Audition Blitz

Tuesday night was the second of my summer audition blitz. I was told to have a one minute contemporary monologue and to prepare a 5-10 line nursery rhyme told with movement. Not one of those auditions! It almost scared me away but I put on my big girl panties and decided to choreograph a little something. With the help of friends I decided on reciting "Little Miss Muffet." I reached back into those early childhood files and thought, "I like to eat, though not necessarily curds and whey. I also don't like spiders. They scare me. Perfect!"

I felt pretty calm going into the audition. I was well prepared and just wanted to have fun. I actually think the whole nursery rhyme idea gave me that perspective. I did my monologue, got a laugh or two, and then started the nursery rhyme. I gave the choreography some levels: started out standing, moved to the floor, crawled backwards and then the grand finale! I cartwheeled from the floor and flew out of it with a leap! I, a 32 year old, cartwheeled! I think it impressed them enough to invite me back the next day for callbacks. Yippee!

I had the same goal for callbacks: have fun, take risks and be bold. That formula must work because this morning I got an email inviting me to be in the cast! I'm very excited about it! I'll be sure to fill you in on the details soon. Basically this means I'll be rehearsing ALL. THE. TIME! Goodbye summer! But it's what I want to do, right? Yes it is. God give me strength! It would be one thing if I didn't already have a nine to fiver.

Needless to say, I'm excited!

Why Dogs are Better than Cats

Yet another reason why I love Golden Retrievers. Hearts of gold I tell you.

Would a cat do this for a dog? I'm not so sure.

Lunch with Beckles

Becky joined my mom, Erin and Alicia for lunch today. I'm incredibly jealous that they all were able to be together. Apparently Andrew and his buddies joined them at lunch. He was incredibly thrilled when the table topic turned to breast feeding. He leaned over to Becky and whispered, "Erin always tells the grossest stories." I love it!

Becky and Russ are due in ten days. Well, technically Beckles is due. Can't wait to meet their little girl!

I can't imagine being nine months pregnant in August. IN TEXAS! Please be praying for a safe delivery!

Where the Hell is Matt Video

This video will make you smile. And I'm incredibly jealous of all the places he visited and people he met. This is commitment.



Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

Please Pray

Please pray Becky and Russ' dear friends, Chris and Lindsey. I don't know them but feel like I should after reading their blog and how much Becky talks about them. Chris was just diagnosed with testicular cancer. He's not even 30 and their first child is due in November. You can read more about Chris and Lindsey and how to pray for them here.

A Few Things...

First of all, the past two of my shows/rehearsals for The Senate have turned into impromptu BBQ's and other such fun summer goodness. Finally, it feels like summer! There were lightening bugs and citronella candels. All that was missing was the insane heat and humidity. It brought back the feelings of being a senior in high school and finishing your last final before graduation. No responsibilities and nothing but adventures and friendships. I'm jealous my little brother still gets to experience this. I wonder if parents get a taste of this feeling once their kids finish finals. I'm sure they do. It's probably like having to go back to school for a second time. As my mom said, "I didn't even like school when I was in it."

Secondly, I cannot believe Will was sent home last night on So You Think You Can Dance. I'm in shock. I think he is too. Sigh. My idea final four: Joshua, Twitch, Chelsey and Kaytee. I think the winner will either be Joshua or Kaytee. And I want to go ahead and mention that I have a crush on Twitch. Me and all the 14-year-old American girls out there.

Thirdly, I just finished the final book of the Harry Potter series - for the second time. I was in the lunch room reading...and crying. I was wishing I was by myself in my room so I could really cry it out.

Finally, Beckles asked me to make a CD of good songs for when she's in the hospital having a baby soon. Some upbeat songs that give you energy and motivate you. No pressure or anything on my part. So if you have any ideas of songs, please send them my way. I'd appreciate the help!

Equation

Thinking someone stole my keys at the gym - me realizing that it was me who forgot where she put them + forgetting to validate my parking pass + straining a hamstring running x me barely being able to put together a full sentence = me taking a personal day tomorrow. This girl needs some time to herself so she can be normal, coherent and tan. That's right, I'm heading to the lake tomorrow to finish the final Harry Potter book (for the second time) and to get some sun. I think it will do me some good.

Stink

This morning I found myself walking behind a garbage truck as I made my way to my car in the alley. I tried not to gag everytime I took a breath. I have a problem with smells. I don't do well with nasty odors. That's why I can't use fake tanning lotion. Makes me want to gag. So after walking behind the malodorous garbage truck, I still feel like I can smell it four hours later.

Nordy's

My head is spinning and I'm overcome with joy. Today is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! You know you're hard core when you cancel your lunch date with a friend and instead send her an email that says, "Fourth floor. By the underwear. 12:15." I mean, the Hanky Panky's are on sale y'all! Be still my beating heart!

Here's my shopping to do list:
1. Hanky Panky's
2. Black boots with small heel
3. Whatever else catches your eye and you can't live without

You know I don't do well in large crowds...especially large crowds of women fighting over clothing, purses, etc. But I think this will be worth it.

I Need a Shower

In testimony of my laziness and detestment of hot and humid weather, I drove to work today. I couldn't stomach the idea of a full suit, long hair, cute 3 inch red patent leather wedges (no I'm not a hooker) and sticky weather. I just couldn't do it. So I coughed up the $17 bucks it takes to park right next to my office building. I mean, I could have fed a handful of people with that from my sticky, sweaty, water-retaining hand.

Heatstroke 100

Sunday morning, I woke up at 4:45 am to head up to Wisconsin for the Heatstroke 100 with Alyson and Keenan. We did a 43 mile ride through the hills, farms and manure fields of southern Wisconsin. It was fun to be on the open roads and among other cycling enthusiasts (do I count as an "enthusiast" considering I have only done a couple of longer rides? I didn't think so). The whole ride took us a little over three hours. The first nine miles were the hardest. I rarely notice hills when I'm driving a car, but my eyes were opened on a bike. Hills are hard y'all. But remember this little nugget of wisdom, "what goes up, must come down." It was fun speeding down the road on the back side of the hills. Once I figured out my gears, we were flying.

I'm surprised that I'm not sore at all from the ride. My butt bones are a little bruised and raw. Thank God for whoever invented padded shorts. And for those of you concerned about my skin, I did indeed wear 30 spf.

Can't wait for our next ride!

The Hoff

In our office, we had a small little competition to bring about bonding and to raise those spirits. One of our sponsors had a car design contest for the kids. We (meaning me) decided to have a contest of our own and the winner received a gift certificate to Starbucks. Needless to say, the competition was fierce.

I'm shocked and greatly disappointed that my design came in fifth place. How can The Hoff come in fifth place? Where's the justice?! Is this not a masterpiece? Just look at that chest hair!

Show Tonight

The Senate performs with The Riot, Wing Night, and Basic Eight.
8:00 PM at The Playground (Halsted & Belmont)
BYOB

It's a guaranteed good time.

4th of July

Good morning readers of Katy on the Loose! I hope you enjoyed celebrating our country's independence this past weekend. I did so by spending an entire day on a boat on Lake Michigan. It was the perfect way to celebrate July 4th...or so I thought.

I have been saying for a couple of years now how much I want to go on a boat on Lake Michigan. I see the sailboats from my bedroom window and it's a tease. So Alyson said her sister's friend had a boat and a few people would be going out on the 4th. Yes! My dream come true! We were excited, got there early and sat on the big and beautiful boat awaiting departure. Slowly but surely more and more people arrived and got on the boat. So many people got on the boat that we were pushed to the very front. I didn't mind, it was more comfortable and beautiful. Plus there wasn't much room in the back from all the coolers of adult libations.

With 30 people on the boat, and all but five of them strangers, we headed out on the big blue. Word spread that we were going to the "Play Pen" at Oak Street Beach. I kept repeating it to myself over and over again: "the Play Pen." Hey, this doesn't sound nice and relaxing. We pull into the area and there are already boats tied together with tens of people aboard dancing and hopping boats. Professional DJ's spun their music as fake-boobed women flaunted their medical procedures.

Our boat began to cruise the area, checking out other boats, seeing who it wanted to hook up next to. I felt like it was a Discovery Channel episode. I could almost hear the quiet male voice say, "And here, the male bird, flaunts his feathers attracting the attention of the female in hopes of mating." It was sickeningly hilarious. To their delight and our dismay, they found the perfect boat: DJ playing house music (sounded like techno to my untrained ear) and strippers - I mean ladies - dancing their hearts out. Someone wanted some action! As you can see, I was completely out of my element. I had no idea this world existed. Someone on the boat stated it perfectly, "it's like spring break for 35 year olds." It's not an attractive world. I tried hard not to be judgmental, but I couldn't help myself.

I left the day with a sunburn and some great memories. Oh, and check out the last picture. I'm totally getting a back tattoo for Christmas.

Back Home

I'm back! I miss the perfect weather and smiling babies. I could have stayed in Jackson Hole for another week, easily!

To see all 307 pictures from the trip (yes, I know. I promise I scaled back), click here. You'll see lots of mountains and babies.

So, now that I'm back, feel free to call me! I'd love to get together.