My Job is to Blame...

...for making me stray from my plan to eat healthy! 

I just can't resist a free breakfast like this:

Or a free lunch like this:

It's our training week for all our new starts which means lots of free meals.  I can dig.  Eating healthy postponed to next week? Check!

Bacca Bruises

As we always do on Monday nights, my softball team had a fun Happy Hour and an eventful softball game.

We entertained ourselves for a few hours at Stan's Blue Note (our sponsor bar) before the game.  I had these delicious babies for dinner:

Fried Mac'n Cheese.

...and a couple of beers to wash it down with.  Although the fried M&C was a bit greasy, it sure was good!  I could only stomach three or four, though, before I had to call it quits.

Being that it's our "sponsor bar" and we go for HH before our games every Monday, we've become quite chummy with the local bar staff.  So chummy, in fact, that our bartender friend, Michelle, gave us all fake tatoos for tonight's game.  In hopes that they might give us the super powers we need to pull out a 'W' against this 4-1 team, we slapped them on:

Does the skull and cross bones make me look more intimidating?!

After a couple hours of socializing, we headed to the field.  Being that this team had legit jerseys with numbers on the back (compared to [what I still believe are] our sweet t-shirts) and we got run-ruled in the first inning, I knew we were in big trouble.  Sure enough, we lost the game an embarassing 22-3.  Yikes.  I also took a line drive to the knee and will be sporting a pretty mean bruise in the coming days as it's already swollen, tender, and pink.  Yippee!  I love bruises.  I think when something hurts as bad as that did, you should at least have something awful looking to show for it.

In short, not one of our best games.  Our usual clutch players weren't on top of it this evening and although I was semi-proud of some of the plays I made, I'm definitely no huge asset to the team, either!  Oh well, I'm always down for some Happy Hour and Bacca Bruises.

"Guadalupe Days and the Big Star Texas Night..."

This weekend was my river trip; a little escape to the Texas Hill Country (i.e. Heaven on Earth).  To add some clarification for last week's post (and to appease my mother), I got my start on rivers long before those of the hill country.  When I was five, I floated down the Buffalo in Arkansas (a comical list of happenings ensued) and when I was twelve, we took on the Snake River in Wyoming (absolutely beautiful).  As my mom put it, I "come by my love of rivers honestly, [they] trained [me] well from a young age :)" So no, Mom, I haven't forgotten where/when/who instilled in me my absolute adoration of rivers!  But here's a run-down of how our most recent weekend of floating went:

Friday:

We headed out of Big D right after work and, after a quick dinner at Schlotzky's, were Southbound 35.  We spent the trip jammin' out to classic 90's favorites and recounting many a college memory.  After meeting up with the other half of our group and checking into our hotel, we spent the next hour or so catching up and preparing our goodies for the float the next day.  Such goodies included these amazing Vodka Lifesaver Gummies:

Thank you, Ghinelli (via Pinterest) for the idea!

After a bit of freshening up we were ready to get our boot scootin' on at Gruene Hall...only to find out when we looked up the address for the GPS that it closes at midnight.  Bummer.  Being that it was 11:30 at the time, we were soon on the search for somewhere else to go.  We decided 'The Square' in San Marcos would be our victim and 30 minutes later found ourselves in a cool little piano bar, Taxi's.  I had been there once before several years ago and knew it was a safe bet.  And who doesn't love a good piano bar?!

Just call us Frick and Frack.

The other F & F.

Saturday:

We woke up early(ish) to make it in time for the continental breakfast.  I heard Texas-shaped waffles and I was there in a heartbeat.  After a bit of coaxing, everyone started the process of getting ready, packing up, and loading the car.  Only 30 minutes later than our targeted time (which is awesome for our group!) we were en route to the Guadalupe.  We were originally floating the Comal, but once we heard you didn't have to walk the Guad, we switched to the better river.  Fine by me, the Guadelupe is my favorite.  We floated a different part than I had ever floated before and I absolutely loved it.  It was SO pretty and SO sunny and besides the fact that the estimated time was just under 3 hours and it took us 5 1/2 because the water wasn't moving, it was fantastic.

River bums.

Fun Fact: This is the same "apartment" we stayed in for my 18th birthday trip so I have a picture in this same exact spot with my best friends from high school.  Six years later and I have one with my best friends from college :) How presh, I know...



After the river and a quick stop at the hot dog/brisket taco/corn on the cob trailer set up in the parking lot, we were headed back to the hotel for some showers and naps.  It (of course!) took a bit longer than we anticipated so it wasn't until 8:30 that we were out the door and traveling to Gruene, Texas for the famous Gristmill!  This hill country favorite has some of the best food and is hosted in this quaint, rustic looking building.

Please meet Alan's mustache-donning counter part, Gustavo.

Gustavo had a friend, Poncho down there on the end.

The cleanly shaven bunch.

Our Summer 2011 River Trip (Round Two) group.

We were absolutely exhausted after dinner so decided to just have a lazy night back at the hotel.  We weren't there more than 30 minutes before I had to call it a night.  We've discovered it's best not to plan anything for the post-river night as the sun/beer/water/etc completely wears us out!

Sunday:

I, again, woke up for the continental breakfast; you just can't beat free food.  After a filling breakfast, we spent the rest of the morning snuggled in bed watching tv.  Or at least that's what Lauren and I did.  We had a two bedroom (and two living room) apartment at the hotel so I honestly am not quite sure what everyone else spent their morning doing...but Lauren and I caught up on some current news, surfed through the cartoons and movies, and very slowly packed up and got ready.

After we checked out of the hotel, we headed back to Gruene to wander the town and visit the shops we were too late for the previous night.  I found no luck in any of the antique stores I visited but was quite content on drowning my disappointment in a good meal at The Gruene River Grill.  This restaurant was nestled almost out of sight amongst several Bed and Breakfasts and cottages.  On recommendation from one of the store owners in town, we took a chance.  And boy was it a good find!  It was such a hard decision as everything on the menu made my mouth water.  I finally went with the Country Fried Steak.

I know, it was heavenly.

After lunch we headed back to the main part of town for a wine tasting.  There were so many great ones it was so hard to choose - but after my three free samples, I settled on purchasing a bottle of "Rosie the Riveter", a blush that was recommended by the hostess.  Being that our tastes seemed to align on everything else, I figured it safe to take her word for it.  I guess I'll soon find out if I made a good choice!

Abbey and me in the wine shop!

Post wine tasting we walked across the street to a cute little knick knack shop that sold everything from jewelry to furniture to this chic sign I purchased to hang above my couch.  I've been going back and forth on what to do decor-wise in my living room so was super excited when I found the clutch piece.  It was a steal of a price and I thought it would be the perfect reminder/momento of such a wonderful trip!  (Look for this favorite in furture apartment postings).

It was soon time to head out as everyone has either school or work tomorrow.  Le sigh...after saying our goodbyes we loaded up and started the drive back to Dallas!  After about two hours on the road, something awful happened.  Our air conditioner went capoot.  It literally just stopped working.  I never realized, until today, how fast a car driving in 109 degree weather heats up sans air conditioning.  We tried windows up, windows down, blower on, blower off, and nothing was helping.  We were literally drenched in sweat: our shorts were completely wet, our shirts were soaked through, and we were quickly acquiring sweat-staches.  Gross.  We stopped at a gas station and loaded up on ice chips and cold drinks.  We found that it helped to hold them close:

They did not pose for this picture.  This is legit what we were doing.

Derek then began distributing his ice chips and the rest of us held them on our wrists and neck and I rubbed mine up and down my legs in hopes of cooling off.  (At this point I had both feet propped up on the seat in front of me and every time we turned and Taylor and I collided, there was some serious slip and slide action with our arms).  About ten minutes outside of Dallas we had had enough - we rolled down the windows which ended up being a genius idea.  Being that we were all so sweaty, the immense amount of blowing air felt fantastic.

Please note Derek's ice chips in the front seat.

Sweaty and wind blown.  Mmm...

We made it back safely to Dallas, albeit sweaty.  In recollecting on the weekend, I think it was absolutely perfect.  A little party, a little chill, some best friends, and some great food; some laughs along the way (CORN!) and some interesting experiences.  It was exactly what I needed to refresh after a long past few weeks.

"Tonight the answer's Austin, for the Comal County Blue..."

That's right - tomorrow after work I am headed to one of my favorite places: The Texas Hill Country.  We're floating the Comal Saturday and I could not be more excited.  I definitely need a little vacation from my hectic schedule and floating down a river is exactly the cure, I think!

I absolutely adore river trips.  Something about being surrounded by nature with your best friends, listening to country music, a cold beer in your hand, and the sun beating down on you is just magical.  I've been floating rivers since I was so young I can't remember my first time.  Although it's definitely evolved over the years, the relaxing, yet exciting, feeling I get every time has stayed the same!

Here's a little tribute to some of my many river trips:

 (Comal River)

(Comal River)

(San Marcos River)

(San Marcos River)

(Frio River)

(San Marcos River)

(After the San Marcos River)

(Yup! Back to the SM...)

(SM obviously...)

Ok.  And now I'm tired of looking through my pictures to find others.  I haven't floated the Guadelupe in years being that it is always so low but I'm bummed I couldn't find a picture of it - it's where I got my floating start!  Obviously I'm somewhat of a 'river bum' and would definitely live on one of these beautiful pieces of nature if I could.  But alas, I must settle for my frequent summer trips to satisfy my craving.  Speaking of, I'm off to pack for said river trip!  Below is a little video clip to get you in the river mood!  

Jason Boland "Comal County Blues"

Until Sunday, au revoir Dallas!

Man Fridge.

I have been to the grocery store once since I have moved into my apartment. Yes, I have lived here 55 days.  Yes, that amounts to 8 weeks. Yes, I can already feel the judgement you are laying upon me as you read this.

Because of such, these are the items I currently have in my fridge:

• Water (both bottled and Brita)
• Beer
• Condiments
• Fruit (given to me last weekend by the parentals)
• Old/expired: lunch meat, salad, Zach's steak leftovers

Moreover, the contents of my freezer include:

• Frosted beer mugs
• Ice packs

My pantry is the most pathetic of the bunch:

• Rice cakes
• Crackers
• Pasta (and sauce!) I salvaged from my apt in CS (I hate to waste things...)

Please note I have absolutely no staples (milk, eggs, bread...) and I just used my stove for the first time on Monday.  I cooked half the pasta I had.  It's pathetic.  I need a personal chef.  Or a friend that really enjoys cooking for the helpless cooks like me.

Man fridge for sure.  I'm disgusting, I know.

To See or Be Seen.

Tonight I went to this church lecture series with my friend, Brittany.  It's this huge Tuesday night "bible study-ish" event (Aggies: think Breakaway gone Dallas) called 'The Porch.'  It's hosted by Watermark Church in Dallas for singles in their 20s and 30s.  The series they're in the middle of right now is about being single and dating.  Oh hey, that's me :)  It was honestly pretty cool to be around that many single, young people gathering to worship together.  I regularly attend The Village's Flowermound campus which is very "family friendly" so it's a nice change of pace to be surrounded by people my own age.

What I did not like, however, was that I felt like a good majority of people (girls) there were dressing to impress.  I spotted some chick in the bathroom wearing a pair of funky heels I'm not cool enough to wear even on a Friday night out.  I would lay money on the fact that at least 70% of them a) picked out their outfits days in advance as you would for a hot date and b) did so with the intention of "looking chic."  I, therefore, felt frumpy at best in my cream slacks and Nine West pumps.

The message was honestly pretty legit (except I had heard the same thing, but more eloquently put and more applicably delivered, at the Village's 'Single's Conference' a few months back).  They touched on a lot of 'hot topics' that tend to be brushed under the rug, especially in the church circuit.  Moreover, we broke into separate rooms divided by girls and guys so we were able to speak quite candidly on the struggles specific to women.  There was absolutely a good takeaway and there were most certainly some things said that I needed to hear.

I'm definitely going to give it a try next week because it seems like something that would be super cool to get involved in if it turns out people really are there to hear the message.

So that brings me to my question: are people at 'The Porch' there to see or be seen? Are they eager to press into the Lord or anxious to find their next boyfriend?  Only time will tell so we'll see if this is some place I'll find myself fitting into on Tuesday nights from here on out!

Balls, Balls, Balls. And a puck.

As mentioned in my previous "weekend recap" of a post, I finally completed my tour of Major League sports in Dallas.  Since March of this year, I have been to one (or two!) games of every single ML sport D-town hosts.  Please see below for proof.

March: Stars Game

Awesome seats compliments of the best friend.

What up, fifth row!

My first Stars game!

April: Mavs Game

Once again, great seats thanks to my best!

You could smell their sweat we were so close.

May: Horse Races

I'm not entirely sure this counts as a major league sport but I threw it in the bunch for good measure.

June: Rangers Game

Suite tickets compliments of BCG.  Best way to survive a baseball game in 100+ heat.

August: Cowboys Game

When I have to pay for tickets, I definitely buy cheap :)

Go Cowboys. And Broncos apparently...

August: FC Dallas Game

I was sweating just watching them run around so much...

...see?

As you can see, I've been well rounded in my sports intake this spring/summer.  It's been fun and, thanks to great friends and company hook-ups, pretty darn inexpensive!  I also got to cross quite a few things off of my "Dallas Bucket List" which is always nice.  All in all, a pretty ballin' past few months ;)

Oh hey.

It's been awhile.  I've had a busy past few days to say the least.  What have I been up to?  Well...

We said goodbye to our interns with a smashing Farewell Dinner on Thursday night.  We went to Eno's in the Bishop Arts District and it was de-li-cious!  This is also where I discovered my affinity for the Beer Float.  Instead of Rootbeer, pour a little Moose Drool (chocolate beer) over a scoop of ice cream and its quite fabulous.

After a long night of eating, drinking, listening to music, socializing, eating some more, and playing darts, we called it a night and headed back to the office where a select group of about 20 troopers headed upstairs for some 'after-hours fun.'  In an effort to avoid incriminating anyone, I'll forgo dishing out the deets and just leave it at: it was a grand old time.

Friday was the interns' actual last day and they were so sweet to get all the recruiting girls a 'thank you' gift:

these are some of the people who made my summer at work so fun.

awesome candle.

Friday night I went to dinner/drinks/movie with some girls from the office.  If you haven't seen "The Help" yet, you need to make plans to do so now.  It is such an awesome film.  I laughed and cried all in the same scene and walked away with such a good feeling.  This movie gets five stars from me!

Saturday held the usual brunch (this time at Primos!) and then an exciting first for me, an FC Soccer Game:

Taylor, Alan, and I scored these awesome tickets for sideline seats, a hotdog, and a drink for $20.00 bucks!  Being that this rounded out my completed set of Dallas sporting events, I was super pumped to find such a great deal.

Best. Hotdog. Ever.

Can you tell from our faces we were hot, sweaty, and tired?!  Yes.

I rounded out the evening by walking to get drinks with a friend.  One of my favorite parts of living where I do?  Being in walking distance from House of Blues, Dick's Last Resort, and a few other notable restaurants and bars.  It's awesome.

Today was the typical Sunday for me.  Although I woke up and got ready for church just to realize there was no way I was ever going to make it on time :: which is a bummer :: that just meant I had even more time to spend with my family!  I headed to my parents' house for a little In-and-Out Burger, naptime, and pool with my sister.  One of my favorite things about visiting my parents (besides actually seeing them, of course!) is the delicious home-cooked meal I'm sure to get and all the goodies I get sent home with.  Today's meal of choice was brisket and baked potatoes.  Yum.  I also got sent home with a week's worth of fruit:

I'm so spoiled by my awesome mother :)

After a Sunday night softball practice and doing a few things around the house, I am absolutely beat!  Here's to hoping I can make it an early night for once!

Bon Appetit

'Master Chef' is everything but what I am.  In all honesty, I'm horrible at cooking.  Besides the fact that I don't enjoy it and think it's a waste of time, I've stooped so low as to have burned Campbell's soup not once, not twice, but three times in my life.  I get a little impatient, crank it up too high, and end up spending an hour scouring my scorched pot afterwards.  It's pathetic.


So a couple weeks ago when we hosted an office event at this Cooking School in Dallas, I was less than thrilled.  I figured I would not only embarrass myself in front of my co-workers with my severe lack of cooking skills, but I would also have a miserable evening.


I was wrong.  So wrong.  The whole evening was so legit.  We kicked off the event with a cocktail hour complete with yummy hor devours.  If you've been following my blog, you'll see that placing food and BCGers together seems to be a nice trend.  I'm not complaining. 

Cocktails and Hor devours.

One of the cooking teams.

The judges.

My cooking team!!

Following this we broke into our respective teams and engaged in an 'Iron Chef-esque' competition.  We had four "mystery" ingredients, a few staples to choose from, and a fairly limited number of cooking utensils.  We had 45 minutes to make our master piece.  

Running concurrently to this was our Shaker Competition.  Acknowledging that I lack talent in the kitchen, I volunteered myself for this aspect of the challenge.  A few members from each team headed into a separate room we had well stocked with every liquor, mixer, and drink ingredient imaginable.  The plan was to come up with a creative, tasty, complimentary drink to be paired with the meal the remainder of our team was creating.

So what did we come up with?  Pure deliciousness on all fronts, that's what!  For our meal, my team made a stuffed bell pepper with flat iron steak marinated in some special sauce one of the chefs cooked up.  Our drink was going to be some scrumptious tequila/vodka/pineapple/lemon/lots of other random stuff mixture until someone accidently dumped out our shaker and we had to start over with five minutes to spare.  Erring on the side of caution, we went with a simple vodka/lemon/soda mix.  Thanks to Laura for making a nice display, the presentation (and taste!) of it proved a solid showing.

The Smileys.  Chef and Drinks Master.

We clearly should have won.  We even gave a nod to our company!

We didn't win - bummer - but it was a close call I'm sure ;)  Other notable favorites from the evening included a corn chowder, stuffed fried avocados, and mini tacos as well as a variety of delicious drinks.

After the competition we sat down to a great Italian dinner complete with, my favorite, Tiramisu!!  The dessert was served in these little crystal cocktail glasses and had it not been a work event and had I not been hosting, I definitely would have indulged in two.  Or five.  They were that good.

Obviously it was a great night.  We even got BCG aprons as party favors and nothing beats a party with take-aways!  Although I probably won't be jumping into the kitchen to whip up my own stuffed bell pepper anytime soon, it was definitely a very fun experience!  Until tomorrow...bon appetit!