My New Apartment

Here it is! I was finally able to upload my pictures thanks to me pirating someone's wireless internet in my building.

I'll give you a little tour. I took these pictures the day we moved in so some things have changed. But honestly the boxes are still everywhere.

Here we go:

Hello and welcome to our home. This is our entry way. I love the ceiling!

This is our enormous living room. Jessie and her parents are painting it this weekend. I'm not sure what color but I'm sure it will be fabulous. We have space!

This is our lovely view from the living room. One side is lakeview; the other side is of downtown. Can you see the Sears Tower and the Hancock building? Neato.

This will eventually be our dining room. For now it's storage.

And a Butler's Pantry. What the heck is a Butler's Pantry? I don't know, but I can tell you it's very nice.

And this is our kitchen. I'm sure I'll cook many fabulous dinners because we actually have counter space now.

And my very own bathroom!

Here's my bedroom. I have bay windows! And it's huge. The closest space is even better than I could have dreamed. Hello shoes.

And I have a room with a view!

And here it is in all its glory. Now people can see me in all my glory. I really need to work on closing the shades.

I hope you've enjoyed the tour. Now come visit! (Unless I don't know you. That would freak me out. And I have pepper spray. Actually I don't. But I do have a kick-ass roundhouse.)

Hey, It's Video Day!

This one made me laugh. It brings me back. Way back.

I know most of you have probably already seen this...because I've shown it to you. But seriously, this baby will make me smile no matter how bad a day I'm having. For instance: your car needs $900 of work done on it to ensure your safe arrival from point A to point B, but you'd really rather buy the navy patent leather Michael Kors shoes you've been eyeing for months and months (they look best in navy). **note to self: shoes can't buy happiness.

Enjoy!

Touche'

Strangest compliment given to me recently:

Him: I really like your nail polish. What color is it?

Me: Wicked

Him: It matches your eyebrows.

WHAT????

Car Issues = Insecurity

I will always be a daddy's girl. Hopefully I'm not one of those snotty, super demanding, I want it and I want it now, kind of daddy's girl. I want to be the girl that recognizes how generous, kind, wonderful, encouraging, and loving her dad is to her. I've been blessed with a dad that wants to protect me, take care of me and yet let's me live my life too.

But it's times like these when I wish he was right here, right now. YES, my car is acting up again! I feel like a complete idiot when my car begins having issues. I automatically turn into a vulnerable 12 year old girl whose mom still has to make her school lunch. Living in Dallas my dad was great about telling me that I need to get my tires rotated. He would ask if my car had had its oil changed at three months or 3,000 miles (no it hasn't but it's getting done tonight!). But I don't have that anymore. Spring-like weather has to hit first so I can roll down my window and hear the screeching brakes that have probably been screeching for months. And any trip to the garage always includes a call to dad to make sure I'm not getting swindled. I'm always thinking I'm about to get swindled. I must have a tatoo on my forehead that says, "I have no idea what you're talking about but I'm just going to nod along anyway and pretend I have an ounce of dignity but I'll most likely just go along with whatever your saying so just go ahead and take me for what I'm worth."

The car goes to the shop tonight. I'm bracing myself. Dad, have I told you lately that I love you? Yes, this morning we texted that to each other. But one cannot say it enough. I love you!

What an Exciting Life I Do Lead

Find out your Spider-Man personality at LiquidGeneration!

Laffy Taffy Break 2

Oh Laffy Taffy, how you make me smile. Why do I find myself suddenly addicted to you? Is it that the candy bowl has become the new water cooler in my office? Maybe. But mostly it's for the sugary goo-dness and of course, the jokes.

Brooke K. from Yardley, PA writes:

"What did the noodles say to the butter? Don't try and butter me up." Oh Brooke, you silly thing. I see a stand-up career in your future. Lucky girl. Keep up the good work.

Brandon R. from Florence, SC writes:

"Which garden has the most vegetables? Flash Garden." What? Seriously? This is a joke? I don't get it Brandon. I just don't get it. I'm guessing this is a "Flash Gordon" reference. Flash Gordon would be appalled. And frankly, so am I. You're homeschooled aren't you?

UPDATE: I want to redact those last couple of sentences. They were really mean. I must be PMS'ing. Sorry Brandon R.

Jessie's Picture Blog

Look who has her own picture blog! My cousin, Jessie, has decided to join the rest of the family in our blogging obsession. I promise to shower next time any pictures are taken of me.

A Glimpse into My Life

A conversation in Kelly's car last night:

Kelly: Seriously, when I am PMS'ing I feel like I'm carrying around two bowling balls on my chest.

Katy: Yeah, I know what you mean. Except mine are more like marbles. But yeah, I hear you.

OH MY GOODNESS! I just want to pinch those cheeks!

Movin' on Up

In exactly 16 hours the movers are arriving to transport all my crap from the old apartment to the new one. So far I have 18 boxes locked and loaded and ready to go. How does one young woman collect so much stuff? I really am working on the purging process. I have a car load to take to good will tonight. When I realize the reality of my closet situation at the new place I'm going to have to take another load - OR! - all my friends can just come by my apartment and glean my clothes and shoes. It will be like an open house except you can take things with you. BUT DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH MY NEW PINK AND BLACK VIA SPIGA HEELS!

I'm excited about beginning something new. But I'm also sad to leave a place that has housed so many wonderful memories. I don't say it enough but I am a blessed girl.

Dance Rehearsal

Pulled a Hammy

What 31 year old in her right mind agrees to pop into the splits at the end of a dance routine? Apparently me. I was a gymnast for eight years and cheered in high school for a couple of years. In other words, I'm flexible. I'm pretty impressed with the flexibility that remains as the toe touches and splits become less frequent...and there's the fact that I'm getting older. I am getting...just say it...olllllderrrrr. Ugh. The pulled hammy basically sealed that deal.

Rehearsal last night was one of the more hilarious rehearsals I've ever experienced. I showed up and they told me to make up a dance and teach it to them right then and there. Ooookay. I busted out every cheesy, raunchy dance move I could think of at the time. I don't know if the audience will laugh as hard as we did last night but I'm thinking it might be a hit...or a cringer; you just don't know.

I'll post a few pictures that were taken when I upload them from my camera.

And the reason that a pulled hammy is so sad? I'm supposed to run a half-marathon in 10 days. Pray y'all. PRAY!

Spring Finally Hit Chicago

This weekends schedule:

• Wake up
• Pack
• Apply sunscreen
• Bike
• Get sunburned
• Apply sunscreen
• Drink water
• Count new freckles
• Sleep
• Wake up
• Pack
• Apply sunscreen
• Play tennis
• Apply sunscreen
• Bike
• Get sunburned
• Drink water
• Connect freckles with a line to recreate constellations

And I loved every minute of it.

Aqua Naturale Per Favore

I've been drinking more water today than I have in a long time. There are two reasons for this behavior:

1) My friend just told me she had kidney stones because she wasn't drinking enough water and was extremely dehydrated. Kidney stones = fear.

2) I'm extremely bored at work and going to the kitchen to refill my cup gives me the opportunity to walk around, talk with people, and step away from the little black box that is slowly sucking the life out of me.

Drinking lots of water is good for you, right? My coworker, Erin, just informed me that a woman died the other day from drinking too much water. I'll probably make the news later this week as the next woman to die from drinking too much water. Thank you job-in-a-cubicle.

World Vision

Online shopping is as much trouble as it is fun (hence the two pairs of shoes that arrived at the office yesterday). But now you can do some good in the world when you online shop! Ever wanted to buy a goat? A well? Fishing supplies? All of these things can help support families and communities in need.

World Vision is an incredible organization. I've been supporting children in impoverished nations through World Vision since I was a freshman in college. Visit this website to learn more about opportunities for you to help. It doesn't take much!

Power of Shoes

I'm a shoe addict. Occasionally I'll even call myself a shoe-whore. Those are strong words for a strong obsession. I recently bought two pairs of shoes online. I was having a crappy day and then voila! The shoes arrive! It's sad how I got such a pick-me-up from a silly pair of shoes.

The movers came on Sunday to do an estimate of how much it will cost to move me. The guy kept repeating over and over "I'm so glad I'm a guy. Look at all your clothes and shoes!" Yeah, well everyone has their vices! Yes my closet did snap in half a while back, but it hasn't broken since - thanks to extra bracing. It's my goal to purge my closet and my apartment this week to shock the movers at how much less stuff I have than they originally thought. I just feel bad for giving something away; it's like I'm abandoning it or something. I need to get over it already!

My second pair of shoes arrived. The day just keeps getting better and better! It's a sickness. I need help.

Grammar Geek

As a junior in college I still hadn't decided what I wanted to do with my life. (Obviously nothing's changed.) My school counselor told me that if I was going to graduate on time I needed to decide on a major. My problem was that I wanted to do it all! (Again, nothing's changed.) I needed a little help and took an eight hour long aptitude test to help give me direction. After two days of testing they came back to me and decided that they couldn't figure me out. WHAT?! If these "experts" couldn't figure me out how on earth was I supposed to understand myself?

This very large man, who loved to hear himself talk and talk and talk, told me that I would probably be in school the rest of my life. I DON'T THINK SO!

It turns out he may have been correct. Yesterday at work we had a writing workshop where we focused on grammar for five hours: commas, semi-colons, and colons. (Please don't look at my blog for immaculate grammar. I know it's horrible.) Most people would have been bored out of their minds. I kind of geeked out and enjoyed it. It was almost as if I was reliving the 8th grade without the braces, perm and big bangs.

Tragedy

This breaks my heart. My prayers and thoughts go out to all those affected by this tragedy.

Me! In a Film!

I just got this email:

Hi Katy,

I am excited to tell you that you have been selected for the part of Jennifer in the film "Families".

I will be contacting you soon with a shooting schedule. Please contact me with any questions that you have. Thank you and I look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

JoAnna

Me! In a film! Yes it's a student film but I don't care! It's the big break I've been waiting for! I'll be paid with potbelly sandwiches and water. What more could a girl want?

FYI, it is a short film that none of you will ever see. Two words: Resume Builder.

Dear Man Wearing Short Shorts at the Gym:

I think it's great that you feel confident about your legs and want to show them off a little at the gym. Heck, come summertime I might even sport a pair of shorts. I need to work on my tan first. The glare is just too distracting.

My problem begins with the different exercises you choose to do in your short shorts. Let's call them flyaway shorts. You know, the kind really skinny marathoners wear? Do you remember when you put a mat on the floor facing the mirror and layed on your back while holding an extended right leg in the air while the left one remained flat on the ground? You don't? Well I do. In fact it has scarred me for life.

As the voice of our generation, Gunther from Friends, once said, "Keep the mouse in the house buddy. This is a family place."

Family Photo

I stole this picture from Paula's website. You can see the infamous blue jeans on my dad. They actually don't look too bad in this picture. It must be Paula's fine photographic skills. I love this picture and can't wait to see the rest!

Heavy: It's Official

See it to believe it.

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!