Summer versus fall

It's been a while since one of these went down. A terrible webcam photo of yours truly and a boring post without food or pretty pictures, revolving around my actual day to day life and thoughts. Wooo. But first and foremost, look at that busted chair. Thanks, cats. I reupholster a nasty chair with the cheapest fabric in the scrap pile for the living room corner painting studio that I never use and this is how you treat it? Shame.

Pharmacy school has started. Oh pharmacy school. Can we break up already? This is year three out of four, so at least we're over half way there. The constant studying and a certain wife falling asleep alone hasn't started yet, but I can smell it. I'm just trying very hard to look at it from the "the sooner it starts, the sooner it's over" side, but it's got me a little bummed. And I know Brendon isn't stoked either.

This cycle with pharmacy school has brought on mixed feelings about my favorite time of the year. I am not a summer person, and I don't think I ever have been. I look forward to the fall months leading to the holy time of December (so much irony) all year long. But this year, I want to hold on to summer. Not the heat, hell no, not the heat, but the summeryness of summer. The freedom and the fun and the carefreeness. The husband out of school and the adventures we have together. TWO incomes. Bright colors and sunglasses and tan lines and even sandals. Luckily for me, we live in Texas and summer is basically forever, or at least until November, but school starting is the unofficial beginning of fall regardless of temperature. There are cases of pumpkin syrup on my shelves at work, begging to be latte-ed up. Stores are clearancing their shorts and showing off their sweaters (and I want them all, oh my goodness especially this one). Leaves are starting to change in regions of America with seasons. My Facebook newsfeed is unfortunately flooded with football posts. Halloween costumes are being schemed and I've got a hankering to watch You've Got Mail. And somehow tomorrow is the first day of September. It's happening. Fall is happening. And usually I'd be lapping it all up, but I am clinging to summer. I am a fairly forward thinking person, but I want to go back. I want to rewind to May and do it all again. Madness. I blame this on a wonderful summer and funky things happening in my life at the moment. Fall is the season of change and maybe that's what I'm afraid of. But I need to quit it. Fall is the most wonderful time of the year, followed by the most magical month of the year. I am going to enjoy it, damnit. One pumpkin latte at a time (kidding, not actually a fan of pumpkin outside of candles). So bring it on, September. Whatever you bring, I'm armed with a handful of fake red and yellow leaves and an arsenal of fall baking ideas.

And this has nothing to do with anything, but because I'm a maniac and love working 50+ hours a week, I got a second job. This summer I started sewing a day or two a week at a drapery workroom with the sweetest lady ever. Seriously, nicest boss in the world. This job is my happy place. It's the greatest escape and I am learning so much. I get to sew with fancy machines on fancy fabric and learn fancy tricks and techniques. I haven't sewn at home since I've started, but I imagine my little machine will feel... different. But this little job has made me realize even more that I am happiest when I am making something. When my hands are at work. Even if it's drapes for someone's home that I'll never see, I'm creating. I'm not sure where my calling is in the world (honestly, is anyone? If you know, then tell me the secret to figuring it out), but I feel like I'd be pretty happy as long as my hands are at work making something. Preferably something pretty. I think I need to take this more to heart.

End ramble. If you made it this far, congrats. I think all that typing about fall has me ready for it. I'm sad to see summer end, but I'm about ready to tackle this fantastic season. Maybe I'll just pop You've Got Mail in and let it push me over the edge.

An update on life outside of food

I haven't blessed your eyeballs with a crappy webcam photo of myself in a while, y'all. Wish granted.

I feel like all I post these days is food. I mean, really, that's all it is. I swear that eating is not all that's happening in my little life. But honestly, there is a lot of eating. I love food. Here are some tidbits that aren't edible (and by tidbits I mean paragraphs of rambling):

Brendon and I have decided to stay in our little apartment for another year. After much debating and a little disappointing apartment and house hunting, we decided that it wasn't worth the effort, and mostly it wasn't worth the moola. Moving is expensive and rent is cray cray here in Austin right now. We have a pretty good deal where we are now, and we kind of love our crazy apartment (just not our neighbors), so we're staying put. It was a big relief to finally throw in the towel on finding a new place, because really, who has time for that?

We have started running again! We both missed running and are working on getting back into the habit of running on a regular basis. The Town Lake trail has been seeing a lot of us. My body hates it and loves it. We're running the Autism Speaks 8k at the end of the month... wish us luck. Brendon is in great shape but I've got a loooong ways to go. I forsee a lot of walking during that 8k.

I've been working more than I've ever worked in my life lately. It's kind of a normal thing, but it's taking it's toll on me. I'm exhausted all the time. There is never ever enough sleep. This may also be due to something I'll discuss in a bit, but working like I am sure isn't helping. It's worth it, but sheesh. Your girl needs a vacation, stat.

Brendon just has one more final left on Tuesday and then he is done for the semester and half way through pharmacy school (hell yes). Unfortunately his first hospital rotation starts the week after, and it is in TEMPLE, TX. Over an hour away. Thankfully it is just for two weeks and he will be home for the weekends, but it is going to seriously suck. I can't even think about it. BUH.

Oh crap, this one is food related. Brendon and I are going partially vegetarian! We are going to be almost vegetarians at home, which means no more buying meat at the grocery store. And I say almost because I cannot live without bacon. Breakfast tacos are probably my favorite food and I need bacon in them. Everything else meat related is out though. We'll be eating meat away from home (the burger quest is still on), but just in an effort to eat a little better we wont be having it here at home. I'm interested to see how it works out and excited for the culinary challenge. Bring on your veggie recipes y'all!

Prepare yourself for some TMI, but my body is in a state of rebellion these days. I have recently swapped birth controls to try to control the ridiculous adult acne that I'm dealing with (I'm 25 with plenty of grey hairs coming in, get the zits out of here), and therefore am dying via an onslaught of new hormones. I'm blaming this as the reason that I am exhausted all the time, have an incredibly achy body, am prone to bouts of sadness (like serious down days, no sunshine and rainbows at all), and surprise, am breaking out even more than usual. It sucks real bad and the future Dr. Hogan keeps telling me it will be worth it but mostly I just want to give him a knuckle sandwich. PLEASE BE WORTH IT.

And a think that's about it as far as my recent life goes. But don't let this post fool you, my life really is just food. There is something yummy cooling on the kitchen counter that I'll blog about soon, don't worry.

Days off

Today, I do not have to work! And today, I have practically zero plans! This has not happened in.... a month? Since before I went to Dallas? Who knows. My days off usually consist of running around like a chicken with it's head cut off, trying to catch up on life. But today, I have oodles of time to do whatever I want. And I have tomorrow off too! With not a plan, errand, or must-do in sight (well, one birthday dinner with family). I am excited. BUT, of course as things always seem to work out for me, I am sick. Some sort of cold+allergy combination of death that has been plaguing me for the past month. When I got home from Dallas I brought with me with a fever and a sore throat. And I still cannot seem to shake it, which probably has something to do with the fact that I am constantly going and going and going nonstop on a small amount of sleep. Life's busy y'all. I can't decide if it's a cold or allergies whooping my butt, but the fever part is really annoying.

So after crashing last night at 8pm and waking up today at 6:30am (coffee shop habits, y'all), I have been chillin' extra hard on my couch. Aaaand possibly watching the Twilight series in preparation for Breaking Dawn Part 2... Hate all you want, I know it's terrible.

I also recently acquired this bad boy:

You know what that means. HELLA FOOD BLOGGING. The culinary genius behind the blog Smitten Kitchen, Deb, has just come out with her first cook book filled with all kinds of amazing recipes with mouthwatering pictures. The desserts alone you guys. Seriously. Deb is coming to Austin to talk about her badass book this month and my friend Tyler and I are going to see her! SO STOKED! I'm pretty sure she and I will be bff's at first sight. And then I can hang in New York City with her in her little kitchen (little kitchen cooks unite!) and we will bake and laugh and eat wonderful things. Creepy blog crush much? Whatever. So today in my lovely free time today I do believe I'll bust out this book and bake me some yummyness. Because the best cure for sickness is dessert. I'm sure I read that somewhere. It's science.

Oh and this is too good not to share:

My new favorite shirt. Yes, that is t-rex, real upset 'cause he stubbed his toe. So good. The Chisty's always come with gifts (they spoil us rotten), and this weekend Brendon and I were showered with adorable and clever t-shirts from Sarah. She worked at Woot, where they have all kinds of deals online (UH, check out today's deal! In the market for a camera??) and where they make all kinds of awesomeness in t-shirt form. The best part is the descriptions of the products. Worth checking out for the laughs alone. So thank you Sarah for my amazing shirt! Not only is it hilarious and cute, but it's hella soft. Bonus.

Now, excuse me while I delve into the feverish world of baking and vampires. It's just me, my couch, and my kitchen for hours. Love it, even with a fever.

Bad days

Friday was a bad day y'all. Real crappy. I am still dealing with the crappy-ness, it leaked into the weekend. I keep dwelling on the bad and getting down. And that is not how I roll. I'm a pretty positive person generally, you know, sunshine and rainbows. But dang, Friday... you threw me for a loop. You've gotten under my skin and I need to shake you.

I am a lucky lady and I feel so selfish when I throw pity parties for myself. Honestly, I need to build a bridge and get over Friday. Shit happens. And sometimes it really sucks. But you live and you learn and you know better next time. Life is too good to dwell on those little bad moments. Because that's all they are. Bad moments. There's nothing you can do to change them, so why focus on them? You learn what you can and move on. And you focus on the good, because there is so much of it. Like this wonderful weather. And sweaters. And braids in your hair. And a husband who loves you. And cats that are fat. And cuddles. And laughing. And loving. And home.

And, of course, raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Because no matter what life throws at you, there's always a song from the Sound of Music to make it better. If you're me anyways.

Twenty-four!

Happy birthday to me! This is what a 24 year old me looks like:

Just kidding, that's me at 23 years and 364 days. Close enough.

Twenty-four years ago today my parents brought me into this world! Poor folks, didn't know what they were getting themselves into. Kidding, I was only a hellion child for a few (long) teenaged years. For the most part I think I was and am a pretty good kid. Thanks for raising me so well mom and dad. I owe you my life. Literally.

24 seems still very young to me, but at the same time I feel like, "omg how can I be 24 already?? Where has the time gone?! Why do I have an abundance of grey hairs?!?". But age is just a number and some days I feel 18 and others I feel 50 (like how my body is falling apart, THANKS BODY). In some ways I think I'm pretty mature for my age. But then I do love the occasional fart joke, so sometimes I have the mentality of a 13 year old boy. What can you do.

I have had a wonderful 24 years on this earth and I am excited to see what this next year of life brings me. A friend of mine used to say that whatever day you're born on is your golden year. So this year would be it, bring me good things 24!! I'm not sure how legit that is though, because if that's the case there are a lot of folks out there that got screwed. For example someone born on the 2nd. I mean maybe their 2nd year of life was really great, but who remembers that?

So hurray for 24! Hurray for being in my mid-twenties? Can I say that? I mean technically the mid-twenty is 25, but since you usually say mid-twenties, I'm assuming they mean 24-26. Is that an accurate assumption? Eff it. I'm in my mid-twenties y'all, and I'm embracing it. Every year just keeps getting better so bring it on life, show me whatcha got! You can keep the gray hairs though. And also wrinkles.

You win this round, City of Austin.

Well, I got my first parking ticket. I, actually Brendon and I, parked in a obviously marked no parking zone (I swear we didn't see the sign) because two cars (which Brendon parallel parked beautifully between) were already parked there, so we thought it was cool. NOPE. It's hard to be observant in the wee hours of the morning. 30 bones to the city. Could be worse, I'm just glad I didn't get towed.

One of the things I really can't stand about city life is the parking situation. It's not bad everywhere, mainly just central Austin were I work and Brendon goes to school, of course. Free parking is hard to find and if it's available it's usually on side streets where there are a gazillion rules, very few spots, and being able to parallel park (which I am terrible at) is a requirement. Parking garages/paid lots are the alternative but they are ridiculous. But I've only had to pay to park once, $12 down the drain, and I plan on continuing to park for free, legally (I WILL pay more attention to signs), regardless if I have to walk 15 blocks to work. So you can suck it, City of Austin. This will be the only parking fine you get out of me. Hopefully.

Mundane Monday

Nothing exciting has been happening lately. Nothing than I can think of anyway. Just working and chillin' out. We open our store Thursday, so today was our first day to be actually in the new store. It's pretty cool, it's in an awesome old building that used to be a theater. Parking sucks though.

Thursday Sophie went to the vet to get a checkup and her rabies vaccine updated. She was a boss! Got an A on her exam and was so brave. She only tried to get into the cabinets a couple times. We're taking Greg next month, and that will be an entirely different story. That cat has issues, he's such a weenie. We warned the vet ahead of time.

Yesterday we were expecting my family to come visit, but they didn't. So Brendon and I had a date night instead! We had a burger and a steak at the Fridays downtown (which has a great view of the lake and the Congress bridge. It would be a perfect place to bat watch!). Then we then ventured over to check out the Austin Symphony's Concert in the Park. We split a bottle of wine, laid in the grass with the ants (they thought we brought the blanket for them), and listened to a very lovely woodwind quartet. If you're ever in need of something to do on a Sunday night in Austin, go to one of these summer concerts. They've got four that they rotate; woodwinds, brass, strings, and big band. Last time we went we heard the big band concert, I liked the woodwinds better, but I'm partial to classical. And it's free! And even though it's like a billion degrees, you're on a hill and you get the best breeze. And then afterwards you can follow the river down to the Congress bridge and watch the bats fly out. The timing is pretty perfect, the concert ends just before/around sunset.

Brendon starts pharmacy school in less than a month!! I'm so excited for him. And a little jealous. In my original dream plan I would be starting grad school now too. But that is not the case. So I will live vicariously through Brendon! Seriously though, he's going to have a blast. He has his White Coat Ceremony just before school starts, where they give him his white pharmacy coat (I know I know, who'd have guessed), and I'm probably going to cry. I'm so proud of him, he's such a badass.

In other pointless news, my hair is out of control. I need a haircut bad, but I feel like that's a silly thing to spend money we don't really have on. So until then my hair is large and in charge. It would probably look more civilized if I bothered to fix it, but psshh, why do it if I don't have to! Usually I just sport the ponytail if I work, or if I'm off I throw it in a bun or rock what I think of as the "half-Hermione". My hair isn't curly, but it's not quite straight and there's a whole lot of it, so it gets big. Poor Brendon. No more polished girlfriend, just a messy wife. That's whats supposed to happen when you get married right?

Why not take smirking pictures of myself? It's my blog, I'll post 1,000 pictures of myself if I want to. ;)

And in all fairness to my hair, I wore at hat at work this morning, so that can't have helped the situation.