Every one of us has that place. That special little diner or coffee shop tucked away in some hidden neighborhood somewhere. It's your go-to place. It always has good food- and in my case, good coffee. It has charm, and part of that charm is that you can only get it in one place because it isn't a chain. You crave several items off of their menu- and tell everyone you know about it.
So, I'll let you in on my secret: Upper Crust Bakery in Austin on the corner of 45th and Burnet. And their cinnamon rolls come HIGHLY recommended (homemade and delicious in every way). So if you live in Austin and have never been there- pay it a visit- you won't regret it.
As for me, I'm about to start off my Sunday in the best way I know possible: with a warm cinnamon roll, a latte and some good conversation!
Showing posts with label Austin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Austin. Show all posts
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
April Showers Bring May Flowers
April Rain Song
Let the rain kiss you
Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops
Let the rain sing you a lullaby
The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk
The rain makes running pools in the gutter
The rain plays a little sleep song on our roof at night
And I love the rain.
Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops
Let the rain sing you a lullaby
The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk
The rain makes running pools in the gutter
The rain plays a little sleep song on our roof at night
And I love the rain.
~ Langston Hughes
It rained today in Austin- and it felt great. It has been humid outside all week, so I knew it was coming. I wasn't prepared. I left my trusty green umbrella- the kind that never flips up in the wind- dangling from its spot on my coat rack at home. By the time I finished with class, the skies had finally made good on their promise of rain, and sure enough, it was pouring.
Today, I appreciated the rain. It was a reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things a bit more. Instead of walking home after class, I decided to wait out the downpour in the lobby of my building. I had a chance to chat with my friend Eva, who I haven't seen since spring break since our schedules are so hectic. It was much welcome, and would not have happened had the sun been shining. We had a chance to talk about our futures, about our master's report, about our classes, and I was reminded how much I'm going to miss her when she moves to Michigan to be with her fiance after graduation in May.
The rain washes away all the dirt and grime- it makes everything fresh and happy. And when the sun is shining, the rain makes it seem that much brighter.
And hopefully tonight, if I'm lucky, the rain might just play a sleep song on my window.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
On Psychics....
This past week I had the opportunity to go see a psychic. I was helping Ameera and Reno out with a story they are doing on psychics. And they asked if I would go get a reading done, so I figured why not? I wouldn't say I believe in psychics, but it was interesting to see what she had to say.
I was nervous going in- I wasn't sure what she would say- would she know some of deepest, darkest secrets? and Reno was filming the reading for the project. When I first walked in, she had me place my hands on top of hers, so she could read my energy. She said I was anxious and I was feeling sorry for myself. Interesting... I have been anxious lately- who wouldn't be? On top of looking for a job, my masters report, school and my internships- anxious is the word to describe how I feel. And yes, I probably was feeling a bit sorry for myself- I was feeling especially disgruntled about my lack of a spring break, so she hit my feelings right on the head....
Then, she did a past, present and future reading on me by using her cards. Thanks goodness she doesn't use the death card- I wasn't sure I was ready for that one. My past reading was very general, and thinking back, it could have applied to anyone. She said two things that were especially untrue in my case: she said I was coming out of a bad depression (especially far from the truth) and that I had a hard time trusting people (again, if you know me, you know I probably trust people too easily).
She was a bit eerily accurate in my present reading. She picked up on the fact that I don't feel quite right about the whole journalism thing. She said it. And yes, I do. It's hard to feel okay about a career where I might not be able to find a job, because there might not be any openings. So yes- I don't feel quite right about it, and she picked up on that right away. She also said that I am about to turn over a leaf in my life- again true, but very general. She knew I was a student, and that I would be graduating in May, so you could say that a new leaf will be turning over in my life soon. She also said there was anxiety in my present life- which as I mentioned before, is also true. But who isn't anxious? She picked up on the fact that there was a boy in my life- Ryan, and she was even able to do a mini reading on him- even though he wasn't there.
She picked up on the fact that Ryan is more sensitive then some of the others I have dated in the past. She even said he has been frustrated recently- and he has- he's been busy with school/work- but she said that things will improve for him soon. She also asked some pretty personal questions about our relationship....awwwwkward.
Then, she did my future reading. She said that I would be offered several jobs, but not to settle or take the first one. She said that all of my fears about the future would be assuaged, and that the tree card signified a new chapter in my life. True or not.. I'll take it.
Then, she said some things at the end that really surprised me. She said that I have good friends that are far away (yes I do), but she said I should sever ties with them-- ummm... I think not. I thought that was strange. My friends that are far away, are very near and dear to my heart, and there is a reason why we have kept in touch over the years... She also said I was a loner and preferred to be alone. Also an interesting interpretation, and very far from the truth. I love people and I love to be around people. I don't prefer to be by myself... ever.
After going to see her, my thoughts on psychics still haven't changed. While she did hit a few things right on the head, she was so wrong about some others- that I'm not convinced. Looking back, the things she said, could have applied to anyone. It was a fun experience, and one I wouldn't be against trying again. I think it's ok to go get a psychic reading every once in awhile for fun, but don't let it rule your life or help decide things for your future.
I was nervous going in- I wasn't sure what she would say- would she know some of deepest, darkest secrets? and Reno was filming the reading for the project. When I first walked in, she had me place my hands on top of hers, so she could read my energy. She said I was anxious and I was feeling sorry for myself. Interesting... I have been anxious lately- who wouldn't be? On top of looking for a job, my masters report, school and my internships- anxious is the word to describe how I feel. And yes, I probably was feeling a bit sorry for myself- I was feeling especially disgruntled about my lack of a spring break, so she hit my feelings right on the head....
Then, she did a past, present and future reading on me by using her cards. Thanks goodness she doesn't use the death card- I wasn't sure I was ready for that one. My past reading was very general, and thinking back, it could have applied to anyone. She said two things that were especially untrue in my case: she said I was coming out of a bad depression (especially far from the truth) and that I had a hard time trusting people (again, if you know me, you know I probably trust people too easily).
She was a bit eerily accurate in my present reading. She picked up on the fact that I don't feel quite right about the whole journalism thing. She said it. And yes, I do. It's hard to feel okay about a career where I might not be able to find a job, because there might not be any openings. So yes- I don't feel quite right about it, and she picked up on that right away. She also said that I am about to turn over a leaf in my life- again true, but very general. She knew I was a student, and that I would be graduating in May, so you could say that a new leaf will be turning over in my life soon. She also said there was anxiety in my present life- which as I mentioned before, is also true. But who isn't anxious? She picked up on the fact that there was a boy in my life- Ryan, and she was even able to do a mini reading on him- even though he wasn't there.
She picked up on the fact that Ryan is more sensitive then some of the others I have dated in the past. She even said he has been frustrated recently- and he has- he's been busy with school/work- but she said that things will improve for him soon. She also asked some pretty personal questions about our relationship....awwwwkward.
Then, she did my future reading. She said that I would be offered several jobs, but not to settle or take the first one. She said that all of my fears about the future would be assuaged, and that the tree card signified a new chapter in my life. True or not.. I'll take it.
Then, she said some things at the end that really surprised me. She said that I have good friends that are far away (yes I do), but she said I should sever ties with them-- ummm... I think not. I thought that was strange. My friends that are far away, are very near and dear to my heart, and there is a reason why we have kept in touch over the years... She also said I was a loner and preferred to be alone. Also an interesting interpretation, and very far from the truth. I love people and I love to be around people. I don't prefer to be by myself... ever.
After going to see her, my thoughts on psychics still haven't changed. While she did hit a few things right on the head, she was so wrong about some others- that I'm not convinced. Looking back, the things she said, could have applied to anyone. It was a fun experience, and one I wouldn't be against trying again. I think it's ok to go get a psychic reading every once in awhile for fun, but don't let it rule your life or help decide things for your future.
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Perfect Austin Weekend
Spring break officially started as of Friday when I submitted my super boring paper on Age and the Digital Divide. More on what I'm doing with my spring break in a post- coming soon! So, I decided to kick off my spring break by literally avoiding all things technology, work and school related. Since I've been in grad school- I have found it hard to escape my obsessive compulsive checking of email. Once I made the addition of the iPhone to my life- forget trying to escape- it's impossible. While I was ditching technology for the weekend, I decided it would be best to also give myself two glorious days off to rest my brain a little. With the perfect 75 degree weather in Austin this weekend- my two days off were PERFECT.
Okay, so I'll admit it- I couldn't completely rid myself of the computer/email. Saturday morning, I found myself catching up on my laundry, going for a run and- you guessed it- working. I had to get the April calendar submitted for austinwoman Magazine. That only took about an hour or so, and I had plans to meet the girls for brunch on South Congress. The SXSW festival is going on here in Austin- and I have been known to see a few celebs every time it's in town. Last year, I was actually on a plane with the entire cast of "I Love You, Man" including Paul Rudd. He and I shared a moment as I got on the plane- I swear....
So anyways.... as I drove through downtown, which by the way was PACKED-everyone and their mom decided they needed to be outside enjoying the weather, I was wondering who I might see this time. I met the girls for brunch at South Congress Cafe- known for their AMAZING brunch. While we waited (and I will let Ameera explain why we had to wait so long) we got to shop. We dropped by the boot store- and I developed a major case of boot envy, until I saw that most of them had a $500+ price tag on them... so not worth it.
Once we were finally seated- I decided I need a mimosa- after all, it's brunch right? So I enjoyed one of these:
Then... you guessed it... Kiera spotted someone famous: Chloe Sevigny. In case you don't know who she is- she was in "Boys Don't Cry." We were starstruck- and it was great.
After brunch, Ryan and I played a game of tennis- where I won, of course. Haha.
Sunday
So I woke up on Sunday at 11. I freaked out- thinking I had taken this whole- relaxing for my break thing too far. 11 is just too late to sleep in- even on a Sunday. Then, I realized it was daylight savings time, and didn't feel so bad. I could see the sun peeking in through my windows, and knew it was going to be another beautiful day. Austin has some great hiking trails, and I haven't taken advantage of any of them yet, so Ryan- his sister Jennifer and her friend Ann Marie, decided to go on a hike to Mt. Bonnell.
On the way there- Ryan made me a take a detour- and showed me Lance Armstrong's house ( Don't ask how Ryan knew where he lived)- it was HUGE, and I wanted it. We finally pulled up to the mountain- and it was packed. So we hiked up to the top- and by hike- I mean climbed a lot of stairs, and had a photo shoot:
Once we reached the top, we found some more trails- which looked like they went straight down... Greeeeaaat. So... I found myself trekking (straight) down the mountain, and then (straight) back up. I felt legit. Luckily... I didn't fall off.. you would be proud.
Once the hike was over, we decided to go eat some lunch on the lake- so we made our way to Cain& Abel's on the Lake. Yummm. I die for their Southwest Wrap- delish. I had my Baylor hat on, and some man thought it would be appropriate to keep yelling Sic 'em bears at me... funny- but there is a socially acceptable way to do... Yelling a sic 'em bears across the parking lot is not one of them. awk.... While we were waiting, my friend Esteban (or Steve) from Baylor study abroad in Spain, called me, and proceeded to tell me I almost plowed him over in the parking lot. Great.... he was leaving the restaurant, and I was on a mission for a parking space. Needless to say, it was great to catch up with him...
What a great weekend- as you can see- my technology fast is over. Back to work... and maybe a little shopping :) A girl's got to treat herself every once in awhile!!!
Okay, so I'll admit it- I couldn't completely rid myself of the computer/email. Saturday morning, I found myself catching up on my laundry, going for a run and- you guessed it- working. I had to get the April calendar submitted for austinwoman Magazine. That only took about an hour or so, and I had plans to meet the girls for brunch on South Congress. The SXSW festival is going on here in Austin- and I have been known to see a few celebs every time it's in town. Last year, I was actually on a plane with the entire cast of "I Love You, Man" including Paul Rudd. He and I shared a moment as I got on the plane- I swear....
Once we were finally seated- I decided I need a mimosa- after all, it's brunch right? So I enjoyed one of these:
After brunch, Ryan and I played a game of tennis- where I won, of course. Haha.
Sunday
So I woke up on Sunday at 11. I freaked out- thinking I had taken this whole- relaxing for my break thing too far. 11 is just too late to sleep in- even on a Sunday. Then, I realized it was daylight savings time, and didn't feel so bad. I could see the sun peeking in through my windows, and knew it was going to be another beautiful day. Austin has some great hiking trails, and I haven't taken advantage of any of them yet, so Ryan- his sister Jennifer and her friend Ann Marie, decided to go on a hike to Mt. Bonnell.
On the way there- Ryan made me a take a detour- and showed me Lance Armstrong's house ( Don't ask how Ryan knew where he lived)- it was HUGE, and I wanted it. We finally pulled up to the mountain- and it was packed. So we hiked up to the top- and by hike- I mean climbed a lot of stairs, and had a photo shoot:
Once the hike was over, we decided to go eat some lunch on the lake- so we made our way to Cain& Abel's on the Lake. Yummm. I die for their Southwest Wrap- delish. I had my Baylor hat on, and some man thought it would be appropriate to keep yelling Sic 'em bears at me... funny- but there is a socially acceptable way to do... Yelling a sic 'em bears across the parking lot is not one of them. awk.... While we were waiting, my friend Esteban (or Steve) from Baylor study abroad in Spain, called me, and proceeded to tell me I almost plowed him over in the parking lot. Great.... he was leaving the restaurant, and I was on a mission for a parking space. Needless to say, it was great to catch up with him...
What a great weekend- as you can see- my technology fast is over. Back to work... and maybe a little shopping :) A girl's got to treat herself every once in awhile!!!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
John Mayer
I first found out John Mayer was coming to Austin sometime in November, so Ryan got us tickets to go see him in concert for our two year anniversary!!!! So, after waiting patiently for 3 months- John finallllly came to Austin tonight!!! I will admit, this was my third time to see him in concert, and he has been GREAT every single time.
Michael Franti opened up for him- and he was really good. He was really into interacting with the crowd, and even invited some of the little kids up on stage- presh! He made a fan out of me!!
I will say this- I am not a fan of John Mayer's mouth- I don't think he is a nice person- or very attractive for that matter. I am especially not a fan of his recent interview with Playboy, which received a TON of negative press, and it also ranks high on my lists of celebs spilling TMI. All that aside, I am a HUGE fan of his music. Homeboy can SING- and play the guitar- really really well. While I am no guitar aficionado, I know good music when I hear it, and when half of Mayer's audience is male- you know he must be doing something right. I even saw Ryan enjoying the guitar solos....
I did take a live (illegal) video of him singing, but unfortunately, it was so loud inside, that my sound didn't turn out. Instead, I will leave you a picture- taken from my iPhone- so you will have to use your imagination!
I couldn't help but think while he was playing- that he is the prime example of someone who has been blessed with this great gift- and is using it to the best of his abilities. I was reminded of this verse:
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
Michael Franti opened up for him- and he was really good. He was really into interacting with the crowd, and even invited some of the little kids up on stage- presh! He made a fan out of me!!
I will say this- I am not a fan of John Mayer's mouth- I don't think he is a nice person- or very attractive for that matter. I am especially not a fan of his recent interview with Playboy, which received a TON of negative press, and it also ranks high on my lists of celebs spilling TMI. All that aside, I am a HUGE fan of his music. Homeboy can SING- and play the guitar- really really well. While I am no guitar aficionado, I know good music when I hear it, and when half of Mayer's audience is male- you know he must be doing something right. I even saw Ryan enjoying the guitar solos....
I did take a live (illegal) video of him singing, but unfortunately, it was so loud inside, that my sound didn't turn out. Instead, I will leave you a picture- taken from my iPhone- so you will have to use your imagination!
I couldn't help but think while he was playing- that he is the prime example of someone who has been blessed with this great gift- and is using it to the best of his abilities. I was reminded of this verse:
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
James 1:17
Saturday, February 27, 2010
snOMG
Since the "snowpocalypse" hit the East coast, I have been:
My personal fave has to be snOMG- LOVE it! So, when it FINALLY, decided to snow in Austin on Tuesday I was thrilled. Never in my life have I seen it actually snowing. I had school and work, so I couldn't go out and build some snowmen. But, since I have the BEST view in the office- my desk is next to floor to ceiling windows- I got to enjoy the snow from the warmth. My boss and I did, however, contemplate on going out and partaking in a snowball fight. My personal fave was the tiny little
1. Jealous that Austin has been so cold, but there has been absolutely NO payoff for the 30+ degree weather. We have been in a snow drought.
2. I have been LOVING the great snow terms that have come out of this.
My personal fave has to be snOMG- LOVE it! So, when it FINALLY, decided to snow in Austin on Tuesday I was thrilled. Never in my life have I seen it actually snowing. I had school and work, so I couldn't go out and build some snowmen. But, since I have the BEST view in the office- my desk is next to floor to ceiling windows- I got to enjoy the snow from the warmth. My boss and I did, however, contemplate on going out and partaking in a snowball fight. My personal fave was the tiny little snowmen that people had made all over campus. Once I got to class, my friend Ameera showed me this pic (courtesy Ameera's facebook pics):
And it has boobs- really??? I DIED when I saw it. It was like college boys turned into little 10-year-old junior high boys overnight. Nonetheless, I laugh every time I see this pic.
I will leave you with one of my many snow videos:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)