Music Monday – Dirty Loops
Rolling in the Deep – Dirty Loops
Author: Megan
Mölkky
Several years ago, I visited Finland with my mother and sister. We had a wonderful time staying with a past exchange student’s mother in the quaint countryside, eating traditional home-cooked meals, braving windy days, and strolling cobblestone streets.
In our downtime, we were introduced to a traditional Finnish game called Mölkky (or, as I like to call it, The Finnish Log Game). The game is simple to play and we quickly became addicted to playing it every night of our stay. Towards the end of our trip, I made it my mission to purchase a version of it to bring back to the states. This game has followed me to every picnic, team outing, beach vacation, retreat, and BBQ I have attended in the last 3 years. It brings out the competitive streak in my most mild-mannered of friends and sometimes leaves us scratching our heads as to how a stick of wood can bounce around a pin mere centimeters away.
This weekend I took my Finnish Log Game to a women’s retreat with the church Adam and I have been attending in Austin, and once again I found lots of people enjoying the game and wanting to play many times over. It reminded me to bring it out hibernation when I’m at home, because I love playing it so much.
As with many games, I’m sure the rules I learned to play by are quite different that the original rules, but who cares when you’re having fun?
And yes, I’m aware that video was filmed in France – not Finland – but it was the most fun representation I could find 🙂
Everyday I’m Tumblr’ing
On the links bar to the right, I’ve added a new clickable picture which takes you to my tumblr. This is updated almost daily with my favorite internet findings. It’s completely random, just like my daily train of thought, but I guarantee you’ll be entertained.
Click and enjoy! 🙂
Music Monday – I Can’t Go For That
I Can’t Go For That – Cover by Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers
Year in Review
Well, it’s that time of year again. Time for my annual year in review post. Let’s see what’s changed in my life in the past year, shall we?
- 2011: I’m sooo over drivers who drive slower than the posted speed. 10 in a 30 is not ok, but thanks for finally getting out of my way.
2012: I’m not adjusted to the CRAZY traffic in Austin. Between the rush hour parking lots and the folks who don’t know how to drive it’s annoying. - 2011: I’m obsessed with the gorgeous clipart from pugly pixel! You’ll find that a lot of them are used throughout my blog 🙂
2012: Still obsessed. But as I was planning my wedding, I found out about Wedding Chicks and their free downloads. Ummmm….lifesaver! I used several of them to design my own paper details for our big day. - 2011: I received an iPad for Christmas (Thanks, Adam!). I now drift off into dreamland playing Mahjong.
2012: I received a nice upgrade to my work computer this year. It’s made my life sooooo much better. Who knew Captivate could actually run without crashing? - 2011: What [American Idol] season is it this year?
2012: Idol is old news. I’m counting down the weeks until the premiere of a new season of “So You Think You Can Dance”. - 2011: Ellen never fails to make me laugh, then cry, then laugh again as I watch her talk show.
2012: Thanks to Ellen, I am now enamored by adorable little Sophia Grace Brownlee:
- 2011: Umm, “OMG” was just added to the Oxford Dictionary. I feel like everything I learned in English class was a lie.
2012: This year, in dispute with everything I ever learned in English class, the Oxford comma was dropped. I feel like my whole life has been a lie. This poster summarizes exactly why this is so wrong:
- 2011: Does anyone else see something wrong with Jim and Alexis’ relationship or is it just me? So. Wrong. Give her a voice and get your own dang orange juice, puh-lease.
2012: Why can’t I convince Adam that the Real Housewives franchise is a legitimate television series? - 2011: In a little over 6.5 months we will be married! And living in the same zipcode – yet to be determined.
2012: Our zipcode was determined. I became an inhabitant of Texas. Lesson? Never say never when love is involved. - 2011: The iPad is the single greatest invention ever. It’s practically attached to my hip when I’m at home. Is there anything it can’t do?
2012: The App “Paper” is incredible, it’s literally like having an easel at your fingertips. - 2011: In case you haven’t noticed, I’m obsessed with Jazzercise so much that it’s been mentioned on my blog at least 7 times. I will stop you in the street and tell you about it, if you’ll let me. LOVE. IT!
2012: Honestly? I haven’t been to a Jazzercise class since January. The traffic to the nearest studio is so crazy that my drive time is just as long as my class time, which ends up equalling around 2 hrs. Instead, I’ve found a new exercise regimen in Yoga. I’ve developed a bit of a home practice and on occasion Adam and I will catch a Vinyasa class at Black Swan downtown. - 2011: Try as I might to not get sucked into the addiction that is Twitter, I’ve failed. And I sometimes clog my followers feeds with senseless live tweets for pageants, award shows and documentaries about ferrets. Truly sorry, y’all!
2012: For some reason, I’ve kinda fallen off the Twitter world in the past month. I desperately want to get back in – I feel so disconnected – but something about only so many hours in the day… - 2011: The Social Network was the best movie of the last year hands down. I wonder how many of the applications and games Zuckerberg uses on his profile and if he’s one of those every 5 minute updaters?
2012: The Hunger Games was incredible and ended up being a great date night movie. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that we saw it at Alamo Drafthouse. I think any movie seen there ends up being incredible. - 2011: Gelato for ZAZA makes me happy, especially Honey Yogurt.
2012: I long for ZAZA. At least once a week Adam and I crave their salads, but alas an 8 hour drive keeps us from giving into our craving. Of course, after I move they develop the gelato I suggested: Nutella. - 2011: Why have I not seen “Gone with the Wind”? <—Still true
2012: Who cares? Thanks to Netflix I’ve developed quite the interest in documentary films. Some of my favorites? The Cove and Bill Cunningham New York. I’m also looking forward to seeing Girl Model when it comes out. - 2011: A day without Jazzercise most often leads to a less perky version of myself. Need. It.
2012: Well, I’ve had many days without Jazzercise and, while I think this is true to an extent, Yoga has helped me maintain a perky disposition. - 2011: Still true, but I’m basking in my solo life since it will soon be coming to an end. Then I get to annoy Adam every. single. day. with my perkiness, random thoughts, and Bravo reality shows!! I know he’s excited.
2012: No longer single, but instead happily married and I’m living the dream as stated above. Life is wonderful! - 2011: Did you hear? Fanny packs are coming back. Which reminds me of the neon green one I wore on family vacations in the early 90s. I think it had “Marlboro” or some other brand of cigarette written across the front. My dad was a grocer and I was the walking underage billboard for cigarettes. [No one in my family smokes]
2012: In just under 2 weeks we’ll be going to DISNEY WORLD!!! I looked high and low for a bag that in no way resembled a fanny pack for this trip. Lucky for me I found the perfect cross-body purse, it’s by pure coincidence that it’s green. - 2011: Did I mention I’m getting MARRIED in October?!?! CAN. NOT. WAIT!
2012: October came and went with a wedding. A wonderful celebration with family and friends followed by a perfect honeymoon full of wine and relaxation. I’m so incredibly blessed!
Music Monday – Amos Lee
Windows Are Rolled Down – Amos Lee
The Hunger Games
Living in Austin definitely has its perks. Especially when it comes to movie theaters – thanks to the Alamo Drafthouse.
It has quickly become another one of my favorite things about Austin. Not only can you watch a movie in a standard theater, but you can get beer, wine and other cocktails delivered right to your seat throughout the movie.
But wait, there’s more!
You can also get your movie munchie of choice delivered right to your seat as well. I’m not talking about your standard candy and popcorn, either. I’m talking burgers, pizzas, salads, wraps, and tons of appetizers. Just be sure to save room for cheesecake – which is also delivered to your seat whenever you decide to have it.
It’s an experience that has truly spoiled me.
In addition to the food and seat service, Alamo also has fun “theme” screenings such as Girlie Night: Dirty Dancing, Action Pack: Jiggy Crunk Singalong (featuring all the catchy 90’s pop rap we love) and Quotealong: Office Space. Could it get any better? I don’t think so.
Yesterday, Adam and I decided to catch a showing of The Hunger Games. We both really enjoyed the movie and highly recommend it. Rather than write yet another review of the movie and how closely it stayed to the book, how the use of shaky camera shots added drama and the [INSANE] uproar about Rue being black I thought I’d share something that we saw prior to the movie beginning.
Alamo – in addition to all their amazing perks – also has a custom reel set up for each movie instead of the standard previews and ads other movie theaters show. For The Hunger Games, the reel was full of 80s Laser Tag commercials, battle royale themed movie clips, Hamburger Helper parodies and this:
Lana Del Rey’s Hunger Games
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OjnbRv3krA%5DYou’re welcome.
Music Monday – Lisztomania
Lisztomania – Phoenix
Mayfield = Heaven
This past weekend, Adam and I stumbled upon the Mayfield Park and Preserve in Austin. It’s quite possible it’s Austin’s best kept secret..but now I’m letting the cat out of the bag.
This place is incredible. From its perfectly maintained gardens, to its free-roaming peacocks, to its hiking trails along and across streams; it’s officially my new favorite place in Austin.
After the torrential downpour Austin experienced Monday evening and early Tuesday morning, Adam and I decided that later this week would be the perfect time to re-visit Mayfield and hike the trails. Camera in tow.
Wow. I just thought the garden area of the park was gorgeous. But these trails? Some of the prettiest I’ve ever seen. It was a total escape and you truly felt like you weren’t in the middle of a large city.
Texas Bluebonnets were in perfect harmony next to the rugged cacti that could be found throughout the park.
And, if you’re patient enough (or, like us, time it just right) you might just catch the peacock showing their full colors.
I’m certain that we will become regular visitors of this hidden Austin gem.
Shake your tail feathers.
Music Monday – Chiddy Bang
Ray Charles – Chiddy Bang
Courtesy of my sister
I’m a hugger.
There. I said it.
But here’s the thing about being a hugger when you’re 6’2″ – you often tower over the person you’re trying to hug.
It’s hard to put into words exactly how I feel when I’m giving someone a hug, but, thanks to my sister, I now have this picture which perfectly illustrates how I feel.
source
I feel like I’m dive-bombing my friend.
Music Monday – Carolina Chocolate Drops
Hit ‘Em Up Style – Carolina Chocolate Drops
Music Monday – Little Talks
Little Talks – Of Monsters and Men
Glorious Junk
One of the nice things about living in Austin is the individuality that you find. Whether it be walking down the street, taking in Christmas lights or just exploring new neighborhoods while aimlessly driving. You really never know what to expect.
This weekend my friend Sarah visited us from Arkansas and we took the opportunity to visit The Cathedral of Junk. A guy started the project back 1988 in his backyard as a way to have fun and build his version of a clubhouse. Since then, it’s become a 3 story tall structure made entirely of junkyard finds and it’s still in his backyard.
He estimates that it contains over 60 tons of junk. Yep, 60 TONS – most of which people brought to him.
Full of lawnmower wheels, car bumpers, kitchen utensils, ladders, cables, bottles, circuit boards, bicycle parts, old AOL installation CD-ROMs, and anything else you could possibly imagine it’s quite impressive and beautiful – in that weirdly awesome Austin way.
It’s a true Austin treasure and one that I’m certain we’ll be visiting again – especially when we have visitors.
Music Monday – Whitney Houston
Music Monday is bittersweet this week.
Whitney Houston consistently appeared as a favorite “go to” artist when I didn’t know what I was in the mood to listen to and this weekend we lost her. She was an incredible talent, with an unparalleled voice who inspired so many with her talent.
In her memory, here are a few of my favorite songs from her catalog.
May she rest in peace.
Queen of the Night – Whitney Houston
So Emotional – Whitney Houston
It’s Not Right But It’s Okay – Whitney Houston
I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston
I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
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