Sunday Morning

I think this is officially the longest I've gone without posting in years. And I haven't even been on vacation! I've been working and rehearsing. That basically sums up my life the past couple of weeks. Oh, and I've been running. The Indy Mini-Marathon is in five weeks. I was supposed to run an 8K today called The Shamrock Shuffle. It's a big Chicago tradition. It was thundering and snowing when I woke up this morning. So I just turned over and went back to sleep. It's too dangerous to run in the slush and snow when I have a race coming up. I'm not broken-hearted about it. I got the free t-shirt.

Last night I had a Playground show. Since everyone was supposed to be taking part in "Earth Hour" we decided to celebrate it with our show. In case you haven't been connected with the real world, it's when everyone is supposed to turn off their lights for an hour last night from 8:30 - 9:30. I, of course, accidentally left on a lamp in my apartment. I don't like coming home alone to a dark apartment. So, there went that idea.

What was I talking about? Oh yes, our show. We decided to have all the lights turned off to perform the show. This is normally called a "Bat" - when you can't see anything on stage and you have to listen. It's a fun form. We decided to all bring flashlights and create our own lighting. It was pretty cool. Some of our scenes suffered because of it, but some really came together. I don't know if the audience liked it, but we thought it was pretty interesting and created interesting atmospheres and situations. I'd totally do it again. This time we will at least have an idea of what we're doing instead of discussing it as we warm up in the theatre bathroom five minutes before our show. That's improv. And I love it.

Hope your day is much sunnier and warmer than ours here in Chicago. I did watch a movie with the rooommates. Happy-Go-Lucky. It was a cute/interesting movie. I was just happy to be relaxing and not running off somewhere.

Renewals

Have I really lived in Chicago long enough to need to renew my driver's license? Seriously, where has the time gone?! Yesterday I was at the bank getting quarters for laundry. I tried to pay with my debit card and he asked for my ID. I showed him and he said, "I'm sorry miss, your license is expired." Wha, Wha, Wha, WHAT? I completely forgot that I needed to renew my license this 33rd birthday. I remember when I first got the license and thought that 2009 was so far away. Now it's here and gone. I wonder if I'll still be here in Chicago in 2014. FREAKY! I just scared myself.

Now onto deeper issues. What should I wear for my picture tomorrow? This photo must stand the test of time. If only I had bought that Medieval Times dress. (shakes fist) I'm just excited that in the "weight" category I may be able to drop it a few pounds. Yeehaw!

We Have a SXSW Winner in the Family!

Congratulations to my brother-in-law, Chris, and Tweet Congress for winning at SXSW this past weekend! They won top honors in the Web Awards' Activism category. Yay Chris!

Let's Joust!

This weekend Jessie and I escaped the insanity of St. Patty's Day crowds (really, I forget how many people live in this city until the weather turns warm) and headed to Barrington. An organization was holding a fundraiser of designer second-hand wedding dresses on sale for $50. We had to go! Jessie wasn't feeling confident of her dress (which is gorgeous and she looks amazing in it) and thought this might be a fun opportunity.

There were some pretty dresses, interesting dresses, and dresses straight out of a 1989 bridal magazine (puff sleeves made of pure lace). As many times as I've gone dress shopping with people I've never been tempted to try on a dress...until this weekend! I found one that was originally $3,000 and on sale for 50 bucks. It looked like it was straight out of a Jane Austen novel - so I HAD to try it. I mean, it was only my duty as an avid fan and thespian.

What do you think? For $50 I should have bought it and put it in my closet for a rainy day or homemade rendition of Sense and Sensability. It was fun to wear, but who has room for something like that in their closet? Let it be known that I would NOT wear a dress like this for my wedding. Unless we were getting married at Medieval Times.

A Birthday Gift

My sister from another mother, Beckles, just posted one of the most beautiful, humbling, hilarious and honoring posts for my birthday. It's our friendship story. I think you'll like it. Most of you know and love her anyway. So please, for my birthday, go read it. :)

Here's my response:

I am speechless. I am sitting here in my bed with my computer on my lap (and freshly polished nails) tearing up and laughing hard all at the same time. You and I have the same favorite memories of each other. "Bestie" doesn't even begin to describe your importance to me. You are my sister. You are part of my family. They've accepted it and welcomed you with open arms.

Beckles, your words truly honor me and I am in awe with how much you love me. You've changed my life. God knew I needed you. Rarely does anyone have a friendship so powerful, so influential, so beautiful, so hilarious, so real and honest as ours. It is one of life's greatest gifts.

God bless Russ! I am so thankful that you have a husband who knows how important I am to you and you are to me. He's become my family too.

Kathryn Davy. You hold such a special place in my heart. Aunt Katy loves you!

Thank you, Becky. It is a Happy Birthday indeed!

Burfday

Somebody is a Birthday GRRRRL tomorrow! That's me! I love celebrating birthdays. I don't know why. Cake? Check. Center of attention? Check. Wrapped presents? Double check. Life assessment? Not always, but I'll go with a CHECK this year.

I've had a pretty great year. 2008 wasn't easy by any means but I really feel like I've taken steps forward in life. I don't look back and think it's been a stagnant year with no adventure, no sweat, no tears, no accomplishment. I worked hard this year taking classes, auditioning, performing, getting over myself, dating, and learning how to surrender my life to God - to REALLY surrender. And to me, that's the biggest accomplishment. Until I surrender, everything else is meaningless.

I used to think that there was no way God would want me to be an actress. I mean, how secular of a career can you get? But until I realize and believe that this actually may be what God wants for me, I won't succeed. I've prayed daily that if this is what He wants for me that He will open doors. Guess what? He keeps opening doors I never imagined possible! So I'm sticking to this road and loving every minute - well, almost every minute. I did have to kiss an 18 year old that one time. Then I scooped tootsie rolls all day. Oh and then there's auditioning. Auditioning could slay even the strongest man.

I'm tempted to think ahead about this upcoming year and share my expectations, hopes and dreams. But I think I'll relish the past - even if just for a little while. It's good to remember how far I've come because it gives me hope and a foundation for tomorrow.

NYC

What City Should You Live In?
	You should live in New York City. America's largest city will ensure that you will blend into the crowd. You are the brooding type--introspective, creative, and eccentric--and NYC's cutting-edge, individualistic culture and ambience will appeal to you.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

I just took a quiz on Facebook about the ideal city for me to reside. I think it was meant for college students since it asked about colleges and how your parents embarrass you (NEVER!). But hey, it was still fun. New York City? Really? Hmmm, interesting. And brooding? Never heard that one before...

I want to know what it says about you. Where should you be living according to an unknown computer survey?

So Long to T.O. and His Huge Diamond Earrings

This story is just getting to me. Whoa! T.O. is gone. Is this what the Cowboys need to get their butts in gear? Let's hope so.

A Good Monday

So I had a fun start to the week on Monday. First of all, I got a call to audition for an upcoming Sitcom Pilot. On a big network! Thanks to my friend, Cristin, for sending me the information. It was for the "best friend" role which fits me nicely; especially since the girl was just like me. Secondly, I got a call that I was cast in a short film that will be filming in April. I went to the callbacks on Saturday and was one of many people auditioning for the lead role. So of course that made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside - hearing that I was WANTED! The skies were open and the possibilities limitless on Monday. I love days like that - days when you feel things are happening and you've stepped a little further in life. Progress feels good.

The audition was good. I won't say great because I by no means nailed it. I was all jittery and numb from having memorized 10 pages in less than 24 hours. They gave me a second read which was great and I felt much better about it. Wish I could do it again and knock their socks off. But it was a great opportunity and learning experience for me. I think my heart would explode out of my chest if I were to be called back. Oh the possibilities! lalalalalalalala...Katy, come back to earth.

Update on my eating:
I turned down chocolate cake and cheesecake last night. I'm committed y'all! Of course my birthday week is coming up and I pray God gives me strength and discipline for my birthday (along with movie roles and the love of my life). I lost 5.5 pounds quickly and then plateaued. It's frustrating eating good when you feel like it's not making much of a difference. I have a feeling I'll break the barrier soon and lose a couple more. Either way, I fit into my skinny jeans nicely this weekend. No stretching or day-dreaming of putting on sweatpants ASAP.

New Features

Happy March! March is a magical month in which you are pining for spring and yet still have to scrape the snow off your car. It's also magical in that there are many birthdays to celebrate this month - namely, MINE! Plus a couple of cuties (Liam and Connor - I'm looking at you!) turn a year older this weekend.

March is also known for hosting the worst movies of the year. Oscars are over and summer blockbusters are around the corner. This is when they turn out bad movies. I'm usually wary of big hollywood movies coming out this time of year. Don't get me wrong, if they offered me a movie part in a film coming out in March, I would embrace it - a full-on, lingering embrace that becomes uncomfortable for all parties involved. I'll probably spend more time at the movie theater down the street that shows independent films.

Why did I start writing this post? Oh yeah! I added two small little features to the left side. You can easily subscribe to my blog now. And I added a "Friends Who Blog" list. I started adding some and realized not all these people might want to be listed. So if you're listed and you don't want to be listed, just tell me. If you're not listed and would like to be listed, tell me. I'm on it!