Easter Fun

This weekend was so fabulous! It was almost as if the hours had been extended to make my stay feel longer. And another thing was confirmed this weekend: I have the dorkiest family in the world. IN THE WORLD! What other family goes Easter Egg Hunting...for the adults?! Sings their favorite 90's tunes while circled around a guitar player? Plays on the new jungle jim just built for the kids who are to small to play on it? Are you beginning to see why I am the way I am? It's fabulous!

I'll post mostly pictures from the weekend but I must tell my favorite story first. Some of you know that when we were younger we called my dad Mr. Cheap. Our neighbor, whose spiritual gift is roasting, once told a group of people that my dad is so cheap that when his daughter broke her arm he took her to the airport to get an x-ray. This definitely isn't true. And he is the most generous man I know. You may also know that my dad does not wear jeans. He refuses. He owns one pair of jeans from 1978 that we would borrow for our high school's Homecoming Week 70's day. He only wears "jogging suits." He looks nice in them and he finds them comfortable. Well my mom emailed us and said that we would be taking a professional family picture on Easter Sunday. We have not done this since I was in second grade. The attire of jeans and a white top were required. My dad said, "Can't I just stand in the back and wear what I always wear?" Seriously dad. Mom suggested that she go and buy him a pair of jeans. No, he wanted to do it himself. So he bought a pair of blue jeans...from Walmart. These were serious tractor riding BLUE blue jeans. But he bought them...and wore them. Then while being asked to sit on a dirty stone staircase he said, "Aw man, now I can't return these to Walmart!" I know I'll never see those jeans again.

He's so tiny! We snuggled for hours and even took a nap together.

Carpool Ballad

As you might know, there are five of us from work who carpool together during the frigid winter months. Here is a little song written by Megan in honor of our time together. It won't make sense to any of you (and probably will make you raise an eyebrow) but it made me cry laughing. Thanks Megan!

"I want your ding...ding...dong and I want to p ick you up everyday!
I want to see that fine lookin' man on the sidewalk by the man
riding the horse statue at Addison & Belmont.

I want your ding...ding...dong and I want to pick you up everyday!
Don't forget your man muffs for those blistery days...or not so blistery days.

I want your ding...ding...dong and I want to pick you up everyday!
I want to whistle out the car window at those crazy runners/walkers/stupid people
on or near the Ochen of Lake Michigan.

I want your ding...ding...dong and I want to pick you up everyday!
I want your ding...ding...dong and I want to pick you up everyday!"

I love my carpool peeps!

This song is in reference to our carpool theme song "Ding Ding Dong" by Gunther & The Sunshine Band.

Easter Pics

If you're bored and need a quick fix of entertainment, here are some pictures for you! Just click here to see lots and lots of pictures with babies!

I'm going to write a post soon and will have more pictures up and running!

Happy Easter

It's snowing. In Texas. In April! I kid you not y'all.

I hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend. I spent last night snuggling with my new little nephew, Liam. I seriously have a crush on him. I think he kinda likes me too. I'll be sure to post pictures soon.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Spring Chill

Why, why, why, why, why? WHY?! It seems I'm taking this arctic spring weather home with me to Texas this weekend. I had visions of playing tennis, laying out by the pool, running in warm weather and returning to Chicago with my freckles in full bloom.

This is just too much for a Thursday morning. I need to go lay down.

Drewby

Look at what my little brother wrote about me on his blog:

My sister Katy also comes in from Chicago this weekend and I CAN'T wait to see her! She pretty much rooocks.

I'm pretty much getting misty eyed. He's the bestest. I know "bestest" is not a word but it's the only way to describe him. How else can you describe your little brother who puts up with you telling him that you started your period?

99 Balloons

You can see the video of Eliot Mooney's life here. Please take a few minutes to see the miracle of his precious few days on earth. You can visit his website to learn more about his story and his incredible parents, my friends, Matt & Ginny.

DWTS Recap 3

I hate to say it but I was completely bored watching last night. There are only two talented dancers and maybe three entertaining personalities. You know it's going to be a bad season when Leeza Gibbons receives three 8's.

Wrinkles

I have to post these pictures. Liam looks so cute and tiny! Look at those wrinkles! I am leaving Friday to head to Texas for Easter. I am spending the night with Patrick & Alicia to make sure I can have as much time with Liam as possible.

Photo Shoot

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekends! I hardly slept this weekend and am feeling it today! I was having too much fun to sleep. That and for some reason my body clock wanted me to wake up at 7am on both Saturday and Sunday. WHY? The good news is that I was able to do my 6 mile run before the lakefront path got busy. And I made it! I didn't even stop! It was cool with a little bit of rain. Running in that weather is my favorite. I did happen to see a man getting CPR right next to the path. It was definitely upsetting. All I could do was pray. He was just thinking he was going out to start his day and suck in some fresh air. I don't know how it turned out.

********

On Sunday we had our "photo shoot" for Heavy. I call it "photo shoot" but it was more of us taking picture in and around The Golden Apple. The guys wanted to maintain their figures with some greasy cheesy eggs and pancakes. I opted for the egg whites and fruit.

It will be a fun cast and here are some pictures they'll use to make us look snappy:

The Mitchells

Wow am I ever humbled at the moment. I really can't complain about anything. I am in awe of my friends, Joe & Andrea, as they raise their precious daughter, Ella. Please be praying for their wisdom and that God will give them strength and hope.

I mentioned their story last May and you can read it here.

TGIF for REALZ

Blah, I have nothing to say today. I feel like any creative juices that once flowed through my vains have been sucked dry by a cubicle and it's chair. Can I get a witness?

I love my job. Wait! Let me rephrase that. I am thankful for my job. I work with incredible people and have the knowledge that I am helping people every day. I also have flexibility and the stress level is low to non-existent. But I'm not inspired and most of the time I'm thinking about how to entertain myself to make the work hours go by more quickly. If I knew that "this was it" and that this is what I've been dealt for the rest of my life then I think I'd cry.

I sound pathetic. Don't worry. I won't be posting any drawings of ways I could kill myself with a hole puncher, a #2 pencil and a paper clip. I'm not creative enough for that today.

I have had a great week actually. I've been running non-stop and am looking forward to a weekend that might give me a few hours to rest.

Monday: Okay, so I did take some time to watch Dancing with the Stars. Here's my recap: Laila & Joey will excel. Shandie, I don't care about you. Leeza, you'll be out soon after her. Question: Why can't they pick some talented female celebrity dancers?

Tuesday: I began rehearsal for a new sketch show I'll be performing in that begins at the end of May. It's called "Heavy" and I'm supposed to be the "attractive" portion of a trio. Why thank you. I'll be excited to do another sketch show. Hopefully it will be funny.

Wednesday: I ran four miles (it took every ounce of strength within me to go to the gym) and then hit the Patty Griffin concert at The Vic. She is a fantastic performer straight out of Austin, Texas. If you've never heard her music or seen her perform live, it's a must!

Thursday: I finally got my long locks cut. It's similar to Britney Spears' except it is about a foot longer and involves wispy bangs. Basically nothing's changed. Then I had an audition for a student film and it actually wasn't so bad. They liked me and are interested in using me for this project as well as future projects. That's nice! I have another one this Sunday. I also couldn't get Beyonce's Irreplaceable out of my head. To the left, to the left....

Friday: I'm going to see the long awaited Blades of Glory! I cannot wait to see this little piece of cinematic genius! Wigs, spandex, sequins and ice = recipe for perfection.

Ready to Run

Jessie and Janell gave me the perfect birthday gifts. I guess living with someone for three years gives you a good idea of who they are, what they want and what they need. They know me so well! It's kind of scary.

Janell got me a year long subscription to Blockbuster online rental. It's like Netflix but you can actually go to the store! It's only $9.99 a month. Now if I could just make the time to watch a movie! My roommates claim that this is a present for me but everyone wins with it. Little do they know that I like really cheesy dance movies or foreign flicks that make you go "huh?" Well actually they do know because they've lived with me for so long.

Jessie knows I'm in training for a half-marathon this coming May. I'm a little behind in my training because of a severe case of laziness but I think I'm back on track! I've completed all my scheduled runs so far this week! AND I did the Chicago Shamrock Shuffle and didn't die! Tangent. Anywho, Jessie got me the new Nike + ipod thing for the shoe. I'm so excited to use it. Apparently at the end of a really long run Lance Armstrong will come on and congratulate you. The next best thing to that would be having the actual Lance Armstrong running with me. It would be a win win for both of us. He could cheer me on and I could make him laugh.

Because I do not wear Nike's when I run I just went online and bought this nifty little clip for it. I think I'll like it. I chose pink because I like the color. And of course I support Breast Cancer research! And it reminds me I'm a girl when I'm all salty and sweaty from running.

What are my running shoes of choice? I run in the Mizuno Wave Inspire shoe. They are light, supportive and don't cut too high on my cankles. I actually don't have cankles but I love the word. Cankles. See? It's great! I'm in need of a new pair if anyone wants to spring for them for me. I wear an 8.5 in women's. That's an 8.5 in a running shoe. Should you want to buy me these, I'll take them in an 8.

I Heart Golden Retrievers

Yet another reason to love Golden Retrievers.

Fresh Face

Here's my headshot. I'm not exactly fond of it but it has received a compliment or two from directors and people casting for shows. I don't know why. I am looking to get this retaken considering it was over two years ago. I wasn't so happy about it at first glance.

Home Sweet Home

Praise God I have found an apartment! I was a freakin' mess last week. I do realize that I have six weeks until I move but I needed closure!

Apartment hunting in Chicago is completely different than most places I've lived. There are no "apartment complexes" that show you a nice clean demo and tell you what units they have available. Apartment hunting here is like a rat race. You have to call frantically, be open to seeing anything and hope for the best. The pictures make a slum look like a palace. Plus there are thousands of other people on the hunt too. We're all looking for the best apartment at the cheapest price in a prime location. It's a game of "take what's 'okay' now or risk losing that for a chance at something better...or much worse." I would have preferred getting a shot that put me out until this whole miserable hunt was over! But God is faithful, as always. I'm shocked by my lack of faith in this whole thing.

I saw some real treasures. Most three bedrooms have two bedrooms that are nice in size and the third that could barely fit a twin bed. Or they are just fantastic but located in a place where I'd fear for my life. I'm so glad I'm a girl. I am clean, smell nice and care about hygiene. I mean, we have a chore chart! Most of the apartments we visited were occupied by the male gender. I had to walk over clothes to peak in a closet. I saw cigarettes on the ground, beer bottles turned over on every table, unflushed toilets (for the love!) and I even once saw a syringe. Want some pot? I can tell you where to get it. This place smelled like stale sweaty underwear, a crack pipe and fresh syrup. I need another shower even after just talking about it!

So we've found our dream place that overlooks Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan. It's bright, HUGE, 3 bedrooms and 3 baths. It has character, wood floors and an elevator! I'm a happy happy girl!

I'll be sure to throw a housewarming party soon!

Watch This!

Picture this:

You're trying to hail a taxi with your two big bosses. You're dressed to the 9's as far as work standards go: heels, suit and corporate bag. There are no empty taxi's to be found. You figure you'll entertain your bosses for a few seconds to remind them how witty and jovial you can be even on the way to an important meeting. You say to them, "remember Ally?" And you imitate this Ally trying to hail a cab by running into the street and high kicking the left leg while throwing her arms in the air. By the street corner you begin your imitation that is sure to draw a laugh. You kick up your leg and throw your right arm in the air. Your left arm stays by your side holding onto a large stack of folders. As you successfully complete the task and receive a laugh you bring down your left leg. On the other side of the folders, hidden from you is a fire hydrant. The heel of your Franco Sarto brown leather pump catches the top of the fire hydrant. This sends a reverberating shock from the heel of your straight leg all the way to your lower back. You hop and hop and hop trying to catch yourself from collapsing to the cement sidewalk. Success! You are safe! Your bosses laugh and the drivers of the cars on the road join in on the fun.

Picture it? Okay, now tell me this: How does one recover? Just wondering. No reason in particular. No reason at all. Not that this happened to me last friday at 1:57 pm.

DWTS Recap 1

Two words: Joey Fatone.

Five words: Billy Ray Cyrus is out.

I shockingly didn't see most of the show. GASP! I know you're disappointed in me. I had a board meeting and forgot to DVR it. But I saw the recaps and this is what I can tell you:

Best male: Joey Fatone. I so knew he'd kick a$$.
Best female: Laila Ali. She could totally kick my a$$.

Wasn't she just gorgeous? She even made the fox trot interesting. Nice.

I'll be sure to tune in monday night.

Breakfast of Champions!

Breakfast is my most FAVORITE meal in the world. Last night my wonderful roommates, Jessie & Janell, threw a little birthday gathering for me last night. They made a gourmet spread, as usual. Seriously, it was fantastic! After two mimosas, crepes, french toast, yogurt parfait and a quiche I was filling ill today. Wait, I forgot to mention the birthday cake fabulously decorated! Here are some pictures. I felt loved!

Fancy

Dancing with the Stars begins TONIGHT! Yes! The gods have heard my cries! Tune into ABC at 7:00 pm to watch some B-level and no name celebrities battle it out in glitzy outfits. And HELLO! When did Cliff join the group? This is awesome!

I love all things dancing. I don't care how bad the movie or television show is, I WANT to watch it! Dirty Dancing Havana Nights? Yeah, I own it (I'm a little ashamed). Who spent a couple of hours the other day watching Take the Lead? Me! Who loves Strictly Ballroom? Nobody puts me in a corner! Especially you Neil! I carried a watermelon.

You Had Me at "Take a Deep Breath"

So most of you have been asking for details about my new hot doctor. I'll give them to you!

Flying up to Denver I was hit with a severe sinus thing that left me with a fever and a bad case of wanting my mom to take care of me. Waiting in the airport for the family to arrive I fought back tears. I seriously don't remember the last time I cried because I didn't feel good. It could have been PMS, but I sincerely doubt it.

The ride up to the mountains was borderline hilarious and borderline just-go-ahead-and-knock-me-out-because-I'll-make-this-trip-miserable-for-you. I literally could not breathe out of my nose. After a game of "I'm going to breckenridge and I'm bringing....(everything to do with sickness and medicine)" we finally made it. Here's the view we had from the backseat forwards:














We had to text Drew in order to communicate. I think he grew quickly tired of our "hey, can I borrow a tampon" texts. We, on the otherhand, couldn't stop laughing at ourselves. Too much Affrin? Perhaps.

Saturday I was too ill to ski. My friend, Hannah, used to be a ski patrol in Summit County (she's unbelievable!) and now works at the ER just outside of Breckenridge. She told me to come in and we would get to catch up as well as heal my sinus issue. Her boyfriend also works at the ER. I saw her wave to a tall cute guy and I said enthusiastically, "Hey! Is that your tall cute boyfriend?" She said "No. My boyfriends cute but not that tall. Do you know who that is though? He was once The Bachelor on t.v." "So you're saying I have a chance!"

He walked into my room and immediately I felt flushed but I played it off as a fever. I had to breathe for him while he listened to my back and chest. He looked down my throat and then came the horror. He, without warning, started feeling my stomach to ask if it hurt. I was sitting hunched over and there were definitely rolls! Couldn't he at least ask me to lay down so he could see I have a two pack? That or buy me dinner first.

I'm pretty sure I made an impression on him: one of a weak girl who couldn't handle a sinus cold, needed to eat healthier and probably had snot bubbles coming out of her nose. I'm sure he's still asking Hannah about her cool hot friend who came into the ER.

At least I got to ski.

Andrew's Blog

Drewby called me last night and said he was going to start a blog. I'm so freakin' excited because he makes me laugh HARD! You can read his blog here. He only has one entry but hopefully there will be more. DON'T DISAPPOINT ME DREW! No pressure or anything.

Breckenridge, CO

We headed up to Breckenridge, CO for Andrew's spring break and my 31st birthday. Yes, Happy Birthday to me. Thank you to all those who sent such loving texts, emails and phone calls!

I'll be sure to post more in a bit but you can guess the story by this picture:

Oh, and this was my doctor:

I kid you not. Hello Dr. Stork. Yes, I will accept this rose. Thank you.

More of Liam

Here are some more pictures of Liam that Patrick just sent. They totally made me cry! They are such joyful parents and it makes me so happy to finally see them as a family...that and the Judd's song, "Love is Alive," is playing and always does that to me.

Liam Joseph Orender

He's finally here! Patrick & Alicia welcomed Liam into the world at 8:08 this morning. He's 6 lbs. 7 oz. He is 19 inches long. I think he has my brothers nose. It's hard to tell. I cannot wait to meet the little guy!

Here are some pictures!

Happy Birthday Connor!

You turn one today. In the past twelve months your personality has grown and we're beginning to see what you will be like when you're older. You'll be a laid back guy who makes people work hard to get you to laugh. I hope that last part changes because you're my toughest critic!

Look how much you've grown!

You've still got the chubby cheeks and even chubbier thighs.

I hope you hold onto those for a little bit longer.

You'll be walking soon and we'll all be chasing after you.

You'll be a great big brother. I loved having a big brother. You better treat your siblings with love, kindness and just a little bit of roughness to toughen them up. That's what brothers are for, right?

I'm so glad to know you and can't wait to spend a few days up in Colorado with you. We'll celebrate both our birthdays! I'll be your favorite aunt. MARK MY WORDS! I love you!

I Need My Dones!

Note to self: don't eat pounds of salt. I'm not certain but I have a hunch that my salt binge last week culiminated in the seizing of my neck and shoulder muscles on the right side of my body. Friday morning I woke up to extreme pain in my right shoulder blade and neck. I couldn't lift my arm above my shoulder which resulted in me not showering. Don't look at me that way! I couldn't shower! It was physically impossible! I've showered since, okay?

I went and saw an amazing massage therapist, Mimi. This one was not quite as enjoyable as the massage given to me two years ago by Nathan. She beat me up and made me feel a little better. I'm still trying to recover. She said that the entire right side of my body hurts because I work at a desk. Working at a desk also makes my personality hurt too.

Big Brother Connor

There is so much to celebrate in my family! My little sister, Erin, is pregnant again! You can check out Connor's website to see the moment Erin & Chris revealed the big news to the family at Connor's first birthday party. I'm hoping they upload the video soon so I can see it! It's hard being away while the family has so much to celebrate.

Have I mentioned how much I love being an aunt? It's true. I LOVE it! And this thursday I'll get to be an aunt again. We're welcoming little Liam to the world!

Spin Class

Um, no thanks. I am seriously wondering what kind of sanitation methods were used. Hello, fungus! And ew. I would NEVER use a machine knowing that someone had once used it...naked.

Katy Ore-Ida Tator Tot

I have been the laziest of human beings the past two nights. I have sat on the couch and watched a box that showed other human beings living their lives. One night of pajamas, dinner on the couch and American Idol is fine. But two nights in a row? AND I was too lazy to get up and run this morning. I blamed it on the "scary" thundering weather.

I also just ate some tomatoes with salt. What is up with that?

Stat

My little brother, Andrew, is trying really hard to out do me when it comes to surgeries. I had two in one month back in the day. Gallbladder & appendix. I no longer have them. It's true. Andrew's about to go into surgery to remove an abcess that formed after his appendectomy. That poor kid! I must say he goes to extreme measures to take first place. What he doesn't realize is that I'm EXTREMELY competitive.

Hopefully he'll be home in a few hours. It's not supposed to be anything major. I secretly think he's just trying really hard to get out of even more school. Smart kid.

Mancrush

Who's your mancrush? Inquiring minds want to know! I have a crush on every single person on the top 10 list.

Sodium Carbonate

Yesterday's Lunch:

Appetizer of grape tomatoes with salt...and more salt
Appetizer of Tostitos Scoops chips with salsa and guacamole
Dessert of half Golden Delicious Apple
Entree of an organic cheese tortellini thingy with pesto sauce that was immediately thrown in the trash because it tasted like mint. I hate mint. And it was organic. I tried organic but I need to just embrace the fact that preservatives are for me.

Today's Lunch:
Appetizer of Tostitos Scoops chips with salsa and guacamole
Dessert of grape tomatoes with salt...and more salt
Entree of a Healthy Choice chicken and rosemary potato thingy. I ate most of it. It also had broccoli.

My current craving: Grape Tomatoes with salt...and more salt. I couldn't wait to get out of a meeting so I could go eat my salt with tomatoes. I'm going to be retaining pounds of water any day now. I just realized I've only gone to the bathroom once today. I think the water retention has begun.

Do the Hustle

Apparently I'm not THAT out of shape. Sure the muffin tops are still there but my pride remains in tact. I placed 53rd out of 192 for my age division in the 52 floor Hustle Up the Hancock! Yeah baby! Boo-ya! That would be 10:25 for 52 floors. That's 12.5 seconds per floor. It looks like training on the couch really helped me reach my goal. Why thank you. May I humble myself for a moment? A 74 year old man completed the 52 floors in 11 minutes. I guarantee that I would have knocked him down had he gotten in my way! I let NOBODY pass me. You hear that? NOBODY! You just wait until next year. I'm doing all 95 flights...on one leg...wearing slippers...and a thong!

Shape Up or Else...

I've come to the conclusion that I am indeed out of shape. (hangs head in shame) This comes on the cusp of my Hustle Up the Hancock race on Sunday. Since when have I turned into someone who doesn't train for races and who relies heavily on "winging it"? I don't know this person and I'm freightened.

Last night I ran for 28 minutes outside. It was my first outdoor running experience in over a month. Then this morning I ran for 15 minutes on the treadmill and thought I was going to die. I had to slow the speed down to 5.8. I've always been a 6.0 girl or more. I was afraid someone would notice my downgrade. I then hopped on the stairclimber for 12 more minutes of athletic achievement. I again was huffing and puffing. I told myself that it was probably PMS. No, just had that a couple of weeks ago. Maybe it's dehydration? Sure it is Katy. But it can't be because I'm out of shape! I've always been in shape. Maybe it's the muffin tops that have suddenly appeared out of nowhere. I swear this Chicago winter is doing nothing for my figure. Yes I have curves and have always been proud of them. But suddenly I have a few more curves...that hang over the top of my low rise jeans.

I'm doing the Indy Mini Half Marathon on May 5th. I must start training hard core this next week. I need accountability people! And I need a smaller pant size. Pray for me.

George Strait for Real

See? I was there! Thanks for the pictures Alyson!

Season 3

Oh you know it's going to be another great season of Dancing with the Stars!

Apolo Ono? Seriously? I have to see this. He'll be the new hearthrob who doesn't deserve it. I'll cheer for someone funny and chubby like Joey Fatone.

I'm in Love!

I seriously have a new crush.

My Little Brother and His Little Appendix

Andrew is having surgery in one hour to have his appendix taken out. It must be a family thing. My dad, older brother and I no longer have ours. This way when we decide to hike up Mount Everest we won't have to worry about having an appendicitis. 'Cause that could happen.

Please say a prayer for a safe surgery and a quick recovery for Andrew. Thank you!

Baby Shower

This weekend I headed home to Texas to help throw a baby shower for my uber-fantastic sister-in-law, Alicia. Here are a few pictures from the main event:















Here's a glimpse of the lovely ladies who love Alicia















The Happy soon-to-be parents. Patrick, the haircut looks awesome. I'll miss fluffy.















Could I be a more perfect hostess? But seriously, look at the decorations. you know I had nothing to do with them. But I did organize the sandwich display!

You can check out more pictures on Liam's blog: Lonestar Liam.

Tune In Tokyo

Tune in THIS Thursday night, February 22, to see my Level 1A Second City Conservatory teacher on my favorite show, The Office! Jean Villepique is crush-worthy, talented and an amazing teacher. She pushed us hard and made me go way way way outside my comfort zone. I hated her for it. Not really, but sort of.

All because of her I just got cast doing a small voice over! Do you remember that one snowy night when I had those auditions? One happened to be for a Chicago Comedy T.V. Pilot competition. Well, I'm doing a small voice over for one of the entries. Neato! It's only a matter of time before I too am on the office as Dwight's love interest! Move over Angela!

New Breed

I had to post this new one. We were crying laughing. Russ, your wife is A-Mazing.

Sexy Ladies

...if by sexy you mean utterly repulsive. But there is a sort of beauty that can be seen deep, deep, deep down inside.

Amarillo by Mornin'

Last night I went to see George Strait with my friend Alyson. George = awesome. He is the definition of classy and he's a gentleman through and through. Wearing his 10 gallon hat, starched Wranglers and cowboy boots he made us ladies swoon. Did you know that he has 54 #1 hits? He sang about 30 of them last night. Alyson got the best seats. He stood directly in front of us and I could have thrown a penny and hit him. Not that I actually did throw a penny. I just wanted to give you a visual. Have you visualized?

George is "Pure Country" and an ideal Texan. He sang a bazillion songs about Texas and flashed pictures of the various Texas landscapes. It made me homesick. Good thing I'm flying home to Dallas tonight!

I've had a few conversations with people who despise country music. And by despise I mean they would rather go down a slide of razor blades and land in a pool of rubbing alcohol than listen to country music. That just makes me sad. It's more like it's a pride thing with them. Country is beneath them. I actually had someone tell me that they disagree with everything that country music stands for: the south, conservatives, Christian beliefs, the prevelence of Jesus just to name a few. It's an uninformed opinion. If they just don't like the twang, that's fine. But knocking the people, that's a whole other story. I know that country music can bring out a few interesting folks who do not represent the best in people. But why classify all fans as being judgmental and small minded? Country music also represents family, national pride and a way of life. And who doesn't enjoy songs about divorce, truck driving, drunkenness, mama killed papa, rodeos and sexy tractor driving men?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I hope your day is filled with lots of love and many wonderful surprises!

Seeing as most people think of this as a romantic holiday I prefer to think of it as a day where I can share with my family and close friends how much I love them! I did this by not sending anyone any cards or flowers, but instead opting for the communication of love: text. Yes, I texted them "I love you." Nothing says I love you like a text. I know some peopleout there are textually challenged but thankfully not the circles I run in these days.

So do yourself and your loved ones a favor, send them a text right now. Yes! This very minute tell them how much you love them by pressing the buttons on your phone. That's good! Way to go!

To all my readership: I love you! Happy Valentine's Day! Hugs and Kisses!! xoxoxoxoxoxo

Man Muffs in Action

See? I tried them out. Still not sold on them. Sorry Jason.

Winter Storm

I just got released early today from prison. Did I say prison? I meant work. Chicago has been bashed with frigid weather and unending snow storms these past couple of weeks. Why do I live here again?

Here are a few pictures from my neighborhood. I totally need to do laundry tonight but considering I don't want to dig my car out of the snow drift it looks like I'll be washing my underwear in the sink...or turning it inside out. TMI? Yeah.

The Rules

So I have a little quirk. I thought it was a cute little quirk that could be shared and enjoyed by those around me. I learned last night that it is neither cute nor enjoyed by those around me. I love to sing. I find it nearly physically impossible not to sing when I hear a song I know on the radio, on the television or just in my head. I must sing! Here are my favorites:

• Any 80's tune
• Top 40 hits from the 1990's
• Anything U2 or Shania Twain (can't. help. it.)
• Indigo Girls: don't you dare cut me off in the middle of an Indigo Girls song to tell me some lame story that I will quickly forget.
• Musicals such as Phantom of the Opera and Grease

Speaking of Grease...my apartment has somewhat grown attached to the cultural phenomenon known as "Grease: You're the One that I Want." Grease is one of my all-time favorite movies. It was only recently that I finally grasped what some of the phrases and inuendos mean. Shocking. Grease was the perfect recipe for enjoyment for a young girl who loved to sing and dance. No matter how much we pretend we despise it we secretly love it when the wedding D.J. spins "Summer Lovin'" and we all dance and sing at the top of our lungs. Am I right? Don't deny it. I'll call you a liar. Liar. Told you.

So this brings me to last night's conversation between the roommates. I of course was singing along to "Jesus Christ Superstar" and Janell immediately turned up the television.

"What? You don't like it when I sing along with these songs?"

"No, you can sing along, just do it during the commercials."

"But it's not nearly as fun because there isn't music! So now there are rules for watching this show?"

"Not rules, just preferences."

"I'll be sure to try and respect your wishes. It will be tough and will take all I have to hold myself back."

"Thank you."

I couldn't help but briefly forget the rules and bust out during one of the male vocal performances. I covered my mouth quickly.

"Sorry, I forgot."

"Oh you can sing during the men's performances. You harmonize so I can hear them over you."

"Oh, so now there's new rules?"

I can't say anything because I established rules with Jessie when it comes to television and the guitar. She can't play the guitar during a show, only during the commercials. It's a miracle that we haven't driven each other to the brink of insanity.

Your Grayness

I can't stop looking in my magnified mirror and counting the number of gray hairs I have on my head. I feel like they are multiplying every day. I think this cold weather is causing the frantic sprouting of gray hair around my hairline. I can't pluck them because I don't want wire-y swirling hairs to grow in their place. Therefore I am plagued by this question:

When does one embrace the fact that their hair is gray and frequent color processing begins?

This is a BIG question because it means more frequent visits to the salon and more money down the drain. Not that I think that getting your hair colored is money down the drain. I mean, whatever keeps me looking young!

Okay, so there are only maybe 10 gray hairs. But they are 10 visible gray hairs. I could have sworn that I only had six last week.

Audition Blitz

Sunday began my whirlwind week of auditions. I have to say that I feel quite confident with my performances and encouraged by the whole process. That's the exact opposite of what I thought I would be feeling by the end of it.

Last night I braved the cold and snowy weather to go to two auditions. They were on opposite ends of the city but somehow, in Katy fashion, I made it really early to both and waited in my car trying to keep warm. The first was for some Chicago Comedy TV Pilot Competition. I was able to do some cold reading and it was fun! I haven't done comedy in a couple of months and I realized how much I miss it! They even had me read a couple of parts that would actually be voice overs. I was able to play with character voices which was a blast! The lead role, Maragaret, is described as "pinched, very thin, and librarian-like." Uh, probably not going to be me since I'd classify myself as "approachable, curvacious and dorky." But she did ask what my schedule was like in the next couple of weeks. We'll see!

The second audition was for Chekov's "The Seagull." When I walked into the room, the theater company founder cheerily said, "Oh! Your headshot is the one I really liked!" This baffles me because it really isn't anything great and I borderline cringe everytime I see it. But she proceeded to tell me that it's at a good angle, my smile is beautiful and my eyes are bright. Why thank you! I'll take those compliments any day. After my monologue she told me that I probably wouldn't be called back and then said slowly with almost a wink, "but that doesn't mean anything." Okay. Well that didn't mean anything to me either. I'm guessing that she might consider me for another play or something. That's the beauty of auditioning; there's always hope for the future! When I walked out of the room I overheard her say to the other woman, "Wow, she was charming!" She either said that or "wow, that was alarming." I'm going with the "charming."

Dancing with the Dogs

Becky shared this video with me. I LOVE Golden Retrievers. I'm sure my brother, Patrick, could teach his Golden, Cade, how to do a dance like this. This dog is way smarter than me.

Can It Be?

Me? An Angel? Who knew?!
















Ashley and I were psyching ourselves up for a little live band karaoke last friday night. I sang a GREAT rendition of Modern English's "Melt with You." There were about 15 people in the bar and I'm pretty sure 15 people cringed. But it was fabulous!

Despair, Inc.

Here's a fun article from the Austin Chronicle about my friend Kellsey's brothers, Jef & Justin Sewell. I remember when these Despair, Inc. calendars/posters first came out. They are just my sense of humor. If you've never seen them, please visit their website. Apparently they have video podcasts too. Why am I not this funny? Surely I can come up with a way to make money just by being myself!

Chicago Superstar

All you Chicago people, go see my friend, Cristin McAlister, in a movie she recently filmed. Click here and you can purchase tickets for the one night showing on Saturday, February 10. Yay Cristin! I'm so proud of you!

Speaking of Chicago superstars, I have three auditions in the next five days. I'm still keeping my new years goals!! Let's hope some of these dreams come to fruition.

Game Time Countdown

Puleeeeez! Computer games also chose Rocky Balboa to win over Mason "The Line" Dixon. SPOILER ALERT!!!! But you know what? He loses. So basically Madden '07 has no idea what it's talking about. And frankly, I'm not so sure if I do either.

All this to say that my Da Bears shirt arrived today! I look fantastic in navy!

High Kickin'

These are so cute! I need to have children right now so I can buy them adorable clothing. Then after buying them adorable clothing I'll hire a nanny.