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I am seriously thinking about taking an Informal Class called "Dynamic Mixed-media". Here's the description:

This class is geared for expanding your creative side by working with a combination of different easy to learn mediums and processes. You will create your own mixed-media drawings, paintings and monoprints. Specialized instruction will focus on various techniques to make interesting artwork using line, shape, tone, color and textures. Plan to spend $65 on supplies.

My favorite project in Photography class was when we did mixed-media. I had photos I juxtaposed (my favorite being a pic of downtown Memphis below a pic of the komodo dragon from the Ft. Worth zoo) and then used colored pencils and pastels on them. A couple turned out really well and I have them framed in my bedroom.

I am leaning strongly towards it, except the last class is the day before SxSW starts. And the last class is up against the SxSW mandatory bag-stuffing night (every volunteer must attend).

Yikes. I have to decide which I'd prefer. SxSW is free, this class will cost moolah. This class will teach me a lot, SxSW will wear me down. I still have a little while to decide - the class is empty as of yet, and doesn't start til February.

update: Leah proposed a solution - that I take the class when it starts in late March. So maybe I'll take "Mosaic Mania" instead!
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I was reading the recent pageloads for my other blog, and noticed that someone had found it by searching "Sting poetry "why should I cry for you". So now I'm listening to "Why Should I Cry for You" on repeat. It's sorta bringing me down. Here are the lyrics:

"Why Should I Cry For You"

Under the dog star sail
Over the reefs of moonshine
Under the skies of fall
North, north west, the stones of Farve (I always throught he said "the storms are farrow")

Under the Arctic fire
Over the seas of silence
Hauling on frozen ropes ("all in unfrozen rows")
For all my days remaining
But would north be true?

Why should I?
Whould I cry for you?

All colours bleed to red ("four corners bleed to red")
Asleep on the ocean's bed
Drifting on empty seas
For all my days remaining

But would north be true?
Why should I?
Why should I cry for you?

Dark angels follow me
Over a godless sea ("cloudless sea")
Mountains of endless falling,
For all my days remaining,

What would be true?

Sometimes I see your face,
The stars seem to lose their place
Why must I think of you?
Why must I?
Why should I?
Why should I cry for you?
Why would you want me to?
And what would it mean to say,
That, "I loved you in my fashion"?

What would be true?
Why should I?
Why should I cry for you?

Even though I misunderstood the words, I still think this song is awesome. It feels different to listen to it now. In high school, when I first got the Sting "Fields of Gold: Greatest Hits" album (at the same time as I bought the single for "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?"!), I fell instantly in love with this song. I think I tried to put it on someone, but now I don't think of anyone in particular when I hear it. I just remember - high school, college, and my mistakes since.

God, how can it be 2005 in less than a week? I don't make resolutions at New Years. When I was younger, I would resolve to be "cool" (I seriously did make this resolution in junior high) or to get a boyfriend. This year, I just hope nothing dire happens. I hope my dad stays okay, for the life and health of my loved ones, that I keep at my lame Pilates/gym regime, that Leah and I are able to go somewhere cool on our very limited budgets, that the fundamentalists don't completely take over the Christian faith, that I keep doing what I find worthwhile, and, maybe, just perhaps, I meet someone too.

That's not too much, is it?


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I got an e-mail yesterday from the SxSW film crew volunteer coordinator reminding us that the volunteer call is coming up. It hardly seems like a year since the last one. I remember I was standing in a long line in the downtown Hilton, waiting to go in to the large conference room and start the process. Then I saw my old high school principal, Mr. Montenegro, walk by. Behind him was someone with a nametag on from the school district where my dad works. I called my dad, asking him if he knew why this guy would be here amongst the SxSW crowd. Turns out, there was a state school administrators conference going on in the Hilton at the same time. It was pretty funny. I made some comment to the people in front of me in line, and we all got to talking. And that's how I met Melissa! The main reason I volunteered last year was to meet people, as well as get to see films for free. I haven't decided whether I want to do it again or not.

They are only having one volunteer call, so if you are a returning volunteer or a newbie, you have to go. For more information: south by southwest festivals - volunteer

update: There is the rumor that the "RW" castmembers will be somehow involved with the SxSW Music fest. Yet another reason to volunteer (or maybe a reason not to?!!). There are three conferences in all, so if you have no interest in "The Real World", you might try the film or interactive festivals. Of course, this is only a rumor.
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I am a Conspiracy Nut



Which America Hating Minority Are You?

Take More Robert & Tim Quizzes
Watch Robert & Tim Cartoons


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This pic has a better view of the community buildings.

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The skies were looking quite imposing over the mountain, so I couldn't pass up the chance to take this picture. I think it looks pretty darn awesome. This pueblo is a neat visit, especially if you can hang a group rate (which we did with the three of us). There are some of the residents who set up tables and shops to sell frybread and trinkets/souvenirs. It is so amazing just to stand in such a historic spot and drink it all in.

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I finally uploaded more of my New Mexico pics on flickr. I tried really hard to zoom in on the bridge graffiti for this picture, and this is the best I could do. I still like it!

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I am no longer in touch with Hilary, but was quite close to her from 5th grade til some time in college. We went to church together and I followed her to magnet high school.

Her C.V. almost makes me feel like I have done so little with my life. Almost. But I was always slightly jealous of Hilary's accomplishments. She is muy inteligente, very sweet, and muy flaca to boot. Ah, si.

Hilary's web page
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Last night Melissa and I stood in line (in blustery cold winds, I might add) to see the Greencards at the Armadillo Xmas Bazaar. I found a dollar that blew in my direction, and checked if it belonged to anyone before I got to keep it. That was just the beginning to our great night. While we waited to buy entry tickets, this older woman asked Melissa to put her earring back in for her. She was with her college-age grandson, and was very sweet. We finally got in to the hall and started hearing bluegrass music. We made our way to the very large crowd at the stage. During the first set, we couldn't see much, but I had a great view of the fiddler. He is just amazing, and so my type. He isn't too tall, wears glasses, and is an awesome musician. And he's so cute with his little nerdy-chic look going on! Anyway, I was enthralled, and didn't mind that he was the only member of the band I could see. Their very loyal following had all come out because last night was their last concert in Austin for a while. They are moving to Nashville to forward their careers, so both Melissa and I were very disappointed to catch them so late.

For the second set, the older lady and her grandson had a spot for me to sit, so I got to chat with her during the break. She had come from New York state to spend the holidays with her family, and her grandson was just home for a holiday break from school. She was such a nice lady, and she really loved the Greencards. Their following does lean towards 40-something and up listeners. Melissa and I weren't the youngest people there listening, but there weren't a whole lot of people our age.

We were set to leave at 10:30, but at 10:15 they started playing this instrumental piece that ended up being a 30-minute jam session containing allusions to "The Holly and the Ivy", "The Twelve Days of Christmas", "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer", surf tunes, "Norwegian Wood", "Paint It Black" and more. Jeepers, it was long. But very good, though!

Melissa bought their CD after the show and I got Kym and Eamon to sing it. Lovely. Too bad Leah missed it! Good music, and a cute instrumentalist in glasses - she would have loved it.
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I remember about five years ago, some DJs from one of the local stations tried to get the Real World to come to Austin by barricading themselves in the studio for a weekend or something like that. And now the 'Real World" is making their dreams belatedly come true.

The Real World comes to Austin

edit: I just finished reading the whole article. Why in the hell do people think we all have horses down here? Give me a break. I guess if they are going to be in a palatial spot, it will probably be on Lake Austin or something.
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I might start writing for podfly, which would give me an excuse to start a podcast. Or I could write about listening to podcasts. I started looking into them after hearing Marty's inaugural podcast. Would it be too ironic to have a podcast and not own an iPod? It seems that it is cheaper to have a podcast than to have an iPod, since the software is free. You do have to have a website to have a podcast (blogger doesn't count). If I am incorrect in this, please correct me. I am hoping to set up my own site. Someday. I have no idea what I would call it, but I would certainly let you all know!

Sorry for the fact that this post is sorta stream-of-consciousness.
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Last night I dreamt that I was on the road with Thomas Haden Church and Marcus Giamatti, the actors. I asked Marcus if he was still on "Judging Amy", and how his brother Paul was doing. We were just hanging out, driving to some random park I made up in my mind.
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I tried doing this post about a month ago and blogger ate my post. Therefore, I will not go to all the work of putting IMDB links to my films here, as blogger might eat this post also.

1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Definitely the best film I've seen this year. Amazing story, great acting, terrific score, I could go on and on. I am so glad I caught it in the theatres and I bought it on DVD as soon as possible. It's so original, and deserves any award it gets. Hell, even Jim Carrey blew me away, and I can't stand him!

2. Sideways. Funny, sad, not your typical road movie. Paul Giamatti just keeps on amazing me. I loved him in American Splendor, and he is even better in this film (I don't think I can forgive him for Duets, though). my post

3. Farenheit 9/11. It was worth driving through pouring rain on opening night for.

4. Spiderman 2. Umm, it was good. Amazingly good.

5. The Motorcycle Diaries. Beautifully shot, a very emotional film. The music is gorgeous, the acting very well-done, and it was so much funnier than I expected!

6. The Incredibles. I have yet to see a Pixar movie I haven't enjoyed. While this isn't my favorite of their works, it was quite funny and awesome to see on the big screen.

7. Supersize Me. I'm so glad I don't eat at McDonalds, but I did think it funny when someone asked after the SxSW showing where the closest McDonalds was. I laughed, and they said, "I'm serious!"

8. 13 Going on 30. I love Jennifer Garner, and she is soooo wonderful in this film. I have the DVD and I just skip the sappy ending.

9. Napoleon Dynamite. This movie was so funny. There were spots that felt a little slow, but it has so much going for it otherwise, I forgive it. my post

10. Mind the Gap. A cute film I was able to see at SxSW. I don't think it got wide release, but it is worth renting on DVD if you can. my post

Honorable Mentions:
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, b/c Alfonso Cuaron rocks!
Anchorman, b/c it made my sides hurt.
Garden State, b/c Peter Sarsgaard is my boyfriend. my post
Mean Girls, b/c it was funny, and so fetch.

Worst film of the year: Young Adam. Read my post
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Using the word in a sentence:

If I blowdry my hair after I take a shower, and use some product on it, it will be somewhat lissotrichous. If I let my hair air-dry, it will be very wavy. I wish sometimes that my hair was already straight, but then I know I'd get tired of it. At least this way, I have an option.
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Just got back from the bazaar. It was awesome! Terri Hendrix was really great. I didn't realize that Lloyd Maines played with her. The bottom of his guitar was covered with pictures of his grandkids and he announced that they were all here tonight. Ergo - Natalie Maines (Dixie Chick) was sitting about six feet from where I was standing. She was wearing a black hat and holding her baby. I actually mistook her sister for her, but then realized her hair had not gotten darker. Anyway - I love Austin. No one went to bother her or anything, as far as I could see. It was sweet. And I love Terri Hendrix's anti-Clearchannel song. I wish I could remember the words.

I also caught a glimpse of my childhood friend Hanna, working with her mom at one of the booths. Leah asked me if the man that was working with them was Hanna's husband, and I said, "How would I know if Hanna got married?" I really wouldn't know. We were in youth group together and lost touch in college. She was a very pleasant person to be around (I'm sure she still is), and when we were in junior high she taught me k.d. lang's "Full Moon Full of Love". We sang it in the stairwell of a hostel in McAllen. I let her borrow my copy of "Many Waters" and never got it back.

I'm wish her well, but I just couldn't chat with her tonight. Maybe I'll see her on the 22nd when I go back to see the Greencards.
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Melissa and I are heading to the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar tonight to catch Terri Hendrix. I am really looking forward to it. I have yet to see Terri Hendrix in concert, but I love the songs I've heard on KGSR. I've lived in Austin most of my life, but have never been to the Christmas Bazaar.*

I'm not even going tonight to shop, although I might watch out for the Crystal Works booth. I am somewhat familiar with the owner, or at least I used to be.

Next Wednesday night, the Greencards!

* I should admit that in general, I don't do a lot of typical Austin-y things. March was the first time I did anything with SxSW, I never go to Whole Foods, I've never been to Chuy's, etc. I live in Austin like it's any other town. When I can afford to (or when someone from out of town comes to visit me), I'll try the stuff everyone raves about. Until then, I'll live in my more generic Austin of HEBs and lesser-known local chain restaurants.
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Marty from NQTS has started a podcast. It's pretty interesting.

theshow20041210.mp3 (audio/mpeg Object)
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I dreamed last night that I hung out in a coffeehouse with a lot of gay guys. We were all very attracted to the coffeehouse manager, who gave us free food. Except - the owner was coming in and he kicked us out. We had to clean up very quickly to get out of there, since we were back in the kitchen/bar area. I couldn't find my sandal. Someone had dropped a glass (perhaps I did), and I stepped right on some very large pieces of it. I could feel it itching, but my foot didn't necessarily bleed. I then made my way to the doctor somehow, who removed large hidden pieces from my foot. I woke up not too late after that.

I thought maybe there was some deep reason that I dreamt of stepping on broken glass, and here is what I found:

Stepping on broken glass: Glass may not be very visible, so may represent hidden dangers; being careless about direction in life or present situation; or if it is being done without heed to injury, represents self inflicted pain.

(fromDream Interpreter). From another site: "To see broken glass in your dream suggests something you thought would last a long time will end surprisingly and too soon."

Neither of these interpretations seem to really apply to my situation right now. Does anyone else have a better theory, or a better site to visit?
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Kristina sent me this pic of her baby and step-sons with Santa. It's so cute! I can't believe how sedate the boys look. They were never that calm when I was with them. And yeah, I don't know how to spell Kennen's name. Shame on me.

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I love brownies, and just happened upon this mix while grocery shopping with Leah on Saturday. I made them that night and they were soooo good. They are fat-free, but they don't seem it. They are perfectly chewy brownies. The main reason I got them is because I have a huge thing of Plain fat-free yogurt in the fridge that I'm trying to finish. If I keep getting this mix, I'll have to keep stocked on yogurt. I only tried the original, but am now tempted to try the mint. Yummy! I had to recommend it here because it is a female-owned business and it is worth plugging.
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Just in time for the holidays - Shiman's bunnies in a 30-second version of It's a Wonderful Life. I'll be watching it a few more times before Christmas. I'll also watch the full-length movie.

_It's a Wonderful Life_ in 30 seconds with bunnies.
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I have just got back in contact with a college friend working at a Houston law firm. She's invited me to visit, and since she and the Houston Opera are really the only draws for me, I had to see what operas are being performed this season.

I discovered that in March, the Houston Grand Opera is performing the debut of Mark Adamo's "Lysistrata". I am intrigued by this. First off, I am familiar with the story, as I had a friend in high school who set up her own production of Aristophones' play. I can't remember which role I was stuck with, but I do know I had to wear a helmet under my robe. It was all very low-tech, but very fun.

Secondly, I loved Mark Adamo's "Little Women". I was not able to see it live, only on PBS, and just part of it then. But the ending made me cry. I never cry at operas. I just have never been so moved. But it was so well-done, simple, wistful, and great, that I got choked up. I know "Lysistrata" is VERY different from "Little Women", but I am very tempted to try it.

Now I just have to figure out how to afford a trip!

Lysistrata: Houston Grand Opera
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the most annoying song ever? Okay, it's not that bad, but almost. I'm sure this artist has better lyrics in other songs (with hopefully less predictable melodies), but "The Blower's Daughter" really reeks.

Yesterday morning my boss was telling me about this song she had heard on KUT earlier, wherein "can't take my eyes off of you" was repeated. She stated, "there are no other words in the song!" and went on about how annoying it was. I thought maybe she was referring to Kylie Minogue's "Can't get you out of my head", which while repetitive, still has a good beat and you can dance to it (as they say). But no - I was working in the copy room a little while ago and John Aeilli went on about how someone requested this song and it was from the movie "Closer" and destined to be a hit. Then he started playing "The Blower's Daughter". It started out very nicely, but then came the chorus, which seems to consist of "Can't Take My Eyes off of you" repeated at least twelve times, in a very predictable melodic form. Sheeshkabob. If that's what the kids are listening to now, I just don't know.

video: damien rice - blower's daughter
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. . . but the end of this ad gets me choked up. And it's not even a Hallmark ad!

Borders holiday ad

I fixed the link! I think.
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I just watched this at work:

Hey Ya, Charlie Brown! (requires download)

Peanuts dancing to Outkast. Really funny.
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Last night, Fran was in my dream. I haven't thought about her in a while, but last night, I dreamt about sneaking in to her classes. Strange thing - they weren't music classes.

So she's teaching at Berklee College of Music now! I'm sure that is a better fit for her than AC. I hope it is anyway. Wherever you are, Fran, I wish you the best!

I wish I would stop dreaming about school. It's been over four years since I graduated! You'd think I'd have stopped by now. Sheesh!
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Leah and I are going to have a small Christmas party at our apartment. We figure it's time to say thanks (finally) to the people who helped us move, along with some others.

It will be eleven people in our decent-sized living room (if they can all come). Yikes! Our main event: the viewing of the sadly-underviewed holiday classic Fitzwilly (and perhaps also The Man Who Came to Dinner).

Proposed menu (and initial of who's making it):

Open-faced calzones with spinach and asparagus (and lotsa cheese!!)(E)
queso (Rotel and Velveeta) and chips (L)
seven (or is it eight?) layer dip (L)
(turkey) sausage balls (E)
and a fruit plate with yogurt dip

It's so exciting!


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Because of the debacle over their ads, I'm tempted to visit a local UCC church. Previously, I had gotten the United Church of Christ mixed up with the Church of Christ. All I knows is, my pal Sharice from college attended a Church of Christ and had to wear a skirt or dress. There was no accompaniment to their hymns (they sang a capella) and I got the feeling it was quite conservative (as she was). What I get from the United Church of Christ website is the feeling of a very open, welcoming and progressive denomination. How very opposite.

God is Still Speaking - The United Church of Christ
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The Soup Peddler is working with Manos de Cristo to sell tamales (I found out yesterday). The week the tamales come in, he is making soups to go with the tamales. He sent out information about it to his list and we have received over forty emails so far from his customers ordering tamales. If you are a Soup Peddler customer (I'm not, b/c I live in North Austin), please order some tamales! They are for a very good cause.

The Soup Peddler - Home

Also, if you aren't a customer, you can still order tamales from Manos de Cristo. Manos serves the people of East Austin through a dental clinic, clothes closet, food pantry and ESL (as well as citizenship) classes. You can purchase tamales (for a limited time) by calling the office at 477-7454. I believe they are $7.50 per dozen, and you have your pick of chicken, pork, bean (I think) or jalapeno. I am quoting this all from memory, so please call the office for better information. Help Manos help others!

There is no current webpage for Manos right now, unfortunately. Feel free to call the office for more on what Manos is all about. We are going to get a site set up very soon, I promise! I've been badgering them since January to do it.


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I remember that episode of "S*x and the City" where Carrie's boyfriend tells Miranda that the reason her last date acted the way he did was because "He's just not that into you." Now one of the writers from the show has written a book with the same title. Kristina mentioned it when I called her about Matt yesterday evening. She said, "He was just a schmo who wanted to use you, and he just wasn't that into you."

That didn't really help much. But then again, she never met him. Leah totally commisserated with me, and was just as shocked as I was when I sent her the link. Matt had dated the sister of one of her close friends before he went out with me. I told Leah that he got around quite well (for a divorced seminarian). He had even told me that he was still dating other people when we first went out.

I know I am glad that I didn't get entangled with him (I never loved him), but I'm still amazed that he can make that commitment to someone else. He just didn't seem like he'd be able to stick with it.


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Why did I have to google him? Why couldn't I leave well enough alone? I don't know why I am reacting the way I am. I rarely ever think of him anymore. And I had to look him up this afternoon and find out he got married and has two step-kids! My God!

My hands are freezing and my heart started beating more quickly. Part of me is sad that he wasn't mature enough when I knew him, and part of me is angry for the same reason. Damn damn damn.

I can barely concentrate on work now. Geez louise. I'd put the link here so you all could see, but I don't feel very comfortable doing that. Instead, here is the edited version of what I read:

Matt M-- is a member at large of the Presbytery of D---. He received the Master of Divinity degree from Austin Theological Seminary in May, 200-. His home church was ----- Presbyterian Church in Austin. He earned his undergraduate degree, majoring in history, from the University of Texas. Matt completed his Clinical Pastoral Education at Seton Hospital Network in Austin and was ordained as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament by Mission Presbytery in November, 200-. In March, 2004, he married the Rev. Judith M---, who has two children, (girl's name) (5) and (boy's name) (3).

. . . and I thought I was doing so well.
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