Saccharine Thoughts

Changes

2011-11-16T06:26:00.001-06:00

The winds of change have blown hard this season. Wafts of good, gusts of bad, and tempests of whatthefff...??

Change can be tough, especially for a planner like me. I like to follow my self-made maps and timelines; I make to-do lists for the sake of checking things off, one, two, three. If I am not working toward something, I’m just not happy. This, by and large, is why I haven’t written anything in months, and nothing worthwhile in over a year. 2011 – you have been what we call a rut.

Yet, when significant changes come about all at once, I find it easier to just let go and drift a bit on the breeze. A lack of control over changes can in turn be met with a lack of a plan: no productivity toward a nonexistent goal equals no stress. Uncaring, unanchored, unfeeling; merely existing. For a little while, anyway.

Change is hard because it forces us out of a planned, comfortable normalcy. By this logic, change is really the best catalyst for growth. After having drifted aimlessly for a while, the challenge of a change is starting to sound pretty appealing.

This year, changes have hurt, they have disappointed and frustrated to no end. They stretched me to my limits, and here I stand – straighter and stronger, but different for sure. Perhaps a little less whimsical, much more reasonable and grounded. A bit less trusting, but far more independent. Certainly less saccharine, but with more sincerity and passion than I knew to exist in my little being.

Don’t be surprised if these changes are reflected here in content, design, and maybe even title. I am not so sure that Saccharine Thoughts will remain standing, as it may not be the most appropriate channel for the things I have to share. I will continue writing and sharing though; I must – it’s all I know.

Today, I celebrate my ascent into my late twenties. I consciously use ascent and not descent, because it marks the beginning of a movement up and out of the life I had been shaping which will, I’m sure require a vast amount of work on my part. There’s nothing downhill about the journeys I’m facing. All I can ask of the next half of my twenties is change. Please, bring me the new, the challenging, the adventurous. Give me opportunities to grow, to learn, and demand more from me than I’ve ever put forth. I have so much to give, I must be used up.

img via http://cabri.blogg.se/

Dance Magic Dance

2011-06-27T09:24:00.003-05:00

or: In Which I Realize I'm Getting Old.

25 years ago today, Jim Henson and George Lucas released unto the world the masterpiece that is Labyrinth. I have a very specific soft spot for this movie and all its whimsy, puppetry and overuse of a codpiece. I think tonight will consist of complaining about how unfair life is while dancing the magic dance. Won't you join me?

Also, should you ever want me to love you/fear you/serve you forever, feel free to buy me this.

Get to Work

2011-06-23T23:36:00.007-05:00

Just want to share this article by one foul-mouthed badass via another. It's aptly-time, not because I'm blogging teary-eyed from a Kmart parking lot (I'm not) but because today I did reach the end of my rope. Tolerance for bullshit is shot, patience and resources waning, and faith in people at an all-time low because lately, they've proven to be a royally disappointing bunch.
Read more »

Tune In

2011-06-19T09:46:00.000-05:00

In the angstier periods of my life, I revert to listening to a Slacker station which I've titled 14-year-old self. As you may imagine, it consists of the scream-y pop-punk that I listened to in high school.

I've been rather embarrassed lately to find that my 25-year-old self still really, really likes The Used.

Dance

2011-06-15T09:56:00.002-05:00

via Newspaper Blackout, local writer/artist.

In which Neil Patrick Harris further secures his role as My Favorite

2011-06-14T07:42:00.006-05:00

Swarms of Mormons, showgirls, sailors, dancing boys and nuns? Count me in!

You Should Know

2011-06-13T08:19:00.013-05:00

I wrote a bit last week on defining love, and subsequently suffered a minor epiphany. A Runaway Bride moment, if you will (humor me here, and I promise to never reference a crappy late 90’s Julia Roberts movie again). While I know how I like my eggs and all that - over easy with cheddar and avocado, thankyouverymuch - it occurred to me that some people I consider near and dear to me, may not.

Tune In

2011-06-12T07:43:00.001-05:00

Five Things: Pick-me-ups

2011-06-10T09:15:00.001-05:00

When it rains, it pours, right? And the past month or so? Well it hasn't exactly been sunny around these parts. Here is my tried and true recipe for surviving these downpours:
Read more »

Back to Basics

2011-06-08T09:03:00.007-05:00

Oh, how I have missed writing here. No excuses or apologies, blogging has just not been at the top of my to-do list. Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure it hasn't made the list at all in a while; just been floating around my planner on a neon post-it along with last week's grocery list and a flirty barista's phone number.
Read more »

2011-06-06T09:51:00.002-05:00

We all have the potential to fall in love a thousand times in our lifetime. It’s easy. The first girl I ever loved was someone I knew in sixth grade. Her name was Missy; we talked about horses. The last girl I love will be someone I haven’t even met yet, probably. They all count. Read more »

Tune In

2011-06-05T08:51:00.002-05:00

Five Things: Acquired Tastes

2011-06-03T09:24:00.009-05:00

Apparently decision-making skills are not the only things to develop in the 25th year. Whether this is due the ripening of my grown-up taste buds or a decline in my dietary discrimination, I have come across several food that I have never cared for that I now want all. the. time.Read more »

2011-06-01T09:17:00.000-05:00

"I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning."
-J.B. Priestley

Making it Big

2010-12-08T21:06:00.002-06:00

Hot dog, look who made Apartment Therapy this fine Wednesday! Well I'll be, that's us! Super cool!

2010-11-10T09:01:00.001-06:00

...to my Dude. Here's to another kick-ass year to come!
I'm awfully fond of you, darlin'.

Supremacy via Izzard

2010-11-08T08:38:00.005-06:00

From Dress to Kill:

When people from the same genetic group intermarry... Hello-oo? Cousins marrying equals IQ down the toilet. Hitler was trying this. The first generation of Nazis - "Sieg heil!"
The second generation - "Sieg heil."
The third generation. "Er...Sieg...
"Er...Read more »

GeekFind of the Week(end)

2010-11-07T09:00:00.002-06:00

Did you really think I'd leave you all alone through the weekend?

Baha, right.

<- More Etsy goodness for eager girly eyes!

2010-11-06T08:53:00.000-05:00

GeekFind of the Week

2010-11-05T06:30:00.002-05:00

I've heard New Zealand is an incredibly beautiful place, and it's at the top of my list of places to visit if I can ever steal away to take a vacation.

This Etsy find gave me yet another reason to want to visit New Zealand. A teeny tiny hand-crafted robot charm with even tinier hinged arms to dangle from a necklace? Yes. Please.Read more »

Hard Habit

2010-11-04T09:38:00.007-05:00

Last week was the first time in a long time that I've been able to just chill out and waste some time. Of course, time that you enjoy wasting isn't really wasted right? Especially when it's spent introducing one's boyfriend to a favorite video game? RIGHT??Read more »

New Beginnings

2010-11-03T11:05:00.006-05:00

For those of you who may be curious as to why I seemed to drop off the face of the interwebz this fall, I thought I would give you an update.

The fantastic job opportunity that I accepted back in April was a position in development with Arthouse at the Jones Center. Arthouse is a non-profit artspace whose mission is to create meaningful opportunities to investigate the art of our time through exhibitions, public programs and commissions of new work. We are located in downtown Austin in a newly renovated building at the corner of 7th and Congress.

Our site is an incredible piece of history for Austin, as it has been through many iterations between its erection in the 1850's and 1998, when it became Arthouse. It has been closed for a full year for major renovations which tripled the usable exhibition space, and reopened on Sunday October 24th. Arthouse is currently running six exhibitions in the new space, and is open and free to the public Wednesday through Sunday.

So in case you were wondering, that is what I have been up to. Planning the grand reopening of the oldest contemporary art establishment in Texas was not an easy feat, and was only a success due to the hard work of every person on our tiny team. It's a fantastic feeling to be a part of something so tangible and lasting.

Today marks the start of our second week open to Austin's art community. The response to the site and the exhibitions has been remarkable, and I encourage anyone who hasn't been by yet to drop in this week and experience the layers of history on display here. I'll look forward to seeing you!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T09:46:00.004-05:00

Happy Halloween, my long lost blogger friends! Real life has again taken priority this fall and pulled me away from writing, but I'll be back next week with more gibberish!

In the mean time, I'll spend my spooky Sunday handing out candy to little monsters and zombie-hunting via Xbox with the Dude. Hope yours is just as swell!

XO
ChristaLou

If Only

2010-09-22T07:33:00.004-05:00

Rawr.

2010-08-24T17:46:00.005-05:00

A real-life excerpt from a text conversation with my mother:

mom: I had lunch with <insert male friend from high school here> today, he said to tell you hi.

me: why on earth did you have lunch with <insert male friend from high school here>??

mom: I was having a cougar moment and he has really pretty eyes.

Sometimes, I wish my mother had never learned to text.

Sidenote: my parents are still happily married. She was kidding.

Five Minutes on Faith

2010-08-17T07:42:00.002-05:00

As if Joss Whedon hadn't already proven his superior level awesome, here are a few of his thoughts on Humanism and Education with some humor mixed in, circa 2009. I shared some of my own thoughts on faith well over a year ago, and I find it phenomenal to hear a similar standpoint reiterated so eloquently and honestly.

"The important thing is not that we are right. The important thing is: where do we go from where?"

Nerdfind of the Week

2010-08-12T07:04:00.002-05:00

The Southern Oracle - Neverending Story

In the tragic case that you may not remember these, let me refresh your 1980's kid fantasy movie memory:

AAATREEEEYUUUU!!!

2010-08-10T07:45:00.006-05:00

You guys! Can you believe the year is halfway over already?!

Well, 7/12 over, to be more accurate. 2010 has kept me oh-so-busy, but it has treated me oh-so-well. Let’s be honest: 2009? It kind of sucked. I dreaded going in to work at HomeAway each morning, as my job there had become utterly mind-numbing. I stumbled through two fickle, overdramatic attempts at dating. Throw in a roommate who bailed on a 14-month lease and a fourth knee surgery, and you can see why I was pretty ready to see the year come to an end.

2010 started off with a bang… and a clangor… and a crash, as I resolutely ended the second of ‘09s wavering relationships, and left my reasonably-well-paying employment... and benefits... and 4 weeks of vacation for the great unknown. During a recession. Whee!

As it turns out, the Universe had much bigger things in store for me—I was unexpectedly reunited with a year-old crush over a game of pool which, nigh 6 months later, has blossomed into a fulfilling friendship and vibrant, loving relationship with The Dude. I landed the JOB – a position in development with Arthouse, a non-profit contemporary art space in downtown Austin. I now have a collection of fantastic friends who saw me through the catastrophe that was 2009 as well as a kick-ass, trustworthy and highly humorous roommate with whom I've happily shared my Barton Creek apartment for almost 9 months, and my knee is stronger than it's been in nearly a decade.

The wonder of seeing my life piece itself together and the amount of gratitude I feel for it is really quite overwhelming. Having had my leap of faith result in such a solid landing, and thinking of all the time – years! – I have spent in less delightful situations makes me think that life is just too short to ever sit stagnant.

In light of this, I ask myself (and you!) why:
*waste energy on a grudge?
*waste time in an insufficient relationship?
*do something you don’t enjoy for a living?
*sweat the small stuff?
*be unhealthy?
*pretend you’re someone you’re not?
*not improve on who you are?
*do anything less than whole-heartedly?
*wait around for opportunities?
*not seek out the change you want?
*not leap?

Superiority

2010-08-07T07:46:00.000-05:00

NerdFind of the Week

2010-08-05T07:40:00.010-05:00

Bioshock cake toppers
A Big Daddy and Little Sister on top of a cake: Creepy?

Yes.

Awesome?

Also Yes.

WIN.

via Offbeat Bride

For those wondering what on earth I'm talking about:

Blessed are the Geek

2010-08-03T07:47:00.002-05:00

...for they shall inherit the earth. And then make awesome parents.

I mean really... have you ever seen a happier baby?

2010-07-21T07:56:00.004-05:00

You guys! Tonight! Par-tay!

We are hosting a Membership Rush Party for Austin's creative community at Arthouse, and you're invited! And the building isn't even finished yet! Yep, that's how special you are.

Do come check out our new space, hear about our upcoming exhibitions and events (Grand Reopening in October, y'all!) and drink some beer while you're at it. Hope to see you!

Unicorns and kittens,
ChristaLou

Roommate Quote of the Week

2010-07-02T15:23:00.007-05:00

"The girl-clothes... the girl-clothes in the washer... are they to be washed or dried?"

Girl-clothes, one word.

Gotta love living with a dude. :)

Color Envy

2010-06-18T09:33:00.000-05:00

With the Texas Summer 2010 now in full effect, I have been on a major ice cream kick. I admit this without a drop of shame for my waistline, because when it's reaching the mid-90s on a daily basis down here in Austin nothing sounds better than something cold and creamy.

Ice cream has always been one of my favorite indulgences, and it is quickly becoming one of my absolute favorite things to make. So many flavors! So many options! Toppings, toppings, toppings! Thus, you'll understand the utter appreciation I hold for my original Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker.

Or, held. Until I saw this.

You can go ahead and color me green... and blue... and orange with ice cream maker envy while I continue to spin my ice cream in my plain white maker. This moment trumps the moment I found an avocado green Kitchenaide, shortly after receiving my white one.

25 Things, Revised

2010-06-16T07:46:00.013-05:00

As you may have noticed, I am falling further and further behind in my quest to complete 25 New Things before my 25th birthday in November. I only have 5 months left, so I am going to take this time to revamp my list a little bit. There are many things that have come up and taken priority far over others, so I would much rather expend my energy on the awesome and upcoming, than on the thought-I-wanted-to-do-a-year-ago-but-now-I-couldn't-care-less.

But that's not fair, you say? Well, I like to think of it as simply giving myself the advantage in my own challenge. You call it cheating, I call it facilitating the completion of my goals. Tomāto/tomäto.

Here, I present a revised list of 25 things that I plan to do in my 25th year...

Yes, that means that I plan to give myself until the end of the year to complete these things. I know, now you think I'm REALLY breaking some rules. But! Here's the deal: Saccharine Thoughts will turn 2 on January 1st, 2011, and if you would quit bitching about me being such a cheater and read on, you would see that I have added "Have an amazing New Year" as the final item on my to-do list, thereby forcing this challenge to extend an extra month and a half.

Are you finished? Good. Now I present a revised list of 25 things that I plan to do in my 25th year:

1. Find an organization to volunteer and become actively involved with.
I volunteered with Austin Voices for Education and Youth during my month of unemployment, but unfortunately much of my time now is spent either at work, at the gym or in the yoga studio. I would LOVE to become actively involved with Austin Voices or another worthy non-prof again.

2. Hostess a breakfast/brunch, with Saturday morning cartoons
I foresee breakfast tacos and Looney Tunes in my near future...

3. Take voice/singing lessons
If you have ever had the, ahem, pleasure of karaoke'ing with me, you would second this notion.

4. Find a new job that I lovelovelove

5. Take a stripping/pole dancing class
LivingSocial has been promising the delivery of a coupon for a pole dancing class soon. Um, I'm waaaiting...

6. Be debt-free by the end of the year.
Do I really need to explain this? I attended a highly ranked state school on my own dime.

7. Get an addition to my tattoo
This will only come AFTER the completion of #6 because I'll be damned if I plan to go cheap with a permanent work of art on my body.

8. Take a bellydancing class

9. Go camping
I honestly don't think I've been camping since I was a senior in high school. Sad.

10. Spend a day thrift shopping
Because it's so much cheaper than mall shopping.

11. Play sand volleyball
Believe it or not, this little hobbit was once a bitchin' volleyball player with threatening serves. Now that I am fully recovered and back in action, I'm dying to play again.

12. Finish 3 of the 5 classes for my second BA
I have a degree in Spanish. I see it only fit to finish up the complimentary English, and I have put it off long enough.

13. Take level 2 at the Hideout Theatre
14. Take level 3 at the Hideout Theatre
These two have been postponed for almost a year now, but with reason. In August, our office will make the long-awaited relocation from 20 minutes west of everything to right smack dab in the middle of downtown, and right across the street from the Hideout Theatre.

15. Reupholster my couch
It needs it, yo.

16. Go blues dancing
I am now over a year out from my last knee surgery, and totally ready to get scootin'.

17. Compile my photography portfolio; create online resume for photo, writing, blog, etc
Because I recently realized that I have thousands (literally) of photos of people, events and shows and tons of written pieces that are jumbled across the abyss that is my hard drive.

18. Have a photoshoot in which I am NOT behind the camera
You know those faded photos you've found of your grandmother: age 17 in which she looks totally glam? In the offchance that I ever have offspring digging through my dusty drawers, I would like to give them something sensational to stumble upon.

19. Learn to make jam/preserves.

20. Take a grant writing course
My passion and strength lies in writing. I am now developing a career path in the non-profit sector, so learning the ins and outs of grant writing just makes sense.

21. Bring my patio garden back to life and keep it that way.
The Jasmine is blooming again. Does that count?

22. Go on a yoga retreat

23. Have a picnic
Honestly, it's just an excuse for me to make food for people.

24. Take an art class

25. Have an amazing New Years Eve
New Years Eve is my fav. A holiday set aside to celebrate a new beginning - I just love it. Unfortunately I have started many a year off on the wrong foot. The past 5 have been marred with break-ups or working or you know, just being passing out alone before midnight. All I expect from my New Year celebrations is a little sparkle, a little bubbly and a kiss at midnight... is that really so much to ask?

25 Things: Take a Bellydance Class

2010-06-09T09:04:00.002-05:00

I realize that I am way farther behind on these 25 Things than should be acceptable, so here is an installation that is long overdue.

Let me rave about my city for a moment: Austin rocks. Really. As long as I remain in Texas, I will be in Austin. Having access to so. much. to do. around me is just not something I could give up. Local shops, eateries, the lake, semi-obscure classes and one-of-a-kind community events give this city some serious character, making it a haven for weirdos like me.

One of the many kick-ass things offered here is Austin's Free Day of Dance in January - a city-wide celebration of dance. This consists of several dance studios across town teaming up and offering free classes all day long. Does it get much better than that?

MissK and I took the Arthur Murray Studio up on this offer and checked out the bellydance class with Bahaia. This little lady was out and about teaching bellydance workshops just weeks after birthing a child. Uhm, intimidating much?

This class turned out to be an hour and a half of hip circling, butt-muscle flexing and shimmying. For the record, shimmying with DDs is Downright Dangerous. Despite those bouncy obstacles it was fun and definitely something I would love to do on a regular basis, if not for the workout and addition of dance moves to my limited repertiore, at least for a valid excuse to wear sparkly hip scarves :)

Blogger Birthday!

2010-06-04T08:03:00.002-05:00

We have another 2-year celebration on our hands this week! One of my absolute favorite blogs - Yes and Yes - is turning 2. The blog mistress, Sarah Von, is giving back to her readers by means of a pretty stinkin' sweet giveaway!

Jewelry, artwork, accessories, and all sorts of really neat trinkets have been offered up from her very talented audience, so head over and check it out! And might I suggest browsing her archives while you're at it? They tend to be on the inspirational and/or down right hilarious side, with some seriously sage advice thrown in the mix.

Sweet Stuff

2010-06-03T09:02:00.000-05:00

Um, do you see that? DO YOU?!

That's a cupcake. On top of cupcake. DIES.

Apparently the decorative potential of Reese's is endless.

Summer Celebrations

2010-06-01T08:11:00.002-05:00

Things are finally slowing down, and I don't think I have ever been happier to see the Spring come and go.

The month of May was jam-packed with a number of really awesome events! I am still settling in at the new job at Arthouse, but was thrust into the organization's ins and outs with the signature fundraiser on May 13 and 14, which reached out to over 1,000 people in the Austin art community. The Dude (yep, new moniker; get used to it.) and I made a surprise one-day visit to Mineral Wells for Mother's Day brunch which both thrilled and pissed off Mama Lou, as I suppose she hadn't planned to meet him wearing overalls, sans makeup. We also took a trip to New Mexico to visit his familia which was a wonderful and welcome escape from Austin, but just didn't quite last long enough. Throw in some celebration for graduations, birthdays and... you get the picture. After four straight weeks of awesome, I was ready for some down-time.

Enter: Memorial Day Weekend. I made a very specific effort to have no solid plans, with the intent of catching up and just chillin' - a perfect opportunity to celebrate my little fur-kid's birthday.

For those of you haven't had the pleasure of listening to me ramble about my dog: this is Carmen, and she turned 2 sometime last week. I say sometime because you see, she was rescued from a dumpster at the tender puppy age of eight weeks, so she didn't exactly come with a birth certificate or pedigree. The girl who found her couldn't keep her as she had a dog of her own, so she landed with me just a week or two later. Carmen couldn't have come to me at a better time - I had just ended a 2-year live-in relationship, my dear grandmother had passed away and I was in bad need of a new start, new identity and something to love on. What better than this big-eared ball of fur?

Through the months of crate-training and several de-stuffed pillows, Carmen has been a wonderful addition to the Casa de ChristaLou, I love her to pieces. This weekend she was treated to a much-needed bath, new name tag and bandanas and a pupcake from Sugar Mamas. My little girl's all grown pup.

Ha. You see what I did there? Admit it. You chuckled.

Geek Branding

2010-04-29T07:49:00.002-05:00

via Great White Snark

Finally! The differences between nerd, dork and geek have been defined in an easy-to-read venn diagram, for all you visual learners out there.
I like to think I fall safely into the geek category: brains + quirky interests, without the awkwardness. One can hope.

Wishful Thinking

2010-04-28T08:20:00.002-05:00

So, that fore-mentioned j-o-b has kept me rather busy lately. Nonetheless, I am back with another self-indulgent addition to my wishlist here on Saccharine Thoughts.

I know what you may be thinking: "Chick has a job now, can't she buy this shit instead of talking about it?" Well my friend, while I am working again, I left my cushy job at HomeAway to do something I love and believe in at a non-profit art space here in Austin. Thus, material indulgences like this one will be few and far between but happiness, I'm learning, will be in abundant supply. Fair trade, by far :)

This week I'll step away from Etsy's "Pounce" button and share something that MissK sent my way saying, "Saw this and thought of you!"

Girlfriend does know me so well.

Specifically, I'd pretty much sport this Ayn Rand tribute as often as I could get away with were I to find it in my t-shirt pile!

Also, if these Orwell-inspired threads had a fan button, I'd be clicking it. Hard.

And this Scarlet Letter jersey? A must for any Hawthorne fan. cough*nudge*cough

25 things

2010-04-09T14:34:00.005-05:00

I got the job.

*happy dance*

Copy Cat

2010-04-08T14:56:00.006-05:00

As you may have noticed, #7 on my list of 25 Things to do Before 25 is to get a tattoo.

Allow me to expand on that - the idea is actually to get an addition to the tattoo I got when I was 19. To add some color and embellishment and likely a second sparrow to the design is something I have wanted for, oh, five years and counting. In the spirit of that and the excessive amount of free time I've had on my hands, I have been doodling away, thinking that having this bit of long-awaited ink done would be my triumphant self-indulgence upon completing #4 - finding that job that I lovelovelove, as well as a permanent celebration of the huge transition that this year has brought with it.

I will share said doodles and artwork for your review, my ~~imaginary friends~~ trusted audience. But for now, an entertaining tangent:

While doodling away one evening a couple of weeks ago, my dear friend Jack was visiting and excitedly shared the tidbit of news he had discovered while at work that day: "Your butt tattoo looks just like Christina Ricci's boob tattoo!"

...hooray.

Being that my tattoo found its origin in the margin of my Gov310 notes in 2005, I balked at the thought that there was an identical one out there somewhere- much less on Christina Ricci's rack. We promptly turned to the ever-trusted Google search.

I'll be damned, Jack was almost right.

Wishful Thinking

2010-04-07T09:01:00.002-05:00

Wishful Thinking may quickly become my Etsy find of the week, as I'm a huge fan of unique, handmade goodies from small-name designers. The only way to make that even more appealing is to add local, organic or recycled to the material list - yes, I'm becoming that brand of hippie.

That little introductory rant leads me to this week's addition to my wishlist. I'm such a sucker for accessories, especially if they look like they could have belonged to my Great Grandma Holley. Thus, these lovely little gems from Willow and Quinn would naturally become quick additions my window shopping cart.

Willow and Quinn is a one-woman show based out of Northern Cali, AND a portion of her sales go straight to a charity called Women for Women International. Supporting an independent designer AND a charity? I'd call that a sparkly WIN!

Wake Up Call

2010-04-05T09:29:00.010-05:00

The Dude has 2 cats. One, I am convinced, may be manic depressive as she turns without warning from a cuddly purring little ball of fur in my arms to a gremlin intent on chewing off said arm; the other is a very large diabetic cat with a hair fetish.

That being said, I can completely empathize with this. x2.

From Simon's Cat

Foodie Friday

2010-04-02T13:24:00.000-05:00

I explained to my roommate that when I find myself with free time, I generally do one of the following: draw. read. or bake. Last week I found myself with a veggie drawer full of perishables and a lot of free time so... I turned the kitchen into a laboratory and attempted a new concoction. A fiber-full, scrumptious concoction...

1 1/2 cup shredded zucchini
2-3 ripe bananas
1 cup shredded carrot
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups rolled oats
1/3 cup melted butter
1/3 cup applesauce
3/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup chopped pecans
2/3 dried chopped dates

Smash bananas into zucchini and carrot to equal ~3 cups. Blend sugar and eggs until fluffy, add to zucchini mixture. Mix in melted butter and applesauce.

In separate bowl combine dry ingredients. Add dry to wet and mix until incorporated, add dates and pecans. Fill muffin cups, sprinkle with raw sugar and/or additional rolled oats.

Bake in 350 oven 20-30 minutes or until toothpick comes clean. Enjoy :)

Wishful Thinking

2010-03-31T09:11:00.002-05:00

Taking a stab at a weekly theme here with Wishful Thinking Wednesdays. Being that I am, still, unemployed and nixing my urges for retail therapy in order to have next month's rent, I have indulged in some window shopping as of late. What better motivation to find a job than to fawn over things that you can't afford, right? (kidding.)

To kick off this new self-indulgent trend, I'll introduce you to an Etsy shop that I fell heels-over-head for months ago. Under the Root is a small label based in Chicago that produces unique, handmade lingerie from "sustainable, reclaimed, repurposed, upcycled, vintage textiles and materials." Their style is of a vintage, vaudeville, elven sort. Hard to imagine such a mix, I realize, but sexy and sweet I assure you.

Today I add this darling set of blumen and corset-laced bralette as the first item on my wishlist. Romantic, no?

I must also recommend that you take a peek at these other little gems that would be equally perfect for, oh I don't know, lounging about reading on a rainy afternoon? Cuddling up and sipping mimosas on a lazy morning? Who am I kidding. I would spend an entire weekend romping about the house in this with the windows open if I could.

From Friends

2010-03-18T10:45:00.004-05:00

"Hon, you're like a lottery ticket. The more you scratch the surface, the more cool shit you uncover."

Never could I have imagined that being compared to a lottery ticket would be so heartwarming. Thank you Jack.

Lucky Day

2010-03-17T08:12:00.008-05:00

One might think that in my current state of uncertainty I may be feeling a bit down on my luck, right?

On the contrary, I am kind of delighted with my life at the moment. Instead of giving way to fearful feelings of instability, my situation is actually inducing feelings of freedom and power, and I've chosen to embrace this little bit of ambiguity.

I am being forced out of my comfortable-but-stagnant office routine to learn and grow, to look beyond my current position and strive for my full potential. To see a challenge and step up to it instead of shying away for fear of inadequacy, to see possibilities in things I may have been intimidated by before, and to look for ways that I might better prepare or tailor myself for those opportunities. Polish up my people skills? Yes! Learn a new software? Sure! Send in resumes even though I may not be quite qualified, just for the interview experience? Absolutely. It's the ultimate "why the hell not?" mindset and frankly, I'm quite enjoying it.

All in all my blessings far outweigh my curses, so today I'm counting my lucky stars for things like this:

Great friends
Opportunities to help
More great friends
Waking up to this
The prospect of waking up to this
A promising interview tomorrow for a job I'm sure I have dreamt about
Being a part of a talented community
Singing along to Broadway soundtracks
Friends who put up with my singing. Even better - those who sing louder than me.
Awesome and affordable yoga

What are you feeling lucky for today?

Free Day of Yoga!

2010-03-16T15:57:00.001-05:00

You know I am all for free things, so there's not much better than a whole day of free yoga classes.

Right?!?

Seva Yoga Collective is celebrating the opening of their new studio with a whole day of free yoga classes as well as music, a community meditation and a veggie feast this Friday, March 19th! Check out details here.

25 before 25

2010-03-16T09:46:00.012-05:00

A year or so ago I took on the personal challenge of trying out two dozen new and exciting things before my 24th birthday. You guys? I failed. Hard. But this is a new year, one already full of surprises and opportunities, a time for new beginnings right? Or at least, a good do-over?

Today, I am 8 months from the imminent quarter-century, so here goes-
ChristaLou's 25 before 25:

Find an organization to volunteer and become actively involved with
Hostess a breakfast/brunch, with Saturday morning cartoons
Take voice/singing lessons
Find a new job that I lovelovelove
Take a stripping/pole dancing class
Finish 3 of the 5 classes for my second BA
Get an addition to my tattoo
Take a bellydancing class
Go camping
Spend a day thrift shopping
Have my tarot cards and palms read
Finish a video game NOT on NES
Take level 2 at the Hideout Theatre
Take level 3 at the Hideout Theatre
Reupholster my couch
Go blues dancing
Compile/organize my photography portfolio
Add to said portfolio - events, people, kids, landscapes
Have a photoshoot in which I am NOT behind the camera
Create an online resume for writing, photography, blog, etc
Take a grant writing course
Bring my patio garden back to life, and hopefully keep it that way.
Brush up and use my highly-neglected Spanish skillz
Have a picnic
Take an art class

These are either things I have never done, or have not done in a really, really long time. Many are influenced by the abundant free time I'm currently juggling as an ~~unemployed bum~~ starving artist, and many are things that I think will make me more likely to attain that job that I lovelovelove. Let's get started, shall we?

High Time

2010-03-15T20:42:00.007-05:00

The Ides of March are upon us, dear readers, so I will take this time to get rolling again here on Saccharine Thoughts.

We are still hanging on to the first quarter of 2010, yet it has already proven to be a year full of surprises. January watched as I broke off a delightfully geeky but sadly dysfunctional relationship with a much-blogged-about BlueEyedBoy, and February saw me calmly walk away from 2+ years of employment at HomeAway, Inc. during a recession.

Brilliant.

I did both with the intent of moving on to things that I will be better suited for, and March is now paying audience to new adventures as I do just that. I am currently in my second week of unemployment, and in between freelance gig-hunting and resume-sending my free time finds me volunteering with Austin Voices to help plan their major annual event, organizing photography and videography for LAFF, and spending time with people who are important to me. In short, I have just been making myself very, very happy.

While I know this state of leisure cannot possibly last too long (and hopefully it won't; I have a promising interview on Thursday!) I am thoroughly enjoying it while it does last, and endlessly thanking the universe for everything - and everyone - it has sent my way recently. I am one lucky lady.

Truth

2010-02-14T07:49:00.001-06:00

Spread the Love

2010-02-11T08:34:00.007-06:00

So in case you're like me and didn't realize until an obnoxious coworker gasped "YOU DON'T HAVE BIG PLANS THIS WEEKEND?" ...Valentine's Day is in 3 days.

This can serve as a reminder to those of you who need to run out and buy the gross chocolate/overpriced floral arrangement/mylar balloon combo in order to continue getting laid and keep your partner from tearing your head off. Those fellow friends who are not shackled by this obligation - commence groaning and eye-rolling in 3... 2... 1...

I am all for festivities and excuses for celebration; what I do not find appealing is an excuse to accept (yet another) ugly stuffed monkey holding a heart that reads "Wild Thing." Last week I did fall for the suggestion by brilliant lady blogger The Naked Redhead - making this "holiday" weekend less about romance, more about spreading the love through some little acts of kindness.

- Maybe it's because my little dingo got pulled from a dumpster, or maybe I just have a soft spot for most things furry and pathetic. Shelters like the SPCA and Humane Society are always in need of food, toys, towels... anything to keep the little guys comfy and healthy until they find a forever home.

-Similarly, havens like the Children's Shelter and CCP accept donations. Ok... maybe that ugly monkey would make some kid's day here. Just please don't get one that sings.

- The holidays may be over, but good tidings can still abide. Organizations like Meals on Wheels and local Food Banks offer many ways to help out and make a positive impact.

- Swap the fresh-cut roses for something a little more... alive. 'Round these parts, there are a few opportunities to give back to the earth this weekend. Planting a tree for V-Day? Cheesy? Absolutely.

- Get sweaty. I was surprised to find so few fundraisers this weekend, but if you hustle you could be a part of the Austin Marathon. *Disclaimer - this is one place you will not see me.

I won't commit to devoting my entire V-day to making the world a better place through these opportunities... but I'll definitely challenge myself to find some way to share a little extra love this weekend. Any other ideas?

2010-02-10T21:08:00.001-06:00

How I Started My Friday

2010-01-29T20:06:00.002-06:00

True Story.

New Additions

2010-01-26T07:42:00.005-06:00

While I was on my unannounced hiatus over the holidays, my collection of flatmates expanded quite a bit. Just before Thanksgiving a really (really) great roommate was sent my way. Adam is respectful, clean, loves on the animals and is really (really) an all-around great guy.

If you'll notice, I said animals. Plural.

This is Joe, the newest addition to my Barton Creek pad. He previously belonged to Burnie of the Rooster Teeth Staff and resided at their office on Congress, but their newest addition is, sadly, allergic. While I personally think "Known Allergies" should have been a required field on their employment application, I am happy to have this handsome little guy living with me now.

This is his usual roost, between my cooking utensils and Kitchenaide. He sits there and quietly supervises (read: judges) while I'm busy in the kitchen.

From Friends

2010-01-24T10:34:00.004-06:00

SingleChrista ™ is like Haley's Comet. It comes out and, oh, it's bright! and shiny! and glorious! and then, shit, it goes away for a few more years.

Thanks Jack.

It’s Fine, I’m Fine, We’re Fine

2010-01-10T22:31:00.016-06:00

I have quickly learned that dating a theater nut/drama teacher brings with it a few things: good taste in movies, exposure to lots of great art in many forms, and a guarantee of random song and dance at any given time. Unfortunately for BlueEyes, I cannot sing. Fortunately for me, he absolutely can.

Throughout the month of November he had a tendency to break out into song in my passenger seat with pieces from a musical I had neither seen nor heard of - The Last 5 Years. He explained: It’s a touching, tragic story about 2 people that are absolutely perfect for each other, but for whom tough breaks simply stand in the way of being happy together. Despite chalking their failure up to to circumstance, he sided with the female role, Cathy, and laid more blame on Jamie.

Interesting.

Shortly thereafter I found myself semisecretly piecing the production together through YouTube clips, insanely curious about this story that had laid such an impression on my man. Once I had it arranged, I listened to it straight through. It proved to be a piece that left a heavy an impression on me as well; I loved it. But you guys? I didn't agree with him.

This triggered an awesome, open, uber-interesting conversation as well as an examination of my own motives, behavior and reactions, and provoked resolutions of self-improvement. Of the lessons I took from Brown’s story (which I promise to share very soon!) the most resolute is this:

Never will I allow a bruised ego or a tough break stand in the way of something I want. Never will I allow circumstance to define my options or limit my happiness. Ever.

2010-01-05T11:01:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year
from
Saccharine Thoughts!

I know I have long neglected my space here, and I'm sorry! I have dozens of outlines and half-written entries just waiting to be polished and posted, but for now I must put things on hold. I aim to post once or twice a week while I re-prioritize my offline life. I gotta take care of me before I can love on you, and I know you understand!

It's a new year, a new decade with new opportunities for happiness. Let's make the most of it!

8 months: So Close

2009-11-05T08:02:00.000-06:00

Where has this year gone?

It's now been 8 whole months since my last surgery. I have what could be my final follow-up appointment with my orthopedist scheduled on December 7.

Holeee Crap.

Dr. Brotzman keeps telling me that I HAVE to regain the musculature in my right leg in order for it to support the ligaments the way that it should, which I've written off as damn near impossible since it is the result of 8 years of overcompensation for 2 botched ACL repairs. However, since this 4th surgery has left me stronger and in less pain than I've seen since my freshman year of high school, I have to wonder how close I can get. As of now, the stats are as follow:

Left calf: 14.5"
Right calf: 14.25"

Left upper quad: 21"
Right upper quad: 20"

Left lower quad: 18"
Right lower quad: 16.5"

So, I essentially have 35 days to whip my butt into gear and close those gaps, so that I can without hesitation ask for a rock gym membership for Christmas :D

Let the work outs begin!

Sunday Funnies

2009-11-01T09:04:00.002-06:00

I think xkcd is teasing me.

Reminder

2009-10-24T10:10:00.003-05:00

Frills and Thrills

2009-10-23T22:11:00.002-05:00

This is a completely frivolous post, but it regards something that excited me to the point of squealing tonight, so deal with it.

Victoria's Secret is finally making pretty things in my size.

This glitzy little get-up would have only been available up to a 34C 2 years ago. How do I know? Because I recall shopping for similar things 2 years ago and throwing the catalog across the room in a storm of frustration and tears, swearing I would take all the money I couldn't spend on cute underwear and get a reduction.

So just humor me now and imagine my glee when I stumbled across it tonight and saw 34DD listed among available sizes! Glory be! This calls for celebration.

Rest assured, this will be the newest addition to my underthere wardrobe. Boobies, prepare to sparkle.

Make it Musical

2009-10-22T17:30:00.001-05:00

This makes me wish I could sing. I would join a troupe like this in a heartbeat.

improveverywhere.com

Autumn, Where Art Thou?

2009-10-15T12:19:00.014-05:00

or, Why I Love Canada.
It is mid-October, which is supposed to be my favorite time of the year. Pumpkins, scarves, funny hats, chilled noses, and time to make warm hearty home food. There is one thing standing in the way of my fully enjoying this season: I live in Texas. It is currently 83° and thanks to the unfriendly 70% humidity it feels like 90°.

On a side note that is, I assure you, completely unrelated, it is currently 40° in Toronto. Did I mention how much I adored Toronto? NO?! Well then, please allow me to gush just a bit…

As a recap, BlueEyes and I decided to make the trek to Canada since he and his brothers were performing at the Toronto Improv Festival. I will regale you with stories of our international adventures later on (as if they’re not already overdue) but for now, just let me tell you about wonderous mythical place and what I loved about it.

The People - I have always heard that southerners are a friendly, trusting people, more pleasant and welcoming than our northern counterparts. I certainly fit that stereotype and having a native New Yorker as one of my closest friends… well, I’ve had no reason to think otherwise and am proud of my Texas roots for this. However, this rule apparently only applies within the US borders.

Canadians are NICE, y’all. Have you ever been offered assistance out of nowhere by a complete stranger? Well I sure have. While standing on a corner debating on whether to head east toward Little Italy or north to Little China for dinner one evening, BlueEyes and I were stopped by a man OFFERING help. In reality we weren’t lost at all - just indecisive - but we must have looked a bit clueless. People handed us their subway maps and were more than happy to give us directions, suggestions, or just talk to us!

The Squirrels - They are jet black. Enough said.

The City - So, Toronto is old. I feel that most big cities have built on top of
themselves, drowning out their history for the corporate hustle and bustle. Not Toronto. This city seems to have embraced theirs, and it almost feels as if its growth spurt halted 30 years ago (not the case – the current population tops 2.5 mil). Just a block east of the busy New-York-like Yonge Dundas Square lies a park, a 19th century greenhouse, a few beautiful churches and a quiet neighborhood of Victorian townhomes. Head north from Queen St West (where we stayed) and you’ll hit the most charming Polish neighborhood with, again, the uniquely decorated Victorian townhomes which with their tiny gated front yards and cozy structure charmed their way into my heart immediately. I think a good portion of the trip was spent imagining myself in one of these bay-and-gable homes, with a studio/library in the basement and my dog lounging on the 2nd storey patio. Future, let’s look into getting us one of those little gems, shall we?

The “Home” Factor - Thankfully BlueEyes and I have similar preferences in travel: to say screw the scheduled sightseeing and just make it an adventure. Thus, we went most everywhere by either foot or trolley which was not only cheap, but allowed us to take in SO MUCH and make the most of this fantastic place.

In the first 48 hours or so, we started noticing trends that made us feel completely at home in this new-found wonderland:
Toronto is clean. Subways, sidewalks, you name it – it was pleasant.
Toronto is safe. Of the hundreds (literally) of bikes we saw locked to porches, in front of buildings, etc – we did not see a single one that had been pieced off or vandalized. C’mon you Austin assholes, shape up.
Machismo is nearly nonexistent. As are sagging and loud cars.
Toronto is polite. I'm not completely sure how to explain this other than with examples. The crosswalk sign at Queens and Roncesvalles advised "Pedestrians, please wait for gap in traffic." A sign on the subway read "If elderly passengers or expectant mothers are standing, you may be asked to give up your seat." It was as if the City of Toronto was gently suggesting to its citizens, "Please, use common sense and be courteous."
Homeless are not scary. As much as I hate to admit it, the homeless here in Austin and even moreso in Dallas and other cities scare the hell out of me. Maybe I have an unfounded prejudice or maybe it's the memory of being chased down Red River by a smelly man calling me terrible names and pulling my hair. Whatever it is, it's a far cry from what the people we saw on the streets of Toronto made me feel. I witnessed them holding doors open, helping strangers, wishing passers by a good day even when charity was refused. Thanks to public-funded healthcare they are in far better shape than the barely-breathing heaps or strung out beings I've been approached by on the drag. It made me more than happy to give a bit of change to the man who, upon us saying no at first, said "Ok, thanks anyway."
Toronto is… safe. Let me reiterate: At any given time of day and on any street, there was inevitably a woman with a child walking without that fear of what-lurks-around-the-corner that we, especially women, are instilled with here. There were open parks FULL of kids and dogs on - I'll swear to this - every other corner. I hate to sound so desirous for a Leave it to Beaver lifestyle but really, when did we lose this US???

The Culture - In truth, there wasn't a distinguishable culture and that's what I loved. While I'm sure it exists there was not an established standard of beauty or sense of "in" vs "out." Here in Austin, a trek near Downtown, the University and anywhere in between (which I absolutely do not condone during a.Rush Week or b.OU Weekend)will offer sights of distinct cliques; in my college days you knew the "it" girls by their cotton shorts, huge sunglasses and perpetually-out-of-season Ugg boots. There was NONE of this in Toronto. The diversity was SO widespread that there was just no room for this type of social segregation. It occurred to me rather late in our stay that I never once felt like I stuck out as a tourist, because one simply cannot stick out in that happy miscellany.

Toronto housed people from every corner of the world and all walks of life. There were neighborhoods centered around every culture you could think of with their own restaurants, markets, hangouts. A walk down Queens Street easily put us in earshot of conversations in a dozen different languages, which made for a beautiful experience for us. I don't mean beautiful in the fabulous foreign vacation-ey sense, but more in the "I'm a human in a great big neat world" beautiful sense.

So thanks, Toronto, for being so lovely and giving me something to aim for.

A Musing on Amusement

2009-10-14T10:23:00.007-05:00

Thank you, Chloe.

Two Dozen Doozies: Wedding Bells

2009-09-21T11:18:00.023-05:00

After a tiring weekend of driving and lots of buttercream icing, I can mark one more thing off my list of things to accomplish before my birthday in November. My junior high pal Megan was married in Mineral Wells this weekend, and I had the privilege of playing an active part by making her wedding cake.

Megan chose a Fall theme with lots of yellows and oranges and owls everywhere. When we met back in May to discuss the sugary details, she simply provided me with 5 pages of printed cake pictures, an invitation and a ribbon sample, saying "I trust you to make me something I'll love."

Uh, pressure much?

So I took the confidence she had in me and ran with it, creating the 4-flavor 5-tier 240-serving monster of a pastry you see here.

In a turn of potential disaster the bottom layer (filled with lemon-cream cheese goodness) slid on the board, threatening a cake-toppling catastrophe. Dad and I *carefully* pulled it out of the back of their CRV and got it to the display table, then set to work with what little problem solving skills I had left after 2 all-nighters and a 3-hour drive from Austin. In a stroke of brilliance (read: desperation?) we flipped the ribbon wrapped around the cake board up to instead contain the gushing innards of the bottom layer of cake, and few people were the wiser.

Megan - congratulations, I wish you and Willy a lifetime of fantastic adventures together.

I am so glad I had the opportunity to contribute to the celebration and do this for a long-time friend. Also glad it's over. Also very glad that this time tomorrow I'll be well on my way to a 5-day vacation. I will now proceed to breath again.

Sunday Funnies

2009-09-20T11:12:00.000-05:00

Sunday Funnies

2009-09-13T08:13:00.002-05:00

This is very much what our quest to choose a hotel in Toronto was like for the past 2 weeks.

Taking Flight

2009-09-12T09:24:00.010-05:00

credit

Well friends, I feel it's time to fill you in on the big Fall vacation plans. In ten days' time I will be on a plane next to aforementioned Blue Eyed Boy on an 8-hour flight to Canada.

Note: I have already been sufficiently shaken and reminded (thank you Jack) that I am going out of the country with a guy who I met over a poker game 6 weeks ago. I also couldn't be happier about it.

Why Canada, you ask? Well to start with we have been in Texas all summer where, up until last weekend, it has topped a hundred f'ing degrees every day. No joke. The deciding factor, however, is that BlueEyes and his brothers are set to perform at the Toronto Improv Festival, and I was invited to tag along.

Pretty sweet deal huh?

Ok, honestly it took about a week of batting around tentative travel plans for me to think so. As we started to talk about actual dates/times/places, my feet began to freeze. Yes, this girl got the jitters and came about this close to backing out, but thanks to the poking and prodding of a few close friends I didn't and am now getting more excited by the day. We are staying in Liberty Village at a unique hotel just a stone's throw from the theater and from almost everything else social, it seems. The plan is to spend the first two days focused on the festival, then the brothers will return to Chicago and we'll have the city to ourselves to explore.

So all you northerners who may have somehow stumbled across this little lady's blog, what's to do in Toronto? We are looking to turn this into an impromptu adventure with a good mix of markets, parks, mayhaps some hiking and fishing... Suggestions of restaurants, events, museums, theaters, anything potentially fantastic will not only be appreciated, but possibly paid out in cookies via USPS once we're back.

And I make damn good cookies.

Two Dozen Doozies: The Dating Edition

2009-09-10T09:35:00.008-05:00

credit

Here, my friends, comes the next installment of Two Dozen Doozies, my quest to undertake 24 new things before I turn 24. This specific doozie came rather unexpectedly, and I was quite sure I didn't want to cross it off my list until I was much closer to my November deadline.

I sat through the summer with arms crossed, obstinately and presumptuously thinking that I knew what was best. Yes, I thought, I'll wait a while. I have plenty to focus on. Heart has some healing to do. No dates for this busy little lady. The universe retorted, "Oh really?" And threw me a curve ball in the form of a boy with pretty blue eyes and all the right words.

Dammit.

So one fateful Wednesday in July from across the poker table, boy made eyes at me over his winning hand of cards. "Smooth-talking asshole" were the misinformed descriptors that came to mind, and I thus gave him little more than my name and the time of day until the following weekend.

That weekend, date went as follows:

Text-flirt from work. Meet for coffee on Congress at 6:30.
Walk around State Capitol grounds, discuss how ridiculous it seems that we proudly display a bronze tribute to the Confederacy on our capitol grounds glorifying the valliant South and condemning the coercive Union. Yay Texas.
Continue walking through the rest of downtown. Stop in random bar for a few beers and some "live" music, which turned out to be deceptively not live.
Decide we're hungry around 9, make the circle back to Congress for some sushi. Bump into four different mutual friends at said sushi bar, all four of whom greeted us rather confused looks on their faces.
Head over to other friend's place for some backyard fun, facilitated by popsicles and puppies.
Get dropped of at 2:30 AM.

In case any of you didn't do the math that makes for an 8-hour date extravaganza, and quite possibly the longest first date in history. At least, in my history.

On a side note, #9 on my list was to go on A Date. Singular. This happened approximately 6 weeks ago and dates #2, 3... 10... have since followed. Moral of the story: don't argue with the universe. You will most likely lose.

Tuftastic Birthday

2009-09-09T09:40:00.006-05:00

Today is Miss Tuft's birthday! She celebrated on Monday with truckloads of barbecue, croquet in the park and the last show of the OOB Fest.

I also made her, as promised, a triple-murder-by-darkest-chocolate Twilight cake because she is wonderful and I wanted to hear her squeal. Mission: accomplished.

Tufts, you have quickly become one of my favorite people in the world and I wish you the best birthday the universe can muster. <3

Sunday Funnies

2009-09-06T08:25:00.001-05:00

Inside joke today. If you're not in, don't ask. Just giggle.

6 Months: Almost

2009-09-05T09:12:00.008-05:00

Today marks 6 months since my third ACL reconstruction. So close to recovery, I can almost breathe in the barefoot-and-chalk smell of the climbing gym.

Gross, but awesome.

While I admittedly haven't worked it as hard as I should, my knee is way stronger than it was even before this last blowout. The size difference between my right and left legs is laughable. There's at least an inch difference in the circumference of my thighs, but that's the result of 8 years of overcompensation for a faulty ligament and something that time and weights will eventually remedy.

I've noticed better control, more power and way less pain in going up and down the stairs to my 3rd-floor apartment. I don't remember having used stairs without struggling since I was 16, so this little daily luxury is actually pretty monumental. I guess the surgeon can make all the difference in the world, and Dr. Brotzman apparently did a killer job in there as well as in keeping me on a steady track to recovery.

So yet another countdown begins: this time to December when, assuming I've strengthened the supporting muscles around this time bomb of a knee, I'll be right back on the rock wall.

Finally Friday

2009-09-04T13:07:00.008-05:00

Is it a bad thing that my first instinct upon receiving my OOB Press Pass was to take it home and be-glitter the castle? Surely not.

As much as I would like to reinstate Foodie Friday today, I'm just too damn busy with Out of Bounds this week. You can follow the festivities on Flickr or be more awesome and come to a few shows.

So far the entertainment has been pretty stellar - last night's You're Not My Real Dad (ATX), Splendid Things (MIN) and 7-10 Split (LA) all had me cracking up behind my camera.

If you're in Austin, there are still a few days left and the shows only get better from here. Might I suggest local troupes Girls Girls Girls, PGraph and Knuckleball Now, as well as FUCT (NYC) and Available Cupholders; or for a cheap thrill hit the $5 marathons at Coldtowne Theater tonight and tomorrow.

There's No Place

2009-09-03T09:14:00.003-05:00

In the month or two that I've been so carelessly absent here, my living situation has been decidedly... undecided.

The roommate with whom I signed a 14-month lease expressed interest in moving out back in May (lease ends October 19) and followed through on her whim to bail in June, leaving me with our ideal 2/2 apartment and double rent. Coincidentally, a friend fresh out of A&M thought he might take the spare room but has yet to find a job, so that fell through. I had plans of subletting a friend's apartment when he leaves for school in September and thought I would just tough out the double rent until then. That plan went ka-put as well, and probably for the better.

I made the solid decision last week to re-sign the lease on my own. Yes, that is just how much I love this apartment, the location, the people... Vaulted ceilings, spacious layout, washer/dryer connections, colorful accent walls painted by yours truly, all this tucked away in Austin's Greenbelt with a beautiful wooded view from my 3rd floor balcony. It takes me approximately 3.5 minutes to get to work and 10 to get to the theater downtown, and I have absolutely won the neighbor lottery and can't bring myself to give that up. So the apartment is mine-all-mine through May 2010, and I now have a delightful new roommate moving in and bringing with her a furry playmate for Carmen.

While I am sure of my decision to re-sign and absolutely happy with the new additions to the household, I have other ideas of what I want for myself in the future.

The idea of home and community is very important to me. For the first 18 years of my life my entire family (5 generations!) lived within a ten-minute drive of each other. I spent the majority of my time with my maternal grandparents who split their time between two homes, both of which oozed small-town life, southern family roots, love and fun.

From 2006 to 2008, I found myself in a living situation that did not at all reflect my existence. The apartments were fairly ritzy, spacious, and we had nice things. They were very well appointed... with all the tan, black and stainless steel you could ever expect to see in a mid-twenties bachelor's pad, because that's exactly what it was. They weren't home to me. My knick-knacks were tucked away in boxes, pictures and posters laid under the bed, my art supplies hidden in the closet, and my pride-and-joy of a book collection stashed in a black trunk. I might as well have stuffed myself into a box too. From this experience I've taken a love for design, and a need to make my place my own, my safe place, my home.

I moved out of that situation and into my current one last September. As ideal as my lovely greenbelt apartment is right now, I'm aching for something cozy. Something in me wants to trade this 1000-sq ft sprawl for a something with a snugger fit, a gem in the rough that I can pour myself into and be proud of. Something with a decent kitchen (girl's gotta have room to create), walls lined with shelves that spill over with books, movies, art, pictures, memories. I want my home to be welcoming, I want every wall and every corner to reflect some aspect of me, I want this tiny place I have pictured in my head to happily burst with ChristaLou the moment the door is unbolted.

I realize I'm sounding more and more demanding here, but I am taking that liberty to want what I want and work for it, instead of clicking my heels in hope it might get dropped in my lap. Thus begins the 9-month countdown to something that speaks of home.

Two Dozen Doozies: Rockstar Wannabe

2009-09-02T09:30:00.002-05:00

Why, what's this? Well well, it looks like me. On a stage. With a mic in my hand.

Yes indeed, last Friday I drug my semi-sick self out to fulfill #11 on my list of 24 Things to Do. This actually makes the 3rd time I've sang karaoke in the past month - the first two times were warm-ups at Ego's, where I assuredly dazzled with my renditions of Total Eclipse of the Heart and The Donna's Take It Off.

This was a whole other playing field because, in case you didn't notice, there's a real live band behind me. Those are the Dead Motley Sex Maidens, who facilitate Austin karaoke enthusiasts in fulfilling their exhibitionist needs through live band karaoke. Somehow I convinced myself to play lead singer through Poison's Talk Dirty to Me. Can I get a holy crap please?

In case anyone is wondering why this is such a big deal in my little head, it's because through most of my life I was more or less socially handicapped by paralyzing stage fright. We're not talking jitters here people, I mean I would blush uncontrollably and blank out if more than 2 people looked in my direction while I was talking. Put me on a stage in front of a bunch of strangers and I was likely to feel the immediate need to cry and/or vomit, if I was able to move at all.
So this big karaoke kick has been something of a therapy session for me, and I'm so very lucky to have such killer support. I was joined in rockstardom by the lovely Miss AA above, who nailed Suffragette City with grace, style and all-around badassness. She's one of those women in my life who makes me say with big sparkly eyes, "I want to be like her when I grow up!"

Also in appearance was my coach and very good friend Vines, who got the entire crowd to Shout at the Devil along with him. I must be one very lucky girl to have the 2008 NKL Champ as a coach.

Back to Our Regularly Scheduled Rant

2009-09-01T08:57:00.004-05:00

Hi. Remember me? Yeah, I once was the author of a neat little blog, but then my real life took over and the internet-me had to take a back seat. I am back in action now though, and will be doing my best to get up to pace with my posts and fill you in on all the wonderfully neat things that have pulled me away from my regular pandering here on Saccharine Thoughts.

The first of September is upon us, which I think I can safely call Autumn even though it's still a hundred f'ing degrees here in Austin. Anyone who is anyone knows that the first of the month means it is time for a little check-in with the to-do list fairy. September promises to be a ridiculously busy month, so here is what lies ahead:

The Out of Bounds Comedy Festival, which I highly suggest to anyone in Austin who remotely enjoys laughing. OOB consists of wonderfully talented comedy, sketch and improv groups from all over the country dogpiled into this awesome little city I call home. I will be shooting shows back-to-back-to-back on Sept 2nd through the 5th. Do not, I repeat, do not expect an entry beyond a link to my ever-expanding Flickr page during that time.
My dear MissTuft's birthday! I do believe a triple-choco Twilight cake is in order for this delightful lady.
Ka-BAAM! Starts September 11 at the Hideout! I hold a specific soft spot in my heart for this show, as it was the first improv show I'd ever seen here in Austin. I'll skip the nostalgia for now and just say, check it out. I also had the honor of working with the awesome cast and shooting the promo shot for this show!
Wedding Bells! My high school pal Megan is getting married, and I'll be spending the 3rd week of September celebrating this momentus occasion the best way that I know how - by making her a cake. Yes as in, THE cake.
It's really happening... I am taking a real live vacation. Suffice it to say I am incredibly stoked. Stay tuned for details.

As you can see, September promises to be challenging, exciting, tiring... probably much much more, and I just can't wait to share it with you.

TTFN - Chris

Pbpbpbfffttt

2009-07-08T11:14:00.000-05:00

Sunday Funnies

2009-07-05T11:58:00.003-05:00

Wait, no, that one also loses. How about a nice game of chess?
Those rules are much more clear.

Foodie Friday - Poolside Pizza Party

2009-06-26T23:53:00.004-05:00

Tonight kicked off what promises to be a very busy and friend-filled weekend for me, and what better way to get started than with good food?

Good food consisted of grilled pizzas, an idea stolen from A Good Appetite:

1 c warm water (110 to 115 F)
2 1/2 t active dry yeast
1/2 t sugar
4 T olive oil
3 1/4 c all-purpose flour, plus more if needed
2 t kosher salt

Combine the water, yeast & sugar in a bowl & stir until mixed. Let sit 5 minutes until it gets foamy. Stir in 3 tablespoons of the olive oil.

Mix the flour & salt together in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture & stir until the dough forms a ball. Turn out onto a floured surface & knead until smooth & elastic, about 5 minutes. The dough should be slightly sticky, not dry. If more flour is needed, add it in 1 tablespoon at a time.

Coat the inside of a large bowl with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Put the dough in the bowl & turn to coat with oil. Cover & let rise until doubled about 1 hour.

Cut four pieces of aluminum foil about 12" x 12". Spray the foil with non-stick spray or olive oil. Divide the pizza dough into four pieces. Stretch (or roll, as I did, or toss if you're really that good) each piece of dough out to about a 10" circle on the prepared pieces of foil. Flip them onto the grill, one at a time, dough side down. Peel away the foil. Close the lid & let cook 1 - 2 minutes, the top of the dough should be bubbly & the bottom should be grill-marked.

Remove from grill, add your toppings and return to grill until cheese is melted and toppings are cooked to your liking. We had on topped with sirloin and fresh mozarella, one with spinach/tomato/olive with mozzarella and romano, one with red, yellow and green bell peppers, baby bella mushrooms and red onions with mozarella and asiago, and the last consisted of everything we had left, which turned out muy delicioso.

We used my own homemade tomato sauce. I don't really use set proportions, but this is what I throw in the saucepan and it has yet to fail me:

diced tomatoes
tomato paste
diced yellow onion
minced garlic
fresh basil
crushed red pepper
nutmeg
salt
pepper

I think the title photo speaks for the evening, but here are a few others just to reiterate. Hope you enjoy this pizza as much as we did!

Foodie Fridays - The Bacon Kick Continues

2009-06-19T14:32:00.008-05:00

I promise I don't have a fixation with bacon.

No, really. I'm actually a vegetarian. Sort of, part-time, etc...

I DO, however, have friends with pork problems, and I just facilitate their habits :) Just for Kim, here is the candied bacon ice cream from David Lebovitz's archives.

For the candied bacon:

5 strips bacon
~2 tablespoons light brown sugar

Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).

Lay the strips of bacon on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or aluminum foil, shiny side down. Sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons of brown sugar evenly over each strip of bacon. Bake for about half an hour. Midway during baking, flip the bacon strips over and drag them through the melted sugar.

Remove from oven and cool the strips on a wire rack. Once crisp and cool, chop into little pieces - I used a food processor here.

At this point in the process, you'll want to beware of adorable bacon burglars. Just a head's up.

For the ice cream custard:

3 tablespoons salted butter
¾ cup packed brown sugar
2¾ (675ml) cup half-and-half
5 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons dark rum or whiskey (I favor Maker's Mark, in case you were wondering.)
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Melt the butter in a heavy, medium-size saucepan. Stir in the brown sugar and half of the half-and-half. Pour the remaining half-and-half into a bowl on an ice bath and set a mesh strainer over the top.

In a separate bowl, stir together the egg yolks, then gradually add some of the warm brown sugar mixture to them, whisking the yolks constantly as you pour. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over low to moderate heat, constantly stirring and scraping the bottom with a heatproof spatula, until the custard thickens enough to coat the spatula.

Strain the custard into the half-and-half, stirring over the ice bath, until cool. Add liquor, vanilla and cinnamon. Refrigerate the mixture. Once thoroughly chilled, freeze in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. Add the bacon bits during the last moment of churning, or stir them in when you remove the ice cream from the machine.

I thought after tasting this that some candied pecans might mix well? If you try it out, let me know how that goes :) Enjoy!

Guilds of Geekdom

2009-06-15T21:36:00.017-05:00

As you may have gathered from my latest to-do lists, I bumped a few projects so as to devote time and energy to creating a costume for a friend. Well dear audience, here are the spoils of my labor: Jon's Time Sorcerer costume for a new improv series, Guilds of Steel. I'm especially proud of this because I didn't actually have a pattern to work off of, just a picture from an online costume shop that he'd picked out.

Guilds is a serial improv series chronicling the online lives of characters from an MMORPG (World of Warcraft, anyone?) and the offline lives of the players.

The show has been playing every weekend since May 22, with recurring characters and all sorts of plots twists and legendary quests. I've been to at least one show each weekend and I am SO proud of my friends who have been involved in this; they were even recognized in the Austin Chronicle last week, which is a pretty big stinking deal!

The makeup for the show has again been mastered by Jason Vines, who did makeup for our Dolled Up shoot as well as multiple others. As proud as I am of Jon's costume and as cool as some of the others are I must say... I think I favor the Noob.

Yes, Zach has a strainer on his head. Yes, he pummeled dragons with that rolling pin.

They only have 4 shows left: June 19, 20, 26 and 27 all at 8:00 pm at Salvage Vanguard Theater. I highly encourage anyone in Austin who enjoys improv and/or can appreciate the uber-gamer theme to go check it out!

http://guildsofsteel.eventbrite.com/

Click below for my photos from this event; I'll be updating Flickr as the series goes!

Those Summer Nights

2009-06-11T00:56:00.004-05:00

This year has flown by so fast, I haven't even noticed that it's actually summertime. Well, other than the sweltering Texas heat and the wondrous lack of university students around town...

I kicked off my realization of official summerhood with a movie last night. Each summer 101X and the Alamo Drafthouse team up to present Movies in the Park - a series of movies shown on an inflatable drive-in movie screen, sans the cars. Instead, picture a field of Austinites, their kids, their dogs, blankets, lawnchairs and generally a little booze.

That's what my Wednesday looked like as we attended this year's first movie of the series, which happened to be Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. I think I've seen that movie 30 times now, and I haven't gotten tired of it yet. Give me 32, and I might sing a different tune.

On the Friend Zone

2009-06-09T15:24:00.005-05:00

Click for the Onion article.

Prepare to chuckle and relate uncomfortably.

Sunday Funnies

2009-06-07T20:32:00.003-05:00

Foodie Friday - Cupcakes Galore

2009-06-05T09:42:00.020-05:00

Foodie Fridays is my attempt at establishing some sort of structure within my blog; each week I'll be sharing something I've made, and most likely the corresponding recipe. Hopefully it will be delicious.

Last week I had 2 opportunities to take a twist on my go-to chocolate cake recipe. This recipe rocks; I've added cofffee, Kahlua, Grand Marnier, chipotle & cinnamon and now peanut butter and bacon and it has yet to do me wrong.

Yes, peanut butter and bacon. No, not in the same batch.

The peanut butter beauties above were in payment to a friend for dogsitting while I was away reveling it up at the Ren Faire.

The dark chocolate bacon cupcakes were made for Jason's 34th birthday on Thursday. They were a great finish to the mountain of barbecue we had at Kreutz's Market in Lockhart.

Here is my go-to recipe. For the first batch I added a dollop of peanut butter in the middle of each cupcake before baking, and garnished with the mini peanut butter cups from Central Market. For the others I added a pound of cooked, finely-chopped bacon and garnished with a pinch of sea salt. Next time I might up the proportions to 1 1/2 pounds of bacon; we could not really taste the bacon in these but they had a nice sweet/savory mix and interesting texture.

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup water

Directions:
Heat oven to 350°F.

Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, and oil; beat until combined. Stir in water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.

Bake 20-25 minutes for cupcakes, 30 to 35 minutes for round pans, 35 to 40 minutes for rectangular pan.

Chocolate Buttercream

6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
2-2/3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Beat butter in medium bowl. Add powdered sugar and cocoa alternately with milk, beating to spreading consistency. Stir in vanilla. Makes about 2 cups frosting.

Enjoy!

The Case of the Disappearing Pork Bits

2009-06-03T10:36:00.011-05:00

I arrive home from work on Tuesday night, like any normal night, around 6:30. I plan to walk the dog, put the finishing touches and alterations on Jon's costume and bake the dark chocolate and bacon cupcakes for Jason's birthday on Thursday.

After taking a stroll around the complex with Carmen and checking the mail, I begin my work in the kitchen. I carefully lay a full pound of sliced bacon out on 2 cookie sheets, put them both in the oven to broil and head back to my room to begin my meticulous work on the sorcerer's hood. The smell of applewood bacon starts to drift through my small apartment; a smell not natural to my place being that I was primarily vegetarian until recently.

After a good bit of progress on the costume, I take a break to pull the bacon out. I prepare a shallow bowl and begin pulling the sizzling strips off the pans and layering them between sheets of paper towels, ending up with 4 layers of meat-napkin-meat-napkin. I share one crispy piece with Carmen, and leave said bowl of bacon on the kitchen counter to drain and cool off.

I return to my room to clean up the sleeve hems and put stitches in the robe's sash. Around 10:45 I finish triumphantly, and hang the robe up to be delivered to it's sorcerer on Wednesday. I head to the kitchen thinking... it's cupcake time! When I realize...

The bacon is gone.

The white china bowl is still where I left it, about six inches from the edge of the counter.

The four layers of paper towels are still in the bowl.

But the entire pound of bacon is gone.

I look around the kitchen, glancing from the empty bowl to the empty cookie sheets, thinking did I do something with it and forget? Scratching my head, I turn from the counter to find this big-eyed ball of guilt and fur.

Surely, the 1-year-old dumpster mutt was not clever enough to manage this crime? Surely she would not be graceful enough to get her 30-pound self up on the 3-foot-tall counters, delicately pull the bacon from between the paper towels without knocking my bowl over, and get down without my hearing her?

I don't even have time to question, as she has darts to her crate before I am able to process these possibilities.

Who'd Have Thought

2009-06-02T10:24:00.004-05:00

... that Facebook would provide so many reasons to smile in just a few days :)

Summer Scheming pt II

2009-06-01T09:45:00.012-05:00

Here we go again! It's already a new month, time to start new things! There seems to be a lot that I didn't get done in May but really, all those things I didn't complete were replaced by other neat projects like costume making and the doll shoot.

Got my computer; have yet to edit headshots and promo pics...
Finished From Russia with Love and am nearly done with A Clockwork Orange.
Resolved roommate issue and made a commitment to future housing plans.
Kept patio flowers alive. Sort of.
Released second newsletter at work.
Payed off a major credit card!
Made tilapia-mango tacos for Chloe and Christin :)
Completed Jon's costume for Guilds of Steel, and mine for the Ren Faire.
Started counseling. I am well on my way to that magnificent something.

June brings us to the 6-month mark, so it's time I take a look at what I thought I wanted for myself back in January, see what projects I need to wrap up and which ones I need to reprioritize or delete completely.

This month I'll have to really bust my butt to get those photos edited and to revise my research papers. I was hoping to have started with The Artist's Way by now but as it looks like that's fallen through, think my focus will lie in these two big projects for a few weeks.
Finish A Clockwork Orange, read Daywatch.
Keep going to the gym! I've been so busy that I've only made it once a week. 3+ a week is what THIS girl needs.
Enroll in NTR 311.
Pay off half of my Mastercard, half of my UT debt.
Release 3rd newsletter in the last week of June.
Finish my tattoo design!
Keep the self-improvement ball rolling :)

Tiny victory: I came out of Central Market yesterday with 4 CANVAS BAGS of groceries, including supplies for 3 batches of cupcakes and 2 dozen kolaches, yet I spent less than $100. Hell. Yess.

I have decided to put off painting my desk and the other pieces until I have a better idea of what I want the new place in September to look and feel like, as I have plenty to keep me busy this month. It's starting to come together in my head, and I've enlisted a couple of my lady friends to help me frilly the place up when the time comes. It has just occurred to me that affording my own apartment was a goal I had hoped to reach by January 2010, but really wasn't sure I could reach it. This opportunity is facilitating my reaching a goal EARLY. If you know me, you know it's a damn good day if I am early to anything. This itty bitty epiphany has turned my hesitation into utter excitement :)

Apparently therein lies the power of positive thinking. Decide you really want something, take steps toward it and the universe coalesces to provide for it to happen.

Two Dozen Doozies

2009-05-30T12:04:00.007-05:00

I am joining Sarah Von in her endeavor to do 30 new things before she turns 30. I have 24 weeks until my 24th birthday, so that just worked out way too well to not take part.

Drumroll please:

Find an organization to volunteer and become actively involved with.
Hostess a breakfast/brunch, with Saturday morning cartoons.
Take voice/singing lessons.
Take a stripping/pole dancing class.
Hostess a RockBand party.
Learn to make pasties!
Get an addition to my tattoo.
Take a bellydancing class
Go on a date.
Go country dancing
Do Karaoke. And rock at it.
Spend a day thrift shopping
Have my tarot cards and palms read. This may not be a first - I had a tarot reading done at the ren faire, but the reader was adamant that I would have a proposal for marriage before March, which I adamantly protested - so I am demanding a second opinion.
Spend a day book shopping.
Take a vacation. Preferably to somewhere I've never been.
Make a wedding cake! (Not my own) Also not a first, but I haven't done this in 3 years and I've been commissioned for one in September!
Make Kim's candied bacon ice cream.
Play a game through on Xbox. The only thing I've ever finished was Portal.
Take an improv class
Redecorate my apartment
Gussy up this blog!
Have a photoshoot in which I am NOT behind the camera. Possibly pin-up style?
Go blues dancing
Compile my photography portfolio

Friendly Farewell

2009-05-27T15:58:00.008-05:00

Well, that's it. After a weekend of shenanigans, Jack is off to LA. My longest running friendship since moving to Austin... is no longer in Austin.

Jack is going to kick ass in LA, there's no doubt about that. Looks like it'll be Scrubs and macaroni across time zones from here on out :)

*Yes that's us, circa 2005

Ye Olde Memorial Day

2009-05-25T23:46:00.002-05:00

*self-punch in the ovaries, per order of Jack*

Today was spent reveling in Renaissance fun at Scarborough Faire in Waxahachie. We had a group of 10 people meet up out there, and I've been led to believe that everyone had a good time. That's what I call one hell of a Memorial Day :)

Half the crew: Marc, Topping, Kristin, Kacey and Kareem. Click for the rest on Flickr!

This Time It’s Personal

2009-05-23T14:25:00.009-05:00

I have recently come to see that one of the hardest things for me to deal with is being misunderstood.

Before you go calling me a melodramatic emo kid, hear me out. I am not referring to the no-one-gets-me, I’m-a-lonesome-snowflake-floating-in-the-dark type of misunderstood.

What I am getting at are those moments when I have the best of intentions, yet somewhere between planning and execution something goes awry and someone I am close to reacts in a way unforeseen through my rosy specs. It may be so clear to me that my reasoning, my opinion or my words and actions are justified and may be the best way to reach an objective, yet the person on the other end just misses it.

Maybe they can’t quite see past their own understanding and emotions to the grand scheme in my head, maybe I just haven't communicated clearly enough, or maybe my scheme really isn't so grand. Perhaps the people closest to me aren't used to anything but the agreeable and occasionally over-accommodating side of me, so when anything remotely assertive, concise or firm comes from me - anything not sugar coated with a cherry on top - they recoil.

Whatever the reason, the goodness in my plan is lost, indiscernible to the other person and I feel like they draw some tiny negative mental tally mark under my name.

This is the point at which I see the anger, hurt, sadness or confusion pass over a friend’s face and I scramble to make it better. I take the responsibility of overexplaining and overcompensating in an attempt to patch the hole I’ve inadvertently poked in the relationship while paying absolutely no mind to myself, and completely letting go of my original aim.

Whether it comes from declining an invitation because I have previous plans, saying no to a favor that I've agreed to countless times before, or simply standing my ground and protecting myself despite the potential discomfort of someone I love, the disconnect occurs. I take it personally as testament to my inability to communicate or my failure as a friend, and it manifests itself as guilt weighing on my heart.

How very ridiculous and exhausting that sounds, now that I have laid it out in print.

There must be a balance to be found between taking no heed for how my actions affect others and taking on the weight of the world as I have tendency to do? Surely a middle ground exists on which I can firmly stand?

I am a good friend and a compassionate person. I love to do everything I can to make the people I love happy and comfortable and make life easier for them. I will be empathic when a friend needs me, do what I can to make the people important to me smile and lord knows I will make the best fucking birthday cakes for them until the day I die, but it is not my station in life to expend myself trying to save the world from the tiniest grief, nor is it my job to step down if someone does not understand that and cannot see my good intent through their agenda.

In short, if someone does not like my words but they were said with honesty and the best of intention, their reaction is not my problem. I am confident that my true friendships will survive these inevitable disconnects without my overcompensation because I love those people and we have mutual commitments to our friendship.

I now descend from my soapbox; ah-thank you.

All Dolled Up

2009-05-19T11:00:00.005-05:00

From the brainthoughts of me and my crazy friends, brought to life by the makeup artistry of Jason Vines and awesome photography of Jon Bolden. Be prepared to be slightly creeped out.

Overdue

2009-05-18T09:43:00.009-05:00

I know I have played hooky from the online world for a week or so; what can I say, we all need a vacation every once in a while.

Unfortunately mine has not been from the real world. I've been busting my tail at work to crank out our second newsletter which is coming out this Thursday. May 8-11 was spent in dear old Mineral Wells for my kid sister's 16th birthday. Watch out world, the kid has reached the driving age and will inevitably wreak havoc on that tiny town. At least, I hope so :)

Friday was spent in the Texas summer sun, volunteering with a small team from HomeAway to renovate a NE Austin school yard.
I specialized in inverted hopscotch design.
We spent Sunday putting into play the long-awaited Dolled Up photo shoot, details and photos to come ASAP.

The roommate situation (ie: my roommate wanting to bail on our lease 6 months early and my scramble to find a trustworthy sublet) is cured for now. She's sticking it out, and we're now tentatively planning to pay a reletting fee which would allow us to move elsewhere in September instead of November - a decent compromise in my eyes.

As much as I LOVE my complex and am excited for all the renovations they've put into motion, I know that I can't realistically afford a 1/1 there. Thus, I've solidly decided to sublet a friend's apartment when he leaves for school in the fall. It's a neat 1-bedroom within a very cozy community of grad students and young professionals in a GREAT central-Austin location. This was a committment that I've been very hesitant to make for many many reasons, worries, fears... I'm taking the leap of faith there, hoping it works out best for both of us and actually feeling better and better about it as time passes.

Staying so busy has actually been a great thing for me, allowing me clear my head of all the tiny things cluttering my head and refocus on myself a bit. This is something I've needed badly to do for a good while, and now I'm looking at a bright start down a road of self-improvement. Changes, benchmarks, challenges and eventual achievements are falling into place on my treasure map, and for the first time in a long time I'm honestly excited about my future.

Another One Bites the Dust

2009-05-15T09:17:00.004-05:00

One credit card completely paid and canceled.

Take that Bank of America.

From Russia With Love

2009-05-07T19:34:00.009-05:00

Ian Fleming
When I was presented with this book in exchange for Nightwatch it was tightly bound in a discreet brown paper jacket, looking much like a package that might be as likely to contain some earth-shattering top secret information as it was to spontaneously self-destruct. The front appropriately read "Christa's Secret Book of Secrecy." Being strictly forbidden from researching it, I was told only that it was really good and had plot twists that were not to be prematurely discovered. In addition to the cover being concealed, all pages preceding Chapter 1 were also tucked away into the makeshift jacket.

Being a chick and not exactly a Bond fiend, I had no idea this was a Bond book.

A very good Bond book, I might add. I can't really compare it to the others since I haven't read them (yet!) but it was definitely entertaining and extremely well-written. Clear language, great development of the characters (even conveying their personalities through their choices in food and drink in detail) and awesome structure - focus is given to the antagonist plot for the first half of the book, while Bond doesn't even make his first appearance until Chapter 11. As if any of that weren't enough, Tatiana is just so hot.

Totally recommended for a bite of brain candy!

2 Months - Normalcy, almost

2009-05-05T09:56:00.003-05:00

Today marks 2 months since my ACL reconstructive surgery, and I'm really feeling pretty good. I checked in with my physical therapist yesterday after he let me loose in the gym for the past two weeks. My balance is still lacking pretty badly, but my strength is getting better and things are looking good overall. The knee is sore, but it's a totally different sore than after the other surgeries; more of a been-working-out-making-progress-building-muscles sore than a oh-god-something-is-way-out-of-whack sore. I also wore heels yesterday for the first time in over 2 months, and it's SO good to feel sexy again.

I didn't hit my weight loss goal of 126 lbs, I am still fluctuating between 129 and 131. Geez, it sucks to admit failure and it's no one's fault but my own - I'm only making it to the gym 3 times a week max, and my eating habits haven't been the best... I've given in to sweets here and there and have been drinking too much beer to expect to lose much if any weight. I know if I buckled down for the next few weeks and cut my intake of those two things I could easily drop those last 3 or 4 pounds but let's get real... I'm making ice cream with Kacey tomorrow, going to NXNW next week for a beer tasting and going to the renaissance faire on Memorial Day. Diet? I think not.