The Road Not Taken

Okay- so maybe I stole the title of this post from Robert Frost. But these are words of wisdom, people. I'm not one for poetry- I find it difficult to weed through what the poets of the past are really trying to say. But I will admit- I do like the very last few lines of Mr. Frost's poem, "The Road Not Taken."

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

I always marvel about how I ended up to where I am today. Not just location-wise, but my career, my education- and where life has taken me so far. It's funny how life is slowly carved and formed over time by the decisions we make, by the things we do- or maybe don't do, by the people we meet and the relationships we form. 

I think there is a lot to be said for following your heart. It denotes courage, strength and most of the time- a pretty good story. I think it's hilarious how I ended up smack dab in Austin, Texas. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would end up here. But I love it.

I guess I've been thinking about this a lot lately- because I feel so blessed. And I'm seeing some really cool things happen for the people around me. I haven't always made the most obvious- or even easy- decisions. My decisions are based on a lot of thought and prayer. I didn't want to move to Texas- but I knew it was where I needed to be... and it turned out better than I ever could have expected- because I trusted my heart.

I passed up another chance at Boston University (once for undergrad and once for grad school) for UT- and I couldn't have made a better choice. I could have moved to Boston and lived this fabulous East coast life- but would I have been happy? Would that have been a place that fed my soul? Probably not. It might have been glamorous for about... 4 months- until winter hit. And we all know how much I love the cold. Maybe other people would have snapped up that opportunity in a second- not me- I knew that UT would suit me just fine.

And the job- I prayed and prayed- that I was on the right track during my job search. And it turns out- I was. Funny how things happen. I kind of came to a fork in the road- and I took the way that I knew would feed my soul. And I couldn't be happier.

So there is a lot to say for taking responsibility for your decisions. For thinking them through, for evaluating what will truly make you happy. Oh... and a few prayers don't help either. Everything happens for a reason.

This all being said- I'm going to a "good-bye dinner" for my good friend, Ameera, tonight. She was the first person I met at orientation for grad school and has turned into a wonderful friend. She is about to embark on SUCH a fun journey. She is actually moving to Cali- to pursue a career as a reporter in Merced, CA. We swapped places. And I couldn't be more excited for her. She has carved out her own path over time and she it doing what will really make her happy. She will only be blessed because of it. I can't wait to hear all about your new journey- you deserve it!!!!! And you will be MISSED!!!!

So congrats for not settling! Too many people lack a vision, aren't listening hard enough or simply don't know what will make them happy at the end of the day. I'm proud of you, girl!

Bling Bling, She Got the Ring....

I'll start with Memorial Day Weekend. Jenny and Rusty had been dating for awhile, so Ryan and I met them at a wine bar in Austin. The conversation quickly took a turn to all things wedding. I found out that they wanted to get engaged- and soon.

I'm not quite sure how the whole plan got set in motion, but Rusty and I started contacting each other about how and where he could propose to Jenny. Of course, doing it at Baylor was the obvious choice, but since Rusty is an Aggie- I think I had to sell him on that idea ;) It didn't take much to convince him- and the plan was in action.

So over the next couple of weeks- we tried to nail down a concrete plan. I had to figure out a way to get Jenny from Dallas to Waco-without her suspecting anything. After all- she was in prime "I'm going to get engaged soon" mode. I planted the idea early. I was chatting with her on the phone and casually mentioned that she, Kim, Krob and I should all try to meet up for lunch or dinner in Waco. I convinced her that it would be a good halfway meeting point for all of us since she and Krob were in Dallas, I was in Austin and Kim was in Houston. I hoped at the time- that it wasn't too obvious. She told me to keep her updated- so I took that as a good sign.

Sure enough, about a week later, Rusty gave me the go ahead- and said he was going to propose that weekend. He had the ring and he wanted to propose! I think his exact words were "I just want to see the ring on her finger." Then began the massive text message chain between Kim, me and Krob trying to coordinate schedules. I felt like a little kid with this massive secret hanging over my head!!! We finally decided on a Sunday morning. Krob was going to meet us in Waco. Kim was going to drive to Austin on Saturday and we would ride down to Waco Sunday morning. Jenny had no idea.

I gave Jenny the call- and asked if she could meet us for a "girls' brunch" Sunday morning. Here is where her stubborn genes kicked in. She wanted to go, but she wanted Rusty to accompany her, which kind of threw a wrench in our plans. Rusty wanted to surprise her-by showing up in Waco- if he came to the "girls' brunch" he wouldn't be able to do that. He finally gave in- and decided to ride down with Jenny.

He had to change my name to "Larry" in his phone- so Jenny wouldn't have any idea that we were texting about all of this. I had to lie to Jenny so many times, but it was all worth it.

I told Jenny to meet at Cafe Cappuccino Sunday morning. The plan was for Kim and I to beat Jenny to Waco, and tell her that the restaurant was opening later than expected because they were putting together a special Father's Day Brunch. So I made the call- and told her to meet us on campus instead, so we could meet up and go to a different place. Since Rusty wanted to propose on one of the Baylor swings, Kim and I had to figure out how to get Jenny to the swing in front of Pat Neff.

We parked at the bear pit, ran over to Draper, and literally hid ourselves behind the columns. Jenny calls us wondering where we are. I tell her that Kim and I decided to take pics with Judge- silly us- and to come and meet us. So she and Rusty are walking, Kim and I are hiding and trying to contain ourselves- then they get right by the swing. They sit down, Kim and I are still hiding- still trying to contain ourselves. Then, Rusty gets on his knee and Kim and I start taking pics and video. It was so exciting to be a part of. It was a beautiful day and an even better moment. Glad we could be a part of it and even more excited for an exciting new life for the both of you. Congratulations!

Here are some of my favorite pics from the day:

Life Lately...

Annnnd after a brief blogging hiatus, I'm back! For good- so no worries. July has been kind of a whirlwind month so far, and I'm just now feeling my life begin to take root again. And I'm finally about to blog about the aforementioned "thing I couldn't mention," so get excited.

First, here is a recap of all things summer:

1. Steve-o brought my car on 4th of July weekend. And I absolutely L-O-V-E it!
2. Ryan and Rebecca's birthday weekend just happened to be 4th of July weekend also- so we celebrated- with cookie cake of course- because that is what you do when you turn any age. And being one year older doesn't make anyone less fun- so cheers to being 24!!!
3. I saw fireworks-after all- it's tradition.
4. I have officially been on the job for a little over a month- and I am blessed. I L-O-V-E my job and the people that come with it. I couldn't have asked for a better first "big-girl job."
5. Kelli and Hef came to visit me last weekend- and we laughed a lot, ate too much and hit up my fave wine bar, Uncorked. Come visit me again- my door is always open.
6. I found a GREAT new apartment- Love it- and more about that later.
7. My friend, Eva got married (finally) to her longtime fiance, Mateus. Congrats to you both and I look forward to a great party in BRAZIL next year!!!
8. And today, I completed a sewing project... on a sewing machine. I've clearly made great strides people. Haha. More about this later.

And now I find myself knee deep in moving boxes, packing tape and a 6 a.m. bootcamp (more about this later also)!

Read my latest post to see and hear about Jenny (one of my college roomies for two years) and Rusty's engagement!!!! It deserves it's own post and I'm so excited to share the story with you all!!

I Graduated..... a Month Ago

Okay, so I'm fiiiinallly writing about graduation. I'm slowly getting caught back up on blogging here, and I still have some very exciting things to share. Coming soon I promise.

First things first:

1. I found the cat a home!!!!!!! One of my co-workers is taking him. She is coming to get him sometime this weekend. I'm so glad that he will finally have a home.

2. Ryan is in Europe- he has been since a couple of weeks ago. I'm officially jealous and itching for a vacation. But, I'm so glad I have a job- that I'll just have to wait until next year. For now, a few weekend trips will have to suffice, as will living vicariously through his pics.

3. I'm making my "summer to-do list" and I can't wait to share when it's finished.

As for graduation.... it was one crazy family/fun-filled weekend. It reminded me how lucky I am to have people that surround me who love me and support me. Everyone- and I mean everyone- came in on Friday. My mom and dad flew in Friday. Krob, Kim and Moose all drove in on Friday, along with Moose's puppy, Meeha. Kim's parents came in too. Since JFred lives in Austin- just a few blocks away from me, some people stayed with her. Moose and his dog-child stayed with me. My parents stayed in a hotel, and Ryan's family lives here.

By the time everyone made it to Austin (my parents insisted on getting a rental car and had a small snafu with directions) we were all hungry because it was time for dinner. So we headed to eat, and then it was time for bed.

I had to be on campus to line up at 8, so Ameera and I drove together. When we got there, I ran into Ryan's family. So funny. Now, since the J-school was so small, we all kind of found each other in the College of Communications line. They sat us all down in the auditorium by college, and we listened and watched several demonstrations about how to place our hoods over our arms... funny how we are all grad students- but no one could get the hood placement quite right.

Dean Rodriguez came in to give us a speech before we proceeded into Bass Concert Hall. She talked about how we were all Masters now. I like the sound of that ;) Apparently Ameera, Eva and I are the only fun ones- and the only ones with decorated hats..... so it made it easy for our fam+friends to spot us.

Tracy Dahlby, the director of the J-School, and one of my fave profs- was at the graduation to congratulate us all. It seemed like forever before the finally got to the College of Communications. They literally hooded everyone on stage- and made everyone pose for pics on stage as well. Awk....

When it was finally our turn, we all got hooded on stage, shook Tracy's hand, posed for pics... and then the real fun began :). In case you want to see the hooding, here is a link to a video that Eva's fiance recorded of she and I walking. If you listen closely- you can hear Moose yell "Sic 'em bears" at the end.

Then, it was off to Z-Tejas for a graduation lunch. I begged my mom to beg them for the patio- since it's so pretty, and they set us out there all by ourselves. It was really nice. I was most excited about my cake, which I had made at Polkadots. It's a bakery by my apt.... and their cupcakes are delicious, but their cakes are even better.

 After lunch we all just hung out for awhile. My fam came over to my apt and we all went to Toy Joy- which was fun for Steve-o!!!! Then we headed over to Ryan's parents' house, and they had dinner (a delicious dinner) for us- well mainly for my parents- haha- but the kids were invited too.

All in all- it was such a fun weekend- and I'm so thankful that everyone came to share in the festivities with me. It was a hard, but fun two years, and it was all totally worth it!!!!!! I wouldn't trade it for the world. Enjoy the pics!

Lately....

SO much has happened lately that I literally have not had time to fill you all in. There are so many exciting things that I have wanted to share, but I had to wait... and I'm still not sure if I can share them yet, so I'll save that for a later post.

I'll start with this:

I've been adopted. Yep, you heard me right. There has been a stray cat wandering around my apartment complex for at least the past three weeks, and it has adopted me. Now, if you know me, you know I have a soft spot for animals.... and I'm a sucker. I'm a sucker for cute little faces- especially ones that need me. And this little cat needed me. But it needs a forever home even more. So if you know anyone that would like a cat- or if you want it- please send me an email or leave a comment.

Here's the story. A few weeks ago, I heard meowing outside my door. My neighbors heard it too, because when I peeked my head outside, they were feeding the cat some tuna. I had an internal debate with myself. I wanted to do something, but I can't have a cat. And I knew if I did something- that I would probably get suckered in. So- I gave it a bowl of water. I thought that would be the end of it. Oh no, my friends- just the beginning.

I was at the grocery store the next day, and decided I should probably buy some cat food just in case the cat showed up again. After all, I couldn't let it starve- right? Sure enough, it was waiting for me at my door when I got home- so I gave it the food.

This is a good time to note that this isn't just a stray. He loves on you. He was someone's pet (which is even worse). I think he is either very lost- or his owners (probably a student) left him. Either way- the poor guy tries to sneak inside my apartment every chance he gets.

When it rains- I lay awake feeling sorry for the poor thing. Needless to say, I've been giving him food and water the past three weeks. I've called all of the shelters in town- and they are all "over- capacity." That makes me mad. I understand they can't take in all the strays off the street. This isn't just a stray- he would be the perfect pet for someone that has time for one. So for now, he just sleeps on the third floor of my complex and comes by to say hi and eat every day.

His situation got a little worse this past week- and it's probably my fault. Since I've been feeding him, I've started attracting other (feral) cats. Oh balls- I've turned into the cat lady..... great. And these feral "thug" cats are beating the poor little guy up. I found myself last Friday night at 1 in the morning chasing them off with a broom because they had him cornered under the stairs. Don't judge- I felt bad for him. So for now, I'm feeding him and giving him water, but what he needs is a home and sometime to love him.

Here is his precious little face (he was squinting a little):

He needs a home, will you give him one???

Counting Sheep

The first day of my big girl job has left me tired, yet fulfilled. And tonight- my bed has never looked so good. After an impromptu trip to Temple, a new stray cat friend and early hours- I'm tired. So once I recharge- I'll blog more about my first day on the job.

xoxo and Goodnight!!!

Delicious Way to Start off the Day

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!