September 21, 2004
Chipotle Tuesday
Every Tuesday, a group of co-workers heads to Chipotle for their weekly gourging of tacos and over-sized burritos. I never go because toxic swamp slime mixed with cow dung pleases my palate more than Chipotle's cilantro-filled excuse of a burrito. However, I still receive the emails from the group organizer. Todays made me chuckle.
Bask in the glow of the summer sun and come to Chipotle, for the splendid days of summer are coming to an end. Soon the leaves will change color and fall harkening the onset of autumn. The birds will depart for warmer venues and the squirrels, anticipating the cool fall air, will bury the bounty of those dreamy, warm days. Ah, the glory of summer!
Or you can forget all that and come have a scrumptious burrito with goofy companions and say so long and good riddance to roasting, oppressive days under the unrelenting heat from that annoying fireball in the sky. And don’t worry; summer will be back before you know it to torment us. Does the summer ever really leave in Austin? Forever seems too short to describe the summers here. The plants get more moisture from our sweat than the rainfall in Texas. Bring on the snow!
Oh, and don’t forget Chipotle.
@ 11:30
September 17, 2004
Rule #7 : No Dry Humping
This looks sort of interesting. Sort of.
Wednesday, our team held our annual meet-n-greet, complete with donuts and coffee. The goal is to raise awareness of our presence and services, and to gather feedback about teaching needs for faculty and staff at the business school. During the time, one of my professors from undergrad told me that I'm an optimist. That zapped me a bit. I don't think of myself as an optimist, but then again, I know I'm not a pessimist. I tend to look at the positive aspects of situations, particularly ones outside my control. It seems odd though, when someone else points this out, and in such a forward way. I appreciate it and enjoy hearing it, because it reinforces the changes I'm making in my life.
So, to prove that I am an optimist, here are other positives in my life:
- I made a 90 on my first quiz in Jazz. And that was only because I misread a question. Everything there is going in the right direction. So go me!
- Tuesday night, I hit the gym, and squatted 100 lbs for the first time in my life. Obviously, I'm capable of much more, but to hit that first century mark is a good step. And I felt it the next day. The other leg exercises in my routine were at the highest poundages I've used, so again, I'm making good progress here. Go me!
- I refinanced my student loans Thursday. This has been on my calendar for months, and I've just not made the time to do it. So finally, I am consolidating my loans and saving a lot of money every month. The main barrier to accomplishing this is being overwhelmed with all of my financial issues at one and trying to solve many of them. Plus there are so many loan financiers that it's difficult to choose one. So I buckled down and refinanced with NellyNet, er...Nelnet. Go me!
- Wednesday night, I was writing in my journal for therapy, and I realized I've used up about half the book. Then I realized exactly how long I've been writing and going to therapy, and I'm sort of surprised that I've stuck with it for this long. It's unlike me to stick to something this long, and particularly something that benefits me. So that's another positive. Go me!
After all this optimism and good work, I deserve at least a dry hump. Damn rules!
September 13, 2004
Hottie of the Day
Perhaps I should move up to Lincoln!!
Ryan Goodman
Freshman Quarterback, The University of Nebraska
Yet Another Weekend Wrapup
Another weekend passed, and only a soar ankle to show for it. Saturday, my boss and her fiance invited a ton of people over to play kickball. I haven't played kickball since elementary school. I had a great time, but woke up Sunday morning with a soar ankle from kicking the ball. My technique requires improvement...more foot, less shin. Afterwards, we hung out at their house and watched the Horns battle it out with the Razorbacks of Arkansas.
Texas won 22 - 20. Many positives came from the game...mostly we have a great running game, we committed no turnovers, and our defense swarms to the ball faster. Most importantly, this year's team has a greater hunger. They have guts. They play for the entire game, and don't give up, even when momentum shifts. All in all, a great game to raise your blood pressure. And on a day when so many other favorites fell (Michigan, Nebraska, Kansas State), I'm happy to walk away with a win.
Friday night, I ate dinner with Evan at Chuy's. Both of us ordered big ass burritos, which hit the spot. Evan needed something "big", something "that would fill him up"...so I hope the burrito satisfied that craving for a while. At least until Chase visits Austin. ;-) I haven't had a Chuy's burrito in a while, so it tasted extra good that night. Afterwards, I went to Mozart's, where I wrote for several hours.
Because I'm taking Jazz on Monday from noon to 1, I had to reschedule my weekly therapy appointment from its normal 11 - noon spot. The new time is Monday morning from 8 am - 9 am. Nothing starts off a work week better than talking to your therapist. I'm half-serious, half-sarcastic there. I guess it's somewhat carthetic. On the other hand, I get to talking about deep unhappy stuff, and then remain that way going in to work. But I thought I had a good session today. Improving oneself is a slow process, and it takes patience. Sometimes I need to step back and look at the big picture: I'm 150% better than in February. I amaze myself at the fairly rapid change I've gone through. Just continue through the process, and I'll be just fine.
If anyone can suggest a better Monday title than "Weekend Wrapup", let me know. I'm tired of using it.
September 09, 2004
A Confession
Last night I called Chase while I was waiting in traffic at 8:30 pm. Contrary to what I told him, the real reason I called was because I miss him. I taught a class yesterday in which I kicked some major ass, after which my boss suggested I celebrate. The immediate first thought that came to mind is corraling Chase into going to 1920's Club for martinis and ogling the waiters while sitting in the loft. Reality hits, and I realize Chase is in a whole other state (that being Chicago). Drat! It's another solitary evening spent at Mozart's for Ben. I'm not complaining, mind you; Mozart's is a fab place to relax and reflect. It's just when that once a quarter urge to go out hits me, I immediately think of Chase.
Most certainly, this is not the sum of our whack relationship, but one small aspect. It serves as a reminder that he's moved on to better things. Anyways, it was great talking to him, even if it was for a short while. Hopefully, he'll be visiting Austin in the next couple of months, and we can go out! YAY!
And oh ya, I've now updated my blog, so shut the hell up! ;-)