Blog sabbatical

Not sure if I spelled or am even using this word right... sabbatical. Life has taken some new turns and the fun factor has really waned. Until I'm back here... feel free to keep up with me via my other blogs; mom's back in school and our family blog.

ciao.

Funny funny funny

Should be studying, but couldn't resist playing around with THIS. Here are a few sillies. Need to find some good face shots. Do any of you recognize these boys?

I LOVE STOP MOTION!

AND THERE'S MORE! CLICK HERE

so love these

I am so in love with Tara Gorman's photographs. I have always been infatuated with the idea of shrinking. It might have something to do with the fact that I was the perpetual shrimp in all my grade school classes. Some of my favorite movies are "Honey I shrunk the kids" and "The incredible shrinking woman" with Lily Tomlin. "The Rescuers" was my favorite animated film for so long because we saw a window into the "real" world of tiny rescue detective mice.

Thanks Abbey for the post.

Now you can see for yourself....

HOW I SPENT MY STIMULUS

Cheers for Anne Leonard!

Check out her short film on the whole story.

Have you kissed a moon tree?

Still looking for ways to spend your "stimulus" moneys ?? David Horvitz is one creative chap with incredible ideas.

FREE RICE!

Contribute rice to the UN hunger efforts and make yourself a little smarter? What a fabulous combination. PLAY FREE RICE!

Cupcakes yum!

I FINALLY made it to "Hey Cupcake" on S. Congress. I have been craving them from afar for months now. My goal was to get a dozen for myself to hand out on my birthday... fun plan, didn't happen. Last night on the way home I pulled a U-turn and got 2 whipper snappers to go. My 12 year old had an especially hard day... what better than a whipcream filled cupcake to make you smile! I was thinking that by 9pm the pickin's would be all dried out and lame, but they were soft, delicious and full of scrumptious sweetness. You gotta go!

My first niece!

So incredibly small and precious.
Welcome to the world, sweet baby Jane.

2 years!

2 year Anniversary today.
I love you Jim to the moon and back.
Be mine forever and ever. ~ s

38

I turned 38 over the weekend. The day was incredible weather which put a smile on my face from the start. We had just arrived back home after our great week at the coast.
YAY 38!

The Giver

In case you have never read The Giver by Lois Lowry... it is a must read. It's brief pages are packed with mind provoking scenarios of a utopian world. I couldn't put it down and now I can't get it out of my head. I have the next 2 books but can't seem to find them, so I've moved on to a new book until I find them.

You ready for this?

It's time for Pizza Party U.S.A!

Texas Primary Election

What happened.

The Cafe Mix

Was going to attempt a Cafe today in spite of the rainy uninviting weather. Had my sights on Cafe Bleu near Lake Travis. It looks like I'm not the only one looking for it. Apparently it closed last year.

Next on the list was Cafe Brix in Westlake, but alas, I am a few months too late it closed in September.

The good news is it looks like a vietnamese cafe moved into the same location... and their name happens to fit perfectly into my Cafe Project... Cafe Hai Ky... I'm headed there today for lunch.

Cafe Hai Ky was great, although I wasn't able to experience it quite like I had planned. As I was gathering my things to head inside, I realize the baby's car seat has somehow locked itself up and won't let me remove it. The fact that he's sleeping doesn't help much. So try as I might, I just couldn't get it to pop out. So instead of accepting defeat and heading home for leftovers... I dash in and grab a to-go menu and think of calling in my order from the car; why not? The friendly waiter catches me on my way out and says he'd be happy to take my order from my car. What a sweetheart to help me turn my frustrated dilemna into a really great visit. I got the fried tofu with spicy garlic sauce. I'd give it a "B". Sauce and veggies were really tasty but unfortunately the tofu was a little dry, maybe overdone. Just for the sauce alone it will be worth a second visit.

A good laugh

Here's a hilarious video for your blah blah Wednesday.

Where have I been lately?

See My-not-so-fun-February.

What are you going to do with your $600 big ones?

Clay Risen offers some suggestions in "Stimulating".

TCP - Cafe #8 - Cafe Caffeine

The name says it all. A straight up coffee house. Great menu with all kinds of sweet and savory fare, lots of drink options and a welcoming atmosphere. What struck me most about Cafe Caffeine wasn't the menu, but instead was the clientele. Within minutes of arriving, I had 2 strangers strike up friendly conversation which I felt almost reluctant to engage in. With The Cafe Project I have taken the role of the quiet observer. Strolling in with my mental notebook in hand and finding all the bits of enjoyment each place has to offer. My intention to interact completely and fully with the place rather than the people. Cafe Caffeine took me in like a new friend. This was local living at Austin's best. A truly refreshing experience. Turns out one of these 'strangers' was a friend of a friend. I've been envying my friend Shannon's business group called GOODNESS for sometime now... and here in the flesh was Bernadette from her group. We had a great time visiting which took my simple visit to Cafe #8 and created something so delightful and personal.

Amazing things to see

As I approached the Blanton Museum (my first time) to meet my 12 year old's art class... I came across this fun piece of art. So colorful and full of movement. Hundreds of yellow tubes hanging down.

As I waited for her class to arrive... I admired the 50+ foot ceilings with their amazing (key word) ability to let in massive amounts of natural light and be technically so beautiful.

I then noticed by the front door, a single mason chipping away at his work. Like yesterday, when I was transported to the 60's watching the space shuttle launch, today, I jumped all the way to Rome in the days of Caeser. I was struck that there still exists this AMAZING and also technically beautiful trade of chipping words into stone. I had so many questions for him but as you can see he worked with his headphones on. I was also super self-conscious of staring over his shoulder. The curve for making mistakes is a flat ZERO, I'm sure.

As we were leaving my 12 year old explains that you can actually hang on the yellow hanging tube display we came across on the way in. My first thought was "FUN!"... and "SHOW ME!"... and she did. My after thought was of my husband who continually catches me either getting TOO close or actually inside/on/touching artwork that is strictly forbidden. I walked away a little more quickly after that thought.

After the museum, we ventured up to the Dell Children's Hospital to visit Ayla's 7 year old God-brother. He had emergency surgery to remove a 6 inch piece of bamboo from his leg and abdomen. Seriously! I was just so amazed at his bravery and strength.

We took his little 5 year old brother outside to play. I took these of the outside of the hospital.

Amazingly beautiful architecture. I'm so proud to have such an incredible building in our city.

Our last amazing treat to see was this GIGANTIC round stone (maybe Texas granite?) that was literally floating within this water fountain. You could spin and spin and spin this rotating sphere around just like the earth. All the kids enjoyed the coolness of the water that clung to its giant mass.

Out of this world

Yesterday, I had an out of the world experience driving my step-mom's car complete with satellite radio. I'M SO HOOKED! I was a music fiend in a past life and apparently am easily resurrected when in the company of such an incredible collection at your fingertips. So, where to begin? Do I want XM or Sirius? Permanent system or portable? I need "a satellite radio 101" class.

On the same note as satellites and space... I wandered into Marye's gourmet pizza today for a quick bite after work. While waiting for my pizza, I watched the detailed coverage of the Atlantis space shuttle launch. Apparently this is the 121st space shuttle flight... can you believe that?! That's incredible to believe that we have been to space that many times. Watching it today felt like I was watching it back in the 60's; I was so filled with awe and inspiration. Exactly as I imagine it felt back then, except for the incredible footage they were able to view from the back of the craft during the entire launch. The most striking element I just can NOT get over is their speed. A display was in the corner showing their MPH, distance from earth, and something else. During the first 2 minutes they went from 0 to 2000 MPH... 2000 MPH in 2 minutes! The speed steadily kept climbing and climbing until around the 7 1/2 minute mark when the boosters separated and they had reached just over 6000 MPH... 6000!!!! Are you friggin' kidding me? The commentator was saying that was around 3G's. They go from 3G's to zero gravity in a split second. Can you even imagine what your body feels like accelerating like a speedball up to 6000 MPH then in 1 second going to nothing = completely nothing. What a ride!

nothing sweeter

Nothing sweeter than small hands and feet. I have been thinking about doing this since my son was born in June. It only took me 7 1/2 months, but I just LOVE how they turned out. Will post the final framed project when its done.

FAT Tuesday

We celebrated Fat Tuesday complete with homemade brownies. Well, it wasn't a true decadent splurge... I wanted to try out this new "light" brownies recipe from the newest everyday FOOD. Super yummy, but they turned out a little more like cake than brownies. No matter cause with anything chocolate doesn't last long in my kitchen. ;)

TCP - Cafe #7 = Caffe Medici

A trip to Caffe Medici today. 1101 West Lynn Street. An adorable espresso bar located in the heart of Clarksville. This family owned business opened September 2006. (They even have a coffee blog.) I ordered a straight up latte and got the most beautiful creation, complete with some kind of flower sewn in the foam (see photo below). Their menu is very simple, but I like that. No frills but they do what they do unbelievably well. Go go go and taste for yourself!

Get crafty! Kids reunion

You have no idea how my heart skipped when I heard that a special issue of Martha Stewart Kids was coming out last week. I just couldn't wait! I still have every issue of the original magazine from its 2002-2006 life. I was finally able to pick up a copy on Friday and I devoured every page this weekend. Sadly, this new Good Things for Kids issue is compiled almost entirely of re-runs from the original issues. I still enjoyed it all the same.

The big vote

This is the year we finally get to see a political change in our country. I'm so fascinated by this whole process, as well as discouraged and frustrated with our current state of government. I really appreciate when people take time to view our lives as its happening. The New York Times has put together a POLLING PLACE PHOTO PROJECT encouraging everyone to send in their photos of their local voting activity. See for yourself.

YES!

By 'bagging it', Ireland rids itself of a plastic nuisance

Eat Pray Love

Under seriously sleeping eyelids, I finished Eat Pray Love last night. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book. A good read; I'd give it 4 stars (reserving the 5 star for EXCEPTIONAL books only). Elizabeth Gilbert speaks with such a candid voice in her writing, you really feel like she's telling you her story. It's clever, inspirational, entertaining and thought provoking. Although memoirs can be criticized for their self-absorption, I thought it was spoken with honest intention and conviction. I'm a wanderluster when it comes to travel... so anyone spinning their tale of lands far away... I'm all ears.

A little yellow dancing frog

In honor of a personal family victory...
Enjoy this video my daughter and her soon to be step mom, Vivi, made in Buenos Aires over Christmas. I just love hearing those giggles.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO OF dancing frog

Resurrecting The Cafe Project (TCP)

The Cafe Project started in 2002 when I moved from Vermont back to Austin. I was inspired to visit all the establishments in Austin that started with the work CAFE. The list of places that ended in CAFE was too long to even count; but this list was short and palatable. It was a fun way to re-familiarize myself with my hometown and see a sampling of what it currently had to offer. I never finished the list from 2002 and now there are a handful of new CAFES and a few that have since shutdown.

I started with CAFE PACHA. A South American coffee shop just north of 45th street; 4618 Burnet Road. I had a hot chai and sat out back on their little deck. The staff was really great and the food looked good too. Mind you, this was 2002, but I still would recommend checking it out when in the area.

Next was CAFE AZUL. Sadly, it appears to have closed a couple months ago. It was located 1808 East Cesar Chavez. A really cute small yellow house complete with agave landscaping and an outdoor seating area out back and your off the beaten path kind of sandwiches. I'm not going to say much else since its closed. The link above has some reviews for curiosity sake.

CAFE DANCE (3307 Hancock Drive) I visited one random morning just went in to see what it was all about. In case the name didn't spell it out enough for me... I found a dance studio. I grabbed a list of classes since I had just left my beloved African dance class in Vermont, but they didn't have one (BTW... ANYONE know of ANYWHERE within a 30 mile radius that has African Dance classes? I'm still looking!!) I then revisited CAFE DANCE in 2004(?) for a performance of Oh Mother by a longtime friend who runs FORKLIFT DANCEWORKS. A brilliant modern dance tribute to the whole process of becoming a mom.

CAFE MUNDI gets the most visited award. I usually visited each place just once and checked it off the list, but MUNDI held me captive. Gently tucked away on the east side, I couldn't get enough of MUNDI. Aside from fond memories of being bussed to Zavala Elementary, I hadn't spent much time on the east side. It was funky, great food, live music, movies outside, shady outdoor patio... I just loved it. I went at least once a week. If you haven't been.. its an Austin must (1704 E. 5th St.)

CAFE MONET (4477 South Lamar; in the Westgate shopping center) My family ended up here for our mom's 60th birthday. It's a paint your own pottery studio. We each painted a dinner plate then presented her with an entire new set of dishes. It was a really cool idea (my sister, the genius) and we get to enjoy them Sunday nights for family dinner.

My most memorable CAFE experience from the initial 2002 Cafe Project was CAFE JOSIE (1200 W. 6th, Suite B; behind an art gallery) It was April Fools 2005. This is where my sweet husband brought us for dinner the night he proposed. Although he didn't propose here, it holds a sweet place in my heart. He popped the question later while at the San Jose; the place of our first unofficial "date".

So, I've combined my 2002 list with any new ones from 2008. The list has swelled from its original 14 to 30! I've been to 6 so that's 24 more to go. I'll keep you posted.

NINJA WARRIOR!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW:
NINJA WARRIOR

(My favorites: STAGE ONE SLIP-UPS and any of the women challenges. Check out cable channel G4 to see the entire series.)

Simply delicious

I thought for sure since the directions were mostly in Italian that it would take me a few takes to figure out how to cook up a tasty cup. I must be having a Goldilocks moment because my first try came out not too tall, not too short, not too soft, not too hard, not too hot and not too cold... came out "just right". yums.

Fair Bean Coffee and Vegan delights

We just got a new espresso maker for the stove top. Isn't it cute? I've always wanted one and now we own an authentic Italian made model. I can't wait to have a cappuccino in the morning. On my way home, I've noticed this new little coffee shop that has beans in bulk, so I decided to give them a try. Fair Bean Coffee. It's on South 1st inbetween Live Oak and Oltorf. I was in hopes of finding Fair Trade Organic Decaf Espresso Beans. The ideal bean, right? I made a new friend, Julia, at the counter (Hi Julia!) and I was able to get a pound of decaf and a 1/2 pound of regular espresso that looked like it had been roasted just that day! This place is beautiful. You definitely want to check it out.

While there, my 12 year old in her post school hunger spies the delicious looking carrot pumpkin cake and decides to get a piece. It turns out its one of sweet Celeste's tasty Vegan cakes... check out her website here: Celeste's Best. If you haven't had one of her cakes... you are crazy and you HAVE TO TODAY! She makes THE most amazing tasting dairy free goodies in the entire WORLD! Not to mention she is the most kind and hardest working woman I've ever known. So you are supporting one of Austin's finest and getting delicious cakes in return.

Hanging balls

I made delicious turkey meatballs and decided to freeze half for a later meal. As I was closing the door, I saw two balls had made contact with the frozen underside of the ice maker. They made me giggle out loud. There is something innately funny about balls hanging.

The Alamo Drafthouse

I LOVE the Alamo Drafthouse. An Austin original innovative approach to the movie house experience. You just can NOT have a bad time at the Alamo. They are constantly upping the fun factor and I just can't get enough of it. Master Pancake Theatre, original menus to coordinate with movie themes, Rolling Roadshow showings of movies in outdoor locations (Goonies in a cave or Jaws out on the lake) I really wish I could be a full time Alamo junkie. I also love that they are continually opening new permanent theaters in new locations... more Alamo for everyone!

Today, I joined a couple my mamas-group-mamas and their babies for the BABY DAY showing of Jason Reitman's (Thank you for smoking) latest movie JUNO. Super super funny and cute. I really liked it. Even better is being able to enjoy a fresh homemade pizza and Italian soda brought right to you. And even better than that is to have my sweet bambino in my lap able to freely oooh, aaaahh, and babble as he pleases. What a brilliant concept; giving all those new parents a place to get out of the house, enjoy a current movie, but not have to stress about childcare or bothering the people next to you cuz they have a baby too!

KOOP and KVRX

For anyone who has yet to discover or has forgotten about KOOP/KVRX radio... it's time to tune in. One of my favorite radio shows, Elkmating Ritual Thursdays from 4:30-6 with John Erler, came from these parts. There's also The Lounge Show Saturday mornings from 10-12, Issues for your Tissues during afternoon school pickup, there's too many to name them all. KOOP was the unfortunate victim to 2 accidental fires in 2006 and just last week fell victim to ANOTHER fire and this one is reported unbelievably to be intentional. I have so much fun listening to our local folks bring us current events, thought provoking discussions, and some of the best alternative radio music around. I urge everyone to check them out and in doing so, check out their DONATION PAGE to help them get a handle on yet another rebuild after the fire.

potato of love

I've heard about these from the movie THE GLEANERS AND I. A documentary filmed by Agnès Varda and her hand-held camera on the culture of people who forage, hunt, and collect leftovers; edible food that would otherwise be thrown out. One of the more plentiful markets for gleaners is from potato farmers. There are truckloads of potatoes that are not able to be sold because of their small size or odd shape. There were countless heart shaped potatoes that completely put a smile on my face the first time I encountered them in this film. Such a cute thing and how sad that with all its obvious appeal; they are tossed aside. How pleased was I this evening as I was prepping potatoes for a massive mashed potato feast for my supper club tomorrow night to find this darling gem amongst them. A rogue had snuck in.

And in the eyes of my 12 year old, she says, "Looks like a cute little butt". ha.

that's better

After heavily medicating myself from my cramps lurking below, I curled up with a hot cup of my favorite caffeine free Chai Tea and dove into Elizabeth's experience in India (from Eat, Pray, Love). Now this I can enjoy.... at least until the baby wakes up.

I realize

I realized this morning that this road to discovery of fun isn't going to be easy. Somehow I need to find a voice for my not so fun life. A place to get my frustrations and disappointments out so I can then refocus on the fun at hand. So this new place is a new blog, titled exactly that, MY NOT SO FUN LIFE. It has different purpose. It's the dumping grounds so that I can keep this place here sacred and pure. It's the grime and dirt that can cloud my clean experience. It is my hope, that if I can write it out that it will miraculously exit my body and no longer distract me from this project I so desperately want to succeed with.

first post

I've been lucky to have known my authentic self for most of my life. At an early age, I had wonderful opportunities to explore, learn and excel with numerous activities. As a child, I remember having the most fun with gymnastics. My competitive spirit was made for this sport. I thrived on seeing just how far I could push myself; to feel the sheer delight of success. Discipline was just a means and it honestly just felt like fun. There was plenty of work, but it was so much fun in spite of the heavy work involved. Fun was feeling your body flip and turn in these miraculous ways that you and you only were responsible for. Fun was being able to do a standing back flip on demand. Fun was getting a handle of a new trick the very first time you tried it. Fun was traveling to meets with your teammates; a slumber party with purpose. I'm not trying to over glamorize this, but just to explain the origins of my fun life.

Even in high school, after I left gymnastics for other extra curricular activities, I made sure that fun remained by my side in spite of life's ever increasing work load. Fun was effortless through college, and even so through my early years as an adult, new wife and new mother.

But somewhere along the way, I lost track of fun. Somewhere amongst my divorce maybe? or could it be my 7 year career identity crisis? or possibly left at a nameless rest stop during one of my cross country moves... I'm not sure.

I do know I've found it unexpectedly at times. It hasn't left me completely, but the days of feeling effortless fun have since gone. I have known of its absence for some time now, but have yet to figure out a way to make us whole again.

So, it is my desire for this blog to be my source of rekindling and renewing my friendship with fun. It is my way of sharing with the universe and thanking it aloud for all my joy and laughter each day. It is also my way of sharing my fun with anyone else that might want more fun in their life; and for you to share your fun life with me!