Committment Issues.

Since moving to Austin, I've had some serious committment issues. And no, I'm not talking about relationships (though I'm sure there's a case to be made for that, given my perpetual single status), I'm talking about my need to move every year. In the 5 1/2 years that I've lived in Austin, I've moved every single year. One year I moved THREE times!

Of course, I can't take full credit for my need to move. It hasn't all been my fault. Most of you know, I'm quite the good luck charm when it comes to engagements. This all started with my roommate Ashley. We lived together for probably 2 1/2 years total. We got cats together. Obviously, we were very committed to one another until she met Cody. And not even four months later, they were engaged! Ashley cracks me up because she holds the title for shortest time until engagement and longest engagement, since they still haven't gotten hitched! She is in the middle of completing PA school, so the relationship has been long distance for the last year or so.

After Ashley moved out, I was going to live by myself since I couldn't find a roommate. In walks Candace, a fellow SFAer looking to make a move to Austin to work in the political arena. A mutual friend introduced us, and I helped her find her first job. It was great timing since I needed a new roomie! She moves in, and low and behold, meets a guy (or I should say, becomes romantically interested in a fellow she has been friends with for a while), gets engaged, and is now married... all happening in less than a year (and no, there are no babies involved)!

After that, I decided I was tired of having to find a new roommate AND move every single year... so I decided to get a place by myself. It's in the same complex that Candace and I lived in, so it wasn't much of a hassle to move.

Well, I am happy to report, that I signed my lease renewal on Sunday and for the first time since I have moved to Austin, I AM NOT MOVING! I was annoyed because they upped my rent a little, but it's within my budget so we're good to go. Tanya, who actually worked at the last complex Ashley and I lived in as well, offered me a better apartment for basically the same rent I will start paying in August, but I just really, really, really don't want to move.

I feel more settled and grown-up not having to send out an updated adress to all of my family, friends, and various organizations I belong to for the first time in forever. It's such a hassle! Now that I've worked through my obvious living committment issues, maybe we can move onto my relationship issues, ha ha.

Me time.

This weekend I did as little as possible, and it was every bit as wonderful as I could have imagined it to be! This was the first weekend since FEBRUARY that I haven't traveled or had some sort of social obligation. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed celebrating every aspect of the 7 weddings, family birthdays, holidays, and attending conferences... but it all gets exhausting after awhile!

One of my co-workers didn't believe me when I told him way back when of how busy I was going to be the next few months. We were in Padre in early May for work and he made the comment about how he thought I had been exaggerating about my schedule, but he realized that I wasn't! He also said that my social life needs to be tapped for a new reality series, though I doubt my life would be interesting for anyone else to watch... there's definitely a lack of drama! Another friend just asked as a joke one day in an e-mail what wedding I had to attend that weekend... and of course, I responded with the friend and venue, not realizing she was kidding.

I was actually able to go to boot camp all this weekend... Friday night, Saturday and Sunday morning. Sunday for sure kicked my booty, it was so humid out that I was completely drenched by the time the hour was up. Guess I can't complain too much (though I did tell Sam at boot camp that I didn't like to do anything that I can't complain about), because it's just what I need to get back into gear. Friday night I introduced Andrea to the awesomeness that is Empire Records. I worked for a few hours at BBW on Saturday afternoon and then watched tv movies the rest of the evening. Sunday I made a trip to the laundromat since Smokey (yes, I'm talkin' 'bout cats) was apparently sick of my traveling as well and peed on my bed this week. My new comforter is too big for the machines at my apartment complex.

With all of this down time, I did some thinking and decided that this is going to be the summer of ME. You might be confused as to how someone who is single and lives by themselves could possibly need ME time, but I do. So that's what this summer is for. I'm going to keep the travel to the minimum and just try to enjoy some leisurely time in Austin. So, if you're looking for me this summer, you know where to find me!

Happy (belated) Birthday, Eric!

My main man Eric (Air-wic, as I like to say), turned 3 yesterday! I can't believe how fast all of the kiddos are growing up. I have really loved watching him grow and come out of his shell over the last year, it just completely amazes me. For the longest time, he wanted nothing to do with me. Not too shocking, seeing as he is a BOY, after all. He would just kind of stand back and watch as Ella and I played, rarely participating.

That is not the case any more. I am now greeted at the door as he says "I chase you!" and we start our running around the house. He loves to play and play and play. He's such a boy's boy... able to turn anything into a weapon or tool. He's also fearless. We were playing on the swingset at the lake last weekend and he wasn't afraid to jump at the monkey bars, which scared his Mama a LOT.

I love his precious smile and laugh. I love that he's so protective of his big sister, Ella. I love that I can actually get a hug and a kiss goodbye from him these days. I can't wait for our belated birthday dinner date the next time I'm in town!

Happy Birthday, Eric!

On a somewhat sad note, we lost my Great Uncle Ralph on Tuesday. He was 81. He had been in the hospital/hospice for the last few months, and had really been going downhill over the last year in general. With his passing, only Great Uncle Reginald remains of Ganny's siblings (she was one of six). It somewhat seems appropriate, since Reginald always wanted to be an only child...
Here's a picture of Uncle Ralph and Mady at the lake her first Thanksgiving.

All I want for Christmas...

...is a new niece or nephew! Jay and Lindsey are expecting! Lindsey is due January 2, but after Madelyn the doctor said that she wouldn't ever carry to full term again, so they are going to induce sometime between Christmas and New Year's (I'm sure they won't mind the tax break).

I have a really cute video on my phone of Madelyn announcing that she's going to be a BIG SISTER, but it's not currently cooperating. If you want to see it, you'll have to watch it on my phone sometime.

Is anyone else completely shocked that I was able to keep this a secret for THREE WHOLE WEEKS? Okay, so semi-secret. Lindsey gave the okay for me to tell people at work and such that have absolutely no connection to any of my family. We all know I can't really keep a secret. And yet that doesn't stop anyone from telling me secrets. All. the. time. Love it.

Headed to Lufkin in t-minus one hour for Memorial Day weekend. Taking a few friends with me, should be good times at the lake. Have a great holiday weekend... don't forget to remember those who have fought and died for our country so we can enjoy our freedom.

Happy Birthday, Ella Kate!

I can't believe that my sweet cousin Ella Kate is 5 years old today! Oh my, time sure does fly by fast! I had to miss the big birthday bash on Saturday because I had two DAR events in Austin that morning, so I took Ella to eat at Chili's last night (her choice, because "it's her favorite"). We had such a good time. She had what Brook calls her yellow meal: macaroni and cheese and corn on the cob. I told the waitress it was her birthday, so she brought out chocolate cake for dessert and they sang to her. Of course, Ella is super shy, so she hid under my arm the whole time they were singing.... but she loved the cake. She said that Chili's makes the best food ever!

I think the funniest part of the night was on our way back home. We had just finished dancing along to some song on the radio. She really wanted to hear the Boom Boom song, but I don't have that in my car, and she asks me who I'm married to. I tell her that I'm not married, and she says that I need to get married (I think she may be channeling her Granny Tempe with the marriage pressure). I asked her who I should marry and she tells me Jay. I told her that I can't marry my brother. So then Ella very politely volunteers to marry me. So then I tell her that girls have to marry boys.... so she told me to go meet a boy to marry. If it was only that simple!

So happy birthday, sweet Ella. I love you so, so, so much! Who would have ever thought that something so cute and nice would come from Scott? I adore the time I get to spend with you. I love spinning you, taking walks, spinning you some more, chasing you around the house, then spinning you some more, and letting you take pictures with my camera. I only wish I got to see you every day!

Ella eating cake on her first birthday.

Ella and I this past winter.

How can you not love her?

I went to Dallas this weekend for a wedding (surprise, surprise). I was able to go up a little early on Saturday and spend some time with my Mady. She makes my heart smile. And she loves her Aunt Jamie! We went to the Dallas Children's Museum at the Dallas Science Center. She had so much fun! She got to dress up as a fireman, play with water, pretend to be a farmer, check out the dinosaurs, and play in a giant sand box, just to name a few. Lindsey and I enjoyed watching her play.

When we got back home, Mady decided that she really wanted to come to the wedding with me. She's a party animal. She said "I go to the wedding with you and I DANCE!" Maybe next time, kid. I get to see her again this weekend, along with all of my favorite cousins: Ella, Eric, Will (I assume he'll be there), and Braxton. Who needs kids of your own when you have all of these cuties to love?

I've been here before

I was in South Padre for "work" last Wednesday-Friday. I was 3 years old the last time I went to South Padre. We went the summers I was 2 and 3 and stayed with family friends, the Bradleys, at their time-share condo on the beach. I know it sounds crazy, but I remember being in South Padre. I remember walking along the beach in the hot sand, and remember the giant jeeps that would drive along the beach and out into the water.

I hadn't really thought anything about those trips to South Padre until we pulled up to our hotel on Wednesday afternoon. My parents aren't ones for capturing every minute of their kids' lives, so I haven't been staring at pictures of the place where we stayed my entire life. I get out of the car and look up at the hotel and think "Wow, this place looks really familiar." I get out my phone and call my mom and ask her what was the name of the place where we stayed. She tells me it was the Hilton. Actually, at first she thought I was confused and talking about the EconLodge we always stayed in when we'd stop in Mobile on our way to the beach. I describe the place to her, and she thinks that it's the same place we stayed, too.

That night at dinner I asked our Legislative Director (who is from the area) if the Isla Grande was a Hilton back in the 80s... and it turns out that it was! What are the odds of that happening? There are tons of places on the Island and I booked this place based on our Chief of Staff's recommenedation.

We were on the island from Wednesday-Friday and it was quite enjoyable. We relaxed Wednesday afternoon and then went out to dinner with the guys from the office and a lobbyist. Thursday morning the boss-man surprised us with hour long massages at a nearby resort and then we spent the rest of the day on the beach (so now I have a suburn on my belly button because apparently I missed a spot with the sunscreen), before heading to the boss-man's condo for a reception and dinner for his fundraiser we were in town for. Friday morning was the fishing tournament. I caught 5 fish (but only got to keep 1)! I've never been any good at it, but I did have better luck than my partner... he dropped a pole in the water and only caught 2 fish and didn't get to keep either. After a delay at the airport (and happy hour with the other 17 stranded tournament attendees), we finally made it back to Austin a little after 6 on Friday night.

I'm already looking forward to my next trip to the District! I hadn't ever thought of this perk of working for a Coastal legislator!