Dreams

I've had a bounty of dreams recently. One involved a theme of bad toupees and ended with Rod Blagojevich comforting me. What?

Another dream I had this week had me running around the city with friends when all of a sudden the sewers backed up and the streets were being flooded by crap. Crap as in...crap. Ew. Gross. We escaped to this old, victorian three-story home that served as some strange convent. It was almost like a combination of amish women and nuns. Then it turned out to be some kind of cult where they basically worshipped their vacuums. I said to someone standing next to me, "Hey, they feel the same way about their vacuums as we do our brooms." When I said this I meant brooms that we use for flying. You know you've been reading too much Harry Potter when it seeps into your dreams.

The final dream had my counselor writing it down and then analyzing it. She told me that I should spend the last 10 minutes of my session in a tanning booth. I said that I have some big stories to tell her and she responded, "I don't like to listen to these types of stories until Easter." RANDOM! She analyzed the dream. It's official. I'm a wacko.

Dream Weaver

It's interesting that my little brother, Andrew, just wrote this blog about thinking. I am an avid thinker and day-dreamer. I'm probably more of a day-dreamer than a thinker. Sometimes it can be good: Day-dreaming about scenes, acting success, athletic acheivement, what to wear with my patton-leather red wedges (my cute new navy suit, of course!). And sometimes it can be bad: Dreaming about the man of my dreams. Seriously, who could ever live up to that? So I am resigned to do my darndest to live my life instead of day-dream it.

I'm sure my thoughts will still consist of wonderful nuggets like, "Sometimes I want to take a straw and my Oreck and give myself homemade liposuction."

Another Dream...

What the heck did I eat last night?

So last night I had a dream that I had a baby. It started out that both my sister, Erin, and I were pregnant. She had her baby an hour before I went into labor. She kept telling me, "Trust me, you'll know when it's labor." Then immediately my pelvis began hurting. I said, "OH MY GOODNESS! I'M IN LABOR!" Next thing I know, I am holding a baby boy in my arms with dark hair. The funny thing is that both Erin's and my baby could walk and climb things. They were tiny little tikes to be walking and climbing. We both had boys. I couldn't decide on a name. Random names like Greg would pop up and I'd say, "No, that's not it." My husband was no where to be found although I'm pretty sure I was married. I kept wanting to call the baby Archer and then I'd think, "DANGIT! That name is already taken!" Erin and I were sitting in a dark room in the middle of the night breast feeding our babies...and I didn't care who saw my boobs. I kept waiting for it to hurt really bad like it does when you first start out. Then I woke up.

SO WEIRD! Can anyone interpret that one for me?

UPDATE:

Here's what Becky thought. She's a licensed counselor so it may have some merit.

I used to have dreams about having a baby many years ago. My mom once told me that she had the same dreams and sometimes the baby in the dream signified herself. Just food for thought.

Thoughts about Erin going first: marriage & baby.
Thoughts about the gender: maybe you're dreaming finding the "right guy" (like how you couldn't choose a name...but by the way, Greg S. is taken. Sorry. Oh, and you can't marry Archer.)

For real though, I do think baby dreams are about new birth in our lives, whether literal or figurative. Do you need to give birth to something new? Are you putting it off for fear it will "hurt?" Are you ready to be shameless about this new thing? (ex: no shame in breast feeding your baby?)

Interesting...

Campaign Trail

I'm really not looking forward to the Presidential election. It's the peacemaker in me. If the Democratic nominee campaign is a foreshadow of what's to come, I'm in serious trouble. It's like junior high but with more money and expensive suits.

Last night I was with some people who said, "'F' the Republicans!" I'm sure the Republicans are at home saying, "Pray for the souls of Democrats!" I already stated my case earlier this year. I just don't know if I can take it. I'm sure both parties are already storing up juicy stories to try and bring down the other party. Is this what we have to do to elect the leader of our country? By November we won't want to elect either candidate.

Note to Self #43

When preparing for a five mile race, actually do some preparation. Otherwise you're destined to feel like you've been hit by a truck. Then you'll find yourself lying on the couch for seven hours straight watching Ben Kingsley's Academy Award winning role in Gandhi. During intermission you'll decide that you do indeed need to take an intermission, so you eat a huge pizza meant for two people and then nap for two hours. Later you'll wake up a groggy mess and wonder what day it is and if you've slept through the night and forgot to go to work. When the panic subsides, you'll have enough energy to do two loads of laundry and consume a healthy dinner made up of leftover chocolate cake from a birthday party your roommate threw for her sister-in-law. Coming down from the sugar high you'll then watch yet another movie. It's well worth it since it's a Wes Anderson film. Minutes will be lost as you daydream about what it would be like to be one of Wes Anderson's friends and get to be in all his films. During this lovely daydream, you'll walk into your room and slip into bed. While sliding, you'll think to yourself, "I really must shave tomorrow."

Bathing John Malkovich

This video disturbed me to no end for the following reasons:

1. It confirms the fact that John Malkovich is getting older...and has a borderline case of man-boobs.

2. The bathtub is way too small for grown men. Is there actually water in the tub?

3. I'm obsessed with the question, "Are they really naked?"

4. John Malkovich seems to have no problem with a man sitting close behind him, washing his hair and asking him questions.

5. They need candles in order to create a little ambience and warmth.

6. John Malkovich lost 60 pounds in 60 days eating only jello. I don't have the discipline. I would be a raging, desperately-in-need-of-a-shower girl.

7. They performed THE WORST IMPROV SCENE EVER! John Malkovich as a McDonalds employee?

8. I felt a little dirty watching it.

9. It made me want to get my hair cut so I could have someone else wash my hair.

10. Why didn't I think of this first!

Love Letter

My little brother, Andrew, writes so beautifully. In class they were asked to write a love letter. His teacher read Andrew's aloud and said he'd probably steal the last paragraph to use for his wife's Valentine's Day card. Seriously, what girl out there wouldn't love to get a letter like this?

You have seen me at my best and you have seen me at my worst.
Sometimes even both in one single day. The truth is that you bring
the best out of me. You give me a reason to try and be my best and
even when I falter you are there to catch me with your warming embrace.

I will always remember the awkward moments and the times that you
laugh with no end. I will always remember how you always have to make
sure that the volume of the radio in my car is set to an even number.
I will always remember those times when you cannot stop laughing and
ask you what is so funny. You always give me the same reply,
"Nothing.", and you continue laughing. I love that. I will always
remember killing songs for you when I sing them with you in the car.
I like to think you enjoy my singing even when you say you don't. I
will always remember how on those quiet drives you always have to
point out that it is not an awkward silence but you are simply tired
and don't feel like talking. I will always remember how on weekends
when i ask you what you are doing, you always say the same thing,
"Whatever you are doing.". Those moments make me feel real, like I am
more than just another person trying to make their way through this
world. I know that I am yours and I will cherish those memories for
the rest of my life.

Writers can write poems, musicians can write songs, and directors can
film dramatic moments. I have read the poems, I have heard the songs,
and I have seen the desperate attempts at capturing true emotion on
film, but none of them have rendered the feeling that I get when I am
holding you in my arms. I know that everything, at that moment, is
just right and no matter how hectic my day, it is the best day of my
life as long as you are a part of it.

Yeah, as my mom said, go get your kleenex. I mean, he's 17 people!

The Name Game

I just finished putting together a baby shower game for one of my co-workers upcoming office baby shower. It's a celebrity baby name game. My mind just rotted. There are some "interesting" names out there. I'm trying to be diplomatic here. If you were a celebrity and you were having a baby, what would you name yours? I want weirdness people! Give me something like, "Brisk Morning Walk." The winner will receive a prize. I'm not exactly sure what yet, but it will be good!

For those of you who watched the Oscars, do you remember when Jon Stewart came up with his stripper name? You mix your middle name with the street you grew up on? Mine would be Kathryn Cliff Trail. Doesn't work so much. But if I took my dogs name and mixed it with my first car, then we have a name! Piper Celica or Hunter Celica or Woofie Celica or Georgie Celica. Something in there works as a stripper name. Am I sensing a stage name for me? SWEEEEET!

Call Me Basil

Yes, another quiz! Does that tell you a little about what's going on in my life right now?

Lindsay had this on her blog and I got the same thing.

You Are Basil

You are quite popular and loved by post people. You have a mild temperament, but your style is definitely distinctive. You are sweet, attractive, and you often smell good.

What Spice Are You?

Not Just Another Sandra Bullock Movie

An "A ha" moment with a friend yesterday:

Me: Because I want everyone to like me.

Friend: Why? Do you think God is counting the number of people that like you?

Me: Hmmm, I guess God's not handing out any crowns for Miss Congeniality.

Friend: Exactly.

Me: Yeah. Good point.

Make an Impact

An interesting article in The New York Times. I happen to be surrounded by many Christians who are sacrificing their time and money to help people in other countries struggling to live. Making trips of their own to China, Africa, Turkey, Guatemala, Russia, etc. or giving abundantly to support those in need, Christians are making a positive impact. I know other people are making an impact too, but I wanted to specifically point out Christians because we're often viewed (mistakenly....and many times, not so mistakenly) as judgmental, unloving and self-righteous. If people truly took the time to get over their prejudices (right or left winged) to get to know each other, they'd see that they do have a common goal.

Please see the do something good! column to the left for more ways you can help people.

Vote Early, Vote Often

The word "caucus" makes me think of loci (plural for locus) and cicadas. I know it's where people in Iowa enter a room and stand next to a piece of paper vowing their allegiance to a presidential candidate; then they try and convince the people across the room, who don't have as many on their side, to see the light and join them. Doesn't that sound a bit like childish playground games?

And it has begun ladies and gentlemen - the next 11 months will be filled with extremism, bickering, finger-pointing and assumptions. I'm already overwhelmed with anxious feelings. Conservatives hate Liberals and Liberals hate Conservatives. People who have read a headline from a newspaper suddenly become experts on the subject and begin touting to anyone who will listen that this is the best way and whatever you think is stupid and sucks. Like-minded groups of people get together and have passionate discussions crescendoing with congratulations to themselves for being right and all-knowing. It happens on both sides. I see it. (I'm a Texan who lives in Chicago) Remember this: no matter how passionate and "right" you are about a political party, an issue or a viewpoint, someone is just as passionate and "right" about those topics on the other side. You're probably saying, "I know that Katy, but HOW CAN THEY BELIEVE AND SUPPORT THAT?" Give each other a break! Politics brings out such ugly self-righteousness in people. But don't be afraid to take a stand on something that is really important to you. Let me warn you though, some will hail you and others will loathe you.

I wish I had a solution to make people give each other respect. Assumptions about people who think differently than you are dangerous. Assume = makes and ASS out of U and ME.

Quit with the hateration already. My peacemaker obsession is going to give me an ulcer by the end of the presidential race. This whole post makes me sound self-righteous. I just don't like the fighting. I already want to buy stock in alka-seltzer.

Musings

What do Jessica Simpson and I have in common? Nothing.

Don't you think that wearing your puffy coat because the office is so cold constitutes the office needing to be closed? Me too.

Thank God I started my period today. My boobs were killing me.

I forgot my book today. I'm wondering how I'll survive the commute home. I may actually have to spend time thinking.

Is there something about me that says "Frosty Lipstick"? The lady at the Chanel counter thought so.

Project Runway.

Spin Class tonight? God help me, I need to go.

My friend, Gina, is moving to Iowa this weekend. She just stopped by the office to say goodbye to everyone. Boohoo. She gave me her calendar of inspirational quotes. I thought this week's was fitting for her. "I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, 'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.' And he replied, 'Go out into the darkness and put your hand in the hand of God. That shall be to you better than a light and safer than a known way.'" M. Louise Haskins

Survey Says!

Who hasn't taken one of these surveys? This has been sent around today by my high school friends. Get to know me!

Type In Your Answers. Then Send This To A Whole Bunch Of People That You Know... And Send It Back To Me So I Can See Your Answers. The Theory Is That You Will Learn A Lot Of Little Known Facts About Those You Know. Remember To Send It Back!

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My grandmother
was Mary Kathryn (or was it Mary Kay?)...hence my name. And my dad also
really liked the movie, "The Sullivan Brothers," about
5 brothers who went off to WWII on the same ship and
all died. One of them left behind a wife, Mary
Kathryn. Sounds promising.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Probably
during some holiday commercial involving Folgers
coffee and Peter coming home from college.



3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I do like my
handwriting but only with the Pilot G-2 pen. I'm a
walking commercial.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? I'm not
a vegan because I am a Texan, an American and I love
Jesus. My favorite lunchmeat is an 8oz. filet mignon
on wheat bread with mayo. (This was said in jest as a response to a friend who claims he's a "vegan.")

5. DO YOU HAVE Children? Not that I'm fully
aware of.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE
FRIENDS WITH YOU? Absolutely. Everyone wants to
have beautiful friends.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? See above.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? I want to say yes.
But then the responsible side of me takes over and
then statistics and the words "health insurance" and
"deductible" cross my mind.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? cinnamon
toast crunch - but I never eat it.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM
OFF? Never. I'm lazy.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? You have
no idea the strengh these biceps hold.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM/Sherbet/Gelato? Where do I begin! Today I
say I love Ben & Jerry's half baked.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Smile

15. RED OR PINK? Red - my favorite color

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAV. THING ABOUT
YOURSELF? perfectionism which leads to fear
which leads to fear of failure which leads to life
paralysis which leads to regrets.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? my family, no
doubt

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO
YOU? Yessssssssssssssssss

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU
WEARING? a really fabulous gray pair from Express
that can be washed and dried...and don't need ironed.
And they are stretchy.

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Chipotle...hence the stretchy pants

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
other people typing and breathing

22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD
YOU BE? pistachio green

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? My parents house. Warm
cookies. John Freida's Brilliant Brunette shampoo on
freshly washed hair. Babies!

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Mom!

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I love you all!

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? NFL/College Football. And ice skating!

27. HAIR COLOR? Brown - Mahogany?

28. EYE COLOR? brown - Brown

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No

30. FAVORITE FOOD? It's currently between Gold Fish, Ben & Jerry's and Guacamole

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? I HATE scary movies. I have a crazy enough imagination as it is!

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? At the movie theater - Into the Wild with Marissa. Whoa, is that intense. At home? Ahem...Ice Princess with some teeny boppers who are "hollywood IT girls" (whatever that means). It was the only thing on and I secretly LOVE teenage drama chick flicks.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT/BLOUSE ARE YOU WEARING? Light pink sweater

34. SUMMER/FALL/SPRING OR WINTER? Texas = spring, Chicago = summer, Colorado = winter (I love to ski)

35. HUGS OR KISSES? Can I say both?

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Ben and Jerry's. Do I need to keep repeating myself?

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I want each and every one of you to respond!

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No one will disappoint me!.

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? The Emperor's Children by Claire Messud.

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Dell something

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT? I didn't watch t.v.! But if I could have watched anything it would have been Project Runway. I love that show.

42. FAVORITE SOUND? Babies laughing. They make my world go round!

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Definitely the Beatles. I can sing them all. Has anyone seen Across the Universe? Quirky movie...which means I loved it.

44. WHAT IS THE FURTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Italy

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I can make my nose look like it's on the side of my face.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Atlanta, Georgia

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.

Drewby

Last night my little brother, Andrew, called me. I figured he wanted to talk about our upcoming ski trip for his spring break. He said he just wanted to call and say hi and see how I was doing. WHAT?! I was so touched! My brother is a high school boy who is thoughtful enough to check-in on his crazy sister!

Two of my favorite and memorable discussions with my brother resulted from last night's conversation:

1. When he asked how I've been doing I just told him that things are really great but that I still have no idea what I'm doing with my life. Sometimes it's hard but I'll make it. He then told me that he prays for me. He prays that God would show me where He wants me to go in my life. I about started crying right then and there. That's the sweetest thing I've ever heard. I am truly honored that Drewby would take the time to go before God on my behalf. I told him to keep lighting candles!

I also told him my prayer for him since the day he was born. I pray that God would make Andrew a leader for Him and that Andrew would have compassion for His people. He said he's working on being leader. He's on student council and seeking out other opportunities. I'm so proud of him!

2. He said he found some old year books on his bed from when Erin and I were in Junior High and High School. In great shock he said, "Y'all were HOT back then!" I screamed with laughter and could hardly contain myself. I'm sure I was "real hot" with my perm in seventh grade. I'm going to keep that conversation in a pocket and take it with me wherever I go. I love it!

Drew, thanks for keeping me entertained (constantly) and for your love for me! I love you!