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Little Miss

By Katherine on October 30, 2011

Anyone who knows me well can tell you I’m a huge fan of Sugarland. Sugarland is without a doubt the best country duo out there right now, though they don’t sound very “country” at all. Thir music is filled with hints of pop, rock, and even a little reggae. It is positive; it can turn any bad day into a better one. I listen to them all the time while working on projects and such as a source of inspiration. If I had to pick one person as my idol, it would be Jennifer Nettles, Sugarland’s lead singer. Not only is she incredibly talented, but she uses her talent to change the world, to inspire others. Her voice literally calms me down. She cares about her fans and connects with her audience. She is smart, funny, and witty. Jennifer is an all around, good, down-to-earth person.

In October of last year, Sugarland released their best album yet, the Incredible Machine. Though I’m a little bias, I love every single track on this CD. My favorite by far, though, has to be “Little Miss.” It is a song about hope, encouragement, and assurance. It tells us that though things are bad right now, “it will be alright again,” if we just hold on long enough. It reminds us that though we may not feel it now, we are all loved. It’s a very comforting song. It has the power to make any bad day ten times better. It is incredibly inspirational.

From the lyrics of “Little Miss” sprung the Little Miss Project, originally a video created by fan club member, Erica Jean Bjork. You’ll have to watch it to really understand, but the video consists of a group of Sugarland fans from all over the United States expressing their greatest hopes and fears through handwritten sheets of paper held up to a camera. At the end of the song, we acknowledge and conquer our challenges and fears, remembering that it will be alright again. We are okay. This video debuted on YouTube in January of 2011 and now has over 40,000 views. Sugarland even put it on their website, sharing it with fans worldwide. It was truly amazing to be a part of it.

It didn’t take long for the Little Miss Project to turn live. Pretty soon, Sugarland fans were bringing handmade signs of their own to concerts all over the country and holding them up for the band when they sang “Little Miss.” Jennifer and Kristian love to read them. There is nothing more powerful then standing in the middle of an arena with thousands of people all brought together by the same lyrics…and singing those lyrics as one. The live projects began with just four or five people holding up signs, but by the end of the tour, radio stations were handing out pre-made signs to every single person in a venue. On the last night of tour in Atlanta on October 22nd, 10,000 signs were handed out. Want to know the best part? They all had MY design on them (watch here). This was probably one of the best moments of my life. It was surreal.

In June, I came up with the idea to make Jennifer and Kristian, as well as the entire band, a book to commemorate “Little Miss” and what it has meant to the fans. The book is something they can take with them on the road or have at home as a source of inspiration. Fifty-two fans, or Little Misses (and Misters), participated, giving me photos they’ve captured during this tour of the band, as well as pictures of themselves. They each wrote a paragraph or two to Sugarland, expressing what the band and their music means to them. Whether it is obstacles they’ve overcome or moments of weakness, each person has a story about how the song, the band, and the fan family has touched their lives. At the very least, the whole project – video, live shows, and book – has made us fans feel less alone through the hard times. As ridiculous as I know some of you will find this, the Sugarland Fan Club has really become a family through the years. We meet at shows for the first time after talking for months online and feel like we already know each other. We all understand how important it is to hear someone say, “it’ll be alright again,” even when it seems like it won’t be. This song has brought us closer then ever.

About a week ago I was given the opportunity to present the Little Miss Book to Jennifer and Kristian. Let me tell you, it was one of the scariest moments of my life. Not only had I worked on this project for three and a half months, but I was very attached to it. It had really meant a lot to me to be able to do it, and I was giving it to the two people whose opinions mattered the most. Needless to say, I think they loved it. There wasn’t a lot of time because they were getting ready to hit the stage, but I could see it in their faces. I really hope that now that the tour is over, they will get a chance to sit down and read it. I’d love to know what they think one day. I hope it inspires them half as much as it has inspired each of us. It was probably the most rewarding project I’ve ever been a part of.

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Looking Up: Sneak Peek #2!

By Katherine on October 6, 2011

Good morning everyone!

Here is your second sneak peek at my book, Looking Up, which will be out in the beginning of November! Check back soon for new updates about pre-ordering, availability, and book signings!

Hospitals & Broken Bones:

I have broken hundreds of bones in my lifetime, yet I can count on one hand how many times I’ve gone to the hospital for a break. This fact usually shocks people.

They stammer, “But, but how do you know it’s broken? How do you know what to do?”

First, I am very lucky in that I have parents in the medical field. Just because they are animal doctors doesn’t mean they don’t know how to treat a broken bone. I’m basically just like a medium-sized dog, but a little more cooperative. We have casting material, wraps, hot packs, ice, and everything I could possibly need right at home. They have a lot of practice in bandaging patients that are usually a little more unwilling than me to be touched. In many ways, our materials are better (and probably more expensive) than those used at the hospital. They are lighter and yet just as supportive as regular fiberglass casting material. This is particularly good for me because any extra weight on one of my limbs can cause a break somewhere else; for example, I have had the torque from a cast on my arm break my shoulder several times. It is very important that I am wrapped correctly and in the right spots, and doctors who don’t know me well don’t know how to do this like my parents do.

It really irritates me when people ask me how I know I’ve broken a bone. Let me tell you, when you have broken bones to the extent that I have in twenty-two years, you learn how much more a displaced break hurts than a hairline fracture. You learn what “broken” sounds and feels like as opposed to “out of joint.” You can tell exactly where the break is and how severe it is. There’s no need for an x-ray. I’ve learned that the louder the snap, crackle, or pop, the worse it’s going to be. It’s hard to explain to someone who hasn’t had these experiences, but trust me, if you ask another Type III OI person, they will back me up on this.

Besides, if I went to the hospital and got an x-ray every time I broke a bone, I’d probably be glowing from the radiation at this point.

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The Power of Music

By Katherine on September 27, 2011

I am convinced that music is one of the most powerful forces in the world. I don’t know why, but something happens when you combine words with melody that makes the impact of those words ten times greater. Think about it. If I told you to “imagine all the people living life at peace,” in a very flat, everyday voice, you’d probably just shrug me off and not think twice about it. But when that short sentence is combined with melody and sung by John Lennon, you have one of the most famous, influential, effective songs ever made–”Imagine.” Lennon really makes you think, “wow, what if people really could put their differences aside and live at peace with each other? What if there was no religion or freedom to fight over?” That is a very
powerful gift.

I don’t know what I’d do without music in my life. It has always been there; it has been that one constant throughout the years that I could always rely on. Though I listen to a lot of country (particularly Sugarland and Little Big Town), I grew up listening to oldies with my parents that I enjoy as well. I remember learning “Rockin’ Robin” and “The Wanderer” when I was about three. Granted, I had no idea what “The Wanderer” was actually about, but I liked the beat and sung it all the time. When I was about five, I had an aide that listened to nothing but country music, and much to my mother’s dismay, I became somewhat addicted. My first CDs were John Michael Montgomery and Reba McEntire. I played them over and over and over again for years. I think my mom soon regretted giving me that boom box for Christmas.

I like music that is upbeat and positive. I use it to work and to wind down. There are certain songs that just make you feel good no matter how horrible your day has been. My “mantra” is from Sugarland’s “Settlin‘”; there’s a line in that song that says “it’s my life so it’s mine to make.” Every time I hear it, it reminds me that if I want something in life, I have to go out and get it myself and be the girl that “changed her mind and changed the world.” I listened to that song practically everyday on the way to classes for the past six years and it really helped me get through my school days. It still helps me get through my days today.

And then there are those songs that say exactly what you wish your could say to your friend, loved one, or enemy. Kids, stop reading here, but who hasn’t wanted to say “F*** You” to someone in your life? (Cee Lo Green, people.) I know I have…recently. It feels so good to picture that person in your mind and sing at the top of your lungs, “And although there’s pain in my chest, I still wish you the best,  and forget youuuuu….” I highly suggest doing this only when you are alone, but it is very satisfying, trust me.

As cliche as Glee has made it, who doesn’t still smile when they hear “Just a small town girl livin’ in a lonely world,” or “I Love Rock ‘n Roll?” You can’t tell me “Come On Eileen” or Maroon Five’s “This Love” doesn’t still make you want to get up and dance. And no matter what obstacle you are up against, Sugarland’s “Little Miss” reminds you that it’s all going to be alright again and that “you are loved” no matter what. Do you feel like you’re stuck in a metaphorical rut in life? Just listen to MJ sing, “if you wanna make the world a better place, then just look at yourself and make a change.” This is music that inspires and pushes us forward. This is music we should all hear and take to heart. It truly makes the world a beautiful place.

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Working for a Criminal…

By Katherine on September 15, 2011

Back in June I took an unpaid internship with a company called Prodigy Marketing and Entertainment. I know, what would possess me to take an unpaid internship? Well, I wasn’t getting anywhere with finding a steady job, and at least this way I would build my portfolio. Also, the completion of the internship came with a promise of a full-time job to the tune of $3200 a month, a great salary for a designer right out of school.

Before I go any further though, let me tell you a little bit about Prodigy Marketing and Entertainment.

Now that I look back on it, the whole thing was a little sketchy from the beginning. For starters, I found the internship on Craigslist and was immediately contacted to fill it. The lady who ran the company, who we will call Jane here, sounded desperate on the phone. She explained to me that she owned a night club here in Metairie and needed an email invitation for a “pajama party” happening two days later as soon as humanly possible. She claimed that her staff, mostly in Baton Rouge where she was from, was overrun, and she needed to hire someone locally for all of her marketing needs. Though I happened to have a really horrible cold that day, I got the flyer done (which was for more of a langerie party) and she was thrilled. Over the next month and a half, she fed me more and more projects; everything from flyers to CD covers to DJ electronic press kits to business cards. Though I wasn’t getting paid and didn’t always like what I was doing, I took the opportunity to learn how to do more things in the Adobe Suite and build a few portfolio pieces. It was always an interesting job; I mean, it’s not often your design professors say, “No, it needs more sex,” though believe it or not, I’ve had it happen in several more awkward words and gestures before.

The bottom line is, as far as I could tell, Prodigy Marketing and Entertainment was split into three sections; it had a modeling and talent agency, a DJ record label, and the night club mentioned before.

I worked very hard for Prodigy for about a month and a half. As I neared the end of my internship, my contact with the lady who owned it became less and less until one day I just didn’t hear from her anymore. Being sweet, innocent me, I thought maybe something happened to her because she had mentioned earlier that week she had a family emergency. As the week wore on, I began to think she just used me and dumped me as soon as she would have to actually start paying me.

It turns out that both of my assumptions were wrong…sort of. I got a call the other day from one of the DJs I had worked with through the company to develop his online marketing campaign and business card. He asked me if I still had his files (which of course I did) and if I could please take all of the Prodigy information off of his business card for him. He also was more than willing to pay me seeing as I had “put in more than my share of work for my internship.”

I made the changes to his card and then asked him what ever happened to Jane. He said that apparently back in 2008, she was convicted of check fraud and let out on parol. He had no idea until July of this year (as my internship ended), when she skipped out on her parol officer three times. She was hauled back off to jail and is now looking at ten years.

I was SHOCKED! I mean, granted, I did know this job was a little sketchy, but Lord! I did not expect this! The good news, though, is that perhaps I will get some business from the DJs I worked with through the company in the future.

Lesson learned: use my intimate contact with a private investigator friend to my advantage!

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Book Sneak Peek!

By Katherine on September 7, 2011

Hello Everyone!

As some of you may know, my first book will be in bookstores in early November. It is called Looking Up and is about my life with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease). It shows my unique perspective through anecdotes and photography.

The book will be available for pre-order on this website in mid October.

For now though, here’s a little sneak peek inside the book….

Apparently I’m an Exhibit Too?

When I was about five, my aunt took my younger cousin and me to the Riverwalk one afternoon. We were just walking around, shopping, and eating snowballs when we were suddenly rushed by a bunch of very curious and enthusiastic men in doctor’s coats. Unfortunately, we were not aware that the largest orthopedic convention in the country was taking place just a few hotels down from where we stood, and that the convention was on lunch break.

These crazy doctors started coming up to me, poking me and prodding me, asking if I was an exhibit for the convention.

Well, my aunt promptly informed them, “No, she’s not an exhibit! She’s my niece!”

I honestly don’t remember it that much, but I do remember being very confused and unhappy about strangers touching me and bending my limbs.

Even doctors don’t think sometimes.

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New York

By Katherine on August 31, 2011

Let me just start by saying, New York is awesome.

A few weeks ago, a friend (also named Catherine, but note the C), my mom and I went to New York for a long weekend girls trip before the summer ended and our lives got hectic again. We did everything from Times Square at night to a Broadway play (the Lion King) to stand-up comedy shows to the Museum of Modern Art. We ate like royalty. We covered a lot of ground in just three-and-a-half days.

Though we planned this trip in about a month, it was not at all spontaneous. Because I need so many special accommodations to travel, everything from the hotel room to transportation to and from the airport has to be meticulously mapped out and checked for handicapped access. We got lucky and found a luxury apartment to rent in a prime location at 7th and 53rd for less than any hotel room we could find. For those of you not familiar with New York, that’s within walking distance of Times Square, Central Park, the Theater District, and my favorite, MoMA. There were a dozen great restaurants near us as well. We had a small kitchen, two bedrooms, and one and a half bathrooms. We were very comfortable and had plenty of space for my wheelchair, oxygen machine (that I sleep with at night), and all of the crap that three women must travel with.

As far as transportation, we decided to hire a private shuttle service to get us to and from the airport. Though it was expensive, it was much easier than flagging down a handicapped accessible taxi. There are hundreds of taxis in New York, but very, very few handicapped ones. They are very difficult to find, are usually in bad condition, and have to be booked at least two days in advance. That makes getting around a little challenging for the disabled. The subways are also, for the most part, not handicapped accessible. The shuttle was well worth it.

However, the great thing that New York has that I think every city should invest in are handicapped accessible buses. Yep, every single bus in New York City is 100% handicapped accessible, equipped with a fold down wheelchair ramp. The buses run on practically every street in the city too. It makes getting around a lot easier, though you do have to plan out where you are going ahead of time and allot enough time to switch buses if you need to. It’s not the fastest mode of transportation, but the ride is smooth and air-conditioned, so who’s complaining?

Each time we visit New York we get a little more familiar with the layout, the bus system, where to stay, how to get around, etc, etc. If you ever find yourself in the middle of Manhattan, make sure you eat at Le Maison Brasserie on 7th and 53rd. Great French food and it’s open all night. We saw the Lion King on Broadway and it was amazing and highly recommended. Also, if you’re into art, you can’t miss MoMA. It is amazing and overwhelming. I was in New York for four days and the only thing I bought was exactly fourteen pounds of art and design books from the museum. Yep, I’m a nerd.

But seriously, New York is so cool. There is so much to do. I’d never want to live there…it’s a little too busy and expensive for me on a daily basis. As a vacation though, so much fun! And I learned it’s a city I can get around in! Bonus!

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American Idol, LIVE!

By Katherine on July 26, 2011

Stage before the concert begins

A couple nights ago, the American Idol Season Ten Tour came to a small venue in New Orleans. After watching the entire season religiously, there was no way I was missing this show. Even though those who I thought deserved to win didn’t, (James, Casey, and Pia), I wasn’t about to miss the chance to see them all sing together. When the tickets went on sale, I was one of the first to get them. Even though I spent wayyyyyyy too much on these things, I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime show and that I’d regret missing it. (See previous blog regarding concert addiction.)

One of my favorite songs, dedicated to that "special" someone

So, after Mom finished at her office, we headed over to the show. Since the arena where it was held is so small, there’s really not a bad seat in the house. We were on the second level, directly across from the stage; a little farther then I’d like, but still not bad.

The show was pretty cool. I guess I’d say it’s what you’d expect. The Top 11 got up, each sang a song, sang some songs together, danced around, had countless wardrobe changes, etc etc. My favorite song of the night was probably when James did “Sweet Child of Mine.” That guy amazes me every time…if I had to pick a favorite, it’d be him. Not only can he sing, but he’s overcome a lot of obstacles in his life. I have a lot of respect for him. Also, I was very excited when they did Cee Lo Green’s “Forget You” as a group. There’s someone I secretly dedicate that song to every time I hear it, but that’s another story for another day.

Casey and I

Anyway, as they were doing their encore, Mom and I decided to get out before the crowd. A) I hate walking in crowds and B) there’s only one elevator in this place and entirely too many lazy people refuse to take the stairs. As we were walking out of the arena, I noticed that there was a line of barricades by the building, making a sort of hallway. There was a bunch of security back there as well. If there’s one thing I’ve learned at concerts it’s that security equals stars. I went up to one of them and quickly learned that all of the idols would be coming out to sign autographs and take pictures shortly. I looked at Mom and said, “We’re hanging out here for a while.”

It took them FOREVER to come out, but out they came! Pia, one of my favorites came out first. Lord, she is gorgeous! And she has the voice to match. Jacob and Stephano came next…And then Casey, another of my favorites. He is such a ham! He totally loves the attention and thrives off of the fans’ energy. However, he still seems like a really, really nice guy.

Scotty and I

Scotty (this year’s American Idol) and Lauren (the runner up) came out next. Wow! I actually got my picture with Scotty McCreery! If you haven’t heard it yet and like country music, his new single, “I Love You This Big” is really cute. It suits his personality well. And yes ladies, his eyes are as gorgeous in person as they are on TV.

Pia and I

Naima and Thia also came out somewhere in there. I was really disappointed that James and Paul didn’t come out, but that’s okay. It was still very, very cool.

What was most interesting about the whole experience was that only the two young Idols treated me like I was two or retarded. I had a bunch of make-up on and a low cut, black, wrinkly shirt that not two-year-old should ever wear. I did NOT look two. Casey, Naima, Jacob, Pia, and Scotty got it. Lauren and Thia just didn’t. It took everything in me to not allow my eyes roll back in my head and to bite my tongue. After all, I still wanted pictures with them and their autographs. A little bit of sucking up is necessary. I made my self just smile when Lauren looked at me and said, “Awwwww! Hi Sweatie!” *insert gagging sound here, please*

Lauren and I


We think of American Idols and stars as “bigger” people than we are, but this experience reminded me that they are still just people. As talented as they are, Lauren and Thia are still just teenagers who haven’t quite learned how to handle people who are different, like me. And that’s okay. It was just very interesting to experience.

Overall, it was a very fun night!

My ticket, signed by eight of the eleven American Idols

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Your OI Lesson for the Day

By Katherine on July 17, 2011

Me, on my 21st birthday

As I sit here on this rainy, mosquito-y, hot summer Sunday evening, I notice that Extreme Makeover Home Edition is the only thing on TV. I turn it on, and what do you know? They are redoing a home for a kid with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease). (What I have, people. Keep up!)

I didn’t read the guide to tell me that this kid has OI. I knew it before they said it. See, there are certain characteristics that all people with OI share. The most obvious is probably the short stature. Next, you look for a triangular-shaped head and a sort of protruding breast bone (meaning that the sternum isn’t flat like most people’s). Most OI people also have tinted sclera (whites of the eyes); for example, mine have a blue tint. They usually have curved limbs because their bones don’t grow normally, as well as a curved spine.

Now, that’s not to say that all OI people are the same, because that is definitely NOT true. Patrick, the nine-year-old that had his house redone on TV, is probably what we call a severe Type IV. There are four essential types of OI, determined by the severity of the disease. It’s kind of backwards because Type II is actually the most severe; people with Type II OI very rarely live past the age of two because their ribcage does not develop enough to let the lungs develop. Type I is the least severe; other then a couple of breaks around puberty and a shortened stature, Type I’s live a pretty normal life. Type IV is basically a little more severe then Type I; some people with Type IV break a lot and can’t walk while others don’t break a lot and can walk. Type III, my type, is the most severe of the Types that allow you to live a fairly normal, but somewhat shortened, lifespan. All Type III’s are pretty much wheelchair bound and break a lot. I used to break a bone on an average of once a week; now it’s once every few weeks or so. I all really depends on my activity level, the time of year, etc.

Everything that the Extreme Makeover team did for Patrick was perfect. The house was completely accessible to him and gave him an independence that I’m sure he never had before. He had all the equipment necessary to do his therapy, including an endless pool. We have one, and it is wonderful. Because the water gives us buoyancy, it is the best form of exercise we could possibly do; it allows us to move in ways that we normally can’t. This kid was even give a $35,000 electric wheelchair, complete with spinners and flames custom painted on the sides. I’m jealous.

So, there is you lesson on OI for the day. Just remember, even though we are physically different, we are just like you. We want the same things. We just have to go about getting them in different ways.

If you’re interested in or have more questions about OI, feel free to contact me or check out the OI Foundation’s website here!

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Concerts: An Expensive, But Safe, Addiction

By Katherine on July 11, 2011

Kimberly, from Little Big Town

I guess you could call concert going my hobby. I have sat in the front row for Sugarland (countless times), Little Big Town, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisely, Shania Twain, Michael Buble, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, George Straight, Trace Adkins, Matt Nathanson, and many others. There’s nothing more exciting to me then having your favorite artist three feet in front of you and singing along with them. That moment when they look down at you and wave is priceless.

I have always said that one of the major perks of being me is my ability to manipulate myself into the front row of any concert. I have never understood why, but most venues put the wheelchair section either at the top of the arena or all the way at the back. It is not only isolating, but it is also often difficult to see. When people stand up at a show, I can’t stand with them, and my view is blocked. This is very frustrating, especially when you’ve paid $70-$100 to see one of your favorite artists perform. I mean, does that really make any sense?

My idols, Jennifer and Kristian of Sugarland

My aunt and I developed a strategy when I was about twelve to fix this problem. We buy tickets on the floor, as close to the front as we can, and because those tickets are usually more expensive then the wheelchair tickets, the arena has to accommodate us somehow. The solution is usually to put us at either end of the front row. (It’s happened that they’ve put me on the side of the stage before, but my luck is usually not that good.) Yes, agreed, it’s manipulative, but I don’t think it’s fair that just because I’m in a wheelchair I have to be stashed way out of the way somewhere. I am much shorter than everyone around me, so people really can’t complain that they can’t see over me. That is NEVER a problem, trust me. I don’t take up that much space, and most of the time people are really nice about letting me in. They are standing anyway, so what do they care?

Reba

Now, I’m sure that there are a few of you thinking, “well, I’m sure that it’s more of a safety precaution that they don’t want you on the floor…they just don’t want you getting hurt.” Yes. I understand that argument, but I’m very good at handling myself in a crowd. If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I’m not afraid to open my mouth when I necessary. Also, I always have someone with me who is also good at handling the drunk women (inevitable at a concert) around me and making sure that nothing bad happens. Trust me, we got this down.

So yes, I probably spend more money than the average person on concert tickets every year. Concerts are my break though. They are where I get to be like any other normal fan, singing at the top of my lungs, thank god no one else can hear me. It’s worth it EVERY time.

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Boo!

By Katherine on July 8, 2011

As I mentioned in my first post, crap happens to me that is simply too funny not to share. Here is the perfect example:

My parents, one of my friends (who we’ll call Cat for simplicity’s sake), and I went to see Bob Seger in concert a couple of months ago here in New Orleans. Now, half of you are going, “Oh, wow! Bob Seger! He’s a legend!” and the other half of you are going, “who the hell is that?” To the second half of you, you know that song “Old Time Rock and Roll?” It’s the one Tom Cruise dances to in his socks, shirt, and underwear in “Risky Business.” That’s Mr. Seger. And yes, he is a legend.

Anyway, Cat and I were sitting in a separate section then my parents. At the end of the show, we were supposed to meet at the car. On the way out, Cat and I stopped at the doors and waited for some of the crowd to go by. It was also pretty cold outside and we didn’t want to freeze waiting for my parents.

We were standing inside the main doors to the arena when this lady, who was obviously drunk, came and stood by us loudly squawking on her cell phone. It took her a couple of minutes, but she eventually turned my direction, saw me, made her eyes really big, and exclaimed, “Boo!” as if I was a small child. Now mind you, I had a strapless shirt on. What parent lets their two-year-old wear a strapless shirt? (Don’t answer that.)

Now you may be wondering, “Oh my god! What do you say to that?” Well, I pretty much rolled my eyes, turned around, and started laughing with Cat who was pretty much dying of hysterics/shock by this point. (Thanks, Cat.)  Needless to say, we ended up going out to the car shortly there after to wait for my parents.

See? This is my life. I can’t make this crap up.

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