Lunch Time Shopping Spree

This is my new purchase. No, I did not buy a model of a woman's reproductive system. They're my new headphones. My old earbuds collapsed and died. I'm sure I could recycle them some way. Instead I threw them in my trash. I suddenly got convicted. I'll dig them out and throw them in the recycle bin. Someone will know what to do with them.

Please don't tell me how I should have bought a cheaper but better pair of headphones. I don't think I can handle buyer's remorse right now.

I've been sick all week. I actually stayed in bed until 4pm on Wednesday. And yesterday was the perfect day to stay home since we had thunderstorms. Yes! Thunderstorms in Chicago...in February! I had to turn off the t.v. at one point because I couldn't hear it over the loud raindrops crashing onto my air conditioner. So I took a nap instead. It was a great two days. Which brings me to my point. I can hardly hear anything when I have these earbuds in my ears. Thanks to sinus congestion, I can hardly hear anything anyway.

Vote NOW! DO IT! DO IT FOR BECKLES!

Vote for Becky's brother, Josh!

Braids for the Ladies!

My tan and freckles are beginning to fade so I think it's time I blog about the Bahamas. I could rant and rave about the trip, but I'll save you time and just write the truth - it was AWESOME! I could also talk about how the water was gorgeous, the air warm, the sun hot, the bikini cute, the beach pristine, but I won't. I mean, it's all true and everything, but so cliche!

OH GOD I MISS THE BAHAMAS! (dissolving into tears) I came home thinking, "Wow, I feel like I live in the Bahamas and am just visiting Chicago." The island sucks you in and makes you forget an outside world exists. I want to go back. This is how Jack must feel on LOST.

Highlight of the trip was definitely swimming with the dolphins. Andrew and I did the "deep water experience" at Dolphin Cay at the Atlantis. We used these water propellers to take us diving into the water as the dolphins swam by and touched our legs. Then we layed on body boards with our legs straight out and two dolphins would swim up quickly, put their noses on your arches and push you across the water with incredible speed. I WAS IN HEAVEN! We also got to kiss the dolphin (best makeout session I've had in a long time) and take a few pictures. They're adorable. I wanted to put one in my pocket and take it home with me.

Funny story about my dad. I love my dad and all his quirkiness. I get it from him. Many of you know that he does not own a pair of jeans. Wait, he had to buy a pair a couple of years ago for a family photo - so he got them from Walmart. He said, "I left the tag on them so I could return them after the pictures." He HATES jeans. He is a walking advertisement for Under Armor. He gets cranky when he has to wear anything else. Kind of like my mom when she wears a thong. So we make reservations to go out to eat. Dad has on blue athletic shorts and t-shirt (probably clashing colors). I read that the restaurant says "resort elegant - no shorts." So I tell him and next thing I know he has on his long Under Armor pants with a matching jacket. Elegant indeed. One night we did get him to wear khaki pants and he complained. I had to remind him that he still had on an Under Armor golf shirt with his khaki pants. Love you dad!

Andrew was really sweet to allow me "beach time" in the morning and in the afternoons he and I went parasailing, hit the slides, swam with the dolphins, and floated away on the lazy river.

Yours Truly

Oh yeah, look who is moments away from being famous...amongst cat lovers. The infommercial is up and running! Check it out the Scoop Free Slide. I make a lovely face 10 seconds into the video.

Bahama-mama

You're going to hate me and I don't care. I'm headed to The Atlantis in the Bahamas on Sunday for a few days on the beach! (picture me with arms raised, fingers stretched in perfect jazz-hands formation, a big shameless smile on my face, and my white flesh gleaming in the sunlight.) It will be me, my parentals, and my travel buddy, Andrew. It's the only thing that's kept me going this winter and it's almost here!

I hate to leave you behind. I really do. I will take you with me and carry you around in the pocket of my shorts. It will be hot, muggy and a tight squeeze when I sit down...just like wearing a pair of spanks.

Bittersweets

These are HILARIOUS! I wish I had seen them before today because they would have been perfect to bring in for an office full of ladies.*

*Thanks Stokes Kith & Kin!

Agent

I had an interview recently with an agent that wanted to sign me exclusively for TV/Film. I heard from all past teachers and other actors NOT to sign exclusively; especially when you don't really know the agency. So I sent an email saying that I would not feel comfortable signing exclusive but I promise not to have more than one other agency (even though I don't even have that one yet). I got an email back that was, let's just say, not so friendly. God answered my prayers on that one. I wasn't feeling great about it in the first place so I was happy that the answer was handed to me on a silver platter.

Of course I'm frustrated because I think - I know that I'm good enough to have a good agent working for me. I become impatient and wonder when doors will finally be opened. Today I read a little flip calendar at work my friend, Gina, gave to me. It says, "Be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you." 1 Peter 5:6-7. I feel peace and remember that God is in control. It's all about faith.

Something's Fishy

Last night I made fish tacos. I was so excited about how delicious they turned out the first time that I thought I'd make them again. It's simple:

• Two wheat tortillas (nuke them for 20 seconds to warm them up)
• Shredded Cabbage - place row on tortilla
• Alaskan Cod - drizzle olive oil and salt & pepper - bake for 15 minutes at 450 - place a strip over the cabbage.
• Salsa - fresh or any of your favorite flavors - spoon some on top of the fish.
• Serve with side of salad or steamed broccoli.

They are seriously delicious. Unfortunately I didn't realize how badly the fish makes the apartment smell. I left for a while last night and came home to the house stinking of fish. I even smelled it in my sleep and it's still there this morning! I took out the trash, opened a few windows and am hoping for the best when I go home. I need to send my roommates a huge apology.

Tweets

Take a peek at this article that quotes my brother-in-law, Chris McCroskey. I had no idea he helped develop this feature. Maybe that's why he's always talking about tweets on Facebook.

Let me know who you follow!

UPDATE:

Check out Tweet Congress to follow your state representatives. Tweet Congress has also been nominated for the Web Awards at South by Southwest in March. Congrats!

Thursday Night Television

I can't even begin to explain to you how much I enjoy watching 30 Rock. I know I'm not the only one who loves it and Tina Fey has received more pats on the back than anyone this year. But last night's episode brought together two of my favorite things: Liz Lemon and John Hamm. The episode was hilarious and I giggle now everytime I hear the word "Generalissimo." If you missed it, you can watch the show here.

The deal has been sealed. I hate Grey's Anatomy. It's so bad it pains me. Seriously, I rolled off the couch onto the floor writhing in pain. PLEASE MAKE IT STOP!

The Office seems to be embracing the goodness of the old days. Thank you. And Andy Bernard, you're Nard-tastic.

The Snuggie

If you watched television at all over Christmas, you probably saw the informercial ad for Snuggies. We laughed our heads off in my family when we saw this ad. My thought was, "Why don't you just wear a robe backwards?" I have a feeling many a Snuggie will be given as a gag gift. The recipient will probably laugh and then secretly use it on those cold winter nights. I would love to see a man brave enough to wear it at a football game.

I thought this article was great. Do you think the Snuggie is awesome or useless?

Vote!

Vote for The Senate as Best Improv Group! Just enter The Senate in "Best Improv Group" section and then hit "Submit Ballot."

Treat Myself Right

Kids, I have been on an incredible eating revolution the past couple of weeks. There's nothing new or exciting about it. It's straight up discipline, eating healthy, and making wise choices. It all started after a lunch of a burger and fries at Weber Grill. I felt so icky sick afterwards and frustrated at myself too. I was tired of getting frustrated at myself, so I decided to do something about it. I think the timing was perfect. I was ready to make a change. So far, so good. God has given me strength the past couple of weeks. I pray that He helps me again at 3:00 when we have an office "Cake Break" for February birthdays. I plan on having an apple with me. I never like missing out on food.

The biggest part of the success so far (5.5 pounds!) is having a plan. I have a plan! I have a certain weight I'd like to reach in 10 weeks. I've alloted 1.5 pounds per week. Some weeks I'll lose more, some less. If I don't reach the goal weight, at least I've become healthier, less frustrated and will look damn hot.

Today's meal plan:
Breakfast: 200 calories of All Bran Wheat flakes with a few blueberries & 8oz. of skim milk.
WATER WATER WATER WATER
Snack (2.5 hours later): non-fat yogurt with 3 stoneground wheat crackers
WATER WATER WATER WATER
Lunch: Salad with tomatoes, mushrooms and low fat dressing. 4oz. Turkey on 2 slices of stoneground wheat bread with mustard.
WATER WATER WATER WATER
Snack: See above (it's easy)
WATER WATER WATER WATER
Dinner: 8oz. sweet potato with a dash of splenda, 2 cups of broccoli, 4 oz. broiled chicken
WATER WATER WATER WATER
**I have class tonight so I might have an apple to keep me going for three hours.

I keep it simple since I don't have much time to cook. I rarely eat out and I'm very specific when I take the luxury. I've realized it doesn't take THAT long to cook extras to reheat the next day. I set aside two times a week to have something not on my menu plan (raise the roof for Ben & Jerry's last night!). I mix it up with fish, fish tacos, fajitas, chicken-kabobs, brown rice. It's been really great. I feel like I have more energy, control, and I've actually been more productive in life. Plus someone told me I looked "tiny." Praise Jesus! Oh, I also do cardio and weights throughout the week - nothing earth shattering, but enough to get my heart pumping and my clothes soaked in sweat. Plus I have a certain accountability of having to pay $10 to an organization I do not support if I blow a meal.

God give me strength. My reward? A Diane Von Furstenberg dress, of course!