In the Trash

I cleaned out my underwear drawer. I seriously had to throw out underwear I've had for a decade. A DECADE! Granted most of them were ones I didn't like so they kept hidden at the bottom of the pile and only came out on laundry days.

I have to say it feels good.

Bum Leg

You know what's the most comfortable shoe ever? Uggs? No, Uggs with orthodics.

I've become an orthodic wearing woman. Long gone are the days of sassy heels (except for that awesome pair I just secured this past weekend) and the ease of flip flops. Under orders from my physical therapist I am imprisoned in shoes that can house orthodics. Hello Easy Spirit.

I'm a 33 year-old orthodic wearing woman who decides on lunch-time restaurants by debating if she can walk to them without any pain or not. How can I be so young and have such issues with my left leg? Addiction to running, so you would think. It's most likely because I walk funny. What originally started out as knee pain is now knee pain, hip-flexer pain, and a new flare up in my calf. I should just go purchase a Rascal so I can live life or at least walk down to the bus stop.

It's really done a number on me. You know I love training for marathons, half-marathons, triathlons, etc. I love pushing myself while working out with my trainer. It's been humbling not being able to do anything. I prided myself on being in shape and being the first person in my apartment up and out the door running along the lake. I went through a mourning stage, then denial, then mourning again, and now I'm at acceptance.

I'm praying that we can figure things out while my insurance is still covering my physical therapy visits. No one can figure me out. I always liked being unique, but not like this.

At least it's winter and I can hide my orthodics in most of the shoes I wear. What if it were summer? I'd be the one wearing shorts, mid-calf high socks, and some awesome khaki colored sneakers. Game of shuffle-board anyone?

Future Fireman...

or Chippendale dancer?

Gotta love Archer. I wonder what's so exciting on TV that he stopped in his barenaked tracks.

My nephew, Liam, could be in a Gap ad.

How Did You Spend Your New Year's in the Decade of 2000?

2000 - Ushered in Y2K at a party at my parent's house and then went with friends to downtown Dallas where we watched the lighting of something we once thought was important but now I can't remember.

2001 - Probably some miserable singles party for church. Beck? Was this that horrible year? I try to put it out of my memory because it was THAT BAD! Church + Singles = Nightmare NYE.

2002 - Was this the year Dallas iced over and Becky, Erin, Andrew, Chris and I went sledding behind our parents' golf cart? That was one of the best New Year's Eve parties EVER! I still want to see the video of Becky flying off the sled.

2003 - Second worst New Year's Eve nights ever. It started off great with Becky, Greg, and Becky's semi-boyfriend, Barrett (whom we dubbed "Barry"). We ate dinner and Greg went to meet some other friends. Then we hung out with Barrett and Becky began to realize that he was old because he didn't know about the Goo-Goo Dolls. We were back in bed around 11:30 pm and asleep. Ugh, that was painful.

2004 - I had just moved to Chicago this year. Patrick and I had friends over to my parent's house to watch movies outdoors on a big screen. Fire place was roaring along with the heaters and it was so much fun.

2005 - Probably one of my best memories. Becky, Russ, Wendy, Kristen, Patrick and I headed over to a house where Hattie was house-sitting. We cooked a huge dinner and sat outside talking, eating and laughing until the wee hours of the morning. Then we had one huge slumber party and a massive breakfast in the morning.

2006 - We tried to create the magic this year but it just couldn't live up to the hype.

2007 - I flew back to Chicago, ate dinner with the roommates and we went and saw Blood Diamond. We are so exciting.

2008 - I was in Dallas and Becky was pregnant. She, Russ, and I went to a delicious Italian restaurant in Lakewood and then sat with all the old people to watch a movie at Mockingbird Station. Was it Charlie Wilson's War? I loved it!

2009 - An exciting night of dinner and Scrabble. Janell, Kate, Alyson and I kept it low-key (aka. lame). I do remember dominating the Scrabble game. I knew then that 2009 would be a good year.

2010 - Party at our place! Should be a fun night.

So long 2009! What will the next 10 years hold?

Look into the Future

I just read this horoscope from some Yahoo website about what 2010 will look like for me.

Year 2010 Overview

Okay, pause for a moment and check your pulse. Still there? Good. That means you survived the last couple of years with both Saturn and Pluto in less-than-perfect places for you. And by "less than perfect," I mean "lousy." Good news! Both of astrology's heavyweights have moved on to more constructive places for you. Now is the time to take that famous Pisces sensitivity (still intact from the challenges of the last while) and put it to work making your life a happier and more comfortable place.

You'll be receiving a lot more attention from others in 2010: loved ones, family and co-workers will all be drawn to you at times like moths to a flame. And as a result of the last couple of years worth of hassle, you'll be a stronger person with better judgment, and much better able to handle the influx. Enjoy your new position at the center of your own social circle!

One more noteworthy change from the previous year: Jupiter will be in your sign for most of the year, giving you a newfound sense of optimism and happiness about things no matter how they turn out. You'll be feeling expansive, but be careful not to expand too much -- this transit also comes with a more than usual chance of weight gain. There will be a renewed emphasis on health, fitness and personal well-being in the spring -- take advantage of that. Then again, maybe you just deserve the break. What's a pound or to compared to real happiness?

So I was all into this horoscope thinking, "yeah, yeah, I like where it's going. It will be so right on! Goodbye Pluto and Saturn - whatever that means! I will be the center of attention. Hooray! Not only that but I will rule with wisdom (picturing myself dressed in a black robe and a white wig resembling old school Parliament)." And then I read about the potential weight gain and now choose to believe that it's a load of crap!

Gluttony

Dear Lord, forgive me for the gluttony that took place this past week (she says as she shoves another handful of Swedish Fish in her mouth). My diet consisted of chocolate-covered nuts and Milk Duds. Ugh, I feel sick just thinking about it. I felt sick about it yesterday but it didn't stop me from eating even more today. Everyday I say "Tomorrow!" Well, I think I need to mean it. I have no plans tomorrow night so I think I'll go to the store and prepare for a week of detox, headaches from lack of sugar, and my digestive system straightening itself out. Wow, this sounds a lot like rehab.

VPL

My mother would be horrified.

I'm rockin' navy velour sweatpants with a different color navy blue top, brown Uggs, and some serious Visible Panty Lines.

It's a laundry night. Laundry rule: You wear your most unfavorite panties so you have as many clean pairs of favorites available as possible.

Video of Laken

Here's a video Patrick made of Laken's first day in this world. Precious.

Laken Orender

Laken Orender was born today! He came in at a stunning 6lbs. 11oz. Alicia and Laken are doing great. Liam got to hold Laken and kept saying, "He's growing!" Patrick said that Laken looks just like Liam when he was born. He's destined to be adorable.

Thanking God for another healthy baby! Congrats to Patrick, Alicia, and Liam! Happy to be an aunt again.

Family Networking

Facebook gave me two crushing blows recently:

1. Found out my little brother is "in a relationship." Um, thanks Andrew. Glad I could hear it from you. That makes me the one single kid in our family - again. Work with me Drew!

2. My Dad has more friends on Facebook than I do!

iPhone Gloves

Purchase alert! I visited the Nordstrom sale today. I'm still giddy just thinking about it. How I've missed shopping. I digress.

One of my frustrations with the iPhone the past two winters is that I have to remove my gloves and risk frost bite in order to answer my phone or text someone. Today a discovery was made! They are now making special gloves you can wear that work with the iPhone! There is special fabric around the pointer finger and thumb that allows the heat from your fingers to reach the phone.

They're part of a special trunk sale this weekend. I pre-ordered mine after making sure they worked (they do) and get to pick them up on Monday. They come in many wonderful flavors.

Jock Jams

After attending the Dallas Cowboys' game on Sunday at the new Cowboys Stadium I had a thought:

If my office played upbeat music and my co-workers clapped their hands when I walked into the office, I'd be pretty pumped up for the workday, too.

I wouldn't mind wearing spandex either.

Getting Stronger!

I have a new trainer and we met for the first time yesterday morning. So far the results are that I'm limping around, groaning everytime I stand up, and I can't decide if my boobs hurt because of PMS or because of the "Superman" sets.

He gave me my story of the day yesterday. I'm doing the Arnold shoulder presses while lunging down the center of the gym when he squats down to my eye-level, gets uncomfortably close to my face and says, "Are you a sheep or a wolf?"

"Ummm....what?"

"Are you a sheep or a WOLF?!"

"Oh, you're serious. Uh...umm. I guess it depends on the day?"

"In order to protect the sheep, you have to kill the wolf. In order to kill the wolf, YOU HAVE TO BE THE WOLF!"

Yes, a huge 260 pound, 6-foot 4-inch, college football-playing man with biceps the size of my head is my new trainer. I'm scared.

High Maintenance

Today I realized that my car is old. It has its quirks. I never gave them much of a thought until I had to valet it today for a work event. Hopping out of my car I handed the keys to the valet and gave him a list of tricks to make sure my car didn't lock down and revolt.

1. The remote to unlock the doors doesn't work all the time. If you click it you may trip the alarm which means the car won't start. So don't use it. Ignore it.

2. If the alarm sets itself, you'll have to use the remote but it may take a little while for it to work.

3. To unlock the door you have to use the silver key in the passenger-side door. It won't work in the driver-side door.

4. The silver key won't work to turn on the car. You have to use the black key to make the car start.

I love my car and will miss it dearly when its time to let go. I still think it has a few good miles left, but I won't mind having a few of the bells and whistles a newer car has to offer - like seat warmers! They sound so good this time of year.

Single for a Season or Single for a Reason?

Today's Lunchroom Theory: Change of seasons can either make or break a relationship.

Take a moment to ponder.

Imagine this, you go on a date with a guy who is cute and you're thinking there might be a little chemistry. You're at your front door ready to say good night. You stand gazing into each others eyes. Is he about to move in for a kiss? Next thing you know, he shivers a little, says, "it's cold" and proceeds to place his man muffs over his ears. Romantic moment RUINED! Man Muffs are responsible for yet another failed relationship.

Another co-worker, Elizabeth, tells us a story about a guy she was beginning to date just as fall turned into winter. Rumors of him walking the streets in a Jets coat circulated. But no, surely it can't be true. She wouldn't believe it. Then comes date number three. Jets coat makes an appearance. Relationship quickly evaporates.

Thinking we're shallow? Try this: It's late spring and summer is around the corner. You've fallen hard for this guy - well as much as you can in three weeks time. You've always seen him dress nicely in great jeans and a light jacket. Suddenly the weather warms up on a rare May weekend. He calls you to tell you that he's waiting outside your apartment to take you on a date. You run out the door, excited to see him. You stop in your tracks barely able to believe what you're seeing. He's wearing shorts. And they're short. Like 1970's professional basketball team short. Could you do it? What if they were once jeans that were cut-off mid-thigh?

I'm telling you, you need to at least date a full year before committing. Seasonal changes can tell you a lot about a person.

The Annual Visit

Sound the horn! Clash the cymbals! Fly the flags! It's time for my annual gynecological appointment! Hooray! Let's make sure that pap gets the clean bill of health.

Unless your pregnant, most women need to plan for this appointment. There's some preparation that must take place before you'll freely spread'em for the gynecologist. (Oh Mom, please make sure Dad isn't reading this...or at least reading it alone. You may have to hold his hand. I can almost hear him saying, "GEEEEEEEZ Kathryn!" But these are the facts of life. If I don't write about it, who will? Becky, that's who.)

My checklist:
1. Make appointment for first thing in the morning. This ensures ultimate freshness.
2. Shower...obviously.
3. Wardrobe choice - Wear something that's the clothing-equivalent to a cup of chicken noodle soup when you have a cold. Comfort food and comfort clothes can go a long way.
4. Are you lasered, waxed, etc.? You want to make their job easy.
5. Emotional strength - go ahead and acknowledge that immediately after the appointment you'll think, "that wasn't that bad!" But later you'll have a creeping feeling of being slightly violated. That's normal and it will eventually go away.

I think I'm ready. I've decided on leggings, a dress that's more comfortable than sweatpants, and a scarf. I'll call my girls for support. But the main relief is knowing that I'm healthy and don't have to do this for another 12 months.

Get those pap smears girls! Everybody's doing it.

Ordinary World

I thought you might be interested in seeing the trailer for Ordinary World, a film I did back in April. I think it's being released in a month or so. Exciting times!

You see my best feature rockin' the green DVF dress.

Long Hiatus

Sorry for the log hiatus. After the most fun summer of my life it's time to get back to business! I also want to mention briefly that I've started writing a book. So far it's little vignettes from my life - humorous and truthful all at the same time. I'm sure it will include many embarrassing moments that cause the reader much pain.

I'm not very far into it, but I think it's a good goal. I may use this blog to work out a few stories. I'll let you know how it goes.

Big News Everyone!

I would like to take this moment to acknowledge some fantastic news in the Orender family. Not only is my sister-in-law, Alicia, pregnant and due in December, but my sister, Erin, is pregnant, too! This news just couldn't get any better! Or could it?

Yesterday Erin and Chris went to the doctor and found out they're having TWINS!!! I cried, of course. I'm so excited for them. I'm sure they are frightened. They already have two boys at home.

I'll go ahead and answer your questions:
1. Yes, it is totally natural.
2. Twins does run in the family. My great aunt and uncle on my Mom's side were twins. Chris' great aunt and uncle were also twins. Do you see the pattern? Boy and Girl twins. So I'm thinking I could possibly have a niece in the near future! Three nephews, one more on the way. Don't get me wrong, I love those boys with all my heart, but come on, I need to have a niece to take shopping, talk boys, style for prom, etc. Chris wants two boys so he can start a gang.