SUPERBASS

"If Taylor Swift knew us we would be best friends." - Britt Linde.

It's so true.

And, furthermore, let me just say T-Sweezy + Nicki Minaj + Superbass = a perfect reason for a blog post.

The inspiration began with a mutual obsession Taylor Swift, my girlfriends and I have with Nicki Minaj's "SUPERBASS"

So let's begin when I watched this video. And it just solidified
we would be the best of friends.



I mean. The reasons are blatently obvious. We're both blonde. We love country and yet we can rap.

And then...Britt and I decided we would a video of our own.

It went something like this:




(FYI: We kept looking to the side in hopes that no one in her family would catch us acting like middle school girls. Somehow I imagined  the African drums being played during the chorus. I attempted to "play them." I was informed by several people that in fact, that wasn't how you play the African drums at all. Oh well.)

Several weeks later a fabulous thing happened.There I was walking the streets of New York with Gene and Jessica when Gene points out that some celebrity is walking out of this sushi restaurant. Some celebrity? I mean that's an understatement. Fortunately for me, "some celebrity" meant TAYLOR SWIFT. I freaked out. Probably more than a 25 year old girl should freak out, but whatevs.  Unfortunately for Gene,  I almost yanked his arm off in excitement.  Oops.

Clearly I had to tell the world about what just happened.  Here was my favorite response...courtesy of the one and only Jody:

The following day, Rachel came into town. (We were celebrating her 25th birthday after all so she better have been there.)  She (like Britt, T-Swift and I) is equally as obsessed with SUPERBASS and so we made this video.  (Cameo appearance of Laura featured in this video)

But wait, don't worry, it doesn't stop there.  Just a couple short weeks later I am minding my own business, working hard in the office, and I notice T-Swift is performing in DC that very night.  Shockingly, and I mean SHOCKINGLY I was able to buy some decent last minute floor seats.  So. Katie and I went for her birthday.  Channeling our inner girl we had to dress in headbands and dresses.

It was a fantastic concert. But that probably goes without saying.  And it was a great way to ring in Katie's Birthday. I mean, Katie's fabulous. Taylor's fabulous. It just made absolute sense that we should go.

Recently, it all came together when I learned Nicki came on stage at one of Taylor's concerts and surprised the audience by singing "Superbass" with her. I feel like I should have been there.  However, this video of it will suffice...for now.

So there you have it. 

And just in case you haven't gotten enough, here's my fave T-Sweezy video:

I'd love to make a music video with the 2 of them.

The end.

We Will Never Forget...

9.11.01  I was sitting in the "closet" of the classroom of my history teacher, Mr. Ford, taking a test. I came out to ask a question and saw all eyes of my peers glued to the tv as we all watched the second plane fly into the World Trade Center. I'll be honest. I didn't understand what was going on at first.  In fact, I asked Mr. Ford what historic movie they were watching.  Well, it wasn't a movie at all, rather, it was history in the making.

I remember walking around the rest of that day in a stupor amongst my peers.  As a freshman in high school I didn't really know what the WTC was. I simply knew that many lives had been lost, terrorists had attacked us on our own soil, and that I was in shock.  I had a lot of questions.  Would we go to war? Were there more attacks coming?  How did this happen? How can I help?

As the days and weeks rolled by I joined the rest of humanity around the world watching footage of real life heroes sorting through the rubble, saving lives and listening to stories of those who lost loved ones in the attacks and those who by some miracle were able to survive.  For a brief moment in time it was as if the world worked as one trying to figure out how to move forward while still dangling in shock.

I remember stories of friends in London who after the attacks were unable to fly home and had no place to stay.  British men and women were calling  the American Embassy offering their homes to stranded Americans. People were opening their doors to complete strangers and sharing everything they had.

I remember flying into New York City on 10.11.01 exactly one month after the attacks.  My whole family had bought tickets to fly to the city and then drive out to Woodstock for my cousin's wedding.  Hesitant to fly, we were packed with Xanax, just in case. We arrived at LGA and exited with our bags in hand to catch a cab. And then, it was as if everything just STOPPED and time moved in slow motion.  A fire truck drove past filled with firemen dressed up in suits, not their normal gear.  They were on their way downtown to listen to Rudy Giuliani's speech that was starting in just a few hours.

Images flashed through my head of what I had scene on the tv in the past month, but here, right here in front of me were men and women who rushed in to help and they were real heroes. I wanted to stand there and just start clapping for them and never stop as if to say "thank you."  Thank you for your sleepless nights and countless hours to try to help just that one last person that could be found.  Thank you for your service. Instead, they passed so fast that all I could manage was a wave and a smile.  They waved and smiled back. I've never felt such gratitude for complete strangers.  It was a feeling I can't forget.

That trip to New York was certainly unlike any other I'd experienced. The whole trip was unique - from Anthrax being found at the NBC studios the same morning that we took a tour of the studios, to being barricaded in our street with no exit because of a supposed bomb threat on the bus in front of our hotel and police didn't want anyone to leave until they had thoroughly investigated, to having a pipe thrown at our car from the roof of an old building in the Bronx hitting just below the window and causing quite a scare, to the most unique experience of all - going down as close to Ground Zero as we could.

By this point they had opened up the chapel by Ground Zero to just a few people at a time who were allowed to pay their respects and leave presents or notes.  There were guards, policemen, military men, and firemen everywhere. The line was so long that half the people would never make it to the chapel by the time they would ask everyone to go home.  For some reason, out of this long crowd of people a young army man approached me in line and asked if I would like to be escorted to the chapel to leave the notes I had brought with me. Knowing I was coming to New York, and hoping I would be able to leave notes of love and appreciation for all who were working so hard my mother thought it would be a good idea to not just bring my own note, but to bring notes from all my classmates as well.  The nice young man escorted me over to the chapel where I then found a place to lay all of the notes and cards. He told me that they appreciated the words of support because it helped them to carry on in such a difficult work. As I walked away to return to my family, I watched some of the workers stop and read each letter.  I was humbled and learned a lot that day.  I learned the power of kind words and support - not just to those men and women in that moment, but to men and women anywhere.

As we walked around the surrounding area most of the people around us still had face masks on and most of the shops were abandoned as their store windows lay covered in ash.

We passed a firehouse with a large banner which read, "WE WILL LEAVE THE LIGHT ON FOR YOU" and had pictures of those in their department who were still missing.

It was an experience I will never forget.  

As I reflect on these memories I am filled with a lot of thoughts and emotions.

Humbled that life can change in an instant and one moment without warning.

Grateful that in these moments we can see the people's ability to love and help complete strangers. To be united in our care and concern for our fellow men.

Grateful for the real heroes who risked their lives to help those in need and those who continue to do so this day.    

Remembering the impact of a kind, encouraging word.

Renewed understanding that each moment is precious and to enjoy it, help others, love your family and friends, and try to be a good person. We are all imperfect.  We all have traits that may annoy others, but when it comes down to it, we are all just trying to do the best that we can with what we know.  Remember this. And love everyone.

Love for those who lost loved ones when their lives were changed forever.

We will Never Forget.

Living Through Laughter - Love to Lindsey

Admittedly it's been quite a long while since I've blogged and I have MUCH to update my 5 or so readers on,  but the updates will have to wait for another time.

Instead, I want to just make this quick post in order to express my love and appreciation for the beautiful example of those around me and to maybe help out in what little way I can.

If you know me at all then you know I LOVE London.  It is the most wonderful, magical place to me.  However, part of that magic would not be complete without the memories of my 41 other best friends and teachers from my London Study Abroad (Fall 2007). You helped make my first visit there a marvelous memory that is forever etched in my heart never to be forgotten. I may not always be the best at keeping in touch, but please know...I love all of you. You are all some of the most important people in my life. I always like to say that we were each hand picked for that study abroad. I don't know of any other group that meshed like we did...and still do.  Even though some of us may not talk all the time we still have that special bond...for life.

 

Outside Boggle Hole - London Girl's Shot

 



London Boys (in Rome) on a FREEZING day (Not pictured...James)

It broke my heart when I learned that one of our dear study abroaders, Lindsey, passed away yesterday.  She'd battled cancer before our study abroad and pulled through like a champion. She was such an example to me as she would talk about it. She was so young and had gone through so much and yet there she was living life to it's fullest with a smile on her face. Unfortunately, this time it seems as though her body could fight no longer.

Throughout her sickness I didn't see her or speak to her. In fact, I probably hadn't spoken to her in a couple years...time goes by so fast and sometimes you don't realize how long it's been. It didn't matter that I didn't speak to her though because even without speaking she remained a beautiful example to me of love and life.

I would stay updated on blogs about her or her facebook while she was sick and learned that she lived the last bit of her life by the motto: "Living Through Laughter."  I can't imagine. I can't imagine being sick like that and Living Through Laughter. And yet, that's exactly what she did and that's exactly how I want to continue to live the rest of my life as I wake up each day grateful for the opportunities ahead of me. Thank you Lindsey for that example - you and your example will never be forgotten and my prayers go out to you and your loved ones. 

So Lindsey...here's to your memory and Living Through Laughter with a few London memories:
 

Colesseum Rome 2007 (Brooke, Me, Lindsey, Kels, Preston, Greg)



Pre-performance of Love's Labour's Lost at Shakespeare's Globe Theater- Teen Vogue shot!
(Me, Brittany, Lindsey)

First and original Hard Rock Cafe - London.  I remember we were SO excited for American food
and rocked out ALL night long singing at the top of our lungs at the table.

Lindsey performing at the London Center for our Christmas Talent Show.
I feel like this was right before she went to the corner and bought something like 20
pashminas to take home...and wore them ALL on the airplane 'cause our suitcases were all
stuffed WAY too full.  Also before our white elephant gift exchange...Londoners you know
exactly what gift she donated...hint, hint...it invovled the Union Jack and  little Emma Barton
opened it - SUCH A FUNNY NIGHT.

Spanish Steps - Rome 2007



Getting our pics taken for our Oyster Subway cards. We couldn't smile for them
so they all looked like serial killer mug shots.  Here we are re-enacting them. We all
look REALLY cute, huh?





Globe Theater Again Non-Teen-Vogue shot.  Little did we know in just a few hours
we would be SO SICK of standing for the show that we would proceed to try to lay our heads
down on the stage while the performers were still performing right in front of us.



Post Londoness at Lindsey's Dream Wedding - SO excited for her! (Me, Lindsey, Mary, and Rachel)

Some of you reading this may know Lindsey, some may not, but regardless there is something we can ALL learn from her and that is to appreciate life, live each day to it's fullest, express gratitude for the ups and downs of life, and to continue Living Through Laughter as she did.

You can find out more about Lindsey's story and her courageous example. Take a couple minutes to read her story and you will know how remarkable of a fighter she really was by reading her story on this website:  http://livingthroughlaughter.com/lindsey/

Also, I know medical bills must be high and I'm sure they'd be grateful for any support they may receive. If you want to donate to help out her family please see this link:  http://livingthroughlaughter.com/donate/

Wake Me Up Before You Go Go...

I woke up.

I hit the snooze button 5 times.

Pandorad (Yes I made listening to Pandora a verb) my way to work.

Answered some emails when I got to work, but mostly chatted with my co-workers about my Event Classes I'd taken the 2 days prior.

Then, I was ready to print out tickets to the Katy Perry concert that night. Yes, I saw her once already in London and yes, her concert was that good it was worth going to again.

Only one problem.  The tickets weren't in my account.  And then I noticed they'd never been charged to my credit card. It was a sold out show and the only tickets left were scalped tickets for $200 a piece. NO THANK YOU.

And that's when I did my first Craigslist transaction. After emailing TONS of people I found someone willing to sell me 2 tickets and another person willing to sell me 3 tickets...all for LESS than what we originally would have paid.

The first transaction was done over PayPal...also a first for me.

The second transaction was supposed to be in cash and we were going to meet outside of a CVS after work.

Only one more small problem...when I went to meet this stranger who I hoped wasn't scamming me...I noticed my car tank was on EMPTY.  Ok so, this isn't really a big problem...more just inconvenient because filling up my car with gas is one of my least favorite things to do.

So there I was at the gas station and I realized I'd been sitting in the car for a while and hadn't heard the nozzle click off. (I know you are supposed to stand by your car when getting gas, but it was so hot outside I just couldn't do it...lesson learned). As I jumped out of my car and looked at the screen I noticed it was way over the gallons my tank holds.

And that's when I saw it...gasoline everywhere. I yanked the nozzle out of my car whilst successfully spraying some on myself.  GREAT.

Needless to say, it was a hot mess. I got yelled at by the gas station employees. I felt really bad and stupid. I hate when people yell at me. But eventually we cleaned it up and I was on my way.

I met my Craigslist friend outside of CVS and exchanged cash for a brown envelope full of tickets. I imagine it's probably similar to how drug deals go down. You know. Cash for an unmarked brown envelope. Except, in my case I wasn't nervous that the cops were watching me or anything like that.  I mean, last time I checked buying Katy Perry tickets wasn't illegal or anything.  

4 girlfriends and I went to the concert, sang, danced and had a grand old time.

As I cozied myself into bed to sleep that I night I thought to myself...yep, all in all, with everything that happened it seems like a typical Wednesday to me.

And then I laughed cause my gasoline incident reminded me of this:



All in a typical Wednesday.

Summer surprises and salads

Admittedly it's been a while since I last blogged. Life has gotten crazy these past few weeks, but it's been a good kind of crazy at least. Here are 2 thoughts for the day:

1. My newest summer obsesh (short for obsession): strawberry salad.







I basically make it everyday for lunch. Here are the ingredients you need:

Strawberries...duh
Spinach salad
Goat cheese (chevre)
Parmesan slices
Craisins
Balsamic vinaigrette

You can add nuts if you want. I can't. I'll die if I do. Literally. But that's a story for another day.

Try it. Trust me. You'll thank me.

2. Yesterday, I was talking about Groupon with this 65 year old, retired female naval officer. I asked her about recent deals she bought on Groupon. Her answer: pole dancing classes. I'd expect this purchase from ANY girl in her 20's - 40's but not from a woman in her 60's...and in the navy nonetheless. Lesson learned: it's always the ones you least expect.

#MyLifeIsAMusical

There is something about music that just speaks to me. It's always played a significant role in my life and always will.  I always have a song in my head, I love discovering recent songs and new artists, I'm constantly making playlists for friends, driving around with the windows down and music on full blast, going to live concerts, and I like to think most moments of my life have their own background music (#Mylifeisamusical).


As a child my dad used to tell me, "Katie, if you put all your classes and studies to music you would be a genius. Your ability to remember every song and artist is uncanny."  And yes, right now you are probably thinking to yourself "this comment totally reminds me of that scene in the Babysitter's Club movie from the early 90's where they make up a song about how the brain works so that she can pass her science class."  And even if you weren't thinking that here's the clip for your viewing pleasure...thank goodness for YouTube...




But seriously, he was probably right - I hear a song played once and more than likely I will know 95% of the words the next time I hear it played and will be singing along.

And then there was the time that music helped me get into college. Two of my college application essays began with song lyrics.

Essay #1 began with, and I quote "Popular artist, Eminem, once rapped 'They say music can alter moods and talk to you, but can it load a gun up for you and cock it too." Yeah, I'm not really sure how I thought that would help me get into college. I'm not sure college admissions people thinking HIGHLY of Eminem...but, somehow it worked! 

Essay #2 was based on the chorus of Billy Joel's "Only the Good Die Young" However, if I'm being entirely honest it wasn't until 10th grade or so that I learned it was actually a Billy Joel song. My 4th grade self was only familiar with the Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies version off of one of the many Punk-O-Rama Cd's I owned as a youngin'. And yes, it was during this SHORT phase of my life that I also wore JNCO jeans and a chain wallet. Don't deny you too didn't own one or both of these items at some point...everyone in the early 90's did and I was no exception. And no, there will be no pictures of me in either of these items...I'm not sure the world is/ever will be ready to see those pics.

However, the time of year I feel I appreciate music the most is...SUMMERTIME!!  Summertime means CONCERTS, CONCERTS, CONCERTS!!

This past weekend I knocked off two of my many summertime shows.

Saturday night was a country fest with Eric Church and Jason Aldean.  Best part of the concert - people watching. I never knew that handkerchiefs also doubled as shirts...apparently they do...and apparently I was the last one to know this.

Here are a couple pics from the lawn:

Sunday night was a wonderful evening with Sugarland and Matt Nathanson.  First of all, Jennifer Nettles vocals BLEW ME AWAY. And Matt Nathanson...well his voice can make anyone melt.  All in all a FANTASTIC night.  My current fave Sugarland song would have to be "Little Miss"  I think it adequately expresses how overwhelming life can get at times...and then it swoops in with a chorus full of hope.  You can check it out here:

Upcoming Summer Concerts:

NKOTBSB...Don't Judge.

Kenny Chesney featuring Zac Brown Band (potentially...still on the fence about this one)

Katy Perry

Tim McGraw

Brad Paisley w/ The Band Perry

Toby Keith

Rascal Flatts (Came part of a concert package...will most likely be selling it...not my all time fave)

and potentially more to add to the list

Garth Brooks in Vegas??? If I can convince anyone to go with me...Why are loyal Garth fans hard to find these days???

Traveling is my Drug of Choice

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain

“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” – Lin Yutang

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard

“I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” – Mark Twain

“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley

I love to travel. And I feel as though these quotes capture many of my feelings towards travel.  Whether it be a road trip, day trip, trip abroad, trip home, or trip to a neighboring city...I embrace it all. In fact, some people think it's weird but I actually LOVE road trips. It doesn't take much to convince me to drop everything, hop in the car, and just drive to visit a place 2 hours away or 20 hours away. I plan on spending several weekends of my summer taking these mini weekend road trips...now the question is...where to?!  Only time will tell...

See, Do, and Meet.  These are my main reasons for loving to travel - there are always new things to see, exciting things to do, and wonderful people to meet that I don't think I shall ever get bored of traveling...just so long as I'm not doing it ALL the time. I love having a place to call "home" and come back to my own, cozy bed to rest my head.  Oh, and before I go on I should probably include eating too! One of the great perks of traveling - new foods. 

Although I am always ready to go anywhere, here are the places that have been on my mind recently that I'd like to discover:

Grand Canyon- Arizona  Yes, I know it's Un-American that I've never been here.  Just never had the chance.



Machu Picchu - Peru

Biking through Lancaster County, PA



Barcelona - Spain

Halifax - Nova Scotia

Rio de Janeiro - Brazil



AAA

IF I had an addiction. 

And I'm not saying that I do.

But IF I did and I needed to get help for said addiction I would probably name it "Anthropology Addicts Anonymous" That way if I said I was having a problem with "Triple AAA" people would think I was having a problem with my auto or something, not that I was placing myself on shopping probation from Anthro.

Like I said, that would only be IF I had a problem.  Which I don't.  

But while we are on the subject of Anthro here's a list of items that would currently be on my wishlist...if I cared about such things.  And it's not like I'm going to buy any of these things...really...cause like I said before I don't have an addiction...

 

 

     

Oh Happy Day!

Today is a special day people. It's my older brother's birthday.  On this very joyous occassion, I can't help but remenesce about all the fond memories we share...such as (cue super sentimental "Full House" style music):

• Coming home for the holidays and hearing the words " Seasons Beatings" in place of "Seasons Greetings" followed by "Angel bites" (pinching) and noogies.
• Going on Easter Egg Hunts as a child only to find an egg with my name on it hidden in a pile of dog poop.
• Being welcomed home by my brother with 10 steak knives taped to his fingers pretending to be Freddy Krueger because apparentlyI must have been afraid of Freddy at some point in my life...
• Screaming because my brother was lurking in the shadows with a wrestling mask on when my friends and I would arrive at the house.
•  Receiving 10 phone calls in a row if I don't answer the first time.

Ok, ok all jokes aside and in all seriousness, my life wouldn't be the same without this jokester in my life.  I have the GREATEST family around and am absolutely OBSESSED with my siblings - they are the BEST. And while my brother may pick on my sister and I NONSTOP, I also know he would do absolutely ANYTHING for us and we'd do anything for him too. 

Happy Birthday Tombo!  Love you!

Here's a throwback photo from our childhood

What? I'm Watering a Shoe.

Motivational Posters. They are supposed to motivate us.  But, let's be honest.  Sometimes I don't want to be motivated by the traditional, typical kitten "Hang in There" poster:

I mean I like kittens just as much as the next person...But...sometimes, this is the kind of "motivational" poster I'd rather see. Cause sometimes I think it's more realistic:

There are so many things I love about this.

 Mostly, I love that she's doing exactly what she wants to be doing at that moment. And she doesn't want to be bothered or have to explain what's she's doing or why she's doing it to anyone.

Also, that expression is priceless.



It makes me laugh.

Do You Smell What THE ROCK is Cooking?

Ok...Blogger has been screwy lately. It's deleted this post and had errors so many times.  Hopefully this time it sticks! I'm trying it again...

On some very rare occassions, it's as if moments of greatness just fall into my lap. You know what I'm talking about right? Those moments that are so genius you couldn't have planned for it. They just happen.   I had one such moment last week.

It was one of my breast friends birthday.  And no, you didn't read that wrong. No. It's not a typo.  She really is one of my breast friends.

What exactly is a "breast friend"?  Well...you know how if someone sees a group of guys hanging out together, without women, they're often called a "Sausage Fest."  Well...I decided that a group of girls hanging out, sans men, should be called a "Chest Fest"...and so...the Breast Friends began.

(Some of...although not all BrFF's pictured below)

About now, I should probably also mention that part of the criteria of being "BrFF's" (Breast Friends Forever) is loving #FASTFIVE...oops so used to hashtagging it...I mean...Fast Five. Gauranteed it's currently playing at a movie theater near you.   See it.   Trust me.

I mean, really, what's not to love?      Paul Walker? Yes please.      Fast Cars? Yes please.    Vin Diesel? Yes Please.   Tyrese? Yes Please.     Luda?  Yes Please.     Classic Quotes such as "I'm Hongry" and "I hope you brought your Thunderpants"?  Yes Please.     Ridiculous Action? Yes Please.    Extrememly buff bald man fighting other extremely buff bald man? Yes Please.   I could go on and on...but most importantly...

THE ROCK?  DUH. Absolutely ridiculous whilst being insanely amazing at the same time.

Ok so, we've already established it's Stephanie's birthday. So, I decided to youtube "The Rock + Happy Birthday" and literally, as if it was just sitting there waiting for me to find it, this little gem magically appears on the screen...IT COULD NOT BE MORE PERFECT.

But wait!!! Let's have a quick review before viewing so that you can really appreciate the greatness of this find.  Her name is Stephanie. She is one of my breast friends.  And we love The Rock...mostly because of #FASTFIVE

There are two sides to every story...apparently

Today I went on a walk with my dad. I realized I didn't really know how he met my mom...so, naturally, I asked him.

"well, you know Doug Rogers, that guy that started Cheddars? Well, he had a friend Jim who was dating your mom and I met her when she was with him. We were on a lake."

Next question: "what was your first date?"

"I'm not sure if it was our first, but one of our first dates was to a
Little Richard concert."

Several hours later...

My mom and I are eating cupcakes with some friends. She asks what I've been up to today. I inform her that I went on a walk with dad and found out how they first met on a lake and had their first date at a little Richard concert.

Her response: "What are you talking about? We met at a medical party. He was on stage singing and playing a song he wrote and our first date was to an Ike and Tina turner concert."

And so it goes...Men remember it one way and women remember it a whole other way...And who ever knows who is really right?!

-Live with passion

I Totally Paused...

Recently, I've discovered something about myself.

Other people have been pointing it out for years, but...I've been in denial.

It's hard for me to admit it...

But...

It may be true...

I may not be the best driver.

There. I said it.

Let me just clarify though that I have NEVER been the cause of an accident while driving. I've been hit by others, but never have I hit others.  Also, until last year I've NEVER had a ticket. I've always gotten out of them. Until Florida...and then Pennsylvania...and then I may have been pulled over a couple other times as well...

Now, before you start cracking the blonde jokes, or female driver jokes just know that I Probably COULD be a good driver if it weren't for a few bad habits:

1. I love car dancing. Sue me, but it makes me happy.  I mean I don't usually dance when I'm in the car alone...sometimes...but not usually. And really this shouldn't even be a bad habit because who isn't guilty of a little car dancing now and then?

Case in Point Click Here for a previous car dancing post

Unfortunately, this habit has a tendency to scare some people riding with me, which is a shame cause then they don't join in.

2. I like speed.  I am used to driving in TX where the speed limits are normal and about 15 mph faster than most other states. For me, driving 55 mph feels like I'm moving at a snails pace...literally...watch this to understand:






3. I can be guilty of the ROLLING STOP. It's like a cross between a YIELD and a STOP.
It looks something like this (Fast forward to 56 sec.) also, it's an excuse to relive the 90's with this
Clueless clip:




Translation: The rolling stop really means "I totally paused" - Cher Horwitz


Turns out the rolling stop can get you in a lot of trouble.  Well, this and being from Texas. 

There I was on a perfectly good day driving about a block from my place when bad driving habit #3...the rolling stop...got me in trouble.  Next thing I know, sirens are blaring behind me. 

I quickly pull over, bat my eyelashes in utter innocence, and proceed to hand officer friendly my license and registration.

After making me wait approx. 30 minutes he comes back with a warning in hand.

PHEW! I've dodged this one...or so I thought.

Officer friendly hands me my warning and tells me that he's going to let me off the hook.

GREAT! 

And then it happens...he hits me with a few doozies- 2 tickets and court date.

Turns out my records indicate I've lived outside of TX for almost 2 years now and I still have a TX driver's license- BAM- Ticket #1.

Also, I didn't have a county property tax sticker on my car -BAM -Ticket #2.

Then, he explains the court date. I'm thinking I just have to show proof that I've gotten a new license and a county sticker on my car. NOPE. I have to physically go to court and explain to them why I still had a TX license and show them proof that I've submitted the forms for my new license.

I knew this would probably happen one day. But I wasn't quite ready to give up my TX license. 

'Cause really, I'm just a TX girl at heart that's been transplanted on the East Coast. My heart belongs in TX...but...sadly my driver's license doesn't anymore...

Where's KY?

Hopefully you're ready to play a little game.

It's going to be fun...really...

And even if it isn't it will help you revisit your childhood...sort of.

Remember Where's   Waldo?  You know, the guy in red and white stripes.

If not, then you might want to go back to 2nd grade and relive your childhood.  This time with Waldo in it.

Here- Test out your skills and find him:

Alright, no worries if you can't find him. You'll get another chance...only this time it's called Where's KY? And it's even more fun than Where's Waldo...cause this time...you get to be on the lookout for yours truly...me.

Some of you may know that one of my dreams in life would be to have my own show on the cooking channel.  That may or may not happen depending on several things coming up...but...a few ideas are in the works.  And by in the works I clearly mean the very formative stages of ideas...but hey, you've gotta start somewhere!

Anyway, even if plans change and I don't get to have my own show one day at least I can know that a Fairy Godmother did make my dream PARTIALLY come true..that's right...I appeared, ever so briefly on the Cooking Channel's Show Unique Eats with my friends Lo and AJ.

Oh, and by Fairy Godmother I clearly mean DAIRY GODMOTHER...as you will soon see.

*Spoiler Hint: I can be found 3x

To quote Britt "This face was made to be filmed and/or photographed."

Oh April Fools. I fall for you every time...

Let's look at the facts.

I'm Blonde.

I'm Gullible.

I am quick to trust what people tell me.

I am passionate about life which means I quickly jump into things.

All of these facts = ALWAYS falling for April Fool's jokes.

No April Fool's joke to date has been able to top April 1, 2002.

7 days as a 16 year old and I still didn't have my driver's license.  Most people are EXSTATIC to get their license.  Me, I could have cared less. I had friends that drove me around and I didn't have a car yet, so really it didn't matter.

There I was at school on April 1st (forgetting it was April 1st mind you) walking back from a class with all of my classmates when all of a sudden I catch a glimpse of my mom parked in front of the school in a HOT brand new black convertible Thunderbird. 

"Katie! Katie! Over Here!" She excitedly shouts. "Your dad and I wanted to surprise you!  Happy 16th Birthday! Come over and let me get a picture of you in the driver's seat of your new car."

I'd be lying if I said I walked slowly over to the car. No, I sprinted and practically jumped over the car door and into the driver's seat with all my friends watching.

My mom was all poised and ready. "Smile on the count of 3 say 'Happy Birthday" 1...2...3" *click*

"Ok, one more picture.  This time on the count of 3 say April Fool's 1...2..."

And that's when I realized. I'd fallen for it all over again.  If my life were a scoreboard at the moment it would read

April Fool's 16 points

KY 0 points

Turns out she had borrowed it from our hair dresser when she'd been at the salon an hour earlier and they had devised this great plan together.  Beauty Parlors are typically stereotyped as gossipy places, but I'd venture to say they are conniving places too.

I wish I'd learned my lesson, but each year it's the same old thing.  April Fool's always wins.  There was the year my brother told me one of the Backsteet Boys had died, or the year my teacher told me I got a C on my test and not the A I had studied so hard for, or this year when my mom said she bought us all tickets to Peru...Alas...the scoreboard now reads:

April Fool's 25 points

KY 0 points

One of these days I'll remember and no longer fall victim to the antics of this day. One of these days...

Aries, Aquarius, Capricorn, LEO...

Ok, really this post has nothing to do with zodiac signs, as the title suggests, and everything to do with LEO...sort of. But I figured if it was simply titled "Leonardo DiCaprio" you may not read it.  But...you've already clicked onto my blog so you may as well continue... 

Here goes...

It all started with this face:

A Young Leo

Yes, that is Leonardo DiCaprio in Growing Pains.  He may look "ensembly challenged" (shout out to Clueless), but let me tell you that as a child of the 80's he NEVER LOOKED BETTER in this young 8 year old girl's eyes.

Little did I know that these early days of watching Growing Pains were only the beginning...

Then...there was TITANIC.





Partially because of my fascination with this watery tale and partially (or mostly) because of Leonardo DiCaprio's starring role in this film...as a young 12 year old...I saw this movie 17 times in the theater.  That's right.  It's embarrassing.  And now looking back on it a TOTAL waste of time.  And yet, your eyes have not deceived you.  You read that correctly. 17 times (I'll make it a little bigger for you so you know you're reading it correctly)

This number does not include the number of times I watched my bootleg copy of it...on VHS...BEFORE it was released to the public.

 Because I have the most wonderful sister in the world (and because she probably felt guilty for sneaking all of her friends into my room when I wasn't home so they could see her sister's ridiculous Leo/Boyband plastered bedroom walls) she got a copy of the film from her friend, Ryan, who had a 3rd generation copy from the screen actor's guild pre-Oscars viewing VHS tapes.  It had been copied 4 times which meant that most of the time when I was watching it there would be lines running across the screen...another reason to miss VHS tapes.

As if seeing the movie and being able to quote it word for word wasn't enough, it was time for a trip to L.A. My mom, in her ever adventurous spirit, conceded to my brilliant idea that we stop in L.A. for a few days on our drive up to Oregon.  Please keep in mind that I was in 5th grade at the time...it makes the story a little less creepy.

And so, the 4 of us (my mom, brother, one of my girlfriends, and me) set off on our excursion!

I knew exactly what I wanted to do while I was there- hit up his fav. restaurants, hotspots, stores and more.  If I went to all these places I was sure I would see him.  Certainly in all of L.A. he'd be at one of these places at the EXACT same time as me. 

Well...I would love to say that we ended up runnng into Leo and he asked me to co-star in his next film, but alas, no such thing happened.

Instead...here's what happened.  And frankly, I find it alot more random than being asked to co-star next to Leo.

There I was.  A young 12 year old conquering the streets of L.A.  In case you don't know what I looked like at 12 one word will describe it- snappable.  I was super tall and lengthy with knobby knees that were larger than my upper thigh. Chuck Norris probably could have snapped me in half with his pinky. Additionally, I had bottle cap glasses.  Needless to say, it was an awkward phase of my life.

So here I am this young, awkward girl strolling down the streets of Rodeo Dr. on her way to Fred Segal (not only Leo's fav spot to shop but it also allows for another Clueless shout out "Where's my white collarless shirt from Fred Segal?") minding my own business...when suddenly...

I see a man walking towards me in his moth-eaten Joe's Crab Shack shirt. I can still picture what this man looked like to this day. His shirt probably said, "Got Crabs?" on it, I feel like that's what all the shirts from that place stay, but I couldn't tell because it was so ratty.

And then there was the smirk on his face.  I should've known he was up to something by  that smirk, but UNBEKNOWNST to me I didn't realize I would soon fall victim to that smirk! 

The next thing I know, not only is this man walking towards me, but he begins to raise his arm and move it in a forward motion punching me right in the sternum while simultaneously mumbling "stupid little rich girl."

 

Having just had all the air knocked out of me, I was clearly doubled-over on the pavement. And in shock.

By the time I could stop sobbing and catch my breath to explain what just happened my brother was ready to take off and fight him. Afraid my bro would get hurt by going after him, my friend and I both grab onto his ankles to stop him. 

 I mean, luckily L.A. is full of hot messes so really 4 people causing a scene on the street was nothing new. However, we were QUITE the site. My brother trying to run after Joe (I figure that considering his choice of apparely Joe is a good name for him), but not succeeding cause he has two 12 year olds wrapped around his ankle, one of which is sobbing so hard she might pass out. And my mom standing in front of my brother to block him while yelling to get us off the dirty street.

It was quite the traumatic experience.  But don't worry, it all ended well.  We made it to Fred Segal and then dined at Indochine where, although we did not see Leo, we did see Anne Heche and Ellen Degeneres on a date.  So there you go. Not a total loss of a trip. This 12 year old was happy just to have a celebrity sighting.

So here's the real reason for this story.  My cubemate Jon informed me this morning that Leo was in town filming a scene for one of his new movies.  I still adore him.  But it's more of an admiration of his acting these days (or at least that's what I tell people). I'd like to say that I don't care anymore, but instantly, the 12 year old inside of me was screaming "LEAVE WORK YOU IDIOT! THIS IS YOUR CHANCE!  YOU MISSED HIM 13 YEARS AGO AND NOW IS YOUR TIME"

Well...if I weren't missing 5 days of work next week...I'd feel a "fever" coming on right about now...and that fever would happen to take me directly to his filming location...



A Quarter of a Century!!!!!!

It's a BIG day!  Why? Cause it's my birthday. And I'm not even going to pretend like it's not a HUGE deal.  Cause to be honest. I love birthdays.  And this year is even better.  Cause Guess what?  Not only is it my GOLDEN Birthday (Turning 25 on the 25th) But also I have now been alive a QUARTER OF A CENTURY. I know- it's a MOMENTOUS occassion.

Well, the past 25 years of life have been good to me. I'm grateful for them.  Here's to many more!!

*SPOILER ALERT* Yes, I did have large, bottle cap glasses for a short time.  I'd like to pretend I didn't but the pictures speak for themselves...

Things I Could Do Without...

One of the jokes we have in my office is a running list of "things that make you vomit." Not literally. It's just a list of things YOU COULD DO WITHOUT. Here's my elite list: 

1. EELS. I can't explain it.  I've always hated them. It's totally and completely irrational but I can't help it.  Even the word gives me the heebie-jeebies. I mean seriously...don't they make you cringe?           I can't even think about them.              One time I tried to take scuba diving lessons in order to conquer my fear.  Then I realized some fears aren't worth conquering.    I feigned sickness on my final dive so as to avoid coming face to face with these creatures.      I would probably pass out if that ever happened.
2.  PEARS.  They make me gag.    End of story.    Ironically enough, I had fake pears hanging from my ceiling for 5 years growing up, a la Shabby Chic style.
3. TERMITES. I just discovered I don't like these.     I showed up at work this morning and they were spraying for them.    There were a lot of them.    It was gross.
4. STINK BUGS. I mean, I feel this should go without saying.  They have these little pre-historic eyes that stare at you. If dinosaurs are now extinct there's no reason these little guys shouldn't be extinct too.  The worst part about it is they are impossible to get rid of. You kill them and their scent just attracts more stink bugs. It's a HUGE problem. And The Washington Post says they're going to be worse than ever this Summer.   Even more of a problem- when they sneak into my car from work and I am driving home and suddenly one appears on my dashboard and I almost wreck trying to get rid of it.  Give me ANY other bug and they don't bother me nearly as much.   
5. DENTISTS/ENDODONTISTS. Alright, I get that dentists are important and useful.  And normally I don't have a problem with them. I mean I've never had to have braces or a retainer really. But here's why they were quickly added to the list: 

I feel like all my recent dental visits are reminiscent of Steve Martin in the musical Little Shop of Horrors:

Freaky right?! Who would want to go to the dentist after watching that? NO ONE. And yet, I've been there ALL WEEK.  In fact, this is my first day this week WITHOUT some sort of dental appointment.  You see, my dentist drilled too far on Monday and hit a nerve.     

 I wasn't numb.

 I cried. 

Because I had an exposed nerve from the drilling I had to go in for an emergency root canal. 

The endodontist didn't have time to do everything at once.

So I had to come back the next day.

Which means I've been on pain meds the past few days. 

 I guess the one good thing is I get really funny when I'm on pain meds...or so I think...

The best part is that my PH isn't balanced. I don't even know what that means. All I know is it means I can't absorb the numbing shot very well thus, exposing me to almost every poke, prod, or drilling. Let me just tell you how fun that was. NOT VERY.  

Hence, my life feeling like I have Steve Martin as my dentist.  I guess on the bright side...I've always wanted my life to be a musical...I just don't think I want it to involve Steve Martin and a dental chair ever again.

* I should also mention that the endodontist has called me each night to make sure I'm doing alright. It's not his fault my body won't take the numbing. It's still not fun though.

Car dancing makes me happy

Summer is just around the corner people. I couldn't be more thrilled. I love winter and all but let's be honest there is something special about driving around, windows down, sunshine on the shoulders and...car dancing!! Who doesn't love a little car dancing? I do. Enjoy.

Ps I need to teach
Britters how to properly move her body like a cyclone. Miss you Britters!!

Pps I don't think Jackson is thrilled to be on the back seat. And he has j Biebs hair.

-Live with passion