Rainy days

Lately we've had some great storms. It doesn't happen often here, so I'm enjoying it while it lasts. Listening to the rain, waking up to thunder, getting soggy at work while handing out drinks to cars who insist on pulling up as far away from our drive thru window as possible ... it's all lovely. And the clouds have been extra awesome lately. Plus it has cooled down a little, it was in the 90's last week. NOT ready for that nonsense.

As I took that picture above on our patio there was a huge crack of lightning (hence the lit up sky) that I swear hit somewhere a couple buildings down. It was so loud. I screamed a little and ran inside. What a wuss.

And this is the bad side of rain. The lake that forms in front of our door every time it rains. There is a good 4 inches of standing water at our doorstep. I don't know how it hasn't flooded our apartment yet.

In non rain news, I ran on a treadmill today! In a GYM! The gym is pretty much the last place I normally would ever want to be. Ever. But today I put my big girl shorts on and finally went with Brendon to the gym (his favorite place to be). Mostly I hated everything about it. It's overwhelming and there were way too many people there to laugh at me while I failed at doing whatever you do at a gym. And the machines seriously scare me. I don't know if you know this about me (and if you're around me enough you've experienced this first hand), but I am clumsy. And highly accident prone. And a huge mess of uncoordinatedness. So workout machines are a little frightening for me. But it's been so hot lately (ughhhh spring where did you go?) and raining when it's not hot, and I want to keep up running, so I thought I'd try out this thing they call "the treadmill". And I have to say it wasn't bad at all, once I got over the fear of making an ass of myself in a painful way. There were definitely moments when I was like "omg I am going to face plant it so bad", but I survived without injury. And it is waaaaaay easier than running in real life, outside. It's flat, you're in ac, and the "road" is moving for you. I ran almost 3 miles, no biggie. Next time I go, I'm going to try an incline. Maybe. That might be asking a little too much for my coordination, but we'll see. Baby steps. 

AND it's been a month since I've been working out y'all! Hurray! I'm proud of myself. I've never stuck with anything like this this long, and my body is happy with me. And I reeeeeally enjoy running, which is weird as hell. I look forward to it. I, MARIE BROOKS HOGAN, ENJOY RUNNING. Such weirdness. So to reward myself for a month of activity, as I promised, I get to get new workout threads! Yay for cuter stuff to sweat in! One more month and I get new kicks!

Back to the weather, I will leave you with this ridiculous golden nugget of Brendonism: He asked me if I thought Sophie was scared of the storm and I laughed and said no (she's not scared of anything, except maybe the vacuum and a shortage of food). And he said, "yeah, she eats lightning and shits out thunder." I concur husband, I concur.

Hair evolution

After blogging almost daily for a while, I apologize for my absence of a few days. Yes I know you didn't notice, but whatever. I like blogging. It gives me a chance to put random things that are bouncing around in my head somewhere and it gives all my loved ones who seem to always be miles and miles away a way to "Keep up with the Hogans". Ha ha.

Hello internet, meet sleepy Marie. Make up is not required and wild hair is preferred.

I am alive! These past few days have felt busy; full of working, family, missing my husband, and cuddling with him (and a couple of kitties) when I see him. And maybe some watching Breaking Dawn Part 1 (don't hate). I have felt a little off lately, and I'm not sure why. Brendon is stressed about his first round of exams so maybe that's rubbing off on me. I don't know, but I'm in a little funk! Maybe it's this dreary weather.

Speaking of weather, it snowed yesterday! In AUSTIN! Lame, sleety snow, that only lasted maybe a couple hours, but it happened. It started while I was at work and sleeted/snowed on my drive home. Crossing the river there were big fluffy balls of snow falling. It was really pretty, I should have pulled over and taken a picture. It may never happen again! It's supposed to be in the 70's all week. I think yesterday was our last day of "winter". And I'm kind of okay with that. I'm ready for spring!

Let's talk hair. In reference to my "wild hair" above, I haven't cut my hair since September. It's been about half a year since I did this:

And I'm not really looking to cut my hair anytime soon. I'd love to have it waist length, but we'll see. I've got a few split ends and my bangs are beyond grown out, but I like it. I wear my hair up almost everyday anyway. I maybe style my hair once a month. Maybe. Super weird, considering that a year ago I had to straighten my hair every single day (thanks Hooters). Crazy how much can change in just a year. And I'm sure my hair is thankful, it's pretty dang healthy.

The last time my hair was this long was a few years ago and it was super fried from dying it all the time and attacking it with heat everyday. So in effort to salvage my "do" and keep it from feeling like straw, in early 2009 after dying my hair basically black I stopped dying my hair.

Let's examine this photo. First of all, my sisters hair was SO LONG. Second, I don't know what look I was going for (the Megan Fox?) but black hair, blue eyes, and fake tanned pale freckled skin is not a good combo for me. I look a tad bit scary. Also, hello kitty! That is Figaro, my sister's cat that was once mine. She likes my sister better. The doggie is Sweetie, my sisters boxer who has crossed the rainbow bridge and is in puppy heaven eating lots of dinner scraps and laying on couches with her sister, my golden retriever Brandy.

Anywho, that fall I chopped a good portion of my hair off because most of it still was super unhealthy and gross. And Brendon likes short hair for some reason. I think because when we first started dating my hair was short.

I kept it short for a while. If you've ever had short hair you know that the style grows out super fast so you have to cut it often. And it is sooo tempting to go shorter and shorter. Which I did. It was fun and my head was lighter. Then Brendon popped the question in March of 2010 and I was like, dang I better grow this nonsense out for the wedding. And so I did. And haven't stopped.

And that you guys, is the evolution of my wild hair. The last few years anyways. One day we'll talk about when I was a redhead and a blonde. My hair has been all kinds of colors but I prefer my natural brown for sure. Some times I look back at pictures of me in my more "fabulous" hair days, and I miss it. Sometimes I really want to throw in some highlights. But mostly I love my hair now. It's healthy and shiny and compliments my extreme paleness pretty well I think. Even if it is usually a hot mess.

And yes, I just wrote an entire blog about hair. One day we'll cover deeper topics I swear.

Storm of the century. Or at least the last few years.

Can we talk about the weather for a minute? Or a few? I know weather is not the most interesting topic, but I'm a big fan. When I was younger I wanted to be a storm chaser. Shoot, I still do! I would have dreams about chasing tornadoes and then them chasing me. We never crossed paths though.

Austinites, you know what I'm talking about. Last night/this morning was the craziest storm ever. Okay maybe not ever, but the craziest that I can remember. And I lived for five years in tornado alley y'all (did you know that there are more tornadoes in Texas annually than any other state? I betcha didn't!). We had some wild storms in Denton, lots of tornado warnings (tornado sirens are probably the scariest sound EVER), watches, and this year one actually touched down. But last night, it got seriously cray cray here in Austin. This storm was intense. I have never heard/seen so much thunder and lightening in my life. It was constant, nonstop all night and into the morning. And it POURED. And there was wind.

All night lightening was cracking, thunder was booming, and the apartment was shaking. ALL NIGHT. I could barely sleep (which suuucks since I had to get up at 4:25) it was so loud. When I opened the door to leave for work this morning I literally laughed out loud and immediately shut it because what I saw was so ridiculous. Seriously, ri-dic-u-lous. I had to reorganize my strategy of getting to the car because it looked like a scene from a movie (like Twister, or as a friend on facebook called it, War of the Worlds) outside. I wish I had taken a picture. There was a LAKE in front of our apartment. I am surprised our apartment didn't flood, although Brendon's car did (booooo), as did many others in the lot I'm sure. I had to wade through probably a good half foot of standing water. PLUS it basically looked like a strobe light was on from all the lightening. Aaaand there was a crap ton of heavy rain blowing sideways in the ridiculous wind. It was out of control. My umbrella did me no good but thank goodness for my rainboots.

My usual easy breezy 7 minute commute down IH35 this morning was the scariest drive of my life. I was doing like 40 and couldn't see more than a car length in front or behind me. I almost hit a truck getting on the highway because I couldn't see anything. At all. I was like, "oh cool, there's no one else on the road, sweet!" then SWOOOOOSH big old truck barrels down the road around me. Mini-heart attack. Aside from myself the only other cars on the road were 18-wheelers (as is the norm at 4something am) but they were flying past me, throwing up all kinds of lovely water, because obviously the torrential rain wasn't enough of a driving challenge. It was terrifying. I was almost positive I wasn't going to make it. I basically hydroplaned the whole way. IT WAS NUTS. As I was driving all kinds of insane thoughts went through my head. I was like, "okay, this is it. This is the end. I'm going to crash. Which way should I lean when it happens? I hope it doesn't hurt too bad. Should I keep my hands on the wheel or just let go and wing it? It was a good run Xterra, thanks for being a tank. Who is going to open the store? How lame is it that I'm going to die on my way to work?" I braced myself the whole time to slide into a truck or a concrete barrier or off into oblivion. But, contrary to my assumptions, the Xterra and I made it safe and sound. I wanted to kiss the ground when I got into the parking lot at work, but there was a delivery truck waiting for me and I didn't want him to think I was weird. Plus there was a hurricane of rain outside so I just made a mad dash into the store. And THAT people, was all before 5am. I don't even want to talk about the rest of my day, but lets just say it was long (and it's only 3:30?). BUT, I survived the death gauntlet that was IH35 this morning and am alive with a fully intact vehicle. And I am grateful. I hope that everyone else made it to their destinations safely and were hopefully not too soggy by the end of it.

So thanks Texas, for making up for almost a years worth of zero weather in 24 hours. You're the worst best. Because as much as I complained, like I said, I love weather and I LOVE storms. I just wish I could have enjoyed it at home and not necessarily by being out in it.

Also, sorry if you read all that. I can't imagine it benefited your life in anyway (do any of my posts really?), unless you are a weather fiend like me. I just had to share.

Sneaky Sophie

Sophie keeping an eye on my sewing.

Cats are weird. Sophie and Greg are no exceptions, in fact I'd say they're weirder than most. They have to be in the middle of whatever I'm doing (hence, my crazy cat lady habit of keeping two cat beds on my desks). Usually Greg is the obnoxious one always in your face, but Sophie has been the worst about it lately. While Greg will try to nuzzle you and sneak into your lap, she paces back and forth in front of you or just sits down in the middle of whatever your working on. And she's not a small cat. She's sitting on my desk in front my computer now as I'm typing this. I'm having to look around her. She's staring at me like, "ummm hello? I'm here. Pet me." SPOILED.

In non-cat related news, it's a rainy day today for Austin! Apparently we're supposed to get some good storms between now and tomorrow. I love storms! Bring it on! I've got sweats on and a cup of tea to sip while I sew and listen for thunder. But what I really want to do is sleep. It is definitely curl up under the covers and snooze weather. I'm trying hard not to take a nap today so I can get to bed early tonight, but it just sounds SO GOOD. Maybe just a little cat nap...

Spring in January

Instagram is the best. So is standing with your hands on your hips apparently.

We ventured over to South Congress yesterday and wandered around for a while, checking out all the fun little stores and soaking in some vitamin D. And since we were looking a little cuter than usual, we documented ourselves! I love that skirt. I got it just a short walk from where I was standing a little while back at little a vintage store. It makes me happy!

Spring has decided to visit us early this year. Although it's January, the weather has been absolutely wonderful lately! Aside from all the ridiculous cedar in the air, I can't get enough of being outside. Texas has few days like this, so you've gotta take advantage while you can! Before we know it, it will be 107 degrees again.

Weather happened!

Believe it or not people, weather has decided to visit us here in Austin. It rained for the past like 5 days, a good steady rain. I finally got to wear my rain boots (that are far too big, buying shoes online is dumb) I bought this spring before moving to Austin and into the driest summer ever. I figured it would never rain, but it did! Quite a bit! And now it is cold, cold, COLD. I mean, cold for Texas. The low tonight is 25. That's pretty chilly, quite literally freezing. I'm glad it's finally wintery! But I don't want to talk about how there was snow in Denton already. Butt heads, send some our way okay?

So, we're finding out that this apartment, although very good at staying cool (our electric bill throughout this insanely hot summer was not bad at all), cannot hold heat to save it's life. Yes, to save an apartments life. But really, it's freezing in here and the heat is on full blast. I'm wearing knee high thick socks, fuzzy house shoes, jeans, a sweater, and a bathrobe with the hood up.

And I have a sweet cuddly and slightly annoying Greg to keep me warm.

Brendon has a blanket on his lap to keep him warm, I have a Greg. Although he's more on my chest/entire body.

Brendon was not very excited about me taking pictures. In fact, he gave me the "death-look" when he heard the camera sound my computer makes. He's been in hardcore study mode, his finals start tomorrow. Poor thing! But this time next week he will be DONE! And then he's all mine until mid-January. But until next Tuesday, it's pharmacy school fest 2011 up in here. I'm trying hard not to distract him, but it happens. I keep giggling and trying to show him funny animal videos. I should probably banish myself to the other room. Or go make something. I have been a lazy everything crafter lately, the craft Goddesses frown upon me.

Happy Labor Day, laborers!

Hope you have a lovely 9-5 Mon-Fri job and got to chill out today or do something outdoorsy in this absolutely divine weather. I had to work today, at 5:30am, but I sure don't mind that time and a half.

Burns. They keep happening to me.

Recently, I have been burning myself on various things like crazy. I'm pretty accident prone as it is, but this is getting excessive. This recent burn is from the edge of a cookie sheet that I somehow managed to touch with my arm. Last week I burned one hand with the espresso machine and poured freshly steamed milk over the other hand. A few weeks ago I burned my arm on the top of the oven while taking something out, and a week or so before that I burned my inner arm on a pie pan. What's wrong with me? (a lot.)

Now let's talk about this fantastic weather. It feels aaaamazing outside today. Yesterday we had some killer winds blow in some cooler weather, thank goodness. My walk to work this morning was actually a little chilly, granted it was like 5am and still dark. I spent my lunch break today sitting outside soaking in the sun and enjoying the breeze. And listening to the UT tower play the fight song (Brendon told me that there's an old man that actually plays the bells up there and has been doing so for decades. I don't know if it's true but every time I hear the bells I like to imagine he's up there playing). It's 87 degrees right now with a cool breeze, such a dramatic change from stuffy 106. Thank you September for bringing cooler weather our way. And thank you Texas for giving us this beautiful pre-fall day after a hellish summer, you owe us. Thus begins my favorite time of the year! I LOVE YOU FALL.

I tried to take a picture of the trees outside our apartment blowing around yesterday, trees blowing in the wind creates the most wonderful background noise, but this really doesn't do it justice. At all. I'm still very new to taking pictures in manual mode, but slowly I'm learning. Should have taken a photo class in college.

Yesterday my momma came up and spent the day with me, it was awesome! We had lunch, hung out on the couch with the cats, went to see the Help (so good), and then we made this feast:

 See my little pyrex baby holding our garlic bread? Put that bad boy to use.

My mom has some serious skills in the kitchen. I steal all her recipes but they always taste better when she makes them. Must be those mom-powers. I'm looking at this picture and seriously considering tackling some of those leftovers we've got in the fridge. Yes... I think that definitely needs to happen.

Baby Greg

Forgive me while I have a crazy cat lady moment, but isn't little Greg the sweetest?! I have never met a more affectionate, or weirder, cat. He LOVES to be pet, held, cuddled, kissed, and he will nuzzle and rub on you until the end of time. This is his happy place, curled up in my arms, purring/hyperventilating like no ones business. He's so sweet! Unfortunately he has dual personalities and turns into a little wiener whenever unfamiliar folks are around. However lately he's been getting pretty brave and coming out to investigate after only a few minutes of hiding. He can't stay away from potential petters! This is not the case with children though, especially those who are loud, which most children are. Greg can't hang with the kiddos. Sophie on the other hand is a champ. I think the only thing she's scared of is the vacuum.

In non-cat lady news, it is still a million degrees outside. September is just a few days away and I'm hoping it brings cooler weather at some point. Puh-puh-puh-lease Texas? Just let us get out of the 100+ degree days and back down to the 90's at least.