Freedom

In the summer of 2007 I quit my job, dedicated myself exclusively to eating amazing food, drinking too much and throwing a massive party. Why? I was going to law school that is why. I was told by someone at some point that I should take it easy before I head into law school because it was going to be hard and miserable. That someone was right. I look back on that summer as the last time I felt simultaneously free and not guilty. I worked from 10am to 2pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and I occasionally worked at Pica's Mexican restaurant. It was great, some times I exercised, sometimes I wandered around, mostly I did nothing. Three years later and one million miles away from my lovely mountains and cold rivers, I am about to embark on that path again.

Well, almost. I am actually excited to work, to have a schedule and no homework, oh and over time. But, I am also excited to sit around and do nothing, or play the guitar, or read a book. I use to lay on the floor of my apartment in Jackson for hours reading books. I also spent hours laying on the couch listening to the classical music station from NPR.

I went to law school because I wanted money and shiny things. I wasn't always that way, but I had become that way. Now, I am glad to say that law school cured me of wanting those things, and taught me to appreciate my life the way it was, the way it is.

I am back.

Saved

http://www.ilike.com/artist/The+Jenn+Ford+Project

www.myspace.com/thejennfordproject

No fun, no fun at all

My head hurts sooooo bad :( I hate reading the computer screen. I feel like a tiger trapped in a cage down here.

I make same face this dude is making, several hours a day.

4th of July

I spent a awesome Sunday toodling from Gospel Sunday Brunch at Stubb's to Barton Springs to Nutty Brown Cafe!

Gospel Brunch was soooo yummy. The music was great and the food was even better. The grits were soooooooooo good. Then we went off to Barton Springs where they are militant about not brings anything fun or food based, but we won ultimately (while everyone else was busted for having everything from grapes, to a can of soda).

Then we went home and got pretty for Nutty Brown. We got there just in time for the Bob Schneider show. He was funny, talented and full of energy. The Nutty Brown is an amazing venue. The cool breeze that drifts across hill country is so refreshing after spending a hot day in the city. The venue is massive, though they allow high back chairs all the way to the front, and that is very annoying for a night show.

There was the fireworks show, it was great (though I am actually not at all interested in fireworks). The show was made awesome by the lone electric guitar player doing the "Star Spangled Banner." The video is in the previous post.

A great weekend, back to the grind of bar review. But, I am glad Sam and Corinne came down to cheer me up and make me have a fun weekend.

Happy Drinking/Independence Day Everyone!

Wooot Wooot!

It takes all kinds doesn't it?

Well my cousin Corinne rolled into town last night. A good friend of mine from Boulder rolled in this afternoon. What is a new Austin-ite to show visitors when she does not know much herself?

Well, Corinne and I rolled down to south Congress. I made good on a promise that I made to a new friend from Telluride. We shopped and shopped. I stumbled upon two amazing stores. One is a co-op for local clothiers, the other is a t-shirt shop. The clothier had absolutely amazing dresses from local designers from Austin. Some of the clothes were made from re-purposed threads. There were also tons of great graphic tee shirts and amazing jewelry. I bought a cute little heavy cotton dress that I plan on wearing everywhere. We were also in search of a smoothie stand. I knew it was down there, but we got side tracked by the Paraguay v. Spain soccer match (not me, my cousin, but it was an enjoyable game). We "discovered" this great t-shirt shop, Storyville. It had the most amazing statement t-shirts. Those of you who know me (her of the "that's what she said" t-shirt, and the "I drink your milkshake" t-shirt) know that I am a sucker for statement shirts. There were such pearls to be found. A turtle on his back exclaiming, "Uhhh, this is awkward." To the, "Oh snap," with a picture of a camera flashing. My personal favorite, "That'll do pig," with just a strip of bacon on the shirt. Soooooo many good finds. But, I had to resist. I have a very delicate (non-existant) beer and music budget to think about.

Which brings me to the purpose of this picture-less post (pictures to come, too excited not to share). I stumbled upon another Storyville tonight. This Storyville was at Antone's (West 5th Street). This Storyville was a 90's rock band, hey, don't knock till you remember those good old days. This Storyville was led by an albino black dude (check it if you do not believe me). The band was AMAZING. They had two electric guitar players, both capable of creating on the moment riffs and fantastic-ness. Yes, between me, my cousin, and my friend from Boulder we lowered the age in the place by half. But, I swear you all would have killed to see the lead guitar player going OFF on these riffs. Moreover, the lead singer was having so much fun. It was clear he loved his job, loved his fans, and loved making music. He was jamming to the riffs as much, if not more than, the audience. It was a joy. My friend from Boulder turned to me at one point and said, "This is exactly what I wanted to hear when I came to Austin." I think both of us were prepared to be too cool for school, but we found ourselves awe-struck by the talent on stage. The band was infectious, rocking, and a just a damn good time. Now, this was not my kind of music per se, but at the end of the night, I could not imagine a better way to pass July 4th eve.

oh yeah, and we totally got shut down (two hour wait) at the Salt Lick. Booooo. But we enjoyed great food and great company at the Moonshine on Red River (thanks Shannon and Everleigh for the suggestion). Fried avocado anyone?

Tomorrow Gospel Brunch at Stubb's with a Bloody Mary special. Yeah you read that right. Church and Bloody's. Going to hell, yes. Hangover free and soul at ease, yes :)

I am not leaving Austin until they kick me out (which could be very soon so send money).