Big Burly Beard

...skinny celebrity.

I had another brush with celebrity today at lunch. This time it was with one of my greatest all time secret celebrity crushes. Becky and I used to watch Felicity religiously and I couldn't get over Ben's soft spoken "hey" and his insecure quiet ways. Those qualities are much more attractive to watch on film than to experience in real life.

Walking down Dearborn Street just south of Wacker I saw a burly bearded skinny man walking towards me and Erin. I didn't recognize the beard but I definitely recognized the eyes. It took me a few moments to place those eyes. Basically I got caught staring and probably had to shut my slackened jaw. He watched us too as we walked by. YES! Sweet victory! I didn't think Erin would recognize him but when I slowly turned my head to tell her who we had just passed I saw that she had the same face as me. Clear recognition.

That made my day. Here's to you Scott Speedman for making my post lunch hours go by quickly! May I run into you again someday soon. Like maybe the Cubs game tonight????

Grey's Anatomy

Please read my cousin, Josh's perfect description of formulaic network television shows. It's good for a laugh yet makes you feel a little ashamed of these guilty pleasures.

Dancing

I'm sorry that I haven't updated much recently. I've been too busy selling my soul so that someday I can compete on Dancing with the Stars. You think I'm kidding.

My favorite competitors this season:

Emmitt Smith: How can you not like a Dallas Cowboy? He's got great skills. He's been labeled "twinkle toes" and I have to agree.

Joey Lawrence: Whoa. He's definitely way metro and his eyebrows look penciled on but he gives it 100% and he's fun to watch. Plus he resembles Mr. Clean.

Jerry Springer: He makes me laugh and he lives in Chicago.

I'm not a big fan of the ladies on this show. I like Sarah Evans because she's a country girl and her face resembles my cousins. I could take or leave the rest of them. Hopefully I'll warm up to the ladies as the season moves forward.

Until then I'll continue smiling as I watch and wishing it was me.

Inspiring Quotes

...from my life. What do they inspire? Laughter and tears.

Spoken while watching a Gap ad: "Skinny black pants is probably the worst news these thighs could possibly hear."

Janell said, "Katy, he's perfect for you. He likes to knit and enjoys doing Civil War re-enactments." My response: "Do you even know me?"

Olympic Encounter

Today was a great day. You may be asking, "Katy, why was it such a great day?" Well I'll tell you. Today I had the honor of picking up Gary Hall, Jr. at the airport. I was his chauffer for the day. Who is Gary Hall? Ummm, hello! Only the second most decorated Olympian of all time! He's the fastest man in the world! In the pool, that is.

He spoke to a school about having type 1 diabetes and how he was told he'd never be able to compete again. That was six years ago and he's won billions of gold medals since. Proved them wrong!

He was quiet and shy until he was in front of the kids. Too bad he's a hottie and also married with an eight month old baby. Will I ever catch a break?!!!

Here's a picture of him with me and my co-worker, Donna.
















He's a giant. And he sat in my car! I'll for sure be cheering him on to compete in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

The Removal of Moles and All Dignity

My doctor and the nurses were hilarious. I knew that they were trying to make me feel comfortable and were making sure I wasn't going to pass out as they stuck a needle in my body six times in three different places. After the slight burn of the numbing medicine I was feeling fine. I laid on my back and chatted away about improv, acting, Texas, etc. After the back of my knee and my upper back were finished I was told to flip over.

I made the mistake of telling them that we had to sing in our show. They kept pestering me to sing a song. ME! I had flashbacks of people saying, "Hey, do something funny." I wanted to say, "Excuse me but I don't feel much like singing a song considering you're working on my fully exposed boob and you happen to be stitching up a huge hole!" Maybe I would have worked with them a little more had they given me drugs to numb my mind and not just my body.

SOMETHING OF NOTE: I wore cute panties again to the doctor. This time they had more coverage. To hell with visible panty lines.

Opening Night

Tonight's the night! It's not actually THE opening night. It's more MY opening night. I need to go home and take a big fat nap before the big midnight show. I'm afraid I won't be performing as a whole and complete person. I'll be performing as a woman who is shy three moles and sporting numerous stitches. I'll try to work that into my character. Let's hope her biopsy doesn't show cancer.

Connor on Film

Oh my gosh! I just about died seeing this pictures. I wish I could just kiss those expressive eyebrows. Weird? Wait until you see the pictures!

I saw Connor for a couple of days while I was home in Texas. He's chubby and I like him that way. (Said while crying) I miiss him alreaaaaddddyyyy!

It's Raining Babies!

The skies have opened and I have finally been given permission to post that Patrick and Alicia are having a baby! You know, my brother and sister-in-law! The happy couple in this picture:
















The ones married back in October!

March seems to be the magical month. Like Connor, the little babes is due on my birthday! Okay, so maybe a day later, but I'll just make it easy and say it's on my birthday. Turning 31 this year I will gladly welcome the child on my birthday. I don't think I could have handled it so easily on my 30th birthday. I was young and immature back in those days. Since then I have grown to the maturity level of a 14 year old. My, what leaps and bounds I have made this year!

Three cheers and a double side kick!

That's a Framer!

Some of you have been asking, wondering, pondering, searching, contemplating and justifying why I haven't posted any pictures recently. Truth be told, my camera battery died. I lost my battery charger and just received it in the mail today. So don't fret little ones! There will be pictures soon!

Humble Thyself

Or if you can't humble yourself, God will do it for you. I thought I was just having a bad day yesterday. You know, one of those "I never should have left the house" kind of days. Wearing high heels I had to coordinate carrying a heavy box while using an umbrella and flagging down a taxi. Soaking wet I attended a meeting where I was the featured speaker. Then while unbuttoning my pants to get my laser treatment I found out that they had to cancel it because I'm taking oral antibiotics. Thank you adult acne. My post work trek took me an hour and a half and three modes of transportation. Apparently the CTA was having a tough day as well. I was having one big fat pity party for myself all day yesterday. I knew that my reasons for pouting were weak. But I have PMS! Everything is a personal insult and exaggerated by 234% when you have PMS. Crawling into bed last night I finally said "Yes God, I know, it's not about me. I get it. I GET it."

Apparently He REALLY wanted me to get his point and made sure I recognized it today. Let's just say that I may be sporting a little scab under each eyebrow. Topical creme and eyebrow waxing do not mix. Again, thank you adult acne. I had my own walk of shame from Spa Nordstrom back to the office . Watch this be the week that an agent calls me in to audition or meet the potential love of my life. All I can do is laugh and realize that this will make one funny story...in about 5 months. There is one question that I cannot answer: which is worse? Having Josh Hartnett eyebrows or scabs forming on your eyelids?

Entertainment for the Day

Thanks Beckles!



Don't try this at home, or at least with out tight fitting pants.

An Amazing Story

I am continually in awe and humbled by the story of my friends, Matt and Ginny. They are parents of a little boy, Eliot, who was born with trisomy 18. Most medical facts claim that he shouldn't even have been born alive. Please read their story from the beginning and pray for them. It will break your heart and give you hope at the same time. You'll be amazed by their overwhelming joy even in the midst of trial.

Gap Ad

Does anyone out there remember the remake of Sabrina from the 90's with Harrison Ford and Julia Ormand? Becky, I know you do because you can't stand Julia Ormond.

"But David, he did a Gap ad."

I feel just like her. Because of this:










Yeah, I've had a crush on Aaron Eckhart for a long time. And now look, he's doing Gap ads.

Pleasant Prairie Triathalon

I competed in my first sprint triathalon this Sunday and I finished! I didn't drown, crash or vomit. I call that a good day!

After a late night of conversation and board games with Stefan, our very famous cousin who happens to be a Blue Angel pilot in town for the air and water show, Janell, Jessie and I packed up the car and drove to Wisconsin. We kicked it off with a little City of Blinding Lights by U2 and weaved our way through the Chicago traffic!

The triathalon and the atmosphere associated with it left little to disappointment. Three of us sharing a king sized bed and long lines at the porta-potties were more hilarious than disappointing. I need to give a shout out to the LaQuinta. I've never stayed in such a lovely smoking room. It prepped my lungs for the long race.

I felt proud wearing the black numbers marked on my arms and legs. For a couple hours I was only known as #1039 by everyone but my roommates. I was in the 17th wave and we were issued the purple swim caps. We stood in line hugging our bodies and trying to stay warm. As soon as the whistle blew we ran for the warm water. I was relieved to have my numb fingers and toes warm up but it didn't do much for my goggles. The cold air and warm water caused them to fog up immediately. It was me in a foggy world swimming through green water and seaweed. The swim did nothing for my confidence. Within five strokes I was breathing hard and began to wonder why I didn't practice the swim more than twice...and why the heck didn't I do practice swims in the lake?!!! From then on it was me, God and the breast stroke. I was singing praises at the turn-around point until the sun beamed directly onto the water and caused near blindness ("God, is that you?"). The lifeguards caught me and several others swimming in the direction of oncoming traffic. The kept yelling at us, "left. LEFT!" I couldn't wait to take off the foggy goggles and the swim cap that blocked my hearing. I "fake" ran up the sandy hill after the swim like I wasn't out of breath or anything. Walking fast through the parking lot to my bike (I sure wasn't running) I heard my roommates cheering me on. All I could do was give a weak wave to let them know that the swim nearly killed me but I was still alive.

I couldn't wait to hop on the bike. The bike has quickly become my new favorite sport. You move fast, cover lots of territory and fewer body parts jiggle. I passed a few people from my wave who proved to be better swimmers than me. I finished the 13 mile bike in 43 minutes. It was over before I knew it. After a quick transition I was back out on the running path and waving to my two cheerleaders. It took two miles to get my running legs back but somehow I finished those miles faster than my standard 10 minute mile. I could have cried as I neared the finish-line, not because it was so tough but because I was so thankful that God gave me the legs, arms and health to challenge myself physically. I prayed for strength and He provided.

I finished in one hour and 38 minutes. I figured it would take me 1:45. If I can get my swimming under control and shave some minutes off my transition times I could probably get down to 1:30 or less. I can't wait for my next one! Thanks to everyone for the encouragement and phone calls! Melissa, next year it's you and me babe!

Come One, Come All!

Check it out! It's the promo-pic for Bathroom Talk. It's sure to be a fun show and good times will be had by all. The cast is talented, hilarious and we each bring their own thing to the table.

Ladies, you'll laugh because you'll know what we're talking about.

Gentlemen, consider this research and an opportunity to really know what goes on in women's bathrooms. Do you dare?

Tag...I'm It!

I hate being chased. I'm quick to scream, give up or I charge back at them in a dead sprint. I sometimes wonder what I would do if I were being chased by a Lion. Let's hope I never have to find out. Playing tag was always a nervous pleasure for me.

This kind of tag I actually like. Thanks to my good friend, Kellsey, I've been tagged to list books that have either impacted my life or ones I wish never would have entered it. I'm responding here for your viewing pleasure! You never know, maybe you'll be inspired to read some of these. I know I already gave an exhaustive list of some of my favorite books.

1. One Book that Changed My Life: "Ragamuffin Gospel" by Brennan Manning. This is the first "spiritual" book that actually caused me to respond with prayer. I remember sitting in my bed with all the lights out except for a small lamp and being moved to pray. It's the first time I really got a glimpse of grace. I really could live a life of freedom under the umbrella of grace instead of an anvil of guilt.

2. One Book that You've Read More than Once: Just one? I can only choose one? "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen. Hello, my name is Elizabeth Bennett! I think most women consider themselves an "Elizabeth Bennett." She's one of Austen's more flattering characters. Though you can condemn the fact that she's as prideful as Mr. Darcy. I remember running into my best friends' room and reading allowed my favorite parts. I had to share it with someone! The confession of love! The two proposals! The time they run into each other at his home! Ah, it's too much! Too much!

3. One Book You'd Want on a Desert Island: I'm just going to assume it can't be the Bible. Any good Christian would immediately say the Bible. It would be/and is my one source of truth and sanity. Can it be a series? How about the first two books in Francine Rivers' "Mark of the Lion" series? They're not exactly intellectually stimulating, but they just don't get old! I've never read two books so quickly. I wish I could read them as a "Mark of the Lion" virgin again! Ladies, can I get an Amen? Wait, now I'm questioning myself. How about "Lord of the Rings"? Yes, that too. I might need that to remind myself that the impossible can be possible.

4. One Book that Made You Laugh: "Dress Your Family in Corduroy & Denim" by David Sedaris. His honesty excited me and made me wish I could be that honest. I just don't have his capacity for memories...painful memories. I found myself laughing aloud in public while reading his auto-biographical short stories.

5. One Book that Made You Cry: I again have to say "Lord of the Rings." I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Frodo, Bilbo and their companions. I felt like I had traversed the treacherous terrain and walked their emotional journey along with them. There's great relief and pride in finishing a journey and completing an impossible task. If they had known what they were getting into, they never would have gone. But along the way they were given what was needed to make it to the end alive. Hmmm, sounds similar to life!

6. One Book You Wish Had Been Written: I'm still waiting for my best friend, Becky, to write her auto-biographical short stories. This girl has more stories that will make you laugh! I keep threatening her that I'm going to start writing it if she doesn't. This or my yet to be written coffee table book: "Dating Kissed Me Goodbye."

7. One Book that You Wish Had Never Been Written: "Kiss Dating Goodbye." I never read it and never want to. Don't we have a hard enough time as it is? For the love....

8. One Book That You're Currently Reading: I'm going to cheat here and give you two. One is actually a play by Lanford Wilson. I am performing a two person scene from his play "Serenading Louie" and just finished analyzing the play. It's a fascinating story of two couples whose relationships are crumbling. Each couple has everything going for them but they end up destroying their lives. Very interesting. The second is "The Glass House" by Jeannette Walls. She writes a story of growing up in great poverty. She never solicites pity from her readers. The humor she maintains while sharing her pain is admirable.

9. One Book You've Been Meaning to Read: The "Harry Potter" books. That or my best friend will never speak to me again. I made her read "Clan of the Cave Bear" so it's my turn to read some of her favorites. I'll read them...someday.

10. Now Tag 5 People: John S., cousin Stacey, Becky, Missie and cousin Jessie (my cousin, not the one from Full House). If you have a blog...blog about it. If you don't have a blog...leave it in the comments.

Anyone respond if you'd like! I'd love to read about it!

Sacrificial Love

I first saw the story of the Hoyt Team in 2000 while at kamp and trying to inspire the triathletes to give their all in our sprint triathalon the next day. The story made me cry then and it continues to make me cry now.

If I have ever thought I've sacrificed something for someone I love, I now have a new perspective. This is great love!

Modern Day Bug Zapper

If only I had known about these when I was in Montana! Then I wouldn't have had to scratch the skin off my arms and ankles.

Triathalon Update

It looks like I'll be a lone soldier sweating it out on the course up in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. My former roommate and good friend, Melissa, has a broken wrist. She has to wear a cast past her elbow for 11 weeks. I'm sure she'll dazzle everyone as Matron of Honor at her sisters wedding in a few weeks. The poor thing showed up at my door last week sporting scraps, cuts and swollen joints. While running along the lakefront she was hit by a cyclist. She says it's her fault but she was probably just being nice. It's a dangerous world out there.

Thankfully one of my current roommates, Janell, is kind enough to attend the triathalon with me. As a former cheerleader, she'll be the best support anyone could ask for during a grueling race.

Only 10 days until the race and I'm not quite sure I'm prepared. I can swim (at least I did once this week), bike and run. But I'm not sure all three will fit together. That's what makes it a challenge! The thing that's challenging me the most at the moment is the wardrobe options! Do I just do the whole thing in my suit? Can I squeeze my running tights over my thighs while wet from the lake? Should I just swim in them? WHAT ARE MY NEEDS?! Well, I'm sure all those will be answered after the race. I'll just go with the flow and enjoy myself.

One thing I do need: Prayer! Please pray for me that I won't drown or crash or vomit. Thanks so much!