Is that an Alligator?

Last week I accompanied Patrick to Lake Charles, LA for his company's annual corporate meeting where we were put up in the L'Auberge du lac Casino Resort for a couple nights. We took a small detour on our way out there in Houston to grab a bite to eat (and for me to enjoy a margarita, since it was technically my vacation) at one of our favorite taco shacks, Chacho's. And then we were on our way to slot machines, drinks by the pool, and oh yeah, company meetings.

And company meetings there were! I found out Tuesday that they wanted the spouses to attend the first meeting that centered around the company's philosophy and culture, to get to know the company better. So, bright and early Thursday morning, we woke up and headed down to breakfast and the Company Culture & Philosophy meeting. Breakfast turned out to be a couple of fruit kebabs and yogurt and then 5 hours later, after lunch, they finally released the spouses. My hopes of spending the day sipping fruity frozen drinks by the pool, were replaced with trying to stay awake in a meeting and then going straight back to the room to sleep for a couple hours.

I did get a little bit of free time, but it just isn't the same spending it by yourself. It was nice to read by the pool, but I found out that I am just not the casino-going-gambling-type-of-girl. I like my money to stay where it is. Plus, have you ever heard of a NON-smoking casino? Yeah, me neither. And I found out what happened to Everclear, they are now playing for free at Louisiana casinos.

Friday morning, while Patrick was in his final meetings of the trip, I slept in and then brunched on french toast, bacon and bloody marys. By the end of the trip, I had lost 3 dollars to slot machines and two hubcaps, thanks to poor Louisiana highways. While I'm so glad I was able to go and be supportive of my husband, I just don't think I can call that a vacation.

Re-Visit

Facebook seems to have replaced my blogging. But I miss writing, so I'm going to try to ramp up over here.

In February, we celebrated Patrick's last birthday of his twenties by sending him off with a couple of our guy friends to play some golf while I attended a baby shower. Lots of golf balls were lost and lots of onesies were unwrapped. We then headed down to New Braunfels for dinner at The Gristmill and a Bob Schneider show at the historic Gruene Hall. And as excited as I was to finally get to see a show there, I don't know if I'll ever go back. I guess I'm spoiled by Austin's no smoking laws.

Early in March, after hearing some horribly sad news about a friend, a couple friends and I decided to take a self defense course. I had always wanted to learn how to defend myself in case something should happen, but it wasn't until Sabrina's death that I finally took the step to doing so, she was my catalyst. I still can't imagine what her close friends, family and husband went through and are still dealing with. I didn't take the class just for myself, but also in her honor.

From R.A.D.

Because of some crazy coincedence, we got to spend the last two weekends in March with my sister and her boyfriend Hagan. They came down here for a wedding and then a few days later, we went up to New York to celebrate our niece's 2nd birthday. That's probably the most time I've spent with Rachael since I lived in Arlington! I really enjoyed it and I'm loving that our relationship has grown into friendship instead of just being familial.

We got a behind-the-scenes tour of Food Network courtesy of Rachael, watched our good friend Emily knock a plant over, spied on Guy Fieri preparing for a taping, and ate some of the best food at Tom Colicchio's Halfsteak at Craftsteak. Lots of wine, food and catching up seems to make up most of our time in The City.

From New York Trip - Food Network

Our good friends Brandi and Chris, trekked down to the Big Apple with their one year old in tow to meet us while we were on their side of the country. Pizza, subway rides, bagels and dinosaurs later, we had to bid farewell. It was so good to see them and I'm hoping that another two years don't pass before it happens again.

From New York Trip - Brandi, Chris & Austin

The last day we were in New York, we got to dancey dance with our niece Sophie, a few of her best two year old friends and a bunch of their respective adults. We ate sweet-and-salty cupcakes that I am still craving and laughed at the the adorableness that are two year olds.

From New York Trip - Sophie's Birthday

I hope that I get to see more of our New York families and friends in the near future. Patrick and I do have a 5-10 year plan to have everyone living here in Austin. Just so you know!

Confession

I have a confession to make...I am now a Crocs wearer. Now, I was never a huge fan of the original Crocs style....they're ok, really cute on little kids but when they get big for grown ups, not really my style. But I always heard the raves on how comfortable they were and every time I tried them on, I knew it was true but just couldn't bring myself to actually buy them. Then I saw these:

and I wear them all the time and I wore them all over fashion central L.A. and nobody gave me dirty looks. Patrick thinks they are still hideous, but I've gotten so many compliments on them, so maybe he just doesn't know how cool his wife really is.

Back in the ATX

Had lots of fun in L.A. but always good to come home to an amazing husband and two cuddly kitties. Will post a summary of the trip along with some visuals soon, but in the meantime wanted to share some exciting news....

Noooooo....not that.

Tiff's Treats will soon be in North Austin and available to deliver in the area!!! This makes me way too happy. And very reminiscent.

It's been awhile...

It's been over two months since I've written a post. And a lot of things have happened since April, so I'm going to continue my bullet style of last time in no particular order

• We flew to South Carolina to attend Patrick's cousin's wedding and got to hang out with a lot of family, eat some amazing food, and drink a lot of Newcastle. I definitely want to go back when we have more time to see more than the hotel room and visit the fam out there. Patrick's cousins are amazing people and I would love to spend more time with them and their kids since we rarely see them.
• For Mothers Day, Patrick and I trekked up to Arlington to spend it with both sets of parents, Laura, Eric & Sophie and some of my extended family. We got to surprise Mamaw (my Mom's mom, the last grandparent for both Patrick and me) with a homemade Trifle, assembled in our hotel room.
• We did not see the Maxwell/Scott clan in a hotel room for a third weekend in a row.
• Patrick got a promotion! He's now the Operations Manager, the #2 guy in Austin for his company. So, needless to say, he's been working crazy long hours.
• My 19 year old cat Lily passed away about a week ago. She lived a very long, good life and will be missed.

Rachael and Lily cuddling quite a few years ago

• After Lily's passing, and some begging from Rachael, Hagan and Rachael adopted an adorable kitten. Meet Professor Pork Chop! (Now Chloe and Calliope have a cat cousin!)

Professor Pork Chop

• To celebrate my birthday next Monday, I'm heading out to the West coast to visit Courtney. A week long vacation and I can't wait! It will be so nice to get away for awhile, but I'll definitely be missing Patrick while I'm gone. Although, I'm sure he'll be fine playing a bit of Madden and enjoying some golf.

(Both photos stolen from my Sister)