhere.

Hydration

I just calculated that I'm supposed to be drinking 82.5 ounces of water a day. Yeah, doesn't happen often. I mean, we have one bathroom for 18 women. Yes, 18 women. Two of which were pregnant...until recently. It will at least get me up from my desk.

You can calculate how much water you should be drinking by clicking here. Thanks Beckles!

Randomness

I really like Goldfish...the food. I prefer the cheddar flavor. They are highly addictive.

I'm getting new headshots. I was finally productive and set up a consultation for tomorrow. I'm going to ask them to make me look like myself...only better...like Angelina Jolie. Wait, not her. She's too skinny. I could snap her wrist with my pinky toe. Catherine Zeta Jones. Yeah, her. Only younger.

I really want an iphone. I don't need it. I just want it.

I paid for my third parking ticket in one month. You're welcome City of Chicago.

Oooo! I get my haircut tonight. I love getting my haircut. I'll feel even better when I get my eyebrows waxed.

I'm wearing a cute dress today. I feel so Audrey Hepburn-ish.

When I look at my wall calendar at the end of the month I become really impatient because I want to flip the page and see what picture adorns the next month. I don't peek because I love surprises.

A friend told me how they are surprising a friend with a trip to Vegas this weekend. I want a surprise trip! Have I mentioned how much I love surprises?

Yes, I know I travel...a lot. Wendy told me last night that I get to go on so many adventures. It's true. But it's always easier to look at someone else's life and claim that they have an exciting and adventurous life. I look at hers and think the same thing.

I procrastinate on things that have an outcome that's unknown to me. That's not a good quality. I would never use this as a weakness in an interview. Let's just keep this our secret.

Something I love about living in Chicago: Eating lunch by a restaurant window and seeing multiple people I know walk by. This city really is small.

I love it when someone I haven't seen in years finds me on myspace.

I sat in the park yesterday and read for two hours. It was unbelievably gorgeous!

I'm not wearing a bra. hahahahahaha! I don't need to in this dress...or with anything really.

I think I'm going to like my new monologue.

I so want to skip out on work and go see a movie. Make it an independent film. And I'll take some Milk Duds too.

It's so annoying when my hair gets caught in my lipgloss. It makes me want to shave my head. That's why I don't always wear lipstick mom! It's not out of spite.

And speaking of lipstick...I get grossed out when I see lipstick on my straw or silverware. That's why I always take it off before I eat or drink anything.

Let's see...anything else? Oh yes! I got new running shoes! I forgot that running shoes are supposed to have tread and a little bounce to them. Maybe now I won't ruin my knees.

That's all I'll leave you with today. Feel free to share any random thoughts you may have about your life. I enjoy reading what you think.

Johnny Castle

This weekend was one adventure after another. And since I love adventure it made for a fun and entertaining weekend.

First of all, I went to the Cubs vs. Padres game on saturday with my friend, Helen. She knows some high and mighty people and was given tickets two rows behind the visitor dugout. The best part of the game was the bench clearing fight that took place between Derek Lee and the Giant. I swear he must have been about seven feet tall. My dad says he's from Dallas. That explains his good looks.

Secondly I had a Girls Night Out with Kelly and Kristen on saturday. We had a little pre-party at Kelly's. This involved all of us drinking Vodka and Sprite while I laid on Kelly's bed and Kelly did Kristen's hair and makeup. It was almost like we were getting ready for prom. We went to Nacional 27 for margaritas and tapas. It was delish. By the time we were finished with dinner at 11:00 pm (usually I'm done with dinner by 6:00 pm) the Latin dancing started and men were prowling around looking for a dance partner. I had to go watch the dancing. You know how much I love all things dancing.

Next thing I know a man grabbed my hand and took me out on the dance floor. I was doing my best to imitate all of Emmitt Smith's dance moves. My hips were swaying and my frame was unbreakable. I couldn't stop laughing at myself. It was fabulous. He asked for another dance and I declined. Then as soon as I stepped off the dance floor another man grabbed me. You would think that this is a woman's paradise. It was until man #2. Seriously, how long do these songs have to play? I swear they lasted about 20 minutes each. It's all fun until you're thrust against some sweaty 50 year old man and dancing cheek to cheek. He left no room for the Holy Spirit. Could he not feel the bacteria that must have been building between our two faces? I just kept thinking that I couldn't wait to go wash my face. This was stranger sweat. "Let's just rock back and forth and rest." ummmmkay. He was holding me so tight that I could hardly breathe. The "rest" turned into a little dirty dancing with a little dirty old man. He kept saying, "I like you." " You're my favorite person to dance with." "Come dance with me again." I'm sure he's never said that to another woman. "Don't you believe me?" Yeah, okay, sure. But the first dance we danced was fun. There were all these twists and turns. I'm sure there were algorithms involved in there somewhere to create those moves. Finally I broke away and us ladies left the dance floor.

It was awesome.

Sandra Thomas

Last week Sandra Thomas ended a long battle with cancer. I grew up with Sandra and we went to school together for 10 years. I have had the privilege of praying for her from afar over the past few years. If I were to be honest I'd let you know that I did not know Sandra all that well, but her life and her death have affected me in ways I did not expect.

Friday after work I received an email from Courtney letting me know that Sandra passed away. As a surprise to myself I could not stop crying. I think part of it was the reality of knowing someone my age who died. But mostly it was having been a witness to the amazing peace and surrender she demonstrated during her sickness. I would receive occasional mass emails from her asking people to pray. Her love for Christ, her joy even while suffering, and her commitment to making God known and to bring Him glory humbled me and gave me a deep respect for Sandra. I cried mostly because she was finally with God. I can't imagine the joy of God as He welcomed Sandra home and she could finally be with Him. The battle is over and she can rest.

These are a few of the words from the email I received:

Mark called and Sandra's mom told him that she went to be with her Lord at 11:45 A.M. today. A family friend was sitting with her and had whispered in her ear, "Sandra, the Lord is calling you." Shortly after those words, Sandra opened her eyes very wide and she died. Now she is healed completely and face to face with her Jesus. I know she is also embracing her father who she loved so dearly.

The last time I saw her was at my church in Texas three years ago. She had just started her fight. Even then her peace and wisdom left me speechless. I know the impact of her life has only just begun.

You can go here and here to read more of her story from a couple of her good friends.

Love Tat

Of course he does! This is little Liam's toosh. So squeezable!

I Made the Paper!

Yes, my face can be seen in the June 8, 2007 issue of the Daily Herald, a Chicago suburb newspaper. I couldn't believe the size of our picture! I've included scanned photos of the paper for your viewing pleasure. My favorite part is where the journalist describes me as "very slender." I about passed out from sheer delight. She can say whatever she wants about me after that comment. And I'll overlook the fact that she said "Orender stumbled frequently over her lines." Come on! It was one scene and I somehow made it through! But she did say I was "very slender." She is forgiven. But again, I must bring up that one of my characters stumbles over lines on purpose! Maybe I'm too good of an actress. Yes, that must be it.

And the show got two stars. She told Paul that she actually gave us two and a half stars. How generous.

You can also amuse yourself with the local happenings in the suburb area. I left the surrounding articles and advertisements in the scanned photos so you wouldn't think I completely made this up myself.

Valley of the Sun

I'm home and I have an amazing tan. This amazing tan will probably be gone before anyone sees me. That's why I can call it amazing. Here are some of my favorite things from the week:

1. My amazing tan.
2. Confirmation that my toe nail is indeed going to fall off.
3. The Rattle Snake that camped outside of Becky's and my outside door.
4. Practically shoving Becky into oncoming traffice after hearing rustling in the bushes near where we were walking. In my defense it was dark, the streets were mostly abandoned and I was trying to "protect her." Apparently I become freakishly strong when I'm scared. And that's a bad thing?
5. People watching. I was obsessed with the following:
-Fake boobs. They were everywhere.
-Women who were trendy, but on the trashy side. You know, the combination of a rhinestone camo-baseball hat, long nails polished in dark shades, capri sweat pants that said "pink" on the bottoms, and a nice set of double d's....on women who were in their 40's! Let's leave Forever 21 to the teenagers. I shouldn't judge. But I did.
-55 year old Italian man with a sidekick who had a mullet and lamb chops.
-The cutest little boy, Tanner!
-The "pool boy" who looked like an older version of a friend of mine from camp.
-The "hot guys" who had to do a walk through around the pools to check out all the girls. Could it have been any more obvious? So fascinating that they had no shame. When I did my walk throughs I at least acted as if I had a purpose! You're right, I'm just bitter that they didn't hit on me. It could have been because I was drowning in my own sweat.
-All the young teenage couples at the pool. Seriously, how can they afford a trip like this? Teenage loving makes me want to gag all together. I will just go ahead and say that I get a little nastified when I see teenagers all wrapped in each others arms while waiting in line for a ride at Six Flags and it's 105 degrees outside with 80% humidity. Ew!
6. Saw Knocked Up and laughed until I cried.
7. Margaritas & Guacamole by the pool.
8. Flying Gecko's attacking me and Erin as we're trying to enjoy chocolate covered strawberries on her balcony.
9. The meditation room at the Spa. I need to get me one of those!
10. Waking up at 6:30 am and not being tired.
11. Running into cousin Julie at the airport. Seriously, what are the odds?
12. Sleeping in a freezing cold room with a 50 lbs. duvet over me.
13. Laughing and crying with my best friend! And talking. And not talking. "We could talk or not talk forever."

Beckles, you'll have to remind me if I forgot anything.

It was a wonderful trip and I can't believe I'm home already. It's good to be back.

The Phoenician

I'm back at The Phoenician and it's fantastic! Becky met me here in Phoenix and it's been so much fun! We've laughed hard at ourselves and also solved all the world's problems only in a matter of hours. Love it!

Here are a couple of pictures of us enjoying the pool and drinking margaritas. I am so blessed!

Back when we were younger we would say to each other, "I can't wait until someday when I can go to a place like this with my husband." Now since we never see each other we're glad it's just us that gets to take this trip.

#1 Song

Thanks to Kathie for sending me this! What song was #1 the day you were born?

Mine was The Four Seasons' "December 1963 (Oh What a Night)." And was it ever a night. How fitting. My dad loves The Four Seasons.

Movie in the Park

Wednesday night we celebrated Janell's birthday by going to see Sixteen Candles in the Park behind the Chicago History Museum. This is perhaps one of my favorite things to do in Chicago. People bring picnics, share food with their neighbors, and talk to people they normally wouldn't have the opportunity to meet. Movies in the Park bond people together. There would be peace in the world if more people attended these events. You can quote me on that!

Here are some pictures from the evening. I wish I had taken a picture of Long Duk Dong on the big screen.

We are such rebels. We snuck wine into the park. There's something so sophisticated about drinking wine out of a coffee cup. And I had to post this picture of Jessie because she likes to post terrible picture of me on her blog. She actually looks cute in this picture. Dammit!

Advice to Myself by Louise Erdrich

I liked this poem. My aunt Pat sent it to Jessie the other day.

Advice to Myself

Leave the dishes.
Let the celery rot in the bottom drawer of the refrigerator
and an earthen scum harden on the kitchen floor.
Leave the black crumbs in the bottom of the toaster.
Throw the cracked bowl out and don't patch the cup.
Don't patch anything. Don't mend. Buy safety pins.
Don't even sew on a button.
Let the wind have its way, then the earth
that invades as dust and then the dead
foaming up in gray rolls underneath the couch.
Talk to them. Tell them they are welcome.
Don't keep all the pieces of the puzzles
or the doll's tiny shoes in pairs, don't worry
who uses whose toothbrush or if anything
matches, at all.
Except one word to another. Or a thought.
Pursue the authentic-decide first
what is authentic,
then go after it with all your heart.
Your heart, that place
you don't even think of cleaning out.
That closet stuffed with savage mementos.
Don't sort the paper clips from screws from saved baby teeth
or worry if we're all eating cereal for dinner
again. Don't answer the telephone, ever,
or weep over anything at all that breaks.
Pink molds will grow within those sealed cartons
in the refrigerator. Accept new forms of life
and talk to the dead
who drift in though the screened windows, who collect
patiently on the tops of food jars and books.
Recycle the mail, don't read it, don't read anything
except what destroys
the insulation between yourself and your experience
or what pulls down or what strikes at or what shatters
this ruse you call necessity.

Two Reasons to Celebrate Today

Reason One:

It's my beautiful, hilarious, sweet, and all around better person than I am little sister's birthday! Erin is 29 today. 29!!! It seems just like yesterday that we were stealing each others diaries and reading them aloud to our friends. Remember that one time I called you a "little shit" in my Care Bear diary? Ah, those were the days! Here's to many more days of you being a "little shit"! You know I love you!

Reason Two:

My cousin, Alyse, got engaged! You can read Alyse & Jeff's engagement story here. They're so cute.

Once

I'm seriously in love with this movie! I mean, just look at my face in this picture. Please go see it! I can't stop listening to the soundtrack. It makes me want to cry, sing and skip across a grassy field all at the same time. There aren't many of those movies out there! And it's EXACTLY the kind of movie I would like to be in...except I'd have to sing. I love singing but the audience wouldn't love ME singing. Read the blog if you get the chance...but only after you see the movie.

Victoria Can Keep Her Secret

Me having yet another breakdown at Victoria's Secret on Friday:

"Have you been measured recently?"

"Um, no. It's been about two years."

"Well let's measure you." Woman takes out her measuring tape and proceeds to measure my rib cage and boobs while strangers look on. It's almost like having a gynecological visit in public, but not really.

"Hmmm, I would say a 34." She measures AGAIN.

She looks up at me and says in a questioning voice, "A?"

I stare at her for a second while the wrath within me builds up and I respond with "An 'A'? AN A!!? I most definitely am not! I AM ATLEAST a B!" I mean, what does she know! It's not like she went to school for this or anything!

Dad & Drew in Chicago

Andrew and Dad came into town this weekend. We had a great time eating, laughing, eating, laughing, eating and talking about bra sizes. Right Drew? You are so lucky to have older sisters. I'm sure you'd say the same thing.

Enjoy a few pictures from the weekend!