Ewa spent the entire day after Christmas stranded at the Round Rock outlet malls just as happy as can be. And she's totally ready for more. So today we attempted the unthinkable. We braved the insanity that is the San Marcos outlet mall during after-Christmas sales.
At 11 a.m. there were already tons of cars, but not too bad. There was still decent parking, and you could navigate the shops with relative freedom from frustration or strangers encroaching into your personal space. We were happily shopping until about 2 p.m. when things started to get a bit claustrophobic. By the time we decided to break for lunch the parking lot was absolutely packed with lines of people desperately circling like buzzards for exiting shoppers so they could pounce on their spots. We had to resort to Taco Hell because every other place was filled to the breaking point. I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like it. Then again, I rarely brave the malls. Is it always like this? Surely not.
Anyway, we escaped unscathed and with a trunk full of pretty things. Yay! That's my shopping for the next year.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Christmas Day
Merry Christmas, everyone!
More food! And Christmas crackers.I don't know why I look hungover here. I wasn't. I swear!
Greg and Ewa model their crowns.
The kids. All together now - Awwwwww...Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Eve Fun & Food
The evening started with herrings on toast and Christmas crackers.
After dinner I got to play Santa.
Greg modelling his new sweater.Time for fat pants and a James Bond marathon? I think so. Yes.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Spa Day, Baby!
As part of Ewa's Christmas present, we had a girls' manicure day at Lake Austin Spa Resort. May I just say, a girl can get used to this kind of treatment...
We met up with my friend Katie, her mom, sister and sister-in-law for manicures and lunch. We also took a tour of the grounds. Its absolutely lovely. And if I ever go again, I'll make sure to bring my swimsuit. They have an outdoor lounge area with pool, jacuzzi, and massive padded chairs, which were unfortunately soaked with freezing cold water, a rather rude shock when Katie and I tried to sit on them. But there's also a heated indoor lap pool. What a way to spend a lazy day. Ah...
We met up with my friend Katie, her mom, sister and sister-in-law for manicures and lunch. We also took a tour of the grounds. Its absolutely lovely. And if I ever go again, I'll make sure to bring my swimsuit. They have an outdoor lounge area with pool, jacuzzi, and massive padded chairs, which were unfortunately soaked with freezing cold water, a rather rude shock when Katie and I tried to sit on them. But there's also a heated indoor lap pool. What a way to spend a lazy day. Ah...
Friday, December 21, 2007
Bumbling Soccer Wannabes...
How sad is it to be slaughtered on the soccer field in front of your mother-in-law, who apparently spent the entire time laughing her ass off at us.
Actually, I probably would have done the exact same thing... :)
Actually, I probably would have done the exact same thing... :)
Thursday, December 20, 2007
TexMex and Chocogasms
Greg and I took Ewa downtown tonight for a TexMex and champagne fix. Try as they may, the Brits haven't quite pulled off excellent TexMex just yet so Ewa gets her fill while she's here.
We met up with Dilek, Kenan and Jill for dinner at Serrano's downtown. One plate of beef fajitas later and we headed to Cork & Co for their Thursday night Chocogasm. Tastings of five sparkling wines and chocolate truffles are an excellent way to end any evening.
Dilek and Kenan with us waiting patiently for our desserts.
Greg K, serious connoisseur of all things alcoholic or chocolate
We met up with Dilek, Kenan and Jill for dinner at Serrano's downtown. One plate of beef fajitas later and we headed to Cork & Co for their Thursday night Chocogasm. Tastings of five sparkling wines and chocolate truffles are an excellent way to end any evening.
Dilek and Kenan with us waiting patiently for our desserts.
Greg K, serious connoisseur of all things alcoholic or chocolate
YouTube Superstars!
Brian tried bribing me with half his poker winnings to make that footage disappear. Silly, silly man...
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Cruel and Yet Also Hilarious...
So along with our usual Wednesday poker night, we also host a white elephant gift exchange near the holidays. Gifts have to be in the $10 range. Everyone draws a number. The person who draws #1 gets to pick a present first and unwrap it in front of everyone. The second person can either steal the opened gift or choose a wrapped one to open. The third can then steal either of the two opened pressies or select a wrapped one. It goes on and on like that until everyone gets a present. Any single gift can only be stolen a total of 3 times. If a person has their gift stolen, they can't directly steal it back in that same round. Good stuff.
The presents range from really good ones - bottles of wine, gift cards to the Alamo Drafthouse, etc - to really crappy ones like, for instance, a dirty sweatshirt grabbed from someone's floor 2 minutes before the game (Lance!). And everything in between.
So Chris S brought as his gift a collection of lottery tickets. Four were real. One was not. The fake was a $10,000 winner. Greg and I were apprised of the situation beforehand so we'd have the camera ready. Of all the people at this game, Brian, the consummate gambler and lottery ticket scratcher, got those tickets (fantastic!) but soon had them stolen. So being the wheeler and dealer that he is, he struck a bargain with Aubrey. He would steal her cashews (yes, that's right - a giant tub of cashews) so she could then steal the tickets back and they'd split the winnings. Aubrey gets to unload the cashews. Brian gets to scratch off his tickets. Everyone's happy. (But none happier than me, Greg and Chris since we knew what was coming.)
I had the camera poised and recording when Brian saw he had a winner.
Oh my God. It was beautiful! I'll just have to post the video so you can see for yourself. Priceless.
The presents range from really good ones - bottles of wine, gift cards to the Alamo Drafthouse, etc - to really crappy ones like, for instance, a dirty sweatshirt grabbed from someone's floor 2 minutes before the game (Lance!). And everything in between.
So Chris S brought as his gift a collection of lottery tickets. Four were real. One was not. The fake was a $10,000 winner. Greg and I were apprised of the situation beforehand so we'd have the camera ready. Of all the people at this game, Brian, the consummate gambler and lottery ticket scratcher, got those tickets (fantastic!) but soon had them stolen. So being the wheeler and dealer that he is, he struck a bargain with Aubrey. He would steal her cashews (yes, that's right - a giant tub of cashews) so she could then steal the tickets back and they'd split the winnings. Aubrey gets to unload the cashews. Brian gets to scratch off his tickets. Everyone's happy. (But none happier than me, Greg and Chris since we knew what was coming.)
I had the camera poised and recording when Brian saw he had a winner.
Oh my God. It was beautiful! I'll just have to post the video so you can see for yourself. Priceless.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Guests & Fish...
In a few minutes we will be on our way to the Austin airport to pick up Ewa, my mother-in-law. She'll be staying with us for 3 weeks over the holidays. I'm sure the next few weeks will entail lots of shopping and wine drinking and hopefully peace and harmony for the holiday season.
She's going to cook us a traditional Polish meal Christmas eve, which will include fish (no meat!), wild mushroom soup, fruit compote, and minced meat pies. (Although I think that last one's more a nod to the English tradition.)
I'm sure her bags will also be filled to the brim with English sweeties. So much for healthy eating over the holidays. Oh well. More motivation to train for the upcoming 10K.
8 more days 'til Christmas! Are you done with your shopping yet?
She's going to cook us a traditional Polish meal Christmas eve, which will include fish (no meat!), wild mushroom soup, fruit compote, and minced meat pies. (Although I think that last one's more a nod to the English tradition.)
I'm sure her bags will also be filled to the brim with English sweeties. So much for healthy eating over the holidays. Oh well. More motivation to train for the upcoming 10K.
8 more days 'til Christmas! Are you done with your shopping yet?
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Holiday Celebration Pain...
Ugh. Highly polluted. Head hurts. Slightly queasy.
Not fun.
But last night was! What started as a somewhat dull company holiday dinner morphed into a pretty kick ass party. I have to say it was the most fun we've had since the first year back in 2002, when Greg was a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed new employee and we'd only been dating for two weeks.
Back in the day, Greg hadn't known what to expect and his only advice from the very sage Kenan was just don't be the drunkest one at the party and you'll be fine. Although that bit of advice was not exactly followed to the letter of the law, Greg did win a prize as the person who had the most fun during the karaoke competition. The band had packed up, but we weren't done dancing so the most logical course of action at the time was to gate-crash another holiday party down the hall at the Renaissance with a few of Greg's VPs. (Somewhere an Austin Energy employee has photographic evidence but we're confident that incident won't come back to bite us.)
Its a good thing he's at a relatively young and small company or that could have been messy and more than a little embarassing. But seeing as the VP's were our co-conspirators, he has nothing more dangerous than a reputation to contend with.
Anyway, back to last night...
Its always lovely catching up with friends and Greg's co-workers who I usually only see once a year. And an open martini bar is major enticement. But after a while it sometimes starts getting a bit forced and awkward. For the past couple of years, we've made an early exit at that point. But this year, we just kept running into people and having a few more drinks and hearing good dancing tunes from the band. So we stayed. And stayed some more. And then stayed a bit longer. Next thing we knew, the boss had gone, the drinks were flowing a bit more liberally and the band busted out a few raunchy tunes. Everyone loosened up and it was a party!
I think we got Kenan in trouble with his missus... He was sweet enough to offer us a ride to our next party, but I'm sure he would have left much sooner had it not been for us. Oh well. He was having fun. Even dancing, which is a rare occurence. When we finally tore ourselves away, Kenan dropped us off at Kristin's house for a very late graduation congratulations.
Wait a second... Its all coming back to me now. It was the damn Franzia that she kept offering me! Boxed wine - that must be the source of today's yuckiness!
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Not fun.
But last night was! What started as a somewhat dull company holiday dinner morphed into a pretty kick ass party. I have to say it was the most fun we've had since the first year back in 2002, when Greg was a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed new employee and we'd only been dating for two weeks.
Back in the day, Greg hadn't known what to expect and his only advice from the very sage Kenan was just don't be the drunkest one at the party and you'll be fine. Although that bit of advice was not exactly followed to the letter of the law, Greg did win a prize as the person who had the most fun during the karaoke competition. The band had packed up, but we weren't done dancing so the most logical course of action at the time was to gate-crash another holiday party down the hall at the Renaissance with a few of Greg's VPs. (Somewhere an Austin Energy employee has photographic evidence but we're confident that incident won't come back to bite us.)
Its a good thing he's at a relatively young and small company or that could have been messy and more than a little embarassing. But seeing as the VP's were our co-conspirators, he has nothing more dangerous than a reputation to contend with.
Anyway, back to last night...
Its always lovely catching up with friends and Greg's co-workers who I usually only see once a year. And an open martini bar is major enticement. But after a while it sometimes starts getting a bit forced and awkward. For the past couple of years, we've made an early exit at that point. But this year, we just kept running into people and having a few more drinks and hearing good dancing tunes from the band. So we stayed. And stayed some more. And then stayed a bit longer. Next thing we knew, the boss had gone, the drinks were flowing a bit more liberally and the band busted out a few raunchy tunes. Everyone loosened up and it was a party!
I think we got Kenan in trouble with his missus... He was sweet enough to offer us a ride to our next party, but I'm sure he would have left much sooner had it not been for us. Oh well. He was having fun. Even dancing, which is a rare occurence. When we finally tore ourselves away, Kenan dropped us off at Kristin's house for a very late graduation congratulations.
Wait a second... Its all coming back to me now. It was the damn Franzia that she kept offering me! Boxed wine - that must be the source of today's yuckiness!
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Week-End o' Parties
Last night we toasted Chad and Mireya as they said their goodbyes to the U.S. of A for a while. Mireya has a great postdoc opportunity at Oxford. Chad is interviewing right now but has prospects for a postdoc in London. I can't imagine having to make that commute twice a day every day, but you gotta do what you gotta do, right. Besides its a small price to pay for 2 years abroad. I'm slightly jealous of all that easy access to the rest of mainland Europe. They could fly to Italy cheaper than I could fly to El Paso. Now, that's insane...
Next, we zoomed off to Claus and Morgan's for some Danish spiced wine and pastries. We spent most of the night chatting to another Dane who is a free-lance journalist. He recently did a 25-minute news story for Denmark's PBS equivalent on the Minutemen, that, ahem, special group of well-armed men and women who spend their free time and money on a vigilante mission to guard the U.S. border of Mexico by building fences and using intimidation tactics to deter illegal immigration. Very interesting. Needless to say, his liberal sensibilities clash completely with the philosophy of the Minutemen. Regardless, he's still entertaining the invitation they extended to him to spend a week-end out on one of their ranches learning to shoot guns and do all kinds of good ol' hick pasttimes, the likes of which I'm sure few Danes have ever seen. :)
Tonight is Greg's company Christmas party at the Renaissance Hotel and then a possible graduation celebration. WooHoo!
Next, we zoomed off to Claus and Morgan's for some Danish spiced wine and pastries. We spent most of the night chatting to another Dane who is a free-lance journalist. He recently did a 25-minute news story for Denmark's PBS equivalent on the Minutemen, that, ahem, special group of well-armed men and women who spend their free time and money on a vigilante mission to guard the U.S. border of Mexico by building fences and using intimidation tactics to deter illegal immigration. Very interesting. Needless to say, his liberal sensibilities clash completely with the philosophy of the Minutemen. Regardless, he's still entertaining the invitation they extended to him to spend a week-end out on one of their ranches learning to shoot guns and do all kinds of good ol' hick pasttimes, the likes of which I'm sure few Danes have ever seen. :)
Tonight is Greg's company Christmas party at the Renaissance Hotel and then a possible graduation celebration. WooHoo!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Evidence
I just unearthed these photos from our wine and cheese party last month.
The boys are such loving drunks...
Actually, I think they were accosting Brian because he's uncomfortable with man hugs. So maybe not so sweet. But definitely funny. :)
Greg doing some kind of deranged typewriter dance. I never did get the explanation for this one.
The boys are such loving drunks...
Actually, I think they were accosting Brian because he's uncomfortable with man hugs. So maybe not so sweet. But definitely funny. :)
Greg doing some kind of deranged typewriter dance. I never did get the explanation for this one.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Oh, Puh-lease...
This morning as I was getting ready, I was listening to one of those morning news programs. You know, the ones that are about 10% actual news and the rest is entertaining fluff. They had a holiday segment about doing the world a favor by giving "green" gifts - of the environmentally friendly kind. Besides non-toxic household cleaners (and you know people love receiving cleaning products as gifts), one of these guilt-free treasures was jewelry made from "100% recycled gold".
Huh?
I hadn't realized that gold wastes in our landfills had become such a big problem. I mean, I know when I get tired of my gold necklaces, rings and bracelets, I just chuck them in the trash. But had I known recycling programs were in place, I would have much preferred to do that rather than contribute to this growing problem.
Ugh. No shame in the marketing world. Seriously...
Huh?
I hadn't realized that gold wastes in our landfills had become such a big problem. I mean, I know when I get tired of my gold necklaces, rings and bracelets, I just chuck them in the trash. But had I known recycling programs were in place, I would have much preferred to do that rather than contribute to this growing problem.
Ugh. No shame in the marketing world. Seriously...
Monday, December 10, 2007
Eerily Quiet...
My boss is gone (on his fab tropical holiday conference, grrrr...). Its dead week here on campus so the students are nowhere to be found. The weather is cold and cloudy and drizzly. Its Monday.
In short, I feel like I should be at home in my pj's, sweats and fluffy socks. Instead I'm trying to motivate myself to write exam questions on my least favorite biochem subjects (amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, if you're wondering). Work, ugh.
The week-end was good though. We stuffed ourselves with Aussie meat pies at Mark & Brianna's, followed by a pathetic go at Dance Dance Revolution. Pathetic in that I suck! I also went on a baking spree and whipped up 3 different kinds of cookies. Now the problem is getting them out of our house and in the mail to friends as quickly as possible. Greg finally chopped down all the scraggly, dying bushes in our backyard. I shudder to think about uprooting them and preparing the soil for new plants. The never-ending joys of home ownership. :) We lost our second game of the new soccer season, but as always, we had a great time doing it. And that's our super exciting week-end in a nutshell. Oh, what glamorous lives we do lead.
In short, I feel like I should be at home in my pj's, sweats and fluffy socks. Instead I'm trying to motivate myself to write exam questions on my least favorite biochem subjects (amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, if you're wondering). Work, ugh.
The week-end was good though. We stuffed ourselves with Aussie meat pies at Mark & Brianna's, followed by a pathetic go at Dance Dance Revolution. Pathetic in that I suck! I also went on a baking spree and whipped up 3 different kinds of cookies. Now the problem is getting them out of our house and in the mail to friends as quickly as possible. Greg finally chopped down all the scraggly, dying bushes in our backyard. I shudder to think about uprooting them and preparing the soil for new plants. The never-ending joys of home ownership. :) We lost our second game of the new soccer season, but as always, we had a great time doing it. And that's our super exciting week-end in a nutshell. Oh, what glamorous lives we do lead.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Bring on the Holiday Parties!
The next few weeks are jam-packed with festivities. Everything from an Aussie-style Christmas dinner party (complete with meat pies) to a Glogg & Aebleskiver party (its a Scandanavian thing). From Greg's company holiday party to a farewell kick-off for friends moving to Oxford. And let's not forget the holiday-themed book club meeting. And a white elephant gift exchange at our next poker game.
Right now I'm trying to forget about my holiday to-do list and focus on enjoying my time with friends and family. Who cares if they don't get their cards until the New Year? They'll still know I love them. If I can't find that perfect gift for Greg, will he even notice? Doubtful. I just need to relieve some of the pressure and enjoy. Enjoy. Enjoy. Enjoy...
My new mantra.
Right now I'm trying to forget about my holiday to-do list and focus on enjoying my time with friends and family. Who cares if they don't get their cards until the New Year? They'll still know I love them. If I can't find that perfect gift for Greg, will he even notice? Doubtful. I just need to relieve some of the pressure and enjoy. Enjoy. Enjoy. Enjoy...
My new mantra.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Paying Dues
I am very begrudgingly finalizing the slides of my work that will justify my boss's attendance at some tropical island getaway in the middle of December under the guise of a scientific conference. Ok. Whateeeeeveeeeerr.
I've seen the pictures!
I know all you and your buddies do is spend a morning comparing notes and then its off to the beach. Or hiking a waterfall. Or tubing some river. Or sipping pina coladas from extravagant glasses with little paper umbrellas.
God, I'm jealous...
I've seen the pictures!
I know all you and your buddies do is spend a morning comparing notes and then its off to the beach. Or hiking a waterfall. Or tubing some river. Or sipping pina coladas from extravagant glasses with little paper umbrellas.
God, I'm jealous...
Accidental Overdose
Have you ever made it to 3 in the afternoon and suddenly realized the only thing you've consumed all day is coffee?
I guess that would explain the shaky hands and queasiness...
I guess that would explain the shaky hands and queasiness...
Monday, December 3, 2007
Post-Dinner Coma
My husband shortly after a dinner party...
After stuffing himself with chicken parmiagan, green beans with almonds, chili-rubbed sweet potato and a strawberry tart, the poor thing didn't stand a chance.
We'd been neglecting our friends Claus and Morgan for the last six months so I cooked us all a fabulous dinner, if I do say so myself, on Friday night. The chicken parm was demolished, and I spied Claus using his fingers to swipe the last crumbs from his tart plate at the end of the meal. Haha! :) Between the 3 drinkers (Morgan is 6 months preggo so she's off the sauce, poor thing), we polished off 3 bottles of wine. Yikes! That probably had a lot to do with Greg's state after they left.
The rest of the week-end was spent celebrating our friend Kyris's defense and meeting up with soccer peeps for practice. The work week started entirely too soon again. We miss our 4-day Thanksgiving week-ends...
After stuffing himself with chicken parmiagan, green beans with almonds, chili-rubbed sweet potato and a strawberry tart, the poor thing didn't stand a chance.
We'd been neglecting our friends Claus and Morgan for the last six months so I cooked us all a fabulous dinner, if I do say so myself, on Friday night. The chicken parm was demolished, and I spied Claus using his fingers to swipe the last crumbs from his tart plate at the end of the meal. Haha! :) Between the 3 drinkers (Morgan is 6 months preggo so she's off the sauce, poor thing), we polished off 3 bottles of wine. Yikes! That probably had a lot to do with Greg's state after they left.
The rest of the week-end was spent celebrating our friend Kyris's defense and meeting up with soccer peeps for practice. The work week started entirely too soon again. We miss our 4-day Thanksgiving week-ends...
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Sneaky Years...
So I was helping administer some oral exams to undergrads yesterday. And as I was standing out in the hall, waiting for the exam room to be unlocked, one of the students who was sitting in a chair waiting her turn started looking around a bit nervously. My presence had obviously slightly perplexed her, but why? The next thing I know, she had stood up and sheepishly offered me her chair.
That kinda threw me for a second... First of all, I'm not used to the manners. Don't get me wrong - I am thankful for them. Really I am. But secondly, what the ***? This kind of question is usually reserved for the geriatric set on the bus.
My gut response was torn between appreciation and moderately hurt feelings. I know I may be a decade older than you, kid, but I'm not ready for the senior citizen treatment just yet, thank you kindly.
Seriously!
But then I realized, I really am a decade older than these freshmen and sophomores! Oh my God. When did that happen???
That kinda threw me for a second... First of all, I'm not used to the manners. Don't get me wrong - I am thankful for them. Really I am. But secondly, what the ***? This kind of question is usually reserved for the geriatric set on the bus.
My gut response was torn between appreciation and moderately hurt feelings. I know I may be a decade older than you, kid, but I'm not ready for the senior citizen treatment just yet, thank you kindly.
Seriously!
But then I realized, I really am a decade older than these freshmen and sophomores! Oh my God. When did that happen???
Monday, November 26, 2007
Intervention Time
Ok, I'm fed up. This holiday/grad student paunch is getting out of control.
Lately I've noticed all my clothes fitting uncomfortably tight. And my tummy, which has never ever been a problem area before, has started to poke out revealing very early-stage Buddha Belly.
Not cool!
I've chosen the Statesman Capitol 10,000 race on March 30th to help motivate me. However, just signing up is no guarantee that I'll get moving. (Recall the recent relay marathon?) No, I have to do better than that. I have to try for a new PR (personal record to those of you who haven't been obsessed with running at one point in your life) or else I'll just wing it, which totally defeats the purpose.
I've run the Cap 10K three times before. My fastest was 54:28, which equates to 8:45/minute, back in 2004. I'm going to beat that time this year! I've printed out my little schedule using Runner's World on-line SmartCoach program and have 18 weeks to get in shape for it.
Wish me luck!
Lately I've noticed all my clothes fitting uncomfortably tight. And my tummy, which has never ever been a problem area before, has started to poke out revealing very early-stage Buddha Belly.
Not cool!I've chosen the Statesman Capitol 10,000 race on March 30th to help motivate me. However, just signing up is no guarantee that I'll get moving. (Recall the recent relay marathon?) No, I have to do better than that. I have to try for a new PR (personal record to those of you who haven't been obsessed with running at one point in your life) or else I'll just wing it, which totally defeats the purpose.
I've run the Cap 10K three times before. My fastest was 54:28, which equates to 8:45/minute, back in 2004. I'm going to beat that time this year! I've printed out my little schedule using Runner's World on-line SmartCoach program and have 18 weeks to get in shape for it.
Wish me luck!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Christmas Tree, oh, Christmas Tree
At my insistence, we dragged the Christmas tree out a little early this year. I could use a little holiday spirit these days.
I also wrapped a few presents to put under the tree. I'm proud of myself. I have almost all of the shopping done already, except of course, Greg's present. I always have a hard time with that one since he insists he needs nothing. Very helpful.
But we won't actually decorate the tree with ornaments until Ewa, my mother-in-law, arrives in a few weeks from London.
As we were setting it up, I commented that it seemed a lot easier putting the tree up this year. Then I remembered that's because I had done it all myself last year as a surprise for Greg. He came home from work one day to find this new 9-foot monster of a tree ready and waiting to be decorated. That sucker is heavy!
Also last year, the kitties were only about 4 months old. Several times we caught them halfway up the tree, rustling around in the branches. Now they're full-grown and fat. I can't help but worry about coming home one day to find the tree splattered on the ground. That would suck, but we'll see what happens.
Five Years and Going Strong
Today is our anniversary! Five years ago today Greg and I officially started dating and have been all but surgically attached at the hip ever since. Ah, mutual co-dependence. :)
To celebrate, we had a lovely dinner last night at Aquarelle, a cozy French restaurant that I've been wanting to visit for ages. It was sooo delicious. But let's not discuss the price tag.... Yikes! But how often do you have a 5-year dating anniversary, right.
I <3 my husband. :)
p.s. Does anyone else find it odd to go to fancy restaurants in Austin and see people dressed casually in jeans and polos? There just aren't enough opportunities to wear my swanky duds and heels so I'm taking them where I can find them. I don't care how over-dressed I might seem.
To celebrate, we had a lovely dinner last night at Aquarelle, a cozy French restaurant that I've been wanting to visit for ages. It was sooo delicious. But let's not discuss the price tag.... Yikes! But how often do you have a 5-year dating anniversary, right.
I <3 my husband. :)
p.s. Does anyone else find it odd to go to fancy restaurants in Austin and see people dressed casually in jeans and polos? There just aren't enough opportunities to wear my swanky duds and heels so I'm taking them where I can find them. I don't care how over-dressed I might seem.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
I Love Holiday Week-ends
Its been a lovely holiday week-end so far.
Our Thanksgiving with Katie and Derek was excellent! Their house in Steiner Ranch is about twice the size of ours and absolutely gorgeous! This was Derek's first attempt at baking a turkey, and I have to say, he passed with flying colors - he brined it and everything. Very impressive. Good food and wine followed by wii games and Frangelico. Greg kicked my butt in everything, which irked me but I'll get over it. I was actually sore from the boxing match where I almost kicked his ass. How sad am I! But we ended up crashing at their place and then were treated to yummy breakfast before saying our goodbyes.
On the drive back home, our friends Karl and Terri called to say they were on the way. After spending Thanksgiving with Terri's fam in Houston, they made plans to spend Friday night in Austin to catch up. We met them and the dogs at our place before heading to Trudy's for dinner - no TexMex in Mississippi apparently (I'd die), where we met up with more friends - Mark & Brianna, Erin & Matthew, and Katie & Derek. After stuffing ourselves, we met up at ours again and gossiped into the wee hours. Good times.
So today in Austin the weather is completely conducive to a p.j. day and, as such, we haven't bothered to do anything but nap and watch James Bond. (Greg has learned to associate Bond marathons with holidays in America, and now that we don't have cable, he's making his own with the DVD collections we have.)
Its a good day to be fat and lazy. :)
Our Thanksgiving with Katie and Derek was excellent! Their house in Steiner Ranch is about twice the size of ours and absolutely gorgeous! This was Derek's first attempt at baking a turkey, and I have to say, he passed with flying colors - he brined it and everything. Very impressive. Good food and wine followed by wii games and Frangelico. Greg kicked my butt in everything, which irked me but I'll get over it. I was actually sore from the boxing match where I almost kicked his ass. How sad am I! But we ended up crashing at their place and then were treated to yummy breakfast before saying our goodbyes.
On the drive back home, our friends Karl and Terri called to say they were on the way. After spending Thanksgiving with Terri's fam in Houston, they made plans to spend Friday night in Austin to catch up. We met them and the dogs at our place before heading to Trudy's for dinner - no TexMex in Mississippi apparently (I'd die), where we met up with more friends - Mark & Brianna, Erin & Matthew, and Katie & Derek. After stuffing ourselves, we met up at ours again and gossiped into the wee hours. Good times.
So today in Austin the weather is completely conducive to a p.j. day and, as such, we haven't bothered to do anything but nap and watch James Bond. (Greg has learned to associate Bond marathons with holidays in America, and now that we don't have cable, he's making his own with the DVD collections we have.)
Its a good day to be fat and lazy. :)
Happy Birthday, Tricia!
I know my ex-roomie Tricia checks this blog from Italy every now and then so I thought I'd take a moment to sing.
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday, dear Tricia!
Happy birthday to you!
I unearthed some old photos too. :)
Our first Mardi Gras in Austin
Tricia was very happy...
Finishing our first marathon in Feb 2004 -There was no way I would have ever finished without her!
Hope you're having a great birthday, Tricia!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday, dear Tricia!
Happy birthday to you!
I unearthed some old photos too. :)
Our first Mardi Gras in Austin
Tricia was very happy...
Finishing our first marathon in Feb 2004 -There was no way I would have ever finished without her!
Hope you're having a great birthday, Tricia!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Since our family is scattered to the wind and our usual Thanksgiving crew of foreign grad students and post docs has paired off with other families to entertain now or moved away (boo!), we're having a tamer sort of dinner this year. Its just us and our friends Katie and Derek in their new house for Thanksgiving. However, there has been talk of converting wii games into drinking games so maybe it won't be so tame after all. We'll see.
Its 3 p.m. and I haven't showered or even brushed my teeth yet. Gross! But its a holiday and the weather is finally feeling like fall! Its about damn time! Yesterday at this time, I was hot and sweaty. Now I'm in my fat pants (in early preparation) and a sweatshirt. Its time to change out of my p.j.'s, pretty myself up and start work on the green bean casserole, corn casserole and apple crumble.
I love this holiday...
Its 3 p.m. and I haven't showered or even brushed my teeth yet. Gross! But its a holiday and the weather is finally feeling like fall! Its about damn time! Yesterday at this time, I was hot and sweaty. Now I'm in my fat pants (in early preparation) and a sweatshirt. Its time to change out of my p.j.'s, pretty myself up and start work on the green bean casserole, corn casserole and apple crumble.
I love this holiday...
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
As Promised...
a picture of our new couch and loveseat!
Since Greg got off work at noon today, he is downstairs performing very scientific studies as to their level of comfort while watching James Bond save the world.
As you can see, our coffee table looks tiny now. We also want to buy a new large rug for the area. But all in good time.
Our house is looking more and more grown up all the time!
Since Greg got off work at noon today, he is downstairs performing very scientific studies as to their level of comfort while watching James Bond save the world.
As you can see, our coffee table looks tiny now. We also want to buy a new large rug for the area. But all in good time.
Our house is looking more and more grown up all the time!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Mmmmm, Coffee...
Grande non-fat peppermint white chocolate mocha...
Pretentious? Definitely.
Delicious? Whoa, mama!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Week-End Recovery
We had a great week-end of fun and relaxation. No "work" talk. I hardly got onto the computer - but that was mostly because Greg monopolized it with his soccer addiction. But I'm not complaining.
Early Saturday morning, our new couch and loveseat arrived! Finally! (I'll post pictures later.) They're absolutely massive. You'd think we would have learned our lesson by now because we did the exact same thing with our bedroom furniture too. Note to self: there is a significant difference between the scale of the store floor and that of our house. Nothing looks that big when its sitting in the middle of an open warehouse, but when they're hauling these pieces into our living room, our error in spatial perception becomes abundantly clear. Our living room has definitely filled out. And our coffee table is positively dwarfed. But they're beautiful and comfy and snugglicious. Plus, now I have an excuse to go shopping for a new coffee table - one that will be a bit more functional with an extra shelf below or drawers so I can hide my many, many magazines. Yay!
On Saturday night, we met some friends downtown to see Esther's Follies. If you haven't seen the show, you should definitely check it out. I had been once before over 5 years ago, but I had just moved into town. And since a lot of the content is specific to Austin and local politics, I'm afraid much of the wit was lost on me at the time. But it was hilarious! (By the way, do NOT sit in the aisle seat if you know what's good for you...)
After the show, we wandered up 6th street and into Maggie Mae's. I have to admit that its been a looooong time since I've been bar-hopping on 6th. (These days I'm more of a 4th-street girl, you see.) And I have to say, its highly entertaining in the way of people-watching, one of my favorite lazy-day activities of all time. But it also makes me feel slightly old and distinctly un-fun. Ah, the wild days of early twenty-something. *sigh* I miss them...
...sometimes. :)
Then on Sunday afternoon, we met up with some of our soccer team for practice. Um, please note that we just finished our first season as a team in the lowest co-ed bracket. Our record was 1-9. Yes, that means that we won one game and lost nine. And the game we won, well, that was because the other team never showed... So, yeah, we need the practice. But to be fair, most of our team, including me, had never played soccer before in their lives. So we're all learning the game as we go. And besides, everyone is having a ton of fun despite losing. Imagine the elation if we ever actually won a match! A girl can dream, right...
Our next season starts on the 29th. There are a few new members to the team so it may change the dynamics, but hopefully only for the better. Wish us luck!
Early Saturday morning, our new couch and loveseat arrived! Finally! (I'll post pictures later.) They're absolutely massive. You'd think we would have learned our lesson by now because we did the exact same thing with our bedroom furniture too. Note to self: there is a significant difference between the scale of the store floor and that of our house. Nothing looks that big when its sitting in the middle of an open warehouse, but when they're hauling these pieces into our living room, our error in spatial perception becomes abundantly clear. Our living room has definitely filled out. And our coffee table is positively dwarfed. But they're beautiful and comfy and snugglicious. Plus, now I have an excuse to go shopping for a new coffee table - one that will be a bit more functional with an extra shelf below or drawers so I can hide my many, many magazines. Yay!
On Saturday night, we met some friends downtown to see Esther's Follies. If you haven't seen the show, you should definitely check it out. I had been once before over 5 years ago, but I had just moved into town. And since a lot of the content is specific to Austin and local politics, I'm afraid much of the wit was lost on me at the time. But it was hilarious! (By the way, do NOT sit in the aisle seat if you know what's good for you...)
After the show, we wandered up 6th street and into Maggie Mae's. I have to admit that its been a looooong time since I've been bar-hopping on 6th. (These days I'm more of a 4th-street girl, you see.) And I have to say, its highly entertaining in the way of people-watching, one of my favorite lazy-day activities of all time. But it also makes me feel slightly old and distinctly un-fun. Ah, the wild days of early twenty-something. *sigh* I miss them...
...sometimes. :)
Then on Sunday afternoon, we met up with some of our soccer team for practice. Um, please note that we just finished our first season as a team in the lowest co-ed bracket. Our record was 1-9. Yes, that means that we won one game and lost nine. And the game we won, well, that was because the other team never showed... So, yeah, we need the practice. But to be fair, most of our team, including me, had never played soccer before in their lives. So we're all learning the game as we go. And besides, everyone is having a ton of fun despite losing. Imagine the elation if we ever actually won a match! A girl can dream, right...
Our next season starts on the 29th. There are a few new members to the team so it may change the dynamics, but hopefully only for the better. Wish us luck!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Another Rough Week
Poor Greg is living with a psychopath these days. I've taken to calling him during the day from time to time when I feel like crying or need to vent about something particularly heinous. He's taking it like a champ, but I know it can't be easy for him to endure me lately.
I feel, for the sake of a happy marriage and his sanity, I should assist him in any way possible. So to avoid redundancy and stream-line the process by which he handles my meltdowns, I thought I'd implement a new recording system for these occasions.
Also when I'm repeating myself, he can quickly access the proper file that documents the fact, and he can show me that he's heard it all before.
And on a related topic, I cannot wait until I'm out of grad school.
I feel, for the sake of a happy marriage and his sanity, I should assist him in any way possible. So to avoid redundancy and stream-line the process by which he handles my meltdowns, I thought I'd implement a new recording system for these occasions.
Also when I'm repeating myself, he can quickly access the proper file that documents the fact, and he can show me that he's heard it all before.And on a related topic, I cannot wait until I'm out of grad school.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
When Will We Learn?
We just can't party like we used to, kids. Well, we can actually. But we pay a higher price for living it up these days.
Today has been a wash. After the final party people left last night, Greg, my friend Terra and I stayed up to tidy a bit and shoot the breeze (not to mention polishing off the last of the cheese, nuts and chips). Those drunk munchies are killer! We got to bed at about 4 a.m. I had to kick Greg out at 9. I can sleep like a rock, but when he's hung-over, he gets antsy and starts tossing and turning and grunting. No, sir. So I gave him the nudge he needed to get up, while I rolled over and got another 1.5 hours of shut-eye.
Brunch at Trudy's this morning was the most productive part of our day. After saying bye to Terra, we settled down for a necessary 3-hour nap. So about all we've done today is eat and sleep. There are still crumbs all over the floor and wine splatters on the kitchen tiles. At least we cleared out the bottles yesterday so fumes are at a minimum.
Now we're off for our soccer game. 80% of our players were in fine form at our party last night so this should be an interesting match. At least we'll be sweating out the toxins while we're trying not to chuck. Ugh.
Today has been a wash. After the final party people left last night, Greg, my friend Terra and I stayed up to tidy a bit and shoot the breeze (not to mention polishing off the last of the cheese, nuts and chips). Those drunk munchies are killer! We got to bed at about 4 a.m. I had to kick Greg out at 9. I can sleep like a rock, but when he's hung-over, he gets antsy and starts tossing and turning and grunting. No, sir. So I gave him the nudge he needed to get up, while I rolled over and got another 1.5 hours of shut-eye.
Brunch at Trudy's this morning was the most productive part of our day. After saying bye to Terra, we settled down for a necessary 3-hour nap. So about all we've done today is eat and sleep. There are still crumbs all over the floor and wine splatters on the kitchen tiles. At least we cleared out the bottles yesterday so fumes are at a minimum.
Now we're off for our soccer game. 80% of our players were in fine form at our party last night so this should be an interesting match. At least we'll be sweating out the toxins while we're trying not to chuck. Ugh.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Sixth Annual Wine & Cheese Party
Every year in November Greg and I host a wine & cheese party. Its a good excuse for us to gather about 40-50 of our friends, catch up, try some new smelly cheeses and get absolutely tanked.
We've seen a lot of changes throughout the years. In that first year, we were all crazy early-20-somethings. Now we're a little older and a little wiser. Instead of partying until 4:30, people are gone by 1 a.m. Old friends move away and new friends appear in our lives. Singles become old married couples. A few preggo ladies have joined us now, defaulting into the roles of automatic designated drivers. There are less warm bodies lingering on our couches in the mornings. The hang-overs are a bit harder to take. But, ah, good times...
Its also a bit of an anniversary for us. During the very first wine & cheese party that my roommate Tricia and I hosted back in November 2002, Greg, fortified by alcohol-induced courage, drew me outside away from the crowd and told me his feelings for me. He insisted we had a lot to do together, and he was right. By 2003, Greg and Tricia had swapped places. We were shacking up, and Tricia was living with her boyfriend-to-be and Greg's ex-roomie, Dan. In 2004, it was a combination wine & cheese party/engagement party. In 2005, we had lived in our new home for only a month so it morphed into a house-warming party. In 2006, it was our 6-month wedding anniversary.
No real milestone this year, just a kick-ass party (hopefully). Can't wait!
We've seen a lot of changes throughout the years. In that first year, we were all crazy early-20-somethings. Now we're a little older and a little wiser. Instead of partying until 4:30, people are gone by 1 a.m. Old friends move away and new friends appear in our lives. Singles become old married couples. A few preggo ladies have joined us now, defaulting into the roles of automatic designated drivers. There are less warm bodies lingering on our couches in the mornings. The hang-overs are a bit harder to take. But, ah, good times...
Its also a bit of an anniversary for us. During the very first wine & cheese party that my roommate Tricia and I hosted back in November 2002, Greg, fortified by alcohol-induced courage, drew me outside away from the crowd and told me his feelings for me. He insisted we had a lot to do together, and he was right. By 2003, Greg and Tricia had swapped places. We were shacking up, and Tricia was living with her boyfriend-to-be and Greg's ex-roomie, Dan. In 2004, it was a combination wine & cheese party/engagement party. In 2005, we had lived in our new home for only a month so it morphed into a house-warming party. In 2006, it was our 6-month wedding anniversary.
No real milestone this year, just a kick-ass party (hopefully). Can't wait!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Booo!
Greg and I had plans to catch Los Amigos Invisibles at Antone's tonight.
BUT I had to cancel our plans at the last minute because my boss dumped a heap of bureaucratic b.s. in my lap earlier today. Oh yes, and did I mention that it's due tomorrow?
Niiiiiiiiice... Appreciated...
At least we should still be able to hit up Capitol City Comedy Club tomorrow night. Unless, of course, my boss has more tricks up his sleeve.
God, am I a Debbie Downer lately...
Enough of this mopey crap! I promise to get back to my usual cheerful self soon. I have refrained from completely losing it (although just barely) so surely I will climb out of this funk by the week-end.
BUT I had to cancel our plans at the last minute because my boss dumped a heap of bureaucratic b.s. in my lap earlier today. Oh yes, and did I mention that it's due tomorrow?
Niiiiiiiiice... Appreciated...
At least we should still be able to hit up Capitol City Comedy Club tomorrow night. Unless, of course, my boss has more tricks up his sleeve.
God, am I a Debbie Downer lately...
Enough of this mopey crap! I promise to get back to my usual cheerful self soon. I have refrained from completely losing it (although just barely) so surely I will climb out of this funk by the week-end.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
The Highlight of My Evening
Shelley, my bridesmaid and one of the bestest friends in the whole world, is a high school science teacher out in L.A. I miss her terribly.
She sent me these pictures tonight, and its the only laugh I've had all day. Thanks, babe!
Mad Scientist Shelley dressed up for her class
Hiker Shelley being attacked by Tim the Bear
She sent me these pictures tonight, and its the only laugh I've had all day. Thanks, babe!
Mad Scientist Shelley dressed up for her class
Hiker Shelley being attacked by Tim the BearI wish I was there with you!
Halloween Bust :(
Halloween this year. A colossal failure. And I'm ridiculously upset about it. :(
Earlier this month I was thinking about all the freakin' adorable, little kids that have come to our door for the last two years. I've gotten to the point where I even recognize a few of them. I was soooooo excited about passing out candies again this year. It is a serious cheap thrill for me.
A few days later I realized that my boss had scheduled the second exam for the class I'm TA'ing on that very night! Who schedules an exam on Halloween NIGHT?!? Instead of running to the door and seeing all the little cuties, I had to sit for a mind-numbing 2 hours in a quiet room with a bunch of my students stressing about a biochem exam. Not fun.
But I thought I could still vicariously live through my husband for the night. He was at home tonight from 6 p.m. until 7:45 p.m. Plenty of time to get most of the kids in our neighborhood. I called him from work and left him very specific instructions as to what to do. Being a Brit, he didn't know about the porch light rule. If the light is on, that means there's candy to be had. If the light's off, it means to skip that house because the people inside weren't playing. Simple.
Our outside porch and garage lights are on a sensor. They usually stay off until someone approaches. There's a very simple way to fix this. You simply have to flip the light switch off and then on again. That basically turns off the sensor function and it defaults into normal light mode. It will stay on. All the kiddies will see that the light's on. The kiddies come to the door. The kiddies get candy. Everyone gets a cheap thrill.
What was so difficult about this concept, I cannot fathom.
HOWEVER, when I got out of the exam tonight and called my husband, he informed me that he could not get the lights to stay on. He assured me that he tried the very complicated light-switching function several times but to no avail. No matter what he did, that evil light would just not. stay. on.
When I prodded him further, I found out that he had spent the evening on the computer. At some point during the evening, he realized that no one was coming to the door. So he subsequently went downstairs to investigate. And that's when he realized the front porch light had been off the entire time. More attempts at fixing the light, but alas, no luck.
So the entire evening not a single person rang our doorbell. I spent a small fortune on goodies that no child in our neighborhood would ever see. Great. I was so, so upset. Greg insisted that he was by no means to be blamed for this snafoo.
*sigh*
So why is it that I get home, flip the switch, and the light has now been on for the last 30 minutes and counting?
I am so upset with Greg right now.
Earlier this month I was thinking about all the freakin' adorable, little kids that have come to our door for the last two years. I've gotten to the point where I even recognize a few of them. I was soooooo excited about passing out candies again this year. It is a serious cheap thrill for me.
A few days later I realized that my boss had scheduled the second exam for the class I'm TA'ing on that very night! Who schedules an exam on Halloween NIGHT?!? Instead of running to the door and seeing all the little cuties, I had to sit for a mind-numbing 2 hours in a quiet room with a bunch of my students stressing about a biochem exam. Not fun.
But I thought I could still vicariously live through my husband for the night. He was at home tonight from 6 p.m. until 7:45 p.m. Plenty of time to get most of the kids in our neighborhood. I called him from work and left him very specific instructions as to what to do. Being a Brit, he didn't know about the porch light rule. If the light is on, that means there's candy to be had. If the light's off, it means to skip that house because the people inside weren't playing. Simple.
Our outside porch and garage lights are on a sensor. They usually stay off until someone approaches. There's a very simple way to fix this. You simply have to flip the light switch off and then on again. That basically turns off the sensor function and it defaults into normal light mode. It will stay on. All the kiddies will see that the light's on. The kiddies come to the door. The kiddies get candy. Everyone gets a cheap thrill.
What was so difficult about this concept, I cannot fathom.
HOWEVER, when I got out of the exam tonight and called my husband, he informed me that he could not get the lights to stay on. He assured me that he tried the very complicated light-switching function several times but to no avail. No matter what he did, that evil light would just not. stay. on.
When I prodded him further, I found out that he had spent the evening on the computer. At some point during the evening, he realized that no one was coming to the door. So he subsequently went downstairs to investigate. And that's when he realized the front porch light had been off the entire time. More attempts at fixing the light, but alas, no luck.
So the entire evening not a single person rang our doorbell. I spent a small fortune on goodies that no child in our neighborhood would ever see. Great. I was so, so upset. Greg insisted that he was by no means to be blamed for this snafoo.
*sigh*
So why is it that I get home, flip the switch, and the light has now been on for the last 30 minutes and counting?
I am so upset with Greg right now.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Not So Subtle
My boss just made a point of showing me his lunch. A South Beach diet boxed meal.
Um.... Yeah. Is he trying to tell me something?
*sigh* I need to get my ass to the gym...
Um.... Yeah. Is he trying to tell me something?
*sigh* I need to get my ass to the gym...
Monday, October 29, 2007
I Couldn't Resist...
Greg is going to kill me, but I just had to share.
Take a look at Greg's Amazing Hair!
I find this next one especially artistic.
Greg's mohawk
This is what my shumma has to deal with every morning when he wakes up. Usually he can shower or at least wet his head to tame the wild beast, but while camping, not so much!
Rock on, babe! Rock ON!
Take a look at Greg's Amazing Hair!
I find this next one especially artistic.
Greg's mohawk
This is what my shumma has to deal with every morning when he wakes up. Usually he can shower or at least wet his head to tame the wild beast, but while camping, not so much!
Rock on, babe! Rock ON!
Lost Maples Camping
Greg is 33 years old and has never been on a real camping trip!
No, sleeping in a tent in your school buddy's back yard in the London burbs definitely does not count. (He actually tried arguing this with me.) How is this possible you might ask? Because Greg is a city boy through-and-through.
Well, it was high time to throw him into the deep end. When our friends Mark & Brianna reserved a campsite at Lost Maple State Park and invited us to come along, I jumped at it. Greg didn't seem too excited to commune with nature, but he didn't fight me too much either.
Here's my shumma sporting a loaded pack.
Don't feel too bad for him. He schlepped around all the light stuff - sleeping bags, pillows, dried food. I didn't want to scar him right away. But he looks like a natural, right.
We found a site at the back of the park to pitch our tents. Since it was getting dark, we decided to take it easy, play some cards, talk politics and gossip, all that good stuff until it was time for beerbrauts and s'mores. Camping, in our opinion, is the perfect excuse for consuming mass quantities of crap! And we did!
We snuggled into our fluffy sleeping bags for the night. The next morning, we set off on a 2.5 mile loop hike before taking down the tents and finishing the rest of the West trail.
Me, Mark & Brianna on the trail
Me near an opening at our campsite
Greg and the pond
No, sleeping in a tent in your school buddy's back yard in the London burbs definitely does not count. (He actually tried arguing this with me.) How is this possible you might ask? Because Greg is a city boy through-and-through.
Well, it was high time to throw him into the deep end. When our friends Mark & Brianna reserved a campsite at Lost Maple State Park and invited us to come along, I jumped at it. Greg didn't seem too excited to commune with nature, but he didn't fight me too much either.
Here's my shumma sporting a loaded pack.
Don't feel too bad for him. He schlepped around all the light stuff - sleeping bags, pillows, dried food. I didn't want to scar him right away. But he looks like a natural, right.
We found a site at the back of the park to pitch our tents. Since it was getting dark, we decided to take it easy, play some cards, talk politics and gossip, all that good stuff until it was time for beerbrauts and s'mores. Camping, in our opinion, is the perfect excuse for consuming mass quantities of crap! And we did!
We snuggled into our fluffy sleeping bags for the night. The next morning, we set off on a 2.5 mile loop hike before taking down the tents and finishing the rest of the West trail.
Me, Mark & Brianna on the trail
Me near an opening at our campsite
Greg and the pondIt seems that my bad camping luck is still haunting me. I was stung by both a bee and a nasty, little ant, which was actually much more painful. Plus, when we finally made it back to the car, we discovered a dead, flat tire. We had to drive all the way back to Austin on a doughnut tire at under 50 miles per hour. Very frustrating for a lead-footed road-rager like me.
But it was a great week-end. And this trip has revitalized my long, lost love of camping, and I hope this will be the first of many trips to come.
But it was a great week-end. And this trip has revitalized my long, lost love of camping, and I hope this will be the first of many trips to come.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Quick Break...
I'm feeling psychotic and overwhelmed again today. The muscles in my neck and back and shoulders are tensing up so tightly that they feel like they may just crack and shatter. Aside from the worse-than-average work stuff that has me freaking out, I'm also stressing about silly stuff that should be fun. Tonight Greg is cooking dinner for me and an old friend & work-mate of his that is in town for some kind of conference. He's a French guy named Christophe who knew both Greg's ex-girlfriend and my ex-boyfriend. For some reason I'm a little nervous about meeting him. Why? I don't know, but I think it has something to do with the fact that he's only known Greg as being with another person. Its silly. I fully realize this but can't help myself.
On top of that, we're going "back country" camping with our friends Mark & Brianna on Saturday at Lost Maple State Park. Its only a 2-mile hike in so I guess really the main concern is that it will be at a primitive site. Greg has slept in a tent before, but that's about the extent of his camping experience. So he's leaving the planning and preparations for this trip completely up to me. Fine. However, I really only have gear for me. I have to somehow scrounge up enough extras for Greg too. And I have less than 3 days to do it. Ahhh!
I need a bubble bath...
On top of that, we're going "back country" camping with our friends Mark & Brianna on Saturday at Lost Maple State Park. Its only a 2-mile hike in so I guess really the main concern is that it will be at a primitive site. Greg has slept in a tent before, but that's about the extent of his camping experience. So he's leaving the planning and preparations for this trip completely up to me. Fine. However, I really only have gear for me. I have to somehow scrounge up enough extras for Greg too. And I have less than 3 days to do it. Ahhh!
I need a bubble bath...
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Trash Mags in Potterville
Teehee. :) I'd never buy it, but I'm sure I'd sneak a peek in the check-out line...
Sunday, October 21, 2007
I'm a Lucky, Lucky Girl
Just one of the many, many reasons why I love my husband...
...that, and the fact that he just told me he'd be totally behind me if I ever decided to run for British prime minister. :)
...that, and the fact that he just told me he'd be totally behind me if I ever decided to run for British prime minister. :)
Double Date Fun
Looking for a unique date idea? Allow me to suggest dinner and a concert inside a natural cave! That's right - in a limestone bedrock cavern. The inspired music lovers at Longhorn Cave State Park have organized various concerts throughout the year. Most of them are vocalists from what I understand, but last night was the first ever piano concert that they've attempted. It took a few enormously beefy men an hour and a half to schlepp a grand piano down the 52 stone steps, through the cavern, and into the big room. I shudder to think how long it took them to get it back out...
We, along with our friends Mark and Brianna, reserved tickets to see Joseph Cordi, an Austin jazz musician, perform some of his own inventions plus a few oldy-but-goody standards. After the regular tour and a fajita dinner, it was a lovely way to wind down the evening. If you have the means, I highly recommend it.
The regular cavern tour helped us build up an appetite too. Thanks for the find, Brianna!
We, along with our friends Mark and Brianna, reserved tickets to see Joseph Cordi, an Austin jazz musician, perform some of his own inventions plus a few oldy-but-goody standards. After the regular tour and a fajita dinner, it was a lovely way to wind down the evening. If you have the means, I highly recommend it.
The regular cavern tour helped us build up an appetite too. Thanks for the find, Brianna!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Don't Do Drugs, Kids!
I'm crying again tonight.
But this time for a completely different reason...
***** Ok, so I got some sleep and then watched this clip again in the morning. Apparently in order to find it rolling-on-the-floor hilarious, you need to be a bit sleep-deprived and primed from watching about an hour's worth of other funny YouTube videos. But its still pretty cute...
But this time for a completely different reason...
***** Ok, so I got some sleep and then watched this clip again in the morning. Apparently in order to find it rolling-on-the-floor hilarious, you need to be a bit sleep-deprived and primed from watching about an hour's worth of other funny YouTube videos. But its still pretty cute...
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Compassion and Generosity
I started crying on the bus today.
I was reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, an autobiography about a woman trying to find peace and healing after a messy divorce. My book club chose it, and I'm so glad they did because otherwise I never would have picked it up.
Anyway, back to the part that has me crying on a public bus before I've even had my morning coffee...
Liz, the author, is in Bali and meets and befriends a local medicine woman who has given up everything to escape an abusive husband that sent her to the hospital many times. She fought for 2 years, selling every last posession she could find to pay a lawyer, so she could also rescue her young daughter. In Balinese culture, where everyone lives as a huge, extended family unit and divorces are rare, mother and daughter lead a somewhat lonely, unstable existence. They are constantly moving as rents increase and money runs low. The daughter spends all day drawing pictures of houses and praying for a home. And on top of it all, the mother has also adopted two orphan girls, rescuing them from a life of pan-handling on the streets. The lease is up, and the family will have to move yet again because rent has increased. That's when Liz is inspired.
She goes and emails all her friends and family in the States, asking that, in lieu of a party and presents for her up-coming 35th birthday, everyone please make a small donation to help this family buy a home of their own. She will match all donated funds with her own money.
After the first day, she already had hundreds of dollars. By the second day, her email had been passed along to complete strangers who were donating money to help a family they had never met. A friend's new husband, who Liz had never met, pledged to match the total raised. Friends she knew to be broke even donated. By the end, she had raised over $18,000!
And as I was reading this, I just became overwhelmed by how wonderful people can be. Even in this scary world we live in sometimes, we haven't lost the ability to tap into that humanity.
It reminded me of the day my mom became my hero.
One of my parents' friends was in a devastating car accident and sadly was killed instantly. He left behind a handicapped wife with two boys and a young, new baby. It was my first experience with real-life tragedy, and I remember it being such a horrible shock to realize that someone so central in your life could vanish in a split second.
My mom had lost contact with this family after her divorce and probably hadn't spoken to any of them in years. But when she heard about the accident, she, a single, struggling mother of 3, swiftly took action. We went to the store and loaded our cart with groceries, canned goods, baby food, diapers, shampoos, toothpaste, everything we could think of. Then in the wee hours of the following morning, we drove to their house, unloaded the bags and bags of the basic necessities of life onto their porch and drove off without a word to anyone. No note. No follow-up. In fact, this may be the first time I've ever told that story, but I never forgot how proud I was of my mom at that moment. I wonder when she last thought of that day.
The book's story also reminded me of a time when I was the recipient of that kind of grace. In the two years before moving to Austin, I lived in Boulder, Colorado. And I absolutely loved it! I made some great friends there, but I didn't quite realize just how great they were until just a few months before I moved away.
While on a back-country camping / hiking / mountain-climbing trip with three fantastic, heroic friends, I was hurt in a scary accident (that, honestly, could have turned out so much worse than it did). I was uninsured at the time, and my emergency room visit was a daunting financial stress on my limited income. I don't think I ever mentioned this to anyone, but my friends knew I was uninsured. Two of the guys who had been with me on that trip (and who were probably significantly more scarred by the accident than I was) were roommates. They threw a party at their house a little while after the accident - I still had a limp, a black eye and a cast on my wrist. Unbeknownst to me, during this party they were collecting sneaky donations from anyone who wanted to contribute to the Poor Larisa fund. A few days after the party, Sean sat me down and told me what they had done. I was absolutely stunned. Then once the shock wore off, I was so incredibly touched. All of these lovely people, most of whom were still students, and their inherent generosity... How could I ever repay them?
I couldn't, in fact. Sean flat out refused to tell me anyone's name so I didn't even know who to thank. No amount of begging and pleading would intice him. Instead he insisted that I hand over my bills so he could use that money to take care of them. To this day, I still don't know who my secret benefactors are so I remain grateful to every last one of those people up there.
Every time I think of those two incidents, I get a little choked up. And I just hope that when the opportunities arise, I will have a chance to show the same compassion and generosity to pay it forward.
I was reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, an autobiography about a woman trying to find peace and healing after a messy divorce. My book club chose it, and I'm so glad they did because otherwise I never would have picked it up.
Anyway, back to the part that has me crying on a public bus before I've even had my morning coffee...
Liz, the author, is in Bali and meets and befriends a local medicine woman who has given up everything to escape an abusive husband that sent her to the hospital many times. She fought for 2 years, selling every last posession she could find to pay a lawyer, so she could also rescue her young daughter. In Balinese culture, where everyone lives as a huge, extended family unit and divorces are rare, mother and daughter lead a somewhat lonely, unstable existence. They are constantly moving as rents increase and money runs low. The daughter spends all day drawing pictures of houses and praying for a home. And on top of it all, the mother has also adopted two orphan girls, rescuing them from a life of pan-handling on the streets. The lease is up, and the family will have to move yet again because rent has increased. That's when Liz is inspired.
She goes and emails all her friends and family in the States, asking that, in lieu of a party and presents for her up-coming 35th birthday, everyone please make a small donation to help this family buy a home of their own. She will match all donated funds with her own money.
After the first day, she already had hundreds of dollars. By the second day, her email had been passed along to complete strangers who were donating money to help a family they had never met. A friend's new husband, who Liz had never met, pledged to match the total raised. Friends she knew to be broke even donated. By the end, she had raised over $18,000!
And as I was reading this, I just became overwhelmed by how wonderful people can be. Even in this scary world we live in sometimes, we haven't lost the ability to tap into that humanity.
It reminded me of the day my mom became my hero.
One of my parents' friends was in a devastating car accident and sadly was killed instantly. He left behind a handicapped wife with two boys and a young, new baby. It was my first experience with real-life tragedy, and I remember it being such a horrible shock to realize that someone so central in your life could vanish in a split second.
My mom had lost contact with this family after her divorce and probably hadn't spoken to any of them in years. But when she heard about the accident, she, a single, struggling mother of 3, swiftly took action. We went to the store and loaded our cart with groceries, canned goods, baby food, diapers, shampoos, toothpaste, everything we could think of. Then in the wee hours of the following morning, we drove to their house, unloaded the bags and bags of the basic necessities of life onto their porch and drove off without a word to anyone. No note. No follow-up. In fact, this may be the first time I've ever told that story, but I never forgot how proud I was of my mom at that moment. I wonder when she last thought of that day.
The book's story also reminded me of a time when I was the recipient of that kind of grace. In the two years before moving to Austin, I lived in Boulder, Colorado. And I absolutely loved it! I made some great friends there, but I didn't quite realize just how great they were until just a few months before I moved away.
While on a back-country camping / hiking / mountain-climbing trip with three fantastic, heroic friends, I was hurt in a scary accident (that, honestly, could have turned out so much worse than it did). I was uninsured at the time, and my emergency room visit was a daunting financial stress on my limited income. I don't think I ever mentioned this to anyone, but my friends knew I was uninsured. Two of the guys who had been with me on that trip (and who were probably significantly more scarred by the accident than I was) were roommates. They threw a party at their house a little while after the accident - I still had a limp, a black eye and a cast on my wrist. Unbeknownst to me, during this party they were collecting sneaky donations from anyone who wanted to contribute to the Poor Larisa fund. A few days after the party, Sean sat me down and told me what they had done. I was absolutely stunned. Then once the shock wore off, I was so incredibly touched. All of these lovely people, most of whom were still students, and their inherent generosity... How could I ever repay them?
I couldn't, in fact. Sean flat out refused to tell me anyone's name so I didn't even know who to thank. No amount of begging and pleading would intice him. Instead he insisted that I hand over my bills so he could use that money to take care of them. To this day, I still don't know who my secret benefactors are so I remain grateful to every last one of those people up there.
Every time I think of those two incidents, I get a little choked up. And I just hope that when the opportunities arise, I will have a chance to show the same compassion and generosity to pay it forward.
Seriously??
Remember how I said Dr. James Watson, Nobel prize-winning scientist for the elucidation of DNA structure, has a reputation for being a bit of an ass?
Well, he's just taken it one step further. Today he added 'racist' to his ever-growing list of morally questionable political and social stances.
I can't decide if he's cleverly decided to stir up controversy to coincide with the publication of his new book or if he's just a raving lunatic... Maybe its a bit of both.
Well, he's just taken it one step further. Today he added 'racist' to his ever-growing list of morally questionable political and social stances.
I can't decide if he's cleverly decided to stir up controversy to coincide with the publication of his new book or if he's just a raving lunatic... Maybe its a bit of both.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Starbucks Is My Crack
A few months ago a new Starbucks opened on campus. I pass by it every day walking to and from my bus stop. It has quaint, little umbrella-ed tables out front, perfect for people-watching as you sip your coffee and reflect on your fellow man, studies, or the finer aspects of this life - whichever appeals to you most at a given moment. Inside boasts an intimately lit ambience quietly pulsing with hip music and caffeine-induced focus and creativity. And the smell. Oh, the smell! It seeks me out like reptillian cartoon vapors winding their way through the air to my eager nostrils, filling me with longing and chipping away at my resolve. I will not buy over-priced psychoactive stimulants from multinational corporations. I will not!
Most days I resist temptation and press doggedly on. But on rare days when my resolve isn't as strong as it should be, I make it all the way to lab only to realize that I absolutely need my fix. I fight it briefly and with little heart until eventually I realize the futility of the struggle and give in. Who am I kidding? I accept my limitations. I take that long walk of shame back to the shop, stand in line with the 20-or-so other addicts, and order another hit.
I can't help but feel a bit ridiculous and pretentious as I look my dealer in the eye and order a grande sugar-free, fat-free caramel macchiato or the equally addictive venti mocha frappaccuni light. A drink requiring more than two descriptive adjectives seems overly fussy and decadent to me, a little like wearing a slinky, sequined cocktail dress to a party where everyone else is in jeans and t-shirts. Its complete overkill. And its also slightly embarassing.
In my rational mind, I know I can get the same fix from the perfectly free coffee brewed right there in my office. And yet, it just does not hold the same appeal. Why must I love my $4-a-cup coffee so? WHY?
Most days I resist temptation and press doggedly on. But on rare days when my resolve isn't as strong as it should be, I make it all the way to lab only to realize that I absolutely need my fix. I fight it briefly and with little heart until eventually I realize the futility of the struggle and give in. Who am I kidding? I accept my limitations. I take that long walk of shame back to the shop, stand in line with the 20-or-so other addicts, and order another hit.
I can't help but feel a bit ridiculous and pretentious as I look my dealer in the eye and order a grande sugar-free, fat-free caramel macchiato or the equally addictive venti mocha frappaccuni light. A drink requiring more than two descriptive adjectives seems overly fussy and decadent to me, a little like wearing a slinky, sequined cocktail dress to a party where everyone else is in jeans and t-shirts. Its complete overkill. And its also slightly embarassing.
In my rational mind, I know I can get the same fix from the perfectly free coffee brewed right there in my office. And yet, it just does not hold the same appeal. Why must I love my $4-a-cup coffee so? WHY?
Monday, October 15, 2007
Premarital Deception
Before I was married and even before I had met someone remotely marry-able (that's a word, right), I had stipulations and requirements.
Greg met all of my requirements, especially in the sports department. Being a Brit, he had no interest in football, baseball, basketball, Nascar, etc, etc. What I hadn't counted on was his undying love of all sports un-American. Formula 1, soccer, cricket - these are all sports that were off my radar. Its not that they're really un-American. Its just that Americans typically don't consider these major spectator sports. At least, not compared to Europeans. So this little slice of Greg slid past me undetected until it was too late.
Only after I was hooked, did his fanaticism shine through. Only then did I get a glimpse of the rabid, screaming, jumping, pumping, crazed lunatic that was my husband during Watford soccer matches or following Lewis Hamilton during Formula 1 races. This week-end I had another surprise. England played against France in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals. I was rudely woken by Greg's high-pitched screams as England scored a tri (?) within the first few minutes of the game. Then I received 5-minute reports on the progress. Not that I understood what the hell he was saying to me, but apparently it was important to him that I know these things. When his tone was glum, my job was to give him a conciliatory Ah, babe, that sucks! And when he sounded giddy and excited, I was to yell WooHoo! up to him. It seemed to work.
Anyway, England fell behind and stayed there for most of the game. Only in the last few minutes, did they turn it around and score again to win! At this moment as I looked up into our loft office, this is what I witnessed:
See! Doesn't he look absolutely maniacal here? How did I not see this before? How did he keep it hidden?
Well, regardless, its definitely too late now. All I can hope for at this point is that it doesn't spread to football, baseball, basketball, Nascar, etc, etc... Wish me luck. I think I'm going to need it.
- He had to be liberal and open-minded.
- He had to possess a generous spirit.
- He had to be adventurous.
- He must have no PDA hang-ups.
- He absolutley, positively could not be a sports fanatic - no football, baseball, basketball, Nascar, etc, etc. I was having none of it. I wasn't willing to share my husband with the television during various sports seasons.
Greg met all of my requirements, especially in the sports department. Being a Brit, he had no interest in football, baseball, basketball, Nascar, etc, etc. What I hadn't counted on was his undying love of all sports un-American. Formula 1, soccer, cricket - these are all sports that were off my radar. Its not that they're really un-American. Its just that Americans typically don't consider these major spectator sports. At least, not compared to Europeans. So this little slice of Greg slid past me undetected until it was too late.
Only after I was hooked, did his fanaticism shine through. Only then did I get a glimpse of the rabid, screaming, jumping, pumping, crazed lunatic that was my husband during Watford soccer matches or following Lewis Hamilton during Formula 1 races. This week-end I had another surprise. England played against France in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals. I was rudely woken by Greg's high-pitched screams as England scored a tri (?) within the first few minutes of the game. Then I received 5-minute reports on the progress. Not that I understood what the hell he was saying to me, but apparently it was important to him that I know these things. When his tone was glum, my job was to give him a conciliatory Ah, babe, that sucks! And when he sounded giddy and excited, I was to yell WooHoo! up to him. It seemed to work.
Anyway, England fell behind and stayed there for most of the game. Only in the last few minutes, did they turn it around and score again to win! At this moment as I looked up into our loft office, this is what I witnessed:
See! Doesn't he look absolutely maniacal here? How did I not see this before? How did he keep it hidden?
Well, regardless, its definitely too late now. All I can hope for at this point is that it doesn't spread to football, baseball, basketball, Nascar, etc, etc... Wish me luck. I think I'm going to need it.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Life's Tough 'Round These Parts
Lani's bonding time with daddy
Gomez stealing that fresh, clean smell from my sheets.
I'm sure that's more comfortable than it looks...
That is definitely an up-to-no-good grin...What crime has he committed to make him seem so pleased with himself?
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Wide Load
I finally did it. I set the alarm for 6 a.m. I rolled my ever-widening arse out of bed. I threw on my cutesy running skirt. And I went for a run.
Hallelujah!
I was starting to think I was physically incapable of consciousness before 7 a.m. In the hopes of getting into some kind of healthy routine, I've been setting the alarm for six at least a couple of times per week for the past few months. But 6 a.m. just goes against my very nature. I've been a night owl ever since I was old enough to ignore my mom's bedtime instructions and its just stuck.
But I really love it when I do (rarely) manage the early mornings. There's such a sense of accomplishment there. And I love how everyone in our neighborhood is so friendly during those pre-dawn hours. Not to mention that its October and still so hot and muggy here. Ugh.
So I ran a 5K in just under 29 minutes in our very hilly neighborhood, which puts me at 9:14/mile. I can definitely improve on that...
...if I can just manage the arse-rolling-out-of-bed part.
Hallelujah!
I was starting to think I was physically incapable of consciousness before 7 a.m. In the hopes of getting into some kind of healthy routine, I've been setting the alarm for six at least a couple of times per week for the past few months. But 6 a.m. just goes against my very nature. I've been a night owl ever since I was old enough to ignore my mom's bedtime instructions and its just stuck.
But I really love it when I do (rarely) manage the early mornings. There's such a sense of accomplishment there. And I love how everyone in our neighborhood is so friendly during those pre-dawn hours. Not to mention that its October and still so hot and muggy here. Ugh.
So I ran a 5K in just under 29 minutes in our very hilly neighborhood, which puts me at 9:14/mile. I can definitely improve on that...
...if I can just manage the arse-rolling-out-of-bed part.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Peaceful Protest
The ugly couch is now banished to the garage awaiting its fate - bulk trash removal day.
Mr Gomez has voiced his protest in the form of periodic sit-ins.
Where's Waldo Gomez?
Every time he escapes to the "man cave", I return later to find him sacked out on the couch as happy as can be, usually in the middle of a nap. When I try coaxing him back into the house, he just looks at me with an utterly uninterested, lazy loll of the head as if challenging me to resist that contented ball of fluffiness and physically peel him away from his ugly, 70's couch/scratching post.
He will take it badly.
Mr Gomez has voiced his protest in the form of periodic sit-ins.
Where's Every time he escapes to the "man cave", I return later to find him sacked out on the couch as happy as can be, usually in the middle of a nap. When I try coaxing him back into the house, he just looks at me with an utterly uninterested, lazy loll of the head as if challenging me to resist that contented ball of fluffiness and physically peel him away from his ugly, 70's couch/scratching post.
He will take it badly.
Mazel Tov!
Yesterday I experienced my first Jewish wedding, and I have to say, it was fabulous! Our friends Beth and Glenn tied the knot at the Omni Hotel in downtown Austin under an elegant chuppah with the hilarious Rabbi David Komerofsky. It was a most entertaining ceremony, with much respect paid to Beth's freakish organizational skills. I swear, there has never been a more relaxed, composed bride than Beth. She's had everything under complete control from day 1 with no complaints, freak-outs, or whining. Tim and Shelley, my bridesmaid, flew in from L.A. - she was a bridesmaid for Beth too - to stay with us for the week-end, and we were just in awe of that girl. We had been crazed disasters of brides and simply couldn't understand this lack of last minute frenzy. I tip my hat to you, madam.
After the ceremony, we took a short walk down 6th Street for the reception at the Thistle Cafe, where they had booked the entire place for the evening. They had an awesome band, morphing Prince, Nirvana, Radiohead, and Guns n' Roses songs into their lounge music counterparts - an impressive task if you think about it. Lots of drinks, dancing, and scrumptious, little nibblies.
Alisha, Shelley, me, Tim and Brad enjoying our Mexican martinis and wine a little too much...I had never actually seen it in action, but we also experienced the whole chair-lifting of the bride, groom and parents. I think I'd be more than a little nervous about that one (although Shelley informed me that Beth weighs all of 4 pounds, and she should know since she had to practically carry Beth back to her room in Vegas during a particularly heavy night at the bachelorette week-end.) More dancing, entirely too many drinks, and sore tootsies from my heels - we had a great time. We sent them off under a canopy of sparklers into their decorated pedicab...
...And proceeded to share a few after-party drinks at the Belmont but not for long... the alcohol coma was already kicking in.
I had a slight headache this morning but it was a small price to pay for a great party. :)
The only sucky thing about this week-end was saying goodbye to Shelley and Tim this morning. I hate that! (I miss you guys terribly and am seriously contemplating sabotaging your return plans during your next visit. Consider yourself warned.)
Anyway, Beth and Glenn are off for the next week visiting Mau'i and Kaua'i on their honeymoon. Have fun, guys. And hurry back. We need all the help we can get out on the fields... :)
I had a slight headache this morning but it was a small price to pay for a great party. :)
The only sucky thing about this week-end was saying goodbye to Shelley and Tim this morning. I hate that! (I miss you guys terribly and am seriously contemplating sabotaging your return plans during your next visit. Consider yourself warned.)
Anyway, Beth and Glenn are off for the next week visiting Mau'i and Kaua'i on their honeymoon. Have fun, guys. And hurry back. We need all the help we can get out on the fields... :)
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Dreaded Boobie Sag...
My husband just sent me this lovely article from BBC news about how jogging irrepairably damages the sensitive breast tissue leading to saggy boob syndrome. My immediate response to this:
- Are you trying to tell me something???
- ...hence my $50-60 sports bras...
- Some day I will insist on a breast lift operation. So please prepare our finances accordingly.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Home Renovation
I really should be in bed right now, but I'm too excited! I took pictures of our house this morning. And when I got home at about 10:15 p.m. tonight, I found our house completely transformed! First of all, we painted our bedroom a very light yellow over the week-end.
As you can see, the kitties have already staked a claim on the Turkish rug we got for our wedding but haven't had a chance to use until now. I don't think they appreciate losing their 700-square-foot scratching pad. We're going to have to invest in some fantastic posts so they don't take their frustrations out on the furniture.
Anyway, look at our floors! I can't believe these were installed in under 7 hours today. If Greg and I had done it ourselves, which was our original plan, it would have taken months of our lives, lots of fights, blood, sweat and tears. I'm glad I caved on this one.
What's next? New couches! We ordered this model in a light khaki with the matching loveseat. Its made in a kittie-claw-resistant (hopefully) soft microfiber and is due to arrive in 2-4 weeks.
We might have a ritual burning of the old, ripped-to-shreds, brown plaid 70's couch that I've been dying to unload for years. For years. No other grad students should be subjected to that couch. Its made it through almost 4 decades. It deserves to be put out of its misery. I told Greg that once it left our living room, it wasn't coming back in and thankfully he agreed.
Our house is finally coming together. We're two years into home ownership so I think we're doing pretty well. :)
Ok, I'd love to just sit here and stare at the floors, but I think I'm getting high from all the adhesive fumes so I'm turning in. Hopefully we'll be sleeping back in our big bed by tomorrow night.
Sweet dreams!
But it looks kinda blah until you replace that ugly carpet with lovely hickory floors...
This is how our dining area looked when I left this morning...
And here it is now!
Our living room before...
And after!
As you can see, the kitties have already staked a claim on the Turkish rug we got for our wedding but haven't had a chance to use until now. I don't think they appreciate losing their 700-square-foot scratching pad. We're going to have to invest in some fantastic posts so they don't take their frustrations out on the furniture.
Anyway, look at our floors! I can't believe these were installed in under 7 hours today. If Greg and I had done it ourselves, which was our original plan, it would have taken months of our lives, lots of fights, blood, sweat and tears. I'm glad I caved on this one.
What's next? New couches! We ordered this model in a light khaki with the matching loveseat. Its made in a kittie-claw-resistant (hopefully) soft microfiber and is due to arrive in 2-4 weeks.
We might have a ritual burning of the old, ripped-to-shreds, brown plaid 70's couch that I've been dying to unload for years. For years. No other grad students should be subjected to that couch. Its made it through almost 4 decades. It deserves to be put out of its misery. I told Greg that once it left our living room, it wasn't coming back in and thankfully he agreed.
Our house is finally coming together. We're two years into home ownership so I think we're doing pretty well. :)
Ok, I'd love to just sit here and stare at the floors, but I think I'm getting high from all the adhesive fumes so I'm turning in. Hopefully we'll be sleeping back in our big bed by tomorrow night.
Sweet dreams!
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