H1N1

The Swine Flu is all over the news. I know we're supposed to call it by its technical name, so I did. I had to clarify that it was the "Swine Flu" otherwise no one would know what I was talking about.

I was iChatting with my mom last night when she informed me that my dad's dad (Grandpa from here on out) was not just the oldest of two kids. He was the oldest of six. I had no idea! I thought it was just him and my Uncle Pete (lots of funny stories involving the Happy Birthday song and alcohol). Mom said that Grandpa had three siblings die of the Swine Flu within one week of eachother during 1917 (or some year close to that date). WHAT? I can't imagine how hard it must have been for my great grandmother. It must have spread rapidly. Thank God for the media awareness we have today and great advancements in medicine.

Does anyone else feel a little weird when they say "Swine Flu"? I don't know what it is...

Shedding

When you've been bundled up all winter long in down coats, thick wool sweaters, angora hats and gloves, there's something odd about suddenly wearing a tank top in public - specifically one with spaghetti straps. I have to repeatedly tell myself that I am not a whore and that it's perfectly fine to wear a tank top in public; especially when it's 85 degrees outside (For the first time since October, bee-tee-dubs. It's been a LONG six months!). Am I the only one who feels this way?

Chicago is hopping right now. I spent my lunch hour getting my nails done (lovely Jelly Apple red by Essie) and running to pick up some frames for work. Hello tourists, you are back. But thank you for bringing the warm sunny weather with you! I am so happy it's warm that I don't mind the humidity making my hair frizzy.

EWWWWWW

So I'm walking out of Walgreens Thursday night with Jessie when a woman comes walking towards us. I make eye contact with her. She suddenly stops, looks at me and says, "ew" and then keeps on walking. WHAT?! Jessie and I were laughing so hard. I had to laugh or I would cry. It did help me that Jessie also noticed that the woman was talking to herself before she looked at me and then she continued talking to herself as she walked on by. I'm thinking someone was off her meds. God let that be it!

My mom did ask me, "What were you wearing?" What was I wearing? Do you think she was responding to my outfit? Then she asked, "Well did you at least have on lipstick?" Um, no. I had on black velour sweatpants and my big puffy kelly green jacket. I had also been crying a mere two hours earlier (kick a girl while she's down) and I absolutely did not have on any lipstick. Mom's probably thinking that the lady was correct and that I absolutely deserved her remarks. (for those who know my mom, you know that she would never think these things)

What is up with people making random remarks to me? I went running a couple of weeks ago along the lake and stopped in front of my apartment building to do a few stretches. A man stops me and says, "Can I give you a comment?" I should have looked at him right then and there and said, "NO!" But of course I didn't. Next thing I know, he places his hands on my spandex shrouded buttocks. YES HE DID! "Whoa! Don't do that. What are you doing?!" "I'm trying to tell you something. People up and down lakeshore will make you pay $100 for what I'm trying to tell you. (he proceeds to touch my shoulder, then elbow, then wrist, over and over again) I have to touch you to show you. So..." Then he again places his hands too near my back side. I pull away and said, "Um, DON'T DO THAT! Move along." GEESH! Crazy middle-aged white man who appeared normal at first look. If anyone asks if they can give you a "comment" don't confuse it for "compliment."

Liam Loves Me!

I love this kiddo! Seeing this video made my day. He's a heart breaker already.

Tax Day Freebies!

Happy Tax Day! I was informed that I get screwed on my taxes because I live in a state that has State Income Tax. I was also asked what our state does with this money. I said, "snow plows?" He said he thought that politicians pocket some of it. No! Not in Illinois!

Have you heard the latest? Blagojevich possibly going on a reality t.v. show? Please, make this circus stop!

Not only do you have hope of a tax return (I don't, thanks Illinois), but you also have freebies! Check out this list for participating restaurants.

Remember

Shoot - Day 1

My first day on the film set started last night. I had a call time of 7:00 pm up in Skokie and was told I would be done by 9:00 pm. I've done enough of these to know that 9:00 pm means midnight. And you know what? I was right! I got home just after midnight - on a school night (I have yet to brush my hair this morning). Thankfully we were filming in a house where I could laze about on couch and continue to read about the French Revolution. Is it strange that I always hear Coldplay's Viva La Vida when I'm reading it? The song makes so much more sense to me now.

Anyway, the green dress made it's film set debut last night! Stylishly played with a black three-quarter sleeved cardigan and some colorful jewels it looked smashing! I was feeling bloated. Probably from my binge fest with tortilla chips the night before. I wanted salt and I was paying for it dearly. Thankfully the shot was basically of me and my scene partner sitting in a car. I'll need to be much more careful before tomorrow's long shoot and some full body shots of me in the dress. Perhaps it's time to welcome back my friend - Spanx!

You know what makes me want to fall asleep? Someone putting makeup on my face. Seriously, it's so soothing. Play some ocean sounds in the background and I'm a goner.

Hopefully I'll take some pictures this weekend and post them for you.

Final Four

The Final Four haven't even played yet and I'm the guaranteed loser in my office pool. Fine with me! The person with the lowest points gets their $5 back. I'm going to take my winnings and buy me a three-pack of Orbit gum. I'm thinking cinnamon flavor.

Seriously, my points add up to 61. The next lowest has 83. That's bad. I have no one team in the final four. I'm wondering if I even had any in the elite eight. I don't care about college basketball. Arkansas hasn't been good since the mid-90's. Maybe now that Andrew will be there in the fall, I'll care a bit more.

Random factoid for you today: Sunday night a friend of mine made homemade ice cream. It was coconut lime with a jalapeno infusion. IT WAS SO GOOD! Sweet at first and then it burned you good.

Sunday Morning

I think this is officially the longest I've gone without posting in years. And I haven't even been on vacation! I've been working and rehearsing. That basically sums up my life the past couple of weeks. Oh, and I've been running. The Indy Mini-Marathon is in five weeks. I was supposed to run an 8K today called The Shamrock Shuffle. It's a big Chicago tradition. It was thundering and snowing when I woke up this morning. So I just turned over and went back to sleep. It's too dangerous to run in the slush and snow when I have a race coming up. I'm not broken-hearted about it. I got the free t-shirt.

Last night I had a Playground show. Since everyone was supposed to be taking part in "Earth Hour" we decided to celebrate it with our show. In case you haven't been connected with the real world, it's when everyone is supposed to turn off their lights for an hour last night from 8:30 - 9:30. I, of course, accidentally left on a lamp in my apartment. I don't like coming home alone to a dark apartment. So, there went that idea.

What was I talking about? Oh yes, our show. We decided to have all the lights turned off to perform the show. This is normally called a "Bat" - when you can't see anything on stage and you have to listen. It's a fun form. We decided to all bring flashlights and create our own lighting. It was pretty cool. Some of our scenes suffered because of it, but some really came together. I don't know if the audience liked it, but we thought it was pretty interesting and created interesting atmospheres and situations. I'd totally do it again. This time we will at least have an idea of what we're doing instead of discussing it as we warm up in the theatre bathroom five minutes before our show. That's improv. And I love it.

Hope your day is much sunnier and warmer than ours here in Chicago. I did watch a movie with the rooommates. Happy-Go-Lucky. It was a cute/interesting movie. I was just happy to be relaxing and not running off somewhere.

Renewals

Have I really lived in Chicago long enough to need to renew my driver's license? Seriously, where has the time gone?! Yesterday I was at the bank getting quarters for laundry. I tried to pay with my debit card and he asked for my ID. I showed him and he said, "I'm sorry miss, your license is expired." Wha, Wha, Wha, WHAT? I completely forgot that I needed to renew my license this 33rd birthday. I remember when I first got the license and thought that 2009 was so far away. Now it's here and gone. I wonder if I'll still be here in Chicago in 2014. FREAKY! I just scared myself.

Now onto deeper issues. What should I wear for my picture tomorrow? This photo must stand the test of time. If only I had bought that Medieval Times dress. (shakes fist) I'm just excited that in the "weight" category I may be able to drop it a few pounds. Yeehaw!

We Have a SXSW Winner in the Family!

Congratulations to my brother-in-law, Chris, and Tweet Congress for winning at SXSW this past weekend! They won top honors in the Web Awards' Activism category. Yay Chris!

Let's Joust!

This weekend Jessie and I escaped the insanity of St. Patty's Day crowds (really, I forget how many people live in this city until the weather turns warm) and headed to Barrington. An organization was holding a fundraiser of designer second-hand wedding dresses on sale for $50. We had to go! Jessie wasn't feeling confident of her dress (which is gorgeous and she looks amazing in it) and thought this might be a fun opportunity.

There were some pretty dresses, interesting dresses, and dresses straight out of a 1989 bridal magazine (puff sleeves made of pure lace). As many times as I've gone dress shopping with people I've never been tempted to try on a dress...until this weekend! I found one that was originally $3,000 and on sale for 50 bucks. It looked like it was straight out of a Jane Austen novel - so I HAD to try it. I mean, it was only my duty as an avid fan and thespian.

What do you think? For $50 I should have bought it and put it in my closet for a rainy day or homemade rendition of Sense and Sensability. It was fun to wear, but who has room for something like that in their closet? Let it be known that I would NOT wear a dress like this for my wedding. Unless we were getting married at Medieval Times.

A Birthday Gift

My sister from another mother, Beckles, just posted one of the most beautiful, humbling, hilarious and honoring posts for my birthday. It's our friendship story. I think you'll like it. Most of you know and love her anyway. So please, for my birthday, go read it. :)

Here's my response:

I am speechless. I am sitting here in my bed with my computer on my lap (and freshly polished nails) tearing up and laughing hard all at the same time. You and I have the same favorite memories of each other. "Bestie" doesn't even begin to describe your importance to me. You are my sister. You are part of my family. They've accepted it and welcomed you with open arms.

Beckles, your words truly honor me and I am in awe with how much you love me. You've changed my life. God knew I needed you. Rarely does anyone have a friendship so powerful, so influential, so beautiful, so hilarious, so real and honest as ours. It is one of life's greatest gifts.

God bless Russ! I am so thankful that you have a husband who knows how important I am to you and you are to me. He's become my family too.

Kathryn Davy. You hold such a special place in my heart. Aunt Katy loves you!

Thank you, Becky. It is a Happy Birthday indeed!

Burfday

Somebody is a Birthday GRRRRL tomorrow! That's me! I love celebrating birthdays. I don't know why. Cake? Check. Center of attention? Check. Wrapped presents? Double check. Life assessment? Not always, but I'll go with a CHECK this year.

I've had a pretty great year. 2008 wasn't easy by any means but I really feel like I've taken steps forward in life. I don't look back and think it's been a stagnant year with no adventure, no sweat, no tears, no accomplishment. I worked hard this year taking classes, auditioning, performing, getting over myself, dating, and learning how to surrender my life to God - to REALLY surrender. And to me, that's the biggest accomplishment. Until I surrender, everything else is meaningless.

I used to think that there was no way God would want me to be an actress. I mean, how secular of a career can you get? But until I realize and believe that this actually may be what God wants for me, I won't succeed. I've prayed daily that if this is what He wants for me that He will open doors. Guess what? He keeps opening doors I never imagined possible! So I'm sticking to this road and loving every minute - well, almost every minute. I did have to kiss an 18 year old that one time. Then I scooped tootsie rolls all day. Oh and then there's auditioning. Auditioning could slay even the strongest man.

I'm tempted to think ahead about this upcoming year and share my expectations, hopes and dreams. But I think I'll relish the past - even if just for a little while. It's good to remember how far I've come because it gives me hope and a foundation for tomorrow.

NYC

What City Should You Live In?
	You should live in New York City. America's largest city will ensure that you will blend into the crowd. You are the brooding type--introspective, creative, and eccentric--and NYC's cutting-edge, individualistic culture and ambience will appeal to you.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

I just took a quiz on Facebook about the ideal city for me to reside. I think it was meant for college students since it asked about colleges and how your parents embarrass you (NEVER!). But hey, it was still fun. New York City? Really? Hmmm, interesting. And brooding? Never heard that one before...

I want to know what it says about you. Where should you be living according to an unknown computer survey?

So Long to T.O. and His Huge Diamond Earrings

This story is just getting to me. Whoa! T.O. is gone. Is this what the Cowboys need to get their butts in gear? Let's hope so.

A Good Monday

So I had a fun start to the week on Monday. First of all, I got a call to audition for an upcoming Sitcom Pilot. On a big network! Thanks to my friend, Cristin, for sending me the information. It was for the "best friend" role which fits me nicely; especially since the girl was just like me. Secondly, I got a call that I was cast in a short film that will be filming in April. I went to the callbacks on Saturday and was one of many people auditioning for the lead role. So of course that made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside - hearing that I was WANTED! The skies were open and the possibilities limitless on Monday. I love days like that - days when you feel things are happening and you've stepped a little further in life. Progress feels good.

The audition was good. I won't say great because I by no means nailed it. I was all jittery and numb from having memorized 10 pages in less than 24 hours. They gave me a second read which was great and I felt much better about it. Wish I could do it again and knock their socks off. But it was a great opportunity and learning experience for me. I think my heart would explode out of my chest if I were to be called back. Oh the possibilities! lalalalalalalala...Katy, come back to earth.

Update on my eating:
I turned down chocolate cake and cheesecake last night. I'm committed y'all! Of course my birthday week is coming up and I pray God gives me strength and discipline for my birthday (along with movie roles and the love of my life). I lost 5.5 pounds quickly and then plateaued. It's frustrating eating good when you feel like it's not making much of a difference. I have a feeling I'll break the barrier soon and lose a couple more. Either way, I fit into my skinny jeans nicely this weekend. No stretching or day-dreaming of putting on sweatpants ASAP.

New Features

Happy March! March is a magical month in which you are pining for spring and yet still have to scrape the snow off your car. It's also magical in that there are many birthdays to celebrate this month - namely, MINE! Plus a couple of cuties (Liam and Connor - I'm looking at you!) turn a year older this weekend.

March is also known for hosting the worst movies of the year. Oscars are over and summer blockbusters are around the corner. This is when they turn out bad movies. I'm usually wary of big hollywood movies coming out this time of year. Don't get me wrong, if they offered me a movie part in a film coming out in March, I would embrace it - a full-on, lingering embrace that becomes uncomfortable for all parties involved. I'll probably spend more time at the movie theater down the street that shows independent films.

Why did I start writing this post? Oh yeah! I added two small little features to the left side. You can easily subscribe to my blog now. And I added a "Friends Who Blog" list. I started adding some and realized not all these people might want to be listed. So if you're listed and you don't want to be listed, just tell me. If you're not listed and would like to be listed, tell me. I'm on it!

Lunch Time Shopping Spree

This is my new purchase. No, I did not buy a model of a woman's reproductive system. They're my new headphones. My old earbuds collapsed and died. I'm sure I could recycle them some way. Instead I threw them in my trash. I suddenly got convicted. I'll dig them out and throw them in the recycle bin. Someone will know what to do with them.

Please don't tell me how I should have bought a cheaper but better pair of headphones. I don't think I can handle buyer's remorse right now.

I've been sick all week. I actually stayed in bed until 4pm on Wednesday. And yesterday was the perfect day to stay home since we had thunderstorms. Yes! Thunderstorms in Chicago...in February! I had to turn off the t.v. at one point because I couldn't hear it over the loud raindrops crashing onto my air conditioner. So I took a nap instead. It was a great two days. Which brings me to my point. I can hardly hear anything when I have these earbuds in my ears. Thanks to sinus congestion, I can hardly hear anything anyway.

Vote NOW! DO IT! DO IT FOR BECKLES!

Vote for Becky's brother, Josh!