Day 291

#np - Heat Wave by Linda Ronstadt

After 8 days I'm finally heading home to Louisville!  I will miss Austin.  It has been a wonderful trip.  The party we had for my grandmother was fantastic and I loved seeing all my family.  That being said, most of my trip consisted of 100+ degree heat and now I'm heading home where it's over 100 degrees, too.  

I'll be home for three weeks before I head back down south to Columbus, Georgia for my next training trip.  I'll spend the next few days getting organized and planning what needs to get done between now and then.  The worse thing about only one week between trips is that you can't even really grocery shop properly without having lots of waste.  I also spent most of my time in Austin wishing I'd gotten a couple more new outfits and a pedicure.  I need to do some better planning.

I also need a larger suitcase.  If I'm going to check a bag regardless, why not be comfortable and get a bigger bag instead of trying to cram everything in?  Just another lesson of the road!

Day 290

#np - Oh, Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison

Today we're celebrating my grandmother's 80th birthday in Austin.  It's going to be a wonderful day!  

Day 289

#np - All My Exes Live In Texas by George Strait

Yesterday I ate a fried chicken taco (called the Trashy Trailer Park taco) from a food truck.  Then we went to another food truck and I ate a dessert doughnut called the dirty berry that was covered in chocolate and grilled strawberries.  I probably don't need to eat for a few days.  But I will.  And I'm not ashamed.

I also got to tour UT Austin which is a beautiful campus.  Everyone here is really nice.  They may all be republicans but they are nice! (I did see one Obama 2012 sticker though - yay!)

Day 288

#np - Everybody Hurts by R.E.M.

Nora Ephron died two days ago.  And last night I almost purchased When Harry Met Sally on iTunes even though I own the movie (but I didn't because the iTunes version doesn't include the original songs - they're replaced with elevator music, apparently).  I don't really know what to say except that I was a huge Ephron fan and I'm sad that we won't read her words and watch her movies any longer.  She taught us about life and love and she reminded us not to take either too seriously.  

Her female characters weren't cupcakes and she didn't just write about romantic relationships.  One of the most powerful movie relationships she wrote was between Annie and Becky in Sleepless in Seattle.  Their comfort with each other and the "I love you" at the end of their phone conversation showed the strength of their friendship.  Ephron also gave us a man like Harry who loved Sally because of who she was, not in spite of it.  I love it.  I love the characters.  I love her.

She was a feminist and she believed in love.  I strive to be a little like her.  Funny, smart, strong, and hopeful.

Day 287

#np - Good Time by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen

Day 286

#np - Wiggle It by 2 In a Room

Thanks to my new examiner friends for this being in my head all night last night.  Our dinner at the Hula Hut in Austin was yummy and fun!

Day 285

#np - Sister Christian by Night Ranger

It's really hot in Austin.  Like over-100-degrees-everyday-hot.  

Day 284

#np - Learn Me Right by Birdy and Mumford & Sons

I really want to see the new Pixar movie, Brave.  Watch the trailer for it.  Disney princess are no longer helpless victims.  They defend their own honor.  I love it.  I hope the movie lives up to my expectations which are quite high after movies like Monsters, Inc and Finding Nemo.  Perhaps I'll see it while I'm in Austin.  I don't get the feeling that the other examiners will be particularly social and the same sterile hotel room will get old after a couple of evenings.  Time to figure out if there's a movie theater within walking distance of my hotel!

Day 275

#np - Tainted Love by Soft Cell

I should be back to Louisville by 2pm today.  After seeing Barkley, I think I'll need a really good grocery visit.  I suspect a week of eating out, while all part of my per diem, will have wreaked havoc on my body.

Day 274

#np - Come On Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners

Today is our last day at the licensee.  Then I'll head back to Louisville tomorrow.  Since I'm writing this post five days in advance, I have no idea how it's going.  Let's hope this has been a good experience!

Day 273

#np - Voices Carry by 'Til Tuesday

I'm going to be honest, I had know idea the lyrics were "voices carry" until I say this song listed on iTunes list of best 80s one hit wonders.  I thought the line was "this is scary." Whoops.

Day 272

#np - Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood

Chose this song because I've been watching a lot of episodes of Friends lately and recently saw one where Ross and Rachel fight over a t-shirt that belongs to him but that she loves to sleep in.  On the front it says "Frankie says to relax." I may need this advice for my second day at the licensee.

Day 271

#np - We're Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister

Day 270

#np - Kerosene by Miranda Lambert

In addition to writing today's post, I'm choosing songs for the next week as well.  While I'm IN DC I won't have access to my personal computer.  I don't want blogger coming up on my state laptop internet report so I will choose the songs now and then listen to them on my phone.  The blogger app isn't great for creating posts on the iphone though so you won't get much this week.  Just enjoy the music!  I'll report back on the fun things I did while also working in the nation's capital.  Have a great week!