Happy New...yeah, whatever.

Well it's that time of year again...you know, when the year ends and whatnot. Meh. I mean, sure it's a time for self-reflection, setting new goals, etc., etc., but I'm not sure if I want to do that. Or really, if it's even an effective method of re-evaluating. I mean, New Year's resolutions are a lot of pressure.

One thing I have done, though, is to reassess my 100/10 list. Just small tweaks that make the list better and more mine. Although, I did have a second party listen to my proposed changes and approve or not. I know, you might be thinking "Cheater!" But really, the list is mine to complete and enjoy (along with you all my dear blog readers). And no changes make the list necessarily harder or easier...just better. I'm super excited! 15 goals complete in 1.5 years - right on schedule, eh? Smooches to anyone that finds the differences.

That's it really, that's all I got. No deep thoughts - rien de moi. So, I leave you with someone who does have serious thoughts and reflections...

Star Wars - I has it.

I have been totally negligent...my blog and my 100/10 goals... To the point where I have forgotten to post about one! I know - totally my fault. I'm busting out the ashes and the sackcloth now.

So...moving on. This past fall, I, and several lovely other friends, were hosted by the newlywed Kincaids in their apartment for a super fun party. But not just any party, oh no. It was a Star Wars party. All six movies, one day. Start time - 9:30am. End time - 11:30pm. We. Were. (Storm) Troopers.

It was a great day including lots of good food, blue drinks, and a ton of random Star Wars quotes. We watched the movies in chronological order per the story, not the release date. Thus, the first three were the newest ones that, I'm sorry, just aren't good! I'd seen them before and was prepared to give them another chance, but they're just awful. By the time we finished those, I was wondering how the heck I would ever get through three more.

However, the three original movies continue to be ridiculously good. The time flew by and all too soon we were done. All of us agreed that we could watch A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, and The Return of the Jedi over and over - but maybe not again until next year...

(Now for some phone pics)


Done and done - 79) Watch all six Star Wars movies in a row

Choo-choo

Last week during my sojourn in Indiana for the holiday known as Thanksgiving, Mom and I decided to gallivant about the countryside to satisfy my need for stark pictures that would look good in black & white (I lean towards those as I commence my burgeoning photography career). Lo and behold Mom used her detailed knowledge of what seems like most of southwest Indiana and we ended up at some cool railroad tracks. I immediately exited and took pictures of the empty train station, the tracks, signs, etc.

In pursuit of a great picture, I did exactly what one is not supposed to do - I walked the tracks (this is art, after all). Figuring it would be fine (i.e. trains wouldn't come that often), I walked towards the bridge. All of the sudden, I hear my mom shouting, "Katy...there's a train!" I turned around and saw this engine barreling around the bend in the tracks. I jumped off the tracks, waded through some waist high weeds and got about 20 feet away. And then proceeded to take tons of pictures - definitely some hot photo action time.

But the real moral of this story (which is in fact, not a moral at all), is that one of the greatest rushes in life is standing by railroad tracks as a train goes flying by. The train that day was probably going around 55, and it was so great.

I'm not the train buff that my dear Dad is...probably never will be. However, I do love riding trains, reading about the evolution of the rail system in Great Britain (Anglophilia, what?!), and learning more about really old trains (think Stourbridge Lion). So my Thanksgiving encounter was more thrill than scare...

But what I really want to do is ride in an engine of fa reight train poring on the speed in open country. I think I will make that an unofficial goal of mine. But, if anyone figures out how I could do such a thing before I do, just a reminder that I turn 28 on April 12th, and that would be the best birthday present...ha.

So True

The sad thing is - I've done this before. Not play with a fuzzy mouse (I'll leave that to Sugar bear), but rather laid down and put the phone on my face when I'm super tired.

So true.

A new buddy

A couple of weeks ago, I was leaving for work. I typically exit through my back door and cut through the alley. On my back porch I have a little covered area where some brooms, shovels, pots are stored (I haven't cleaned it out yet since taking over the lease). Well, a couple of weeks ago, I was completely freaked out by a noisy squirrel that made a hasty exit as I came through the door. Fine - squirrel wants to hang out, fine by me. The scene has been repeated several times since. Although, now that I know where all of the noise is coming from, I'm no longer scared witless before I've had my first hit of caffeine.

Yesterday, same thing - I exit and so does the squirrel. However, as I looked over, I noticed something new. My squirrel buddy has made a nest of newspaper and plastic over the past few weeks. Looks like he's decided to stay. Fine by me - he's not making too much of a mess and is pretty cute.

Looks like I have a roommate after all.

It's time for some Musical Theater

I heart musical theater. I've seen Phantom like 14-some odd times at theatres around the world. I love the big, grand productions, but also the small, intelligent shows found off, off, off, off Broadway. And by that, I mean they're not even in NYC...ha.

So after a couple of years in Chicago missing the feeling of being involved in theatre, I decided to make the move and become a part of a smaller theatre here. I did some research, talked to some peeps, and finally settled on Porchlight Music Theatre. I e-mailed them with some interest and got a reply to meet with some board members and then attend a board meeting.

Long story very short - last month I became a board member of PMT. And I have to say, it's been fantastic. I mean, if I get up on a Saturday at 7am to make it to the northside at 9am for a committee meeting, that says love. I have our fall benefit on Monday, an opening next Sunday, and lots more to look forward to in the spring. We're doing Into the Woods. What's not to love?

I look forward to sharing my experience there. And hopefully, when you're in Chitown, you can come with me. Theater needs all kinds of support.

Oh yes, one more completed: 27) Sit on the board of a theater

Reasons I Heart the Autumn

• Pumpkin spice candles
• Hooded sweatshirts with comfy jeans
• Snuggling up with a book and tea under an afghan
• Hot apple cider
• History Channel specials on the history of Halloween and the origins of Thanksgiving
• Colorful knitted hats
• Pumpkin muffins at The Corner Bakery
• Colored leaves
• Going for runs in my neighborhood and seeing the university back in session
• Theater shows and opening nights
• Scarves and fingerless gloves
• Cozy after-work drinks with friends
• Good movies at the theater
• The chill in the air in the evenings
  

Guy Ritchie, we need to talk

Because I'm pretty sure you took the amazing literature of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and crapped all over it. Why do I say this? Because of this monstrosity...

What...what is that? I felt sorry for you when Madonna took away your masculinity and coerced you into making the disaster that was Swept Away. I gave you the benefit of the doubt and actually paid to see RocknRolla.

And what do you do? You take the beloved story of Sherlock Holmes and make it into some twisted action movie with bad comedy and worse (looks like at least) plotlines. For the love of all that is sacred and holy, why? Look, I know that SH was a drug user during his time, but that doesn't mean the audience show be required to do the same just to get through this monstrosity of a film.

And it is going to be released on December 25? What, you're trying to kill my Christmas, too? Bullocks to that, mate.

Because you can take your bare-knuckled fisting, bad joke making, wimpy looking, bad accent using Sherlock Holmes and stuff him somewhere that won't see the light of day. Because, my friend - Jeremy Brett is better than you'll ever be. So put that in your pipe and smoke it.

A Love Letter

Dear Public Library,

I'm so sorry I've let the love between us die. The siren song of myriad Chicago bookstores led me astray. You've been good to me for years, and what do I do? I leave you stranded on the street corner as I give the cold shoulder on my way to the nearest Borders.

How could I forget all the good times we've had? The years of Book-it where I got to read all I want and earn free pizza. The hot Saturday afternoons where I would enter your air-conditioned halls and pick out books for the summer reading program. You gave me free internet when I had no computer. You helped me prepare for high school, college, and my GREs.

Oh public library, without you I would have never discovered the glory of Leon Uris, the fun of the American Girl Series, the mystery of Victoria Holt, or the beauty of Wordsworth. Sans my library goodness time, I would never had my themed reading summers during college: the Japanese theatre during WWII, the wives and children of Henry VIII, and history of the Jewish population in Europe.

So I'm sorry for all of the lost time - the years we've spent apart. But I am here to make amends. I visited you today, and it was everything I hoped it would be. I can't wait to start my new biography of Elizabeth Cady Stanton. I look forward to renewing our relationship and being the good friends that we once used to be.

I heart you public library, don't you ever forget it.

Love,

Katy

The Wisdom of The Princess Bride

As Count Rugen said in this classic film, before being killed by everyone's favorite Inigo Montoya, "If you haven't got your health, then you haven't got anything."

So true.

Normally this blog doesn't get overly personal, but tonight, my friends is different. I've put on weight since moving to Chicago. A lot of weight...let's not sugarcoat anything. I finally, finally realized this an hour ago as I tried on dresses for our opening gala in a few weeks and nothing fit. And not in the girl way of just finding an excuse to buy something new...literally. nothing. fit.

This gain is due to a lot of factors: eating as a solution to stress; a lot of late nights; having two jobs, taking classes, being involved in the community, and moving - twice; going out with old friends and making new friends; eating on the cheap; McDonald's when it's convenient.

But I'm out of excuses. As well I should be - no more "I'll start eating healthy tomorrow," or "I'll get up early to work out," (when do I ever voluntarily wake up early?), or "I'll give myself a free day to eat whatever I want." Because obviously folks, that's not working.

And if you can't tell so far, I'm pretty angry at myself. At 27, I should be in great shape - instead my clothes don't fit and I have high cholesterol. Stupid, and I know that. In high school I was always worried about being heavier than my classmates, but now I would kill for that body!

So, done. That's it. No more excuses, no more putting it off, in short, no more bull s***. I've always been a strong, disciplined woman and there's no reason to stop now. If I've survived living on two continents, graduating with my masters at 24, moving across the country twice, and working for one of the best orchestras on earth, I can sure as hell put down the donut.

So while this is a battle cry to myself to eat healthy and work out, I am still cognizant of two things 1) I've said this stuff before to no avail and 2) In the morning light, everything could seem fine. But, I feel different - ready for the challenge and eager to prove myself wrong.

So if someone asks me if I'm going to hit up the salad bar, pound the pavement, hit the weights, or take my racquet to the courts, I'll say, "Tell them I'm coming, and hell's coming with me. " (See Tombstone)

Princess Power

So I'll cop to the fact that when I was but a wee girl I liked the Disney princess movies. I watched the Sleeping Beauty, the Cinderella, the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. My hands-down favorite "princess" was Belle, though, from Beauty and the Beast. She's wicked smart, a brunette, loves to read, doesn't give in to social pressure, has a good relationship with her Dad, and let's be honest, truly saves the day.

However, I'm slightly terrified of the turn the "Disney Princesses" have taken in the past several years. Disney has grouped them altogether in a pastel pink world where little girls can wile away their days with fancy dresses and dreams of a Prince Charming. Barf. And what about the non-princess heroines like Pocahontas, Mulan, or Esmerelda? Are we stashing them away so Disney can subtly indoctrine young girls with a belief in the class system?

I mean, seriously.

However, recently I stumbled across some artwork that warms my heart that is two sizes too small. While spending sometime on Total Film, I read an article about "6 Dark Remakes Starring Disney Princesses." My hope upon hope that Rob Zombie had somehow gotten the rights to The Little Mermaid turned out to be false, but I was introduced to some amazing artwork that meshes my past-love of Disney and my current love of horror films. All thanks to DeviantArt and DeviantArt regular Jeffrey Thomas. And again, my favorite is Belle - now a more feral version with a badder beast (awesome).

A close second? Sleeping Beauty - now as a vampire (brilliant).

You can see TotalFilm's article here and the rest of the princesses here. Enjoy!

2009 Europe Trip - The condensed version

Due to the following factors: 1) lack of time 2) my immense enjoyment in posting pictures on Facebook and 3) the fact that I have several other things I want to blog about, I have decided to forgo the traditional approach to assigning a blog to each of the cities I visited. Instead in this blog for each of the remaining cities I will post one picture and give you my 5 favorite things from that experience.

If you want to know more about my trip, let's go old school and actually talk to each other live and in person...

Auschwitz
1) Finally getting to see a place that I have read so much about.
2) Witnessing history that should never be forgotten
3) The 1.5 hour drive from Krakow to Auschwitz
4) My amazing tour guide who balanced extremely well the facts and the emotion of the experience
5) Never forgetting


Malbork
1) Standing in a place where the Teutonic Knights once were
2) Dominika's father's "informal" tour
3) Seeing firsthand a medieval castle
4) Walking around in the rain
5) Goofing around with friends


Gdansk
1) Seeing the gorgeous waterfront
2) Communist apartment blocks
3) Walking through the open market
4) Taking pictures in St. Mary's Church
5) Kebobs - the Polish Taco Bell



Kartuzy
1) Spending time with the Fard and Szreder families
2) Witnessing the wedding of two wonderful people
3) Cute, friendly Polish kitties
4) Hunter's stew
4) Vodka, good food, and throwing glass against a rock


London
1) Troilus and Cressida at The Globe
2) Ordering the same sandwich at the same place (from when I was a student in 2003) and having it tasted the very same
3) The Florence Nightingale Museum
4) Cute 21 year olds who ask me to go salsa dancing
5) The 39 Steps


Also fulfilled another goal: 45) See Auschwitz

2009 Europe Trip - Krakow

These past couple weeks I have been on a...wait for it...vacation! I know, me, right? Two full weeks off that didn't involve moving, changing jobs, or a family event. I'm a little closer to being a saint, because surely that is a miracle. The trip consisted of a few different cities, with the main shindig taking place in and around Kartuzy, Poland - the marriage of a close college friend!

On today's agenda - Krakow. What can I say? I friggin' love this city! I had no expectations when it came to traveling to Poland - I am very interested in the history of the country thanks to my Polish and Lithuanian Commonwealth class in college and the stories of Leon Uris. But modern Poland? I knew very little. Thankfully, the city and I got on like a house on fire.

I stayed in a hotel near the old town which is more of a tourist part of the city, but also provides easy access to all the main sights - perfect! First on the agenda was a trek to Wawel Castle - where the country's rulers used to be located for five centuries. Wawel Hill contains the castle, the cathedral and the surrounding land. The cathedral is amazing and beautiful, especially the tomb of Queen Jadwiga. After flying from Chicago to Paris to Krakow, however, Wawel Castle was the only thing I could handle the first night!

The next couple of days consisted of a trip to Auschwitz (more details on that later), a golf cart tour of Krakow, visits to the cloth hall and the main square, yummy Polish food, walking around the city, and taking lots of pictures.

However, my hands-down favorite part of the city was Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter. I find the history of the area fascinating and took plenty of time to explore the area including several synagogues, both active and not. My favorite experience, however, was at the Stara Synagoga (Old Synagogue). Heavily damaged by the Nazis during World War II, the synagogue was rebuilt and is now a museum and conservation center. I attended an exhibit there called "And I Still See Their Faces," which consisted of images and photographs of Jews pre- and post-war. What was amazing was the where the photos came from - family members that had emigrated, photos found in clothing taken at concentration camps, photos and glass prints found hidden in Jewish homes, etc. The experience was somewhat emotional - especially after witnessing images of entire families that had been wiped out in a concentration camp.

But this history buff still managed to enjoy the present as well - watching the fire dancers in the square, shopping for fun souvenirs, eating gelato, trips to several beautiful churches, and basking in the sun while people watching.

Unfortunately, I only got three days there - I could have stayed much longer!! However, I definitely have totes good memories from this incredibly beautiful city.

Summers are relaxing right?

• Find new apartment with larger kitchen, more windows, and non-crappy neighbors - done
• Thanks to above said new apartment, call electric, gas, insurance, and get mail forwarded - ummm...sort of done?
• Actually move to above said new apartment - started, but not close to done
• Deal with a potential life-changing decision - done
• Plan a trip to Europe involving four different cities, three flights, and two hotels - done
• Buy super fun new suitcase for above said Europe trip - done
• Do the loads and loads of laundry that I have - haven't even started thinking about it
• Get an extension on my call to jury duty - done
• Have dinner with my cousin and his wife and their three ridiculously cute kids - done
• Answer all of my outstanding e-mails - thinking about it
• Book trip to Dallas for the weekend before I leave for Europe - done
• Do all of the work that needs to be done for that trip - ugh, I know, I know!
• Stage a Red Bull intervention on myself - hahahahaha, that's funny
• Remember that I have a blog and I need to post - close enough

Ahem...

Another goal fulfilled!

59) Make an enemy

Since this situation is loosely work related, I will not go into detail. However, I will say, someone wanted a lot for nothing last year and I had to play bad cop. This year, I am now referred to as "that woman."

Done.

I enjoy being a girl...sort of...sometimes

I've never been what one would call a girly girl. When I was little I had Barbies and Cabbage Patches. But instead of Barbie cooking in her Barbie Dreamhouse, she had to deal with a Dreamhouse break-in. When I received a Barbie campsite tent and accessories, well, unfortunately the campsite was mauled by a bear. I didn't carry them around, but my Sis and I did set up a Cabbage Patch hospital. I'm pretty sure I might have missed the point of dolls. Although I was very protective of my stuffed animals.

As I got older, it didn't get much better. I didn't wear make-up until later in high school and even then pretty much used what my mom handed down. When I did buy some, it was almost always in funky colors. When most girls were getting highlights in their hair, I dyed mine blond in the front and then had red and purple highlights in the rest of it. To this day I still don't have an overriding interest in hair and makeup. My hairspray, when I have any, usually goes bad before I can use it, I keep mascara way too long, and the thought of lipstick frightens me.

And still walking into an Ulta, or the like, makes me break out into a sweat. Who needs a $150 curling iron? And there had to be at least 10 kinds of straighteners...don't get be started on face cleaners. In fact, I'm pretty sure that I have no idea what 70% of that store is used for. And I still maintain eyelash curlers amount to about the same thing as a medieval torture device.

Now, don't get me wrong, I definitely have girly traits: a healthy obsession with shoes, a lifelong love of all things Jane Austen, and a strong devotion to Betsey Johnson. So when I was feeling kind of blue tonight, I thought, "Hey! I should pamper myself and see if that helps." So, I tried my new curling iron (only $13.99 thank you very much), but I'm convinced that my hair looked the same as it did before I tried to curl it. So I then painted my toenails bright blue, made a mess, and had to remove about half of what I put on. Anyone who's lived with me can attest to this sort of thing happening on a regular basis. I consider myself fairly smart but somehow nail polish confounds me.

So when pampering wasn't quite the success I thought it would be, I decided to turn to what I know best. I put on Mad Max for a healthy dose of violence and action and called it a night.

God. Country. Notre Dame...Me

This past weekend I attended my five year reunion at my alma mater, University of Notre Dame...and good times were had by all. Thursday night, my ex-roommie LW drove down from Madison and stayed the night, then Friday morning we skipped the light fantastic over to South Bend to get the party started! And a party it was...

The weekend was full of reminiscing, taking pictures, catching up with old friends, and long walks around campus. It included lunching at the dining hall, picnicking in front of the stadium, and free wine from 3pm to 1am. I thought of all the good times, and a few less than good. I exchanged stories with friends about marching band, dances, dorm craziness, and squirrel chases. I slept in a dorm room and realized I didn't miss that aspect of college at all!

I took several trips to the grotto and ached for all the times I wish I could have been there when I needed it the most. I remembered how many times I kneeled in prayer in front of the candles, and of all the friends that had come with me to pray at times, and I can still understand why I love it so much.

I listened to Father Hesburgh give the homily at the all-class mass and stood with everyone else to applaud him when he was finished. I spent too much money at the bookstore but with no regrets. I laughed, I talked for hours, and didn't tear up once. But I came close at the end of the mass as everyone stood, including the oldest alum present (Class of 1930), and sang the alma mater.

Notre Dame, our Mother

Tender, strong and true

Proudly in the heavens,

Gleams thy gold and blue.

Glory's mantle cloaks thee

Golden is thy fame,

And our hearts forever,

Praise thee, Notre Dame.

And our hearts forever,

Love thee, Notre Dame.

To which I say "Tant pis"

I will never be a genius in the kitchen...tant pis.

I will never pull off the demure, professional look...tant pis.

I will never have the patience to not visualize some people as voodoo dolls with pins in them...tant pis.

I will never stop yearning to visit places I haven't seen...tant pis.

I will never prefer the color pink - hot or not...tant pis.

I will never let society or the "norm" pressure me into something I don't want...tant pis.

I will never try to understand the fascination about twittering...tant pis.

I will never blindly accept the judgement of others...tant pis.

I will never stop being disappointed that most people don't write letters anymore...tant pis.

I will never get into the whole Wii thing...tant pis.

I will never break my habit of completely ignoring everything around me while I read...tant pis.

I will never be able to do my work without music or a movie or some sort of noise...tant pis.

I will never apologize for who I am or the choices I make...tant pis.

In which I discover that I am not that sentimental

This past weekend, I celebrated the bachelorette-ness of one of my former ND roommates who is set to be married this summer. I would like to point out that this is the second former roommate to be married in less than 365 days...oy vay! I am certainly thrilled for them both, however! Both girls are married/to be married to some of the best guys that I have ever met and each couple is made for each other. An ideal situation of the married state, n'est-ce pas?

Yet, at the same time a wave of nostalgia swept over me on Saturday between glasses of wine and the ridiculousness of bachelorette party games. Nostalgia for the days when I worried about grades instead of paychecks, what to eat at the dining hall instead of what to buy at the grocery, and walking across campus (15 minutes) to crossing the city (up to two hours).

Then after a minute of reminiscing I thought, who am I kidding? Hell no I don't want to be in college anymore...or even my early twenties for that matter. I'm over it like nobody's business. Gone are the days of group bathrooms, requisite swimming classes, blue books, and sweating it out during finals. Gone are the days of going to grad school full-time while working two jobs, accounting class at 9:30am, and internship applications (I still own about 200 manila envelopes if anyone needs any, by the way).

Instead I now have my own apartment, voluntary classes (vive le francais), income, and a cute chubby kitty. I have great clothes among which are a few designer labels, the freedom to choose the work that I love, and am well above the legal drinking age. As I say rather too frequently, totes awesome!

So as I look forward to my five year reunion at Notre Dame this weekend, I go with a readiness to see old friends, a fear of the mattresses in the boys dorm in which the Class of 2004 will be staying, and the happiness that while my years there made me the person I am today, I in no way feel the need to relive them over and over.

Now if I could just get those pesky student loans to go away.

Dancin' Machine

I've been known to break it down. From Ida Noyes to Myrtle Beach to Heartland to the Ministry of Sound to the Egyptian room, I've had my moments where I shook what my mama gave me. But as of this past Saturday, I have officially been schooled.

Two nights ago my friend SP and I attend the launch party of "30 Seconds to Dance" at my favorite place in Chicago - the Alliance Francaise. Co-commenced by a former Paris Opera dancer (now a principal at Joffrey), this amazing project features the ridiculously talented dancers of Chicago. All styles are showcased, and SP and I got to witness the mad skillz for ourselves as the launch featured live performances of some of the dancers seen in the videos.

The goal of this website is to promote both the art of dance and the dancers themselves. I think this is a great addition to the rich cultural sector of which Chicago can boast. I know I'll be checking in often to see what new clips are posted. I can always use some new moves...

Bunnnnieeeesss!!!!

Here. I totally want one.

Miss Pole Dance World 2009

I don't have any really strong feelings one way or another about strip clubs, pole dancing, etc. But, I did stumble across the routine of Miss Pole Dance World 2009, and what she does is ridiculous. If I tried to do the same thing, I'd probably need multiple realignments afterwards. Even if pole dancing isn't your cup of tea, this video is amazing. Make sure and watch what she does at the 2 minute mark.

Mon film favorite

Best. film. ever.

Seriously, if you haven't seen The Day of the Jackal, you haven't lived. This has been mon film favorite for years after being introduced to it by my Dad. With a great story line covering the attempted assassination of de Gaulle, an unlikely detective/hero, the French countryside, and a stone cold (Edward) Fox, this movie is nothing short of brilliant. And while I enjoy the Jason Bournes of the world, I relish this film for the sparse calculated violence, longer screenshots, and main characters that aren't all cookie-cutter good looking.

Why is this coming up now, you say? Well, because I just discovered that IMDB has posted the trailer for it! How cool is that? I love seeing these old trailers. I think you all should watch it here. Augh, they just don't make 'em like they use to.

Another reason to see the movie? Well, let's just say it involves a "cha" and a "cal."

Some Monday Night Cuteness

Done and Done

Play me a Melody

I'm am obsessed with a new singer that I just discovered on Friday. Roaming around Borders, I was looking for some good new music and saw a cd poster for a singer, Melody Gardot. I loved the cover art, and went to look up where to find the cd. Lo and behold, it was in the jazz section. This resulted in a momentary pause on my part. While I appreciate jazz, it is not usually my chosen genre of music. I'm more likely to be found in the hard/goth rock section...or classical...or international. Yet, I continued to be intrigued and bought the cd sight unheard.

And boy, I am thrilled that I did! While she's a little more Norah Jones than straight jazz, her vocals are gorgeous and the music behind her top rate. I always like to know about the musicians and googled her upon returning home, and I now appreciate her fabulous cd even more. And here's why.

Almost six years ago, at the age of 19, Melody was struck by a car while riding her bike and suffered a fractured pelvis, spine damage, and some trauma to her brain. Essentially a vegetable, physically unable but mentally sound, she began the long road to a partial recovery. She suffered from aphasia, an inability to form words, and until two years ago could only speak with difficulty - the barrier from brain to mouth had been broken. Her doctors recommended music therapy. She had played in piano bars before to help pay for college, and they believed it could help break down the barriers. The rest, as they say, is history.

However, even now she is still burdened with a misaligned pelvis, uses a cane to walk, and continues to suffer neuralgic pain. She also has a autonomic nervous system disfunction which makes her super sensitive to noise and sound and is also the reason for the dark glasses she is seen wearing in all of her pictures. Yet, she credits music for helping her to continue to deal with these difficulties.

Amazing story, right? Never should anyone doubt the power of music, and not just from an audience perpsective - a laissez-faire approach to music - but also as having an active role in the improvement in the quality of life. I think this story is a perfect example of that.

I bought her second album, My One and Only Thrill, and it's so good!! You can hear a song from this album here.

Je me chausse

Or literally, I shoe myself en francais. But it really means more of "I wear these shoes." And, oh yes, I do... I love the shoes, although I've gotten rid of several in the past months, and I think I'm down to only about 50 pairs. Sad, I know. And while I wish I could say Je me chausse avec chez Louboutin, it's more like Je me chausse avec chez Payless. Oh well, c'est la vie. However, Payless has had some kickin' shoes lately and I am enamoured of their Alice + Olivia for Payless line. And, since I don't have the paycheck that allows me to buy the real A + O stuff, for now I'll stick with the low-end.

And that's exactly what I've been doing lately - sprucing up my spring/summer wardrobe with some fabulous new shoes. I'm proud to say that all of them have been on sale/clearance/BoGo from a few different stores. And I'm also proud to say that the lowest heal is 4 inches, because however tall I am, I can always be taller. I take true joy in new shoes and the act of buying them is just as fun as wearing them. Although the most fun, admittedly, is seeing the reactions of my friends and family.

So, to share with you my terrific new shoes, I attempted to take a picture. Of course, keep in mind that I have a chubby cat with a lifelong shoe obsession himself.

First try:

Second try:

Third try:

Close enough:

Aren't the shoes fabulous, though?

One Day More

This is for my sis - I'll miss being related to the DCGF, but onwards and upwards with the USO.

Sisters

I've decided to embrace my twenty-sevenness. I've decided that eight days into this milestone year, that it's going to be a great one. In fact, I'm going to will it that way. Twenty-seven will be less anger, less frustration, less disappointment, and less worry. Twenty-seven will be more adventure, more happiness, more work, and more tomfoolery. But I have a feeling...call it a sense...that I won't be alone in having a super fantastic year.

This past weekend I was in DC for a conference of an organization for which I have started doing some fundraising consulting. As I flew into National and hopped the blue line to Metro Center, I was struck with a wave of nostalgia for my time in the nation's capitol. Most people know that I lived there for year, but I also has interned in DC for two summers previous to that, and some of my best memories are from those times: sharing a studio with someone I barely new (but came to be good friends with), working three blocks away from the White House, outdoor Shakespeare performances, hot summer nights at The Trap, going to Arlington Cemetary on Memorial Day, standing in the back of a cold theater watching the dress for Sweeney Todd, and taking my first ever ballroom dance classes.

My year there as a full-time resident was not quite as successful, no matter how much I wanted it to be. Yet, this past weekend made me realize that I've come a long way since then and now remember more of all of the outstanding, bright memories that I have. One reason, however, that I will always be grateful for my time in DC is because I had the chance to live with my older sister. For the first time, I think, we developed a true, grown-up sisterly relationship, for which I'm truly thrilled because what a ride it has been since. All of the inside jokes, cajoling, scarcasm, and celebrity gossip shared has made me appreciate my sis in a way that I might not have had we not shared a house. Not everyone is lucky enough to get the chance to make that discovery.

Especially when those sisters are truly fabulous. Because, well, we are - from the top of our heads to the tips of our fabulous shoes. We've each had some great milestones this past year between the two of us including being featured in print, TV, and online. Alone or together, we've acted onstage, taken NYC by storm and toured Europe. We've created the Snark Sisters and long may they live. My sis is getting ready to start an exciting new job, bringing the Hall sister fabulousness to a whole new audience.

And we're just getting started. Because we're the Hall Sisters, and that's how we roll.

40 Days

Today marks three very important events: Easter, my 27th birthday, and the end of my 40 days of happiness/release of anger & bitterness. I have to say, there were a variety of successes and failures in the last 40 days as I worked to have a more positive outlook. And as I look back from the tail end of my venture I realize that, while this is no quantifiable goal, I feel like I have achieved a modicum of success. I'm pretty good at no longer obsessing about work once I'm not there, if I get shoved, pushed, or knocked over on the bus I roll with it, and I'm exponentially better at staying calm and at peace when everyone else seems to be freaking out.

So, overall, success...for now. I will definitely have to continue to work out it, but I have a very good start. Listed below is the quotes that I have collected in order to share them with you all one last time!

1. A man's as miserable as he thinks he is.--Seneca
2. Pleasure is spread through the earthIn stray gifts to be claimed by whoever shall find.--William Wordsworth,
3. We must laugh before we are happy, for fear of dying without having laughed at all.--Jean de La Bruyere
4. There are some days when I think I'm going to die from an overdose of satisfaction. --Salvador Dali
5. Even if happiness forgets you a little bit, never completely forget about it.--Jacques Prévert
6. If you want to be happy, be.--Leo Tolstoy
7. Happiness is never stopping to think if you are.--Palmer Sondreal
8. Most people would rather be certain they're miserable, than risk being happy.--Robert Anthony
9. The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.--Mark Twain
10. If only we'd stop trying to be happy we could have a pretty good time.--Edith Wharton
11. Happiness is excitement that has found a settling down place. But there is always a little corner that keeps flapping around.--E.L. Konigsburg
12. Nobody really cares if you're miserable, so you might as well be happy.--Cynthia Nelms
13. Happiness is always a by-product. It is probably a matter of temperament, and for anything I know it may be glandular. But it is not something that can be demanded from life, and if you are not happy you had better stop worrying about it and see what treasures you can pluck from your own brand of unhappiness.--Robertson Davies
14. Those who can laugh without cause have either found the true meaning of happiness or have gone stark raving mad.--Norm Papernick
15. Man is fond of counting his troubles, but he does not count his joys. If he counted them up as he ought to, he would see that every lot has enough happiness provided for it.--Fyodor Dostoevsky
16. What a wonderful life I've had! I only wish I'd realized it sooner.--Colette
17. The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet.--James Openheim
18. Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open.--John Barrymore
19. Happiness depends upon ourselves.--Aristotle
20. Doing nothing is very hard to do ... you never know when you're finished. --Leslie Nielsen (Thanks, Dad!)
21. In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.--Theodore Roosevelt (Thanks, Dad!)
22. Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer. --Samuel "Mark Twain" Clemens (Thanks, Dad!)
23. May you live all the days of your life."--Jonathan Swift (Thanks, Dad!)
24. If A is success in life, then A equals X plus Y plus Z. Work is X, Y is play and Z is keeping your mouth shut. --Albert Einstein (Thanks, Dad!)
25. Great works are performed, not by strength, but by perseverance."--Samuel Johnson (Thanks, Dad!)
26. The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you've got it made.--Groucho Marx (Thanks, Dad!)
27. Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.--George Burns (Thanks, Mom!)
28. The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.--Benjamin Franklin
29. Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.--Guillaume Apollinaire
30. A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.--Francis Bacon
31. Your life and mine shall be valued not by what we take...but by what we give.--Edgar Allen, Founder of Easter Seals (Thanks, Mom!)
32. It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?-- Winnie the Pooh
33. Happiness is only real when shared.--Christopher McCandless (Thanks, Holden!)
34. Happiness comes of the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy simply, to think freely, to risk life, to be needed.--Storm Jameson (Thanks, Holden!)
35. To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.--Ralph Waldo Emerson
36. Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right.--Henry Ford
37. Our life's a stage, a comedy: either learn to play and take it lightly, or bear its troubles patiently.--Palladas
38. We are disturbed not by events, but by the views which we take of them.--Epictetus (Thanks, Meredith!)
39. I think that being relaxed at all times, and I mean relaxed, not collapsed, can add to the happiness and duration of one's life. And relaxed people are fun to be around.--Cary Grant (Thanks, Meredith!)
40. finish each day and be done with it. you have done what you could. some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. tomorrow is a new day. you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.--emerson

Water & a Flame

So my sis posted this on Facebook a few days ago, but this song is so incredibly beautiful, that I just had to share it myself! I love Adele - the more the world hears her, the better!!

Laziness...

...seems to have taken hold so I'm going to add a new feature to my blog called FeaturingotherpeoplesblogpoststhatIlikeasawaytoavoidwritinganythingoriginal.

First up...some Mississippi Mud Pie...mmm, pie.

California Dreamin'

All the leaves are brown

All the leaves are brown

And the sky is grey

And the sky is grey

I've been for a walk

I've been for a walk

On a winters day

On a winters day

I'd be safe and warm
I'd be safe and warm

If I was in l.a.

If I was in l.a.

California dreamin

California dreamin

On such a winters day

Alright, part deux of my trip - Friday was gorgeous as well, so HB and I road tripped over to Cabazon to see the dinosaurs that were featured in one of the best movies of all time - Pee-wee's Big Adventure. And yes, they were just as cheesy as I hoped they would be. See below for

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

We had a great time walking around inside the dinosaurs, checking out the gift store, and looking at all the other ridiculous dinosaur displays that, for some reason, also included a medieval soldier and a lion and a lamb together. Not quite sure that they were for, but okay.

After lunch and fun with a couple slot machines at the casino on the reservation next to the dinosaurs, we made our way to Pasadena Art Night. A brilliant concept that allowed free access to a wide variety of Pasadena organizations featuring visual and performing art from around the world. We made it to the Pasadena Alliance Francaise (bien sur!), the Public library where there were some great dancers, as well as the Norton Simon Museum which, luckily, featured a great exhibit of ancient Indian art.

Superfun night and a great way to support the arts.

Saturday was a chill day exploring Venice Beach. Definitely a crazy cast of characters with all kinds of art, street performers, color, and random stuff for sale. Wherever I travel, I love to buy pieces of original art - even if the artist is completely unknown. I'll post more on this later, but I have to say - thrilled with the art I bought there.

Later that night, we met up with HB's college roommate for a community production of The Secret Garden. Enjoyed it, but I must say that the musical deals much more with the afterlife and ghosts of the dead characters than the book ever did.

I arrived home on Sunday after a great breakfast at a farmer's market in LA and an easy flight back to Chicago. I was exhausted and burned, but really grateful to have had a mini-vacation with a good friend and great memories. More pics from the trip can be found here.

Oh, and one more goal down: 99) Watch the sunset from inside the "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure" dinosaur. (Please note - didn't get to experience sunset because of time demands and I'm pretty sure they weren't even open at that time. But what I say - close enough)

So, that's 11 goals down, 89 to go and it hasn't even been a year!

LA Woman

Yep, I'm totally using my recent trip to LA as an excuse to reference a Doors song...because that's the way I roll. But since the song is actually sort of a downer, I'll refrain from quoting lyrics:) I'll also take this moment to let my dedicated readers (as well as my non-dedicated readers) that there were lots of adventures on this trip, so we're looking at multiple blog posts here. But stick with me kids, cuz the ride will be great. So, onwards and upwards.

Given that I took a total of seven days off last year, I thought that I would try and remedy the situation in 2009 by actually taking a few vacations, however short they may be. This past weekend I headed out for four days to visit my friend HB in LA. This vacation was also driven by fulfilling two of my 100/10 goals. More about that later.

Thursday, I rolled out of Chicago leaving behind snow. I rolled into into LA where it was sunny and warm. Thank goodness! Even better - HB owns a convertible which was totes awesome and highly preferable over my usual transportation - the #6 bus. We drove down to Manhattan beach and hit up a cute little museum on a pier with great view of the ocean. After some great Mexican food, we traveled to the Queen Mary Hotel....which is haunted. Mwah ha ha...

So we come to goal number 26) Spend a night in a haunted hotel. Done!

The Queen Mary is a retired ocean liner that sailed the North Atlantic Ocean from 1936 to 1967. It served a variety of purposes including transporting POWs during WWII and acting as a hospital ship. It has a great traditional interior and many ghosts.

Now, while I super like the TV show Ghosthunters, I am not one to really believe in the paranormal. However, that said, I totall had an experience while on our ghost tour of the ship. The group had ventured down to the cargo hold and sat in chairs in a circle. We then turned out all the flashlights and attempted to conjure the spirits of the dead. While staring into the dark, I felt a sharp tug on the back of my chair. I figured someone was behind me, or HB had hit my chair. When we turned the lights on, I saw no one standing behind me and my friend hadn't moved the entire time...freaky!!!!

I definitely had a great time at the Queen Mary and had "met" a ghost to boot.

Next post - dinosaurs, casinos, and art night.

Making fun of Indiana should not be a pastime...

But sadly, for moviemakers, I'm afraid it's too late.

Yesterday, I saw that the preview for Johnny Depp's new movie Public Enemies (about John Dillinger) had been released. Since this movie involves three of my favorite things: violence, history, and violence in history, I am very excited for its arrival in theaters. However, about 1:08 minutes into the preview, all I could think was "Come on!" When told that he was being expedited to Indiana for trial, Dillinger replies, "I have absolutely nothing I want to do in Indiana." I mean I get it, born to a loser of a father in Indianapolis and imprisoned for a time in Crown Point, it's probably not his favorite state, but that had to make the preview!? Of all things important to this movie, Dillinger's distate for Indiana made the list? Okay, fine, I'll live with it. Although, I think eventually he would hate Wisconsin far more than Indiana, but whatever, I won't judge.



Moving onto another movie, The Royal Tenenbaums. While no Rushmore, I still enjoyed the film. Except for one part when Margot Tenenbaum, played by Gwyneth Paltrow, explained that she is adopted and at one point she went to find her family which, she deadpans, "live in Indiana." Cue the the ignorant hicks. (about 10 seconds into the video)



One last example from Mean Girls. Around the 3 minute mark, Rachel McAdams' character makes a remark about a past boyfriend, Kyle, who was "totally gorgeous but then he moved to Indiana." (cue eyeroll) It's Indiana people, not the Bermuda Triangle.



And these are only three of many, many examples of how Indiana has become the movie equivalent of a cultural wasteland where the great unwashed reside and can be referenced conveniently when needed. I'm not sure if it's laziness or prejudice, but I'm sorry, please stop referencing the Hoosier State in such a manner.

So, in my Lenten goal of finding happiness and letting go of bitterness, I offer you the clip below. It is one of the best examples found in a movie of what makes Indiana great. And if you don't know what movie this is from, I'm not sure we can be friends anymore.

Sugar and a Blackberry don't mix

Now, before you think that I had some sort of weird kitchen accident, I should clarify...by "Sugar" I mean my cat, and by "Blackberry" I mean my phone. Clear? Yes? Brilliant, let's move on.

This past year I upgraded to a Blackberry and boy has it been completely worth it. Why I have not yet (I hope) reached the "Crack"berry stage (thought I am well on my way there), I have used my phone for all things, both legit and nefarious...mwah ha ha. I used the GPS when I first moved to Chicago when I was lost in a neighborhood with no mass transit in sight. I used it while in Europe with the CSO to deal with donors and tickets. I use it to check my e-mail, phone messages, movie times, etc. In fact my Blackberry served an extremely important purpose just the other day when I was out with some peeps and we needed to be able to get directions to Huck Finn Donuts & Snack Shop...this was vital, my friends. (And to all you people who are currently reading this and thinking how you can do soooo much more with your Iphone - suck it, I don't care.)

But one key party is not a fan of the Blackberry...namely, my cat, Sugar. In fact, I'm pretty sure he has strong kitty hate for this particular electronic. Let's say I'm chillaxing on my couch on the phone and I hang up and put the phone down beside me - Sugar will lay right on top of it. Let's say in the morning, since I use my phone as my alarm, I pick it up to turn the alarm off, he immediately start rubbing against my face/arm/etc., so I can't even see the phone, let alone reach it.

But this morning was by far his most aggressive stance against the Blackberry. I had grabbed the phone to turn off the alarm and Sugar jumped up from the side of the bed and swatted at the Blackberry which knocked it on the floor. He then laid down on my chest, put his head on my shoulder and started purring.

I guess he knows that cuteness always wins over technology...

I'm very thankful for...

Yesterday, my friend D and I made the voyage east to South Bend for a friend's wedding. And boy what an adventure...it was anything but what we expected!

D picked me up on the southside and we made our way to I-90 which runs straight to South Bend...sounds easy right? Well, we had just hit Gary, when the car started to quickly lose speed, and it turned out...we were out of gas!! According to the needle we should have been okay for a few more miles, but oops!! guess not. So what's a girl to do?

D calls her fiance (we were driving in his car) to ask him to come meet us with some gas. He says he'll hop in D's car and be there as soon as he can. Sounds good, right? Except for the fact that he then calls back letting us know that he can't get D's car started and won't be able to get to us to help!! We then just both sort of look at each other like, "Well, what are we supposed to do now?" We weren't close to any exits or anything.

We decided to try and at least get the car completely on the shoulder of the highway as people seem to drive like maniacs on I-90. D popped in into neutral and I got out and pushed and we moved the car into a safer position. I have to say though, crappy situation aside, I was totes proud of myself for pushing a BMW SUV all on my lonesome - especially in a dress!

However, that move turned out to be helpful in more than one way. Just as I was getting back into the car, another car pulls in front of us and a young guy steps out of the car and asks us what's wrong. When we tell him that we're out of gas, and he offers to go get us some and come back!! Practically giddy that this guy is helping us we chill in the car waiting for him to return.

And he does...parking on the other side of the highway and jumping the barrier with a gas can and filling up the tank so we can get to the next gas station. Ridiculously grateful, we ask him much we owe, and he won't let us pay. I give him my card, asking that he at least send us his address so we can send him a card (and a check)...we'll see if I ever hear back! We then proceed onto the wedding and all is well.

But the real moral of this story is that there are still good people out there. Brilliantly generous and genuinely caring people out there. People willing to go out of there way to help, are out there. I am still incredibly grateful to our stranger who could not have been kinder.

Ashes to Ashes

Today marks Ash Wednesday, the first day in the Lenten season and always a very important mark of time to me during the year. Easter time is one of my favorite - especially this year as my 27th birthday is on Easter Sunday!

But before we get to that, we have 40 days of Lent. Each year since high school, I have tried to give something up as a way to understand the sacrifice that has been made by various groups of faith-filled people throughout the years. Unfortunately, this year I woke up this morning still with no idea of what I would give up! I solicited my sister for advice, but between the two of us - nothing. And it's important to me to make a decision that would mean something, otherwise, what's the point?

Thankfully, I found inspiration in my noontime church service. The pastor, a very "tell it like it is" Brit defined Lent through three things - generosity, prayer, and discipline. Generosity both to the church and others, prayer to God, and discipline in our daily lives. I had never heard of it broken down in such a way, but I really appreciated his way of thinking. He also told us we need to "gird our loins," which I have to say, I also appreciated

He then stated that "mean-mindedness is the death of the human soul." An extremely strong statement, but one that truly resonated with me. Just this past Sunday, I had been at an Oscar party and someone there remarked to me that I seemed to be a very negative person for only being twenty-six. Between these two comments, I felt like I should take the hint and reassess my, what has become, inherent negativity.

Don't get me wrong, I think everyone should have a healthy dose of sarcasm and cynicism in their lives. It makes things interesting. But in the past couple years, due to various circumstances and situations, I have come to border on bitter rather cynical, angry rather than sarcastic. I have literally made myself sick from stress and worry.

So that's what I'm giving up for Lent - anger and bitterness. While this is not quantitative goal with which I can measure or demonstrate my success, I am hoping it will lead to a lifestyle change where I no longer think evil thoughts about the woman who walked right in front of me on the sidewalk or obsess about how I think I was slighted in some way.

To that end, I think this is a process that should be shared - in small measures instead of leaps and bounds. So as my daily reminder to keep this Lenten process in mind, each day I will post - in the right column - a great quote, Bible verse, song lyric, etc. To use others' more positive experiences to help me in my quest to be a calmer, happier person.

Please feel free to share with me some of your favorites throughout the coming 40 days so I can in turn share with others!

P.S. The first quote posted is one of my absolute favorites!

Meet Me at the Auto Show

I could talk about how my parents drove up in crappy weather to meet me in Chicago so we could go to the Auto Show.

I could talk about how we got to McCormick Center in a cab sporting copious amounts of Valentine's Day decorations.

I could talk about how there were a ton of people at the Show and McCormick if frickin' huge.

I could talk about how my Dad continues to only fit in about 14% of the cars he tries to get into.

Or, I could let the Auto Show speak for itself.

Hence, the Chevy Stingray...hotness on wheels and a reason to live.

In which I discover that I lack creativity

I'm in the middle of full-fledged writer's block. I haven't posted much lately as I feel like I have nothing to say and no creative way in which to share. My chubby cat isn't helping much either as every time I turn to him for inspiration, he's passed out belly up on his favorite green chair. Perhaps I'm channeling my energies elsewhere since I have a series of fantastic French classes where I actually feel like I'm at the level of fluency I should be. Thankfully I have some very exciting events coming up in my life which will hopefully spur the creative juices and I can once again impress the world with my wit and candor. But until then, below is a list of things that, like my creativity, I wish currently had in my possession:

1) The ability to create beautiful music
2) Cameo jewelry
3) Adaptability to any climate (especially the cold!)
4) Fun summer dresses
5) A new episode

So Sleepy....zzzzz

I love dachshunds...and they love me. So for this gorgeous Thursday, I share with you this video of one of the cutest dachshunds I've seen lately...and he's narcoleptic. Aww...poor baby.

A Variation of Success

This my friends, is not my first blog. I started my first in 2006, failed again in spring of 2007, and didn't find the wherewithal to stick with writing posts until my third, and current, blog. That's not to say I didn't enjoy the process. I just found myself quite often faced with change and challenge, and my blog did not land high on my "Important Things to Do" list.

However, I have grown quite fond of my current "Katy the Train" blog, and am glad that I have continued to post fairly regularly. So much, in fact, that I have been branching out and now also write two additional blogs...I know, crazy, right?

The first new blog is a team effort with my big sis. While we've, sadly, fallen behind a little lately, these posts are dedicated to what Em and I do best - make fun of things. We're quite good at it and decided to bestow upon the world our opinion of all things ridiculous. Oh yes, we're just getting started with The Snark Sisters.

My second effort is brand spankin' new as of last night. I've decided to channel my love of all things literary into a new blog of book reviews. I've moved my review of Eat Pray Love there as my first entry as this was the blog post that reminded me how much I like to dissect and talk about books. Hence, Tea and a Book, named after a C.S. Lewis quote that I love (you'll have to check out the blog to see the quote!!). I can't guarantee wild success as this is a larger time commitment than the other blogs, but I'm excited to work on the entries and see where it goes!! Books suggestions are very welcome - especially fiction, as I don't seem to read very much of that.

Well, my friends, that's all for now.

Tiny Baby Lemur

So I read the Daily Mail like some people read the Bible. I have to check it a couple of times a day because it's so brutal! This is no holds bar celebrity and political gossip...and I love it. I'm pretty sure there is nothing that this paper won't write about. When I lived in London, it was a staple on my grocery shopping list. And sometimes, its articles just about make my day.

Like today's story of a newborn-ed lemur named Tahina in eastern France.

She is being raised in captivity without a mama. And while the vets can feed her, she's needs to cuddle with something just as she would her mother if she was in the wild. How cute is she with her teddy bear??

The universal truth found in this article, I believe, is that teddy bears are a necessity when you're little, lemur or not, for security and love. If something is chubby and furry, how can one resist? My teddy bear was named Chubby Cheeks Townhall (don't ask, I have no idea how I came up with that name), and he was the best!

And no mocking, I'm sure every one of you owned a teddy bear with an ridiculous name as well.

Monday, Monday

Monday Monday, so good to me,
Monday Monday, it was all I hoped it would be
Oh Monday morning, Monday morning couldn't guarantee
That Monday evening you would still be here with me.

Every other day, every other day,
Every other day of the week is FINEEEEE, YEAHHHHH
But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes
You can find me cryin' all of the time

Unlike last weekend, when I spent my time and energy cursing the gods of coughing and sinus problems, this past week has been both busy and highly entertaining. A week ago, I attended Madame Butterfly with my friend as part of our Lyric subscription. And I have to say, I have the same relationship with this opera that I have with Othello (both the opera and the play), and that is a love/hate relationship. I love the music and the drama and the tragedy, but I find myself saying to Pinkerton (Madame Butterfly's love interest), "You idiot!! You jerk!! You a**hole!!!!" (Sorry, mom, but I do.) At the end of Act I, he sings this beautiful duet with MB, and the whole time he knows he's going to leave her. And you know this whole thing isn't going to end well. It's like a car wreck that you just can't look away from. That said...still some of my favorite music.

Fast forward two French classes and four work days, and I'm out with some friends going to see one of my favorite things in Chicago - IO's Improv Shakespeare. Picture six dudes, one audience suggested title, and then a long-form improv show in Shakespearean style. I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard.

Saturday was House of Blues to see Superdiamond - a Neil Diamond tribute band. One of the best concerts I've ever seen...the singer moved and sounded just like the real Neil Diamond...it was so freaky at first!! But the band was incredible and some of the traditional songs got some added funkiness - making for a rocking concert that I can't not WAIT to see again.

By last night, I had completely fallen from the high art that is the Lyric Opera of Chicago to see My Bloody Valentine 3D. It probably won't add anything major to the genre of horror films, but the use of 3D was pretty sweet and it's always fun to be part of an audience that reacts to the film. Plus, I saw a preview for this movie which looks really inventive and interesting. Plus, my Hyde Park peeps introduced me to this show afterwards, which is freaking hilarious - particularly the David Bowie episode.

Altogether a rather brilliant weekend...

And today, well, back to reality with cleaning, laundry, and the like...no cryin' however, despite what the Mamas and the Papas say.

Eat. Pray. Love. Gag.

So, after years of being told "You HAVE to read this book," I finally gave in and read Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I was hesitant, as when I worked at Barnes & Noble in DC, most women would inevitably buy this in tandem with "The Secret." While immensely popular, they both just sort of screamed chick flick in-a-book, and those who know me know how I feel about chick flicks...other than Pride & Prejudice...that's a different case entirely. I'm more of a "If it bleeds, we can kill it," kind of girl as opposed to "You had me at hello."

So, with caution, I started to read Eat Pray Love. Now, a caveat to this post is that I have never been in love with someone so much that I would do anything for them. I've had strong feelings for others, but never "in love." I've also never been through a divorce, painful or not. So, unlike most women my age, who have had at least one serious, committed relationship by the age of 26, I was coming at this from a very different perspective. I was reading this as a spectator to those sort of emotions, but very much interested in the travel that she accomplished during her year in Italy, India, and Indonesia.

And to that end, I was not disappointed. Her sassy descriptions of the people and places she visit are unendingly entertaining and her prose style is very visual and precise. One can feel like you're sitting at the table with her as she struggles to learn Italian, or grasp the meaning of some of the mantras at the Ashram, and etc., etc. You find yourself in the bathroom with her in the middle of the night as she sobs over what she may have lost by divorcing her husband and during the ensuing depression.

However, I found myself, overall, never really emotionally connected to the book itself. There was no suspense, no wondering how the story would end - it was obvious from the start that her fairy tale ending would come true. I would find myself on the brink of feeling her pain until it turned into the equivalent of a sitcom ending - the bad stuff is shoved aside my some heartfelt moment. She consistently got her way and had everything she touched turn to success. The sacchariness of it all made it hard for me to follow her on a journey when it was laughs from the outset.

Yes, there was mention of doubt, depression, suicidal tendencies, guilt, and all of those other negative emotions that were quickly eclipsed by the next method of reaching God, or finding the best pizza in Italy. The quicksilver change of emotions did not lend itself rather to a journey, but more a spastic attempt at finding meaning through whatever path she possibly could.

I don't mean to sound over-harsh, but I had to read the book in segments, as I would become frustrated and overwhelmed by the sheer preachiness of the book at times. While I applaud the author for her frank, brutal assessment of her life, I never felt for her. Her pain was a vehicle for her writing, but even when she achieved her goals, it didn't feel like an accomplishment, because all along, I felt like she was already there.

My TV and I have broken up

Whoever said sleep is supposed to heal, I say they're full of crap and I'm quietly judging them right now.

You see, yesterday, I stayed home from work and cursed anything and everyone from my futon while I wallowed in kleenex, Advil, and cranberry juice. That said, lacking the cure for the common cold, I COUNTED on my TV coming through for me. And, like the CTA on a weekend, it let me down. I turned it on in the morning in anticipation of a day of bad (but oh so good) daytime television, and you know what I got...heartache and disappointment. In other words - black and white snow. I attempted to mess with the wires on the cable box and TV, but fatigued and sweaty thanks to my overtaxed white blood cells, I gave up after 15 minutes and switched to DVDs. I watched a couple of my favorite action films, but then switched to my other film love - French films. I finished out with The Triplets of Belleville, which is brilliant by the way, and went to bed to attempt to recover from both my cold and my disappointment in my cable.

My this morning, it only got worse...I went to watch The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, and got...sound, but no picture. What?!?! How am I supposed to heal without my Mathieu Amalric fix? I messed with some wires again, to no avail, and then did the only thing I could think of...called my parents to whine.

Long story short, my dad passed on some sage advice, and this evening after switching my cable boxes around, I discovered that the fault lies not with my cable or my DVD player, but with my TV. Sad face...

Now granted, the TV is oh, about 5 or so years old, and has been moved from Indianapolis to DC to Chicago and has now been owned by both Hall sisters, but I have expectations!! My 15 year old tiny 13 inch TV is still in fine form, and I have taken that thing everywhere and played it constantly...that is love and devotion, and for that I applaud Sharp. In fact, I give that company mad props. But my other TV, nothing - it's a sad monument to failed electronics everywhere.

So what's a girl to do? Well, actually, I called my parents again to whine. And now I'm looking for a new TV. If anyone knows where I can get a 1080p, 72-inch, LCD for $400 - let me know...because that would be a happy magical place where I would like to shop.