Bass Slayers

I spent yesterday on the San Marcos river fly fishing with my pal Ashley. Ash had purchased a fishing package at Mobile Loaves & Fishes fundraiser earlier this year and decided to take me fishing with it for my bday. Although Ashley and I have fished on the same river together many a time...we have never fished on the same boat together. In Montana, for the past four years, I have always fished with Alicia. We have our routine down by now, so I was feeling a little strange about fishing with someone else. But, if you are going to try it with someone new...might as well be your best pal.


The day was beautiful and of course we had a fun-filled day on the water. And, we definitely slayed our fare share of fish. Ash got the most, but I got the biggest. Yeah us! Our guide, Banning, had probably never seen the likes of us before....traveling with our iPod, lip gloss, and assorted other sundries....but he adjusted fine and I think actually enjoyed being our guide. I mean who wouldn't?!?! Thank you Ash for treating me to a fun day of Bass slaying...what a great bday present!

Hoorays

The past several days have brought me many hoorays that I thought I'd share with you today...

Hooray for the Backstreet Boys!
Today marks the release of their 5th album and I am thrilled. Nick, AJ, Howie, and Brian (the four remaining "Boys" sans Kevin) sang their new single on the Today Show this morning and it was truly music to my ears. It was like old times again....they haven't missed a beat. They all looked great....a little more cleaned up than in the past. I love the new song and can't wait to listen to the whole album. Off to iTunes to purchase...

Hooray for the Sox!
The Boston Red Sox that is. Ok, so I'm a couple of days late here, but like they say....better late than never! (BTW - who is "they"???....I've always wondered!!!). So, back to the Sox. I'm so glad that Sox pulled off a sweep of the World Series. I even sported my pink Sox hat that my dad brought me from Fenway on Sunday in support of the final game.

And, last buy not least....

Hooray for Lee Evans!
Who? Lee Evans! He's a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills and he's one of my two receivers on my Fantasy Football team. Up until this week Lee has pulled out 7 dismal performances and I was considering giving him the ax. But, this week he stepped up and brought me 24 points - - - which is more points in one week than in all the past 7 weeks combined. My Fantasy Football guru advised me to stick with Mr. Evans and I'm happy to report that this week my sticking paid off!

Ladies Who Lunch

Today is a beautiful Friday in Austin. Temperatures in the 70s...the air is dry...and the sun in shining. Today marks the beginnings of the Holiday Shopping Card (a Partner's Card for Austin) so I met Christy, Wendy and Ashley at Santa Rita for lunch and then hit a few shops afterwards. Christy was so generous to share her assorted lip glosses with the group....which was really nice considering she only had a box of 12 or so. Here are a few pics from lunch today....and check out all of our shiny lips thanks to CL.

Only in Austin...

...would you see someone wearing a hat like this...for real!

Bowling for dollars

I spent my afternoon at work at the bowling alley with the rest of the MLF employees and a few ouofr our homeless friends. For the past two years, Mobile Loaves & Fishes has been the beneficiary of the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin's Strike Against Hunger bowling tournament. Last year, they donated $14K to MLF and we hope to get even more from this year's tournament. A huge crowd showed up at 300 Austin for a fun filled afternoon of bowling. MLF had three foursomes in the competition. The first round every team bowled three games and the top 16 teams advanced. I'm sad to say that my foursome did not advance, but one of the three MLF teams did go on to the quarterfinals. I do love to bowl, but I feel confident it is not my gift. I do think there is something to be said for loosen up with a pitcher of beer...but even I found this a tad bit inappropriate for a Tuesday afternoon at work. I think a couple of drinks would have put the shine on my lackluster performance. But, we all had a great day on the lanes!!!

the MLF misfits

Tequila

Thanks to Fredgar for sending me this funny little video...definitely blog worthy.

TX OU from the eyes of Ross The Intern

I keep meaning to post this hilarious video from Ross The Intern of his visit to the State Fair of Texas and the TX/OU game a few weeks ago. Sadly...the horns lost the game, but this video is quite a laugh.

It's finally fall!

Hooray! Late last night a cool front blew into Central Texas and I awoke to a fabulous fall morning...cool and rainy. Not usually a big fan of the rain, but if it brings in some cooler weather I'll take what I can get. Today's highs are in the 50s...so I busted out my new brown North Face that I got in Montana and my cowboy boots for the occasion. Oh how I love fall. The rest of the week is supposed to be in the 70s and 80s and clear....a bit hot for my taste, but at least we may be done with the 90s for a while. Fingers crossed.

Weekend Wrap Up

This weekend my mamma bear come into town to visit me. I was so excited since she hadn't been down to Austin since MAY!!!!! I had quite an agenda of to dos that only my mom can help me accomplish. We bought and hung new curtains, bought and spray painted outdoor furniture, ate out, slept late, and had a great time together as always.

She pulled into town late Friday afternoon and we ate an early dinner at Blue Star Cafeteria. Blue Star is a great place with gourmet home cooking. We treated oursleves to grilled cheese sandwich appitizers, champagne cocktails, and more. Yum, yum!

After dinner we caught movie...Gone Baby Gone....the new movie staring Morgan Freeman (one of our favs) and Casey Affleck...it was also directed by Ben Affleck. It was fabulous....a great movie. I highly recomend it.

Saturday morning we hit the ground running after mex at Maudie's. We were on a mission for my round table (see previous entry). We spent all day running around town accomplishing my list of to dos. We got my new round table, twin beds frames, curtains, some bathroom fixture, outdoor plants, etc. We wrapped up Saturday with a great dinner at Mandola's....a neighborhood Italian market. After dinner we spent our Saturday night putting together bed frames and hanging my new curtains.

Sunday we grabbed one last bite of mex, ran a few last minute errands, and put the finishing touches on our projects. It was great to spend the weekend with my mom. I'll see her in a coupld of weeks, but I love it when she comes down to Austin to see me. Let's hope she visits again soon.

Keeping up with the Joneses

Well actually....keeping up with the Wheelers. In an effort, to compete with Ford and Lizzy....this weekend I purchased my very own "Round Table." I am by no means trying to compete with "The" Round Table, but just in case we ever are at my pad....I want to have the necessary equipment. So...meet my Round Table:

I didn't know quite how difficult it would be to purchase my own round table. My mom was visiting me this weekend and we had quite a day trying to hunt this sucker down. After visiting 2 Home Depots, three Lowe's, a couple of outdoor furniture/grill stores....I found out just what a feat this actually was. Turns out Home Depot and Lowe's have already put away their outdoor furniture to make way for the Christmas gear. I do realize that store start putting out their Christmas stuff months and months in advance, but I don't see how in a city like Austin....where it is still 90 degrees, you can justify putting away your "summer" seasonal stuff. The truth is....in Austin....there really are really only two seasons: summer and winter....and we still have a while to go before we hit summer. So, unless I wanted to throw down a couple of grand for some nice patio furniture at the local outdoor store, I was out o luck.

Just prior to losing all hope, I popped into a local junk type store on the side of the road and happened upon an old iron table and chairs. I got a great deal on them and all they needed were a coat of spray paint. So, we loaded them up, hauled them home, touched them up with some brown spray paint and I am now the proud parent of my very own Round Table.

my mom...spray painting my round table

Your favorite Scorpio

As we sneak up on my 32nd bday I got caught in a conversation today about "signs". Indeed, I am a true Scorpio. So, I thought I'd share some of our traits with you today to see if you think this sounds like me?!?!

Traditional Scorpio Traits
Determined and forceful

Emotional and intuitive

Powerful and passionate

Exciting and magnetic

On the dark side....

Jealous and resentful

Compulsive and obsessive

Secretive and obstinate

LIKES
Truth
Hidden causes
Being involved
Work that is meaningful
Being persuasive

DISLIKES
Being given only surface data
Taken advantage of
Demeaning jobs
Shallow relationships
Flattery and flattering

Some notable Scorpios

Theodore Roosevelt

Emily Post

Martin Scorsese

Marie Antoinette (we actually share a bday)

Demi Moore

Grace Kelly

George Patton

Simon AND Garfunkel (I find it intersting that they were both Scorps)

Celebrity Dish

Due to the craziness of my recent schedule I feel very behind in my celebrity scoop...that is until I just visited Perez Hilton for the day. I feel caught up and refreshed, even though I am a tab behind on all the scoop. Here are a couple of my rants and revelations...



Who the #%$@ is Heidi?!?!? I am so tired of hearing about these Heidi, Lauren, and Spencer characters I can't even stand it. Who are these characters and why do they keep invading the internet, my morning radio, my perfectly good US magazine, etc. I know, I know...they are on The Hills.....whoever watches that. I just don't get it. I just don't get the world's obsession with these people...their love triangle....their sex tape scandal, etc.

Third times a charm....or is it third strike you're out?!?!? Well, boys, I'm not-so-sad to say the Pam is off the market. I missed this tidbit as well and must be the last to know that Pam got married. Keep your eyes peeled for pics and all the juicy tidbits in in the next issue of OK! . Can't wait to see her all dressed in white on her Vegas quickie to Rick Salomon. You remember him from being married to Shannen Doughtry and from the Paris Hilton sex tape scandal, right?!?! (sex tapes....quite a theme today, huh?!).

I Wanna Talk About Me - Toby Keith

I want to talk about me!!!

Okay, okay people! I know I have been a bit of a blog slacker, but I have been super busy at work and unless you want to hear about budget meetings and grant requests consider yourselves lucky that I haven't actually been blogging. But, in an effort to actually appease those who have missed entries in Leigh Leigh Land (Mal, Wendy, Fredgar, GAC, Aimee, and Ames) I thought I'd share my favorite email of the day. Ash sent out on of those oh so fun talk about yourself questionnaires.....and you know how I like to talk about me. So, here goes....

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Sort of...my uncle and my grandfather (both on mom’s side)
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? When my car was broken into
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yep
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Not a fan of the cold cuts!!!! But, if I watch them slice it into paper thin (like falling apart) at the deli….then I’ll do some smoked turkey. Oh, does salami count. I do like me a nice salami (get your head out of the gutter friends)
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Hopefully some day
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Are you kidding me…who wouldn’t?
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? See previous answer
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? No…out when I was two
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Heck no!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Ugh…don’t like cereal
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Yes and then place them into their appropriate shoe box. Ha
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? I guess
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Cookies N Cream
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? smile
15. RED OR PINK? pink
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOU? Biting my nails
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My fam in Dallas
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Yes!
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS ARE YOU WEARING? blue (jeans)
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Cookie dough
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? county
22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? green
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Puppy breath, the ocean, pinon wood
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? ashley
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Smashly - absolutely
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Football and baseball
27. HAIR COLOR? Blonde (but blonder tomorrow….thanks to Roy)
28. EYE COLOR? blue
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? nope
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Cheese enchiladas (and just about anything else mexican)
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? happy endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? We Own The Night
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? khaki shirt….threw y’all for a loop with the khaki, huh?!
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? WINTER, WINTER, WINTER!!!! I hate summer
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Smoochy smoochy
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Crème Brule
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Shay
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Ted
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Don't have one
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T. V. LAST NIGHT? Brother’s & Sisters
42. FAVORITE SOUND? Champagne bottle being opened
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Europe
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I can talk like a muppet baby
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? dallas, texas
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Ted’s

BMROL 2

It's true....it'’s true!!!!!! I'm thrilled to announce confirmation that VH1's Rock of Love will be back with a second season and will feature a return appearance by Bret Michaels.

I watched season 1's reunion show on Monday night and was shocked to find out that the romance had indeed fizzled between Bret and Jes (the "winner" of season 1). Evidentially, VH1's contract stated that Bret and the winner could not see or speak to each other for six months after the show was taped until after it aired.

Now, I'm no expert here, but is it not obvious to everyone that this relationship would be doomed from the start?!?! First, they are separated for six months and then reunited on a VH1 BMROL reunion show. Second, they are reunited on television AFTER Jes has had the opportunity to watch this train wreck of a show like the rest of us. She got to see all of Bret's hooching around with the other girls in the house. On Monday night's special, Bret seemed oh so shocked that Jes was over it. He kills me! Did he think that she would be ok with the fact that he went from girl to girl in that house. I guess once a rock star...always a rock star. I was a fan of the "winner" Jes, but I have to say I do think she's better off without him.

I am somewhat embarrassed to say (but not enough not to say it) that I'll back for season 2 to watch Bret search for his dream girl...."hardcore rocker chic, tattooed, big hair, drinks beer, rockin body." I can't freaking wait! Maybe we'll even get to the bottom of whether or not Bret really has hair under all those headdresses!!!!

Tonight was my first truck run with my regular team for Mobile Loaves & Fishes. Yes, I work for Mobile Loaves & Fishes, but I love it so much that I have actually chosen to volunteer once a month on a regular truck team. So every 2nd Tuesday of each month I'll go out on one of our trucks to feed the homeless, hungry, and working poor. Ashley, Wendy, and Elizabeth have also joined my team and the four of us set out on our first MLF adventure tonight. Ashley was considered a veteran with one other truck run under her belt, but Elizabeth and Wendy were truck run rookies....but they all mastered the art of the truck run ever so quickly.

We made our way through the streets of Austin armed with sandwiches, fruit, milk, juice, lemonade, chips, cookies, hard boiled eggs, and socks. Our first stop was the Sunken Gardens which is an area in Zilker Park where you can find a dozen or so homeless people who range from teens to adults. "Lobster" and "Cheif" are two of the regulars that I know and so I introduced them to my friends. Evidentally today was Lobster's b-day...which I'm a little suspect about...but we gave him an extra cookie nontheless.

After celebrating with Lobster we headed down Riverside Drive east of I-35 were we found a handful of hungry folks including "Old School" and "Worthless Kenny"....who were as gratful as ever for the dinner and the conversation.

Next we crossed "Lady Bird Lake" (I'm not sure when I'll get used to saying that), and fed some folks at a bus stop off of East 7th Street. We also stopped by the van where JP lives to drop off dinner for him, but he wasn't home. JP is quite a character, but one of my favorite people on the streets.

Our last stop is one of my favorite stops and one that was requested by Lizzy....12th and Chicon. For those who don't know it....12th and Chicon is not what you would call the best part of town...but I always have a great time at that stop and it is eye-opening to say the least. Here we emptyed the last bit of food from our truck having passed out 150 meals tonight.

After we had fed our friends on the streets the four of us treated ourselves to dinner at Galaxy Cafe. Great truck run tonight girls. Can't wait until next month!

Closing the book on Harry Potter

It only took me 2 and a half months to do it, but last night I closed the book on the final Harry Potter book. What a journey. I have such mixed emotions about finishing book number seven, but loved every minute of it. I can't wait to nerd out and gab with my other Potterphile friends who have so patiently waited for me to finish. So much to discuss. I will miss Harry, Hermione, and Ron (my favorite). But at least I have a couple more movies to anticipate. Wish I could say more, but have to help preserve the secrets for those who have yet to read the final installment....although I may be the last one.

Now that I've finished HP...I'm on to the next book....that's kind of a thing with me...the moment I finish one book I have to pick up another. Wonder what that's about?!?!?! So, I'm on to One Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. I'm so excited about starting this one. Khaled Hosseini is the author of The Kite Runner....one of the best books I've ever read. Can't wait to dive into his newsest book. I'm also anxiously awaiting the movie version of The Kite Runner....who's release date has been pushed back due for the safety of its child stars.

Friday Night Lights

I am soooo excited that tonight marks the return of my fav network tv show...Friday Night Lights. This is the best show on network tv and if you aren't watching....then you are missing out! Critics rave about the show and everyone that watches it love it. Set your DVRs to record FNL tonight. You won't be disappointed.

I'm wireless!

Ryan...my technical advisor

I am so excited to say that I now have wireless internet at home. Last week I was welcomed into the land of having internet access at home (yes, I do realize I'm a tad behind the times here), but tonight I was indoctrinated into the wonderful world of wireless thanks to my technical advisor Ryan. Ryan, along with Aimee and their 5 week old son Benjamin came over for a little yummy din din from Mandola's and hooked me all up. So, now it's official...I can blog, surf, work, etc any time and any where. Scary, but exciting!

Aimee rocks little Benner

Baby Benjamin

TP Etiquette

I'm sure this is too much information and I'm crossing many boundaries here....but I must rant...

Am I the only one around here that know good toilet paper etiquette?!?!? Is there anything more annoying than going to use the restroom and looking over to see one square of paper hanging on the toilet paper roll. I mean....who could possible need only ONE square of toilet paper....no matter the situation. As I went to the bathroom a couple of minutes ago I saw this...and, it sent me over the edge....so much so that I went to get my camera for evidence. I'm not sure if you can even tell the severity of the situation by the pic...but I assure you that only one square hangs and is remaining. How difficult is it to pull out another roll and put it on the dispenser people!!!!

Aargh!!!!!

One Million Meals

In an effort to allow my workaholic self to actually have some boundries, I typically don't like to blog about work, but I felt like today I could make an exception. I did one of the coolest things I've ever done today and that experience changed me in profound ways....

Today Mobile Loaves & Fishes (where I work) celebrated serving our ONE MILLIONTH MEAL to our homeless and hungry brothers and sisters in need. Quite a feat considering that just 9 years ago our five founders were serving sandwiches out of a minivan. Mobile Loaves & Fishes has reached this incredible milestone with the support and dedication of our more than 9,000 volunteers....who come in all ages, religions, races, etc. What a difference we can make when we all pitch in together.

me..."reverse-panhandling"
on the streets of Austin this morning

This morning we marked this milestone with an unprecedented "reverse-panhandling" promotion. More than 30 MLF volunteers, dressed in special bright orange MLF t-shirts, manned high-traffic street corners throughout the city of Austin from 7:30 to 9am....passing out goody bags to morning commuters. These goody bags were filled with MLF essentials....

• crackers and candy for them to pass out to homeless individuals the next time they see one on the street corner


• a plastic egg representing the hard boiled egg - - - our most popular food item on our trucks


• and an information sheet about MLF and our one millionth meal celebration

We made quite a splash around town and had some great media coverage.

It was a humbling and eye-opening experience for me personally as well. I like to think of myself as somewhat in tune with and sympathetic to the homeless and those who panhandle to survive, but this morning's experience truly changed me. I found that it was a very lonely place to be. Many of the commuters this morning was curious, warm, generous, and welcoming, but I was surprised to find that some people were incredibly cold and do not even smile, make eye contact, or acknowledge me and my fellow volunteers. And, we weren't even asking for anything....we were giving things away....so I can only imagine the vulnerability one must feel as they stand on the street corner day in and day out asking for help.

I do look at this as an opportunity to make a change in my life - - - to be more conscience of those who are panhandling....to remember that they are human beings and they do deserve the love and respect that I give to others. I will smile at them, wave at them, and acknowledge them....whether or not I feel moved to give to them. I encourage you all to do the same. It is transforming for both you and the panhandler. I also look at this as an opportunity to educate others....to try and encourage them to change their views on the homeless, especially those who panhandle. While it does seem to the average person that panhandling would be an "easy way out" of working, I would beg to differ. What I did this morning was one of the most difficult things I've ever done and I imagine it is the same for the panhandlers.

one of our fabulous volunteers "reverse-panhandles" for MLF

I am incredibly proud to be a part of an agency that treats ALL people with dignity and respect and I am grateful for the opportunity that I had this morning to spend a small amount of time "on the other side of the street." I thank all of the MLF volunteers and donors who have helped us reach this amazing milestone. Here's to one million more!!!!

Click here to see some of the news footage and me in action on the streets.