Dancing at the Revolution

Yes I am alive! But barely!

Here is my show information. We open in almost a week! Until then, it will be crazy rehearsals, tech rehearsals, and dress rehearsals. In case you didn't catch the theme - I'll be rehearsing.

Here's the postcard with all the show information!!

Cold Winter?

I pray that the Farmer's Almanac is wrong about the weather this winter.

Cranky Pants

Today is one of those days when I think, "I don't get paid enough."

Change Everything

Last night in rehearsal I was told, "I like where you're going with the mother hen thing. The neck is definitely much better. I'm not seeing as much of the sororiety neck. Do you do yoga? I need you to tuck your pelvis under so your chest and backside aren't sticking out so much. But still elongate the neck. I also want you to walk with more grounded, heavier steps, yet still glide around."

I have got my work cut out for me. I have a big butt. It's been well documented. You can't try and contain it. So I'll work on walking heavily while gliding. And let it also be documented the my chest sticks out too far! Yes!

Drunk with Love...for Ice Cream

I love this picture of Connor. Perhaps because I identify with it. That's me when I eat Ben and Jerry's. Oh, Ben and Jerry's. I haven't had you in so long!

Archer at the Park

Wish I was playing with this kid today. Those eyes and that smile...so cute!

New Playlist

Last night I pulled together a new playlist. It was about time. It has some new tunes and oldie but goodies. Here it is!

1. The Garden by Mirah - yes, this was on SYTYCD. Loved the song and loved the dance. I adore the show - Go Joshua! yay!
2. Rehab by Amy Winehouse - She's messed up. I get it. But love her music.
3. Chasing Pavement by ADELE - Thanks Patrick!
4. I Wanna Be Sedated by The Ramones - in honor of Beckles labor.
5. Trouble by Ray LaMontagne - going to see him October 1st at the Chicago Theater!
6. Sometimes You Can't Make it on Your Own by U2 - makes me cry.
7. Hush by Waterdeep - also makes me cry.
8. Mercy by Duffy - a SYTYCD favorite. It also happens to be a favorite of my dad's. He dances like a mad-man to it. Gotta love any song that does that!
9. Mama He's Crazy by The Judds - I'm always in the mood for The Judds.
10. Sexy Mistake by The Chalets - I could run to this song...if I wanted to run.
11. Closer to You by Brandi Carlile - soulful like Ray LaMontagne.
12. All I Want is You by Barry Louis...something or other - Juno soundtrack
13. You Know I'm Not So Good by Amy Winehouse - please see above.
14. In Lonesome Dove by Garth Brooks - makes me nostalgic for the good ol' days.
15. Romeo and Juliet by Indigo Girls - reminds me of me and Beckles singing at the top of our lungs in my car with the windows down.
16. Mona Lisa by Indigo Girls - ditto
17. I Don't Ever Give Up by Patty Griffin - good song if you're an actress.
18. Diamonds On the Souls of Her Shoes by Paul Simon - good, solid, awesome song.

Kathryn Davy Page

Kathryn Davy Page was born at 9:59 a.m. on Saturday morning, August 9. She is beautiful! Becky and Davy are doing wonderfully and looking forward to going home from the hospital.

I had two hours of sleep Friday night and woke up at 7:30 a.m. to my phone ringing. After wondering, "who the heck is calling me!" I suddenly thought, "It's got to be Becky!" Sure enough it was Russ letting me know that Becky was in labor and they should be holding their little girl in a couple of hours. The next time he called his first words were, "She's beautiful! She's so beautiful." You could tell he was still in awe and wonder of his little girl. Becky sounded so happy, so good, and so incredibly exhausted. She was a champ and refused drugs until she got an epideral.

Davy is named after Sheldon Vanauken's wife in Russ and Becky's favorite book, A Severe Mercy. They fell in love with each other while reading this book. I love it! As for Kathryn...it made me cry! This girl is already so precious to me and I haven't even met her yet.

Here are a couple of pictures. Becky, I hate you for looking so beautiful after just giving birth! I'm sure there will be more pictures soon. Congratulations Becky and Russ! And welcome to the world Davy Page!

Hello! I'm Home!

Oh dear me! It has been a long while since I've blogged. I'm sorry I've abandoned you! As you'll soon read, I've been one busy girl.

After I was cast in a play last week, I began to mourn the fact that my summer was practically over. Rehearsals almost every night and shows every weekend in September don't leave much time for me to bask in the glory of the sun. I also had not been home since March and began feeling anxious about not being able to go until mid-October. I've been homesick for Texas for two months and was sad to miss out on my family, friends, the lakehouse and the warm sun. I came home from work Thursday evening and told my roommates how I was feeling and said, "I mean, I wish I had planned to go home this weekend. It's the only one where I don't have anything." They looked at me and said, "Katy, you know your dad. He'd bring you home in a heartbeat." Oh yeah!

Immediately I ran to my room and called my parents who were on their way to see the Jersey Boys. We gave dad tickets for Father's Day. Such perfect timing! They were giddy and I booked my flight and flew home three hours later. I was jumping up and down with excitement. I felt a little out of control and like I hadn't thought it through totally. But at that point, I didn't care. Plus I love a little spontenaeity. Drewby had the honor of picking me up at midnight. That's one of the reasons my parents are thrilled to have had a kid late in life. He's young enough to be awake at midnight on a Thursday night.

The house smelled like home and my room was like an emotional hug. We left first thing Friday morning for the Lakehouse. This place is a gift from God and a refuge for the weary. Erin and Archer drove out to play with us. I was basically Andrew and his girlfriend's third wheel. I didn't care! They needed me anyways so we could wakeboard behind the jetski. We cliff jumped, wakeboarded, swam, boated around Possum Kingdom, played night time tennis, and laughed the whole time! My favorite memory of the weekend was tubing behind the jetski with Erin. As Andrew later said, "I mean, Erin's fun. And of course Katy's fun. But we've got to figure out how to get her to move back here because when they get together, they are hilarious!" We were screaming and laughing and struggled to stay on top of the tube. Sweet Drew had more mercy on us than I had on he and Jordy. We polished the night off with a little night time game of Chicken Fights in the pool. I haven't done that since High School. Erin and I made a strong team.

I also got to see Beckles! This was a huge blessing because she is about to give birth any day now and I had not seen her since March. She looks fantastic and her home and heart are ready to welcome their baby girl. I cannot wait to meet her! Pray for a healthy delivery, healthy baby and peace and endurance for her.

Sometimes I wish I could live back in Dallas. Sunday night proved that Patrick and I would indeed be one fierce doubles tennis team. My backhand and his...everything else...FIERCE! I'm so freakin' competitive.

All these words to say, thanks mom and dad for bringing me home. I needed it and it did wonders for the soul. I can't wait to come back!

Audition Blitz

Tuesday night was the second of my summer audition blitz. I was told to have a one minute contemporary monologue and to prepare a 5-10 line nursery rhyme told with movement. Not one of those auditions! It almost scared me away but I put on my big girl panties and decided to choreograph a little something. With the help of friends I decided on reciting "Little Miss Muffet." I reached back into those early childhood files and thought, "I like to eat, though not necessarily curds and whey. I also don't like spiders. They scare me. Perfect!"

I felt pretty calm going into the audition. I was well prepared and just wanted to have fun. I actually think the whole nursery rhyme idea gave me that perspective. I did my monologue, got a laugh or two, and then started the nursery rhyme. I gave the choreography some levels: started out standing, moved to the floor, crawled backwards and then the grand finale! I cartwheeled from the floor and flew out of it with a leap! I, a 32 year old, cartwheeled! I think it impressed them enough to invite me back the next day for callbacks. Yippee!

I had the same goal for callbacks: have fun, take risks and be bold. That formula must work because this morning I got an email inviting me to be in the cast! I'm very excited about it! I'll be sure to fill you in on the details soon. Basically this means I'll be rehearsing ALL. THE. TIME! Goodbye summer! But it's what I want to do, right? Yes it is. God give me strength! It would be one thing if I didn't already have a nine to fiver.

Needless to say, I'm excited!

Why Dogs are Better than Cats

Yet another reason why I love Golden Retrievers. Hearts of gold I tell you.

Would a cat do this for a dog? I'm not so sure.

Lunch with Beckles

Becky joined my mom, Erin and Alicia for lunch today. I'm incredibly jealous that they all were able to be together. Apparently Andrew and his buddies joined them at lunch. He was incredibly thrilled when the table topic turned to breast feeding. He leaned over to Becky and whispered, "Erin always tells the grossest stories." I love it!

Becky and Russ are due in ten days. Well, technically Beckles is due. Can't wait to meet their little girl!

I can't imagine being nine months pregnant in August. IN TEXAS! Please be praying for a safe delivery!

Where the Hell is Matt Video

This video will make you smile. And I'm incredibly jealous of all the places he visited and people he met. This is commitment.



Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

Please Pray

Please pray Becky and Russ' dear friends, Chris and Lindsey. I don't know them but feel like I should after reading their blog and how much Becky talks about them. Chris was just diagnosed with testicular cancer. He's not even 30 and their first child is due in November. You can read more about Chris and Lindsey and how to pray for them here.

A Few Things...

First of all, the past two of my shows/rehearsals for The Senate have turned into impromptu BBQ's and other such fun summer goodness. Finally, it feels like summer! There were lightening bugs and citronella candels. All that was missing was the insane heat and humidity. It brought back the feelings of being a senior in high school and finishing your last final before graduation. No responsibilities and nothing but adventures and friendships. I'm jealous my little brother still gets to experience this. I wonder if parents get a taste of this feeling once their kids finish finals. I'm sure they do. It's probably like having to go back to school for a second time. As my mom said, "I didn't even like school when I was in it."

Secondly, I cannot believe Will was sent home last night on So You Think You Can Dance. I'm in shock. I think he is too. Sigh. My idea final four: Joshua, Twitch, Chelsey and Kaytee. I think the winner will either be Joshua or Kaytee. And I want to go ahead and mention that I have a crush on Twitch. Me and all the 14-year-old American girls out there.

Thirdly, I just finished the final book of the Harry Potter series - for the second time. I was in the lunch room reading...and crying. I was wishing I was by myself in my room so I could really cry it out.

Finally, Beckles asked me to make a CD of good songs for when she's in the hospital having a baby soon. Some upbeat songs that give you energy and motivate you. No pressure or anything on my part. So if you have any ideas of songs, please send them my way. I'd appreciate the help!

Equation

Thinking someone stole my keys at the gym - me realizing that it was me who forgot where she put them + forgetting to validate my parking pass + straining a hamstring running x me barely being able to put together a full sentence = me taking a personal day tomorrow. This girl needs some time to herself so she can be normal, coherent and tan. That's right, I'm heading to the lake tomorrow to finish the final Harry Potter book (for the second time) and to get some sun. I think it will do me some good.

Stink

This morning I found myself walking behind a garbage truck as I made my way to my car in the alley. I tried not to gag everytime I took a breath. I have a problem with smells. I don't do well with nasty odors. That's why I can't use fake tanning lotion. Makes me want to gag. So after walking behind the malodorous garbage truck, I still feel like I can smell it four hours later.

Nordy's

My head is spinning and I'm overcome with joy. Today is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! You know you're hard core when you cancel your lunch date with a friend and instead send her an email that says, "Fourth floor. By the underwear. 12:15." I mean, the Hanky Panky's are on sale y'all! Be still my beating heart!

Here's my shopping to do list:
1. Hanky Panky's
2. Black boots with small heel
3. Whatever else catches your eye and you can't live without

You know I don't do well in large crowds...especially large crowds of women fighting over clothing, purses, etc. But I think this will be worth it.

I Need a Shower

In testimony of my laziness and detestment of hot and humid weather, I drove to work today. I couldn't stomach the idea of a full suit, long hair, cute 3 inch red patent leather wedges (no I'm not a hooker) and sticky weather. I just couldn't do it. So I coughed up the $17 bucks it takes to park right next to my office building. I mean, I could have fed a handful of people with that from my sticky, sweaty, water-retaining hand.

Heatstroke 100

Sunday morning, I woke up at 4:45 am to head up to Wisconsin for the Heatstroke 100 with Alyson and Keenan. We did a 43 mile ride through the hills, farms and manure fields of southern Wisconsin. It was fun to be on the open roads and among other cycling enthusiasts (do I count as an "enthusiast" considering I have only done a couple of longer rides? I didn't think so). The whole ride took us a little over three hours. The first nine miles were the hardest. I rarely notice hills when I'm driving a car, but my eyes were opened on a bike. Hills are hard y'all. But remember this little nugget of wisdom, "what goes up, must come down." It was fun speeding down the road on the back side of the hills. Once I figured out my gears, we were flying.

I'm surprised that I'm not sore at all from the ride. My butt bones are a little bruised and raw. Thank God for whoever invented padded shorts. And for those of you concerned about my skin, I did indeed wear 30 spf.

Can't wait for our next ride!

The Hoff

In our office, we had a small little competition to bring about bonding and to raise those spirits. One of our sponsors had a car design contest for the kids. We (meaning me) decided to have a contest of our own and the winner received a gift certificate to Starbucks. Needless to say, the competition was fierce.

I'm shocked and greatly disappointed that my design came in fifth place. How can The Hoff come in fifth place? Where's the justice?! Is this not a masterpiece? Just look at that chest hair!

Show Tonight

The Senate performs with The Riot, Wing Night, and Basic Eight.
8:00 PM at The Playground (Halsted & Belmont)
BYOB

It's a guaranteed good time.

4th of July

Good morning readers of Katy on the Loose! I hope you enjoyed celebrating our country's independence this past weekend. I did so by spending an entire day on a boat on Lake Michigan. It was the perfect way to celebrate July 4th...or so I thought.

I have been saying for a couple of years now how much I want to go on a boat on Lake Michigan. I see the sailboats from my bedroom window and it's a tease. So Alyson said her sister's friend had a boat and a few people would be going out on the 4th. Yes! My dream come true! We were excited, got there early and sat on the big and beautiful boat awaiting departure. Slowly but surely more and more people arrived and got on the boat. So many people got on the boat that we were pushed to the very front. I didn't mind, it was more comfortable and beautiful. Plus there wasn't much room in the back from all the coolers of adult libations.

With 30 people on the boat, and all but five of them strangers, we headed out on the big blue. Word spread that we were going to the "Play Pen" at Oak Street Beach. I kept repeating it to myself over and over again: "the Play Pen." Hey, this doesn't sound nice and relaxing. We pull into the area and there are already boats tied together with tens of people aboard dancing and hopping boats. Professional DJ's spun their music as fake-boobed women flaunted their medical procedures.

Our boat began to cruise the area, checking out other boats, seeing who it wanted to hook up next to. I felt like it was a Discovery Channel episode. I could almost hear the quiet male voice say, "And here, the male bird, flaunts his feathers attracting the attention of the female in hopes of mating." It was sickeningly hilarious. To their delight and our dismay, they found the perfect boat: DJ playing house music (sounded like techno to my untrained ear) and strippers - I mean ladies - dancing their hearts out. Someone wanted some action! As you can see, I was completely out of my element. I had no idea this world existed. Someone on the boat stated it perfectly, "it's like spring break for 35 year olds." It's not an attractive world. I tried hard not to be judgmental, but I couldn't help myself.

I left the day with a sunburn and some great memories. Oh, and check out the last picture. I'm totally getting a back tattoo for Christmas.

Back Home

I'm back! I miss the perfect weather and smiling babies. I could have stayed in Jackson Hole for another week, easily!

To see all 307 pictures from the trip (yes, I know. I promise I scaled back), click here. You'll see lots of mountains and babies.

So, now that I'm back, feel free to call me! I'd love to get together.

Ode to Me and Andrew

You know how people like to take pictures of "family groups" on vacations? Well, Andrew and I don't have a family group so we usually end up in pictures. Or if one of us is trying to take a picture of another at one of the sites, a polite person will come up and say, "Let me take a picture of the both of you." "Um, yeah, sure, okay." So basically, we have a ton of pictures of just the two of us. Finally, after we mountain biked, Andrew said, "And here we have finally completed all of our honeymoon activities." Can you tell which picture is the most honeymoon of all? Yes, so can we. That's when we stopped taking the pictures. I promised him that when I get married, he can still be in all our photos.

Click here for his account of the trip.

Teton Village & Mountain Biking

The day started with us taking the gondola to the top of Teton Village ski area. We took pictures, threw snow balls at each other, it was great. Then Andrew and I decided that we wanted to go mountain biking. The second we walk into the rental place, the guy said, "Well, you are aware that a biker was just charged by a grizzly?" "YOU'RE KIDDING?!" "Why would I kid?" "It's an expression! GEESH!" "Just say 'hey bear' and talk a lot. You'll be fine." "Where was the bear last seen?" "Bears move." "Yes, fully aware, thank you. Just tell me!"

We went for it any way and mostly tried to stay out of the trees. We chatted nervously as I lead Andrew onto a black diamond run accidentally and spent a few sickeningly nervous minutes in the trees. "HEEEEEY BEEEEEAAAAAAAARRRRRRRR!" Right away I feLl and scraped my leg. I only cussed once, though Andrew says differently.

We lived to tell the tale. Fear did not stop us! That or stupidity kept us going.

Day at Yellowstone

Note to self: Take at least two to three days to spend in Yellowstone. Otherwise, you may start to feel pissy towards the six other people in your car...no matter how much you love them! Okay, so I wasn't that pissy. I mean, we didn't get back from the Park until 11:00 p.m. We were hungry, cold and a bit claustrophobic. But Yellowstone was worth every minute of the drive!

We saw Old Faithful, Geiser Park, Buffalo, Elk, two waterfalls and our favorite, the Canyons. Oh, and do yourself a favor when you visit Old Faithful: take a peek at the Old Faithful Inn. It's gorgeous!

Fly-Fishing Day 2

Dad and I took to the river together on our second day of fly-fishing. Last time we fished together he stole all my fish because he was in the front of the boat. He was much better at sharing this time around. I think I caught around 20 fish! That's a record for me. Again I caught another 17 inch trout. Dad caught a 19 inch brown trout. We were very impressed!

Excitement of the day: Chris and Andrew were stripping in a fish when they heard loud flapping noises. The look up and a bald eagle can swooping down three feet from them. Apparently he wanted the fish too. They claim that there was a seven foot wingspan. I'll choose to believe it.

Quote of the day: "Katy, can I take your sunscreen with me on my boat." "Um, no, I need it." "But I have more to preserve." "What do you need to preserve?" "I need to preserve my sexiness!" "Of course you do."