Cutting Back

Every 2-3 years, for like the past 10-15, I find that I haven taken on too many commitments. You think after all this time, I would learn. But no. I just get so darn excited about so many things, I sign up for them all.

The high school version: Join student council? Yes! Tutor elementary school students? Yes! Work part-time? Yes! Take AP classes? Yes! Try to have a social life? Yes! Sleep? ...oh I knew I was forgetting something.

The college version: Take a full course load? Yes! (Especially since it was costing a fortune either way). Join TriDelta? Yes! Work part-time? Yes! Host parties at your awesome apartment? Yes! Sleep? ....oh I knew I was forgetting something.

Traveling and wife-ing on our Fredericksburg trip

The mom version: Raise a child? Yes! Be a good wife? Yes! Work out regularly? Yes! Have a full-time job? Yes! Travel? Yes! Generally take care of myself by going to the dentist, doctor, etc? Yes! Blog? Yes! Volunteer? Yes! Watch trashy TV and drink wine? Yes! See friends? Yes! Visit family? Yes! Make Pinterest-worthy anything? Occasionally, yes! Sleep? ...oh right, that again.

So as I have had to continually do, it was time to cut back. And a handful of these aren't up for negotiation. My boys, for example, are (thankfully) here to stay. And though we all have days we'd rather not work, I never have days when I'd rather not have the income, and truth be told, I really do like my job. Cutting out the dentist and whatnot was tempting but ultimately not an adult decision.

This go-around, I cut back on blogging, specifically for the Austin Mom's Blog. I really did enjoy doing it but I found it was a solitary activity for me. Which is what I set out for initially but as I got involved I realized how social it could be with all the fun public and private blogger events that were held. Yet unfortunately, I never ever could fit any of those in. Literally the only other time I saw my fellow bloggers in person was at our group photoshoot last year and it was truly a three ring circus to get there during rush hour on a work day.

I was, of my own doing, having a half-assed blogger experience. Doing things half-assed isn't nearly as fun, meaningful or productive as doing things all in. I mean if you are going to raise a kid, RAISE that kid. If you are going to watch trashy TV and drink wine, well then damn it, make sure you chill the bottle and have some pajama pants ready.

I'll of course continue to be an enthusiastic reader. It really is the best place to find a list of 50 splashpads, events around town, kid-friendly day trips, hilarious stories in mothering and such. (For an example, check out my swan song, Mom and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day.)

I'm hoping with my new found time, I can do the other things a wee bit better. I especially want to get more active in my new volunteer group, which being based in Round Rock, is relatively easy for me to participate in. Also, as part of my new year's resolutions, I'm hopeful I can work out a smidge more and maybe I'll do a few things, like decorating the guest room, with Pinterest-worthy flair.

Thanks AMB - it was fun!

That super kid I'm raising...
by turning him into a toddler yuppie at Starbucks before school

 

Bras & Birthdays

A coworker of mine spent this past weekend in Vegas as the kick off to her 40th birthday year. That's right, year. When I asked how she was going to continue the celebration, she told me with a whole year of fundraisers. Be still my heart for yes, this woman truly is all you aspire to be.

As a kid I wasn't allowed to start talking about my birthday until the first of April (however I feel strongly that if Mom knew I was planning a whole year of charitable celebrations, I could have started talking about it April 26 of the year before).

Old habits die hard and it wasn't until early April that I really started thinking about my birthday, though admittedly I came to no conclusions for the celebration.

But today when my very charitable coworker shared her plan and then mere hours later led a webinar for the BCRC on launching personal fundraising pages, I had my answer. Birthday fundraiser part two: the shamelessly committed and enthusiastic edition! (See birthday fundraiser part one, the 2011 starter edition.)

This year's birthday fundraiser is called Bras & Birthdays in honor of BCRC's Art Bra Austin, for which I am the communications chair, and of course, for my 27th birthday. And because let's be honest, the name got your attention.

Because the need is so important, I have set the lofty goal of a LOT. I would love to see my fundraising go, in the words of Buzz Lightyear, "to infinity and beyond."

As of right now, at 9:25 p.m. I'm sitting pretty at $80 in donations. Pretty damn good for only having the page live for 7 hours.

Thanks in advance for considering my alliteration of a fundraiser and I promise to keep y'all updated on the progress and what that progress means to breast cancer patients in Central Texas.

Husband Surprise

Instead of his regular 24 shifts this week, Ross has been in training 8-5 getting certified in woodland fires. He aced his test Friday afternoon and is just a couple pieces of paperwork away from being eligible to travel around the state fighting wildfires.

His training meant he'd been home at night which had been a great change of pace. However we were under the impression that he'd have to go into the station overnight after training Friday. Color me surprised when he called at 5:15p Friday evening to say he was driving home! Hurray! Turns out the overnight shift was optional since he'd been in training. Score one for us.

When we both got home Friday we walked Lexi and I told him about all the work I hoped to get done this weekend. I recently took on a little freelance project so there were some things there, plus some volunteer work writing the BCRC newsletter and finally a few lingering tasks for the office. Lots on my plate to say the least. I got my second surprise of the evening when he nonchalantly said "well I can do the laundry or grocery shopping for you."

Spring-ified w/new table runner (Target),
fun candle holders (Pier 1) & $4 flowers (HEB)

Glory glory hallelujah! When I decided to do the freelance work earlier this month we agreed that to free up my time for that a bit, he would help more with the housework. However this was the first weekend it became a reality. I'm so thankful that he jumped right in and took something off my to-do list.

Now heading into Saturday night I've knocked out the BCRC newsletter and a little more than half of my freelance work for the weekend. We also have a kitchen full of husband-purchased groceries (after learning that his definition of "do the laundry" did not include folding, I suggested the grocery shopping  might be the more helpful task). With all that (plus a Lexi bath and the spring-ifying of the house) under our belts, it's time for a little fun: out to celebrate a girlfriend's 30th birthday downtown!

Thankful XXIX

Fav book as a kid

Books.

Books are definitely something I have taken for granted all my life. First I was one of those kids lucky enough to grow up going to library storytime. In fact one of the best little kid pics of me is me grinning and clutching a reading certificate from the library. Can you say awesome?

Since my teen years I've been on a mission to have my own library. Public libraries are great and all but I like to write in my books and I really don't like to give them back. ...And I was really jealous of the way Belle from Beauty and the Beast got to swing around the library on a ladder. Thus I clearly need my own personal library and ladder.

Recently though my love for and constantly great access to books has been contrasted by an increasing awareness of kids who do not have books. This summer I heard about the United Way of Lake County which did a book drive for their community in response to the fact that 76% of incoming kindergarteners did not have books in their homes. I immediately started buying books as baby shower presents - my friends' kids will not be a statistic!

A local author and my most recent read

I thought about all the kids without books tonight as I went through my THREE overflowing bookshelves to donate to the book giveaway portion of the upcoming Coats for Kids Junior League event. (Short version: kids whose families could not otherwise afford it go home with both a coat and a book.)

I'm glad I can give these kids new books to read. Hopefully they'll discover a book that they just love and one day will tell their friends about how they too are thankful for books.

Thankful XVIII

I'm thankful for VTO - volunteer time off.

I mean really, how cool is that?

Also, only slightly related in that it's a work thing and it has a thankful message to it. Here's a really cool video I directed. (I guess you can say directed. I had the idea and helped define the "vision" if you will but my talented coworkers actually did most the creative work. Either way, it's very cool.)

Thankful I

So excited for Movember that
he started growing it 3 days early.
This pic marks Movember 1, 2011

On Facebook just now I saw an old high school friend posting her "Day 2 of Thankfulness" status update. I gotta say, I dig it (and I'm feeling a little ADD at work...last distraction, I promise). So guess what blog readers, in addition to the usual stuff, you are getting the Thankful series this year, counted out in Roman Numerals (because seriously, that's way fun).

So it may be a day late but better late than never.

Thankful I is my enthusiastic for life, fun and ridiculousness husband who is growing a moustache in the name of cancer-free livin', the best kind of livin' if you ask me.

Movember is here!

Movember is here!

Movember is when moustaches invade November in the name of awareness for and fundraising to fight prostate cancer. There's some disagreement about when and where Movember began, but in a nutshell it began 7-11 years ago in Australia (either Adelaide or Melbourne, we aren't sure). I first got wind of it while studying in Sydney and interning for the Cancer Council Australia. Last year US participants raised $7.5 million to fight prostate cancer through orgs like LIVESTRONG and the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

Creepy Ross 'stache from earlier this year.
Get ready for more of the same...and then some

As you know, Ross is a lover of moustaches and firefighters worldwide are among the best growers of moustaches. Add into it our strong opposition to cancer and it's only natural that Ross bring Movember to the guys at GFD.

Led by their fearless moustache growing Movember captain Ross, the GFD Mo-Bros are 19 strong for their inaugural year.

And it's a very serious effort, complete with email heckling, posters, business cards and maybe a moustache growth flip book at the end.


If you would like to support Ross and the GFD Mo-Bros, you can donate to him online right here.

Check his "Mo-Space" and my blog throughout Movember for updated pics of the 'stache. It's bound to be epic.

Friday Morning Fun

As you probably remember, I joined Junior League  of Austin (JLA) this year. Our first year project is the Food In Tummies (FIT) program. I'll give you the thirty second summary: there are two elementary schools in East Austin with 96+% of the kids on free or reduced breakfast and lunch and the area is strangely void of regular grocery stores or even a Walmart. Thus between financial need and a lack of nearby grocery options, these families often don't have enough food to feed their kids on the weekend. Enter JLA's FIT program delivering backpacks of food to students on Fridays so that they get healthy meals over the weekend and come to school Monday ready to learn.

This past Friday morning I did my first volunteer shift of delivering the backpacks to the classrooms. At first, I have to admit, I was unenthused. I was going to the farther away of the two schools, had to be in the car by 6:30a and was worried I'd be late to work. However, I was wrong, wrong, wrong. The benefit of being on the road so early was the traffic wasn't a problem, even going through downtown and the school wasn't really that far.

And the kids were adorable! We fill these over-sized tupperware containers in each classroom and the kids would ask if they could help or they'd hold the door for you or say thanks. And they are all so little and with such smiley faces. The teachers were also very nice, thanking us and making sure we had everything we need to deliver the food.

I loved it.

I can't wait to do my next backpack delivery shift and am making a point of signing up for as many as I can. It was the best way ever to start a Friday.

In Memory

Well...as you know, it's the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. I watched a little of the remembrance service in NYC this morning. I think in some ways, it affected me more than the attacks did that day.

On September 11, 2001 I was a junior in high school. I left my first period class and heard the news. In retrospect, I'm not sure if only the first tower had been struck or if the second had been struck then too. Being in school across the country, I don't think we even watched much of the TV coverage. I do remember learning the full scope later in the day and calling to check on an extended family member who was living in Manhattan (she and her hubby were fine, scared but fine).

What often strikes me as strange about that day, for me specifically, was I had a very personally defining, completely unrelated personal moment that night. There's no need to go into great detail but a volunteer role I was very passionate about disintegrated in one brief denunciation by a misguided (but I suppose well-intentioned) adult. I was so distraught, even though I was old enough to drive and had my car, my parents came to pick me up.

Every time I remember September 11, I'm shocked to recall that both pivotal moments actually happened in the same 24 hours, and really within the same 12 hours. How could two incidents, one so life-changing for a country and one so personally life-changing have both occurred? How could it possibly be the same single day? In my mind, they are entirely separate events and memories. I often forget they are the same moment in time.

Besides that personal rollercoaster, one element of September 11 that stands out to me was my proximity to NASA. You might remember that President Bush issued a no-fly order. Imagine our surprise when we saw planes in the sky overhead. It took a while to realize they were government planes circling and protecting the Johnson Space Center.

Now, 10 years older, married to a firefighter, with a brother who is enlisted and with probably just a more mature appreciation of family, seeing those attacks replayed and listening to the spouses and children left behind cuts me like a knife. It also inspires a nearly desperate desire to fix it, to bring goodness to something so ugly.

From the BCRC Champagne Brunch, where
this morning 600+ supported our neighbors
fighting breast cancer.

I'm pleased that our country is recognizing this anniversary with a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

As is probably no surprise to you faithful blog reader, I strongly believe that giving back to our communities is one of the best ways to honor the lives of those we lost. We can work together to turn a sad, hurtful occasion into a beautiful commitment to community. We can honor the first responders by becoming "first responders" ourselves - the first to respond to our communities needs with whatever talents, abilities and resources we've been blessed with. And we can do so today with simple actions, like delivering a meal, being a shoulder to cry on or making a donation to a worthy cause.

On this notable day, how have you served and remembered?

What I believe in

You probably know: I'm not very religious. I have a lot of questions and uncertainties around scripture and organized religion.

But I know what I believe in.

I believe in giving back to your community. I think if you invest yourself in your community, neighbors and causes dear to your heart, your life will be richer. It feels good to give and to walk away from something knowing you made it better. But beyond that, I think if you are invested in those things, you're bound to surround yourself by people with the same values. You take care of them in tough times and they'll take care of you in tough times.

There's a simple model that I think is ideal. Take care of yourself and your family as independently as you can. Give back to your community. And when you struggle, your community will support you. They'll know that you aren't looking for a handout because you have a long history of self-sufficiency. They'll know you aren't taking advantage of them and that if the tables were turned, you'd help them. They'd know that because the tables probably have been turned and you did help them.

The wildfires, Junior League and the BCRC have been reminding me of this lately. No, we've not come on hard times. (Knock on wood.) We're fine. But as I volunteer, as we donate, as Ross fights the fires, I know we do these things because they feel good, because they are right. I also know though that deep down inside, even if it's selfish, I firmly believe if and when the tables are turned these are the communities who will lift us up.

Maybe it's paying it forward, maybe it's karma. I don't really know. I do know though that I strongly believe in it. As long as we hold up our end of the bargain, I know my community will hold up its end.

Video Blitz

I'm not a big YouTube person but every once in a while I see a video that just knocks my socks off. And today, I'm gonna share some with you.

First, Girl Inc's Dear World. This has been my fav girl power video for several years now. Seriously, watch the video. It's phenomenal. (Although I am a little disappointed that they've disabled embedding. I think that's silly.)

Next The Girl Effect which I just discovered this week and I think is now tied as my fav girl power video. It's different than Girl Inc, dealing with girls in more extreme circumstances. It gives me chills.



Right before heading off to Canada I went to the Lights Camera Help Nonprofit Film Fest here in Austin. I was only able to attend one day but I saw this great little PSA from the Austin Ronald McDonald House Charities. I'm continually impressed with this organization's use of technology and new media.



I can't forget the Breast Cancer Resource Centers and their great "How We Serve" video that was shown at the Graphic V fundraiser back in April. It's a beauty!



And finally, because you know I have to include an ABCNews video (duh), this one on The Hunger at Home. Can you believe how many hungry kids we have in this country full of abundance? I've been excited about Junior League because I love all chick orgs and because I dig community service. But having been reminded how much hunger is a problem, even here in the US, I'm even more excited about my placement with the FIT (Food In Tummies) program.



Ah yes, and all those videos are why I love my job. Feel inspired yet? I sure do.

My Recent BCRC Project

Recently I mentioned that I'd been working on a project for the BCRC. Specifically I was working on their first mass email in probably about a year.

Last week it was sent to and received by about 3100 constituents. You can see it here.

Their email list might not be big yet, but I gotta tell you, it's choice. The benchmark for emails from health related nonprofits is that 17% of them get opened. This BCRC email was opened by 33.6% of the recipients! The average click-through rate is 3.3% but they reached an astonishing 15%. Again, it might be a small group but it's a small group of people who want to hear from them and then want to learn even more.

If you want to learn more about the resources they offer to people fighting breast cancer, you can become their Facebook fan or sign up for their newsletter (either by following this link and scrolling to the very bottom or just by telling me and I'll pass your name along). I highly recommend it; I think you'll be very impressed.

Helping people navigate the murky waters of breast cancer is important and I'm excited to be a part of it. I'm really looking forward to helping them with more email newsletters and lots of other marketing projects.Woohoo!

This image is a flier I recently made for use around my office.
It's pretty basic but then again, so is the project it is for.

Shorts II

The past couple posts have been not about daily life (which is fine) but for the few of you who like to read this just to know what's goin' on, I've been droppin' the ball. So here's the second installment of shorts.

I've been spending my evenings working on a marketing project for the BCRC. I think we'll wrap it up right after the Fourth and go live next week. Yay!

The Astros lost to the Rangers during their three game series for the "Silver Boot." Ross is relishing in the victory and thinking of creative ways to rub it in the faces of all 'stros fans.

I took a kick boxing class last night. My arms are wicked sore from jabs and undercuts and all kinds of other things. My remedy? Take a spin class on Sunday so that my legs will be equally sore.

Guilty admission: I DVRed a special called "Will & Kate: Royal Baby Watch." No surprises it just talked about how the Duchess has lots of pressure to have babies (apparently nothing has changed since King Henry VIII and the poor fortune of his wives). It made me wonder - Kate used to be know as "Waitey Katiey" but maybe they put off getting married because they knew as soon as they did, she'd have to get pregnant. Maybe not, but it would seem like a smart plan to me.

And finally, most the fireworks shows are canceled here this year due to the worst drought in a million years. I think we're something like 10 inches behind on rain for the year. I've heard rumors that two suburbs are giving it a shot still so here's to hoping we end up at one of those shows.

Tips for Breast Cancer Treatment

Since you and me know each other, dear blog reader, you probably already know that I'm a fierce cancer fighter. I hate all cancers but breast cancer is one I have a special kind of disdain for because it messed with my Grandma and because 1 in 8 of us ladies will face it.

You probably also know that I love ABC World News with Diane Sawyer. Well tonight, Diane and health correspondent Richard Bresser took on breast cancer treatment. According to a report from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston (which I have a very high opinion of), older women often don't receive radiation therapy following a mastectomy.

To help make sure every one fighting breast cancer knows all their treatment options and makes a conscious, purposeful decision, ABC News suggested bringing a supportive person along to your appointment (like how Aunt Fran accompanied my Grandma) and making a checklist of what you need to ask. As a starting point, ABC News provides this checklist.

And if you'd like to watch the segment from tonight, here ya go.



For more breast cancer fighting resources, check out these links

• Breast Cancer Resource Center of Texas
• American Cancer Society
• Komen for the Cure

Graphic V-Easter-Birthday Weekend Wrap Up

As you can see, it was a big weekend in Austin. Mom & Dad drove in Saturday to spend it with us. Here's what we did (pics to follow, Mom is emailing them to me).

• Bark Park: Took Lexi & Sweetie up to G-town to run out some of their energy. Very good idea.
• NxNW: The four of us went out for my birthday dinner to one of mine and Ross's favorite restaurants. The skillet grilled cornbread with goat cheese and mushrooms was outstanding. Right as we were finishing dinner the power went out. Very sad for the restaurant but really worked in our favor since they took 50% off the bill as their apology. Nicely done NxNW, nicely done.
• Graphic V: The Breast Cancer Resource Center fundraiser at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. It was great! One of the things I thought was really funny was pre-event when I asked about the attire it was described as "trendy." I didn't really know what to expect but they were spot on, trendy was the only way to describe the bunch. Loved it. Highlights from the night include a very successful live auction with a trip to Bali going for $11,000 (we'd been hoping for $8,000) and lots of other items going higher than we expected. The models were also beautiful and the video they showed was so touching it made me cry. And my personal highlight (other than being mentioned in the program twice for writing the script, a nice surprise recognition), winning my silent auction item which will be Grandma's Mother's Day present. But I won't tell you what it is. It's too good and I'm 100% convinced that in 85 years of life, nobody has ever given her this gift before.
• Easter: We packed up the puppies and all of us headed to Jack & Nancy's for the biggest Turner-Black-Colehower holiday on record. Lowes still hold the all-time record but this gave us a run for our money. We had 15 people, including 3 kiddos and you know, kiddos always make holidays more fun. And I really liked having a big Easter. Despite not being very religious and so in honesty, probably not appreciating the day fully for its real meaning, it is really nice to have a spring holiday. A good way to spice up the year instead of cramming all holidays into 4 weeks in fall/winter. It was also the Cheryl & Ryan birthday combo celebration complete with cake balls from Holy Cacao. I definitely ate more than my fair share.
• Travel: Well Mom & Dad traveled to us but we're also getting ready for a little travel of our own. Anna & Ben's wedding is Saturday! So we made Lexi arrangements with Nancy and Jack (they've had her so often this month it is practically a custody arrangement) and I looked at our plane tickets to know what airline we're on and when exactly Friday we leave. Now I'm going to look into our Charleston horse-drawn carriage tour a little more. And I'll probably also start day dreaming about our August trip to Canada since while visiting this weekend, Mom pointed out that Niagara Falls is right there so we can see that too. Score! I love to travel :)

Big News I've Neglected to Share

In the midst of flat iron drama, I've neglected to share several items that qualify as BIG NEWS. This post won't do them justice but at least I will no longer be such a neglectful blogger.

• Kevin is being stationed in San Diego for two years. Yay! On shore, safe and someplace we're all looking forward to visiting. Nicely done little bro.
• Ross turns 30 tomorrow! Wowzas! Party this weekend.
• Mom & Dad are visiting for Easter. Hurray! It also doubles as Graphic 5 weekend and my birthday weekend. Talk about three birds with one stone.
• Lexi had her first swim over the weekend. She caved to peer pressure when while at the dog park, she was left out of the water-based fetch game.

Birthday Wish!

As you may be know, this spring I started volunteering with the Breast Cancer Resource Center here in Austin. I first heard of them through a volunteer committee member/friend who also served on their board. I'm so glad she told me about the organization.

The BCRC does many things but most prominently it helps women battling breast cancer sort through everything (that's probably way over simplifying). When my Grandma was going through her treatment, my aunt became her personal secretary/nurse and had a whole team of aunt and uncles behind her. My aunt went with her to doctor's appointments, took notes, called back for more information and led the care-taking charge after Grandma's masectomy. My family was very lucky that my aunt didn't need to work and could assume the full time role of caretaker and let Grandma focus on one thing and one thing only: getting healthy. But not every family has that opportunity available to them and even if they do, an expert who knows the ropes would be very helpful. And that's what the BCRC does. They provide the educational resources, support system, guidance and a whole lot more so that the woman only has to do one thing, GET HEALTHY.

This month is their big fundraiser, GRAPHIC V. While I have to be honest, I don't really know the story behind why the event is called "GRAPHIC" I can tell you it's a cool event. The evening revolves around an art bra fashion show in which all the models are survivors. The models/survivors are part of the event committee and support group known as the Pink Ribbon Cowgirls. The group is especially for young women battling and beating breast cancer. But, I digress.

So for GRAPHIC I am writing the event script. Yup, going back to my roots of nonprofit communications. I've been working on it off and on for about a week now. Every time I open that Word doc I have the exact same experience: moved to the verge of tears. The story that made me tear up the most came from a mom. The BCRC had given her and her two kids pillows while she was going through treatment. Her kids took them everywhere because hugging one of those pillow was just like hugging mom.

And that's why this month for my birthday I have set up a Causes Wish to raise $500 for the Breast Cancer Resource Center. I'm 2% of the way there and I hope you'll consider making a donation to support all the Pink Ribbon Cowgirls, young in body or like my Grandma, young at heart.


I think she's got a little cowgirl in her



Second Helping of Beef

You know how some things, like casserole, are better as left overs? A beef that you have can be like that.

1. Wisconsin budget. I don't think this has fixed itself but at least Diane Sawyer reported on something else tonight so I wasn't irked by it.
2. Volunteer experience. When I was in "breaking-up-with-my-charity" mode last night I contacted the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Texas about volunteering. They got back to me lickity-split. I hope to be meeting with them next week to talk about helping with marketing or fundraising. Not only is this exciting because I think breast cancer is an important cause, but it's exciting because they partner with the Georgetown Fire Department for the Pink Heels Tour in October. And I happen to know one really cute firefighter over there in Georgetown. (And actually my current charity, as if it knew I was irritated, finally contacted me. I'll be helping with social media for the big event.)
3. Texas Rangers. Well, tickets still aren't on sale but a very nice person in ticket sales gave me the scoop today. March 5. On it like white on rice.

Beef

Beef is typically what's for dinner but tonight it's three things that are driving me a little crazy, that I have a beef with. (Chicken and rice were for dinner.)

1. Wisconsin budget. I'm fairly fiscally conservative but the Wisconsin budget thing just drives me crazy. I'm not going to pretend to know all the details of the Wisconsin budget and other cuts that may exist but I am going to comment on cutting things back for first responders. First, if you lay-off first responders (EMTs and firefighters), you are going to put your communities in increased danger. Your response times will be increased and as soon as one powerful/rich person loses their house, pet or even worse, family member, you'll hear about this loud and clear. Not to mention all the regular folks who will suffer in the meantime. Second, yes, firefighters have good pensions. But have you ever seen a firefighter's paycheck? They are liveable but, unless Wisconsin is the land of firefighting milk-n-honey, there isn't a firefighter alive who is going to become a millionaire based on that salary. When my husband calls me to say he had to go to the hospital for an anthrax scare, well yes, I think that pension is the least the city can do for us. Ya gotta keep that pension plan or increase annual salaries if you want to keep sending folks into burning buildings and anthrax scares.
2. My volunteer coordinator. I won't name the organization by name (if you did some blog research you might be able to sort it out), but she is not being a good volunteer coordinator/fundraiser. I'm on the committee and am on a great subcommittee. Or so I thought. This week I'm told that due to safety issues, my subcommittee can't actually do its function. What?! So why did you let me sign up for the subcommittee in the first place? Further, my other attempts at being involved have been thwarted. I just want to volunteer to raise money for this cause I feel very strongly about but at this point, the experience has been so disappointing that I think I may switch organizations...despite being involved in this one since college.

3. The Texas Rangers. You know baseball takes precedent over state budgets, career benefits and passionate volunteer causes. We want to go to the April 2 Texas Rangers game so I can watch the Sox smoosh them. The Rangers however won't sell me tickets! I mean, come on, I am trying to give you money so I can then pay for parking and spend an embarassingly large sum on game concessions. Let me do it! Oddly enough, you cannot buy single game tickets to any Rangers game in the whole season right now. The season is only a month away. I hope the Rangers fix this because I really want to see my Sox smoosh them...er I mean, really want to go with my hubby to his first game in Arlington (and then chuckle when his team is SMOOSHED).

Big Girls' Sorority

With Margo, left, (who btw just got engaged!) this summer

Christen, Anna, Margo and I once had a Facebook convo about how there are sororities at all stages in life. Girl Scouts in K-12, legit sororities (ie TriDelta) in college and Junior League in grown-up-hood. Really when you think about it, they all provide the same thing to different ages of gals: organized opportunities for do-good-ing, friendship and fun.

You know I'm well versed in Girl Scouting and I'm a proud TriDelta and today I completed my membership form for the Junior League of Austin.

TriDelta was the best thing to happen to my college years. Seriously. FANTASTIC. And while I have great gal friends in Austin, I've found myself craving that large group of girls dynamic provided in a sorority.

The Girl Scout office did a pretty good job; we only had 3 guys working in the Austin office so it was in essence a chic-fest. But still, that included work things and thus some social boundaries. Now looking forward to my new, undoubtedly more co-ed gig (very excitedly looking forward I might add), I feel even more of a craving for a girls-only club. Hence, membership in Junior League.

I'm looking forward to the admissions meeting at the end of the month, meeting my sponsors and starting a new chapter of chic-centric social and philanthropic endeavours.