Mud Island & BBQ

Finally, before leaving town, I made it to Mud Island. I went with my neighbors to the south, and we had a grand day!

We started the day visiting MFM: Memphis Farmers' Market. My neighbors had not been yet, and I was tickled they discovered it. We enjoyed a little cheese bread, rested in the hand made Adirondack chairs, and Morgan got to make a flower using a coffee filter and koolaid. Pretty "Kool"!

We then headed out to Mud Island. We rode the monorail over, ala Tom Cruise in The Firm. Then we moseyed around the museum there, learning more about life and the river. Finally, we walked the Mississippi replica.

We headed south, venturing along Memphis, Vicksburg, down to Baton Rouge, all the way to New Orleans where the replica river opens to the "Gulf." When we went back the other way, we, famished, had a $5 hot dog then headed north. That's when we learned that the replica was of only the lower Mississippi---from about St Louis south. Anyway, it was fun.

And from Mud Island, you get a whole different persepctive of downtown Memphis:


Tired, we headed back to our respective homes. I took a short nap then did a few things around the house. But that evening, we headed to my favorite BBQ joint for one last meal of the best-ever ribs and BBQ nachos: Interstate BBQ. Yumm--MIE! I didn't get much done regarding getting ready to move, but it was a fabulous day.

Good Neighbors

This past weekend, my neighbors hosted a gathering to say farewell to me. What a great time we had!

We all gathered at Michael and Tabitha's house, two doors down from me. We enjoyed wonderful food, fabulous margaritas, and nice chilled brewskies while we kicked back on their huge front porch. (Sadly, Cole (Howard's bud) didn't make it; he was home with a stomach bug.)

Ray from two doors down one way, Michelle and Morgan, Chris and Christina and Jackson, and Sheila from across the street all came, and all brought some goody or another, and Michael handled the main courses---zesty quesadillas and some wonderful pork tenderloin. Tabitha made sure my margarita glass never was empty!

We laughed and talked and enjoyed visiting well into the night. I felt truly honored that they held a party for me, and truly sad to leave such wonderful neighbors.

As I sit writing this, having driven around Jax neighborhoods all afternoon, I wonder who my new neighbors will be. And as I reflect on some of the areas I considered for a rental house, I keep in mind that I got extremely lucky in Memphis to have found a rental in the midst of a lot of owners---people who really cared about our area. That might not happen again---immediately. I remind myself that my plan is to rent for only 8 to 18 months. After that, then I'll look for that place where I'll set those neighborly relationships to be a little more permanent.

Our "Stuff"

My friend and former colleague Susan has been in town this week (as a chaperon with her church's youth choir), and we were able to get together for a glass of wine Thursday night. We had a lovely visit, with catching up on what's going on back at my old place of employ, chatting in general, and sharing info about Memphis.

As we talked, we hit on an issue I'd mentioned before I'd write about---and one that she's written about recently: Materialism.

It came to be on my mind as I was out of town with a friend earlier this year. Early in the visit, that friend complimented my purse, saying how great it was. (That was me red purse I carried this winter---a great red distressed leather satchel.) The next day or so, someone brought up Penney's in the conversation, and this same person said, in a disapproving tone, that she'd never shop somewhere like Penney's. And yes, I did, at that point, say, "Huh. I bought this purse you thought was so cute at a Penney's."

Later during that trip, a few of us were talking about our students---issues, attitudes, etc. A comment was made, with what I detected was envy, about how one person had a group of students who all carried _____ or ____ brands of bags and wore ____ or ____ brands of clothes. My comment was that I wouldn't know one brand from another. I was sad for this person, though, that she was so wrapped up in coveting what her students had. Why care?

Besides, I get bored with a purse, as an example, after less than six months. How could I spend hundreds on a purse I'd carry for only four months? For me, when we're talking brand, it's about durability and build. Sure, I'll pay for quality---but not just for a label.

Finally, during this trip, the same person made several comment about people's scarves---the beige ones with the red and black plaid----Burberry. To one person, she made a comment about him wearing a 'knock-off," and he responded by arguing (and proving) it was real. (a) why assume someone's scarf is fake, and (b) why care if it is?

Anyway, as Susan and I were talking, I'd shared part of the above conversations, and I noticed her brand-name purse. And she noticed it. But Susan is not like that from above. And this, I knew. (Okay, and as to recognizing it, of course, that when a brand name is part of the fabric, obviously I know, such as with that purse---noticing it, though, only because that was the topic of conversation.)

Having hit on that, Susan and I talked about the difference between coveting and materialism and seeking quality and security. There's something about having a purse because it's a good purse---especially if you keep it a while, or, as I learned yesterday, send it back for credit for a new one. (I'd no idea some companies have such a thing going on. That's cool!) And there's something to be said about having a product because it's so well made and has great safety features---like a luxury car. (this is the area she'd talked about before---not being a person for luxury cars, but once she had one, the smooth ride and safety features, she finally realized, were so far above anything else that that was worth it and the cost.)

I get that. I get those people. And when you get to a place in life where you can provide those things for yourself, kuddos to you. You've made it, you've done it, and you deserve it. d I get that.

But if you find yourself not envious of the quality of a product someone else has but merely about the idea that they have a product you don't, or when you find yourself buying something with a fake label just to make people think you own the real deal, well, I don't get that. And I guess, when you're so wrapped up in it all, you spend time recognizing others' labels and going so far as to assume they must be fake, well, that makes me sad when I see friends go there.

Ah---so back to that other trip. After I'd gotten home, the friend called with great excitement to tell me she'd just bought shoes for $300. Her highlight wasn't that she'd found the most comfortable--or even cutest---shoes ever. Her highlight was that she'd spent $300 (on sale from over $500, if I recall correctly, which I probably don't) on a pair of shoes in a designer store. And this is the same person who'd spent the last three days peppering conversations with money woes she's going through.

Again---I don't get that.

Now, again, quality is worth something. As I've grown more and more fond of cute shoes, I've bought more and more shoes. But even when they're a designer shoe, it's not about a designer label, and even then, they're on sale. :-) (for less than $100 unless something special like a boot or athletic shoe). And I almost even bought a pair of shoes that had labels on the outside, but only because they were the most comfortable flats that were casual enough yet comfy enough to go great for casual shoes without having to wear sneakers. (in the end, I got two other pairs of cute (and comfy) shoes instead of that one pair.)

So yes, I get buying for quality. And I get, like a luxury car, buying for security. But when the security you are after is what other people think of you because of the label you carry, I'm sad for you.

Not that it'll make a difference---just my ramble for the day. :-)

Welcome James & Anthony!

WooHoo! My friends Anthony and James paid me a visit from Fort Worth this weekend. We made it to a few new places I'd been wanting to go to and hit some of my favorites.


They arrived Friday afternoon, timing it to get here just in time for the Cellerman drawing at Boscos. You might recall that last August, I won the drawing for the cellerman on my birthday, and I got to tap the cask-conditioned keg that afternoon.

And whaddaya know---this time, James won! :-) Okay, okay, yes, James asked me repeatedly if I'd had anything to do with that. I'll just tell you what I told him: He saw the drawing, and did it look like it was fixed? Nope. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. (And Keith the bartender is getting a major tip next time I'm in.)

Friday night we went back to the house and enjoyed dinner there and catching up--staying up much too late. But it was all fun and a great time.

Up relatively early Saturday, we enjoyed a nice breakfast at home then headed . . . to Graceland!


I'd been wanting to go once while I was here, but I'd waited until I had guests in who also wanted to go. Sure, it was a little cheesy, and sure, it was everything I'd heard, but I'm really glad I went.

Here are some highlights (pictures had to be taken without a flash, so this is the best I could get) that include the front living room, the dining room, a view upstairs, Elvis's parents' bedroom, the Jungle Room, a view of the back, and the pool. (click on any picture to see a larger version)







We also did the tour of the car museum, and there my favorite was the Pink Cadillac.




Saturday afternoon, we enjoyed some Memphis BBQ at, of course, Interstate BBQ---my favorite place for ribs (and BBQ Nachos---yummy!) After that, we, naturally, had to stop off at the Flying Saucer in Memphis (recall, James is my Saucer buddy from Fort Worth). We then just enjoyed a laid-back evening at the house.

On Sunday, we were up early. We did breakfast at Brother Juniper's--a fantastic spot near campus. I had an open-face omelet with a chipotle avocado spread on top topped with black beans, sauteed tomatoes, and cheese. Just divine. (Anthony had an omelet with spinach, feta, and tomatoes.) We then headed over to Sun Studio, one of the favorite places from when my sister was here. We did the tour, finishing up, of course, with a photo opp. at the most famous microphone in rock and roll---the one at 706 Union Avenue, where rock and roll was born!

They headed back to Texas after that. We'd had a fabulous weekend---great visiting, great sites, and fun times in all. I'll be in Fort Worth in just about five weeks, and James and I already have plans one night!

Of course, I was tired from the weekend, and this afternoon, and I enjoyed a quiet afternoon with a few movies and a nap. :-) Then I hung out next door for a while. But I'll be up early tomorrow, readying for a BBQ here with the neighbors!

It's a Jungle Out There

The show is Lipstick Jungle, and I must say, it sure does make for a fun hour each week. No heavy thinking; no tears or worries, just fun.

It’s about three female friends in NYC—a magazine executive, a movie studio executive, and a fashion designer. Watching it each week, though, makes me miss my friends I saw there in January. It’s odd, too, the ways in which we can match our lives with those on the show. Okay, except for the fact that none of us is a top exec or had a fabulous Manhattan apartment. Sure, there’s that.

But back to those three: two are married, one of those struggling, one of those oh-so-wise. And indeed, I see some of my friends in those ladies. And the third? Well, she’s single and going through a transition time in her career. She’s also the youngest of the three (as I am among my particular friends.) And she’s cute and fun and spunky. Yes, I can say it’s nice to associate with her—the cute, fun, spunky one. See, as a kid, I always had to be Sabrina, you know, the smart one, when it came to Charlie’s Angels. ;-) (Albeit, on the show, the single one on LJ has started dating a bazillionaire. As if. Sigh. ;-) Of course, he’s not all that perfect; he has issues too.)

Anyway, as I said, the show’s a lot of fun. I just watched the latest episode, and a couple of the lines really struck me as gems.

For the first, the magazine exec gal is having a hard day: she’s just learned that it’s her in-house rival who’s behind a bad sexual harassment suit. And so, after the end of the work-day, the movie studio exec drops by her office, finding her at her desk sipping from a coffee mug . . . and holding an open bottle of wine. As she pours more into her cup, the movie exec asks, “What, are we out of creamer?”

Later, the designer, who’s just made the dress for an actress starring in the movie exec’s movie (the premiere is that night), is consoling the actress who’s gotten bad news about her now-ex-boyfriend. She’s gotten into the designer’s liquor cabinet and is having a melt-down at not finding bourbon (although she’s clearly found and enjoyed lots of other things). Pulling more bottles out of the cabinet, the actress asks, drunkenly, “Can I mix vodka with gin?” The designer responds, “Not after Labor Day.”

It’s a great show, and a lot of fun. I miss my friends each time I see it, but I also know I get to look forward to our next book chat. Besides, as I told them, if we all lived in the same city, oh the wine we would go through! ;-)

Reading Books

I’ve wanted to get back to reading for pleasure for some time. As the year began (which, for me, was when the semester began—after NYC), I started making it through my large stack of magazines that had been ignored over the summer and fall. And I was enjoying the reading. Of course, I still wasn’t back to where I wanted: enjoying books.

My first step had been reading a book for pleasure while traveling in Africa. It’d been so long since I’d done that, even choosing the book was difficult. (I blogged about that then.) But I did select a book, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, and it was wonderful! The story is a poignant look at a woman discovering who she is—and who she isn’t—in her late thirties. It’s funny, sad, heartfelt—all of what I wanted in a book then.

And so, beginning the year, I started reading my magazines (Body & Soul, Shape, Natural Health, and Fitness), giving me motivation for my “make me better” goals of the year, lifting my spirits with tales of success, and calming my soul with stories of peace and hope.

But I still wanted to get back to books. And just like that, I had my nudge: one of my girlfriend/colleagues whom I saw in NYC sent me and the other an email: let’s have a book club. She wanted us to read Wicked, primarily because that’s one of the shows we had all wanted to see on Broadway but were unable to. Of course, a book club with people when you live in states all across the US seems silly, but our plan was to discuss via an online chat. Technology—a helpful tool.

And so, I started reading Wicked by Gregory Maguire. First, I can say this is not a kid’s book! (It’s the story of “the life and times of the wicked witch of the west.” It tells about the wicked witch’s life before Dorothy. (Glinda’s in it too; turns out they were childhood friends.)) Oh no, though, not a children’s book. But it is fun.

Our first online chat, though, was hardly a success technology-wise. Alas, none of us was able to solve our tech issues either, but finally, Janet’s husband to the rescue: use his toll-free conference call system. Fabulous! And so, we all three call this toll-free number, put in a code, and we actually talk all together. It was great! First, we got to talk about the book, which is a little odd—especially if you’ve never read fantasy-type books before. (I was able to help the other two deal with this a little.) Also, of course, it was just great to talk to them both. We email regularly, but actually talking was nice.

Of course, the time set between our chats was too long for me. I read the first part much sooner than time for the first scheduled chat, and I realized I’d read it much too quickly for our time frame. Around the time I was figuring this out, I was in Target one day, saw a book, and bought it.

What? I can’t read two novels at once. That seemed ridiculous! You read one, finish it, then start another. That’s the way reading novels works! Who would be in the middle of two at once? Well, I would.

First, I needed another book to slow me down from reading Wicked too quickly. And second, I finally realized something: good grief, I watch and stay up with more than one tv show at a time. Why couldn’t I read two books at once?


It’s been great. The second book was The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. The book is about a man from Afghanistan and the tale of his childhood—and its relation to his adulthood. I finished it last night, and it was a fabulous tale. I highly recommend the book.

I regularly cry at the movies—taken over with emotional and powerful scenes. But part of that is the visual impact of seeing someone’s emotions, the music in the background, the “whole thing.” I get that. But not this: while reading The Kite Runner, I actually cried. Now that’s a powerful story.

It’s been made into a movie, and I hope to see it soon.

But now I need another book. Or maybe I’ll finally get to a couple I have on my book shelf I haven’t read yet—I have one by Deepak Chopra I’ve been wanting to get to. I have, after all, another five weeks before we discuss part III of Wicked. ;-)

Labor Day Weekend--the Rest of the Story

And now, for the rest of the story . . . of the weekend.

The holiday weekend was great. I'm trying hard to get better about working hard on days I work, and leaving work alone on days I shouldn't. And I did a decent job for two days of the three-day weekend!

On Saturday, I slept in, enjoyed the morning, then I finally went to see Death at a Funeral.

It was funny and certainly entertaining. --a good way to spend an afternoon.

After the movie, I headed downtown and checked out the Memphis Music and Heritage festival. it was small, for festivals I'm used to. But the music was great. There weren't a lot of booths, but there were enough to show me that Memphis certainly has some good artists. I'm now really looking forward to the Cooper-Young festival set for next weekend.

Here are a few pics:





After all of that, I headed home, but first--to check out the place I'd been directed to for great Greek food. Okay, I'll admit that I was more than skeptical. After all, here's the name of the place:
But after trying out their hummus and the lamb schawarma---Wow! Indeed, the "Juice Bar and Discount Cigarette" place has great Greek food. Who'd of thunk it?

And thus, how lucky am I to easily meet people and learn about my new town! :-)

Sunday morning found me and Howard finally checking out the long trail at Overton Park. I'd been nervous about venturing back in the wooded trail before, but I met some locals who assured me that it was safe---in the daytime. (What single woman walks in a park after dark?) And it was great!

We walked about three miles (or just under), and naturally, Howard loved it! We also met a dog named Dallas and her owner, and I've been invited to Dallas's owners' house to visit and get introduced to more folks around the neighborhood. They live about two blocks away, and he and she are non-practicing attorneys who lived in Dallas for several years before moving here nine years ago.

After the walk, my neighbor helped me finally get my new flag (thanks, sister, for the gift!) for my house.
And after that, I finally went to my first group rowing class. It was great! Sure, I've used the rowing machine already, but the neat thing with a group class is that you're pushed a little harder and for a little longer. I see it as the gang theory with a positive twist.

Of course, after the class was the Jerry Springer Opera, then I drove around, finally venturing out to Mud Island. Here are a couple of snapshots I took on the "island" (it's really a peninsula, but oh well):

I then enjoyed a bite to eat out and a few beers at Boscos, and got to visit more with my friend Pete. I met Pet at HH on Friday while chatting with my friend Worth--a wonderfully interesting man--a JD/MD. Can we say over-achiever? ;-) But seriously, both are great. It's nice to have folks to chat with about so much that's going on---and about nothing at all.

No, I didn't take Monday off. Instead, I worked hard on my presentation for the upcoming Fort Lauderdale conference. It's coming along just fine.

And so, yes indeed: what a great weekend!

Girlfriends

If you're a woman, you've no doubt seen the email about girlfriends. And indeed, they're the folks who provide some of the key relationships in a woman's life. And my last night in Fort Worth, I set aside to spend with some of the dear ones in my life there.

(Granted, my best friend, Melissa, is miles and miles away, and my sister, who, as you can tell from previous posts, is also a best friend (but we classify her as "sister"---'cause to me, that says it all), is likewise miles away from Fort Worth, weren't there. This night was about those fabulous female friends I had in Fort Worth.)

We had planned a great night at a Fort Worth Cats game---a final night for me at my favorite baseball park, even with fireworks scheduled! Alas, as has been the norm for North Texas since May 1st, it rained. And rained. And rained. I tell ya---I'd never seen Trinity River higher than I did that day! Yowza!

Plan B.

I jumped online and looked for the best place for gals to get together for something sweet. Michaels' filled the bill.

So my last night, I met some dear girlfriends at Michael's. About seven of us got together and shared laughter, some wine, and some delicious desserts.

We celebrated my new beginnings as well as another friend's as she's headed off to Kansas City! And bravo for her! I don't know if she knows how much I respect this step of hers---taking this step out on her own---but I do. And I'm so proud of all that she's accomplished for herself in the last year or so. I so wish her the very best.

It's funny, though, how changes around you can inspire others. My good friend Laura has fabulously exciting things happening in her life. She and I got to chat a long time Friday night when we were out with the gang, and with my, Kristin's, and Melissa's (the one going to KC) changes, she seems to have been motivated to take charge of her future and seek her path. And from the sounds of it, it's a perfect path for her! I was tickled to hear about her plans, and I applaud her courage to pursue them. WooHoo you!!!

As for Kristin, oh my goodness. She's something all together special and wonderful. I miss her so much. No, we didn't talk all the time, but there was something about knowing we could see each other any time we wanted to (or needed to) that is gone now---and for that, I grieve. (more so as I type this; oh heavens.) And so that night, I said good-bye quickly to her, fearing an utter melt-down.

I know---I'm used to having a best-friend relationship over the miles, and once again, I must do that. And I can. I guess the hard part is that I didn't know what I had with Melissa when we moved away from each other, so I never went through that "good-bye" difficulty---we actually grew closer living apart. But with Kristin, I know now. And it's harder. She's one of those whose spirit speaks to mine. Kindred spirit, ya know?

Bright side: I am incredibly blessed to have some incredible relationships with some incredible women. As the email goes, some are for seasons---some are for life. And those friends of mine who are for life, well, we'll make it through moves. I've learned that those types of friendships can indeed do that.

And for those that were just for the seasons I lived in Fort Worth---they're still as important. Maybe some of us won't stay in touch. But that's okay too. You meant a lot to me as a friend for then, and that's what's beautiful about it. I wish all of those women the best of everything in their lives.

(Oh---and for one girlfriend in particular, let me quote that we all (me included) need to remember that when his behavior says it, we should heed if "he's just not that into you." Sure Greg Beherendt is kinda silly on tv, but that line was genius. If only we women would heed the advice more often! ;-))

Yes, I have a lot of friends and girlfriends, but the deep kindred spirit person---the girlfriend you simply connect with---it's something different. Marla, Misty, Melissa, Margo, Tracy, Kristin---at each stage (city?) in my life, there's a very special girlfriend. (Charla remains constant throughout.) And I count my blessings when I can keep that friendship past moves. Some fizzle for different reasons, but a special few remain. I'm hoping mine and Kristin's remains.

Anyway, so that was the last night in Fort Worth. Afterwards, I drove home, utterly exhausted, to spend a final night in my house.

Good-bye Fort Worth. You've been great! :-)

Sushi & Saucers

I had to have it---the final night to say adios to James. He's been a rock for me for so many things and an incredible mentor as a person new to academia. I really feel fortunate and blessed to have met him when I did.

So Monday night, we met for sushi at my favorite Fort Worth sushi joint. Yes, Fort Worth has sushi! :-) Hui Chuan is, hands down, the best there is. And yes, I know the name is Chinese, but the owner prefers Japanese cuisine.

Anyway, Rodney joined us for dinner too. And I finaly got to meet Adrianna! He seems a bit smitten, and she's a delight. She's absolutely charming as can be and an true beauty. I hope they make it!

We enjoyed some great sushi and other delights (I, naturally, had my favorite: the rainbow roll), and the three of them (after James's lead) even had a quail egg shooter in sake! Ummmmm----nope. Not for me. Maybe one day. But as goofy as my poor stomach has been with stress over my move, a raw quail egg? I think not. ;-)

Dinner over, I bid farewell to Rod. He's really something special. Kathy (Tim's wife) always wanted Rod and I to go out, but we were good as friends. Still, whether it's Adrianna or another, he'll be grand for one very special and lucky woman.

Where else would James and I say adios (for now)? Of course---the Saucer! We shared a great (large) IPA--Twin Sister by Left Hand Brewery. We chatted a lot, and we just enjoyed a low-key few beers. But it was late, so we said good-night.

Good-night? not good-bye? Well, I know that I'm just about certain to see James in January. We'll both attend the AALS annual meeting in NYC. And we've already made plans to make sure we stay in touch to share fun times there! He's unique and fabulous, and once again, I'm counting my blessings for the wonderful people in my life---especially those like James whom I've really needed and have been there for me.

And so to James, I say: Super Scuba!!! :-)

Out with a Bang with the Gang!

Friday night provided my final night out with the Gang---those friends loosely built around associations with folks who work at Lockheed in Fort Worth. You might recall that I met Tim through the A&M Club in Fort Worth. And through Tim, I met Rod, who works at Lockheed. Ergo---I met the Gang!

We started off Friday night with dinner at Tres Jose's. (that's Three Joe's to you non-Tex Mex folks.) It was fabulous! I had some wonderful TexMex enchiladas and a taco with a wonderful margarita as the perfect accompaniment. We had about twenty folks there at dinner---a great crowd!






My friends were even oh-so-patient as I got a group shot taken of all of us.



After dinner, we headed off to Shamrock Pub. I introduced most folks of the Gang to the Shamrock several years ago when we had a birthday outing for me---gosh, must have been back in 2003! And it's served as a great place for darts, good talks and laughs, and great Guinness.

A few more folks who couldn't make dinner joined us there. It was a great night!
Specific good-bye was to my dear friend Heather---one of those tough good-byes; she's a dear, dear woman.



And it was a night of good-byes to many others, wonderfully celebrating our friendships and all the good times we'd been blessed to share together. (Special kudos to Susan for giving me the jump start knowledge of putting a slide show in my blog!)



They've been an awesome group of friends whom I'll certainly miss. As I said good-night, many said they'd come see me in Memphis. Absolutely!

Y Thai

Had lunch on Friday with some fabulous ladies from the Y. And it was a double good-bye---it was also Ruth's last day there. I had selected Thai Tina---a wonderful little Thai place not too far from the Y or my house.

Ruth works at the Y at the front desk. And her cheery disposition (with a slight sarcastic twinge---one I think works perfectly) is a treasure on days when you feel too tired to be there to face a kick-box, pump, or cardio workout. But she's not actually leaving the Y family---just our local one. Ruth's going to work at a different branch---this time, full time with benefits and in a more concentrated position.

Pam and Ha Li also came. Pam is one of the morning fitness class instructors whose kickbox and Y-pump classes have always been awesome. Pam's got a fabulous personality, and is a top instructor. She's friendly and gets to know her students, and she also always keeps an eye out for form---a must for an instructor in my book. Ha Li is a Y member like me---an optometrist. And we'vt gotten to know each other in Pam's and Kristy's classes over the last two years.

Unfortunately, Kristy couldn't make lunch with us. Kristy used to be the fitness coordinator at the Y but then took another job. She still teaches a couple of evening classes, and hopefully I'll even be able to make one last yoga class on Monday. Yep---Kristy helped introduce me to yoga---power yoga specifically. Who knew that a yoga class could be such a great work out?!

Anyway, it was a great lunch, chatting about the Y, working out, and even all of our sisters. We were in total agreement that shopping with your sister is sometimes the best because she'll always be honest about how something looks. We also laughed over how the differences between Ha Li and her sister mirror those between mine and me; her sister is also single, no kids, and she's even moving out of state this summer---to San Diego. As Ha Li puts it---more adventuresome. Charla and I keep talking about this move---my next adventure.

And by the way, Thai Tina's chicken red curry----yummmmmy! :-)

More Good-byes: Chris & Bob

Last week found me meeting more friends for a little more time together to say good-bye. It was a low-key evening, but a wonderful one. I met my friends Chris and Bob at Buffalo Wild Wings for one last night to get together there and watch sports. (We got together several times last fall for Aggie games and such. And yes---the Spurs took the title on Thursday. Should have been the Mavs!)

Here's Chris, me, and Bob:

Chris and I met several years ago through a mutual friend, Wendy. We've since lost touch with her, but Chris and I remain good friends. We reminisced over old times---especially our 2003 trip to Florida. And we even made some tentative plans for Chris to join me in Florida this year. How great that would be! As of now, I'm set to be there on my own---I'll be there to moderate a panel at a conference. But it'd be nice to have someone to chill out with a bit during off-conference times.

The other friend who joined us last Thursday was Bob. He's just a dear. Bob is another friend I know through Chris, and he's been a lifesaver with the selling of my house. See, Bob is an electrician and so kindly helped out with a few outlet issues I had over the last couple of months.

Anyway, lots of fun, wonderful laughs, and just a fabulous, relaxed evening was had by all. Chris and Bob---I'll miss y'all! Come see me in Blues City!

Julio's, Lucille's, and Buck's

I've been working out a lot lately. Sure, losing some pounds would be great. But in reality, I'm just trying to keep up with all the good-bye eats & drinks! :-)

Julio's:

After the fabulous festivities on Friday, I took it easy Saturday, just tending to a few things around the house. But Saturday evening I headed out to dinner with some former law school classmates at a wonderful Fort Worth place---Uncle Julio's.

What's there? Fabulous margaritas and even better fajitas---yummy! Shannon was there with her sweetie Raniel---we were also celebrating their expanding family; Shannon's due in October! And Jesse was there with his sweetie Rudeene.

About five of us, well, no, I guess it was originally seven----kinda formed some odd group during law school. See, your first year, you're with the same people for just about all of your classes. Laurel and I had met the previous spring during a visit to the school when they were trying to sell us on the place. We then also became friends with Shannon, Cherry, and Jesse---mainly because we sat within close proximity of each other. (Ashely & Todd were the others, but they both kinda faded out during our last year.) Who knows exactly why friendships develop, but they did.

So ever since graduation, we try to get together for dinner every so often, and my leaving gave us the perfect excuse to do so this month. Cherry, though, didn't make it; she left Texas last June for Seattle, and bravo for her---she seems very happy. Laurel had a family thing come up at the last minute, so that left Jesse, Shannon, and me.

It was a great night. We caught up on all the chatty things to go over regarding everyone we knew---who is practicing what kind of law and where---and just enjoyed the evening.

Oh! And it's Jesse and Rudeene who so wonderfully have taken such great care of Howard several times---and will again later this month twice with my moving prep. Howard loves it over there; although, their pups sure do keep Howard on his toes!

Here're the three of us---Shannon, Jesse, and me:


Lucille's:

Sunday I got up early and headed to my office. It'd been easy to procrastinate on the packing, but finally, I had to get it done. I spent a few hours in my office, boxing all that I could before I actually ran out of boxes! No worries; it was time for brunch anyway.

I met another former classmate David and his friend Brian at Lucille's---a favorite brunch spot. And yes, indeed, I savored the Santa Fe breakfast pizza. So yummy! It was fabulous catching up with David and Brian. They're both some great people, and they're so wonderfully supportive of this new adventure of mine--and so excited for me!

Here's David and me:

They also gave me such a sweet card. Guys like that deserve all the best!

Buck's:

After brunch, it was back to work! I went and bought more boxes then headed back to my office to keep packing. I was just about finished when I looked around and realized I had a much bigger job of loading than I'd anticipated. Fortunately, my friend Jeff had offered his help---if he wasn't still playing soccer.

Well, bad news for his soccer team, but good news for me! His team had lost in the semi-finals of the tournament, and that meant he was free to come help out. And how great he did! We couldn't fit it all in my car, but between my car and his jeep---everything! Odd, of course, to leave. Truly, now, that chapter has ended. But the most fabulous ones are ahead!

Anyway, so once we got the cars loaded then unloaded at my house (my house is indeed beginning to fill with boxes), I hurried through my fastest shower ever only to jump back in the car and head to dinner in Grapevine. This time the company was my dear dear friend Kristin, her sweetie Charles, and a mutual friend of us all (who originally knew Charles back in college), Chris. (yes, for those in the know, Chris and I dated briefly, but we're much better off as friends.)


Why Grapevine? It's Big Buck Brewery & Steakhouse in Grapevine, so we went there for a few reasons. First, it 's conveniently located---Charles & Kristin live in Valley Ranch, me in Fort Worth, and come to find out---Chris is now in Dallas. Second, Chris has spent the last six months in London, and in an email announcing his return, the one thing he said he wanted was a good steak. And finally---it's a brewery that brews an IPA, and I'd heard it was fantastic. By the way---it is!


Anyway, while Tracy's my yen, Kristin's my yang. If that makes any sense. Kristin's an incredibly grounded woman. And she's of that group of friends who's nearly a decade younger than me. Odd, huh---the Arlington women are nearly a decade older, and the "gang" women nearly a decade younger. hmmmm---call me Goldilocks? No wonder I tell my colorist to always keep more blonde than anything else! ;-)


Anyway, no matter. It's odd, but in some way, Kristin and I are kindred spirits. I said this Sunday night---we may be nearly ten years apart, but it's as if we grew up the same. Seriously. Who else do I know who knows Peter, Paul, & Mary? Additionally, we both have older sisters, whom we love dearly, but we also both have lives very different from our older sisters---sometimes that's hard on everyone. And Kristin and I both get that.


But mostly, Kristin is one of the wisest women I know. Granted, I realize she doesn't always feel that way, but deep down---she is. And I have the greatest respect for her and how smart she is.

This wasn't a total good-by night---just for Chris. Kristin will be with me my final night in Fort Worth, and I hope to see Charles that weekend too. But for Chris, who knows, maybe we will indeed see each other in Madrid next summer!


Here's Kristin & Charles; Kristin & me; then all four of us together:

Good Times. :-)

A Gathering in Arlington

When I moved to north Texas in '95, I left behind a great group of friends in Houston. One thing we did there was played darts in a dart league. It took a little while, but eventually, after I moved to Arlington (where I lived before moving to Fort Worth), I found another dart league.

After playing for a couple of seasons with my team, several of us stuck around for the summer league. Alas, one week, though, we were short a player. Another team's player was up at Moose & Vinny's one night, and he agreed to fill in for us. (He wasn't on a team that summer.) That was Jim, and from that, a great group of friends came to be.

Here's Jim & me:

(That summer was the summer after my knee injury---after I shattered my kneecap. I was still on crutches, so while playing darts that summer, Jim and other teammates would so kindly go pull my darts after I threw them---saving me steps each game. I finally got off those crutches late that summer.)

Anyway, Jim and I formed another team that fall. Eventually Jim, James, and Monique were all on the team (along with Mo's then-sweetie Stu (they since split up)) and Tracy joined us most nights too---sometimes playing also. We got together each week for league night plus many weekend nights for fun---and to practice. Our place was Moose & Vinny's. We even became good friends with Moose. Mo's friends Darin & Laura and Dana often joined us on weekend nights when we would throw darts but also have tons of fun dancing to bands like Professor D, Incognito, Lookout, and other great cover bands.

We spent fabulous Halloweens and new year's eves together---creating great memories. And my thirtieth birthday was spent with this group (and with some of those dear friends from Houston who came to town for it along with all my family and others too) at Moose's where I even danced on stage with the band---that night, it was Incognito.

What keeps this group of friends so near to my heart? I've been thinking about it, and you know, it's that these are some of the most genuine folks I know. We've known each other for ten years now, and still, I feel blessed to call them all friend and to have had them in my life.

And so, once I knew I was moving, I had to find a night to see them all again before I headed out. Friday was that night. Here's the group from Friday night:
Moose & Vinny's has long since shut down, so we met at Sherlock's in Arlington. Everyone was there: Tracy & Jim (who finally married each other two years ago---and by the way, it was Tracy's birthday that night too. It was double celebration!); Mo and her new honey; Laura & Darrin; James; Dana; Tracy's son Jeremy; and me. Others friends joined us too. Sure, it's been ten years now, and yes, that means we're all ten years older, but that's something else about these great people---aging together.

These particular girlfriends were all in their thirties when we met. And me--almost there. And it was their grasp of life that really made me hit that milestone with a smile on my face and my head held straight up. They all raved about how wonderful their thirties were to them, and indeed; they were right! (What's fabulous, of course, is that these incredible women tell me that their forties are even better! WooHoo!! ;-)

Here the core group of those girlfriends---me, Dana, Laura, Tracy, & Mo:But having friends who are dear to you also means some tough goodbyes sometimes. And saying goodbye to Tracy was one of those hard ones.
Tracy is a truly remarkable woman. She has a hold of life unlike anyone I know in that she has a zest for living and fun and is able to see what's really important and what just plain isn't. Her wit is unmatched, and to say that she's a hoot would be the understatement of the century, but that also wraps up pretty nicely what it's like to hang around her.

Ah----hanging around with Tracy. She had several poor unsuspecting souls at Moose & Vinny's at times convinced that she was Vinny----and that she collected the fee to play darts.

Then there was Hawaii: Tracy and I (along with another one of the Arlington friends, Michelle, plus several of Michelle's friends) did a girls' trip to Hawaii back in January '99. And oh goodness--what fun! Tracy and I made fabulous traveling companions. We visited Pearl Harbor together---both being caught off guard at how emotional that would be. We also drove around the island, stopping at "hidden places" recommended by her guide book. Then there was the night at Moose McGillycuddy's. A running joke back in Arlington involved Tracy, Mo, and I as James's sisters---all from Georgia. And oh yes, the Georgia accent is laid on quite thick. (This all started from an oh-so-colorful joke about several women from Georgia talking to each other about men they'd met "Oh my stars!") And so, being out of town, naturally, those Georgia sisters had to make an appearance. Too funny---and fun!

Tracy meant so much more to me---and to the woman I am. Aside from the great fun that she is, she's also full of so much love. And she's one of those people whom I trust that I could call---at any time---and she'd be there for me. So yes, when Tracy & Jim left, it was hard to say good-bye. I'm gonna miss you, Tracy!

But back to the fun of the night----guess who the band was on Friday night? Indeed! Incognito! I had put together all of my photos of all of us from the past ten years into one album, and the band got a kick out of the photos I had from '98 when they played at Moose's that same night as my birthday blow-out. And of course, we girls had to hit the dance floor!
















Here's a shot of James and me and one of Dana and me then one of me with Dana, Laura, and Mo:

And then there's this pic of Darin and me:

Darin and Laura are a fabulous couple. I so admire what they have---and more importantly, the secure nature of their relationship.

I recall a night back in Houston---ironically, the week I was moving from Houston to move up here to north Texas---when my friend Jeff called me a flirt. What?! Me?! how rude! Absolutely not! I'm just friendly and outgoing! Yes---those were my thoughts and words that night. But since then, okay, maybe Jeff was right. But more so; so what!? What's wrong with being a flirt? (Although still, I'm not sure I know the total difference, but let's not get into a battle of semantics.) Okay, so I flirt. :-)

Back to Darin and Laura----here's two people I can see flirt, and it's totally harmless. And that's what's so amazing with their relationship: they are so secure enough, that it's fine. They obviously worked that out long ago, and things just work for them. And bravo to them!

Anyway, so Darin said the reason for our pic together was so that if some man in Memphis caused me problems, I just show 'em this pic of this guy back in Texas who won't stand for me being mistreated. :-) Yes---that's the other thing I have in these friends: three of the best big brothers a girl could ask for. I didn't really grow up with either of my brothers, so I never had that protective source from them. But like I know I could call on Tracy, I also know these Arlington men would be there for me, and if it ever came down to it, never let me be in a bad situation.

So what a great night!! Fun, dancing, a great band, and most importantly---a wonderful time spent with some of the most genuine and fabulous people I know. I love those guys, and I've been blessed to know them and to be able to call them my friends.