Category Archives: food

Me, my friends, and austin

January 17, 2013

My trip to Austin last week was pretty spontaneous. A few weeks back Walker had booked a trip to Dallas for a bachelor party so I decided I would visit friends in Austin. Plus I used air miles so it was basically free. Bonus!

My first few days in town were pretty quiet since most everyone works during the week, go figure. I used this time to take myself out on a few dates and treat myself. I got my hair trimmed, a facial, a massage, and enjoyed some of my favorite Texas beers. These few days were made even better by the amazing weather and sun. There were two days in a row that were around the high 60’s and low 70’s and nothing but sun. I sat in the sun for as long as I could and it was glorious. I enjoyed a nice local brew as I worked on my cowl for my return to colder weather.

My evenings were filled with catching up with ex-coworkers, visiting a local brewery for their monthly party, trying out new restaurants and just getting to be myself with friends. That was a nice change to the small talk I’ve been working through in Seattle trying to make new friends. I know it takes time but it was nice to take a break from all of that and just relax.

-working on a bit of knitting

-my good friend and ex-coworker took me out for a belated birthday dinner. It was so good! {crispy kale salad? Yes!}

-I got to see the new gym my old coworkers got up and running at the office

-A pretty awesome Austin brewery and lots of cans!

-a new pizza/brewery we tried out

Birthday adventure

January 9, 2013

When I was around 11 or 12 my dad decided that instead of birthday gifts he would take us on little adventures. His reasoning was that in the years to come we would forget whatever had been gifted to us but the memories of a special birthday adventure would long be remembered. As dad’s are quite wise, he was right.

The tradition continues with Walker. We also agreed (or maybe I convinced him) that birthday adventures are best. This year we had to wait until this past weekend to take our adventure-mostly because we thought we might take an out of town trip. We decided against that since we are both, separately, traveling to Texas this week. Then the huge task of what to do was in front of us and we failed-at first.

Idea after idea was suggested and almost as quickly shot down. I was nearly at my wits end and really not feeling like doing much of anything thinking I would only be disappointed when Walker mentioned discovery park. It was 2 bus rides away, neither of us had been, and there were both beaches and hiking to be had. Sounded like an adventure to me. We quickly packed up picnic essentials, our cameras, rain gear (you know just in case), and headed out.

Once we hit the trail we both knew we had made the right decision. There was a very peaceful hike through the woods before we reached the beach about a mile in. Despite my initial reservations we climbed some rocks and had ourselves a little picnic. It was perfectly lovely (perhaps a little uncomfortable on the bum but that’s my only complaint).

We continued on down the beach exploring things that were new to us with excitement and enjoying the beautiful views. We ended at the lighthouse and decided we better head back before it got dark. It was the perfect birthday adventure and I’m already planning my next trip out.

New year’s traditions

January 4, 2013

I have quite a few traditions on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day (well early morning anyhow). I think I always took it pretty seriously because 1-that’s just how I am and 2-my birthday is the 1st and maybe I was trying to lay the groundwork for a good birthday. Over the year certain things have changed and it’s always hard for me but I’ve held onto a few.

1. Sometime on New Year’s Eve I find a quite place alone and pull out my resolutions from that year and see what I’ve accomplished. Some I remember and some are a pleasant surprise. I did pretty good this year. Then I pull out a new sheet of paper and think of some resolutions for the next year. I try not to take it too seriously but I do add a couple of larger goals to give myself a push during the year.

2. This year Walker and I stayed in and had a New Year’s throwback party just the 2 of us. By throwback I mean how I used to celebrate with my family when I was younger. I made a few of my favorite foods (cream cheese with crab and cocktail sauce, spinach dip, veggies and dip, olives and other tasty treats). We also played games and had mini dance parties to pass the time.

3. Trying to make sure everything is perfect can sometimes put me in a bit of a bad mood. Walker called me out on it and lightened the mood by photographing my sillyness.

4. At midnight I try to take a picture while toasting, saying happy New Year, blowing a noise maker, getting a smooth, and making sure someone says happy birthday (ha). This year we were sort of confused because of the time difference. At 9pm pt we celebrated Michigan New Year.

5. Since it was midnight in Michigan I got a few calls from my family members wishing me a happy birthday.

6. An hour later we celebrated the New Year in Texas.

7.Finally at our midnight we celebrated New Year’s! Woo!

7. The final tradition is to stay up until 1:22 am (my official birthday time) and take a picture, light my candles, happy birthday gets sung, I open up my gifts, and then finally we can all head to bed. This year though we both fell asleep about 10 minutes before 1:22 and when I woke up at 1:47 I was pretty upset. The candles did get lit and happy birthday was nearly sung but I was a bit too tired to enjoy it. I did open my gift before deciding what I really needed was some sleep and that I could enjoy the rest of my birthday once I woke up.

8. This year I didn’t plan anything for the day (except for dinner). I did what I wanted as it came and Walker and I had a great time mostly relaxing!

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