Goodbye to Summer

This past week, we got our first glimpse of fall with some cooler temperatures and shorter days. It was nice to get a break from the 100 degree weather, but as usual, I am sad to see summer go. Luckily, there are still a few fun fall activities in store...

This weekend, Sarah and I went to the Texas-Rice game. We got tickets from a friend and sat in the newly opened north end seats, which were awesome. They have a great view of the entire field, not to mention the jumbo tron is directly in front of you. It was not the most exciting game (Texas won 52 to 10) but it was still fun to be in the game atmosphere and see the team in person.

Here are a few pictures from last weekend that I hadn't posted yet...it was a really long week.

Eileen was in town so we went out for dinner and drinks.

Then Sunday, J and I discovered the Corral Theater, an outdoor walk in theater in Wimberly. You bring your own chairs and sit under the stars watching a movie. We caught the last show of the season. It was a nice way to cap off a great summer.

A Word From Jessie

Jessie, the dog here. Since my mom likes so much to post pictures of me to her silly little blog, I asked her to give me a chance to give you my side of things. So here you go...This is me and Lola. Lola and Leonard, who are friends of mine, came to stay with me Tuesday through Thursday last week while their mom was on a work trip. Lola likes to stand up on her hind legs and box with my nose. I don't mind too much though because I am bigger than her and can fit her whole head in my mouth. Leonard (Lola's brother) on the other hand, doesn't like to play too much. He's what the two legged folks call shy, I've never heard of that, but you know, he's still cool. Here's a picture of Lola and Leonard's mom with my mom. They went out to dinner with my aunt Sofia and Aaron. We stayed home and had dog food...again. This weekend was pretty good too. Despite mom being out of the house for most of Sunday to watch football with friends (see below), she took me out to Bull Creek on Saturday, which was pretty fun.

We went hiking for a little bit and then played around in the water.

This is me meeting a friend of my own.

I hope I get to go back there soon. There are lots of things to do, lots of dogs to play with. I kind of think my mom also likes it there becuase she's hoping to meet up with the owner of a dog name Max....hmmm.

Well, that's it for now folks, take care and come and visit me any time! If you do come, feel free to bring treats. Thanks.- JESSIE

Football, Running and Flavor Day

It is that time of year again, Longhorn football season!
This weekend Texas opened up their season by slightly beating (52 to 10) Florida Atlantic University. I went to a friend's tailgate with Bailey and Kreuzer and then watched the game from Maggie Maes, which ended up being a good place to be, $2 beers, free BBQ, big screens, not too bad. It was nice to be back in burnt orange... Sunday, I changed into bright red for Nike's Human Race, a world wide run benefitting 3 non profit organization. A group of YMCA staff members headed out to be part of this 10k run, in support of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. While I've walked a 10k before, this is the first time I attempted to run one. The course was tough (lots of hills), so I still walked about 2 miles, but ran the rest. I came in 3,968th out of the Austin female runners with a time just under an hour and a half...hey, at least it's a starting place! A few of my coworkers and I stayed to enjoy the Ben Harper concert and some delicious food at the Nike Pavillion. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday evening.

Monday, I invited a few people over to the house for a backyard BBQ. We enjoyed some yummy chicken and veggie kabobs, sides and desserts. Thanks to Bailey, Labor Day will now officially be called Flavor Day, just one more holiday that's all about eating. Amber, Chuck and Rora came over as well. I forgot to take pictures, so you'll just have to check out thier blog for pictures of how cute 'Rora is these days...

Now, off to start a new week!

Why I love Austin

There are so many reasons why I love this city, but over these past few days, I was reminded just how lucky I am to be here and be surrounded by such great people and fun things to do. Friday I had lunch with Amber, Aurora and a past LAF intern at Magnolia Cafe, yum.

After work, I enjoyed this awesome sunset, a few beers and some great live music on the deck of a small neighborhood bar that's been around for 50 years. It was pretty perfect.Saturday, friends and I headed out to Tow Texas to Fall Creek Vineyard for their annual grape stomp. We sat at a table with three ladies who were celebrating their birthdays. They told us about their travels, grandkids and love of wine. I think we got a glimpse into our future. Fortunately we liked what we saw...

Thanks Austin, for another great weekend.

Quick note from work

While it's completely unprofessional (and out of character) for me to post while I am work, it's been so long since my last update that I'm feeling guilty! So, I figure as long as it's a short post and somewhat about work, it's OK. This past few days have been fun here at the Y, Amanda came in to the office to volunteer on Monday and Tuesday and the week before, my sister came in to help. My co workers are loving all this free help I'm bring in! :) On Tuesday night, we had a staff outing at the RR express game and had a great time. The weather held out and I really enjoyed getting to hang out with my co workers outside of our work element.

Last weekend, Sofia, Aaron and I went to Casino El Camino to have one of thier famous burgers. They were SO good. Aaron disapproved of my pool skills, but approved of the burgers.

We also went to the Flying Saucer for some beer. I got a Texas flight which I loved, probably becuase it came in cute, small glasses.

On the homefront, Jessie is gaining some independence! My dad installed a doggy door for her. While it took her a few days to realize it was OK for her to come and go on her own (without my calling her), she now loves it and loudly flaps in and out many, many times a day...

Cute Kids

I love kids, espeically when they are cute, good and not mine! ;) I'm sure one day I'll be ready for kids of my own, but for now, I am perfectly happy enjoying other people's. This weekend, I got to hang out with my favorite little cutie, Rora, at Raquel's baby shower. Raquel is due any day now- so another cute one soon! I also get to see a little older cuties from time to time at the new job. Our staff heads out to the branches during events, so this past Friday, we went to watch the summer camp kids get prizes for reading. It's nice to take these breaks from office. We get to interact with the staff and see the kids, which makes the paperwork and "fire putting out" worth it!

Hello, Eileen.

It was Eileen's weekend to be in town so we decided to head out to the Nutty Brown Cafe to listen to some music and enjoy a warm Texas summer night. For you Austinites- if you haven't been out there, I highly recommend making the short treck out 290 to enjoy a margarita and listen to some music out on their deck, good stuff.

I also took Jessie to Red Bud Isle, a new (for us) dog park. It's been recommended by several other dog owners and considering the 102 degree weather, I thought Jessie would enjoy being able to cool off in the water. I wouldn't call Jessie a swimmer, per say, she's more of a wader. She watches in admiration as the labs and retrievers dive in to fetch balls, but in the end is much more content just cooling off in the shallow end.

Jess and I both miss Eileen, but we're glad she comes to visit!