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

Rainy Saturday

Today started off somewhat hopeful... I looked outside, it was cloudy and over cast and decided to take Mookie out and then go back to sleep since that little bugger likes to wake me up so early.  I slept until 9:30 which was pretty impressive for me and then did some research online about Austin.  Low and behold I came across the coolest Master's Program EVER!  Its a MBA in Digital Media Management out of St. Edward's University in Austin!  It seems AMAZING and I will be going off to Barnes and Noble either right now, or in the morning to purchase the Gmat study guide.  Figures, I missed the deadline for 2010, but am even that more determined to get accepted for 2011.  It's a 2 year program and includes everything I am interested in and is my passion!  Sweet!  Now moving on to the rest of the day, I joined Colin on a trip to Whole Foods after stuffing our faces at Chop and Wok in Scottsdale.  I love Whole Foods and could literally spend hours in the store, but its just so expensive- I mean I remember when I would shop at Whole Foods in L.A. and Smartwater would cost only .99.  Now its up to $1.75.  Complete crap I tell you.  I guess I'm getting old in my ripe age of 24... just waiting for those comments to soon come out like "when I was your age..."  oh boy.  Any who, after our Whole Foods jaunt we pit stopped at Target (pronounced tar-jeyyy) and galavanted through there! Picked up a few office supplies to prep my resume and get some hard copies ready for SXSW.  Got home, and at this point I was ready to pass out.  I've been fighting Pharyngitis for the past few days, and with my Pharyngitis also comes a lovely ear infection type thing (not as severe as your normal ear infection, but enough that its causing me to get dizzy when I look up or move too quickly).  Stupid pharyngitis, which is causing me to miss snowboarding tomorrow, unless I feel great in the morning and decide to get my ass in gear and go... we will see.  The rest of the night has consisted of Mookie and I playing with his bear, while watching lovely and classy television- see 16 and pregnant (which I hope they show in schools).  I raided Colin's movie collection and am now watching one of my all time fave's, Maverick.  I loved this movie growing up and would watch it with my Dad whenever it was on TBS.  Another one I need to see is City Slickers.  I'm determined to rent that soon.  Hopefully I will start to feel better tomorrow and the dizziness will have subsided.  Other than that if you feel like watching Maverick, let me know!

Thursday

Happy Thursday!

So I spent today attempting to get better from my Pharyngitis.  Aka throat and ear infection combination.  I feel like I could sleep till next Thursday, but there are too many things on my to do list before I can do that!  

Mookie and I have been playing, he is teething so everything is a bite not a love nibble.  Hes so funny and currently eating one of my TOMs shoes :(  Not good! I aam fully stocked up on my magazines: national geographic, Oprah, and Real Simple, and last night watched Season 3 of Big Love.  Tonight I'm thinking 500 days of summer finally.  Hopefully it will happen!

Ill blog more when I have some more energy.

So I finally got around...

So I finally got around to posting some pictures of my life the past few months.  If you're my FB friend then you can view them, but here is my favorite one of the Mookie Monster:

He's Pretty Darn Cute if you ask me.  So I finally got around to painting my ikea cabinet, however I haven't gotten around to posting pictures or taking them rather, so I will get on that hopefully this weekend.  Speaking of this weekend its going to be AMAZING!  Let me tell you why:
On Saturday it is Jacks Mannequin Day!  They are playing at the Marquee Theatre with the band Fun.  Nate from the Format's new band.  I'm excited to see Fun.  but even more excited to see JM!  Ahhh :)  Its been too long.  Also, Shaina comes home from her amazing trip to Ghana.  I'm so excited to hear all her stories and share all her pictures!  Its going to be super cool!


This morning I got some awesome news.  As most of you know I am heading to ATX in March to work at SXSW, the big music and film conference and festival.  Its going to be awesome.  One of the Crew's I am scheduled to work on is the Austin Music Awards- which is the very last day of SXSW.  I will be helping organize all the bands/performers/celebrities!  I'm so excited!  This is a special crew where you are chosen to participate in!  Yay!  Finally things are turning around!  I'm hoping this trip is valuable and that I get the most out of it as possible.  Also, I hope to get some answers to some of my questions...  Good times!  Anyways, I hope all you lovers have a good weekend, and if you are single and ready to mingle like I am, just have fun and be your awesome self!  

Saturday

Hey Sass-a-frass!  Today was a super long day.  I didn't sleep very well last night because I had a little friend snuggling with me (his name is Mookie) who woke me up this morning at 6.  When I saw the sad, early, signs of day light my first thought was WTF?  Then I realized that the tiny one was crawling on my face saying "im hungry".  Fair enough.  So all in all, Mookie ate his breakfast, and shortly thereafter he was back in his house (his house being his crate because I am attempting to crate train...but was too lazy to walk the 50 steps to do so last night) and I went back to bed.  The worst part of doing that is, when you wake up for reals (ready to start your day) you are thrown off and think  "is it really 9:00 or did I accidentally touch snooze and/or changed my alarm in the middle of the night?" which I have done before.  I also have answered the phone when I was dead asleep, apparently had a conversation, and then threw the phone across the room.  Not surprised?  Ask my former roomie at reelreviewsfromanamateurcritic.blogspot.com  she will tell you the truth accordingly.  Today I worked at Celebrations In Paper and put my craftyness to the test and worked on a beautiful wedding invitation.  The work that the girls come up with is truely amazing and beautiful!  I can't wait to have my wedding invitations made by them (at the rate I'm going I will probably be about 55- so hello COUGARVILLE)  I had a fun day and stayed busy.  Still have yet to purchase my supplies to revamp my Ikea cabinet, but hopefully will do that in the morning before heading off to work while rooting for the SAINTS!  


Happy Superbowl Weekend friends


eat some ruffles and sour cream and onion dip for me :) 

2010

Hello! It's been a while! I guess you could say I took a bit of a hiatus from the blogger world, but don't worry kids- I'M BACK! Its been busy past few months, with work, the Parents moving to Northern California, the holidays, January brought me some good luck and a new little friend in my life named Mookie (pictures will follow), as things are slowly settling, I decided to take a web design course and further my knowledge of the HTML lifestyle.

Thanks to a good friend who is my trusted computer resource, though we tend to differ on the mac vs. pc debate (once you go mac you never go back) I still like him and he knows his ish. The plan behind taking this course is to establish a personal website, one that would be the ultimate contact for my resume, as well as a place to have my blog, about me, and such so that when I venture off to the big city of Austin, TX, I could use my site to promote myself and my goals. So far so good, but I'm just in the process of scouting domain names and web hosting sites. The people in my course are all ages, it's been great to see Baby Boomer's interested in learning the html code and establishing their own websites for either their businesses or their grand kids. That being said, I am enjoying learning something new and expanding my brain a little bit more.

On to the next subject, Mookie. Mookie is an adorable 10 week old Shih Tzu trouble maker boy who is darling, my new child (one of many future child "pets" because I ain't having babies- sorry Mom! you can rent a kid). When my parents moved, they took my "brother" Grizzly Bear with him. Grizzly is 2, a Shih Tzu as well, and has the longest eye lashes and softest fur in the whole world. He brightens up my Moms day and loves his new lifestyle in Carmel, CA (tough...I know, you could say hes retired). So after Christmas, I decided to play Santa for myself and get Mookie. He is a firecracker. His temperament is similar to Grizzly's and its fun to watch a tiny one view the world! Right now he is crawling on my giant Euro pillow on my bed looking for something to sink his teeth into. He's fun, a handful, but totally worth it.

Today my friend Em and I ventured off to Ikea after work (since not only are we friends but we are also coworkers) to get ideas and a snack. Low and behold, I found in the "As Is" section a sweet ass bookshelf, that I will be painting the beautiful, bright, and happy color of .... YOU GUESSED IT... ORANGE!!! The plan is to make it antique-y looking and have some pizazz! Ill eventually use it as a TV stand for when I finally get my own place, but right now I'm excited to have my little crafty side at work. Ill probably be up at 6 am tomorrow to run to Home Depot (i love that store) and get supplies and paint! So if you want to join me on a fun filled project, you are more than welcome! Don't worry I'll post before and after photos- I won't leave you hanging!

I think this is all I have to say for tonight. I think I'm going to watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding and reminisce about my college trip to Greece... now only to plan my next adventure with Mookie in my backpack.