Martha's Moved....

http://notquitemartha.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Check it out...

thanksgiving nap number 1

its time.
during football.
pre turkey
post grocery shopping.
pre garden ridge three day shopping extraordinaire.


hi ho hi ho... off to nap i go....

pre-football emotions

so i am currently watching the FOX pregame show. I am BAWLING like a little girl right now. Since when did FOOTBALL become so damn emotional? I'm crying at the soldiers sending home messages to their families. I am crying at the piece about Hurricane Katrina, and frankly I am crying a little bit because Joey Harrington is the starting QB for the Lions today.

and now i must be insane, because a "Whattaburger" commercial just made me teary.

is it too early to drink?

my turkey filled thanks...

im sitting on my butt today.
watching football (go lions)
eating turkey
and mighty thankful that i am employeed, have a great family and wonderful friends.

thank you all for being in my life.. and GO LIONS

this has been brewing in my head for a while

Do you ever stop for a minute and just look in the mirror? Do you recognize the person that looks back at you? Do you like the person that you see? Is she the person that you think that you are?

Does that last sentence make sense? My life has changed EXPONENTIALLY in the past 4 months. Since August 15, 2005, my life has been turned on its axis. For the most part, things have been great. Really they have. But, like anything there has been a price.

For the first time in my life, I am finally attaining serious professional success. Its real, its been validated, and its progressing. This is what I have been working for since the minute that I stopped waiting tables full time and realized I needed to do something with my life. All of my jobs, as cool and varied as they have been, have all lead to the culmination of this job. Its a great job.

But, there is a but. There is always a but isnt there? This job, this amazing opportunity is creating change. Some days I look at it like an adventure, other days I look at it like a sentence. I work at least 10 hours a day now. That's a light day. I am getting things done. I am learning every day. On paper, this is the perfect thing for me. This is what I wanted all along. Heres where the but came in. Now that I have the professional sucess that I have been looking for, and the financial comfort that I am been striving for, I can't enjoy it. Or rather, I haven't figured out the right balance yet. I am the job. I work. I am defined by my job. I haven't been on a date in ages. I resigned from CASA last month. I should start to pack up my house. I am poised to start this awesome next chapter of my life, and it scares the living crap out of me. If this is really what I have been working for, why aren't I more excited about it? Why doesn't it feel more exciting? Why do I feel so tired?

I look back on the past 365 days. Its strange, but I can actually document so much of my life from the past year- much from this blog, others from my own journals. One year ago today, I met one of the most amazing men in my entire life. We spent probably the most wonderful week together in my life. I will seriously always smile when I look back at that time. It was a defining moment for me last year, because it reminded me that sometimes you can just "be" with a person, and it didn't matter who you are/were/or going to be. You can just find that person and smile, and dance and pretend that you have been together for ages. And then when he leaves, just smile and look forward to the next time you see him. No strings. Between you and me internet, sometimes I wish there were strings, or something that could make it different, but if I had that every day, would it have been, or would it be that good. I am sitting here right now, thinking about that night. I can remember it with absolute clarity. I hope that I will always remember that night and him.

Professionally, this year has been a roller coaster. Without going into the gory details, I have been through some awesome ups and downs. Clearly, I am on a big ole up right now- its almost hard to enjoy, because I wait for the bottom to fall out. I need to get a grip and realize that this isnt going anywhere.

Friendships, I am blessed- I am surronded by some of the most amazing people in my life. I just wish I could spend more time with each and every one of them. Seriously. I need to figure out a way to take them all to D.C. with me. They are my touchstone, and my strength. Its true- friends, good ones, will be there with you through the crap and the good stuff. Its nice to find a small group that is so wonderful.

Physically, well, this past year has been a bitch. I got old. Back to that original mirror comment- I don't even recognize myself some mornings. My face is changing. My hands are changing. I am getting in better shape than I have ever been in, but man, oh man.. its a challange. I am taking better care of myself. I drink water, whereas I used to drink, well, vodka. I finally understand the phrase "Self preservation" - they arent kidding. This upkeep stuff is important. Wish I would have figured it out a while ago.

Finally, back to the original paragraph, the "is she the person..". Hell, I don't know. My original plan was shot to hell about three times over now. Who knows what is going to happen. Maybe I will get married, maybe I won't. Maybe I will have kids, maybe I won't. One thing I am learning though, as I get older is that you really cant plan these things, and life has an amazing way of kicking you in the ass when you least expect it.

The point to this post? I don't know if there is one. Basically- life is changing, and so am I. I am not sure what is going to happen next. Sometimes I wish I could find that magic 8 ball that would help me with the probabilities, but really, would life be as much fun?

occasionally i try to be cool

and i fail. today, i tried listening to the latest "top tunes" on my launchcast.

heres what i heard...

"my humps"
"hollaback girl"
"golddigger"
"american idiot"- how is the world not tired of that song yet?
"beverly hills"- ok, i dont hate that song
and eleventy million songs by the Simpsons sisters. Hell in a handbasket. They really cant sing.

Heres what I wanted to hear. And still want to hear. I am just this lame.

I want to hear Journey. I want to hear Styxx. I want to here INXS. I want to here Depeche Mode, Cowboy Junkies, the Cure, Peter Gabriel, Elvis Costello, REM, I dont know. ANYTHING but whats new and popular today. I want to hear some good music. I want to hear something that doesnt talk about T&A. I can talk about that all by myself.

I am past the musical cool factor. I am stuck in the 80's and 90's. I am soo yesterday. But wait, thats not true at all. I like new music. I just hate mainstream music. I hate the crap that MTV pushes. I hate the things that are played on normal radio stations. I like alternative stuff. I like things that dont require commerical branding. I like "Kings of Convinence". I like "Jem"- and not the truly outrageous cartoon from the 80's. I like local Austin musicans. I like stuff that is different. Where is the originality? I mean come on Black Eyed Peas.. songs about booty- that has been done well by Sir Mix A Lot. Move on and try something new.

I want to fall in love with a musican again. I want to hear something while I am driving and say "damn I need to go buy that CD right now". That hasnt happened in soo long. And for my music loving heart that hurts.

I am about ready to break my own rule and whip out the Christmas CD's just to hear something different.

for the love of all things holy...

i need a life.

today, i have been working and reading the following blogs.


scotwhatev.blogspot.com
anonymousmidwestgirl.blogspot.com


im laughing so hard.

yes i need a life

Situational ADD

or the "i cant focus on anything today disease"

seriously- my mind is NOT where it should be today. i just want to be outside, or at home, or doing anything but what i need to be doing.

i want to rake leaves.
i want to decorate my house for the holidays--- its too early, but i am SOOOO ready.
heck, i even want to pack.

what i do not want to do.. i do not want to be productive.

too busy to blog

dear internet,

how are you? i am fine. well, thats kind of untrue. i am soo damn busy lately. been trying to balance work, home and everything else. its been insane busy.

last weekend some friends of mine from Dallas came into town. we had fun, or at least my worlds worst hangover in the history of mankind proved that I had a good time. note to all- Hornsby Cider, Frozen Margs and Vodka do not go together. at all.

sunday, i got sick. that dastardly creeping sick. i didnt even recognize it as sick, because i was so hungover. i slept all day and watched lifetime movies. i watched lots of lifetime movies because the remote was far away from the couch and i couldnt move. i learned a lot about love, divorce and stealing someones husband. a good day over all.

monday. flew to d.c. for the job. Delta Airlines, how you do me wrong. Cramped seats, stupid snacks, and layovers. Only thing good is that they serve Diet Coke products. fyi. taking nyquil before a flight makes life a lot easier.

tuesday- in d.c. had a long day at the job. got exceptionally lost on the Beltway heading to my friend Sharons house for dinner. had a few drinks and a really good dinner.

wednesday. crap day. stupid long flights. lots of flights, lots of layovers. BUT BUT BUT- i met up with a special friend who is in town for the next two weeks (ahem) and we had some drinks. (Drinks seems to be the prevailing theme for this week). Anyhoo- i realized last night that my life is really transitioning. I dont fit into my old Austin scene anymore. I dont fit into the D.C/NOVA world yet either. I am a girl without a community. But, I have CocoPuffs and I have vodka.

What more could a girl ask for?

Violent Femmes, Adult Chuck-E-Cheese and best of all...

VODKA! Last night was John-Boys 34-th birthday. Yes, I think this officially enters him into the old category. Anyhoo- we went to Dave and Busters. The best place in the land. Or thats what I was saying last night. Sometimes its just fun to go hang out with your buddies, drink, and shoot things. Without actually being a red-neck. I mean, what other place encourages you to drink, shoot people, and virtually drive? ITS AWESOME. For once, I didnt get my butt kicked playing all the games- I came in right in the middle...small victories are amazing these days.

I did realize that even as we get older, we really don't change that much. As a small kid, I loved playing all the silly arcade games that gave me useless tickets so I could redeem into some useless prize. Last night the same. Only thing that Dave and Busters doesnt have, which would make it the greatest place of all time, is the big ole ball pit. Can you imagine a bunch of slightly inebriated adults playing in the balls- no pun intended. I promise.

This morning, on my way to work- I heard Violent Femmes on our local alt station- its going to be, and has been a great day so far!!

Ode to hand lotion.....

Ok.. thats probably one of my creepier titles, but lately, I have been experiencing some dry skin. I think its age related- like the older that I get, the more moisture is being sucked out of my body.

I have become slightly obscessed with lotions. In fact, last night, whilst slathering on Bath and Body works latest confection "Vanilla Bean", I was channeling Hannibal Lector, or that other guy from Silence of the Lambs and saying "you put the lotion on the skin". I seriously have problems.

I have hand lotion, Le Couvent Des Minimes, on my desk. I have Kiehls lotions extrodinaire in my purse. I have kitchen sink appropriate lotion. I have cute spare bathroom lotion. Basically, what I am saying here- market a new lotion, and I will buy it. I am just that pathetic, bored and ashy.

I'm not really ashy- To be ashy would mean I would have to have some shred of color in my skin, which would mean I could see the daylight. Which would mean I could get a day off. But in reality, I would probably spend the day off at the mall buying more lotion.

Its tragic this screwed up way that I think.

7lbs

gone. there yesterday, gone today.

now, trust me dear internet, i am not bemoaning the fact that i lost 7lbs. in fact, i am silently cheering and eating my sugar free jello all at the same time.

how the heck does one loose 7lbs in one day? am i going to find it tomorrow on my ass?

this concerns me greatly.

it has been determined

by my friends, that my life is going to "exponentially improve" once i move to D.C.

Ahem. Seems that some of my girlfriends are less than impressed with my latest routine of work, sleep, football and more sleep. And work. And the occasional drinkathon.

They think I am going to get culture. Or a boyfriend. Or a new life.

I think I am just going to be doing the same things there that I am here. I shall work. I shall find some shitty bar, drink my vodka, and do the same things..I really am ok with that.

Santa Schmanta...

Yesterday was November 8, 2005.

I was at the mall. Against my will. I had a migraine, but had to pick something up. It was NOVEMBER 8th, and SANTA WAS PLUNKED DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MALL.

WHAT THE HOLY HELL IS WRONG WITH THE WORLD WHEN SANTA IS AT THE MALL THE FIRST DAMN WEEK IN NOVEMBER.

Now, I love Christmas. I mean, love it with all my heart and soul. Love the cooking, love the decorating, love everything. But there is a time and a place, and in my world, that stuff doesnt happen till AFTER MACY'S THANKSGIVING PARADE ON THANKSGIVING.

I love Thanksgiving, I love turkey, I love Adam Sandler's turkey song. I am NOT ready for Christmas yet. SLOW DOWN WORLD, its going too damn fast.

Is this what it has come to?

My life has fallen into a pretty boring routine. Sad routine. I don't know how to fix it.

I work about eleventy million hours a week.
I go to the gym before work every morning.
By the time I get home, I am so wiped, all I can do is make a bowl of soup or cereal, read or knit for about 5 minutes and fall asleep.

On the weekends, I spend Saturday running all the errands that I didnt get to run during the week.
Sunday, I try to see everyone that I dont get to see during the week. And watch football. And do something for myself.

It's not a bad life, but I am defintally in a rut. Work is going great, but I wake up in the morning thinking about work, I work all day, and then it takes me a while to stop thinking about work when I get home.

I realize that a lot of my friendships have really been neglected over the past four months- Between work, and sleep and travel, I don't have the time or energy to really do anything else.

I haven't been on a real date in ages, but don't really see the point of going out with anyone right now since I am moving.

I guess I just feel like my life is in one gigantic holding pattern. My free time today was spent researching the best way to ship my cat from Austin to D.C. Yes, I know, it really can't get more exciting that that.

Not sure what the point is with this post, but its 9:30pm, and I am heading to bed. Yep, I am just really super excited.

I hate CATS...

and I dont mean the animals. I was just listening to my Launchcast, and a stupid, stupid song form Andrew Lloyd Webers "Cats" came on. Seriously, how many drugs was he on when he wrote that one?

I seriously HATE that one. I also cant stand Les Mis.

I love Rent, Aida, Wicked, Secret Garden, Hairspray, You're a good man charlie brown, Grease, Company, Sunday in the Park with George (my all time favorite), Amour was fun, Evita, Sunset Blvd, Moving Out...there are so many good ones. BUT I HATE CATS. Hell, A Year with Frog and Toad was even better than Cats. I love Into the Woods. I love Annie.

Sorry- just my little useless rant for the night.

November 23, 2005

I shall be at the Movie theatre. Yes, me. If you know me at all, you would know that I hate going to the movies. I am cheap. And only when it comes to the movies. I will spend 60 bucks on a facial, but I wont spend 8 bucks on a movie. Why do you ask, am I going to break my imposed movie ban?

THIS... http://www.siteforrent.com/intro.html and http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/rent/


I can barely contain myself.

Seriously.

attack of the killer candy bowl

its there.
staring at me.

the remnants of halloween- reeses peanut butter cups, nerds, hershey bars and suckers.

i must divest my house of this crap, asap, otherwise, i shall eat it all.

Daylight Savings Time

I seriously can't figure out why I hate it so much. I was all excited about sleeping in this morning. I know, I know it shouldnt make a darn bit of difference what "time" I wake up, but I soo wanted to laze around and wake up, at well, at least 9 or 10.

I woke up at 7. Which was really 6. Bleh.

Totally second random thought- Santana- yes, he is great, but I am watching CBS this morning right now, and they are comparing his music to religion. Clearly, I am missing something. Don't get me wrong- I love the guys talent, but a religion? Nah, I clearly need to smoke something to make that happen in my mind.

I think I need to go take a nap.

home, gnomes and all is right in the world

Dear Reader,

My name is, well, you know what my name is, and I am happy to say that I AM HOME. Yes sireree Bobby, I am at the Casa de NQM and I am loving life. I am in my brand spanking new Gnome pj's that my mama sent me- Glam I am not-ever see a 28 year onld in pj's? It pretty much solidifies one of the many reasons why I am probably still single. I digress. I'm home. I am on my couch. I slept in my bed. It's just so good to be here.

Things I did realize last night- My house is huge by D.C. standards. After house hunting all week long, and coming back to my place, I realize that I can downsize into a smaller place. (Not saying that I want to, but I can.) I love my house. Ever just walk around your home and grin? I did that when I woke up this morning, because I finally realized what a great place I have. Another massive realization is that I can not keep travelling like this. Some people are road warriors, but I am NOT. I am a home body. I need to make sure that when I move, I won't be travelling like this, because, I do believe I will need sedatives. Another goal of mine, is to spend time with all of my friends before I move to D.C. I am going to make time with each and everyone, making sure I am spending time with my friends, and also, making time for myself.

Today, today- what to do? Part of me doesn't want to do a damn thing. Then there is this other HUGE part of me that wants to go out and run around Austin all day and just start soaking it in.


Have a great day,

i shall be having room service

I wish my house had a hotel staff. Now, I don't want to live full time in a hotel, well unless I could have a garden, and a kitchen. I do love the daily maid service. I love room service. I love having someone come bring me food while I am in my pj's and then come take away the tray. I love having them bring me water with extra ice. Its enjoyable.

In the past month, I have stayed at 8 hotels. Yep, 8. Some good, some not so good. Some bad, some not so bad. The one thing I love at all of the properties is the room service. Tonight, grilled salmon salad and a diet coke. Yesterday morning for breakfast, scrambled egg whites and a cup of tea. Last Sunday (well, two weeks ago), French Onion Soup and a kick ass chicken Waldorf salad. Variety in the kitchen without having to cook. Its such a good thing.

My thoughts about the seasons and other things

Fall, oh fall..it's not so beautiful anymore.
Autumn, as I know and love it, is over with.

It's now that yuck time betwitx Winter and Fall- craptastic time. Yep, that windy, cold icky time. Hopefully, we shall transition quickly.

Few quick little comments and I shall move on.

1. Blogs are for fun.
2. Blogs are not about anything more than just fun, personal stuff.
3. Blogs don't represent the company that pays the person that writes them. Not that the person would ever write about the company, but just in case, that needs to be said.
4. This blog, shall always be about my favorite things- food, gardening, shopping, volunteering, reading, and talking about my friends. Well, and random things I find online. And music. And my deep love of Starbucks. These are things that don't necessairly define me, but add to me. A blog is just a place where I put down some of these thoughts.
5. During the next few months, this will be a place where I journal a personal transition, and I am going to continue using it as such. Again, this is a personal journal. Nuff said. Think I made my point.

NQM, is back and getting ready for the big time- Thanksgiving, Christmas and a cross country move. Praise be to Nordstroms, hold on to your purses, this is going to be a busy 90 days!

dear lord help me..

I am in California.
San Diego to be exact. Now, San Diego, I don't really have a problem with. In fact, I am rather enjoying my time here. Let me tell you about my hour and a half in Los Angeles. I FREAKIN HATED. I MEAN HATED WITH AN UNHOLY PASSION. Its 8:45 or something, I dont know- hard telling when you lose a few hours flying west. I am walking off the plane, into LAX where I am suddenly surronded by more Louis Vouittan luggage and stupid stilletos (AT 8AM)- what are you trying to accomplish on a Sunday morning people), I digress. ITS 8:45 AM AT LAX and they are BLASTING GWEN STEFANI HOLLABACK GIRL. I HATE THAT SONG. I REALLY HATE THAT SONG.

then.. I go off in search of Starbucks- there are at least eleventy million people in line. No problem, I am going to another terminal, they should have a 'bucks there right? WRONG. But they do have GREEENDAY BLASTING THAT DAMN AMERICAN IDIOT SONG. I can see why people are bitter by living out here. Its evil.

But, I got to San Diego, and its gorgeous. My room at the Marriot on the Harbor has a balcony. I can hear the clang clang clang of the trolly (I rather feel like Judy Garland in Meet Me in St. Louis), I can see the lights of Nordstroms from my room (a rather religious experience), and I can see water. Somehow, that makes it all better. It really does.

California is probably not for me. If I can make it out of here before an earthquake strikes, I will be blissed out.

remember what I was saying about times..

they are a changing...

well, I got thrown for another big loop today. Got a call from my company today. Was told that I am, well, needed at the main office. As in permenantly. Starting January 2nd, 2006. Which means, I am leaving Austin. My home for the past 5 years. I really don't know how I feel about this. Even as I type this, it doesnt seem quite real. I know some people that have picked up and moved 3-4 times in the course of two years. I prefer roots. I enjoy roots. I enjoy building my place in the community, with my friends, and in my career. But, sometimes things need to be repotted.

So there you have it. Things are changing.

I need to go think about this.

trick or treat?

As Halloween quickly approaches, I am amazed at how its being pushed aside by Christmas. I ran to a store last night and was amazed by the competing holiday decorations.

I wish we wouldn't rush things so much. We need to savor the days, as I am getting older, am realizing that my days are whizzing by in an insane blur that frightens me. I find myself getting up earlier in the day, just to have a few more precious minutes.

This morning, I walked around my house, looked at my Autumn decorations, tweaked the occasional pumpkin or three and enjoyed it being October. As much as I love Christmas, I am just not ready for that time of the year yet.

I just wish things would just slow down a bit.

projects or priorities

When tasked with a project, you create a timeline, a plan of action and then get moving. You look toward the end of the project, and then you move towards completion. How hard is this.

I am watching Martha Stewart Apprentice tonight, and am BLOWN away by the total incompetence by some of the people applying for this job. They have the worst atitudes. I wonder, are they applying for the job because the want to work for MSLO, or do they want to be on TV? Seriously. People do not want to take responsibilities for there errors. They are arguing with the woman that they want to work for I JUST DONT GET IT. They are on a JOB INTERVIEW. Am I missing part of the equation? What is wrong with these people. They have an opportunity of a lifetime and they act like children.

Just my thoughts for the evening.

set in my ways

As I am getting older, I realize that I am establishing a few patterns here and there. I watch West Wing every week, I paint my toe nails on Sunday nights, I water my plants every other night. I open my mail on Wednesday's and Saturday mornings. I have no idea how on earth that pattern started, but it is what it is.
Every morning, I hit the 'Bucks before 8am, and am at my office at 8:05. Every morning. Every morning, I get up at 5:26 am. 4 minutes before my alarm goes off.
On Sundays I watch football with the guys, on Saturdays I get mani's with the girls.
Once a year, for the past 4 years, I volunteer for Coats for Kids. The first Thursday of each month, I have a board meeting for CASA. The second Tuesday, I have another volunteer meeting.
My life is very routine. Very organized. This has really only come to be in the past year and a half. In fact, I don't know really when it happened.

As I said. I am set in my ways. Its really, really frightening.

hi ho hi ho off to the...

crack dealer i go.

well, rather I went. This morning, I made my inauguaral trip to my brand spankin new NEIGHBOORHOOD DRIVE THRU STARBUCKS. I didn't drive through- I wanted to stop in, and introduce myself to my new best friends, or rather my dealers. All seemed so nice and sweet, especially Chuck, a rather sweet 65 year old gentleman who crafted me a rather tasty non fat vanilla latte this morning.

This weekend was divine. I spent the entire weekend doing what I wanted. How selfish, I know. I spent most of the time working in my garden, repotting my plants and working in my patio beds. I have an entire potting station off my patio now that is great to work in. I need to figure out a way to make this a permanant solution that I can utilize all year long. I also started planting some bulbs that I will be forcing this winter.

I visited with quite a few friends this weekend- had people over to my house off and on for wine and conversation, and then met up with a group yesterday for football later in the day.

I started a knitting project, but I think I am going to rip it out. The yarn is called "Poodle", a great black that indeed looks like a black poodle, but its not coming out really well on the 10.5's- I generally am a really loose knitter, and for once I think I am knitting too tight. I guess I am going to re-guage on 11's and see what happens. For those of you that don't knit, I am pretty sure this past paragraph might have well been written in swahelli, but it torks me off, as I have about 7 inches of this scarf pattern done with the bobbles and I just hate it.

So, this concludes my Monday morning musings before I hurl myself in the world of *ahem* business. (was that general enough for you)

I found two new recipes that I am going to post, as well as a few new items that I am in love with.

Check back later.

-k

success

this morning has been a gardening sucess. i have repotted 18 plants in total, and have laid fresh mulch down on one of my back beds.

i have a great chili simmering on the stove- you can actually keep this going all day, despite the fact that the recipe says its a 20 minute project.

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh mushrooms
• 1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes with liquid, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dried basil
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder

---

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook and stir the garlic, onion, and carrots in the pot until tender. Mix in the green bell pepper and red bell pepper. Season with chili powder. Continue cooking 5 minutes, or until peppers are tender.
2. Mix the mushrooms into the pot. Stir in the tomatoes with liquid, black beans with liquid, kidney beans with liquid, pinto beans with liquid, and corn. Season with cumin, oregano, basil, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Finally....

I am knitting a new scarf- its black and looks like a poodle with big bobbles on it. Will post pictures later.

Have a great day

snap crackle pop

No, I am not talking about Rice Krispies. Getting old sucks. I am going to my doctor next week because I have something weird happening with my hands- they aren't working as well as they used to. Stiff and painful in the AM, numb at various parts of the day, and often times wake up in the middle of the night with strange numbness in my hands. My handwriting even looks different. My friends and I chalk it up to getting older.

Secondly, when I get up in the morning, my body pops, my ankle cracks, my knee pops, and daresay anything snaps on me.

Another joy of this age thing- the grey hair. Being blessed with super duper quick growing hair is great, but not when you are losing the battle against massive amounts of grey hairs. It's just pathetic.

Finally, my skin. Oh, my poor skin. It just doesnt have that same "snap" that it always had before. Its a little less "snap" and a little more "sag"

What a great way to wake up on a Saturday morning.

Praise be to Nordstroms

*bear with me my spacebar is broken

itsfinallyfall.

its gorgeous in Austin today. 52 was the high. i got to wear a cashmere sweater and a wrap. real clothes. clothes that covered my body. it was magnificant. i feel energized. i feel happy. i am not hot.

will post more when i get a new keyboard.

fat bastard

chardonnay that is.

thats what was poured at Casa de Kate this evening. There is a chill in the air, friends were over, and we drank wine, ate goodies and gossiped.


A good night all in all

in the dark

drove home from work last night, in the dark.
drove to work this morning, in the dark.


this dark stuff is getting OLD

covet

www.crateandbarrel.com

I just love this picture!

Amos Lee

Check him out on Amazon

Amos Lee

Fall Gardening...

I am loving this time of year- its a great time and really dig into my flower beds, which have been abused by the Texas heat. I found the following list on the Better Homes and Garden www.bhg.com website with some helpful hints for making your gardens winter ready


Early Fall
Clear away debris from the base of rosebushes. Fallen leaves can hold diseases that might overwinter.
Water, water, water. Give all of your plants a good drink, especially your trees. Their roots need plenty of moisture to make it through the upcoming months.
Amend your soil. Get the ground ready for next year's beds and your fall bulbs by tilling the soil and adding fertilizer.
Shop for bulbs. Order from catalogs or visit garden stores early for best selection.
Plant shrubs and evergreens. Early fall planting gives new plants enough time to get their roots established before winter.
Plant fall annuals. As your summer blooms fade, add color to your garden with fall annuals such as mums, pansies, and ornamental kale.

A perfect fall beverage- Hot Cider!!!!

INGREDIENTS:
6 cups apple cider
1/4 cup real maple syrup
2 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
6 whole allspice berries
1 orange peel, cut into strips
1 lemon peel, cut into strips
DIRECTIONS:
Pour the apple cider and maple syrup into a large stainless steel saucepan.
Place the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, orange peel and lemon peel in the center of a washed square of cheesecloth; fold up the sides of the cheesecloth to enclose the bundle, then tie it up with a length of kitchen string. Drop the spice bundle into the cider mixture.
Place the saucepan over moderate heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cider is very hot but not boiling.
Remove the cider from the heat. Discard the spice bundle. Ladle the cider into big cups or mugs, adding a fresh cinnamon stick to each serving if desired.

Mom, are you sitting down?

I am actually ENJOYING cleaning my house today. I am washing all my curtains and doing the windows, inside and out. There is something amazingly satisfying about seeing really crisp clean windows and clean curtains.

I think my body has been invaded by aliens.

I'm being watched...

in the past week, I have had multiple hits on my blog from the folks at MSLO (Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia) and Kate Spade. Guess that they track the people that use their brand names on their websites.

What is intersting to me, is that I have had numerous, and I mean numerous hits from the MSLO folks. I wonder, am I saying something inappropriate, or is the person assigned to surfing the web looking for hits on the MSLO brand a NQM reader?

Interesting to think about eh?

sleepwalking

for the past three mornings, i have found myself on my couch when I wake up. i did not go to bed on my couch, but must have wandered out there in the middle of the night.

weird eh?

tired

not much to say.

grandma is in the hospital, she fell yesterday and did some damage to her back. sucky part (of the many) is that she has osteo. she will have a long recovery period. i wish her strength and determination.

work is busy- every day, it just gets bigger and bigger- in a good way, but it can be overwhelming.

met up with some friends tonight for a drink and a snack. we are all getting old and tired. home by 8:30pm

upside of today- it never even hit to 80 degrees.

another reason why i love Martha

"Women in Business Don't Cry"

hump day musings

im not sleeping again- not quite sure why. waking up every two hours.

martha stewart is a freaking genius. i love the apprentice- her version of, that is.

i had a total jessica simpson moment tonight. i opened a can of "chicken of the sea" albacore tuna. the stuff didnt taste like tuna. it tasted like chicken. i had to go look at the can to make sure it really was tuna.

my hair is getting greyer by the day- it scares me to no end. i really think if i let it go for a few months my hair would be mostly grey.

it was 100 degrees today. im tired of the heat.

im going to California in 2 weeks- rather excited about that.

sometimes i wish time would just slow down a bit. seems like my days are just going a little too fast for my liking.

thats all for now.

im totally unoriginal...

im copying this from Kim :)

10 years ago I was:
At Aquinas College. Sadly, probably drunk and chasing after Evan Colby. Still love that name.

5 years ago I was:
Celebrating my first full month in Texas. Working for a brokerage firm, and having WAY too much fun.

1 year ago I was:
Probably working my butt off. Cant really think of anything specific. Oh wait a minute- I was helping Bryan and Lisa plan their wedding.

Yesterday I was:
Working a bajillion hours, and watching football.

5 snacks I enjoy the most:
1. Cheese
2. Triscuits
3. Vodka/7
4. Reeses Peanut butter cups
5. Mc Donalds french fries

5 songs I know all the words to :
1. The Humpty Dance
2. Don't Stop Believing
3. Tiny Dancer
4. If I had a boat
5. It had to be you


5 things I would do with a billion dollars:
1. Make sure my parents were totally set.
2. Donate to CASA
3. Go on a wicked shopping spree, with a personal shopper.
4. Buy a big ass house on Mackinac Island.
5. Set aside enough cash so that my friends and I could live comfortably for quite a long time

5 places ideal for running away to:
1. Lake Travis
2. New York City
3. Mackinac Island in June
4. Somewhere on the coast in the NE
5. London

5 items you'll never see me wear:
1. Stilettos
2. Bikini
3. Tube top
4. anything spandex
5. anything with NASCAR on it.

5 best TV shows:
1. The West Wing
2. Scrubs
3. Friends
4. Gilmore Girls
5. Football Sundays

5 biggest joys in life:
1. Having my friends and family over to my house.
2. Holding a baby.
3. Driving around Austin on a gorgeous day, and knowing that I live here because I want to.
4. Laughing with my girlfriends
5. Raising lots of money for CASA, and knowing that I am helping a kiddo.

5 favorite toys:
1. Pinky, my iPod
2. my Laptop
3. my size 9 turbos (knitting needles)
4. my pink Kate Spade purse, not a toy, but i love it all the same.
5. a deck of cards

Ad's and AdSense

Anyone out there doing this sucessfully? This is my second attempt at the whole google ad dealeo.

I thought I would give it a shot- it just seems to get stuck on a topic and stays there.

I wonder if I give a list of topics, if it will search for ad's based on that:

Football
Purses
Recipes
Cooking
Sephora
MakeUp
Kate Spade China


Lets see how well this works.

cool crap

www.plumparty.com

Its a freaking treasure trove full of cool crap.

so not true...

You Are Likely an Only Child

At your darkest moments, you feel frustrated. At work and school, you do best when you're organizing. When you love someone, you tend to worry about them. In friendship, you are emotional and sympathetic. Your ideal careers are: radio announcer, finance, teaching, ministry, and management. You will leave your mark on the world with organizational leadership, maybe as the author of self-help books.

The Birth Order Predictor

we are going to play pretend right now.

I am going to pretend that I live in the Midwest. Or the Northeast. Or Greenland. Anywhere that the high wont be 103 degrees today. Yes, I should be happy with the 7 degree drop, for the love that is good and holy, make the heat stop.

I wish it were fall. I wish I could buy a pumpkin and put it on my porch. I wish the air were crisp and cool. I wish the leaves were delicatly starting to change colors.

Instead, I have hurricane thick air, sweaty people, and dying plants.

God Bless Texas

for once there is silence

my house is completely quiet- a rarity when I am actually home. I generally have music playing somewhere, or maybe the tv on. About an hour ago, I just turned it all off and took a nice long bath.

Phones are turned off till tomorrow.
TV is done for the night.

Silence is my home.

Gnite, gnite.

its still hot

just in case you were wondering.

its hot

its really hot outside. its 110 degrees
i mean, its so hot, my car is acting weird.

but, i am home before 7pm. Life is good!

and the countdown...

to Christmas begins. 3 months people, 3 months. From today.

I am so happy, I can barely contain myself. Its the hottest GD day of the year in Texas-110 freaking degrees, and all I can think about is Christmas.

Me, being the greedy bitch that I am, have started my list. Yes, boys and girls, I am making my list, and checking it twice.

Here are a few of the notable, and totally shoppable items on my list.

* The entire West Wing Series on DVD
* A subscription to Real Simple
* China- Kate Spade Donner Road to be specific. A plate will do me just fine thank you very much.
* Houseplants
* A cast iron frying pan. Not quite sure why I need this, but I do.
* Books- basically a gift card to Amazon would be fabu.
* Frequent Flyer Miles
* Luggage

Yes, I know these are all relatively big ticket items, but this is my damn wish list. Most of these things I can totally purchase for myself, but its fun to put it out there in the cosmos my hopes and dreams.

oh yes, and a Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun.

Praise the Lord and Pass me my Politics

West Wing, the new season has started tonight.

I am so happy.

oh yes, i shall clean

by the end of the day today, my house is going to "shine like the top of the Chrysler Building"

I am humming "its a hard knock life" and washing windows.


see you all later,

alice the maid.

Sometimes we just need to

sit and talk with some friends. Today was my boycotting day. Boycotting work, housework, friends and family. Fortunately, I failed miserably at the boycott. I just got home from spending the evening with two of my best friends- we talked about life, love and the pursuit of a perfect football game. Seriously cant ask for much more than that. Well, yes, a magically clean house, but in the mean time, I will take tonight.

my random musing. When I was a little girl, I always wanted magical powers. Not for evil, but just to be able to speed through household craptastic chores. Today, with the laundry piling up, and the floors needing to be mopped, I still wish I could wiggle my nose, or blink my eyes and all would be taken care of. With this wish, I realize that this is just another reason why I could never be a superhero- they all want to save metropolis, meanwhile, I just want my laundry folded, and my menu complete for the week.

gnite dear internet, gnite.

the only Rita we will be having is

with a little salt and lime. Yep, the latest hurricane seems to have totally passed us by. Cant say that I mind much. Although, everyone I know has called to see if I am impacted. Look at a map people. Austin, to the west of the big green blob. No matter to me, I am safe, my friends area all safe, and all my Houston/South East Texas friends are here safe and dry.

Upstairs at Larry's: Lawrence Welk Uncorked

Just check this CD out at Amazon... I love " You are my Sunshine"- its kitch with a little 80's and electronica thrown in there. I love it!

Another Martha great. I think I need this one in my collection. As we head into the "entertaining" season that is the holiday season, a girl needs to get prepared you know!

Saturday Brunch Recipe...

Asparagus Mushroom Fritatta

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 6 eggs
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

---

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Melt butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Stir in olive oil and asparagus, and cook until the asparagus is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms, and continue cooking about 5 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, water, and thyme. Pour into the skillet, and reduce heat to low. Cover, and cook 5 minutes.
4. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake 10 to 15 minutes, until eggs are no longer runny. Top the mixture with Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. Turn on the broiler, and broil until cheeses are melted and lightly browned.

HOT TUB...

"too hot", "hot tubbin...too hot"- if any of you out there get this really random reference, I will send you a GD package.

anyhoo, its 2:34 am. I am finally home and back with my friends. pure bliss i tell you. spent the evening drinking ritas of the non hurricate variety, and hanging out in my friend Daves hottub. Talk about mondo relaxation. It was wonderful.

I am tired- physically, emotionally and well, my brain is fried. Work is good, albiet kicking my butt. Then again, so are the drinks I had tonight. Totally different story though.

I like a boy. He may like me. We have way too many things in common. We shall see.

I am headed to bed now.

This is what a post looks like after hot tubbin and drinks.

My apologies to all that have a English degree. The amount of spelling and grammar errors are astronomical, I am sure.


Rita, you hurricanical bitch, be damned. You wont even touch Austin. (I am now humming MC Hammers song- You cant touch this)

gnite dear internet, gnite.

whats the buzz...

well, the buzz in Austin is Rita, and I am not talking about the good kind with Tequila. Looks like we will be getting some of the back lash of the latest hurricane Rita on Saturday. The stores are insane, the lines at the gas pumps are crazy.

I just dont know what to think.

Short posts lately- just dont know what to say anymore. Seems like life is just busy, and its taking all the good words out of me.

home again home again

jiggity jig.

i am home on the big blue couch. life is soo good right now. i am beyond tired, but so happy to be back in my little austin town.

more tomorrow.

Ch-ch-CHANGES

Yep, internet, it is a definate possibility that this Austin girl might be movin on up. Yep, to the DC area that is. Today, after I do some retail therapy at Tysons Corner (shopping delight), I am going to go drive around the district and look at some neighboorhoods. What a NEW adventure this may be.

P.S.- ITS NOT HOT HERE!!!

its almost funny

business travel that is. you can take the crazy cat lady out of austin, but really.. you cant change her

its a little bit funny- i am sitting in my hotel room right now- thank you Sheraton- got a rather nice suite- big ole bed, couch, desk, sitting are, huge bathroom and tub- and sadly, i am doing exactally what I do at home. listening to my iPod, reading blogs, drinking a diet coke, and relaxing. its been one hell of a day, but in a good way.

i cant believe i have five more of these days, home for a few and then back. methinks i will be living here sooner than later.

Responsible pet ownership sucks. I am currently crying right now. Over the course of the next two months, I am going to be travelling 6 weeks. That means that my cat would have been by him self for almost 6 weeks, minus the times that my friends come in and toss him some food and water. After a lot of soul searching and crying, today, I sent Harry to go live at my friends parents place out in the country-where he will have plenty of land to roam, people to pay attention to him,and best of all, lots of squirrels to chase. I am pretty sure I made the right decision, but it sure sucks right now- I already miss my little buddy.

on the road again

to dc again tomorrow.

this time till next week.

im tired just thinking about it

i am a little twitchy today

i am obscessing over something. seriously. i am waiting for an email, and i cant stop checking my gmail account. i am such a loser.

martha stewart is back on tv. words cant describe how happy i am about this.

football all day yesterday. way too much drinking as the games processed. it was a good day. it was a rough monday.

i can't seem to complete a full sentence.

i'll be back.

god i love

football.

seriously. i could write a book. i am heading out for the first glorious day of game watching.


DETROIT ROCKS!

sometimes i think we are just a little

too connected.

I can be reached via cell #1, cell #2, email, instant messenger and just coming on knocking on my door. Yep. One of my friends, who was sooo insistant on talking to me today, did all of the above. turns out she just wanted to chat. WHAT THE BLOODY HELL?

If I don't answer my phone it is very possible that I am either napping, busy, or possibly just not in the mood to talk.

If I don't answer my email, it could be that *gasp* I am actually away from my damn computer

If I don't answer my Instant Message it could be for the same reasons as not answering the damn email.

So, if I have not responded to your first three methods of communication, why on earth does that give you the go-ahead to come over to my house? Now, before anyone gives me the "well, she might be worried about you" spiel, WE TALKED LAST NIGHT. AT 10pm.

Did I sign a friend contract that said I had to "touch base" with my friends every single day?

Did I agree that I need to check in with all y'all every loony minute?

If I don't answer the phone does that automatically mean that I am dead?

Sorry for this rant, but sometimes I just want a little quiet time. A little Kate time. A little quiet, watching Michigan getting their asses kicked by Notre Dame on my couch, drinking Diet Coke and eating toast time. Sometimes I want to wear my PJ's till 5:13pm and not have to make any excuses for it. Sometimes I just WANT TO BE ALONE.

Jesus. Maybe I am well on my way to becoming the crazy cat lady on the corner. I live on the corner, and do have the cat- call me crazy and get it over, but if I dont answer your call, email and instant message all within the scope of 15 minutes- LEAVE ME ALONE!


p.s. before any of you think I am Dr. Evils daughter- she didnt have an emergency- she just was bored and wanted to hang out.

its good to breathe...

for the first time in the month, i feel like i can take a deep breath tonight.

its a good feeling.

things are finally getting balanced again.

sigh.

t minus three hours and 15 minutes

to the official start of the NFL season.

YAY

my 250th post, or my Texas story.

Yep.. my 250th. i want to talk about Austin. My home. My home town. This place that after five years, I still love exploring.

When I was 11 year's old, the Texas Chamber of Commerce was running a national tv campaign. I remember it. It was BIG. Big sprawling pictures of Dallas, of San Antonio, of the Alamo, of Houston, big cars, cowboys, yadda, yadda. At the very end of the commercial, it gave a 800 number to call to get a free visitors guide. So I called. I guess I should probably point out that I was 11 years old and defintally wasn't allowed to order anything on the phone. Didn't matter- I was entranced. I ordered this thing and then, like most eleven year olds, forgot about it. It showed up 6-8 weeks later, and my mom could not, for the life of her figure out why the state of Texas was sending her daughter a travel book. Needless to say, I am sure I probably got my ass kicked for ordering something on the phone. Didn't matter- I was hooked.

Flash forward to 1996- I was working on Mackinac Island, Grand Hotel to be specific. I met a few people from Texas. Turns out they ended up being my best friends. At the end of the summer, as all summer kids do, we promised to keep in touch and be best friends forever. Well, as luck would have it, we did. 1997, we all ended up on the Island again- Caren and Budda would regale me with stories of their days at Texas Tech and growing up in Texas. I was fascinated. 1998- we all moved to Detroit together, and in 1999, Caren couldnt take any more of the Michigan winters. Cant say I blamed her. At this point, I think I was working as a Marking Bitch for Whole Foods- you know those nutty granola people that charge crazy prices for organic foods. Anyways, I was working for them, and had the opportunity to go to their Plano Store. Yep, Plano. In the suburbs of Dallas. My dreams were finally coming true- I was getting to go to TEXAS!! WHOOO HOO. Internet, I kid you not, within 23 minutes of being in this state, despite the fact that I was in Plano (and for those of you who don't know Plano, think big ole plastic boobs, big blonde hair, and big rich husbands), I was in love with Texas. My friend Caren and I decided to road trip for the rest of my long weekend. We hopped in her Saturn, blasted some tunes and headed down IH 35. My fate was sealed. Texas was in my lungs, my heart and in my soul. The minute I got to Austin, I knew I had to live here. I mean, it was BEAUTIFUL. It was warm in January. People were friendly. They said "y'all". It was like going to another planet. I tasted chicken fried something and kind of liked it. It was a life changing experience. We decided to go to San Antonio that weekend. I needed to see the basement of the Alamo (watch Pee-Wee's Big Adventure if you don't get that reference)- It was so cool. We drove back to Dallas, listening to Willie, Dixie Chicks, and other random music. I was sold. I needed to move here. Course there were a few problems. I had a very serious live in boyfriend that wasnt at all interested in moving away from Michigan, and I had a very serious job in Michigan. Didn't matter- I was going to find a way.
Flash forward to July of 2000. Life has a weird way of handing you the things you need when you need them the most. Said serious boyfriend and I were KAPUT. Big time. Won't go into the details, but lets just say, he is still in Michigan, and as George Straight says "his ex is now livin in Texas", the job gave me an out, and I took it. I called my friend Caren and told her I was coming down for a vacation. That was in July 2000. I'm still here. I came to Texas on Southwest Airlines. I had two suitcases and a purse. I now have a fully furnished home, a car, more friends than I can wrap my arms around and a love for a city that I will never quite get tired of.
Austin is amazing. There is something here for everyone- if you are a student- check out University of Texas. If you are into politics, you are smack in the capital. If you like music, Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World. We have music every where. There are concerts at grocery stores for cripes sake. The possibilities are endless. There are lakes, there are golf courses, there are more resturants per capita than anywhere else in the country. Its just amazing.

All that being said, I am now faced with a terrific opportunity that might have me leaving my precious city. Its absolutly overwhelming. I love it here. I love heading to South Congress and seeing the funky stores, and having a delicious dinner at 7. I love having a vodka/7 at my favorite dive bar Mugshots. I love spending way more money than I should at the Arbouretum. I love spending a Sunday afternoon with my friends out on the boat at Lake Travis. I know change is good, but this one is a big change.

So bear with me internet, as I weigh all the options and all the decisions, because I love this town, despite my bitching about the never ending heat, and the kind of high cost of living. I love this great place where we have Cowboys and Politicans drinking margaritas at Guerros Taco Bar, this awesome town that has opened its door to so many, including me at my time of change.

craptastic wednesday

random thoughts from the big blue couch.

* i am watching reality television and am admiting it (yes, kim and darcie, i am watching Rockstar) and liking it. mark this down, and smack me when i start criticizing reality television.

* Cingular wireless is quite possibly the worst wireless carrier i have ever had. 9 dropped calls today. 9. not a damn cloud in the sky.

* i want to go on vacation. a real live, non family trip related vacation. not a trip home for the holidays, but a trip for me. a trip to a place where there is room service. where i dont have to do anything at all. where i dont have to have my cell phone. where my boss WONT call me.

* shakira sounds like a goat in heat.

* summer is quite possibly never going to end. yes, i know i live in Texas, but dammit, i want to wear clothes and not sweat at 8am or 9pm.

* i can't watch the news today. i just can't. i tried reading the paper, and it was just too much.

* is it wrong to be thinking about Christmas decorations in September?

there you have it, the random crap floating through my head.

its amazing

today i look like a total grownup. black dress, strappy shoes, hair appropraitly under control.
i want to throw things around my office. i mean, i seriously am having what must be the worst case of PMS on the face of the earth. ever. as in, ever, and ever and ever. someone was just clipping their nails in my office. i slammed my door. i was making some copies and almost started to cry.

can i have a do-over, or a giant sized midol?

sleep eluded me last night

still not quite sure why. up and down all night, just waiting for sleep to hit me. for once in my life, i had NO caffiene yesterday, and was completely relaxed. Of course, its now 7:10am, and I am perfectly exhausted. Natch.


I am listening to Wynton Marsalis- "Feeling of Jazz" this morning.
I am trying to read the Austin American Statesman, but instead I keep coming back to the internet. Has the flexibility of the internet replaced our need for a single newspaper?

My Tuesday morning random musings.

labor day....

is without labor. at all. its 1:23 and i am still, and am slightly embarrased to admit this, am still in my robe. am watching Wet Hot American Summer, and just relaxing.

its a good day.

sad

Here is a brief update as to what is happening in Austin.
They are taking refugee's to the convention center- looks like its going to be about 5-8 thousand more people. Berger center is full. The Frank Irwin Center is taking people now. Where are these people going to shower? I'm sure all they want to do is just to feel clean. The foodbank people are working non-stop. We are going out there tomorrow, and the next day, and the next.
The ones that are left in Nola are dying. What on earth is going to happen?

The more I see coming in, the more I see Austinites stepping up, Texans stepping up, and as usual, American stepping up. Where the hell are the countries that always have their damn hand out?

Something like 10.5 billion dollars in aid has been approved. Good. Lets start distributing it. Lets bring additional insurance adjusters to help start processing claims. Let's figure out a way to get AID to the other people OUTSIDE New Orleans. OTHER PEOPLE ARE BEING IMPACTED besides New Orleans. Lets make logical decisions in our homes. Donate to the Red Cross, to Large chairties that can actually put your dollars to work. Go donate blood. DRIVE a little less. Conserve gas- this is going to have long term impact on our fuel supply. Be sensible. Take the money that you were going to spend on McDonalds, or Starbucks, and give it to the Red Cross. Or the Capital Area Food Bank www.austinfoodbank.org

Save your bitching about politics till later- do something proactive now.

My two cents for the evening.

brunch

my friend danielle and i (partners in crime for Casa's for CASA) went to brunch this morning. Danielle, to put it mildly has had a bad week. Her mothers house was completely wiped away during Hurricane Katrina. Her fathers houses (he owns multiple rental properties) are all ruined. Her grandmother was displaced from her apartment. So, at our Mimosa laden brunch, our conversation turned to the events of the past week. I can't even begin to put the words together to describe, or even relate the tales that she was telling me. Her step father was stuck in the nursing home that he works at, and couldnt get out for the longest time. Her father, a real live Airforce Hurricane Chaser was holding onto a tree for three hours. It's simply unreal, but sadly its very real, its very much in my backyard, and in the families of friends. I have had this bitter taste in my mouth for days. I can't describe it. Its like this sense of wanting to do something, but unable to figure out what the hell I can do. We talked about what we can do for her family- they are all at realitives right now, but essentiall have nothing. Do we go to Target and start buying supplies? Should Danielle get in her car and go home. Sadly, the latter is not an option right now, because frankly there isnt a lot of gas to be had on the way to her moms. Her phone rang multiple times during our time together this morning- family members checking in,friends of the family looking for her mom and dad, etc. The last call was the worst. It was a friend of her dad's looking for her daddy. For some reason, this guy had one of her dad's trucks. He was telling his tale to Danielle, and finished with this statement "John and Alva didnt make it"- at first, we didnt understand. And then it sunk in. John and Alva didn't survive. Clearly neither of us knew John or Alva, but they, and their families are in our prayers.

So there you have it- it just keeps getting worse and worse.

I have another thought- why is it, in times of global trouble, America is always there reaching out with a helping hand. Lending our time, our money and our people to give relief. When is someone going to come and help us?

The people in Gulfport, Biloxi, and other coastal communities are waiting.

no amount of caffiene

will get my butt into gear.
seriously.

i have had 4 diet cokes, and a Mt. Dew. I am just whipped.
this is a long, long, long week. actually, i havent stopped in two weeks.

i am tired.

Heres what I want to do this weekend.

1. Mow the yard
2. Weed the plants.
3. Fireant treatment
4. Organize the garage
5. Grocery shop
6. Wash the car
7. Laundry
8. Spend some time with friends
9. Sleep
10. Lay on the couch
11. Nap

Probably am going to only accomplish the last three. Wish me luck for more.

morning.

its another hot day in Austin, and our population is about to swell. I cant believe it, but the Astrodome is actually full already. I guess they are getting ready to open another arena in San Antonio.

This morning, I went through my house gathering all my extra sheets, blankets, and clothes- lightweight and clean. Our local radio stations have been tasked with gathering the following items: granola bars, peanut butter, diapers, water.

I got on the phones last night, and a few of my co-workers and I are going to be taking all of this stuff down to the Berger Center- the next stop for the refugees (they are accepting clothing and blanket donations). Its not enough.

I wonder what on earth these people are going to do. Unemployment in Texas is already high. Seriously high. We are now taking on at least 50,000 new people this week. Where are they going to live? Where are they going to work? Did we just have a new economic class created? Did the poor just get poorer? Governor Rick Perry has made the statement that we can get the children in schools, and healthcare to who ever needs it- but what are the average adults going to do?

The other thing that I have been thinking about- New Orleans is gathering so much media attention. What about the folks in Gulfport, Biloxi and all of the little cities along the coast?

Just my morning thoughts.

k

for the past three hours

i have been watching the news.
watching the destruction, the crime, the injured, the total mayhem.
i am sitting in my dry house, looking around, wondering what the hell can I do.

Seriously. The refugee's are in Houston. Austin is starting to offer up its convention centers and other places for more help. Local churches are asking their parishoners to open thier homes.

My friends and I are talking about opening up our homes. This scares me for so many reasons. I just don't know what to do.

t minus a few days...

till I can just VEG VEG VEG.

I shouldnt bitch though- people are homeless, and sick and in total chaos. The total chaos in New Orleans is freaking me out.

They are in my prayers.

why ESPN is going DOWN

So ESPN hosts a fantasy football league deal-e-o on their website. No problemo, have used this tool last year, no problems, no harm, no foul.

Tonight was my leagues draft. 5 FRIGGIN HOURS TO DO A DRAFT. Connection problems, server problems, bullshit, bullshit, bullshit.

Note to ESPN- spend a little less bandwith and server space on Ad's and spend a little more time on your database organization, and maybe you would have gotten more people next year.

2006 Season- I am going to NFL.Com. I will gladly give them my money. ESPN blows.
And to think these motheryou-know-whatters have the rights and priveledges to MNF. Its a crime against football lovers everywhere.

Down with ESPN. Down I say.

Despite the fact that its 100 degrees outside...

FALL IS ALMOST HERE!!!
Its football season. First college games are on SATURDAY. My Fantasy Football league draft is tonight. I am ready to make cupcakes for my friends next week. I pretend that I will be able to wear cool weather clothes very soon.

Instead, its hotter than hell. But FOOTBALL is almost here!!!

Putting things into perspective really damn quick

found out about 20 minutes ago that one of my girlfriends mom's lost her house yesterday in Mississippi. Gone. Wiped away. Another girlfriends house is gone in New Orleans. Really makes you want to just be thankful for the day that you had and the good things in your life.

Not sure yet what we can do to help, but I do know that here in Austin, people are opening up their houses to refugees. Holy crap, in this day and age, we have refugees. Its unthinkable.

Like I said, puts things into perspective really damn fast doesnt it?

greetings from the EST

yep folks, I am now a multi-state blogger. I am currently in Maryland, poised and ready to go give a kick ass presentation. Thought I would stop by for a second and say HOWDY!!!

Had delicious dinner last night with my girlfriends- food was plentiful, good conversation abundant. It was AWESOME.

Woke up this morning, ready to go, and hopefully will do a good job. For once, this isnt just about me or my career, its about 4 other people on my team too. Whoa.

Anyways, I am off, presentation ready, and elbows ready to go :)

I had to, sorry Kim!

my weekend... or rather whats left of it

*im not complaining, really*

its been a busy weekend. through my own creation, but still a really busy weekend.
Didnt leave work last night till 8ish. Went to dinner with some friends. Got home late.
This morning at the gym at 6am. At office at 7:45-2pm. Had a flat tire. Changed it. (oh yes, it was 114 degrees today), and then decided that i needed to go out on the boat. really needed to go out. it was great. two hours out there- just skiing and talking with some of my closest friends. quiet and peaceful on the water. back to the marina, dumped the boat off, decide to wait till next weekend to clean it up, and then head to Super Target. (for the second time today)- get home, water my plants, and do four loads of laundry. pack my bag, go over my presentation one more time, and voila... its time to go to bed!

Tomorrow morning- fly to DC, dinner with the girls and then Monday is the meeting. Oy vey.

so very sleepy

but i wanted to say HOWDY.

worked a bajillion hours today. seriously, you can count them. getting ready for the DC trip. kind of nervous about this presentation, but I think I will be prepared. its only my career after all :)


have i mentioned that its 100 million degrees in austin. seriously wicked hot. i am so close to moving to alaska its not even funny. its so hot that i sweat walking to my mail box at night.

its just that hot.

there are worse things.

like snow.

i have to remind myself that.

oh yes, interesting conversation tonight at drinks. someone asked me why i am not dating anyone right now. i didnt know the right way to answer that question. how weird is that.

should i say that i dont know?
should i say that the last guy i dated just "didnt work out?"
should i say that the guy i dated in febuary is joining the SEMINARY. Yep folks, a guy that i dated is becoming a priest. now thats a dating resume builder.
should i say that another guy that i dated is living in TOKYO?

i am dating poison. clearly, i am taking myself off the market and starting over.

so, those are my random thoughts for the night.

she works hard for the money...

so hard for it honey...

I am really enjoying the work I am doing right now. Its good to be focused on something. Back to business and better than I have been in a WHILE!

Life keeps tossing me interesting curve balls- got a new one thrown at me this week- trying to figure out the best way to swing at it. Going to be doing some investigative research this weekend, and will have more to report next week.

On a happy note- I get to see some of my GIRLFRIENDS on Sunday! Heading to D.C. and going to have dinner with Koo Koo, Divine and Kimmy D. I know that some of you are just too jealous for words. I am jealous of my own self. Check out their links on the side of my blogs. They are just the coolest chicks in puppet land.

Its weird to be at a lull with CASA. Now that our summer fund raiser is complete, I feel like I should be doing something for it-weird- bitching one week because I was so busy, sad because its over. I will never be satisfied.

The other bright shiney spot is that its almost football season again. Fantasy football draft is this week, and the fun is about to begin.

Overall, life is pretty damn good.

i never said i was cool

one of my favorite movies is on tv right now.
yep, one of my all time favorite movies. i have probably seen this movie at least 20 times.
Royal Tennenbaums? Nope.
Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind? Nope.
When Harry Met Sally? Nope
Billy Madison- Yeah baby. Adam Sandler at his finest.

This asinine movie makes me laugh till my belly hurts.

every freaking year, every freaking summer.

I get "allergies". Allergies that turn into a cold like thing. Allergies that dive straight into my lungs.

EVERY YEAR. Went to my doctor this morning, and sure enough, I have the start of another damn Upper Respitory. Yes mother, I know what that means. All the Marlboro Lights in the past coming back to kick me in the butt. Yeah, yeah, yeah. BUT IT HURTS LIKE HELL.

So, I go to Walgreen's again- this time for more damn antibiotics, more inhalers.

This sucks. The fat kid and I are together again for a while. I swear its the recirculated air in my office. This is the third straight year that this has happened. This is my third summer in this building. Coincidence? I think so.

yeah, yeah yeah.

so, my favorite friend, who shall remain nameless reminded me of a few of the reasons why i left michigan.

1. i hate snow.
2. i hate driving in snow.
3. i hate looking at michigan, specifically metro detroit in january once the snow gets dirty.
4. i can only deal with my parents in 2 day increments, and then i go screaming back to the airport.
5. i hate snow.
6. i hate wearing snow boots.
7. i hate the salt that goes on the roads to combat the salt and ice.

gee, thanks for ruining my perfectly good melancholy homesickness.

there is a blog out there....

that makes me so homesick. i am too lazy to look for the link, but the woman that writes it lives in Metro Detroit- the burbs to be exact. She talks about home, and I yearn for home. Maybe I have had a rough summer, maybe the heat is melting my brain, but maybe 5 years in Texas is enough. Maybe I need to go back. I have been tossing around this idea for a while. I keep mentioning it to my mom, she isnt quite sure what to think. I mention it to my friends, they think its just heat stroke. I miss Michigan. I miss knowing that Fall is coming in a month. I miss seasons. I miss Coney Islands. I miss walking around downtown Birmingham. I miss going to hockey games at the Joe. Shit, I even miss traffic on 75. The downside, I would be within striking distance of my family. They wouldnt come over that much would they?
I hear jobs are few and far between up there. I think this is something I really need to investigate. I want fall. I want seasons. I want to go to the Henry Ford in the fall. I want to see the Rockettes downtown at Christmas time. I want to see the Nutcracker at the Fox. I want to be able to go to my moms house for chicken dinner once in a while.

the fat kid continues to dance

on my chest, and now above my right eye. What was originally allergies, I think has morphed into something more Evil.

I have a cough syrup with Codeine in it. Makes me feel kind of weird.
Also got something that resembles a horsepill in the form of an antibiotic. I HATE antibiotics.

Anyways, the fat kid and I are going back to work. Excuse us while we hack up a lung.

Austin Music Network..

Screw MTV, Screw VH1- For the past so many years, Austin has had this AWESOME music network on Time Warner Cable. As of September this year- its going to kick the bucket.

Check out this link- http://www.austinmusicnetwork.org/

Please check it out.. if you actually like watching videos, and not Brittney Spears pathetic existance!!

again with my iPod on random...

i just heard this song by the Beach Boys "God only Knows"


I may not always love you
But long as there are stars above you
You never need to doubt it
I'll make you so sure about it
God only knows what I'd be without youI
f you should ever leave me
Though life would still go on believe me
The world could show nothing to me
So what good would living do me?
God only knows what I'd be without you
God only knows what I'd be without you
If you should ever leave me
Well life would still go on believe me
The world could show nothing to me
So what good would living do me?
God only knows what I'd be without you
God only knows what I'd be without you


Just remembering what it felft to be in that place. Its been a while.

building on yesterdays post about yardwork..

and my yearning desire to never do it again, I decided to take matters into my own hands and try to figure out what to do about my situation.

1. I could either suck it up and pay Yard Boy his money- well worth it, I now realize after 4 hours of back breaking sweating work

or 2- go to online dating and find my self a man who lists "yard work as a hobby"

Would you believe there arent as many men out there that list "toiling in the back yard with a beer on one hand and a weed eater in the other" as one of his favorite things to do? I know my dad liked to do yard work. He still does. He hops on the riding mower, takes a cigar and a beer, and just mows, and mows and drinks. Am I from a freakishly foreign family? Hell, I know a ton of guys growing up that did landscaping for their summer jobs- surely they must be of dateable or marriagable age by now.

Think I am going to go get gussied up and head to the Depot and see what I can find in the Home and Garden Center.

there is a fat kid

that has taken up permenant residence on my chest. for the past week, i have been dealing with some crap-tastic allergies. after lawn-a-palooza yesterday, i think i might have pushed myself over the edge. seriously. i am no longer able to breathe like a normal human being. i wheeze. i cough. i hack. i feel like there is a 500lb weight on my chest.

i went to walgreens last night to self medicate. in addition to the NyQuil, and other delicious colored pills that I bought, I managed to buy new shampoo, two new brushes, a magnifying mirror, and lotion. Drugs stores will be the bane of my existance when i am old. you will see that older chubby lady just strolling down the aisles throwing random crap in her cart- oh yes, that will be me. I admit it, I love the fact that I can buy tampons, a Texas Hold-em poker kit, and propane all the same place.

I'm off to go weed my yard. Bless my lungs.

progress is awesome...

so many of my friends are doing awesome things right now! changing jobs, getting married, having babies, starting new businesses, moving into new homes. i am in awe of the strength and the diversity of the group of friends that i have. not to sound cheesey, but i am really proud of some of my girlfriends...
good luck to Koo starting her new job/career on monday- i know you will kick ass and take names.
good luck to KD starting a whole new adventure in real estate.
good luck to LMG- for making it safely into your second trimester- can we PLEASE go shopping now?
there are many more- good luck to all of you!!!

i hereby relinquish all rights to calling myself

a progressive woman. screw this shit. there are certain things that guys should JUST DO. like cutting the lawn in august at noon in texas. been cutting my lawn for an hour now. according to ABC Pest and Lawn, I have 8200 sq feet of grass on my property. I am half way through mowing. I am going to die of heat exhaustion or throw myself under the mower. Until today, I had a yard boy. He was cute. Yard boy raised his prices.I am under tight budget restrictions. Yard Boy had to go. This is one of the saddest days of my life. Here I am sweating like a whore in church on redemption day, and there my yard boy is cutting Thom and Annes yard across the street. I want to cry. In fact, I think under all this sweat, I might be crying.

Men should take out the trash.
Men should cut the yard.

I will happily walk around barefoot, pregnant and do my man's biding if I never have to do this crap again.

Holy shit, break time is over, I need to go sweat again. Pray for my sweating soul.

jingle bells, ipods, and vodka

thats what happens when you get home from a pre-season football game party on a friday night after working 60 plus hours, a long happy hour, and your iPod on random. im sitting on my couch right now, blogging, listening to Issac Hayes singing Jingle Bells and drinking a delish Vodka drink. Its 11:49 pm people. This has been one long ass week.

Aretha is now on my iPod- singing Respect. I feel the urge to sing. My exhaustion is luckily holding me back. Remind me to tell you my story about Miss Franklin and canned ham some day.

Good night dear internet. Yes, I did blog this. Are you still reading?

and tv just got a little bit better

right now. football. NE Patriots and New Orleans.

FOOTBALL BABY!!!!

THANK JESUS THERE IS A REASON TO LIVE AGAIN

everyone else is doing it...

10 Random Things About Me:
i love purses
i collect dishes
pedicures make me happy
i volunteer for CASA
I am trying to figure out what church to join
I own a gas grill
West Wing is my favorite show
Summer is too long
Trashy romance novels make me happy
steak is good

9 Places I've Visited:
Toronto, Ontario
NYC
Las Vegas
Mackinac Island
Key West
Louisville, KY
Chicago
Atlanta, GA
Florida
8 Things I Want To Do Before I Die:
Have a family
Get Married
Build a Home
Meet my soulmate
Go on a cruise
Be a foster mom
be 100% debt free
knit a sweater
7 Ways To Win My Heart:
make me laugh
smell good
Cook
Take the trash out
Love football
Be good with kids
Hold my hand in public
6 Things I Believe In:
God
Family
Love
Starting over
Forgivness
Success
5 Things I'm Afraid Of:
Thunderstorms
Total darkness
Being single forever
Bridges
Going through airport security
4 Of My Favorite Items In My Bedroom:
My bed
My books
My computer
My pillows
3 Things I Do Everyday:
Work
Check My Email
Call My Mom
2 Things I'm Not Trying To Do Right Now:
Think about work
Snack

SUCCESS

I MADE IT HOME BY 5:57.
HOLY CRAP.
I might be able to have a little bit of a life today. Laundry, cooking and gardening have never looked soo good to me in such a good time.

Seattles Best MY ASS

Deviated from the Plan this morning. Couldn't get out of my neighborhood quickly, so I decided to go to the Seattle's Best on the backside of my subdivision. Now, I have never been there before. There is a reason for it. IT FREAKEN SUCKED. Seriously sucked monkey balls. I walked in, and they were playing Barry Manilow- (I apologize to all of you Fanilows out there, but it is NOT what I want to hear at 7:45am), and then the workers are FREAKING IDIOTS. I accidentally ordered a Venti- come on, its not like it was the first time it has ever happened, and they made FUN of me. The coffee wasnt as good, the service was crappy, and I am NEVER going back. I pledge my allegiance to the Best Coffee in the World- Starbucks.

the plan

work a almost normal day today- under 11 hours.
see my friends who I havent seen in AGES!
work in my GARDEN which is currently looking like a jungle


the method:
hit starbucks
crank out at work
skip lunch
be out of the office by six....

will update all later

adios mi amours

15 hours was long enough

to be away from my home today. seriously. i leave so early, and get home so late. i remember the days when i had these hours, and the fun part would be I would come home stinking drunk after partying all night. now I just work really long hours. really, really long hours.
i used to love talking to people. now i love silence.
i used to love my friends. now i just hang out at home on my couch.
there is a boat on Lake Travis that is BEGGING to be used this weekend. We are all so tired from work, that its probably going to have to wait another week or two. remember how I said good things are happening? well, they are still happening at work, but MAN OH FREAKIN MAN, its emotionally draining.
my house doesnt even feel like home anymore. its weird, i come home, i get a glass of water, i sit on my couch, log onto my laptop, read the blogs for a bit, and then go to bed. the next morning, i wake up, do something that seems exercise-a-cle, shower and then start my day all over again. The guest bedroom is the place where laundry goes to die. Things are seperated into dry cleaning, whites and darks. My house isnt even messy. I'm not here long enough to screw anything up.
I need a vacation at home.

But, its almost 11pm, i need to go to bed, so i can start this whole damn thing over again.

by the by, dear internet, i wish i could talk to you more. and some of you more than others.

The Castle

The house of books!

The Colonial House

Windows of Hope

The Prarie School House!

The first of my Casa's for CASA pictures- this was the Gingerbread House- every little girl in Austin wanted it!

breathing a big ole sigh of relief...

for oh so many reasons.
but here they are.
1. CASA is over. We did it. We raised the MOFO money. THE HOUSES WERE A TOTAL SUCCESS. http://www.casatravis.org/casas_2005_pics.htm I am soooo proud of this function. Seriously proud.
2. My little work family is still together. Not going to go into big details, but thanks to our management team, they worked some major miracles, and we are all still here. Not quite the same, but much better in the long run. Serious changes have been made. But we are all still here, working together. I am so thrilled I can barely see straight.
3. Tonight I sleep. I can not wait, but I get to sleep, sleep Sleep!!!!!

Pineapple Punch...

Scrum-deli-umptious!!! (alcohol of your choice to be added of COURSE)

INGREDIENTS:
2 (46 fluid ounce) cans pineapple juice
1 liter lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
1 (4 ounce) package sweetened raspberry-flavored drink mix powder
DIRECTIONS:
In a large punch bowl combine pineapple juice, sprite and drink mix. Stir, and serve over ice.

yummy tuna salad recipe...

INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup Asian fish sauce
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons honey
2 1/4 pounds fresh tuna steaks, cubed
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 fresh tomatoes, chopped
1 bunch green onion, finely chopped
1 small fresh red chile pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup fresh basil
DIRECTIONS:
In a small bowl, mix together fish sauce, lime juice, and honey. Place tuna in a large, plastic, resealable bag, and pour fish sauce mixture over the tuna. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a wok over high heat. When the oil is very hot, almost smoking, place 1/2 tuna in pan; cook and stir for 1 minute, or until desired doneness. Transfer cooked fish to a large bowl. Repeat with remaining oil and tuna.
Toss warm fish with tomatoes, green onion, red chile pepper, cilantro, and basil. Serve.

oh blog how i miss you so

but i am to freaking busy to share anything.
this week has been less than fun. but its friday.
next week has to be better.

it's the little things...

food cooking in the oven.
West Wing Marathon on the TV
My house is mine.

Bliss I tell ya, bliss.

Turkey Lasagne..by the Barefoot Contessa

go to www.Foodnetwork.com and Check out "Barefoot Contessa" and check out some of her recipes- they are wonderful. I made this one this weekend...

Turkey Lasagne..
2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 onion) 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 1/2 pounds sweet Italian turkey sausage, casings removed 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes in tomato puree 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1/2 pound lasagna noodles 15 ounces ricotta cheese 3 to 4 ounces creamy goat cheese, crumbled 1 cup grated Parmesan, plus 1/4 cup for sprinkling 1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten 1 pound fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Heat the olive oil in a large (10 to 12-inch) skillet. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes over medium-low heat, until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the sausage and cook over medium-low heat, breaking it up with a fork, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until no longer pink. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, 2 tablespoons of the parsley, the basil, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Simmer, uncovered, over medium-low heat, for 15 to 20 minutes, until thickened.
Meanwhile, fill a large bowl with the hottest tap water. Add the noodles and allow them to sit in the water for 20 minutes. Drain.
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, goat cheese, 1 cup of Parmesan, the egg, the remaining 2 tablespoons of parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside.
Ladle 1/3 of the sauce into a 9 by 12 by 2-inch rectangular baking dish, spreading the sauce over the bottom of the dish. Then add the layers as follows: half the pasta, half the mozzarella, half the ricotta, and one third of the sauce. Add the rest of the pasta, mozzarella, ricotta, and finally, sauce. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of Parmesan. Bake for 30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling.

1:05 am Sunday Morning on 8/7/2005

Hey y'all. Have spent the entire day at the mall working the fund raiser- total sucess financially, and emotionally. So cool having the kids come up and pick "their" play houses. Was amazing to have my friends come out and help volunteer shifts. All and all a total success. But yet, I sit here tonight at my house, and the only person I have to celebrate this with is some random strangers on the internet. Not quite sure how I feel about that. All day long, I watched as families walked by, as couples stopped to talk about volunteer opportunities, and I was able to tamper down any kind of feelings. Until now. I went to drinks with some friends to celebrate our sucessful day-financially it was a coup, but driving home, I realized I have no one to talk to about this, no one to really talk to about what I have been doing, no one to help me get through the next 8 days of this event. I am not really complaining- I love what I am doing, its just weird that it hit me like this. It would be nice to have someone out there with me- someone that would be there getting into this like I am. Someday.
I look back at my last dating debachle and am trying to figure out what went wrong this time. Was it really a lack of time, or a lack of interest? Was it both? Guess I will never really know.

Oh well, I need to get to bed, so I can do this all over again tomorrow. Every $1,000 dollars we raise provides enough money to train an advocate, and we signed up two new advocates today. Every advocate that we train can help another kid in Travis County. This is my way of trying to build back good karma. One last fund raising plug- if you want to donate go to www.casatravis.org - they do amazing things there.

Good night,

-K

Happy Saturday..

the craziness continues...

Casa's for CASA in full swing- headed to the mall in an hour or so. Had to do some laundry on the fly this morning, quick grocery shopping and realized that I was in public without brushing my hair or putting make-up on. Nice.
Ran back home, took a shower and now ready for the day.
Promise to upload pictures soon for Casa's-

More later.

Martha Needs a Facelift.

and quick.
I want to figure out a place that I can manage demographics, still have control over content and look, not pay a fortune on a monthly basis, and still have it look COOL. Any suggestions?

I am feeling a change in the air. I have been talking to a few people about making some changes.. I just don't have the time to devote. I know what I want to keep - comments for now, stat tracker (i'm nosy- i like to know who comes on my site), i would like the Google functionality to actually work, I would like to try the Technorati linking feature.. but, I want to be able to move content, and have it look good, unlike the ugly POS that it currently is stylin. Martha isnt summer stylin, she looks rode hard and put away wet.

i knew i was getting older

According to this http://www.blogthings.com/whatagequiz/ I am 35

who the hell is that

in my mirror? when i woke up this morning I did not recognize the old bitch in the mirror. seriously. she looks old. she reminds me of my grandma. this is bullshit. i am 28 and suddenly i look old.

im going to go soak my face in ice water, and see if i can schedule botox, or a facelift, or something. or maybe i should just go back to bed.

I know you are, but what am I?

Yep, in a moment of utter maturity, i slung those words out to one of my co-chairs tonight as we were crawling on the mall floors taping down extension cords. I do believe my friend Danielle, who shall forever be known as "Bitchy Grouchy" (but I love her), called me a Cranky Ho Bag. Its possible that it is true, but did she have to say it when my ass was sticking in the air and I couldnt defend myself properly? As I have been talking about for days now, we have been preparing for Casa's for CASA. The playhouses are moved in. The volunteers are 99.5% scheduled for 14 days at 2 malls. Now all we need to do is raise $60,000. Holy FUCK. Yep, I just said the F-word. The enormity of the whole thing kind of came crashing down on us tonight as we were doing some hard core manual labor. We have been so busy preparing for this, that we forgot that we need to raise a crapload of money. I am pretty sure that we can do it. It just freaks me out, as I have NEVER been a part of anything like this before. Ever. So, as we are all starting to feel the burn and get nervous, we start doing what any rational adult does- we start calling each other really stupid names. Yep, Ho Bag, Gouchy Bitchy and my favorite- Buttmunch (that one was coming from the girl that works at the legislature). Aren't we just really doing our parents proud right now?
So anyways, the event has begun. It looks good, now we just need to put the money where we have been running our mouths at. Otherwise, we need to answer to the Board of Directors. And I don't think we can call them Buttmunches. At least to their faces.

Overwhelmed..but in a good way.

Wow, I can't believe y'all noticed I havent been posting much lately. Honestly- life has just been insane. We have been getting ready for Casa's for CASA and I have been spending all my free minutes on that. Blogging has taken a back seat to real life-imagine that! The emails asking if I was ok have just been wonderful. I didn't realized that I had so many people reading me on a daily basis. Work continues to be, well work, and everything else is chugging along. My yard is over grown, and my plants desperataly need to be weeded. I need a week to catch up with my life. But- I am not complaining- the things that have been keeping me busy have been good. I checked my STAT Counter today, and cracked up with how many of you come back here on a daily basis... Its cool to see my friends visiting my house!

Anyways- I will be posting pictures of all the playhouses in the next day or two- once we get everything settled at the malls, you can get a better picture for what we are working on!

I can NOT believe its August already- Back to School stuff is everywhere in Austin- it feels like it was just the beginning of summer 6 minutes ago, and now Target is lined with crayons, folders and notebooks. I think I might buy myself a new pack of Crayola 64's just to feel cool!

Hope everyone is having a great week.

the playhouses...

I have been working on the CASA fund raiser for months now. It feels like years, but its really only been a few months. Last night I went and saw one of the houses that is being raffled off- this one is AWESOME! I am trying to figure out a way to win this one myself and have it in my own back yard.

Anyways-- this is the project that I have been working on. More pictures to come as the week progresses.