An Weak Excuse For Womanhood

Between my sister getting engaged, prepping for my grandfather's memorial service, craziness at work and life in general....this incident was brought to my attention and I was livid! I couldn't keep quiet. If people follow my blog they know that I'm a big Dancing With The Stars and sports fan. This season I've come to truly appreciate the strength and talent of Erin Andrews. She's been vivacious, talented and fun to watch. Then someone like Elizabeth Hasselbeck has to open her mouth...and this kind of garbage spews forth: http://http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/05/05/2010-05-05_elisabeth_hasselbeck_slams_erin_andrews_for_dressing_inappropriately_on_dancing_.html

What really bothers me about this whole thing? She's a woman and a mother. How can she even make a comment that condones the victimization of another woman? For someone who's "so intelligent" regardless of how conservative she is, I'd expect her to have a sense of awareness. Erin was using Dancing With The Stars to gain a sense of empowerment and regain the control that her stalker stole from her. And another woman, of all people, is going to make snide comments that take that away?

The only reason I can think of that she would say this besides jealousy is because she's led a charmed life. She's never been made to feel unsafe. She's never had her sense of choice taken away from her. She's lucky. She's blessed. There's nothing worse than second guessing everything you do, wondering what you've done wrong or what you've done to deserve the bad things that are happening to you.

This breaks girl code everywhere. Kudos to Erin for fighting her way back to controlling her life. I'm glad she didn't let this guy break her or make her be afraid or ashamed of her body. It's a pity that someone like Elizabeth Hasselbeck couldn't understand or appreciate that.

Remembering Grandpa

If ever I doubted that family is more defined by love than by blood, all I would have to do is think back and remember Grandma & Grandpa Plass. It's taken me a while to write this because I really wasn't sure what to say. It didn't seem so very long ago when I donned my leopard print dress, a tribute to grandma, and said my last goodbyes to her...singing for her one last time. And somehow that day Chris and I had a feeling that Grandpa was listening, appreciating, and feeling that he was getting a preview of what his memorial was going to be like.

Grandma was his "older woman" being that she was 2 years older than he was. She passed away a couple months after they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. I got to be there to help them....and watched them renew their vows alongside Deb & Steve (Aunt & Uncle) and Mom & Kurt. It meant so much to be included in everything.

Even though we came into the Plasses lives as teenagers, they all welcomed us with open arms. Grandpa was always the calm, gentle soul...caring and always willing to talk or listen and support. Grandma was the fiery one...full of laughter and mischief.

Grandpa had been struggling with heart and respiratory issues for years, but somehow always seemed to come out on top. A few years ago he was even taking physical therapy to improve his strength. On Christmas '08 Mom & Kurt came down for Christmas and found out that Grandpa was on hospice. But still he was cheerful and upbeat. He stuck around to hold his great granddaughter, Camille, in his arms.... and to be able to see the photos of my wedding.

Although Grandpa was 94 when he finally answered his call to come home to Jesus, having been on hospice for a year, we should have been expecting it. But still, getting the call from my mom in January telling me that he was finally gone...it still shocked and saddened and hurt. I loved Grandpa. And I will always miss him. It was MY honor to be a part of his family.

The memorial is set for May. Chris, Mom and I will sing...and honor a man who knew what it meant to love his family...

Our Wedding Picture Montage

So Bella Photography was who we went through for our wedding pictures. Included in our package was a picture montage along with 1 beautiful, leatherbound album, 2 smaller parents albums and 4 mini albums. We also got $160 to spend on photos. They did a pretty good job. Looking back there were a few pictures I wish I'd thought to ask the photographer to get, but fortunately for me I have amazing people in my life like Suzie Lane who owns Susan Lane Photography and my sister. Between them, Judy, Natalie, Amber, Shelley...well, we got a bit of everything.

The below link is to our picture montage from the wedding. Enjoy!


Kat and Kirk

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So Much Has Happened

Ok, so it's been a while since I've blogged and the year has been incredibly busy! Since the last time I've had my bridal shower, bachelorette party & wedding in Chicago. We've had our mini-honeymoon in Texas. My cousins, Heather and Yann, had their beautiful baby girl...Camille Rose. Amber and Ben and Suzan and Mike got engaged. Gary & Sandi and Mike and Angie are expecting new additions to their families. And Grandpa Plass passed away. To say that our universe has been hectic would be a mild understatement. Anyway, here are a few pictures to share! I'll go into more detail when I have some time...