Sunday, August 27, 2006

Keep Austin Wierd

I learned this ATX phrase when I visited the capital of Texas last weekend. Josh & Amy just moved there to start Josh's MBA program at UT. My prior experience with Austin involved getting there late evening, staying at a friend's house, and leaving early morning for Dallas. Due to this, my experience with Austin was limited to I35's INSANE traffic jams, causing great distaste, dislike, and disdain for all things Austin. However, contrary to my opinion, Austin proved to be a unique, fun and crazy place that I actually really enjoyed. So, my opinion has been revised and my new advice is to visit Austin if at all possible. :) Here are some highlights:


If you go to the Hula Hut and decide to order the "Tubular Taco" you might consider sharing it with someone


I found this hottie at the Hula Hut, a must-do restaurant in Austin


Out of the goodness of my heart, I decided to share Mr. Statue with Ames (shh...don't tell Josh)


Pegs & Ames at UT


Friends from high school who also happen to live in Austin


Pegs & Brooklyn, Tara's daughter


The Capitol Building


Ames & Pegs get their pose on before salsa dancing

Thursday, August 17, 2006

A little piece of home...

Christine came to visit this week! We had a great time catching up, and I got to show her around Denton a bit. Here are some highlights:


Christine & Wilbert are reunited after months apart...this is Wilbert's favorite napping position. Seriously, he'll just stay like that. He's a wierd dog. Upon closer inspection, he looks bat-like...but I can't get Blogger to upload that photo so you'll have to use your imagination.


If you come to Denton, I'll take you to "The Square." It's downtown and sooooo cute, with fun little eateries and quaint shops. They turn on twinkle lights at night and it's beautiful. So, after eating dinner at The Greenhouse (my favorite restaurant in Denton...again, if you visit, I'll take you and even treat--so you should come visit), Christine & I played on the Square.


First stop on the square--Jammin' Jeans. This place sells name brands for REALLY cheap. This Guess skirt was $10. I will be going back. Note the price tag on the skirt...after thinking about stealing it, I decided I could afford the $10 so I bagged my jeans (you know, since it's 106 degrees outside) and wore it out. I love wearing new clothes out of the store.


We found this great used bookstore. They buy and sell old books, cds, videos, record albums, dvds, whatever. I have no idea what the name of it is, because it was located in a purple building that said Opry House on the outside. Fabulous.


Christine & I paint the town...and I need to learn new slang


Beth Marie's, the best ice cream in Denton

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Aama

Before I go further, let me say that I will post grad pics soon! My internet at home has been down, so I haven't had a chance...but I will soon!

I've called my grandmother "Aama" since somewhere around high school. I've never heard the word used anywhere else...until Saturday. I was browsing the Cultural Studies section at Barnes & Noble (where else would I be my first Saturday sans grad school?) and came upon a title, "Aama in America." Of course, I had to pull it off the shelf. As it turns out, "Aama" means mother in Nepali.

I LOVE the fact that I discovered this. For 14 years, my grandmother has been my mother. When my own mother became too sick to be mother, my grandmother assumed the role quietly and perfectly.

My mother is the reason I'm alive. For obvious reasons and for not so obvious reasons. Most people don't know it, but she wasn't supposed to be able to have children because of her kidney issues. So when she became pregnant, everyone except her and my grandmother thought she should have an abortion. She refused, and here I am. My mother supported me without fail and was my biggest fan and biggest warrior. She gave everything she had and wanted to give more.

She died nearly 9 years ago now. It seems so unnatural. I can't remember her voice or her smell, and often actually have to look at pictures to try to REALLY remember what she looked like. She became sick 14 years ago, when I was 14 years old. Most of the time it's okay that she's gone. I know she was in a lot of pain, mentally, emotionally and physically. She needed to go. But I have endured high school, college and young adult life now...virtually alone. Times when a mother is the only person who can comfort or fill the void or make it all better. Times when she would have said I was beautiful, when clearly, I was not. And there will be more times when she "should" be here. Times like graduating with a Masters degree. Times like if/when I get engaged and need to plan a wedding or pick out a wedding dress. Times when I'm pregnant and have kids and have no idea what to do with them or myself. Times when my grandmother passes away and she should take care of everything. Those days will come. And I will face them without a mother. Thank God that He is a mother. I know we always talk about God as Father, but I believe He is mother to me as well.

The days it is hardest are the days that "Mom should be here". I just had one of those days last Friday. Even though she wasn't able to make the trip, Aama called me incessantly until she got to find out how everything went. Aama fights for me. She prays for me. She mothers me.