Leave it to Austin
I was driving down the Capital of Texas Highway (360) and I looked over and there was a flock of trees on my left that someone or some group had taken the time to decorate for Christmas. It was very strange to see all of these trees with their 70’s style garland and ornaments on the side of the road. Who does this?
If nothing else, it brought a smile to my face. Whoever took time out of their week to do this, I thank you! 🙂
Free At Last
I’m finally on holiday for the Christmas break! Where does the time go?? I plan to use the free time to shop, try new things and visit family and friends. I will be going to Dallas for the part of the holiday, so I may have to do some Dallas blogs to keep things moving. (I’m sure there is somewhere I haven’t been in Dallas). Then I plan to go to McAllen, Tx for New Years. There are definitely places there that I haven’t been!
I’m thinking about using some of my free time to watch movies. If you haven’t gotten Netflix yet, I highly recommend it. I am on the unlimited two movies at a time plan. I love it. The movies come directly to your house, you never have late fees, and I’m rarely without a movie. I work it out so that I watch one movie, mail it in and by the time I watch another one, I have a new movie in the mail. I have about 70 movies in my queue and I’m constantly adding more. Another bonus is that you can rent whole series. I’ve watched Veronica Mars Series one and two, Lost season one and two and Da Ali G show season one and two. It’s a great way to get caught up on some of those shows that build on the one before so you can start watching the series in real time! If I was renting from the video store, I wouldn’t watch them because I would feel guilty about spending the money. Since I’m unlimited on the number of dvd’s, I don’t feel guilty!! There is usually about a two day turn around on movies.
Home
Front View
Backyard
Fireplace
Master BathAllergies
Austin has helped me to develop an awareness of my allergies. I’ve always had mild allergies (to something that’s in the air), but since I’ve been in Austin, they have become more pronounced! Everyone tells me it’s cedar. Maybe they’re right. I just want them to go away!
Juan in a Million
Since I moved to Austin, people have been telling me to try Juan in a Million on Cesar Chavez St. I finally made it there for breakfast over the weekend. It is very modest, no-nonsense looking place. In fact, if you didn’t know better, you would probably keep driving by.
We found out as we went inside that there are actually two buildings and patio seating areas. Since the weather is so nice, we chose to eat on the patio. I ordered something a bit different, since they didn’t have sausage, egg and cheese tacos. Instead I went all out and had bacon, egg and cheese tacos. I was expecting regular bacon, but instead it was a thicker bacon, almost ham-like. Mike ordered the special tacos. They asked if he wanted additional tortillas. He thought that was strange until they brought out his plate. There was SO much food that he didn’t even finish. My friend had the migas. They looked good too.
The place was crowded and I would venture to guess that is the norm for this restaurant. The wait was really short and worth the time!
Jane’s White Elephant Gift Exchange
Saturday night I was invited to a friend’s mom’s White Elephant Gift Exchange Party. I wasn’t too sure what kind of deal this was going to be since I had only met her mom once several years ago. Additionally, the party was out in San Antonio, which is a really long drive. My husband and I were already off to a bad start since we were running late. I was really worried since I would know noone there and I’m suprisingly a little shy when it comes to meeting new people, especially if I’m late.
Right when I walked in, two ladies were at the front of the house and they welcomed me in with open arms. Neither of them were my friend’s mom. They asked if this was the first one of Jane’s parties I’d been too. They told me all about how much fun they were. We went a little further in to the party and I found that there were lots of people enjoying themselves throughout the house.
We sat down to eat dinner and we began talking to an interesting man I’ll call Dean. He was very right-winged in his ideals. I found him to be very strange, but we continued talking to him. He became instant friends with my husband, who entertained his ideas and came up with a few of his own.
Then the white elephant gift exchange began. We were given the rules by a guy that you could tell has never broken a rule to a game in his life. I chose my number and waited for my turn. I was number 8, a terrible number in the WEGE. I decided that I would be the first to steal. I stole some golf balls for my husband. The game progressed and someone stole from me. So I went and got the gift that I had brought, a blanket with snowflakes on it. I made mention that I had brought the gift and the rules guy was visibly upset. When it came time for him to go, he came and stole my blanket. THEN, Mike trying to help me, stole the blanket back for me. At this point, somehow I had the golf balls and Mike had the blanket. The end of the game was near. The number one person got to choose another gift. Number One was the rules guy’s wife. She went and stole the blanket and gave Mike a headband with lights. I didn’t get my blanket. The game was over. HAHA! It was really a lot of fun!
I really had a great time at the party. I love doing the gift exchanges. We’re going to do another one at my work party. I hope I end up with something good this time! 🙂
Fiesta in the making
It’s easy to see why this burger joint was chosen to be a backdrop for the 70’s inspired movie. It doesn’t look like much has changed since that time. You can choose to eat inside the restaurant or get your food delivered to your car by a carhop. We made the choice to eat inside since my husband doesn’t really like to eat in the car!
We got to Top Notch Burgers at 1:30 on a Saturday afternoon and the place was PACKED! I got a burger and fries on this time around. Unlike in the movie, the fries were not soggy. They were actually quite crispy, just the way I like them! My husband couldn’t resist the fried chicken plate. He said that it was the best fried chicken he’s had in a long time! (They even have a veggie burger for those of you that are vegeterians).
Overall, we had a great experience there and if we ever are on Burnet in North Austin again, we will probably return! If you go, make sure to bring cash. They don’t take credit cards, but they do have an ATM on site if you’re short on funds!
Garfield
We went to Garfield, Texas for a party last night. Where is Garfield, Tx you ask? Good question that I would probably not be able to answer. It was somewhere past the airport. We went to a friend’s house for a Christmas party. They have a big house out in the middle of nowhere. It is decorated really cute if you like a country style home. Whoever cleans it does a really great job! 🙂
Suggestions
Please feel free at any time to give me suggestions or feedback of what you would like to see in my blog. I’ve been racking my brains of ideas of what to write about and I decided that I’d like to write about what you would like to read about!
I also LOVE to get comments. It totally makes my day when I log in and find comments on my blog. So please comment often! Also, this should be a part of your favorites so you will remember to return at least daily.
Those of you that know me really well, know that my favorite movie was filmed here in Austin. I plan to go to the Top Notch Burger place and eat this weekend. Does everyone know what movie I’m talking about???
Music
You would think that Austin, being the music capital of the world, would have some good radio stations. That is just not the case. I don’t really like hip-hop or top 40, so what’s left? I spent a long time listening to classic rock, but that got old fast. I really prefer to listen to alternative rock. Thank goodness I found Bob! At least there is good music about every 5th song. I miss the Edge in Dallas! I’m going to have to get my satellite radio installed soon!
Fabulous after FIFTY 