So technically, Austin is the "Live Music Capital of the World." However, the extent of the live music I experienced while there was limited to the one night we were on 6th St and walked by a bar that had a band playing.
But the breakfast tacos...those I devoured. Three times while I was there, and at least three tacos each time. There is nothing to them- eggs, bacon, refried beans, salsa, tortilla, an avocado if you wish (and I do wish). But let me tell you, combine those tacos with about three cups of coffee and you will not be hungry again until close to 3:00 in the afternoon.
I miss them.
I am going to try and make some of my own. The key is, I believe, to cook the eggs and bacon separate until almost done and then combine into one skillet. This adds a delicious flavor to the eggs. As with any taco/burrito/enchilada, however, the tortilla is key. This is where my taco will always be sub-par to the tacos at Arrandas in Austin--- I simply cannot make delicious tortillas (or I at least have never tried and seriously doubt my abilities). As with any good, authentic Tex-Mex place, you can substitute any meat; really- sausage, tongue, etc.
At this point you might be thinking: did this woman eat her way through Austin?
Frankly, the answer is no. And at the same time, yes.
But isn't the food the best part about going anywhere?
Certain readers of this blog will be quite proud of one dining experience in particular. I ate sushi. Real, raw, in your face fish. The most surprising part? It was yummy. Delicious.
We at at a ritzy sushi place on South Lamar in Austin. By ritzy, I mean our bill came out to around $160 per person (there were 4 of us). Let me tell you, I never- in my wildest dreams- thought I would pay that much for a meal. Thank the good Lord I didn't have to. The friend that I went to visit works for a start up company that creates software for the restaurant industry (they do something with scheduling, labor management, yada yada). Needless to say, she's made quite the impact and won the CEO Employee of the Month award and they gave her $120 (or near there) in gift cards to this place, a client of theirs. SCORE!
She is a wimp about trying new things- especially when they "look weird." You can imagine, sushi "looks weird." So I told her we should go because I really wanted to try sushi. The last time I was offered it I was 18 years old and visiting my sister in China. I turned it down. I shouldn't have. I have broadened my horizons, and good Lord I am so grateful I did.
We had two experienced sushi eaters with us, which was a bonus. Otherwise we would have both stared at the menu and just told the waiter to bring us some "stuff" that didn't feel "slimy" when you ate it.
My favorite was a ceviche-inspired dish with salmon, striped bass, tomatoes, yellow bell peppers, garlic, and cilantro. It tasted like a fresh garden in your mouth. Yum. Also the tuna with apple slices and goat cheese. Mmmm.
The not-so-favorite was a scallop, avocado, and rice wrapped in seaweed. The flavor? I didn't mind it. However, I made the mistake of waiting for my friend to eat hers. Needless to say, she buried her face in her hands and fought the gag reflex. Barely. As I put the sushi into my mouth she says, "It's just so slimy I couldn't take it!" Ummm.....not the best time for the word "slimy" to be thrown around.
I'm a total texture person when it comes to food. I'm not crazy about cucumbers because I don't like the way they crunch in my mouth. This scallop---wow, slimy heaven it was. In the end, I got it down. Although I can't say I would order anything similar to it in the future.
Just to prove this trip was not all about food , we also:
Went to see the Round Rock Express play a game of baseball (AAA team equal to the I-Cubs). They played the Omaha Storm Chasers (former Royals). Great game, the Express came back to win it in the bottom of the 8th after a close game. Don't worry, I was cheering for my former home.
Shopped the outlet malls in San Marcos. Great deals, came away with quite a bit of stuff, but not too much :).
Went to the UT- Texas Tech baseball game. (Are you sensing a theme in this department, too?) Texas has no offense, so it was a slow game. One benefit, however, is that it was at 2:00 in the afternoon and I got some amazing sun and a sunburn to show for it. This was much appreciated after coming back to Iowa and rain and forty-five flipping degrees!!!
Went on a walking historical tour of some beautiful Victorian-era homes in Downtown Austin. It wasn't the tour I originally wanted to go on, but the Visitor's Center didn't have any pamphlets for the other one. FAIL, Austin Visitor's Center. It was a nice walk, however, and the homes were gorgeous. The history nerd in me loved seeing the comparison between 19th Century homes in Texas vs. Iowa.
Went Downtown Austin one night and made a bad decision. No, I didn't drink too much. We took a pedicab ride from hell. Word to the wise: DON'T TAKE A FREE PEDICAB RIDE WHEN OFFERED!!!
RoadKill Pedicab
We were walking to a completely different end of the street and one of these contraptions asked us if we wanted a ride. We declined---we're fully capable of walking (even in heels). Then, the ride became free. I don't know what we were thinking, but we said yes. People ride these things all the time, right? Must be OK.
Sure, until we realize our driver looks like he has been hit by a car! About 1/4 of the way through the ride my friend is grabbing my leg, then my arm, then freaking out. I am laughing hysterically- both at her reaction and in general about the situation. I am convinced by this time that the driver has been at the Bob Marley fest that was happening in Austin that day. However, he did not partake in your typical illicit drug of choice at such festivals (AKA mary jane). No, no. Our scary/creepy/deathpedicabdriver must have been on something similar to speed. He was swerving- for no reason- super energetic, and since I failed to turn around and see if we were about to be hit (I just assumed play ignorant than know the truth) I cannot be sure but I am about 99% certain that we almost got hit by a few moving vehicles.
I repeat- do not take free pedicab rides.
I am the type of person to just laugh in situations like this. It does very little to be scared out of my mind. I was already in the pedicab and he was going so fast I think it would have been unsafe to stop. My friend was freaking out beside me, not sure what to do except for reach over and grab me every time he swerved again. I was dying of laughter and he kept turning around to talk to me while almost running into parked cars.
Definitely a memory to take with me to Korea. I only wish there was video evidence that this event really took place.
All in all, a fantastic weekend. My two best friends from high school drove up on Sunday for lunch, which was awesome. I'm not sure if I'll see them again before I leave. I got to soak up the sunshine, get some color, and enjoy great company. I have come back to life as a librarian for the week and disgusting Iowa spring weather.
Such is life.
P.S. Sorry about the pedicab story, Mom.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
where was the voice of reason?
I started packing for Austin this afternoon (my happy self has to get up and be at the Des Moines airport at 5:00 AM in the morning for a 6:00 AM flight) and couldn't find any shorts. I knew they had to be in a Tupperware container, so I started rummaging. I am here tonight to announce to the world:
I have a major hooded sweatshirt, zip up sweatshirt, and sweatpants problem.
I have an entire Tupperware container FULL of hooded sweatshirts, zip up sweatshirts, and sweatpants. At this point I would like to do the responsible thing......and blame my mom. Where was your voice of reason when you and dad helped me move out of the "lovely" apartment on Walnut St?? We even made a trip to Goodwill to donate clothes! You should have said "Daughter, for goodness sake give away some of these sweatshirts! You live in IOWA not ANTARCTICA!"
I really could not believe it. Since I will be moving to Korea for a year and only taking 2 bags (max), clearly I need to cut down my wardrobe tremendously. The first thing to go will be this insane amount of sweatshirts. Prepare yourself, Goodwill! I have decided to keep my sweatshirt from high school softball. We weathered 4 seasons together, and I just can't part with it. I also have 2 crew neck sweatshirts I love. A UNI one (my Alma Mater) and an Iowa one (Hawkeye fan at heart). I want to take both, but it will come down to if I have room. I know I don't need both of them, so I know I will have to leave one behind eventually.
SEE! I HAVE A PROBLEM! It's just a sweatshirt!!
There are a lot of other clothes that I found that need to be donated, as well. Still in great shape, but I either don't like them anymore or they don't fit the way I want them to (read: shorts that are way too short and I just can't see myself wearing them anymore)<------- More like, I can't believe I ever wore them. Yet again, where was the voice of reason?
Looks like I will be doing a bit of spring cleaning when I get back from Austin! No need to leave things sitting in my brother's basement or my parent's shed for a year when I know I won't want/need them when I get back.
Speaking of which, I have a microwave for sale. And, eventually, a twin sized mattress and box spring. Probably a car, too, if I can get any money out of the old girl.
Out with the old, in with the NEW!
**I don't really blame my mom. In her defense, I had all of my clothes packed by the time they came to help me pack up.
***I also know I'm a big girl. And I probably wouldn't have listened to my mom if she had said that to me.
****For the record, I love my mom.
I have a major hooded sweatshirt, zip up sweatshirt, and sweatpants problem.
I have an entire Tupperware container FULL of hooded sweatshirts, zip up sweatshirts, and sweatpants. At this point I would like to do the responsible thing......and blame my mom. Where was your voice of reason when you and dad helped me move out of the "lovely" apartment on Walnut St?? We even made a trip to Goodwill to donate clothes! You should have said "Daughter, for goodness sake give away some of these sweatshirts! You live in IOWA not ANTARCTICA!"
I really could not believe it. Since I will be moving to Korea for a year and only taking 2 bags (max), clearly I need to cut down my wardrobe tremendously. The first thing to go will be this insane amount of sweatshirts. Prepare yourself, Goodwill! I have decided to keep my sweatshirt from high school softball. We weathered 4 seasons together, and I just can't part with it. I also have 2 crew neck sweatshirts I love. A UNI one (my Alma Mater) and an Iowa one (Hawkeye fan at heart). I want to take both, but it will come down to if I have room. I know I don't need both of them, so I know I will have to leave one behind eventually.
SEE! I HAVE A PROBLEM! It's just a sweatshirt!!
There are a lot of other clothes that I found that need to be donated, as well. Still in great shape, but I either don't like them anymore or they don't fit the way I want them to (read: shorts that are way too short and I just can't see myself wearing them anymore)<------- More like, I can't believe I ever wore them. Yet again, where was the voice of reason?
Looks like I will be doing a bit of spring cleaning when I get back from Austin! No need to leave things sitting in my brother's basement or my parent's shed for a year when I know I won't want/need them when I get back.
Speaking of which, I have a microwave for sale. And, eventually, a twin sized mattress and box spring. Probably a car, too, if I can get any money out of the old girl.
Out with the old, in with the NEW!
**I don't really blame my mom. In her defense, I had all of my clothes packed by the time they came to help me pack up.
***I also know I'm a big girl. And I probably wouldn't have listened to my mom if she had said that to me.
****For the record, I love my mom.
Monday, April 11, 2011
spring is in the air
Government shutdown averted, at least until Thursday. I'm not putting much stock in the government that they will actually agree on the budget deal they said they agreed upon. Just the pessimist in me, I suppose.
It is finally starting to feel like spring here in the beautiful Midwest. What does spring feel like, you might ask?
I love this time of year. My ankles were covered in dirt from demonstrating how to shuffle your feet to field a grounder, some of the 8 year olds were whining about how tired they were, and the weather is gorgeous enough to produce severe weather. Can't ask for much more then that!
Not to mention, college softball is on TV right now. It definitely makes me miss the competition and the thrill of having the bases loaded with two outs and pitching my way out of the inning, scoreless. Just part of growing up and being washed up, I guess. On the bright side, I've been working with my niece on pitching when we have time and her fundamentals are really coming along. So much fun to see!
I will definitely miss the opportunity to see my nieces and nephews all of the time, especially the 3 little girls I am currently living with. There are always benefits and drawbacks to every decision, and that is definitely the biggest downside to the decision to move abroad.
Sometimes, though, you have to be selfish, and that is what I am doing with this decision. I am looking out for me, myself, and I. This is what is best for me, right now. If I don't take this chance, I will regret it.
I start at LHF on April 26, and the season opens on the 30th. I can't wait to go back and get the season under way. It will definitely help the summer to pass quickly. I am anxious to see family this summer, and some friends whom I will miss dearly. At the same time, I am anxious to leave. Although I have learned that wishing time away is never advisable.
Happy 38th Birthday, brother. Can't wait to share a cold one together someday.
It is finally starting to feel like spring here in the beautiful Midwest. What does spring feel like, you might ask?
- It has been in the mid seventies the past two days.
- I got to see my niece score 2 goals in her soccer game yesterday (she is getting better with every game!).
- 8&Under Tournament team softball practice today.
- 10&Under League softball practice on Wednesday night.
- Tornado outbreak forecast for this afternoon.
I love this time of year. My ankles were covered in dirt from demonstrating how to shuffle your feet to field a grounder, some of the 8 year olds were whining about how tired they were, and the weather is gorgeous enough to produce severe weather. Can't ask for much more then that!
Not to mention, college softball is on TV right now. It definitely makes me miss the competition and the thrill of having the bases loaded with two outs and pitching my way out of the inning, scoreless. Just part of growing up and being washed up, I guess. On the bright side, I've been working with my niece on pitching when we have time and her fundamentals are really coming along. So much fun to see!
I will definitely miss the opportunity to see my nieces and nephews all of the time, especially the 3 little girls I am currently living with. There are always benefits and drawbacks to every decision, and that is definitely the biggest downside to the decision to move abroad.
Sometimes, though, you have to be selfish, and that is what I am doing with this decision. I am looking out for me, myself, and I. This is what is best for me, right now. If I don't take this chance, I will regret it.
I start at LHF on April 26, and the season opens on the 30th. I can't wait to go back and get the season under way. It will definitely help the summer to pass quickly. I am anxious to see family this summer, and some friends whom I will miss dearly. At the same time, I am anxious to leave. Although I have learned that wishing time away is never advisable.
Happy 38th Birthday, brother. Can't wait to share a cold one together someday.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
of government and criminals
It used to be really easy to get a visa and just hop on a plane to move to Korea and teach English. They have, very recently, made it a bit more difficult to obtain an E-2 visa. Impossible? Absolutely not. A bit more time consuming? You bet.
Part of the process is to obtain a current FBI Criminal Record Check. This record check must be apostilled (basically a stamp that is recognized internationally, ensuring the document is original). Now, while I also have to have a copy of my diploma apostilled, this is easy. I simply have a notary (found at a local bank- and an old family friend, which helped) copy and stamp the diploma. Then, I take it to the Secretary of State office in the state capital and have them apostille it for a measly $5 USD. Simple enough.
Most states, mine included, will not apostille a Federal document. That means that when I mailed my CRC to the FBI, I had to include a request that they authenticate it (essentially a notary stamp). Once I have received it back in the mail I must then send it to the U.S. Department of State in order to obtain a federal apostille stamp. Many steps? You bet. But, at the same time, fairly painless. And, really, relatively inexpensive.
If you've been living under a rock, let me enlighten you. The U.S. Congress is refusing to pull their heads out of their collective hind parts and prevent a government shut down. Government shut down=FBI agents in the field, but no FBI agents performing background checks for people applying for E-2 visas.
Not to mention many of my family members not receiving pay (much more important than my visa, but my political thoughts and feelings are not the basis of this blog).
I am hoping that since I started this process well in advance that even if the government shuts down it will (hopefully) not last for too terribly long (I study history and am putting faith in Congress--which begs the question, what the hell is wrong with me?), and I will still be able to get the previous steps completed in time.
After that process, I must send all of my documents to my school in Korea and they will obtain a visa number for me and mail it back. I must then apply for the visa with the nearest Korean consulate (in Chicago). They often require an in person interview, but once I reach that point I am going to attempt to get out of it by stating my distance from the consulate and inability to be there for an in person interview. It has worked for some.
Here's to hoping and praying that all goes smoothly.
In the meantime, I will continue my countdown to my visit to Austin to visit good friends and enjoy the beautiful 90degree weather. Spring in Iowa has been rude and completely at odds with my hopes for a full week of at least 65degrees and no rain.
Part of the process is to obtain a current FBI Criminal Record Check. This record check must be apostilled (basically a stamp that is recognized internationally, ensuring the document is original). Now, while I also have to have a copy of my diploma apostilled, this is easy. I simply have a notary (found at a local bank- and an old family friend, which helped) copy and stamp the diploma. Then, I take it to the Secretary of State office in the state capital and have them apostille it for a measly $5 USD. Simple enough.
Most states, mine included, will not apostille a Federal document. That means that when I mailed my CRC to the FBI, I had to include a request that they authenticate it (essentially a notary stamp). Once I have received it back in the mail I must then send it to the U.S. Department of State in order to obtain a federal apostille stamp. Many steps? You bet. But, at the same time, fairly painless. And, really, relatively inexpensive.
- Fingerprinting- free at the local Police department
- FBI Criminal Record Check- $18 USD
- Federal apostille- $10 USD
If you've been living under a rock, let me enlighten you. The U.S. Congress is refusing to pull their heads out of their collective hind parts and prevent a government shut down. Government shut down=FBI agents in the field, but no FBI agents performing background checks for people applying for E-2 visas.
Not to mention many of my family members not receiving pay (much more important than my visa, but my political thoughts and feelings are not the basis of this blog).
I am hoping that since I started this process well in advance that even if the government shuts down it will (hopefully) not last for too terribly long (I study history and am putting faith in Congress--which begs the question, what the hell is wrong with me?), and I will still be able to get the previous steps completed in time.
After that process, I must send all of my documents to my school in Korea and they will obtain a visa number for me and mail it back. I must then apply for the visa with the nearest Korean consulate (in Chicago). They often require an in person interview, but once I reach that point I am going to attempt to get out of it by stating my distance from the consulate and inability to be there for an in person interview. It has worked for some.
Here's to hoping and praying that all goes smoothly.
In the meantime, I will continue my countdown to my visit to Austin to visit good friends and enjoy the beautiful 90degree weather. Spring in Iowa has been rude and completely at odds with my hopes for a full week of at least 65degrees and no rain.
Friday, April 8, 2011
back in the saddle
It has obviously been quite some time since I posted last. Not to mention a lot has happened (and at the same time...nothing at all).
I considered starting a new blog to go right along with a new chapter to my life, but I liked the title and the idea of this blog so much that so far I haven't come up with something I like better. So, what has happened since my last post.
So you might understand why I felt the title of the blog still fitting. This is a new chapter to my life. A beginning. Yet, I still see it as a continuation of my life as an educator.
I will, after all, still be teaching when I am in Korea. Is it history? world cultures? government? geography? Well, no. Will I miss those things? Of course I will. Will I stop studying those things? Absolutely not. My love for history, cultures, etc. came long before I dedicated my life to education. This is just another stop along the path to my future.
I have no idea where I will end up in 5 years, 10 years from now. That is what I love about my life. Someone once told me I have a "free spirit." At the time I shrugged them off, equating the term "free spirit" with hippies, and not entirely thrilled with the comparison. The more I grow and the more I understand myself, the more I see that I really am. Not a hippie, but a free spirit. I tend to go where life takes me. There is a plan for me, and I am simply along for the ride.
I make deliberate choices, yes. I have complete control over where I go, what I do, and who I do it with. But I truly believe that whatever those decisions are, they are made for a reason. Mistakes are purposeful. So are successes.
This is what I am meant to be doing right now. This is the time I am meant to be doing it. I have, for the longest time, had an insatiable yearning to travel. To explore. To live in an environment entirely foreign and see if I am up for the challenge. I think this can be attributed to my sister, who moved abroad right after college to embark on her professional career as an educator. Her path was different than mine will be. My path is my own, and that is what I love about it.
Although I do "go where life takes me," that does not mean I refuse to plan. I have quite a few potential "plans" in mind for my post-Korea life. None of them can be decided on or come to fruition until I spend my (at least) one year there. What will I experience? What will I think of teaching ESL? What will I think of life as an expat? Will it change my career path? Will it solidify my previous path? Will it lead to me furthering my own education? They are all possibilities. Each one is exciting.
So here it is, a new beginning. One of many throughout my life, I am sure. The next few months I will be attempting to keep busy, through subbing, LHF, and softball.
Along the way I plan to give updates about finalizing everything that is necessary for my upcoming move. Maybe a few tidbits here and there about life (although I can't see it being very interesting). If you're really bored and didn't read my blog before, you can read previous posts from my student teaching journey (until I got paranoid that is...)
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." ---Mark Twain
I considered starting a new blog to go right along with a new chapter to my life, but I liked the title and the idea of this blog so much that so far I haven't come up with something I like better. So, what has happened since my last post.
- finished student teaching (that 3 on the TWS felt oh so good)
- officially graduated from college (and paid $50 to get my diploma...seriously, you didn't get enough $$ from my tuition, UNI?)
- moved in with my brother, sister-in-law, and my three nieces (so thankful that they were willing to let me crash while I get my feet on the ground)
- started substitute teaching (my first foray into the elementary teaching world)
- got a part time job--although, it's hard to even call it that because they literally never schedule me
- got hired on at Living History Farms for the upcoming season (those of you who know me, know this job is perfect for me)
- volunteered to coach my niece's 10&under softball team (those of you who know me, know this did not take any arm twisting)
- got a job teaching English in South Korea.....
So you might understand why I felt the title of the blog still fitting. This is a new chapter to my life. A beginning. Yet, I still see it as a continuation of my life as an educator.
I will, after all, still be teaching when I am in Korea. Is it history? world cultures? government? geography? Well, no. Will I miss those things? Of course I will. Will I stop studying those things? Absolutely not. My love for history, cultures, etc. came long before I dedicated my life to education. This is just another stop along the path to my future.
I have no idea where I will end up in 5 years, 10 years from now. That is what I love about my life. Someone once told me I have a "free spirit." At the time I shrugged them off, equating the term "free spirit" with hippies, and not entirely thrilled with the comparison. The more I grow and the more I understand myself, the more I see that I really am. Not a hippie, but a free spirit. I tend to go where life takes me. There is a plan for me, and I am simply along for the ride.
I make deliberate choices, yes. I have complete control over where I go, what I do, and who I do it with. But I truly believe that whatever those decisions are, they are made for a reason. Mistakes are purposeful. So are successes.
This is what I am meant to be doing right now. This is the time I am meant to be doing it. I have, for the longest time, had an insatiable yearning to travel. To explore. To live in an environment entirely foreign and see if I am up for the challenge. I think this can be attributed to my sister, who moved abroad right after college to embark on her professional career as an educator. Her path was different than mine will be. My path is my own, and that is what I love about it.
Although I do "go where life takes me," that does not mean I refuse to plan. I have quite a few potential "plans" in mind for my post-Korea life. None of them can be decided on or come to fruition until I spend my (at least) one year there. What will I experience? What will I think of teaching ESL? What will I think of life as an expat? Will it change my career path? Will it solidify my previous path? Will it lead to me furthering my own education? They are all possibilities. Each one is exciting.
So here it is, a new beginning. One of many throughout my life, I am sure. The next few months I will be attempting to keep busy, through subbing, LHF, and softball.
Along the way I plan to give updates about finalizing everything that is necessary for my upcoming move. Maybe a few tidbits here and there about life (although I can't see it being very interesting). If you're really bored and didn't read my blog before, you can read previous posts from my student teaching journey (until I got paranoid that is...)
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." ---Mark Twain
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