Eating Alligator in Florida...

It's been almost two weeks since I've blogged. And this is a little out of sync.. although, it is TODAY's event!

Today, I ate ALLIGATOR!

I'm staying with friends in Clearwater, Florida (near Tampa) and celebrated a day of fun with my friend Scott with a Margarita and Alligator bites..

Excuse the husky voice.. I've been helping my body recover from a lung-wrestling flu...

I'm taking a few days 'vacation' after an incredible and intense Internet Marketer's Caribbean Cruise last week... more coming on that update.

Grey's Anatomy - I got to sit on the lap of "Mr McDreamy" Patrick Dempsey

Patrick Dempsey, a.k.a. "Mr McDreamy", or Dr. Derek Shepherd, the neurosurgeon on 'Grey's Anatomy' was on my Delta flight today from L.A. to Orlando.

As I went to enter the flight, I noticed the 'buzz' from the flight attendents whispering to staff and other passengers boarding. "Patrick Dempsey's on the flight!" And with a short pause, "but we're used to famous stars flying with us."

Now, I rarely watch T.V. or listen to the radio. BUT, I have always been a fan of the quirky prime time T.V. show "Grey's Anatomy."

And Patrick Dempsey's conflicted character has always made me curious, both in his thought processes and dare I say, in his delicious looks!

As we boarded the flight, we all moved forward down the aisle in an orderly fashion so as to take our seats. Every single person passed Patrick, since he was sitting in the FIRST aisle first class seat.

I sat in my exit row aisle seat. This time in economy. I usually fly United, and get the first class upgrade. I'm happy to take economy on this flight simply to share in this universal alignment.

As I settled into my seat and sat watching the last of the passengers board, I realized that "if I don't ask, I don't get." I got my new waterproof digital camera ready (the one I just bought at duty free to take on the cruise) and set off down the aisle at a fast pace. I didn't want to be stopped by a Nazi airline steward.

I reached Patrick's seat and squatted down in front of him. He looked a little taken aback, yet I soon saw his face relax.

"Hi!" I announce, "I'm Katie and I'm Australian." (OK, I'm pulling whatever favor card I can right now)

I watch his face soften. "I was sitting back there and realized that if I don't ask, I don't get."

I watch for him becoming more receptive. He is.

"If you say "No", that's OK, and I just want to ask if I can have a photo with you."

I smile.

It wins.

"Sure," he says and radiates his branded smile that melts my heart.

The guy behind Patrick says, "I'll take your photo!" I hand him my camera.

I'm shaking!

Patrick smirks his delicious lazy smile.

He starts to twist in his chair to get ready for the photo. In order for me to get in it, I need to get closer. He's so humble. And polite. I am almost sitting on his knee. Then I ask, "can I sit on your lap?"

"Sure," he says... and I do with glee!

The photo is taken, as the flight attendants are insisting that all electrical equipment be shut off.

I grace Patrick with my gratitude... "you've made my day," I say with a radiant smile.

He lights up with his grin I only know from the the T.V. Show as "Mr McDreamy."

"Thank You!" I say and leave him in peace.

I skip down the aisle and enter back into economy where there are a bunch of people who roar into applause at my audacity... I do a little jig and dance in the aisle, so happy and elated.

People clap and laugh with joy.

As I am walking back to my seat I hear, "Katie! Katie Gilbert! From facebook!" I turn to see a familiar face. It's a friend I have met on facebook, Blake Mitchell."



We connect and Hi five.. "Wow! Such a small world!" I say. He nods.

"I'm now Katie Joy!" I state. Blake smiles.

I feel famous. *laugh* The irony is I went to connect with someone I know as famous in the front of the plane, and on my way back, someone recognizes me!

I'm thrilled.

As I take my seat, I reflect on the moment. Proud of myself.

I learned a terrific lesson.

If you don't ask, you don't get.

And.. if you ask.. you most often get what you want.

I wonder how many people on the plane may have thought of the possibility of doing what I did, but no-one else took action.

I did.

That was the learning.

Stepping up and taking action.

I was nervous. I was aware that I might get a "no". But I figured that if I didn't ask it was an automatic "No!" anyway.

If there is one thing I want to share, that is:

JUST DO IT!

Follow your heart.

Take action!

Do it with grace, respect and love and everybody wins!

First Day in L.A. ...a day of comical mishaps

First Day in L.A. ...a day of comical mishaps.

Avatar & Japanese Dining

After a fabulous ‘girls’ day out with Johanna, we all met up with some friends to eat out and to see Avatar.

One word for the movie ‘Avatar’ – “WOW!”

It blew me away! There is no other movie that I’ve seen that is that phenomenal. Every scene had me on the edge of my seat and captivated by the screen.

I often had to remind myself to breathe!

If you haven’t seen Avatar yet – then I highly recommend it… and make sure you see it in 3D.

Lunch With A Lizard!

Yesterday I enjoyed a delicious lunch and a glass of wine with my friend Johanna Ashley, in Sunny Queensland.

In the balmy tropical heat of the Sunshine Coast it’s not unusual to see and hear the gecko’s ‘chirping’. But today we were entertained by a larger cousin who decided to dine next to us… a ‘bearded dragon’ lizard!

Johanna is also a barrel of laughs, as her spirit shines even greater than her beauty (and she is a stunner!). I laughed at her reaction as a few guests (two flies) decided to play ‘noogie’ (Johanna’s word) in her Chai Tea!

How I Got My New Name – Katie Joy

There are some days that are a distinct turning point in your life... this was one of those days for me...

Yesterday morning started of with a terrific breakfast and coffee on the back deck, overlooking the canal.

Johanna and I were chatting away when Kurek came home from breakfast with his friend, Malcolm McCleod.

Introductions were made, and I blushed as I quickly dashed to my room to get dressed. I had been relaxing in my pyjamas and wanted to feel more comfortable at the table now the guys were home.

Malcolm is a fascinating guy.

He dropped several sheets of paper and a few pens in front of Johanna and I and said, “Are you ready for me to change your lives?”

He’s an expert handwriting analyst. And wanted to have some fun with us.

I was eager and ready to play!

We wrote down the sentence he instructed us to write, along with our signature.

And then it was on!

His Analysis was extraordinary.

And when it came to reading my signature I jumped in and said, “You know, I’m not comfortable writing or even saying my last name. It’s my ex-husband’s and it doesn’t feel right to be using it.”

It was obvious to Malcolm that I was shrinking from it, as I write ‘Gilbert’ much smaller than the beginning of my signature.

“What’s your maiden name?” he asks.

“Smith,” I laugh. “Which I don’t want to go back to that either.”

“What do you want it to be?” Malcolm asks.

“I’ve thought about changing my name before, to something I choose. I’ve held back because of the bother of changing all my documents.”

“But, if I were to change my name I would want it to represent something like Joy, or Love.”

Kurek pipes up, “Katie Joy! Yes! That’s you!”

We all nod.

Malcolm insists I write my new name as a signature. I do. It feels great and looks good. I also LOVE his analysis of what personality traits shine through with the new name and handwriting.

So, I now introduce myself to you as Katie Joy!

And yes, I will be changing my name legally when I get back to Australia in six weeks.

Malcolm was right! I thought he was joking when he said, “are you ready for me to change your lives?!”

Thanks Malcolm, for your wonderful gift.

Feeding the fish with Kurek Ashley & Johanna Ashley

A few days ago (Sunday) I left my home city (Perth) once again for another 6 week journey to the USA.

First however, a brief stop-over in Maroochydore, Queensland to stay with some wonderful and dear friends of mine - Kurek Ashley and Johanna Ashley.

This morning we woke up to another day of grey skies, yet the weather is tropical and warm. Johanna captivated my attention when she started throwing bread over the deck railing into the canal water below. To feed the fish!

Kurek & I joined in. Fascinating to watch the fish attack and eat the bread with ferocity!

I'm set to leave in a few days to head for LA... more adventures coming up! :o)