My college friend James Arroyo moved to NYC several years ago. He loves it there. He's adapted to the size of the city and the weather rather well. However, I never expected this:
"Hey folks, I just got back from a curling club in Ardsley and have been tapped to join the Israeli curling team. Our goal is Vancouver in 2010(this isn't a joke). We went to a bonspiel (curling tourney) last week and joined the country club today."
WTF? Curling? That sport on ice with brooms? HUH? Israeli team? Olympics? What the hell are you talking about?
That was pretty much the text of my e-mail reply to James. Somehow, this Latino, Longhorn lovin', recovering Catholic from Austin, TX is going to be a member of the Israeli Olympic curling team. Sometimes life makes no sense.
And, apparently they're making a documentary about their team. The trailer is on-line, if you're interested. It takes a while to load, but I thought it was well worth it.
Enjoy.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Mundi News
Just in case you don't know, my husband Darrel is a musician and has a band called Mundi. (They used to be called The Mundi Ensemble, but dropped the The and the Ensemble. Don't ask me why, cuz he never told me.) They play Renaissance Folk Rock. I'm not exactly sure what that means, but it does sound really good. And at least he doesn't play thrash metal!
In the Austin Chronicle's 2005-2006 Music Awards, they were in 5th place for Best Instrumental Band. A very respectable showing, I think. Yay Mundi!
Also, the band is going on a 2 week tour of Spain this summer. How cool is that? Darrel found someone in Spain who books musical acts into small towns, etc. and he liked Mundi. I was skeptical (don't tell D) that it would actually happen, but apparently, it's going to! The Spanish fella has dates and everything all lined up for them. Very exciting. It'd be more exciting if I was going to, but maybe next year.
So, buy the Mundi CD, come to Mundi shows, and generally support them so that they can buy their plane tickets! Please!!! They really wanna go!
Oh, and they're making a CD with a Tibetan Buddhist Monk who lives in California. How eclectic! I live with quite the creative one don't I? Lucky gal!
In the Austin Chronicle's 2005-2006 Music Awards, they were in 5th place for Best Instrumental Band. A very respectable showing, I think. Yay Mundi!
Also, the band is going on a 2 week tour of Spain this summer. How cool is that? Darrel found someone in Spain who books musical acts into small towns, etc. and he liked Mundi. I was skeptical (don't tell D) that it would actually happen, but apparently, it's going to! The Spanish fella has dates and everything all lined up for them. Very exciting. It'd be more exciting if I was going to, but maybe next year.
So, buy the Mundi CD, come to Mundi shows, and generally support them so that they can buy their plane tickets! Please!!! They really wanna go!
Oh, and they're making a CD with a Tibetan Buddhist Monk who lives in California. How eclectic! I live with quite the creative one don't I? Lucky gal!
Monday, March 20, 2006
SXSW
SXSW was last week. If you're in Austin, this is not news to you. If you're in the music business, it's not news to you either.
I haven't gone to any SXSW events since wrist bands were, say $25.00. Considering they were selling this year for $150.00, that means it's been at least 10-15 years. Lordy, that makes me feel pretty damn old.
This year, thanks to my addiction to KEXP, I was interested in SXSW for the first time in a long time. However, paying over $100 for a wrist band was not an option. Luckily, there were plenty of free shows during the week. I had no idea.
KEXP was in town broadcasting live Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from the Austin City Limits studios, which is conveniently located about a block from my office. They called for volunteers, and I answered. I hung out there on Wednesday for about 3 1/2 hours giving out free stuff, directing people into the studio and to the bathrooms, talking to people and enjoying music. I got to meet DJs Cheryl Waters and Kevin Cole, and they were amazingly nice. I saw Editors and tapes 'n tapes. Both bands were fabulous. Great station, great people, great music, great time.
I went to a free house party on Thursday with Carrie. There was free beer, dogs and children in the Maplewood neighborhood in East Austin that afternoon. How much do I love Austin? I wanted very badly to see Rocky Votolato, as I love his album Makers. I was not disappointed. He said he was not well, but you could have fooled me. He sounded wonderful. The Long Winters were next, and though I didn't know much about them, I thought they were great too. I'll be grabbing their CD once I get a chance.
After that, I called Robin and asked if she wanted to go to the free Town Lake show. She was luckily game (thanks Robin!) and we headed out there. I caught the end of the Blackalicious set. I wish I had seen more. They were amazing! I held out through Spoon, who were great as well. By that time, I was feeling my age, and headed home. Reports are that Echo and the Bunnymen put on a great show, and I guess I should have stayed. Oh well.
Friday we went to the Jane party downtown and a new place called the Beauty Bar. More free drinks and free food. Carrie, Robin, Shanna, Dana and I ate, drank, and did lots of people watching. We saw some of Film School (good) What Made Milwaukee Famous (very good) and Of Montreal (also very good and super entertaining). I wanted to stay around for Nada Surf, but Darrel and Emma were home from their spring break camping trip, I was tired and a bit tipsy, and decided I should be responsible and go home. As I drove past Club Deville, I heard Clap Your Hands Say Yeah who were playing yet another free show (well $2.00) there. Dang, if I had been younger, and had no responsibilities!
And so ended 2006 SXSW for Angela. I had a great time and can't wait until next year.
I haven't gone to any SXSW events since wrist bands were, say $25.00. Considering they were selling this year for $150.00, that means it's been at least 10-15 years. Lordy, that makes me feel pretty damn old.
This year, thanks to my addiction to KEXP, I was interested in SXSW for the first time in a long time. However, paying over $100 for a wrist band was not an option. Luckily, there were plenty of free shows during the week. I had no idea.
KEXP was in town broadcasting live Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from the Austin City Limits studios, which is conveniently located about a block from my office. They called for volunteers, and I answered. I hung out there on Wednesday for about 3 1/2 hours giving out free stuff, directing people into the studio and to the bathrooms, talking to people and enjoying music. I got to meet DJs Cheryl Waters and Kevin Cole, and they were amazingly nice. I saw Editors and tapes 'n tapes. Both bands were fabulous. Great station, great people, great music, great time.
I went to a free house party on Thursday with Carrie. There was free beer, dogs and children in the Maplewood neighborhood in East Austin that afternoon. How much do I love Austin? I wanted very badly to see Rocky Votolato, as I love his album Makers. I was not disappointed. He said he was not well, but you could have fooled me. He sounded wonderful. The Long Winters were next, and though I didn't know much about them, I thought they were great too. I'll be grabbing their CD once I get a chance.
After that, I called Robin and asked if she wanted to go to the free Town Lake show. She was luckily game (thanks Robin!) and we headed out there. I caught the end of the Blackalicious set. I wish I had seen more. They were amazing! I held out through Spoon, who were great as well. By that time, I was feeling my age, and headed home. Reports are that Echo and the Bunnymen put on a great show, and I guess I should have stayed. Oh well.
Friday we went to the Jane party downtown and a new place called the Beauty Bar. More free drinks and free food. Carrie, Robin, Shanna, Dana and I ate, drank, and did lots of people watching. We saw some of Film School (good) What Made Milwaukee Famous (very good) and Of Montreal (also very good and super entertaining). I wanted to stay around for Nada Surf, but Darrel and Emma were home from their spring break camping trip, I was tired and a bit tipsy, and decided I should be responsible and go home. As I drove past Club Deville, I heard Clap Your Hands Say Yeah who were playing yet another free show (well $2.00) there. Dang, if I had been younger, and had no responsibilities!
And so ended 2006 SXSW for Angela. I had a great time and can't wait until next year.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Stitching is Sublime
Emma and I have been doing some embroidery lately. Well, she's been supervising, and I've been stitching. Our two pieces are finally finished, I think.
To see some close up shots, go here.
To see some close up shots, go here.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Pledge KEXP Now!!!
Thanks to the lovely Mindy Johnson, I was introduced to KEXP, a fantastic Seattle public radio station. I don't know how I had lived without it for so long. They play a wonderful variety of music. I had lost interest in most music several years ago, probably having something to do with becoming a mom and being married to a musician. I felt there was little time or money to spend on new music and that I got enough at home. Then KEXP dropped into my life and I'm all excited about music again. So excited that when I heard they were coming to Austin for SXSW and broadcasting from the Austin City Limits studios two blocks from my office, I volunteered to help. I can't wait!
If you haven't checked them out, you should. John in the Morning's show, which conveniently airs from 8am - noon CST, is my favorite and gets me through even the roughest Mondays.
They're having the pledge drive now, and if you can spare some change, please consider it. These people work hard. I've e-mailed into the station, and have gotten a response back within, like, 15 minutes! From a DJ who was currently on air! How insane is that? And who else would play Matthew Sweet, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Willie Nelson, and The The all in the same hour?
So, that was my plug for KEXP. Now go listen and give some cash, dammit.
If you haven't checked them out, you should. John in the Morning's show, which conveniently airs from 8am - noon CST, is my favorite and gets me through even the roughest Mondays.
They're having the pledge drive now, and if you can spare some change, please consider it. These people work hard. I've e-mailed into the station, and have gotten a response back within, like, 15 minutes! From a DJ who was currently on air! How insane is that? And who else would play Matthew Sweet, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Willie Nelson, and The The all in the same hour?
So, that was my plug for KEXP. Now go listen and give some cash, dammit.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Central Market
I met Darrel and Emma at Central Market after work for dinner. We hadn't been there in a while. Emma loves the playscape. I had an odd Cesar salad. Every 5th bite tasted a bit strange. I kept eating it, cuz the other 4 bites were too tasty to stop. So far, I'm not ill or dead, so I'm sure it wasn't a big deal.
They changed their menu about, what, 6 months ago or so. I preferred the old one. The took off the kids macaroni and cheese. Are they insane? That was the best thing on the menu. Emma loved it! I loved it! You can still buy it in the store, all ready to pop in the microwave and heat up, but for some reason, no longer in the cafe. Makes no sense.
We ate, Emma played, and then we fed the ducks. And the turtles and the fish. Those minnows are mad. There were lots of red winged black birds perched on the reeds around the little lake. We used to have them hanging around our backyard a couple of years ago, but I haven't seen them in a while. They're all at Central Market, apparently.
Emma and I came home and watched Shrek. A thoroughly entertaining movie, I must admit. Darrel is out at a lecture being given by a Tibetan Monk who he is making a CD with tomorrow evening. Darrel will also be away most of the weekend at a Buddhist retreat. He's not really a Buddhist, but I suppose he's closer to that than to anything else.
I just re-read this, and good god it's boring. Central Market, ducks, Shrek?? Wow! If you're still reading this, you must have a life that's even duller than mine. That's a shame.
They changed their menu about, what, 6 months ago or so. I preferred the old one. The took off the kids macaroni and cheese. Are they insane? That was the best thing on the menu. Emma loved it! I loved it! You can still buy it in the store, all ready to pop in the microwave and heat up, but for some reason, no longer in the cafe. Makes no sense.
We ate, Emma played, and then we fed the ducks. And the turtles and the fish. Those minnows are mad. There were lots of red winged black birds perched on the reeds around the little lake. We used to have them hanging around our backyard a couple of years ago, but I haven't seen them in a while. They're all at Central Market, apparently.
Emma and I came home and watched Shrek. A thoroughly entertaining movie, I must admit. Darrel is out at a lecture being given by a Tibetan Monk who he is making a CD with tomorrow evening. Darrel will also be away most of the weekend at a Buddhist retreat. He's not really a Buddhist, but I suppose he's closer to that than to anything else.
I just re-read this, and good god it's boring. Central Market, ducks, Shrek?? Wow! If you're still reading this, you must have a life that's even duller than mine. That's a shame.
Math
Emma is 6 and will be 7 in April. This puts her in the first grade at the fabulous Lee Elementary here in central Austin. She loves school. She is not a genius, but she is pretty smart and tries really hard. First grade is alot different than kindergarten, and we all initially had a difficult time adjusting. Gone is the focus on social skills and comments from teachers like "She is such a helpful child." "She gets along well with everyone." It is now time to get down to the business of learning, dang it!
All of that is well and good. The issue with Emma is that she is a little too tough on herself at times. She gets frustrated very easily with things she cannot do perfectly. She has also started comparing herself with her friends at school. Last night, through tears she said, "But all my other friends can do it." This was in reference to a practice math quiz that we were working on. I tell her that doesn't matter. I tell her that she will do it, maybe just not right now. I tell her that I love her. I try to tell her everything a good parent should during moments like these. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to help. She feels no better, and I feel helpless and useless. So what now?
These moments have been occurring at various times since this school year began. She's not the kind of kid to be ahead of the curve-to catch onto things before everyone else. But, she does eventually get it. And when she does, she nails it. She just needs to ease up on herself.
How do you explain that to a 6 year old?
All of that is well and good. The issue with Emma is that she is a little too tough on herself at times. She gets frustrated very easily with things she cannot do perfectly. She has also started comparing herself with her friends at school. Last night, through tears she said, "But all my other friends can do it." This was in reference to a practice math quiz that we were working on. I tell her that doesn't matter. I tell her that she will do it, maybe just not right now. I tell her that I love her. I try to tell her everything a good parent should during moments like these. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to help. She feels no better, and I feel helpless and useless. So what now?
These moments have been occurring at various times since this school year began. She's not the kind of kid to be ahead of the curve-to catch onto things before everyone else. But, she does eventually get it. And when she does, she nails it. She just needs to ease up on herself.
How do you explain that to a 6 year old?
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
First Post - EVER!
OK, so I've succumbed to the temptation and have started a blog. Lord, what has happened to me? Have I become so vain that I think people will want to know what is going on in my life? Who would care but those who live in my little house? Sometimes even that's a stretch.
I suppose I can consider this my first diary. A diary that anyone with an internet connection could read. So, I'll try to keep it clean.
So what's up with the name? Well, I was trying to think of something creative, witty and relevant to me. I an neither creative or witty, so I was left with few options. We are, however, big fans of Roald Dahl, and have an audio tape version of The Giraffe, the Pelly and Me read by Hugh Laurie that is brilliant. So, why not?
We are my wonderful husband Darrel and my beautiful daughter Emma. Photos to come soon, promise.
There will be more to come, but for now, I must turn off this machine and spend some quality time with the husband.
Ta.
I suppose I can consider this my first diary. A diary that anyone with an internet connection could read. So, I'll try to keep it clean.
So what's up with the name? Well, I was trying to think of something creative, witty and relevant to me. I an neither creative or witty, so I was left with few options. We are, however, big fans of Roald Dahl, and have an audio tape version of The Giraffe, the Pelly and Me read by Hugh Laurie that is brilliant. So, why not?
We are my wonderful husband Darrel and my beautiful daughter Emma. Photos to come soon, promise.
There will be more to come, but for now, I must turn off this machine and spend some quality time with the husband.
Ta.
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