A few of my favorite things

Without breaking into song and dance I wanted to share a few of my favorite things.  I don’t know why, but I have a fascination with making lists, so naturally I will do this in list fashion but with commentary, too.  I thought about doing it in likes/dislikes format but feel like focusing only on positive things today. 

You should also know that this list changes, it is by no means comprehensive, and it is not in any kind of order.

1.  Boots Hawaiian Islands Coconut & Hibiscus Body Butter – This lotion is really great.  It is very moisturizing and smells good all day long.  Personally, I don’t smell the hibiscus, only coconut.  Be careful though, it does make you want to go lounge on a beach somewhere!  There is also a body scrub that is good, too.

2.  Kiwi fruit – Most of the time you see kiwi fruit it is sliced up in fruit salads.  But if you want to just eat kiwi, peeling and slicing takes too much effort.  My dad taught me a convenient way to eat it if you don’t feel like peeling and slicing.  Just cut it in half then use a spoon to scoop out bites right out of the skin.  Thanks, dad!  Recently, a friend pointed out that you could instead cut it near one of the ends and use the scoop method the same way.  I just tried her method and found that it actually contains the juices and is therefore less messy to eat.  Thanks, Kristin!

3.  Hip hop music – For those of you who know me well, this is no surprise at all.  But there have been several occasions when people expressed surprise at finding out this fact about me.  I love most kinds of music, but hip hop is my favorite.  Hip hop makes me feel energized and can pick me up even when I am in the worst of moods.  I am that lady who gets stuck in traffic, car booming, singing and dancing while she waits.  I don’t care if people laugh at me!  Although, I would be kind of embarrassed if it was someone I knew!

 

4.  Coconut snow cones – Yes, there seems to be a theme.  I like coconut things.  My mom told me she craved Sonic slushes when she was pregnant with me, so I blame this one on her!  A few summers ago I think I got a coconut snow cone every day, but then I had to get a lot of dental work done…so that ended that.  I don’t get them very often now but when I do, I savor every moment!

5.  Text messages – Super convenient.  Enough said about that.

I invite you to tell me a few of your favorite things.

Farmer's Market

Today we went to the Sunset Valley Farmer's Market.  We ended up getting fresh homemade pasta, bison jerky, pickled okra, spring salad mix, carrots, and a sourdough baguette.  Yummy!  I found some great photo opportunities at the market and have posted them here. 

Here is a picture of purple cabbage.  We didn't buy any of these, I just thought they were pretty.

There were lots of really good looking onions there.

The bread vendor was a french guy who had been baking bread for 16 years in 8 different countries.  Love bread!

 The vendor we bought pickled okra from also sold pickles and salsas. 

We also bought a couple of plants.  A lavender plant and a Texas star hibiscus.

All in all, it was a good trip to the Farmer's Market.  And the weather was really nice, too.  Thanks to all the folks who make this particular market possible!

Flip Flops

Today I wore flip flops to work.  Flip Flops!  And I have worn blue jeans 3 out of 4 days!  And it's completely acceptable at my new job.  It is so exciting to work for a company who will take me as I am!

It inspired a poem....

Flip Flops

As I slip you on to try you out

I am comforted by the flopping sound

And I consider how lucky I am

And know my life is no longer bound

Texas Wildflowers

Spring is in full force in Austin.  Well....it was last Sunday when I decided to go take pictures of the wildflowers, but now it feels like summer is already here.  So much for spring....

These photos were all taken on Loop 360, one of the prettiest drives in Austin. 

Changes

Today was my last day at my current job.  I am moving on to bigger and better opportunities.  The team was super supportive of my move.  They took me out to lunch at Cheesecake Factory then in the afternoon, we had some of my favorite treats and I received a couple of really nice cards.  There were a few cupcakes left and the team graciously let me take them home.

These cupcakes are from Lick It Bite It Or Both.  A wonderfully unique Austin place that serves cupcakes and ice cream.  I highly recommend the Red Velvet Cake cupcake!  Lick It Bite It Or Both....I will miss you....it will be a long drive up north for me to go to your store....maybe you will consider a South location?!

My departure is bitter/sweet.  I am really excited about my new job, about learning new things and meeting new people.  But I will miss people at my old job.  I have really bonded with people there and have had really good experiences.  Admittedly, change is really scary.  Even if it is a much needed change.

Austin is Awesome!

I am constantly reminded of what a cool city I live in.  There is so much to do and see here.  My husband and I have met several famous people by attending events.  Our favorite events occur at the Paramount Theater or its sister, State Theater.

Here is a picture of Kevin Smith, who frequents Austin to premier his movies.  We caught him in the alley behind the Paramount after the Jersey Girl premier.

We have also met Kevin's wifey, Jennifer Schwalbach Smith.  Here is a pic of me with her at the Zack and Miri Make a Porno premier.

We also met Scott Mosier at the Zack and Miri premier. Scott is a big part in the success of Kevin's movies.  And he is a hoot to listen to on Smodcast.

 

Probably the most famous person we have met is Mike Judge.  Here is a picture of him signing my Office Space DVD.  This was at the 10 year anniversary of Office Space and most of the cast was there.  I also got an autograph from Gary Cole.

 

Most recently, we met Christopher Titus.  We sat front row at his stand up comedy show, Neverlution.

 

This is only the tip of the iceberg...if you're into bluegrass music, I could add several more pictures here.  Couldn't ask for a cooler place to live!