october 30, 2009 0753pm

Here is a photo from last night's Dru hang. We mostly sat around and listened to a few Raina tunes from the upcoming record. Then we went to Taqueria Arandas #5. I ate his chips and salsa. I am trying to not eat out for a month, mostly to save money. Coffee does not count and people taking me out to eat does not count either. I have a few promised birthday meals coming my way. yummm.

Speaking of food, I have been on this refried bean taco kick as of late. Wheat tortilla+beans+cheese+spinach+tomatoes (diced)+pickled jalapeno=yummm. Yeah. I did a little variation on it though, you know, variety is the spice of life. I made NACHOES. yep. Ha. Same ingredients, just with chips instead of tortilla.

october 27, 2009 1153pm

I woke up this morning wondering how it would feel to wake up, knowing that this was my last day to live. Yesterday I got an email from a group called Campaign to End the Death Penalty. I took a class last semester called Capital Punishment in America, and signed up for their mailing list. The email told me about a scheduled Texas execution for October 27, 2009. Reggie Blanton was executed today at 6pm today. If you have any interest, here is a detailed article about his case. If you read it, you will see that there is no way anyone could have found him 100% without a doubt guilty of murder, and yet, he was killed today by the state of Texas. I believe he is innocent. So, I decided to meet at the State Capitol to protest his execution, in hopes that our Governor, Rick Perry, would grant a stay of execution. That did not happen.

I bet none of you even knew that Texas was going to kill a man today. Can you believe it? How can that happen? How can we not know that something so big is happening? Reggie was the 19th person executed in Texas THIS YEAR. Yep. 19. I bet you did not know that. It surprises me, even after taking that class last semester.

I arrived at the Capitol around 545pm, grabbed a sign and stood there with the handful of people, hoping that what we were doing would make a difference. You know who else was there? Two men who have been released from death row were there. One spoke a bit, thanking us tearfully for what we were doing. Telling us that even though Reggie was not saved, we were making a difference slowly, but surely. When Lily, one of the leaders of the Austin Campaign Against the Death Penalty chapter, announced at around 615pm that Reggie was strapped to the chair and on his way out, my heart dropped. Really? Can you even imagine being led into the death room, knowing that you are about to die? Knowing that you are innocent? Man. It kills me. We all had a moment of silence for Reggie, tears flowing from most of our eyes. Sad that we were going to go to our homes that night, get in our warm beds, snuggle with loved ones... and Reggie's family would be dealing with this great loss. They were probably in Huntsville, trying to be strong. Touching his warm body for the last time. Hearing his last words. It breaks my heart.

Also, you guys may have heard about Cameron Willingham, a man that was executed in Texas in 2004 for setting his house on fire, killing his 3 baby girls. Well, in September of this year, an investigative report was printed in the New Yorker stating there was no evidence that the house fire was intentionally set, and that the State of Texas may have executed an innocent man. Willingham was given the option to plead guilty and get life in prison, but refused because he knew he was innocent.

october 22, 2009 1151pm

I have been taking my iPhone on my runs, using the GPS and a running application to map my runs. I need to invest in an armband for it though. Currently, I am holding it in my hand, hoping a dog in the leash free area does not snatch it from my grasp. Here is my most current view from the South First Bridge on a lovely evening run:

As promised, here is a mini update about the Austin, Texas Pressman invasion. I was pleased and excited to finally meet Dru's parents and family. They were just as great as I thought.

Friday the 16th, The Annie St. Arts Collective headed out to Driftwood Texas to the String Band Festival. I sang in the choir, which is one of my favorite things to do. A bit after midnight everyone sang Happy Birthday to me. I blushed. I never know what to do in situations like that. Who do I look at? I cannot look at the ground, then I seem ungrateful. Waking up in a tent curled up with Adam on my 25 birthday was pretty much what I wanted for that day. (Even though we were in a TINY tent, which prevented either of us from fully stretching out.)

And then I turned 25 years of age. Weird. I was for sure I would have been graduated, married off and living in Dallas by age 25. My how things change. For the best. Ha. It was great. All the important people in my life came out the Draught House Pub.

october 15, 2009 1019pm

This update is EXTREMELY behind the times... but here goes.

Several Sundays ago (September 27 to be exact) Krys and I had an Indian food potluck at her house for MJ and Pamela's birthdays. I fashioned some homemade naan (IT WAS THE BOMB) and some tofu paneer, which ended up more soup-like. BUT it got the Dan Grissom seal of approval... Krys made her badass Coconut Cashew Korma. I think the Korma+Naan were the highlights of the evening.

On October 03, Thomas and Nicole got married here in Austin. The wedding was at Green Pastures, which is 3 blocks from my house. This was the second wedding in two weeks to attend. We all had a great time. October was a big month for love. I am so happy for both of the couples. The rehearsal dinner was at WeFuse, a great little eatery downtown in the Frost Bank Tower. They had some great food presentation, and everything was delicious.

Then, Sunday October 04, Dru and I had a hot night on the town. We got all fancied up and had dinner at Ruth's Chris, using the $100 gift card (and then some) he got for his birthday earlier this year. Then we took a stroll around the downtown area to the capitol, walking off some of the food we just ate and also buying some time before the Bon Iver concert at the Paramount Theatre. Seriously, that show was one of the best shows I have EVER seen. It brought tears to my eyes. So emotional.

And Finally, the Secret Show returned to our hearts and ears last Tuesday. Dru's mom, Leslie, was able to attend. She lives in California. The whole Pressman clan came a few days after her arrival. That will be another post though. Whew!

Oh yeah, and Adam and I are coupled again. Yip!

september 29, 2009 1017pm

I got on the bus the other morning, and as I was taking my seat, I noticed that there was a black backpack underneath the seat. My brain immediately jumped to the conclusion that it was probably a bomb planted on the bus and that I was about to die. Well, I was not totally convinced, but I did spend the rest of my bus ride thinking about all the people I love, mainly my friends here in Austin, and what my last words were to them. It was quite scary. When you start to think in those terms, you begin to realize just how silly disagreements are in your life. And that you should never hesitate to tell someone how you feel about them, friendly or romatic in nature. For instance, trying not to instigate communication with someone because you want him or her to realize they really want to talk to you. But then I got off the bus, unharmed, and reassumed my silly insecurities.

Many of my friends are avid bike riders in this town. My friend Pete is not only a bike rider, he also specializes in building cargo carriers for bikes. I took this photo at Flipnotics this past Sunday. Pete built this trailer to toat his upright bass around town. His girlfriend and my friend Lindsey also uses it for the same thing.

Also, I would like you to meet the founder of my fan club out in Nacogdoches, Texas. She recorded this little video in honor of me. If you desire to join the club, let me know and I will have her people call your people.

september 27, 2009 1017pm

Matthew came to town Thursday night for Tony and Teresa's wedding. We went to see Some Say Leland at the Hole in the Wall. It was great, of course. They are playing some new tunes these days, and recording a short record that should be out early 2010. I am pretty excited about it. I am not just saying that because they are all my dear friends. Dan Grissom is an amazing songwriter and is complimented well by the other talented musicians in the band.

Tony and Teresa got married Saturday evening at the One World Theatre. Dru was my date and Matthew's parents gave us a ride, so we could get pissed up on the free booze. I had a lovely time. The actual ceremony was about 7 minutes long, which was nice. Short and sweet (like me?). They there was plenty to eat and drink! They had a table with the largest bowl of queso I have ever seen, and other fixins' for nachos. There was also an open bar, people walking around urging you to eat chocolate covered bacon and a photo booth. The bar was serving a signature blue drink, which I did not have. I am not the biggest fan of blue food. I like blueberries, and that is about as far as I go with that. We had a great time. Dru and I even joined everyone out on the dance floor.

september 25, 2009 706am

I have an iphone now. It is pretty and white and new. I took this video of Socrates with it last night. I just happened to be listening to the new Regina Spektor album so it sounds like there is a sound track to it. Ha. Socrates is a fan of chasing his shadows. Not too bright, that one.

I think I owe myself a night off drinking this tonight. It has been a rough week in life. But, there is no getting around drinking at Tony and Teresa's wedding Saturday, I mean, free booze AND friends?

september 23, 2009 1014pm

Over the weekend, my dear friend Raina Rose and several other fine musicians recorded an album. Stephen Orsak did the recording. From what I have heard, I think it will be amazing. My friends are so talented, it is sometimes unbelievable what they throw together. Here are a few photos from the weekend.

I do not think I know any other way to drink but on an empty stomach. Last night was a nice wasted night at the Hole in the Wall with coworkers. It was my friend Javier's last day to work at the Blood Center, so we all went out for "one drink". Famous last words, eh? Dru ended up saving me from peril. And I ended up eating Kerbey queso. Also, I tend to get REALLY inappropriate in my speech and topic selection when wasted, so it made for some interesting exchanges.

september 21, 2009 830pm

Porch hangs have been on the top of my love list as of late. Especially when Dru is pissed up. I hope I am entertaining while drunk and not annoying. I like to think of myself as a happy drunk, who is a bit on the touchy feely side.

Kelly and I found this ode to Partrick Swayze on a door in her complex. (It was REALLY Kelly's door...)

Lately I have been thinking about renting a car for the Thanksgiving holiday and driving out to Marfa to check out the installations. I got some mail about new openings the other day. That, and I miss the west Texas quiet. Maybe camp out, play it on the cheap side. Anyone interested? I was thinking maybe leaving Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving and not real sure about when I will return. It is all up in the air, depending on company I suppose.

I am looking forward to this Thursday-Sunday. Matthew is back from his South America adventures and will be in town. I get to introduce him to Foot Patrol Friday night. Tony and Teresa are tying the knot Saturday night. Dru is my date for that. AND, I am actually off Saturday and Sunday from every work I have! yesss. I see several bloody marys in my future this weekend, along with a possible Juan and a Million trip.

september 19, 2009 326pm

I videoed this Ron Scott Practice song from last night's show. You cannot see anything really, but you can hear nicely. Just click on the link and continue your internet activities while listening to my favorite Ron Scott Practice song. If you listen closely, you can hear a frog croaking every once in a while. You can also hear the neighbor's air-conditioning turn on as well, not quite as cool.

september 19, 2009 238pm

We had a show at our house last night in the backyard. I was only around for the first two acts (beer without dinner makes me sleepy.) I think The Ron Scott Practice is my new favorite.

It has been a bit of a bummer week. Adam and I amicably broke things off Thursday night. One of those we-still-like-each-other-but-being-a-couple-is-not-working-out kind of things. Sucks. I should really stop boyfriending guys that are so involved with my roommate/best friend Dru. Because, as harmonious as things might be, it still makes me sad to hear about bands they are going to start and recording and things that I would normally know about if I were still attached.

On a chipper note... Socrates is seriously all kinds of cute right now. Makes me smile.

september 16, 2009 1016pm

Today was pretty rotten, and still has the ability to get worse I am sure of it. To start, I left my favorite sweater on a Crap Metro bus this morning. I will never see that one again. Then a bunch of blah blah blah work issues and topped off with a woman getting angry with me on the bus home. This woman, by the way, I have seen often over the years. She is the sweet looking old lady who sells flowers outside of Caffe Medici on Guadelupe. I got on the bus around 715pm, after starting my day at 530am and just finding my way home. I had my school bag and my violin case thrown over my shoulder. I was exhausted. I made my way to the back of the bus to find a seat, and I guess I rubbed against this woman with my violin case? I sat down and noticed that she got up and was mumbling something under her breathe. I could not hear because I had the sweet tunes of Alexa Woodward in my ears via the iPod. She was looking me in the eye and several other people started to stare at me. That is when it clicked in my head that she must be angry with me? I brushed it off and continued looking out the window. She eventually sat down, and then got off at the next stop, but not before she turned around to give me yet another death stare. And THEN, as she was walking away on the street, out of the corner of my eye I could see her STILL giving me the stink eye. Sorry?

So, you know you live in a gay city when... people are handing these shirts out FOR FREE at the movie theatre. Anyone want this shirt? Free shipping. It is an American Apparel size medium. I will never wear it.

I somehow missed out on the fact that we have a Snuggie in our house? Now I can enjoy a snack while staying snuggly warm. Blankets are ok, but they can slip and slide. And when you need to reach for something, your hands are trapped inside! (Available in Royal Blue, Sage Green and Burgundy.)

september 13, 2009 339pm

Man, it sure is nice to come back from a vacation and actually happy to be home. As much as I love family time and playing with my little cousins, I was looking forward to landing in Austin. I came home to a little surprise. I have had this plant for about... 2 years now? I bought it with my running partner, Kathryn, who now lives in Ohio. I was sure it had died, since my last place provided very little direct sunlight for plants. I was not ready to give up on it, so it made the move to Annie Street with me. After the move, it experienced a growth spurt... from a few deathly looking sticks to a blossoming plant. I had no idea that it would bloom flowers though. Little purple ones at that! So yeah, I get excited about such things.

I started another game of used-tea-bag jenga. It was not intentional. One morning I was making tea and this cute little mug was on the counter, so I started putting the used tea bags in it. It is mostly to conserve time (because the trash can is SO far away?), since it seems like I am always rushing in the morning. I will keep you updated on the tower's status, since I know you are intrigued...

I visited with family in Birmingham, Alabama this past weekend. My mother's side of the family lives/lived there. We stayed in a cabin at Oak Mountain State Park. Aside from the crazy humidity, it was great. Relaxing. My wireless signal was practically no- existent, and there was no wireless internet for miles, so we did a good deal of porch swinging. I played enough catch with my cousins to last me a while. I did notice a few quarky things about my family. My uncle pronounces government like "gov'ment" and pronounces salmon like "SAL-mon." Also, my great aunt Wilma pronounces arab like "A-rab". On Friday, some sort of pentecostal Hispanic church group came to stay in a few cabins on the lake (there were 10 total). My 5-year-old cousin called them "dark people" which made me laugh. Dru and I later talked about how kids are so honest and they just describe people the way they see them. He was not being racist; he was just noticing that they were darker than us.

september 09, 2009 1121pm

This was me ALL weekend. Heating pad on the ol' Staph leg. Today was the first day that I could walk without a limp! It was nice to be able to climb stairs like a normal person.

On my run this evening, I saw the weirdest/grossest birthmark. This guy had a birthmark of thick black fur that covered his ENTIRE left shoulder blade. He was definitely not ashamed either, because he was running without a shirt. Nice.

Went to see Mcmercy play Flipnotics Sunday morning. They have a weekly gig there for the month of September. If you find yourself alone and awake, or not alone and awake at 11am on a Sunday in September, get down or up there.

I am off to the great state of Alabama for a bit of family time with my mother's side of the family. I might pretend that facebook and email do not exist for a few days. See ya Sunday.

septermber 05, 2009 704pm

I walked out of my house to catch my bus at 729am Friday morning to this image. Someone (kinda) wrapped my house, because my house is one of a few clusters around a parking lot. BUT, I think it was aimed at our dick head neighbor.

I have been on a roasted corn-on the-cob kick as of late. It is super sweet and delicious when you leave the husks on while roasting. I do not have a grill, but I found out that I could roast the corn in my oven. Neat. Many people discount corn, saying that it does not really count as a vegetable due to the low nutritional content, which is not true at all. Corn is a good source of vitamin B1, vitamin B5, folate, dietary fiber, vitamin C, phosphorus and manganese. Corn is actually a whole-grain and contains phytonutrients, which are thought to promote human health. SO eat up!

I went to Bananarchy again Wednesday with Adam and Robert. This time, I had my frozen banana with chocolate, peanut butter and toffee. YUMMM. Really, you need to try this place.

On a less happy note... Wednesday I discovered something on the back of my left knee that looked like a spider bite. I did not think much of it until yesterday, when I noticed that it was still there and hurt quite a bit. It was warm and very painful to the touch. I ended up going to the doctor today, only find that it is probably a Staph infection! Yep. Maybe I got it from my little hospital stay Tuesday? The doctor gave me a weeks worth of antibiotics. Right now, I feel like I have this sore on my leg that is about to explode. You know how you can just feel pressure, like one of those painful zits forming deep under your tissue? Yeah, that is he feeling. It hurts to walk and bend my leg. Seriously, any other health problems want to sneak up on me? Three times a charm, eh?

september 01, 2009 1015pm

Today I had a minor out patient surgery at St. David's Hospital. Everything went well, except for the nurse missing my vein a and digging around unsuccessfully, trying to get the IV in my arm. That will definitely leave a bruise. I have great veins, not really sure what went wrong. She ended up moving down to a vein in my hand. OUCH. I did shed a few tears, mostly from being a bit emotional about the whole process. I envisioned several other people being called into my room, each having a stab at my arm, and none getting it right. I was also alone (Krys and the boys picked me up post surgery.) My dad volunteered to come down to Austin, but I did not want him to bother. In the end, I would have liked someone in the hospital room with me pre surgery (especially with all the arm digging.) I forget that hospital rooms can be lonley, cold and scary. But, I am nearing 25, and I felt that this is something I needed to face alone. I just watched BIlly Madison as a blur (I STILL cannot find my glasses and had no contacts in my eyeballs.) My doctor told me post surgery that everyone in the operating room was lovin' my tattoo. hehe. Glad to entertain while under anesthesia. I walked to the hospital from school this morning, since I had time to kill. I passed several coffee shops and was dying for a soy latte and muffin. Too bad I was not allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight. I was very thirsty. I feel fine now. I went to Torchy's, had a fried avocado taco (sans cheese) add pickled carrots, and then walked down to get a coffee and chocolate chip cookie at Bouldin.

After buying cabbage instead of cauliflower this last week, I searched for a vegetarian cabbage roll recipe. I found a mushroom stuffed cabbage roll recipe from Not Eating Out in New York. It turned out good, but not my favorite. I think I am just not in love with cabbage. I like it in egg rolls. That is about all the love I can afford towards cabbage in my life.

I also made some banana bread, vegan of course, this past Saturday morning. Dru bought about 3 bananas when we went to the HEB. After they became speckled, I asked, "Dru, are you not going to eat these? You have not touched them." His response "I wanted you to make banana bread with them." hehe. It was cute. SO, I made two loafs of banana bread, well one big loaf and 4 mini ones. I had to set some aside for myself because the big loaf was gone in one day! I think English Breakfast tea + breakfast breads are my favorite in the AM hours. I went to get some tea at a local store that sells foreign goods and they did not have English Breakfast from England in tea bags. The person assisting me asked, "Well, do you want to try something different? maybe Earl Gray?" ummmm NO. Fuck that Early Gray business. That shit is gross. I did not say that, but I thought it. I mean, the store sold digestives for goodness sakes... but no English Breakfast? Weird. I am slowly running out of the tea that I brought back from England. sad.face.

I went to Ruta Maya Friday night to see the Marching Band, Wino Vino and Sick's Pack. My flat mate, Dru, has been playing bass occasionally with Sick's Pack. It was fun. I rode my bike to Ruta Maya. I had yet to ride south of Congress and Oltorf. It was quite nice, actually. There was a nifty bike lane the whole way down.

My first godson, Arthur, had his 3rd birthday party this past Sunday. The theme was The Backyardigans. Arthur really likes the blue penguin, Pablo. He had a Pablo cake. He technically turns 3 later this week. It was a cute celebration. I bought Arthur a toy dragon and knight at the castle I visited in England for his bday. He loved it. He actually requested to take it in the car when Krys was getting ready to collect me today. The guest were a bunch of toddlers who were running around in their waterproof diapers splashing in the kiddie pools. If I was a grown overweight man with a stash, I would have felt uncomfortable. I hung out with Pete, the godfather, whose birthday is the day after mine. We were both hoping for Adam (Arthur's little brother) to be born on our respective birthday last year... I WON!