Two New Summer Reads

I've been reading a lot this summer and have loved every second of it!  Its been a while since I've written a book report  so I'm here to catch you up on the two books I just finished.

My first read, The Mennonite in the Little Black Dress, is the story of coming home to your roots.  It is a memoir, self explorative piece in which Rhoda Janzen goes through a series of upsets including a horrible car accident, and a divorce.  In the midst of it all, Rhoda returns home to her family of Mennonites and joins them for a summer vacation in the western U.S.  Rhoda realizes and appreciates the strict culture she was raised in, while simultaneously appreciates her determination and career aspirations.  In a way it reminds me of Eat, Pray, Love in which Liz does some serious soul searching and finds the person inside that she is comfortable with.

The other book, The Alternative Hero, follows Clive Berresford and his quest for finding out why his favorite band, The Thieving Magpies broke up after a promising headlining gig at Ayelsbury.  Anyone who knows me, knows that there are a few rock stars in which I would follow, stalk, and admire and should the band break up, will always hope that they get back together.  One day, Clive notices that the lead singer of the Thieving Magpies lives just a few doors down.  He follows him around the block, and figures out a way in which he can contact Mr. Webster and find the truth behind Ayelsbury.  After some speed bumps, challenges, and a little background history, one can appreciate the passion Clive has to speak with one of his heroes.  This is a great summer read, and I highly suggest it to anyone that loves music, can appreciate behaving like a 12 year old girl who loves the backstreet boys (or jonas brothers since they are now hip).

On another note, I was in Boston last week to visit my friend Andrew.  It was an awesome trip!  We went to Fenway saw the Red Sox v. Rangers game, explored the city, and definitely ate our way through the city.  It was a short and sweet trip.  I'm just trying to convince him to come and visit Austin!  Hopefully he will!

-B

Blah Day Today

Today was blah.  I really have no reason as to why it was other than I messed up my back some way some how.

Anyways, I went up to Dallas this past weekend to visit my BFF and my cousin and his darling wife.  It was wonderful to have the comforts of home only 3 hours away.  The drive up to Dallas isn't bad, although its boring.  For a while it seemed like the road was going on and on... I passed country barns and couldn't help but to wonder what is inside.  You always hear of the lucky individuals who buy a decrepid property and come across a rare but exquisite vehicle!  Maybe one day.

Last week I was able to visit the Zilker Botanical Gardens, just off of Barton Springs in the Zilker area.  It is an absolute beautiful place.  For a small fee of $3 (this is to park) you are whisked away into such a serene and calming environment.  It is absolutely beautiful.  They have a plethora of gardens, everything from a Japanese Garden with a Koi pond, to a Butterfly Garden!  I can't wait till my next friend visits and I get to go there again!  Here are a few pictures:

On the 4th of July my friend and I went to Toy Joy- a classic toy store in the heart of Austin.  It was packed.  Inside they have a soda fountain, a ton of Hello Kitty Stuff, and an amazing assortment of toys and chotchkies.  Its the perfect store to go to when you need a gift for the person that has everything.  I picked up a pretty sweet gift for my friend who is in Boston, who I get to go see on Thursday!  I am so excited!  I have never been to Boston before, and I even get the chance to go to Fenway and see a Red Sox game!  It is going to be the best day ever!

Amateur Book Reviewer

In this spirit of Father's Day this weekend, I would like to say Thank You to my wonderful Daddy for instilling in me the love of reading.  I've always been a book nerd.  I've always loved to read, and have enjoyed sitting in on a rainy day and reading a beautiful love story, or something comical.  I contribute my love of writing, to my love of reading, and after giving the idea to my friend, decided that I would become an Amateur Book Reviewer.  Since summer is a wonderful time to get lost in a book, I will post my thoughts on my summer reading list.

Book # 1:  "My Fair Lazy" by the Fabulous, Sassy, and Wonderful Jen Lancaster

If you haven't had the opportunity to pick up any of Jen Lancaster's books, I highly recommend that you start with her first book, "Bitter is the New Black".  Jen was a big wig in the dot com industry, and post 9-11 unfortunately put her in a position of unemployment.  Through the encouragement of her adorning husband, Jen started writing about her work finding experiences, challenges, ups and downs, and triumphs in her blog .  She handles everything with such humor, that if I were to meet her, I think I would die!

Her 5th Book, "My Fair Lazy" is all about her "Jenaissance", her self-discovery into arts, culture, new foods, and less reality television!  One thing I love about her writing, is that there are often moments while I'm reading and go, "I totally thought that too!".  Jen is an avid lover of reality television, and while she is the first to admit it, we all know that reality tv is captivating no matter how much you try to convince others that you don't watch any of the shows.  I myself, am guilty.  I love stupid reality tv shows, and since I've been watching "The Hills" when it was "Laguna Beach" I can't stop watching now!  Jen put herself out of her comfort zone, went to new restaurants, ate different foods, experienced the arts, traveled with her friends, met new "cultured" friends, and even dragged her Husband to wine and cheese classes!  Its an inspiring read because it encourages you to get out of your comfort zone and try something new!  I've decided to have a "Britaissance" and since I've already taken a leap by moving and not really knowing anyone, I am adding to my list certain things I've always wanted to do, but never had the time.

I'll keep you posted on my adventures...

One things for certain, I love Jen Lancaster, and if you ever need a gift for the person that has everything, start with "Bitter is The New Black"

Although I'm not sure many Dads would appreciate this gift.

Greetings From Austin

Hi!

I've been meaning to write, but have been busy getting settled in to the place!  My apartment is great, and Mookie is literally right at home (although I know he misses having direct access to his backyard).  I've done a lot of exploring around the city, and can honestly say I feel pretty comfortable driving, although I tend to stay in my little pocket of the city.

I've been applying for jobs, and have been accepted to the MBA in Digital Media Management at St. Edwards University- a Catholic University here in Austin.  Now the endless debate begins, what if I get a good job?  In two years I'll have an MBA... that type of conundrum.  I know that the answer will come to me, and I am just taking everything one day at a time.

There is so much to do in this city.  It is all about living local, shopping local, and being local.  So many live music venues, you could literally be out every night seeing a different band.  I live next to a great joint called the Mean Eyed Cat, and have yet to go hang out, but it seems pretty awesome.  Mookie has helped me meet some people in my complex, as well as my Cousin who I am utterly grateful for!  Today she and I went to Town Lake or "Lady Bird Lake" and rented paddle boards.  It was awesome, and super difficult.  Paddling back we had to go against the wind, which resulted in both of us falling in the lake and eventually sitting down to paddle back to the dock.  I wish someone had filmed us, it would have been a great youtube video!  I've been meaning to explore the city more with my camera, and hopefully will get a chance to do that this weekend.  As for now, here are a few pics:

Its been a while!

It certainly has.  So much I've done in such little time!  SXSW was amazing.  I still need to post pictures, and explain all the wonderful things I did!  It was  a successful trip!  Since then I've just been getting ready to move, putting all my ducks in a row, taking care of my cute puppy having fun, and doing yoga.  I found the greatest yoga studio, i just wish I had found it sooner rather than later :/ .  While I was visiting my cousin in Austin we went to this great yoga class, and I realized how much I missed it.  I took it for a semester during college, lost a ton of weight and toned up, all without really even realizing it.  So now I have gone at least three times a week at zenergy yoga.  It is up in North Scottsdale, hidden in AZ on the Rocks.  I've promised myself that I would go rock climbing after class, so if you are up for joining me let me know!  Other than that, my bff Colin leaves for Los Angeles next week.  While its bittersweet I am beyond proud of him for taking a leap and following his heart and passion and heading back to La La land.  I guess you'll never know if you never try!  That literally has been my motto for this year and my outlook seems to be much more positive than in years past.

Positivity pays off, oh and Glee's Madonna episode was pretty effing awesome

SXSW Countdown

I was pretty damn productive today.  Besides working, I got my resume in order and all my directions etc.. for SXSW.  I can't believe I leave in less than 10 days.  Its going to be such an awesome experience. I can't wait!  I have so many high expectations for it, I just hope that I don't get let down!  I also have an appointment set up at St. Edwards University to discuss the MBA of Digital Media Management, and I have plans to look at a few apartments around town that I hope are dog friendly!  I plan on blogging nightly or as often as possible about my SXSW adventures.  I've signed up for a few parties and word on the street is that Muse is supposed to make an appearance as well as the Stone Temple Pilots.  For those of you who don't know what SXSW is, it is a week long music and film festival and conference in Austin.  It ultimately is a showcase for underground filmmakers and bands to get notice and respected by those in the industry.  It's been going on for years, and every year has gotten better and better.  I'm signed up to work a few events from working at the great Alamo Drafthouse, doing Promotions for SXSW (my old calling) as well as working the Austin Music Awards- which I am SOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED ABOUT!!! I can't even contain my excitement!  I've been asked to work directly with the bands and celebrities attending the AMA's.  Its going to be great!  I'll try to post pictures and more from my ten day adventure!  I can't wait!

Dear Cupid

Dear Cupid,
I know you've been busy the past couple of weeks with V-day (aka D-Day) and all, but I just wanted to send a note and remind you that I am still here.  I wouldn't say waiting per say, but now I am getting antsy.  Just wanted to check in and make sure that you didn't forget about me.  I know you will probably respond by saying, "Britni, your time will come."  Which in fact I know it will, but I wanted to let you know that I am getting a little impatient.  Give me a sign or some sort of clue (arrows are now passe, but shamrocks are acceptable and I'll take easter eggs as long as there is good candy inside).  Don't think of this as another whiny girl that wants a boyfriend letter, but instead you should think of it as a "hey, Britni, you're right, someone should take you out on a date every once in a while (more than just once every 6 months) that is legit, not lame, and has brains... I'll get right on it."

Thanks, oh, and if you could do that for some of my friends who are single ladies too, that'd be great.  Then we'd totally be like SATC.

XOXO,
Britni