Race to Cure Rabies

Event. Coming. To. An. End. Soon. Three. More. Days.

In the meantime, I'm going to go home and rejuvenate by watching a lovely show called The Office.

Race to Cure Rabies!!!

Happy Anniversary to Me

Today is my four year anniversary in Chicago. I still cannot believe I've been here this long. Sometimes it seems like minutes ago that my dad and I drove away with a uhaul attached to my car. Other days it feels like a lifetime ago. I've been blessed beyond my wildest dreams since I've been here.

This is a picture of me and my dear friend, Kathie, just a month or two after I moved. She let me sleep on her couch for four and a half months. Now that's a friend!

Four years. So much can happen in four years. High school lasts four years. College lasts four years (or five for some). I wonder what will happen in the next four years?

Four years ago the Cubs were so close to going to the world series. My friend, Chris Montgomery, and I wandered the streets next to Wrigley Field and saw the Cubs implode. Same thing happened this year. I need to find those pictures! I think they are on my other computer. I'll post them soon.


Tony Romo just threw an interception. DANGIT!

Update: Cowboys won in the last second! I was a complete wreck watching it. It took me a while to settle down afterwards. I think I'm still giddy.

Burn It!

Last night I went to a fun event for work. Unfortunately we had to wear the ugliest shirts I have ever seen. They were made of 100% polyester and were the shade of a flesh-colored band-aid. No one on the face of the earth looks good in this color. In fact, if you looked at me from far away I looked like I was walking around in black pants only.















Here's a picture of it. As you can see, the lighting isn't so great, but the company is! Those are former Bears players, Dennis Lick and Emory Moorehead (from the 1985 Superbowl Team). Oh, and Ashley too.

Disturbing

I saw stirrup pants at Nordstroms on Friday. STIRRUP PANTS!

Periods. They Don't Just End Sentences

Wednesday night was one of those perfect girls nights. Kelly picked up me and Alyson from work and we began our plans of dinner and a Target run. What girl doesn't need a black velour leisure suit to help her through the frigid Chicago winter?

Dinner was met with tears as we all talked about what's going on in our lives. We had to cheer each other up somehow, so the topic turned to when we started our first periods. The moral of the story is that if we could make it through our first periods in our pre-teen days, then surely we'll make it through what's going on in our lives now.

I detested any talk about periods when I was in those fragile stages of 10 and 11 years old. It had to do with the changing of my body and would eventually lead to "the talk." My mom tried to talk to me about it several times but I always cut her off with a "I KNOW ALREADY MOM!" It's true, I did know. I just picked up on things at school: discussions, stories, innuendos. I was a pretty perceptive child. I spent most of my time observing and listening to others.

I remember we had a special talk at school for girls only. The teachers gathered us into the auditorium and proceeded to tell us about the menstrual cycle and changes we could be expecting in the near future. You could order this neat little box filled with pads, pamphlets and a resourceful book on life changes. They must have sent a letter home to the parents because my mom ordered on for me and one for my sister. I remember getting the brown box filled with the goodies and being utterly horrified. Meanwhile my sister was giddy with delight and couldn't wait to read more about "life changes" out loud from the book. My sister was the kind of girl who couldn't wait to play dress up and wear my mothers heals and jewelry. I was more inclined to throw the football around and ask the boys at school to punch me in the stomach to show them I was tough. I wasn't an extreme tomboy. Most wouldn't have classified me as one by looking at me. My appearance didn't give me away, except for that unfortunate hair cut that left me with a mullet in fourth grade. Tragic and a story for another time.

First periods are startling, overwhelming, exciting and horrifying all at once. How are they exciting? I don't know. I just know that most mom's have an innate knowledge that tells them they need to act excited when their daughters tell them they started their period. It's a "My girl is so grown up!" "You're a woman!" But we all know now what our mothers were really thinking: "And here innocence ends and high-maintenance begins." Welcome to a life of water-retention, insatiable chocolate cravings, hot pads and maxi pads, midol and the fear of leakage. Goodbye white pants during certain times of the month. Hello mood swings.

If dealing with being a teenager wasn't hard enough, girls had to deal with their periods. I remember sixth grade being an especially rough time for girls who were new to menstrual cycles. Not everyone had started yet but it was obvious if you had. If a girl made the march to the bathroom carrying her purse, there were hushed whispers or unspoken thoughts of "she must be a slut." And heaven forbid that a guy got ahold of your purse and looked through it! What if he found a pad?!

Praise God for the day that I first learned how to use a tampon. It's been nothing but freedom ever since. Try going to a summer camp for 4 weeks during the summer and having to take swim class the first day of your period. How many excuses can one make up? You quickly learn to embrace the tampon. Some girls' mothers show them how to use it. Others just follow the instructions in the box and try to figure out the pictures. Most of our first thoughts were, "This can't be right. I'm supposed to stick this where?"

If only I knew back then that one day I would be laughing over dinner with my friends talking openly about my period, it wouldn't have seemed so daunting. I can't wait for the day when I can order a fun package for my daughter and explain the joys of womanhood. She'll probably scream back at me "I KNOW ALREADY MOM!" And I'll just think to myself, "That's my girl."

Restored

You know what? I have THE greatest family and friends. I have felt so loved over the last few days. I finally have my head on straight! My parents did a GREAT job of reminding me who I am and they broke the record of negative thoughts that were running through my head. So thank you for all of the prayers, phone calls, emails and encouragement.

Becky told me to ask people for help. I ask for prayers of clarity and direction over the next couple of months. More than anything I want to do what God desires of me. But I need to remember that that doesn't mean I should sit still paralyzed with fear that I'll do the wrong thing, or worst of all, fail. Failure haunts me. I don't fail often and that must be why it seems like a huge monster. I run from it sometimes. But isn't better to have failed trying than never to have tried at all? I should cross-stitch that into a pillow. It's sure to be a famous quote. What? Someone else said that already? Scratch that idea.

The posts are sporadic these days. Work is a bit busier than usual but it should only last for a couple more weeks. Then you'll have my usual array of daily commentary from yours truly.

Life's Hard Y'all...Sometimes

It's been a really long and hard week. How can a difficult time also be so cathartic? I cried so hard and for so long last night that I woke up this morning and looked like I had been punched in the face. I could really use some cucumbers on the eyes right now. And I have never used so many kleenexes in my life. When I was done with one I'd just throw it towards the trash can in my room. I began crying again because I couldn't even make a basket with my kleenex. It was a very pathetic couple of hours.

And you know I journaled like mad. I used BIG FAT CAPITAL LETTERS with lots of exclamation points!!!! and double underlining. Such release!

The good news is that my parents are coming in town tomorrow morning! What perfect timing. I could use some TLC from the parentals.

Lake Winnipesaukee Pictures

Here are a few lovely pictures from our trip. They basically tell the story of eating, sleeping, reading and talking.



Here we are snuggled up which was our nightly ritual.



And this was us all weekend. I finished Harry Potter by the way and cried like a baby. So good!



The storm was an added blessing. I could read all day and not feel bad about it.

This is our first day. We're soaking up the last of the warm sun.



I made fire! I am so proud!



At the boat races.



My own personal boat race. I won!



I have nothing else to say about this.

3-0!

My game time party was a huge success last night! What I mean is that the COWBOYS WON! It was a huge victory as well. I mostly celebrated with Texans last night and a couple of people who could have cared less about football (aka. What's the Heisman Trophy?). That win was HUGE! I felt sorry for the Bears because I do love them, but I have to cheer for my hometown team!

I heart Wade Phillips.


My dad and I IM'd each other throughout the game last night. Here's a sneak peek at our conversation:


Me: Romosexuals unite!

Me: Uh oh (Romo threw and interception)

Dad: Yippeekaiyeah (we got it back)

Dad: Oh sh-- (something bad happened. I can't remember. Oh wait! The blocked field goal attempt)

Me: Dammit to hell! (Grandma's favorite)

Dad: Jerkasses (Grandma's second favorite)

Me: Romo! Help us!

Me: Penalties! (could there have been anymore? I submit that there could not!)

Dad: Yankee devils!

Me: Aw Yeah! (probably scored)

Me: Eastern Illinois (dad and Romo share this place)

Dad: Cradle of Football!

Dad: Viva los vaqueras!

Dad: Any tears yet from the bear fans?

Me: They went to bed.

Dad: This game takes my mind off of Notre Dame and Arkansas

Me: We needed something

Me: This gets better and better (27-10 Cowboys)

Dad: Friggin Great! (34-10 Final)



Amen.

Signature Room

Sometimes my job has it's perks.

Recipe Time

For those of you who asked:

Texas Caviar
The best for nights at the ranch, holidays, or fun parties with friends…

2 Cans Black Eyed Peas, drained and rinsed
1 Can Rotel, drained
1 Red Onion
1 Green Pepper
1 Avocado
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
½ C Italian Dressing
Lime Juice to taste

Mix all ingredients in large bowl, then add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with tortilla chips.

HodgePodge:
Perfect for a cold day, party with friends and even best served as leftovers...

1 lb. ground beef
1 medium white onion chopped
1 can rotel (diced tomatoes and green chiles)
2 cans stewed tomatoes
4 cans minestrone soup

Brown beef & onions together in a large pot. Drain grease. Add all other ingredients (no need to drain cans) and mix together. Add water (1 inch above other ingredients or to your preference). Heat on high until it bubbles. Serve in a big bowl with grated cheese and crackers.

**You can also add other ingredients like corn, beans, etc.

Cowboys vs. Da Bears

Sunday is a BIG football day! It's even bigger for a girl with a Texas heart who happens to also live in Chicago. Sunday night the Dallas Cowboys visit Chicago to take on the Bears. We all know that the Dallas Cowboys are America's team. Oh don't dispute it. I dare you to say it to my face while I'm holding a picture of the late Tom Landry.











sidenote: I've met Tom Landry. He's a great man who did amazing things with his life and the lives of others until the very end. This man also made the Fedora what it is today.

Then there's the Chicago Bears who had a great 2006 season and came so close to bringing home a Super Bowl Championship. I'm a fan of both. So I'm a winner either way on Sunday. But I'd be lying if I didn't say that I'm a bigger Cowboys fan.

So here's my plea:

Does anyone have tickets to the Bears/Cowboys game on Sunday that they'd like to bestow upon me? Or how about sell me at a price of less than $250 (the going rate for the cheap seats)? I've never been to Soldier Field and this guarantees to be an awesome match up. If I don't go to the game I'm definitely having a party. Food will consist of my two favorites: Texas Caviar and HodgePodge.

Birthday Shout Out's

Happy Birthday to two of my favorite people in the world: Auntie and Andrew! So their birthdays were actually yesterday but I tend to hold the belief that people should keep celebrating the whole week!

I gave the most creative gift to Andrew that I've ever given. Well, creative might not be the correct word; it's more unusual. I donated a goat to a family in need in his honor. What 17 year old boy wouldn't want a goat donated in his name to a family in a third world country? Beats me! Now he'll have a story when someone asks, "What's the most unusual gift you've ever received?" I'm doing him a favor in so many ways.

17 years old! I still can't wrap my brain around it. It's hard to believe that this big kid is the same person as the little newborn I carried so slowly and carefully to the hospital nursery 17 years ago. He changed our lives that day in ways we never would have dreamed. The world is a better place because of him. I know, I'm gushing. I can hardly help myself.

Blaze of Glory

New Hampshire is gorgeous! My cravings for fall and all it's glory grew to an almost uncontrollable level. There's the smell and crunch of the leaves, clothes that make you want to snuggle, the smell of the fire place and crisp, cool mornings. I just described New Hampshire.

Our trip basically consisted of napping, eating, talking, reading, napping, laughing, talking, reading, eating, eating, napping, laughing, talking, and reading. Busy busy! I did find a little time to shower, kayak, and watch an antique boat race.

But my most proud moment had to be the fire I built! Saturday was really crisp and the lakehouse had no heat. The large fire place was our only source of heat except for the mounds of quilts we had piled on top of us. I reached back into the files of my days as a camper. Building a fire is a true test of survival capabilities. There were no Starter Logs to help this girl! Armed with some newspaper, a lighter and a pile of wood, I set to work to build one of the largest and most fantastic-blazing fires one has ever seen! Kristen and Kristin made smores from a hanger. It really was a beautiful thing. I couldn't keep my eyes off of it. It was my pet project. I patiently prodded the burning logs to make sure the flames would not die out. I carefully calculated the timing and position of the next log to be placed upon the fire. You would have thought I was a man.

I'll post pictures soon and you can see my pride and joy.

Boston or Bust

I travel more than most people I know. But it's one of my favorite things about my life so I can't complain.

Tomorrow morning I'm taking the first flight out to visit my friend, Kristin Adams. My other friend, Kristen, is going too. See how those names are the same but spelled differently? Yep, that's how we tell them apart.

We're going to Lake Winnepesaukee in New Hampshire. I don't even know how to spell it correctly. I'm pretty sure that's wrong but you get the point. Apparently Uncle Buck was filmed at that Lake. You know what else is a great movie with a lake? What About Bob?. Who doesn't love that movie?!

Update: My friend was confused when she said Uncle Buck. She was thinking What About Bob?. How can those movies be confused for one another? And I did indeed spell Lake Winnipesaukee incorrectly. But I just corrected it here. See?

Some of my favorite What About Bob? quotes: "I'm sailing!" "DR. MARVIN! DR. LEO MARVIN!" "Baby steps to the elevator. Baby steps to the..." "Mmmmm. MMMMMMMM. MMMMMmmmmmmm. Mm. Mm. MMMMMM!"

A Letter to Office Max

Dear Office Max,

You have really sturdy and strong bright red boxes with handles cut out and it makes it really easy to carry things. I know you ship us paper in them but I think they make transporting materials from meetings quick and easy!

I just have one complaint. Visualize with me for a second if you will. It's a beautiful day: cool, sunny, clear and bright. It's a perfect day for football, except I'm at work. I have on my favorite brown blazer jacket (but much more awesome than a blazer. blazer may be giving you a bad mental image. it's cute is what i'm saying.) from Anthropolgie. I wear it with my favorite off-white work pants that are too big but oh so comfortable. I'm looking sharp and ready to persuade people to raise thousands of dollars for a good cause. I get to my meeting location except they have me walking all over creation (it's a University Hospital). I finally reach my destination, give a presentation and reach home just in time to go to the bathroom. I don't want to go to the bathroom in a hospital, you know, sick people. So when I do it's the first time I notice the front of my pants. It looked like I had spilled red powder all over the front of my pants. WHAT IS THIS?!!! Oh my goodness, it's the red box! It rubbed off it's ink all over the front of my favorite off-white work pants! Did the people at the meeting recognize it? Is that why that cute guy at the back of the room was smiling at me? No one said anything! And then there was that girl when I was filling my car up with gas. She gave me a look like, "been one of those days..." I thought she meant her, NOT ME! And my doorman! He probably thought I started my period. It wasn't period! I wanted to shout IT'S THE BRIGHT RED BOX FROM OFFICE MAX!

Thankfully I have my self-esteem and a small shred of dignity left. I quickly changed clothes because I had a check presentation that involved a photo shoot for the newspaper! See what I mean? Need I say more?

Sincerely,

Katy

Patrick Going to Haiti...a Country That Rhymes with Katy

Please pray for my brother, Patrick. He is heading with a group of people to Haiti today for a week long missions trip. I pray for their safety, peace, courage and that peoples lives are changed.

Patrick checked the travel warnings yesterday and saw that Haiti was added to the list of cautionary travel. It was added a week ago. Patrick thought to himself, well isn't that just GREAT?! Apparently there have been kidnappings of Americans. But they aren't heading into those areas. Thank God!

I'm so proud of him!

Here are more pictures from my weekend home. You can see Andrew in his big bad football uniform. He's #66. I just love Texas High School Football. Friday Night Lights is for real y'all!

Technology

I found a new use today for modern day technology. We all know cell phones provide constant communication, immediate availability, music options, picture pages and style. But this Friday night I discovered that they provide oh so much more: Escape!

Have you ever been at a party stuck between two strangers on a couch who love talking about kickball? What about stuck between two kickball-loving strangers on a couch with no air conditioning on a steamy night? Sounding more familiar? Yes, I thought so. What great joy leapt in my heart when I received the following text from a fellow party-goer:

"We need an exit strategy fast!"

Praise God for cell phones!

Cousins

Classic sequence of events!