Algebrating Saturday Night

Saturday night + sunburn + Lindsay's birthday + Strongbow cider + improv show + 60 degree weather + crummy audition + trip to anthropologie + omlette n' mash =














OVER THE TOP people. I so almost had him.

Boo-Tay

Friday I realized for the first time since the fall that I have been missing one thing from my life. Wearing a short leather jacket, walking to a meeting near work, two guys stopped to look at me and said, "DAYUM!" Ah yes. Big fat puffy coat has kept my hind quarters under wraps for so long. It made a debut Friday and didn't even know it.

Should I Be Concerned for Myself?

My dreams this week have consisted of:

1. I made friends with a Lion and we ran through an open field together.

2. I got my hair cut short-er. It was a little past my chin. But the guy that cut it was a barber who used large metal scissors that were rusty. It kind of hurt. Maybe I subconsciously want to watch Sweeney Todd.

3. I danced a few saucy latin dances with a really cute guy. This was a great way to wake up this morning.

4. I dreamed that I was at camp in a cabin that had six bunk beds. It was also well-known that there was a ghost of a girl who lived in the third shower stall. She was a really friendly ghost and gave us all high-fives. I also asked her to refrain from scaring me and that it would be kind of her if she kept in her shower stall first thing in the morning. But then she became really needy and said, "I'm scared, can I sleep in your bunk with you." Uh, no. You're crossing the line girl ghost.

That's all I can remember this week. I think I need to cut down on the pre-bedtime chocolate.

Best April Fool's Joke Ever?

This better be an April Fool's joke. And if it is, it's pure brilliance. This photo has been burned upon my eyes for all of eternity. I don't want to be alone in it. That's why I'm sharing it with you. The "Mansy" goes on sale April 1st. Hence my belief that it's a joke.

This is one brave soul. Bravo man, bravo.

Happy Birthday Pattie-Poo!

Today is my big brother, Patrick's birthday! Patrick is one of the most sincere, generous, loving and hilarious people I know. He's just an all around loveable guy. Plus he can out bench any one of you.

Happy Birthday Patrick!

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."

Keep It. My Treat.

Saturday night I attended my first Chicago Bulls game at the United Center. The Bulls walked away with a victory. Maybe I should attend games more often. Perhaps their win is contingent upon my presence. They need me!

Sitting between Alyson and Kelly, I decided to have a post-hot dog with mustard piece of gum. I opened the little Orbit pack and out slid one of the pieces and it fell to where it was sitting between the back of the chair of the person in front of me and her back. She obviously felt it. She turned around to see what it was and leaned forward. The gum then dropped beyond the back of her pants and into her crack. OH MY LORD! Thankfully she was gracious and said, "I don't think you'll be wanting to have this back." I said, "You're right. You keep it. My treat."

Pictorial

Finally! Photos from my birthday week (which is still continuing...hence the elastic waist pants) and from Easter (hence the elastic waist pants). Click here to view them all!

Boyz to Men: A, B, C, BB, D

I found this while reading this blog. I have a love/hate relationship with blogs created by freakin' creative people. All of a sudden I find myself thinking, "Why am I not creative like that? I should be spending time making everything beautiful!" Then I remember that I have a full-time job and an incredibly time consuming passion. I'm doing good if I make my bed in the morning...which I did today. Check!

How I do love taking little quizzes and sharing with everyone EVERY. LITTLE. DETAIL. OF. MY. LIFE!

A - Attached or single? Last time I checked I was single.
B - Best friend? Beckles!
C - Cake or pie? Hands down, cake. Not too much icing. But I do love pie with crunchy, sugary crust.
D - Day of choice? Any day that doesn't involve me sitting in front of a computer in a cubicle.
E - Essential item? I'll agree with my mom on this one: lipstick.
F - Favorite color? Red
G - Gummy bears or worms? Hello, Bears! Worms have a chalky feel to them. Am I right or am I right?
H - Hometown? Frisco, TX
I - Favorite indulgence? Shoes and purses
J - January or July? Where am I living? Chicago = July. Dallas = July. So I guess its July.
K - Kids? None that I know of....
L - Life isn't complete without? FAMILY! and a passion.
M - Marriage date? Tomorrow
N - Number of brothers and sisters? 2 Brothers and 1 Sister. All are awesome.
O - Oranges or apples? Both, all in one sitting.
P - Phobia and fears? Fear of failure. I'm getting over it. But I also hate bugs...just ask my roommates....oh, and rodents. ick.
Q - Quote? "I went shopping for my wife Bonnie. I buy most of her clothes...."
R - Reason to smile? FAMILY!
S - Season of choice? Chicago falls, Texas springs, Hawaii anythings
T - Tag three people: Kate, Heidi and Kathie - because I know you'll blog it.
U - Unknown fact about me? I can't sleep wearing pants or shorts. I like sleeping in the undy-pundies.
V - Vegetable? Technically tomatoes are a fruit...so I'll go with asparagus.
W - Worst habit? I blow bubbles when I chew gum...and I mumble.
X - X-ray or ultrasound? Either when I'm in pain.
Y - Your favorite food? That's like asking me if I like my mom or dad the best. It's irrelevant!
Z - Zodiac sign? Pisces - "Oh, you're a water sign." What the heck does that mean?

Please Pray

There are two great things about having this blog:

1. People I haven't seen or talked to in years get to read about my underwear problems or my boob size.

2. I can share stories of friends in need of prayer...and I know you'll pray!

This morning I received an email from my dear friend, Alyson, telling me that her old roommate and best friend may have cancer. I asked how to pray and she said, "just know that she's my 'Becky' and you'll know how to pray." (Beckles is my BFF in case you're wondering) Here's her email below so you'll know more of the details:

I received some pretty devastating news today. One of my best friends, Lisa, went into surgery today and turns out they removed a tumor from her lung that they are fairly certain is malignant. It will be a couple days before test results are back to confirm. It was about 4 inches. She's 31 yrs old.

Lisa and Leanne were my roommates before I moved to Chicago. Leanne is the one whose dad died this past October of cancer. Needless to say, both Leanne and I are taking this quite hard. Not only have we each lost our dads to cancer, now our best friend quite possible has it, too. And, to speak for myself (but I think Leanne is the same), I find it quite challenging to be hopeful. But, I feel this overwelming responsibility to be strong and hopeful for Lisa and her family.

So please pray for hope, healing, peace and wisdom...a miracle!...and anything else you think might be helpful.

Thank you!

Back by Popular Demand

This Easter weekend consisted of three B's: babies, bunnies, and a butt-load of candy. I've been delinquent in posting these past couple of weeks. I can't promise its going to get any better this week. Things are crazy y'all! I am doing a staged reading on Monday and have rehearsals galore until then. Stay strong friends! Stay strong.

Until then, enjoy these two pics from my trip. One is from my flight to Dallas from Chicago. The other is of the ever-smiling Archer.

Homeward Bound

I'm leaving in a few to catch a plane to Dallas to celebrate Easter with my family! I'll get to snuggle with Erin, Archer and Connor tonight. Life is good! And it will be much warmer in the Lonestar State.

Real Life at IHOP

Rehearsal for The Senate last night tested my boundaries and pushed me way outside my comfort zone. That's why I felt so exhilarated after I walked away!

Six of us were available to rehearse last night. Instead of our normal coach, we had a guest coach who was fantastic. As soon as we walked up he said, "I cancelled your room. We're going to do improv in the real world." Immediately my stomach turned as I thought about how I was probably going to have to make an ass out of myself in front of "real people." The stage is much more comfortable than real life.

He issued us three challenges:

Challenge 1 - We had fifteen minutes to go off by ourselves and do anything to get a stranger to compliment us. We couldn't ask "hey, like my jacket?" or anything similar. I saw the Starbucks immediately and thought, "they love to give compliments!" Disclaimer: I had just started my period and contemplated just sitting on a bench in the fetal position. Instead I flashed my biggest smile and gave a very friendly performance. Nothing. "I went to the dentist today." BLING! (big fat smile) Nothing. Obviously my charm wasn't working. I walked a loop around the block smiling at everyone I saw. Nothing. If I hadn't been in Boys Town, I'm pretty sure I would have gotten a date out of it.

Two out of the six were successful. Matt made up a story that he was going to see a girl he knew from college and hadn't seen in a year and was nervous. He got two compliments right away. Oh, we can make up stories? But I don't like to "play" with real people who don't know they're playing a game.

Challenge 2 - We paired up and had 15 minutes to get a stranger to console or comfort us three times. Tim, who was even more petrified by this exercise than me, was my partner. We walked a few blocks and finally zeroed in on a couple standing by their car waiting for someone. I said, "Hi, I locked my keys and my cell phone in my apartment. Can I please user your phone to call my roommate?" They were really friendly, but slightly distracted. I called my own cell phone - thank goodness it was on silent - and left a message for myself - "Hey Katy, it's me." It's funny. I still have it. We got a "poor thing" and a "good luck!" Good enough for us.

Challenge 3 - The final challenge! We split up into couples again. Paul and I were couple #1. We each were given a piece of paper with a motivation written on it. We couldn't share that piece of paper with anyone; especially our partner. We walked to IHOP and our coach went in first. He took a seat so he would be able to watch all of us. Our assignment was to assume this character choice as soon as we walked through the doors. We went in one couple at a time and took different seats around IHOP. We ordered some drinks and just improvised conversation using our motivations.

My motivation read: "You don't want to be with him. You can't stand this relationship anymore and want to end it. Decide how badly you want to hurt him and then leave forever." Ouch. Pretty quickly I figured out that his was that he loved me. We sat down in a booth and our conversation turned heated pretty quickly. We spoke in normal speaking voices but there were a couple tables around us that couldn't stop staring at us. It was hard to stay focused knowing people really thought we were in an argument. It was fun to come up with a back story as we began talking. There were things like, "you've been gone for nine months. You asked me to move with you to Chicago and then you leave for weeks at a time on these business trips." "I am seeing your old roommate." "I moved out two weeks ago." And in the end it crescendoed with an "I don't think I ever loved you. You're an asshole." And then I stormed out! It was fabulous! When would I ever do that in real life? I hope never.

Our coach said that there were tables who couldn't pay attention to their own conversations and were straining to listen to us. HILARIOUS! The servers got a nice tip before we left...and a few stories to keep them going through the night. At least I wasn't a couple that had to pretty much make out. I would have died.

Bicuspid

It's been confirmed: I'm an AVOIDER! I noticed a trend today that I tend to avoid all preventive medicine. Sure I need to go to the dentist and gynie regularly, but I don't want to! I mean, WHAT IF something was wrong? Heaven forbid it make a black mark on my "perfection." I mean, shouldn't it mean more that I catch something early before it turns into something HUGE? This is what I'm dealing with people. I realize the ridiculousness of it all.

Today I went to the dentist for the first time in *cough* two years. Eek! My parents raised me to go to the dentist every six months, not every two years! I was nervous, of course. At least I had one thing going for me - I floss EVERY DAY! But would that cut it? Let me go ahead and answer that question for you - NO.

The office was incredibly fabulous. I'd use "fierce" but that word is so completely over-used these days. And since when did anyone say "hot mess" after 1995? I guess it's back. Blah blah blah. Back to reality. Seriously, everything was completely high-tech. Lots of computers, digital cameras and x-rays. I saw everything right before my eyes on a flat screen. I even picked out the cavities before they did. Yes people, I have cavities. So tragic. That's what you get for two years away from the dental chair and ice pick. AND I clench my teeth. Hello bite plate. You and I are going to get to know each other well.

I did start to feel panic rise up in me. There were a few murmurs and then some discussion in a language I'm not familiar with....since I'm not a dentist! Then there was a "Hmmmm, do you grind your teeth or clench your teeth when you sleep? Yes, I can tell. Just look here." Where? Where do I look? Sure, whatever you say. Suddenly I was chiding myself for not having perfect teeth and gums. Repeat your mantra Katy! You're perfectly imperfect...and acceptable JUST THE WAY YOU ARE! Cavities and all.

Got to go call the gynie.

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!

A Present! For Me!

Mom did GREAT for my birthday!

I can't wait to bust these out! Maybe when I fly to Texas this weekend it will be warm enough to wear whimsical clothing.

Checking in with the Orenders in Colorado

Pictures from Dad in Beaver Creek, CO.

Wishing I was here with my family instead of here:

Celebrate by Eating

GEEEEESH I haven't updated in a while! That's what turning 32 will do to a girl. Actually, I've been busy celebrating by eating 32 pounds of everything. And Beckles was in town all weekend. You know you're best friends when one person hops out of a cab and you realize that you have on THE EXACT SAME THING! Seriously, even bazillions of miles away, we still end up wearing the same thing. As roommates we'd walk out of our rooms, look at each other, and one of us would say, "I'll go change." That sealed the deal that we are indeed kindred spirits (ah, Anne of Green Gables).

I'll post pictures tonight of my party on Friday.

Happy Birthday...

...TO ME!!! Yes, it's a birthday dedication to myself! I am 32 and...I know, I totally look young for my age, thank you dawling!...have so much to be thankful for! I am blessed with wonderful friends, family and adventures.

Today is a marathon day of delicious foods being put in my mouth and sent through my ever-decreasing metabolic system. Bring it on! I'll probably iChat with the family too. It's sunny and warm-er out. All in all, a GREAT day!

However I do want to point out that my ears are starting to clog. Before you ask, yes I do clean them out regularly. Am I going to be 32 years old walking around with cotton balls in my ears keeping the wind out? I'm so afraid.

P.S. It's also my movie star crush's birthday. Not that I have it memorized or anything.

Weighing In

I just finished losing all of my "holiday/winter weight" and now the birthday week hits. I've already eaten my weight in sushi, cake and guacamole. And no I didn't have all three at one meal. But I might tonight!

Other good news: I've been so incredibly exhausted from extra-curricular activities lately that I've forgotten the meaning of "alone time" or "down time." I know all you mothers are whispering to yourselves that I don't even begin to understand the lack of "alone" or "down time." And you're right. But you see, I'm doing this to myself! However, I received a call today that my class was cancelled tonight AND rehearsal is cancelled for tomorrow night! Woohooo! Dare I go running? Ew, I just made myself sick with that thought.

South Side St. Patty's Day Parade

Today we braved the cold and snow to walk in the South Side St. Patrick's Day Parade. My organization was the Grand Marshal. It was such a fun day and provided many photo opportunities. Unfortunately I'm suffering from extreme bed-head due to sleeping with wet hair and having less than five hours of sleep thanks to daylight savings time. What one will sacrifice for the good of the children....

Happy Birthday Liam!

Happy Birthday to the silliest, giggliest and most entertaining of nephews! Liam turned one yesterday and had his first bite of birthday cake. It looks like he enjoyed it. Here's a few pictures from the past year.

Today was his birthday party but Connor celebrated his second amongst family and friends. I was fortunate enough to iChat with the family during his party so I got to say hello to friends and neighbors I don't get to see enough of these days. Patrick pushed the computer along the floor so Liam could chase it. He kept saying "hi" over and over again. Heart melting! Then Erin told me that Connor said my name a couple of days ago! The first time I hear him say my name my head will explode with excitement! And of course little Archer could not be any cuter. I was the virtual attendee at the party and I was so thankful to get to be a part of it.

Happy Birthday Connor!

My nephew, Connor McCroskey, turns two today! He's no longer a baby but a rambunctious, chatty two-year-old little boy. He went from being a baby that wouldn't smile under any circumstances to a little boy who loves to laugh; especially when he gets in trouble. I have a feeling he's just like his dad.

Happy Birthday Connor! I love you and can't wait to see you in a couple of weeks! Just remember, I will always be your favorite aunt!

Texas Snow

Check out the snow in Texas!

On a Personal Note

I just went to the bathroom and realized I had my underwear on backwards...and I'm wearing a thong. This explains so much.

Beau-RED

Just a few things:

1. I was up until 1:00 a.m. last night. Why? I had to watch the Project Runway Finale of course! Yay Christian Siriano! He's pretty fantastic (I refuse to use "fierce" here). But I absolutely LOVED Jillian's collection. I would wear her clothes in a heartbeat! Jillian, let's be friends.

2. It's snowing in Texas. Yeah, you heard me right. Too bad my aunt left sunny Chicago to visit my parents in snowy Dallas.

3. LOST tonight! Enough said.

4. What do I want for my birthday? All I could come up with was new pajamas which basically means a tank top. Oh and some shoes. And I must not forget that my parents already got me a freakin' awesome trench coat.

5. I could use a nap right about now.

6. Why am I retaining water in my hands? Our office is so stinkin' dry.

That's it. I've got nothing for you today. So keep your chin up and maybe I'll have some entertainment for you tomorrow. Jason told me Sunday that my blog entries aren't really all that interesting lately. Thanks Jason. You're special. And you had a good show last night.

Life of a Second-Child

This is for all you second-born people out there. We get each other.

Dad sent me this article in the mail today. Back when Archer was born in October my sister had mentioned that she and Chris felt like they were cheating on Connor. I began to realize how hard the second-born kids have it in this world. It made me wonder how my parents felt about me when I was born. I mean, did they question if they would love me as much as they loved Patrick? Probably. But of course they said, "No. Never. Not you Kathryn." Yeah, right. Dad was a second born, so he gets it.

Does me being a second-child have anything to do with my desire to be an actress? Wait, that might have more to do with me being the middle child. Do I need to stand out in everything and to get everyone's attention? Apparently so.

On Set

Yesterday I took off work so I could film a scene for a Columbia College Student film. It was a scene from Sam Shepherd's Cowboy Mouth play. Yes, the same Sam Shepherd that played Chuck Yeager in The Right Stuff. Did you know he was also a playwrite that usually produces dark and intense work?

Let's just say that I would MUCH rather spend the day on a set than one in front of a computer. Can I get an AMEN? It was all very professional. There was a sound guy, a Director of Photography, set people, a director and of course, us tiny little actors. And let me not forget to mention that there was catering. It was basically like a Thanksgiving meal minus the football game and nap time.

We arrived around 10:00 am. I began helping set up the newspaper clippings on the wall. The set is a motel room where we have been living for three months.

We began shooting from the beginning of the scene. We did it several times from different camera angles. We had to alternate shooting, rehearsing and being quiet so that the film crew next door could shoot their film. I began with strumming the guitar, to moving to the bed, to standing against the wall, to sitting on the floor and then finally sitting in Michael's lap (my scene partner). It was all very intense. They put out a dolly on rails where they were able to move the camera back and forth. I had to wear heavy eye makeup so I would look like someone pretending to be someone she's not. That was a fun train ride home. I'm sure people were thinking "oh, she'd be such a pretty girl if she didn't wear all that eye makeup." That's totally soemthing my mom would say. Yes mom, I've heard you say it.

All in all I can't wait to see the finished product. I hear it's in HD and in black and white. We should see it in a month or so. I can't wait to do more!

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!

Surprise!

Drewby's making a visit to Chicago! My little brother called last night and asked if I would like to have a surprise visitor next weekend. UM YEAH! Drewby's coming to town to spend the weekend with his big sis! We're going to have so much fun! I love that he is one of my best friends in the world. See you in eight days kiddo!  UPDATE:  Nevermind, he texted today that he just found out he has an art competition.  Sigh.  BUMMER! Why does he have to be all artsy and cool like that?

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!

Uptight

You know it's winter when you just. don't. care. anymore. And yes, they were that way when I put them on this morning. You can also see my little red toe through my tights. My patience for winter is wearing thing...just like my tights.

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?

Quinn's Party Pics

See what I mean? I was being wrestled to the floor by little Piper. She's a little thing that packs a big punch. And no she isn't grabbing my boobs in this picture. I moved her hands before one could be taken. I can't wait until my nephews are big enough to wrastle. Yes, that's wrastle with an "a."

Here's a picture of me, Janell and Angie. Angie and I went to junior high together. Fast forward a few years and I get a call from my cousin, Josh, telling me he's dating a girl I knew in JH. RANDOM! They've been married for eight years. That's so cool. And so is she. Yeah, we tore up the volleyball and basketball courts at TCA.

Below is one of the cutest kids you will ever meet. Happy First Birthday Quinn!

Click here and here to see more pics of the party.

Bravo Designer Quiz

This is for all you Project Runway Season 4 lovers. Which designer are you? I was Jack. He's "big hearted." I think it fits.

I'm Feeling Periodical

Don't you just love being a girl? I swear this would be me if I only had one period a year.

Academy Awards

Europe has taken over all of the American awards shows! Seriously, what does that say about our film actors this year? We weren't up to par!

I'm disappointed in myself because I ended up watching all one bagillion hours of the Academy Awards last night. I told myself I wasn't going to watch and instead I would do productive and fulfilling things like read, organize, memorize scripts, or write my own Oscar acceptance speech. Instead I ate too much cake and ice cream at Quinn's first birthday party (where I was wrestled to death by three year old, Piper). Then we got home late so we watched the DVR version of the Oscars. We sped through the "boring" awards and speeches, yet after two hours we still hadn't caught up with the live taping. BRUTAL! But I like John Stewart and I like making snarky comments about what people wear. So I should be satisfied.

Speaking of satisfied...Atonement DID NOT win for best picture!!! hahahahahahaha! Vengeance is mine! I didn't realize until last night that I had it out for this movie. I mean, what did this movie ever do to me? It just disappointed me. Blah story + blah characters + high expectations = bitter me. The one part I did love about the movie was the musical score. So congrats to them on winning an Oscar! Yay musical score!

Speaking of music...THREE CHEERS FOR ONCE!!! Seriously, Janell and I hugged when we saw them win their Oscar. FAVORITE SONG OF THE YEAR! I could listen to that album over and over again. And thank you John Stewart for bringing Marketa Irglova back out for her acceptance speech. It was the most inspiring and beautiful speech of the night!

Speaking of beautiful...Favorite dresses: Anne Hathaway, Katherine Heigl, Amy Adams, Jennifer Garner. I really didn't see that many of them. Worst dress: Sorry Julie Christy, loved your movie, not so much your dress.

Smiling with Santa

I spent Saturday with my wonderful Aunt, Anna Mae, who we call Auntie. She said she had a little surprise for me. She remembered me blogging about me never having a smiling picture with Santa Claus. Well, she found one! Check it out!






















I may be smiling but I have my hands ready to sock him one if he even looks in my direction. Thanks Auntie! Seriously, how cute are we? Don't you just want to scoop up my little sister and have a tea party with her?

The picture has the original laminated covering on it. There's a bright yellow sticker on the back that says "Prestonwood Town Center" on it. That mall is now bulldozed and became an office park. I took ice skating lessons there and they had the best corny-dog stand. That's right, I say CornY-Dog instead of Corn-Dog.


I also was just thinking the other day about the shirt I was wearing in this picture. It had silver thread woven through it. I loved that shirt.

goodreads.com

Christine just introduced me to something that just might transform my life: Good Reads. My mom calls me all the time wanting book suggestions. She reads faster than anyone I know. This website would be a goldmine for her. You can find your friends online and see what books they've read, what they recommend, and you can even write your own book review. For instance:

1) Harry Potter: Go read it now because you'll absolutely fall in love with it. You'll wish you had never read it so you can read it again for the first time.

2) The Da Vinci Code: OVERRATED!

Go and explore! And let me know if you're a member so we can trade favorites.

Stop, Collaborate and Listen

Two amay-mayzing things happening tonight:

1) Lunar Eclipse. I don't want to miss this one. It's a full lunar eclipse y'all. I'll take any chance I can get to howl at the moon and beat my chest (though not hard because I'm experiencing some tender warriors at the moment. Do I need to spell it out for you? Okay - PMS).

2) The Senate. We're performing tonight at The Playground (Halsted & Belmont) at 8:00 p.m. $10 and BYOB. Be there....and then go watch the lunar eclipse. I'm thinking the eclipse should be in full glory between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. (central time).

While You Were Watching American Idol

Timely Combination:

8:47:29 p.m. - Stretching hamstrings on the floor while doing the middle splits with back against the couch all the while pointing out to my roommates how flexible I am, even at my age.

8:47:41 p.m. - Couch moving and scraping against the wood floor at the same time creating a timely "noise."

8:47:43 p.m. - Lots of pointing and laughing in my direction.

8:47:47 p.m. - Me swearing up and down THAT WASN'T ME!!!!!

IT WASN'T ME!

DWTS Season 6

Most of you are familiar with the short-lived Dancing with the Stars addiction I had a couple of years ago. I realized after months of professional psychiatric evaluation that my addiction was mostly founded upon my love for all things Texas, aka. Emmitt Smith. Love him! (spoken with a sing-songy voice)

Well now there's a new pack of "Stars" ready to dance their way back into the spotlight. You can read the new list here. I'll just point out a couple of my favorites:

1. Kristi Yamaguchi: I wanted to be her! Did I ever mention I used to be an ice skater? Probably. I saw her once at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, GA. We were at the women's volleyball championship and she was sitting a few rows in front of me. She was gorgeous! And so tiny! Hated her. Kidding! I love you Kristi. Come over here and let me give you a hug!

2. Steve Guttenberg: What little girl didn't fall in love with the movie Three Men and a Baby? Police Academy defined "comedy" back in the 80's. He was the man. How come in the 80's, leading men looked like Steve Guttenberg and Michael Keaton? Now they have to look like Brad Pitt or Eric Bana. I mean, I'm not complaining. Somehow we all loved the geeky, funny guy. I still do. Sorry Brad Pitt. You're good to look at but can you make me laugh? You can? Well....whatever, you ruined my point.

and....I don't think I really am excited about any of the other dancers. Plus I refuse to get into the show. I have enough to think about with LOST (seriously, how amazing was Thursday's show?) and Project Runway.

Blue Ray vs. HD DVD

I don't get it. Someone just tell me what to buy already.

Oh Indy!

I'm not going to lie to you folks, I'm pretty excited about this:

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm sending my love to all of my favorite readers!...which basically means anyone who reads this blog. I hope each one of you has at least one person tell you today that they love you. If not, I love you. I'm sending you a viral hug. Squeeze!

When You Care to Send the Very Best

I had a fun surprise when I arrived at the office this morning. The girls were huddled around the reception desk and said that I had flowers! They said, "do you have a man we don't know about?" Girls, you don't even know! I saw that they were addressed to "Kathryn Orender." There's only one man out there who calls me Kathryn. I knew they were from my sweet dad! I knew it the second they said, "you have flowers!"

Not even 30 minutes later another co-worker comes to my desk with another vase of flowers! Two in one day? Happy Valentine's to me indeed! Can we say "Daddy's girl"?

Get Me Out of Neverland

Last night was the final cut for my film scene in my On Camera class. You know, THE scene.

Well, it started out incredibly rocky because my teacher changed the way we were standing, changed the lighting, changed the camera angle, etc. And I didn't wear heels which means you couldn't really see me over Fernando's shoulder. He finally got us in position and told Fernando that he couldn't move at all. He also told me that I couldn't move my head to the left or right and that I could only move it about three inches forward or I would be in shadow. How that heck is someone supposed to get all seductive and sexy when you can't move? As Doug said, "it's very difficult. That's why we as film actors get paid the big bucks." I want the big bucks!

Moving on...I was told not to look at Fernando because then they couldn't see my eyes. I had to look at the wall just past his ear, etc. IT WAS SOOOOO HARD! Doug kept asking, "Where's the sex? What happened to what we talked about last week?"I said, "I am trying to be all sexy with his ear. That's what happened!" I had one inch of work space. Crazy difficult. I was frustrated and kept flubbing one line. We got a meager take. Then he pulled Fernando five feet away to stand by the camera. I had to stay where I was and do the scene while being far away. Doug said, "Remember Katy, SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX." Got it. So I did it and Doug goes, "Cut. Okay, that's it." That's it? I was shocked. Ooookay, so not even another take?

Then we had to watch it. SHEER TERROR! I was mortified and could hardly stand it. I wanted to go hide in a corner while holding onto my childhood pink Puffalump (yes I still have it). So after the final cut, Doug looks at me and says, "I don't even know what to say." *cue the birds chirping* I said, "I don't like it." "YOU DON'T! That was amazing!" WHAT? Seriously? I just said, wow, okay, I trust you guys. Then he made me watch it frame by frame to watch my face, my head movements, etc. He said, "you can't teach people that." I honestly didn't feel totally connected so I thought it could have been better. I'll take his word for it.

The second to last scene wasn't that bad, at least from the mid-point on. At one point in the first half I look like I'm about to choke him. Hilarious. But I did connect and it was strong. I guess I realized that I needed to know what the physical connection was like so that I could really connect with him even though I was five feet away in the last shot.

I learned so much: 1) It's hard y'all and 2) I have really fat-patty hands. Hand modeling is out. DANGIT!

Frost Bite

Happy Monday! And what a glorious Monday it is. Who doesn't love Mondays? Just think, only 4 more days until the weekend!

I think I epitomize the song "Working for the Weekend." Epitomize...I'm having one of those moments when I'm not sure I used the correct word. Epitomize...it's like the one time when I kept saying the word "tree" over and over again and it just didn't sound right. It must be the cold air!

Blogs about weather are usually boring. And this one won't be any different. I just feel like having a pity party. It was all of ZERO degrees yesterday. Windchill registered at -30. NEGATIVE 30! I seriously think my face is thrice its normal size due to windburn. I feel like I've been skiing down a mountain for three days, except I haven't. I just walked five blocks in the cold wind. Whoa is me! (she places back of right hand against her forehead in exasperation while tossing her head backwards) Poor, poor girl.

Today is a balmy high of 12 degrees. I get bitter everytime I look at the temp in Dallas and it reads 65 degrees and sunny. My brother kindly called me today to tell me, "I played tennis yesterday in shorts and a t-shirt." Yeah, well...my scarf turned frosty yesterday from the moisture from my breath. boo ya!

Friday Fun

You know how much I love LOST. I was borderline hysterical last night when I got home and realized that my DVR didn't record LOST! I only caught the last 15 minutes. I'm still recovering.

Pop Candy gave a link that you can enter in a few tidbits about yourself and Sawyer will give you a nickname. He gave me the nickname "Ladybug." Swoon!

Where Are They Now? Family Ties

Family Ties is perhaps one of my favorite shows of all time. I don't know one girl who didn't have a crush on Alex P. Keaton.

It was fun to see them reunited for the first time in 18 years on the Today Show. And I still quote "Sit Ubu sit. Good dog." but had forgotten why until watching this interview.

Upcoming Shows

Come see me perform with my Playground team, The Senate! We were recently voted to be a new Pilot Member team for The Playground theater. Was does that mean? Probably nothing to you, but we think it's a big deal.

You can see us soon:

Saturday, February 9th
8:00 PM
The Playground (Halsted and Belmont)

Wednesday, February 20th
8:00 PM
The Playground

It's $10 and BYOB. Good times guaranteed!

Place My Hands Where?

Riddle me this: How on earth does one turn the scene I picked for my On Camera class into a seduction scene? Little innocent Kate Winslet telling little innocent Johnny Depp that she wants to keep pretending they're a family until she dies doesn't exactly seem sexy to me. Somehow teacher Doug thought so.

Thinking I'd have to gear up and get some fat tears ready for a dramatic part, I selected Fernando as my scene partner. He's a good friend. We've never done a scene together in class. It will be fun. Next thing I know Doug is telling me to play a seductress. Katy is to seductress as Ben and Jerry's is to health food. Then he tell us in front of the class to "pretend you're naked...." Uno momento. I'm sorry Doug, could you repeat that? I thought I heard you say, "pretend you're naked." Oh he said that alright, AND SO. MUCH. MORE. He was getting all Nora Roberts on us. I cannot repeat the words whispered to me in the corner that night.

Never would Fernando and I have guessed that in Monday's On Camera class our relationship would become so. much. more...in front of seven other people...and then have to watch it played back to us on video. Magic. I will never forget this as long as I live.

Why is it that I have to take acting classes to get a little action around here? It's a tough job.

Good news, we get to do it again next week. Then he's putting it on DVD for us. DO NOT count on me posting it...EVER! I'll show a private screening at my place and all proceeds will go to charity.

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.

Waste Not, Want Not

Two questions:

1. Why do people lick the peel off lids on yogurt containers? I know why I do it: I can never be satisfied.

2. Do these same people also pour the crums from the bottom of their bags of chips into their mouths? Done it.

Okay, one more encore question:

3. Does everyone drink the remaining milk out of their cereal bowl? I absolutely polish off any remaining morsel or liquid in my cereal bowl. What cereal makes the best leftover milk? I'm going to go with Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Underdogs

The game pretty much made me yawn until the fourth quarter when Eli Manning scrambled out of the Patriot's defensive net and hit Tyree with a long pass THAT HE CAUGHT ON HIS HELMET! Our party errupted. It doesn't get much better for an underdog quarterback. Congrats to the Giants. If it wasn't the Cowboys, it might as well be the Giants. Three letters: N-F-C!

The night also brought another emotional moment from me. I couldn't help but get teary-eyed and goosebumpy watching the dalmation train the clydesdale. Again, it's the story of the underdog. Gets me every time.

Scene 1, Take 1

Today is nasty in Chicago. Be happy today if you call somewhere other than Chicago home. It snowed for nearly 20 hours straight. I had such high hopes for a snow day. Then I remembered that I live in Chicago and not Texas where they'd call a snow day with the mere threat of inclement weather.

Onto more fun topics...

In my On Camera class we are asked to select a one minute scene from a film that moves us or is from one of our favorite films. We will then rehearse it and perform it for the camera and afterwards we'll have a nifty DVD. I'll have something to show my kids someday. They can take it to school for show and tell.

I procrastinated for several weeks. I felt such pressure to find THE PERFECT film scene. I began to panic, "What IS my favorite film?" "Is there a scene that TOTALLY impacted me and changed my life?" Then I just gave up and decided to find something I enjoyed. I jokingly said I selected the final dance scene from Dirty Dancing and needed a partner. That would be AWESOME! I realized most of my favorite films are period pieces or involved a foreign language. Not gonna work. But in the end I went through my movie collection and pulled out a few that I liked but didn't completely wreak of chick-flickness. I picked out Little Miss Sunshine, The Royal Tenenbaums and Finding Neverland. The first two didn't have long enough scenes with only two people to pass the test. Finally I selected a scene with Kate Winslet (I want her career) and Johnny Depp from Finding Neverland. It's the scene where Sylvia is dying and tells John Barrie that she needs them to keep pretending that they are a family. It makes me cry everytime. Do you think Johnny Depp would do me a favor and be my scene partner? That would really help me out.

Other films or scenes from my collection that would be fun to do but would either be too difficult, not fitting for me or totally inappropriate:

1. The final dance scene in Little Miss Sunshine



2. Anything from Blue Crush
3. Any scene involving Cookie from Best in Show (we had to do a dramatic piece)


I want Winky.

4. The scene from Princess Bride when Wesley finally reveals his identity. "As you wish...."
5. Kick some ass like she did in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

That's all I got at the moment. I'm sure there's plenty more, but it's Friday and my brain is shot.

Eight's Great

I stole this from Jana's blog (friend from high school). She's much deeper and way more compassionate than I am with her answers. I'm going to try and rip right through them so I don't think too much. I have a habit of thinking too much and then becoming paralyzed to the point of not knowing what I really think. Hello perfectionism!

8 Things I’m Passionate About...

1. Jesus
2. My family (shocker!)
3. People
4. Stories (fiction or non-fiction)
5. Shoes
6. Acting
7. Traveling
8. Laughing

8 Things I Want To Do Before I Die...

1. Get married (please Jesus!)
2. Have kiddos
3. Travel all over Australia and New Zealand
4. Make a movie or do a play that I am proud of
5. Make the world okay with ending sentences with prepositions
6. Overcome fear
7. Write a book
8. Change peoples lives through story-telling (film, stage, book, etc.)

8 Things I Say Often...

1. Oh you.
2. Any quote from Waiting for Guffman
3. For realz.
4. I'm hungry.
5. But what if....
6. I got it at Anthropologie, of course.
7. Goodnight, sleep tight.
8. I need to shave.

8 TV Shows I’ve Recently Watched...

1. LOST season 3 finale (AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!)
2. Project Runway
3. Real Housewives of Orange County (guilty!)
4. CBS Sunday Morning
5. Scrubs
6. The Office (please come back on!)
7. ER
8. and that's about it

8 Songs I Could Listen to Over and Over...

1. Say it to Me Now (Once soundtrack)
2. Fix You by Cold Play
3. In Christ Alone (that one's for you Kelly!)
4. In 7th grade it was Whitney Houston's How Will I Know if He Really Loves Me.... remember that one Kellsey?
5. Jump for My Love by the Pointer Sisters
6. Sweet Child o'Mine by Guns N'Roses
7. Be Thou My Vision
8. Romeo and Juliet (Indigo Girls version)

8 Things That Attract Me To My Best Friends...

1. They make me feel safe
2. Sense of Humor
3. Their passion for life and people
4. They laugh at themselves
5. Love talking about books, movies...shoes
6. They challenge me to grow mentally, spiritually, emotionally (and thanks to Ben and Jerry's, physically)
7. Their contageous spirit of joy, peace, love and compassion
8. They are trustworthy

8 Things I’ve Learned (or been reminded of) This Past Year...

1. It's not about me!
2. I'm a perfectionist
3. I absolutely LOVE being an aunt
4. Life's too short to be afraid to fail
5. My parents generosity inspires me
6. All You Can Do is All You Can Do, and All You Can Do is Enough (Thanks Art Williams!)
7. God alone is my rock and He is good and trustworthy
8. The iPhone IS THE GEATEST INVENTION EVER!


8 People I Think Should Do “8”...

If you're tagged here, you can leave it on your blog or leave it in the comments section. If you're not tagged but want to share, do it!

Beckles, Kellsey, Lindsay Williams, Art, Erin, Mom, Cousin Kate and Dad

Where Are They Now?

It's time for a fun game of What Ever Happened to Michael Schoeffling? You may remember him as the hot sensitive jock from Sixteen Candles or the tall, dark and handsome type from Mermaids - yes the one with Cher. Are you secretly singing Cher's "It's in His Kiss" song in your head? I know. Me too.

What's become of Jake Ryan? He was every girls' dream. Of all the weddings I've been in, no one has surprised me by picking me up in a Porsche and then baking me a birthday cake. I'm still waiting. IMDB says that he hasn't made a movie since Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken. You know, the one about a diving horse and the cute/awkward girl rider who becomes blind but gets to marry the hot guy? Oh the summer of 1991 had me day-dreaming that I was a diving girl who goes blind and marries the hot guy. 1991! That's the last time we saw Michael Schoeffling. Where is he now?

Wikipedia (such a reliable source!) states "He now lives with his wife Valerie Robinson, also a former model, and their two teenaged children in Greentown, Pennsylvania, producing handcrafted furniture as the owner of a woodworking shop." Dang! He also makes furniture! I love furniture! He also was an "accomplished" collegiate wrestler. Dang! I love wrestlers!

So there you have it. The dreamy jock is now a family man who crafts furniture.

Why Am I Not Married?

This morning started out rough for me. At 6:00 a.m. I was at the gym working out with Shelby. I was crossing the room doing three-pulse lunges, that only Satan could have thought up, when Shelby says, "You have little something on your chin." I thought to myself that it was probably just a bit of grime I picked up from the gym floor while doing push-ups. I casually wiped my chin on my shirt. Then she says, "Well, now it's moved to the side of your face." Wow this is a stubborn little piece of dirt. I turn my head to take a peek in the mirrored wall and notice a huge lugie like thing spread across my jaw line. GASP! I immediately threw down my 15 pound dumbells to wipe my face with my shirt. Shelby says, "I didn't know if I should tell you now because you were holding weights." YES SHELBY! THE ANSWER IS ALWAYS YES!

Mortified.

I really don't know how it got there. I'm thinking it had to have been during my painful struggle doing lower back exercises. Cringing.

Folsom Prison

Archer seems to love his Christmas present from me. Let's hope that by wearing prison stripes now, he'll avoid wearing them later in life.

Everyone Needs a Little Chipmunk in Their Lives

A little hilarity to begin your day. I'm thinking Oscar Nomination here. Thanks Christine!



And someone got really creative with it here:



I just love this little guy.

I Do!

Beckles emailed me today and told me that she was feeling hormonal and therefore had the desire to plan my wedding today. By all means, go ahead. She sent me this addictive website that details different kinds of themed weddings. I don't really think about my wedding day but I couldn't resist this website.

My favorites are:

#118, #116, #113, #105, #88, #75, #73, #61, #44, #43, #20, #15 and #7. I'm seeing a theme of anything outdoors, quirky, rustic or vintage.

Oh this is too much fun = trouble.

Round Table Discussion

I don't know a family that has more fun with iChat. It was almost like I was home talking face to face with everyone.

Let's All Go to the Movies!

In honor of Oscar Nominations announced this morning, LET'S TALK MOVIES!

But before we get into this year's selections, I want to discuss some oldies but goodies. This weekend I decided to lock myself in my apartment (thanks to Chicago being all of 2 degrees...FAHRENHEIT) to snuggle with a blanket and watch movies that impacted me as a kid.

The first one is Empire of the Sun starring little Mr. Christian Bale. And that is when I developed my first film-star crush. Even as a youth I could see beyond the horrible wig they made him wear for most of the movie. I also had a little surprise when I recognized a young Ben Stiller. I had no idea he was in that movie. I think what hit me most was this young kid trying to hold onto his youth while having to grow up quickly in a prison camp during World War II. It's a beautifully filmed story and John Malkovich is brilliant as always. He has a way of making me want to punch him in the face. Kudos for him for not shying away from unlikeable characters. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and rent this Steven Spielberg classic.

The second one is The Power of One starring Morgan Freeman and Stephen Dorff. And there marked the development of my second film-star crush. Sure he's a mess now, but back then he was fighting for peace in South Africa. I had another one of those, "Oh my gosh, do you know who that is?!" moments. The newest James Bond, Daniel Craig, plays one of the most hateful characters in this movie. I don't know if I can ever look at him the same. Want education and a beautiful story all in one movie? Rent it.

Guess how many times I cried this weekend in movies. I'm thinking I cried three times in two movies. Not bad.

Now onto the Oscar Nominations:

Best Picture
Juno: I'm so excited about this one! Not only is the music fabulous but the actors charm the butt right off of you. I'm not kidding. I entered the movie wearing a size 10 jeans and left wearing a size 6.

Michael Clayton: I think this is a movie about George Clooney doing something to change the world...or at least a few peoples lives. I haven't seen it. I probably won't.

No Country for Old Men: I hear it's bloody. Yet I'm somewhat tempted to go see it. People either love it or hate it.

There Will Be Blood: I can't resist a movie starring one of the single hottest characters of all time: Daniel Day Lewis in Last of the Mohicans. Be still my beating heart. I'm sure I won't think he's hot in this movie. But anyone who will stay in character 24 hours a day while he's filming a movie deserves my money. Just think of the therapy he'll need afterwards.

Atonement: Hated it. No seriously, I really didn't like the movie. Story = eh. Characters...didn't really care what happened to them. I didn't find them likeable. However, the music was beautiful and the way the film was shot was a work of art.

Best Actor/Actress and Best Supporting Actor/Actress
Laura Linney, Ellen Page and Julie Christie = Fabulous! I love the surprise of Laura Linney's nomination. Ellen Page, that role was written for you. If only I could be so lucky. Philip Seymour Hoffman in Charlie Wilson's War was a pure delight.

Original Screenplay
Lars and the Real Girl: You stole my heart! Please rent this movie. Ryan Gossling's performance is refreshing and you just want to hug everyone after the movie. If only communities came together in real life like they did in this movie.

Those are my thoughts. I still need to see a couple of these flicks to really know who to root for should the Oscars actually take place. At this moment I'm thinking Juno.

Go Cubs Go!

I just spent five hours people watching while working a booth at the Cubs Convention. This is the Olympics of people watching. It is also the place where all weirdness from across the world comes together and embraces one another. To be diplomatic, there are some really nice and normal people there too. Let's shed a tear for dad's and sons bonding together in the name of the Cubs.

Convention = FREE CRAP! (and mullets) Experienced conventioners waddle through the crowds weighed down by plastic bags filled to the top with flyers, pens, shirts, koozies, power bars, etc. It's no wonder that they walk by our not-for-profit booth looking for free things. Ummm...it's not-for-profit. Nothing's free. We're in the business of curing diseases people.

Some people feel the need to stop and look at what you're selling or information on research because their guilt is just a little too much. Then they mumble something with a weak smile as they walk away like, "that's great what you're doing there. I'll come back later." How do I know they do this? I SAW it! And I happen to have done it myself a few times. GUILTY.

All high and mighty and with a twinge of the "you shoulds," I asked one woman if she had ever participated in our Walk before. She responded, "Well, I had thought about it but then I had just finished chemo...." Oh...nevermind.

And then the revelation of the night came as I watched a dozen men dressed in pin-covered bucket-hats with fuzzy "cub" ears sewn on to the sides. The Cubs are to grown men as the Care-Bears are to little girls. CARE-BEAR STARE!

What's Your Sign?

My Aunt Mary sent this to me today. She's an Aries but I don't think it describes her perfectly. She is energetic, athletic and witty...but selfish? I don't think so. She lent me a book she hadn't read yet last January and I didn't return it until November. She was generous and never complained (that I know of!).

So read your sign and let me know if it describes you. Seriously, I want to know more about you. Don't be shy. See that little comment box at the bottom? Click it. Go on. I dare you.

I'm a Pisces. It's true, I'm a dreamer and tend to be private (except when discussing waxing or my favorite kind of panties). Unselfish? Ummmm...not really. Good kisser? I'll be taking a poll at a kissing booth tomorrow. 3:30. At the park. Be there! And beautiful? Oh you. You make me blush.

Once you have opened this, there's no turning back. Below are true descriptions of zodiac signs. Read your sign, then forward it on, with your zodiac sign and label on the subject line. This is the real deal, try ignoring or changing it, and the first thing you'll notice is having a horrible day starting tomorrow morning - and it only gets worse from there.

VIRGO - The Perfectionist
Dominant in relationships. Conservative. Always wants the last word. Argumentative. Worries. Very smart. Dislikes noise and chaos. Eager. Hardworking. Loyal. Beautiful. Easy to talk to. Hard to please. Harsh. Practical and very fussy. Often shy. Pessimistic.

SCORPIO - The Intense One
Very energetic. Intelligent. Can be ! jealous and/or possessive. Hardworking. Great kisser. Can become obsessive or secretive. Holds grudges. Attractive. Determined. Loves being in long relationships. Talkative. Romantic. Can be self-centered at times. Passionate and Emotional.

LIBRA - The Harmonizer
Nice to everyone they meet. Can't make up their mind. Have own unique appeal. Creative, energetic, and very social. Hates to be alone. Peaceful, generous. Very loving and beautiful. Flirtatious. Give in too easily. Procrastinators. Very gullible.

ARIES - The Daredevil
Energetic. Adventurous and spontaneous. Confident and enthusiastic. Fun. Loves a challenge. EXTREMELY impatient. Sometimes selfish. Short fuse. (easily angered.) Lively, passionate, and sharp wit. Outgoing. Lose interest quickly - easily bored. Egotistical. Courageous and assertive. Tends to be physical and athletic.

AQUARIUS - The Sweetheart
Optimistic and honest. Sweet personality. Very independent. Inventive and intelligent. Friendly and loyal. Can seem unemotional. Can be a bit rebellious. Very stubborn, but original and unique. Attractive on the inside and out. Eccentric personality.

GEMINI - The Chatterbox
Smart and witty. Outgoing, very chatty. Lively, energetic. Adaptable but needs to express themselves. Argumentative and outspoken. Likes change. Versatile. Busy, sometimes nervous and tense. Gossips. May seem superficial or inconsistent, But is only changeable. Beautiful physically and mentally.

LEO - The Boss
Very organized. Need order in their lives - like being in control. Like boundaries. Tend to take over everything. Bossy. Like to help others. Social and outgoing. Extroverted. Generous, warm-hearted. Sensitive. Creative energy. Full of themselves Loving. Doing the right thing is important to Leos. Attractive.

CANCER - The Protector
Moody, emotional. May be shy. Very loving and caring. Pretty/handsome. Excellent partners for life. Protective. Inventive and imaginative. Cautious. Touchy-feely kind of person. Needs love from others. Easily hurt, but sympathetic.

PISCES - The Dreamer
Generous, kind, and thoughtful. Very creative and imaginative. May become secretive and vague. Sensitive. Don't like details. Dreamy and unrealistic. Sympathetic and loving. Kind. Unselfish. Good kisser. Beautiful .

CAPRICORN - The Go-Getter
Patient and wise. Practical and rigid. Ambitious. Tends to be good-looking. Humorous and funny. Can be a bit shy and reserved. Often pessimists. Capricorns tend to act before they think and can be unfriendly at times. Hold grudges. Like competition. Get what they want.

TAURUS - The Enduring One
Charming but aggressive. Can come off as boring, but they are not. Hard workers. Warm-hearted. Strong, has endurance. Solid beings who are stable and secure in their ways. Not looking for shortcuts. Take pride in their beauty. Patient and reliable. Make great friends and give good advice. Loving and kind. Loves hard - passionate Express themselves emotionally. Prone to ferocious temper-tantrums. Determined. Indulge themselves often. Very generous.

SAGITTARIUS - The Happy-Go-Lucky One
Good-natured optimist. Doesn't want to grow up (Peter Pan Syndrome). Indulges self. Boastful. Likes luxuries and gambling. Social and outgoing. Doesn't like responsibilities. Often fantasizes. Impatient. Fun to be around. Having lots of friends. Flirtatious. Doesn't like rules. Sometimes hypocritical. Dislikes being confined - tight spaces or even tight clothes. Doesn't like being doubted. Beautiful inside and out.

The Senate, The Playground

Yay! I am now an official member of The Senate. The Senate was just voted in on Saturday to be a Pilot Team at The Playground.

Three high-kicks and a double fist pump!

Someday my face will actual appear here.

Same Time Last Year

Last year at this time I was here, here and here.

Two years ago around this time I was here.

This time this year it's shaping up to be more like this.

I know you feel real sorry for me.

Happy vacationing to Erin, Chris and Archer as they are soaking up the sun and sipping pina coladas in Cabo San Lucas with the Tuttles. And good luck to my parents who are watching Connor for the week.

Labels

I'm creating "labels" for most of my posts. That way those of you who say, "Hey, I really like Katy's waxing stories, I wish she had all of them available with one click of the mouse." And I can now respond, "All your dreams have come true!"

Be patient, I have around 550 posts to label. It's a good winter project.

RIP Cowboys

One Word: Penalties

Two Words: Jessica Simpson

Three Words: Cabo San Lucas

Four Words: Rest In Peace Cowboys

I know it's not Jessica Simpson's fault. But it sure is easy to point the finger that direction. Well, maybe it's more towards Tony Romo's direction. I'm not going to go there, it was a team effort. blah. It's a sad day for Cowboys fans.

On the brighter side - they had a great season and made football fun again for me. America's Team. I don't care what you say, it's true.

Wax On, Wax Off

Yesterday I got my eyebrows waxed. Again, little red spots are left as traces of evidence. But I don't look like I was beat up this time. When I was laying on the table I asked one of my "inane" questions: "Have you ever dropped a glob of wax in someone's hair? I mean, how would you get it out?" She hadn't and I didn't want to be the first.

Walking back to work I began laughing to myself as I remembered a funny story one of my extended relatives told me about herself and a bad waxing situation. She decided to try a do-it-yourself wax..for her nether-regions...never a good idea. She put the wax on her skin...AND IT WOULDN'T COME OFF! She even called my mom for moral support and any wax-removal ideas. She was afraid she would rip off her skin so she had a brilliant idea of getting into a bathtub of warm water to melt the wax so she could wipe it off. The wax did come off, but she didn't immediately realize that she was laying in what had become a tub of wax. Everything was sticky. Her towel stuck to her. The door knobs, the phone, the floor, the tub...all were sticky. Bless her heart. If this isn't a recommendation for professional waxing, I don't know what is.

It's a Show!

I'm sitting in on the uber-talented improv team The Senate. We're performing tomorrow night, as in Wednesday night, at The Playground (Belmont & Halsted) at 8:00 p.m. BYOB. BTOBS (Be There Or Be Square).

Bar Fight

I almost got in a bar fight Saturday night. I'm not even kidding. Kelly and I met Alyson at Mad River for her sister's going away party. The place was so crowded. We weren't even there 20 minutes when I had had enough of being bumped into and pushed so people could move past you. I'm sure having a "honky tonk badonkadonk" didn't help. Then feelings of claustrophobia began settling in. I needed to leave the place ASAP.

I squeezed my way through the crowd and almost reached the door when three little 22 year-old girls wearing bleached hair and their skinny jeans shove right into me so they can get through the crowd. Oh no you didn't! I raise my arms and gave them my best jazz hands with a "WHAT WAS THAT?" face. The last girl stopped in her tracks and looks at me with a "WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?" face. THAT'S IT! It was all I could do to not start something right there. All I said yelling over the crowd was, "Oh you'll see when you've been here longer than five seconds AND ARE ABOUT 10 YEARS OLDER!" Oh snap. I showed her! I didn't come off sounding old at all.

Goodbye Mad River. I will never step foot in your doors again. I'm "of age" to drink and therefore too old to enter your establishment.