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?
9/30/2005
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?
weird eh?
9/29/2005
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.
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.
9/28/2005
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.
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.
9/27/2005
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
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.
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.
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. |
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
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
9/26/2005
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.
Phones are turned off till tomorrow.
TV is done for the night.
Silence is my home.
Gnite, gnite.
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!
i mean, its so hot, my car is acting weird.
but, i am home before 7pm. Life is good!
9/25/2005
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.
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.
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.
I am humming "its a hard knock life" and washing windows.
see you all later,
alice the maid.
9/24/2005
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.
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.
9/23/2005
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!
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:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- 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.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, water, and thyme. Pour into the skillet, and reduce heat to low. Cover, and cook 5 minutes.
- 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.
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.
9/21/2005
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.
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.
9/20/2005
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.
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.
9/17/2005
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!!!
P.S.- ITS NOT HOT HERE!!!
9/15/2005
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.
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.
9/13/2005
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.
9/12/2005
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.
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.
9/11/2005
god i love
football.
seriously. i could write a book. i am heading out for the first glorious day of game watching.
DETROIT ROCKS!
seriously. i could write a book. i am heading out for the first glorious day of game watching.
DETROIT ROCKS!
9/10/2005
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.
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.
9/09/2005
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.
its a good feeling.
things are finally getting balanced again.
sigh.
9/08/2005
9/07/2005
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.
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.
* 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?
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?
9/06/2005
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.
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.
9/05/2005
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.
its a good day.
9/03/2005
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.
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.
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.
9/02/2005
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.
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
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
9/01/2005
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.
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.
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.
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