...been to Zoës Kitchen

Last week my friends and I headed over to Zoës Kitchen to celebrate Abi's engagement to Paul! Turned out to be a great option for a quick, easy and affordable meal.

...sung karaokee at Ego's

Sunday night we headed down to Ego's for a wild night of karaoke. This very well may be my new favorite bar in Austin.

Everyone at Ego's is there to have a good time and although there are some heavy hitters on the mic, the crowd welcomes everyone to the stage. Regardless of ability.

...used a washateria

So, something I didn't tell you in the post about my car's first tow is that when I got home from the auto place, the pipes had burst in my garage leaving us waterless.

No car. No water. Awesome. Days like that really make you appreciate every day conveniences.

So, this weekend, thinking everything was fixed, I attempted to wash my clothes. The washer was able to spit out just enough water to soak everything (including the garage) and then gave up.

Thus, another accidental first. I threw my clothes into a trash bag and headed over to the SpinCycle Washateria.

Don't let the broken sign deter you. It was actually quite nice. There were lots of machines and I didn't have to wait at all. Also, free Wi-Fi. Need I say more?

...been thrown a Surprise Unbirthday Party

I have the best friends in the world and they proved it again last night by throwing me my very first surprise unbirthday party.

We enjoyed some delicious pizza and sangria at The Red House Pizzeria and Meg and Sarah made sure that we had some delicious dessert.

...had my car towed

So, last Saturday my car decided to give up and break down in the parking lot of Chevron. This led to an accidental first: my car's first tow. So even though the day didn't go as planned, at least I can count it as a first!

My three heroes: Jeremy (AAA extraordinaire), Dave (the one who knows a thing or two about cars) and Pete (who cleaned out my car while we waited?!?). Thanks so much for braving the cold to help me out!


My car being towed for the very first time by my new friend, Jason, who was finishing his very busy day.

...had lunch at Cherrywood Coffeehouse

My coworkers and I headed over to the Cherrywood Coffeehouse for lunch this week. I have driven past the place a hundred times and had no idea what I was missing.

Located on 38th street, just east of IH 35, this charming spot offers a variety of breakfast/lunch foods as well as delicious smoothies. In addition, they have nine beers on tap, red and white wines and this Coffeehouse stays open until midnight.

Being the classic lady that I am, I enjoyed the Classic Smoothie (Strawberry, Banana, Apple Juice) and the Classic Taco (Potato, Egg, Cheese and Bacon). Both were delicious.

Thanks Emily for a great recommendation. Here's hoping that I become a regular!

...played adult dodgeball

My first new experience for 2010 is adult dodgeball.

After walking out of the gym on the last day of 6th grade, I thought the days of being pummeled with small plastic dodgeballs by boys who were trying to prove themselves were over.  Alas, when asked to join a dodgeball team with Austin Sports and Social, I just couldn't say no.

I must say, adult dodgeball is serious business.  Last night was our first game of the season and I think there were more cheaters there than were playing in the old Rock Gym in 1996.  Also, I'm super embarrassed to admit that my arm and back are super sore from the 5 or 6 balls I actually got to throw.  Pathetic.

Look forward for some sweet dodgeball photos to be posted soon.

New Year's Resolutions

Well, it's that time of year again and the gyms are packed with people who have resolved to lose weight.  Everyone you meet wishes you a Happy New Year and asks what YOU have resolved to do this year.

This year I have had trouble making a resolution because 2009 was such an incredible year and it will be extremely tough to beat.  Here are my top 10 favorite memories from 2009:

1.  Ran my first Half Marathon
2.  Celebrated the weddings of some of my closest friends including an incredible weekend in Fredericksburg with my oldest (and first) friend, Jessica, for her bachelorette party
3.  Spent a week visiting an old friend in LA
4.  Took a Quarter Life Crisis girls trip to the Dominican Republic
5.  Started a new job that allowed me to return to work for my Alma Mater, The University of Texas at Austin
6.  Traveled to New York (twice) - once for a visit and once to accompany my friend who competed on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire"
7.  Saw U2 live
8.  Completed a fried food marathon at the State Fair of Texas
9.  Got to see my Office hero, John Krasinski, live at the Alamo Drafthouse
10.  Last, but certainly not least, I got to see my high school win the Football State Championship title in my university's stadium


There is so much more, but how will 2010 ever be able to live up to the high expectations set by 2009?  My plan is to attempt to try something new for every week of 2010.  This will include events I've never attended, places I've never been and even foods I've never tried.

In the past, it has been the new adventures that have had the most positive effects on my life.

So here we go.  I can't wait to see what 2010 has in store.