Weekend

KathyL and I went shopping at the Hill Country Galleria yesterday. Superfun! Spent most of our time at HomeGoods, filling two carts with all sorts of amazing stuff there. My advice is to shop at regular stores before going to the discount store. We started at HomeGoods and then were hesitant to spend money on regularly-priced items everywhere else. Ha!

 

J and I watched "The Big Conn" on Apple TV+. It's not the best documentary ever, but the story and people are interesting enough. The producers never seem to be sure whether they want to present an amusing tale of a kooky Kentucky lawyer, or move you with the sad stories of people who were screwed out of legitimate disability claims. A quite disjointed story. The musician Mason Tackett is the BEST though. He should have his own television show. He is affable and hilarious, popping in every so often with his entertaining commentary.

 

Stanley Tucci's "Searching For Italy" show on CNN is one of my faves. So glad it is back for a second season. It is beautiful and interesting, and reminds me how much I would love to spend a month in Italy. Also, "Somebody Feed Phil" is making a return on Netflix for Season 5 on May 25! YAY! World travel food shows rock.

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Downton Abbey Binging in 2022

This morning the lawn guys came to do a top dressing on our lawn. We have a section of wood fence that blew down in the storm last week (trying to figure out with our neighbors how to fix it exactly), so Jeff told the lawn guys to just lean the piece of fence against the remaining fence to work on that section of grass. He watched and told me that instead of leaning it against the fence, they kept balancing it IN the empty space where it belongs along the fence line, and it kept... falling over... as one might expect. I only wish I could have watched that whole scene. That's pandemic entertainment right there.

New Netflix binge! We'd never seen Downton Abbey. Well, we did see the movie, but never an episode of the show. Now we've binged the first two seasons and are starting into Season 3. I watched so much Downton Abbey in such a short time that I'm thinking in a British accent. It hasn't actually come out of my mouth yet. Only a matter of time, I'm sure. 

The weather in Austin has been gorgeous! Sunny and cool. Disturbing manifestation of global warming? Perhaps. But gorgeous! 

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...Someone Else to Catch this Drift

I've been listening to Jagged Little Pill, so I'm in a "girl power" sort of mood!

 

Why are you so terrified of silence? 

Here, can you handle this:

 

... 

...

 

;-)

 

The second season of Who Killed Sara on Netflix is good, but not as good as the first. It's very "messy." The jumping around in time is sometimes throwing me off. There are a lot of things that feel randomly added. So many people involved in too many crimes to count at this point. Still watching!

We binged Halston in a few days. It was also medium-good. It is entertaining and has lots of pretty things to look at. I just couldn't find much to like about the title character. Talented, but his egomania and the careless way he treated most people just didn't give me any sympathy for him when things went wrong. The actress/singer who plays Liza Minnelli is outstanding, and of course, there's the greatness of Ewan McGregor!

I caught Valerie Bertinelli's new show, Valerie's Hot Dish last weekend. Comedic actresses Melissa Peterman and Nicole Sullivan ARE Laura and I cooking together. They are hilarious. I just looked it up, and there is only one episode. What the heck is up with that?! More please!

 

Dr. Mark Escott is stepping into his new role as Chief Medical Officer for the city, leaving his post as Interim Medical Director and Health Authority for Austin Public Health. For Austinites during the pandemic, he's kept us informed, and led at least once weekly press conferences, Q&A's, etc. He's been a voice similar to Dr. Fauci, always clear and firm on what is happening and why, explaining when we don't know the "why's" yet, and such. He's done a superb job. I'm not exactly sure what the CMO for a city does, but I'm sure he'll do that with the same integrity and competence. These days, those things seem in short supply all around.

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Mask Weirdness

I've been laughing at us- people including me- as we navigate not wearing masks and getting closer to each other. Some people are nervous and feeling a little uncomfortable with the huge change, but also, we've spent the past twelve months identifying people without masks as jackwagons, and none of us wants to be mistaken for them.

 

We were at the mall on Saturday, and I would say it was about 80% of a typical Saturday mall attendance. 90% of people were wearing masks. The mall itself is mask-optional for vaccinated people, but individual stores set their own requirements and most currently require masks. We were walking the corridors without masks, but it was SUPERWEIRD.

I've also been to Target and Kohls, both of which are "masks optional" for vaccinated people, and pretty much everyone was wearing their mask. I wore mine in both places. 

 

In the end, my personal policy is to first do whatever the rules require, and if it is optional, to wear it if I'm uncomfortable without it for whatever reason. Over time, we'll all get over the weirdness!

 

Went to Austin Land and Cattle last night for our anniversary. Our actual anniversary is tomorrow, but we thought Monday night would be less crowded. We were wrong. Ha! Super-crowded! The tables there are separated a little more than usual though. Steak was amazing as usual. Any steak would be good after 14 months without, but theirs is definitely awesome.

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Area State Parks Drive

Thank goodness for the Chauvin conviction this week. We were literally holding our breaths waiting to see if it would go the right way. Not that it wasn't so incredibly obvious, but you never know. One step forward for us all as a country.

 

Last weekend, J and I went down to Bastrop and Beuscher State Parks, about 30 minutes outside of Austin. We drove Park Road 1C through both, which costs only $3 per person. Cheap date! Add two Dr. Pepper slurpees from Buc-ees and you're still in for less than $10. (The park ticket lady joked she would have let us in for a discount if we'd have brought her a slurpee. Ha!) The baby trees are adorable. So nice to see all the green where there was only black scorched earth and tall, ashen tree trunks. 

 

We remember the night the ashes from that fire were actually raining down on us at Kyle Field in College Station during a football game. The orange glow over the sky on the way home... Scary stuff.

 

There are a lot of pretty views in the parks. Beuscher is a quite a bit more lush and shady. The speed limit is 30mph, but you go about 20-25 most of the time. Windows down. All so quiet on the relaxing little hilly drive. If you wanna hike the many trails, it's $5 a person.

 

Progressive's latest ad...

"Now's not a good time, three-fifths of NSYNC."

"Read the room."

 

*snort*

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The End of the Texas Mask Mandate

Yesterday afternoon around 5 p.m., Gov. Greg Abbott said, "People and businesses don't need the state telling them how to operate." 

 

What an idiot. The government tells people and businesses how to operate all day every day. That is what government does. We are just now starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel, and there he is, to return us right back to where we were.

 

It is great to see SO many businesses and school districts doubling down on masks this morning, and announcing continued reduced capacity service. We definitely won't be customers anytime soon of  businesses where there are people walking around without masks.

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Water On!

We've got water service! Wheeeeeee!! Still under a boil water order, but we'll take it for sure. Showers, clothes/dish washing, cooking with water and toilet flushing are back. The guys can stop peeing in their yards!

 

We're all still conserving water until the rest of the city is back on. Austin Water says that should be sometime today. Then the only folks without water will be those who have broken pipes. Hopefully they are back online very soon.

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Snowmageddon 2021

We never lost power in the great Texas Snowmageddon 2021, thank goodness. SO lucky. We are beginning Day 5 without any water though. We had a trickle for a day or two, which we used to boil for drinking. We have several bottled waters, and a lot of melted snow that we collected during the freeze. Melted snow is only good for toilets really, because the dirt and gunk in it is so gross. Like...

Ha!

 

We're definitely coming to the end of Austin residents' drinking and toilet water at this point. Our community pool was opened to give residents pool water for toilets. We also have access to a friend's pool in the 'hood. Jeff's coworker has running water about 30 minutes away, which we may pick up soon, for drinking. Tick tock. We'll see how bad it gets.

My favorite neighborhood group comment when people were asking where to get toilet water was to "pee in the back of the toilet." Ahhhhhhhhahaha. Someone also suggested it is time for all men to start peeing in the yard. So, be ready for that while taking your daily stroll.

 

I hope voters remember Senator Cruz's Cancun trip when he is up for re-election. And the fancy lie he concocted to explain it. And the fact that the Cruz family left their dog in a home they declared too cold to live in. And yes, I feel exactly the same about the Cali governor and our Austin mayor, displaying elitist disregard for their communities. Find good people to fill those positions! Don't support bad behavior based on party affiliation. Whichever party you support surely has a far better human to put up for the job.

 

Concert survey making the rounds...

 

First Concert: Go-Go's

Last Concert: 10,000 Maniacs (a couple of years ago)

Best Concert: Prince

Worst Concert: I can't remember any "bad" concerts, but when we saw The Cars back in the day, they literally said nothing to the crowd the entire night. They just played through the setlist and left. SO weird.

Loudest Concert: Daughtry

Seen the most: tie between Prince, Duran Duran and NSYNC- 3 times each

Most Impressed: Lady Gaga

Wish I could have seen: Bette Midler

Next concert: would love to see OneRepublic sometime

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HBO Weekend

As someone said, if inciting an insurrection isn't an impeachable crime, nothing is. If this type of behavior by elected officials is tolerated, the country will fall apart. Censure is not enough.
 

After the insurrection, Trump told the participants that he loved them and they were special. This man-baby has not "touched a stove he won't touch again," for God's sake. Get real, Republicans who are still on the Trump train to nowhere.

Quantum leap to a very light subject... We tried to watch the movie Let Them All Talk on HBO the other night, and it is the worst. I thought it would be great, with the big talent lineup. Despite the title, no one really talks about anything of any importance whatsoever, and when they speak, they spend most of their dialogue on ummms and uhhhhs. (Every time someone says a throwaway word, take a drink!) We stopped watching about a half hour in. I couldn't take any more. I did enjoy watching Gemma Chan as a "real girl" after being so used to watching her as a robot on three seasons of Humans. Ha!

The Bee Gees documentary was fun to watch, with all their music, and bonus Andy Gibb. Reminded me of my Tiger Beat days, and my childhood bedroom literally wallpapered with magazine posters, including the Bee Gees and Andy.

Also watched Jo Jo Rabbit, which was great.

The Flight Attendant jumped around too much without much progression in any direction the first few episodes, so we stopped watching that. I also never could muster up any sympathy/empathy for Kaley Cuoco's character, since she's just drinks and parties and doesn't do anything to help herself. The show wasn't funny enough to overcome those things. Maybe it's not supposed to be funny?

Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling was super-interesting. I had no idea he was so into self-reflection and journaling and Buddhism, etc. Of course it was so funny, too. Lots of surprising scenes of small groups of giant names of comedy just hanging out together.

Did I mention Normal People before? It's a Hulu show, a great Irish drama series about a complicated young couple who go in and out of each other's lives in their teens and 20s.

We did get outside this weekend, too. (WHAT?! I know.) We hung out by the boat launch under the Pennybacker Bridge. It was FRIGID. Oh my god. We didn't stay long, but it was nice to just sit by the water and absorb some nature.

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Sweet Tea and Oysters Contraband

An armadillo is digging up our backyard at night. I know that's one of the most Texas things you've ever heard. He is hunting for grubs, my husband tells me. We live in suburbia, but along a greenbelt and the grubs in the woods should be the same as or better than the ones in the yard. Why cross the fence? Stick with your forest-y, free-range grubs, not our domesticated, fenced-in ones! Gah.

 

Speaking of Texas-y commentary, here is a lunchtime exchange between the hubby and me yesterday-

 

Me (after taking a sip of my 50% sweet tea): ACK. This is not my half-and-half tea. It must be your sweet tea. Either that, or their sweet tea is VERY... 

Jeff (taking a drink of his full-up sweet tea): ACK. No, this is definitely the sweet tea.

 

A little mention for Evangeline Cafe, in case some of you Austinites haven't thought about them in a while. Call them up and order takeout. There were two people there on Friday night and only us picking up an order! Last time I was there, it was rockin' live music, super-crowded as usual. Such a weird thing to see it empty. My favorite thing there is the Oysters Contraband.

 

We watched the episode of The Crown last week where they covered the palace break-in by Michael Fagan in 1982. (I don't remember this event at all, but who knows what the heck I was busy doing in 1982.) They spent the entire HOUR on this guy and his life situation and background story, and how he and the Queen spoke for ten minutes about politics and the monarchy and "what the people want," before security came in and retrieved him from her bedroom. So so weird. This show has consistently been about the royal family. Most of this episode was about this random guy. AND... it turns out The Atlantic wrote an article about fictional elements of The Crown, and mentioning there that the conversation was not about that subject matter at all. So a whole episode devoted to this Fagan chap and a completely false chat. It is historical fiction, so I don't have a problem with it being inaccurate, just why waste a whole hour on it? 

 

We did complete the season. It feels like this season had a lot of political "messaging" to it. (Or maybe it's just PTSD from the past four years of politics here.) Hope the next season is better.

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Parade of Homes 'n Stuff

Do I think NSYNC should tour without JT? Uh, YES. I'd rather them tour with him, for the sake of completeness, but without is fine as well. They do have another lead singer, yes? :p

So J and I went to College Station for the weekend last weekend, just for funzies. Stayed at The Stella. Always lovely.

We did to the Brazos Valley Builders Association Parade of Homes, which was really fun! Very different from the high-brow Greater Austin Parade of Homes, where you tour multi-million dollar homes wearing hospital booties over your shoes. In College Station, it was model homes and spec homes ranging from like $150,000 to $750,000, all over town and the surrounding areas. We liked so many of them.

The biggest current building trend is the utility room off the master closet, in a

master bedroom>bathroom>giant closet>utility room 

arrangement. So you just walk from your closet through a door into the utility room to do laundry! NICE. Several homes even had a laundry door in the closet, so you can just dump dirty clothes through a little flap, directly into a laundry basket or hamper in the utility room on the other side of the wall. No need to walk all the way into the utility room from the closet. (#firstworldproblems)

OMG. I'm making mojo sauce for the first time and there wasn't a warning that the entire house would smell like garlic. WOW-WEE. *cough*

Anyhoo... I went with Scott-n-Kerstin to a storage locker auction on Tuesday! Very interesting. It was the fastest 25 minutes ever. Walked to a locker, had about 30 seconds to look into it, then a brief auction, then moved on to the next one. Zippity-zee. You could tell there was a group of regulars, and a few of us newbies. One of the Texas Storage Wars guys was there, although I don't watch that show, so I didn't know him. Lockers went from $5 to $500. Keep an eye on your local newspaper for the next locker sale in your area.

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Mid-Week Update

Jeff and I finished the second season of Ozark. Man, that is such a great series. The acting is SO good and the story so dark that I can't even watch more than one episode in a sitting. They'll off anyone on that show! Skeery!

I had lunch with Crystal at EastSide Tavern yesterday. It was really yummy! Try the brisket tater tots appetizer.

We saw A Simple Favor last weekend. It was very entertaining, but I did think there was some weird editing, that didn't ever explain a whole obvious side-plot (the TA relationship- amiright?), and also went wonky at the end, where the film turned from dramedy to slapstick comedy for a few minutes there. Funny (ha ha), but also quite funny (odd). We did have a couple of questions about the story details as well. Maybe we're thinking too much.

And lastly, on the first listen, I really sort of hated this song. (I was like- THIS is David Guetta's latest???) Then Apple Music started playing three songs on repeat for some creepy/weird reason, and this song was one of them (of course). I was driving, so I couldn't fix it. The second time I heard the song, I liked it, and by the third time, I LOVED it! What the heck? Anyhoo...



I run to youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!

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Weekend Update - Asian Edition

Yesterday, we finally did the Asian market day we've been planning since H-Mart and 99 Ranch Market opened in Austin earlier this year. Scott-n-Julie and Jeff and I headed to H-Mart first, so we could get lunch at the 8-restaurant food court there. We tried several things from a few of them, and almost everything we tried was a hit! My favorites were the Kimchi Tater Tots and Bulgogi Sandwich from EStreet Tacos, and the garlic-soy Korean Chicken Bites from Donkey Mo's. And omg, EStreet has something called Chicken Skin Chicharrones, also very highly recommended, which I will definitely try next time. Their queso supposedly rocks as well. So, EStreet and Donkey Mo's, y'all. Write. That. Down.

We perused the aisles at H-Mart, which is very large and bright, and looks just like a regular grocery store, other than the products are almost all Asian. Their produce was OUTSTANDING. Just beautiful. I complain all the time about our produce at our grocery stores. Their stuff was exceptional and not expensive.

Next we headed to 99 Ranch Market. It is smaller than H-Mart (still big though!), and less well-lit. Their produce looked just like my HEB, pretty average. Their prices ran quite a bit less than H-Mart. They also have Peking Duck for $20 and live lobster for $8 per pound. I almost bought a vat of Kikkoman soy sauce (the only one I use), 2 quarts worth, for $5 and change. Couldn't figure out where to store it, so I didn't, but just as an example, they do have great prices. Plenty of selection, too. I did get some grapeseed oil (the best for stir fry, according to Jet Tila) and sesame oil there.

We stopped into the Beto campaign office in the 99 Ranch Market shopping center, to buy a bumper sticker. I was going to take a photo of Jeff entering the glass doors with a big sign for the Texas Democratic Party, just to send his parents for funsies, but they are reaching that age where we don't want to shock them too much.

Last night, Jeff and I went to a new-to-us restaurant so I could try Banh Mi for the first time. It was really good. We need to hit one of the more acclaimed banh mi spots to compare though.

Today, Jeff and I saw Crazy Rich Asians, I guess to complete the Far East themed weekend we're having. I liked it, but I will warn you, it is a rom-com with the emphasis on the Rom. You probably think it's a comedy along the lines of The Hangover or Wedding Crashers from some of the trailers, but it is a normal romantic comedy, with a few laughs here and there. Still good! Just don't plan to blow Dr. Pepper out your nose laughing.

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Relief

Austin's serial bomber is deceased as of this morning, and soon we'll be able to tune down our hyper-vigilance. It's been very surreal seeing something like this in our community.

Brian Manley should definitely become permanent APD chief, as he was the voice of both strength and calm this month, during this ordeal.

I have a few questions still. I'm super curious about the general area of town where the two mailed packages were headed. Don't really know why it matters to me, but it just feels like an unfinished story there. Also, I'm wondering how a guy in a wild blonde wig and wearing gloves didn't strike a Fedex employee as odd, especially when we're all so paranoid about packages right now. Not to place any blame on the employee at all, but it's just strange to me. Jeff said it's Austin and the guy probably sees ten people in weird wigs every day.

True.

Anyhoo... we're all breathing easier now, hopeful that there won't be any more deaths or injuries caused by this person. (That's a nice word for him, but I'll leave it at that.)

Whew!

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Restaurant Review Time!

The Burger King next to Chik-Fil-A at 290 and Mopac has been leveled. When a neighbor asked on the FB group, "What are they going to put there?" another neighbor replied, "Gosh I hope it's another Chik-Fil-A!" Ahahahaaaaa! (That Chik-Fil-A is really overcrowded.)

While we're on the subject of local restaurants, I have to say that Cuba 512 earns a huge two thumbs up every time I go there. The restaurant at Westgate and William Cannon has a fabulous El Cubano Cuban sandwich, of course, but so far every single dish I've tried has honestly been exceptional. The ceviche could be lunch for two, served in a large goblet with crispy plantain chips. Boniato frito (sweet potato fries) are delicious with Cuban aioli. Mariquitas (fried plantain chips) with mojo are yummy. Their mojo is simple garlicky goodness. Tostones (plantain patties) are my favorite side, also good with mojo. Kathy and I had the Cuban churrasco (wagyu beef with caramelized onions and chimichurri) once, which was tender and wonderful. Last weekend I tried the lechon asado (Cuban pulled pork), and it was fall apart deliciousness with yellow rice. Yummo! Get over there and get some!

We tried the new Mad Greens in Sunset Valley yesterday. It was excellent! It's a chain, but so is Austin's beloved Torchy's now, so don't automatically wave it away, y'all. They have about ten pre-selected salad combinations with various themes. You can also make your own by choosing ingredients as you walk through the line. They also have hummus and pita that rocks. My favorite was the garlic hummus. Jeff's was avocado. One of my favorite things on earth is sun-dried tomatoes, but oddly the sun-dried tomato hummus lacked flavor. Overall, a great lunch spot! (Tip: The regular sized salad is plenty for a meal, so don't feel like you have to go for the large.)

Time for another Saturday 9--


Saturday 9: Listen to the Music (1972)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) The lyrics say, "What the people need is a way to make them smile." What song lifts your spirits and makes you smile every time you hear it?

Still Counting Crows "Accidentally In Love" and it has nothing to do with Shrek, I just LOVE that song! It's so happy!

2) Lead vocalist/composer Tom Johnston reports that he's made a lot in royalties because so many radio stations use this as a jingle. Tell us a jingle that sticks in your head.

OOOOOH-OOOH it's a summer full of fun yeah! The Corpus Christi tourism commercial always in my head.

3) The Doobie Brothers got their start in San Jose, California. San Jose is the largest city in Northern California, thanks to all the tech companies that have headquarters there. Let's talk about the device you're on right now: are all your applications up to date?
I'm on the MacBook. Of course the apps are up-to-date!

4) When they were still a local band, the Doobie Brothers had a strong following among bikers. Are you attracted to biker culture?

Not really. I haven't had much exposure to it.

5) This week's song is from Toulouse Street, which is considered their "breakthrough" album. Tell us about a moment in your own life that you consider a "breakthrough."

Going back to work in the same job I left 20 years prior. I was never sure I'd have the opportunity to pick up where I left off after that much time away. It was completely due to maintaining friendships with old coworkers.

6) In 1987, the Doobie Brothers did a benefit performance for Vietnam Veterans at the Hollywood Bowl. Next to the Beatles, it was the fastest-selling ticket in Hollywood Bowl history. Which group do you listen to more often -- the Doobies or the Beatles?

Beatles

7) In 1972, when this song was popular, Wranglers were America's best-selling jeans. Are you brand-loyal to one jeans manufacturer?

Nope. There are a few brands I try first, but the perfect fit could be one brand, could be another. Could be one I've never owned before.

8) Grocery stores saw seafood prices fluctuate wildly in 1972 because of a series of confrontations between the United Kingdom and Iceland regarding fishing rights in the North Atlantic. (Iceland won.) What was the most recent seafood dish that you enjoyed?

I had a bagel with lox this morning.

9) Random question: Which of these "top ten" lists would you prefer to be on -- the sexiest, the smartest or the richest?

Smartest. In the sexiest or richest groups, you have to be careful that the people around you are true friends and not just people who want something from you. Being among the smartest people doesn't come with that issue.

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Bar Injury

Friday night I went to Moontower Saloon for the first time ever. I was with Laura and all her teacher buddies. It's a neat place, with food trucks (including Salt Lick, the best barbecue on earth) and washers and volleyball and a live band. Great drink options from the regulars to frozen whiskey and coke. Refreshing!

I did manage to hurt myself on the wooden picnic table where we were there. I grabbed my purse to move it when someone was scooting in, and jammed a gigantic splinter up under my thumbnail. OMG. I pulled most of it out right away, but it looks like a little piece is still in there. It was annoying pain the rest of the evening, but a few hours later, once it was good and swollen up, I'm pretty sure it felt the same as having chopped my whole thumb off.

Not even exaggerating.

Ugh, the pulsing pain. Motrin was the only thing keeping me sane yesterday. It seems a bit better this morning, thankyouJesus. How many ways could I have grabbed my purse WITHOUT getting a splinter? I mean, seriously. Damn happy hour injuries.

The wildflower jaunt last Sunday was a lot of fun! There were great flowers on 71 between Bee Cave and Llano. We even got barbecue at Opie's. From Llano to Burnet, there were also a lot of flowers. Julie bought a couple of bluebonnet paintings at a little art shop along the route.

Looking forward to dinner tonight with friends. Meanwhile, we're supposed to have big storms today! Stay safe, y'all!


Saturday 9: Too Fat Polka (1947)
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) Have you ever danced the polka?

At a few German beer festivals.

2) The centerpiece of a traditional Polish polka band is the accordion. The accordion is a substantial instrument. Have you ever tried to play it?

Nope.

3) The plump lady of this song cannot fit into the singer's car. How many passengers does your car comfortably seat?

Four

4) Would you like to lose a few pounds?
Sure.

5) In the long ago 1940s, this song was considered amusing. Do you think it's still funny today?

Not really.

6) Arthur Godfrey, who recorded this song, was a popular radio and TV host from the 1930s to the 1970s. Before this week's Saturday 9, had you ever heard of him?
No.

7) One of his more popular radio shows was Talent Scouts. A 1940s-50s version of American Idol, this show gave previously unknown singers their first national exposure. Godfrey could point with pride to having helped discover Tony Bennett and Patsy Cline, but he made a mistake by rejecting Elvis Presley. Tell us about something you'd do differently if you could get a "do over."

I would have left my purse where it was on that damn table Friday night.

8) In 1953, Godfrey made news by having one of the nation's very first hip replacements. Have you ever been/would you be part of a clinical trial, either for a new drug or a new medical procedure?
Well, that's my profession, so I have to say... hell no. of course! ;)  

I was a part of a clinical trial for my Hodgkins treatment at MD Anderson when I was 21. It involved a new chemotherapy regimen called NOVP (Novantrone, Oncovin, Vinblastine and Prednisone), which was expected to have the same cure rate as the standard chemo at the time (MOPP), but was also expected to preserve fertility and additionally reduce other side effects like secondary leukemia. It was successful! Here's a link to an article abstract from that study. "...27 patients with...adverse features for disease-free survival..." Scary, right? I was stage IIA, but I had a large mediastinal tumor (5" across), which was an adverse feature. FU cancer!

9) RANDOM QUESTION: You and a friend are shopping. She tries on an expensive sweater and enthusiastically asks what you think. You think it looks awful. Do you tell her the truth?

Definitely. I probably don't say it looks "awful," but I tell her it's not a good choice.

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Feelin' All Feminist-ish Today

Just leaving this little Sarah Bird article here, because YES.

Brava.

Texas lawmakers retracted my award, but I wrote an acceptance speech anyway

Well, wait. I wanted to let Sarah have a virtual "drop the mic" moment on my little blog, but gosh darnit, while we're on the subject... Y'all 'member I was just saying it's legal to have an abortion through 20 weeks gestation in Texas, so our state deems our fetuses human beings at 20 weeks, yet the state wants to require burial of fetal remains for any miscarriage or abortion at any gestational age, in direct conflict with that idea? 

Now we have some additional questionable logic. The fetal remains burial rules also conflict with laws allowing human ashes to be disposed of in landfills. According to the state... 

wait for it... 

the ashes allowed in landfills law "...only applies to human remains, not fetal tissue."

Good grief. Seriously?

Judge asks if Texas fetal remains rules override current law

"So you're bringing dignity to non-human remains?"

Exactly.

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A Christmas Carol

Well, well, well. Scroll on down to the last paragraph of this NY Times article to see that it is completely sane to put tape over your webcam, thankyouverymuch.

Just saying. :)

We saw A Christmas Carol at Zach Friday night. Jeff and I both thought it was the traditional play, but were very pleasantly surprised to find it is actually a musical version, using current popular hits to accompany the traditional story! So everyone is in Victorian clothing and the set is of that time, but they're belting out today's Billboard hits. It's always this way, but they use different music each year. Awesome!

Greater Tuna's Jaston Williams plays Scrooge, perfectly. There are a lot of great singers in the show, but I have to mention a few freakin' amazing voices in particular- Kenny Williams (Ghost of Christmas Past, Mr. Entertainment), Chanel Haynes-Schwartz (Ghost of Christmas Present- a remarkable energy and gorgeous voice), Paul Sanchez (Bob Cratchit with his beautiful rendition of "Oh Holy Night") and Marianel Marquez (Marta Cratchit... OH MIGOSH that girl can SING!). Marianel sings "Halo" and the entire theater is silent, many brought to tears, until she finishes, then the place goes nuts.

It is a really fun show that will leave you smiling and ready for the Christmas season!

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What Would You Do

Kathy and I were at lunch last weekend at a bar/restaurant with an outdoor patio. Several people had dogs, which is still the weirdest thing to me, though I long ago surrendered to the majority of our community, who think it's fabulous to drag their dogs all over town, making them sit quietly in carts or under tables while the the humans go about their activities. Maybe dogs would rather do that, than hang out at home with their favorite toys or frolicking in the backyard? I dunno.

Anyhoo... our waitress bent down and rubbed her hands vigorously all over the faces and backs of two dogs under a neighboring table. Then she walked around to all of her tables and picked up glasses and plates and put down a bill, etc. I'm pretty sure she didn't run back in and wash her hands before she brought out more food either. Just gross.

Kept waiting for John Quiñones to step out and ask me why I wasn't concerned enough about dog drool/fur/dander contaminating everyone's lunch, to mention to the waitress that she should probably wash her hands. Clearly I had seen it... yet I did nothing.

Hee!


Sunday Stealing: Shannon's Moments Meme, Parts One & Two

1. Do you like blue cheese?
love it

2. Have you ever smoked cigarettes? If yes, how did you quit?

Never was a smoker.

3. Do you own a gun? What are your feelings about gun control/2nd amendment rights? 

I do not own a gun, but making citizen-owned guns illegal would do very little to control gun violence, the overwhelming majority of which is committed by criminals. Criminals don't care whether or not their guns are obtained legally. It's sort of silly really. Faulty logic. There may be improvements that can be made in limiting access by people who really shouldn't have a gun, or in training requirements, but removing guns from law-abiding citizens isn't the answer to any problem.

4. What is your favorite flavor of water or liquor flavors?

Flavor of WATER? Tap?
Favorite liquor flavor- Kahlúa.

5. Do you get nervous before a doctor visit? Why?
Depends on what kind of doctor and why I'm there. Sometimes I'm not worried at all. Others, I'm really nervous because of the possible testing or diagnosis.

6. How do you like your hot dogs?

Grilled with yellow mustard, onions and ketchup. Sometimes dill pickle relish, too.

7. Although it’s been asked a lot, tell us about a favorite movie that you haven’t shared before.

Groundhog Day- Bill Murray relives the same day over and over again, and it is hilarious and moving and all the things a good movie should be.

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?

milk

9. In a dating situation, have you ever misrepresented yourself to seem cooler or hipper? (Yes we know for most of you it was long ago…)

I probably said I was familiar with a cool local band, when I had never heard of them.

10. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? Why?

My tanzanite necklace, because it's the newest piece Jeff gave me. Super pretty.

11. Favorite hobby? Tell us about it so we understand it.

I really enjoy making production videos. An example would be one I made for Lauren's competitive cheerleading days. I plan the "flow" of what I want to end up with, select music, choose vids and create video clips from all my footage, put the clips together with intro, transitions, narration/typography, ending. There is a lot of syncing involved, which I've spent more time on than anything, due to my cheap video software. Ha!

12. Do you have A.D.D., or have you suspected it?

No

13. What’s a thing you dislike or would change about yourself?

I've aways had a strained relationship with my hair. Would love to have "easy" hair!

14. Middle name? Like it or not?

Yes I have one. I love it! It's my maternal grandmother's name.

15. Name three random thoughts you might have on this week:

Nice weather! 

Google Fiber installation on the street is disruptive.

Chris Pine is seriously Robert Pine's son. How did I not know this?

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink. Tell us a bit about them.

Unsweet decaf tea- Sweet tea is better, but I don't want the sugar all day long

Sparkling ICE- sugar free, fruit juice flavored, bottled beverage, has a crisp and sweet taste

Coke Zero- when there are only regular soft drinks available, it is really good

17. Current worry:

That the next President will be the worst one ever. Pretty much guaranteed, no matter which way it goes.

18. Current annoyance:

My car is giving me a message on the display that "Service is due soon."

19. Favorite place to be in the summer? Give us a wee bit more than “the beach”.

In the Hill Country, looking out over miles and miles of beautiful hills, dotted with homes and little towns.

20. How do you usually ring in the new year? If forced (how we’d do that without Judd coming to your house, if you even know who he was) to do something new, what would it be?

Lately, we ring it in at home. I would love to be on vacation somewhere cool for NYE sometime, like Vegas! (This NYE, Maroon 5 is playing Mandalay Bay in Vegas!)

21. What have you done this summer that’s special? Pictures please.

We've done some day trips and such, but I don't have any photos.

22. Have you ever walked into a room with just shoes on?
I don't think so.

23. Have you ever gone to the “dark side”? 

I don't think so.

24. What shirt are you wearing right now?

a silky gray top with turquoise and white flower pattern

25. What’s important about a bed to you? Like type of sheets, size or whatever. 

I like a King size, firm bed with soft, sateen sheets and multiple pillows.

26. Can you sing?

Yep

27. What is something about you that would surprise us? 

After this many years with an online blog/journal, there isn't anything about me that would surprise you at this point.

28. Have you been a pirate, Renaissance Fair, or other costumed event? If not, would you for the right event or say cause? 

I have never been in costume at an event, but I would like to.

29. What songs do you sing in the shower?

I don't sing in the shower, just in the car and around the house- lately Ariana Grande "Into You" and Chainsmokers "Don't Let Me Down."

30. Favorite girl's name? 

Lauren

31. Favorite boy's name? 

Ethan

32. What’s in your pocket or purse right now? 

Other than the basics, I have Burt's Bees lip balm and local coupons. (I carry a teeny purse.)

33. Last thing that made you laugh? 

Lauren and I watched RHONY and laughed when Carole said, "Tom should have been the piñata!" followed by her demonstrating whacking him with a stick.

34. Best toy as a child? 

Spirograph

35. Worst injury you have ever had?
Injured my rotator cuff taking a shower. Once you hit 40, that's the type of injury you get. Went to physical therapy and everything.

36. Where would you love to live?
Austin's pretty nice.

37. What type of TV do you have? Would you’d like an upgrade?
60" flatscreen. I think it's great.

39. How many dogs do you have?
zero

40. Do most folks trust you?
Yes

41. What book are you reading?
None

42. What’s your favorite classic TV show?
Love Boat

43. What’s your favorite sports team?
Texas A&M Aggies!

44. Favorite month and why?
April, because the weather is great and there aren't a lot of holidays or other activities requiring planning and execution. Just a wonderful, relaxing spring month!

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Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Jeff and I saw Mary Poppins at Zach last night. I've never seen Mary Poppins as a stage show before, but this was one of the best shows I've EVER seen, here or anywhere. It is chock-full of amazing singers and dancers, and an exceptionally uplifting performance- colorful, audience participatory, just a joyful experience, leaving you smiling at the end. It is such a great time! If you haven't seen it yet, it runs through September 4. Get your buns to Zach! These days, we all need a little lifting up!

Saturday 9: Jamming (1977)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In Jamaica, "jamming" means to celebrate. What's going on in your life today that's worth celebrating?

We purchased our first iMac. Jeff is setting it up right now, next to our ailing PC. I will use the PC to run my paper crafting website until July 31, 2017 or when the computer dies, whichever comes first! Then, no more PC and no more website. (Do you know how much Dreamweaver is for Mac?! Dude.)

2) The group that became famous as "The Wailers" originally called themselves "The Teenagers." What was trendy when you were a teenager (clothes, music, etc.)?

the original Madonna, The Go-Go's, Duran Duran, Prince, shoulder pads, big hair and high bangs, lots of big costume jewelry in bright colored plastic, stilettos with girly little socks, high side pony

3) Bunny Wailer and Bob Marley were very close. In addition to being bandmates, they were friends in elementary school and later became family (Bunny's dad and Bob's mom had a daughter together). Who has known you the longest?

Lori, since third grade

4) Does the person you named in #3, the one who's known you longest, know you best?

Lori and I were best friends back in the day, but Laura and Cathy know me best today.

5) Bandmate Peter Tosh became an avid unicycle rider. What's your favorite form of exercise? 

dancing and kickboxing

6) Bob Marley was known for his signature dreadlocks. When were you last in a stylist’s chair?

It's been a few months. I need to get back to the chair very soon.

7) Marley's charisma is credited for popularizing reggae music the world over. Are you a fan? 

I'm not really into it, but I like it now and then, with a tropical adult beverage.

8) Mr. Marley is one of the highest-earning dead celebrities, and manufacturers pay his estate to use his likeness to sell their merchandise. What dead celebrity have you seen recently on a t-shirt, mug, poster, etc.?

Stevie Ray Vaughn, who is very popular in Austin

9) Random question: Have you ever had your palm read?

Nope.

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