Springtime in New York!...Delayed for Rain, Possible Snow

After limited lackluster debate about where to go for vacation, we decided on New York City. (Marfa, Palm Springs and Washington D.C. were also vacation destination contenders.) Despite Chad's way-too-frequent trips to Manhattan for his old job, he didn't really get to explore the city much or do many tourist activities. Despite my few previous trips to Manhattan, I knew there was more to see and experience in the vibrant city.

I thought I picked a good week to go weather-wise. I thought we'd revel in the lush, lovely blooms of Central Park. I thought we'd take the ferry to Staten Island and enjoy the amazing views of the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. Yeah... not so much. The weather was alternately cold and rainy or colder with stinging wind and a chance of snow. Best laid plans and all that clap-trap...

I scored an amazing hotel deal on Travelzoo at a tragically hip new hotel, The Ace Hotel NYC. Chad overheard one patron accurately describe it as, "upscale dorm living, but the scene in the lobby can be a bit much on the weekends." When we arrived at the hotel to check-in, we were greeted by a velvet rope and two handsome bouncers who directed us to the hotel's desk. A booming bass stereo was thumping so loudly, I could barely hear the desk clerk. She informed us that there was a fashion show going on in the lobby (Ann Taylor Spring and Summer Preview) and a DJ spinning later. You can read Glamour magazine's bit about Rachel Bilson at the fashion show and Lucky magazine's blog about the hotel's hipster ambiance. Once we got up to our interior courtyard room on the seventh floor the noise dissipated and the small room was perfectly appointed with the essentials, including a large bathroom.

We were too late to get dinner at the Shake Shack nearby, but found our way over to Toon Thai at 435 Park Avenue South for the most delicious Thai food I've ever had. With full tummies, we returned to the hotel just as the rain started. Trying to sleep that night was a bit rough. Our interior courtyard room was pretty quiet, but we struggled to find the right balance between opening the window and running the overzealous heater.

The air coming in from the window reeked of cooking pork fat thanks to the not-so-yummy meatcentric restaurant, The Breslin. I'll skip ahead and tell you that we ate room service from The Breslin one night, and did not like it. Chad quipped that the "salad" which was nothing more than bitter lettuce swimming in oil was proof of the restaurant's "contempt for vegetable-eaters". I'll sum it up with: greasy, gross, skip it. Bear in mind that I'm a vegetarian who values her health, and doesn't think of butter as a food group unto itself, but if you like fatty meat and butter, you might like The Breslin.

Anyway, our first full day in Manhattan was bracingly cold and windy. We decided to take a cab up to The Museum of Natural History. The giant museum packs really interesting exhibits into an overwhelmingly large space. We cruised through charming, almost cozy-looking, life-size dioramas of Asian culture, Native Americas Culture, birds of many climates and then up to the dinosaur bones and fossils. The museum had so much more to see, but after nearly four hours, we were tired. We cabbed it back to Madison Square Park to eat at Shake Shack. I had the sinfully-fatty and delicious vegetarian shroom burger with fries and stole a few bites of Chad's Concrete frozen custard yummy thing. The meal was dangerously good and totally worth huddling under an outdoor heater to dine in the cold but pretty park.

We walked a few blocks back to the Ace Hotel to get ready for our show, The 39 Steps. We had front row center seats, which I didn't realize when I bought the tickets, but I'm so glad. The 39 Steps cast delivered the most hilarious, best performed show I've ever seen! Four actors play multiple parts and simulate many different scenes with deceptive ease. If you are in Manhattan, this is THE show to see, friends. My face was sore from smiling and laughing so much!

After the motion-sick-inducing cab rides thus far on our trip, Chad and I opted to walk the twenty-one blocks back up Broadway in the cold to our hotel.

Tune in tomorrow for more, including how I learned to love New York subways.

Happy Spring!

Chad pontificated that dying Easter eggs in the spring is similar to carving pumpkins in the fall: it's a creative task that sometimes doesn't turn out like you thought it would, the weather is great, and you're anticipating fun.

I'm so hippitty-hoppitty happy that spring is here. I've been walking around the house half-saying/half-singing "spring-a-ding-ding-ding!" Winter in Austin seemed to drag on too long this year. It's official that I can't deal with cold weather anymore. My blood is too thin from years of long, hot Austin summers. (I can't vouch for the scientific accuracy of the previous statement, but you get the idea.)

Since returning from the cold, rainy, dirty, crowded doldrums of Manhattan, I've confirmed yet again that I love living in Austin! (Travelogue to come in next few posts.)

Things That Bother Janie

In no particular order, these are the things that cause Janie great concern:

Kites - the bigger, the scarier

Balloons - especially Mylar

Statues - mostly just if she hasn't already seen them several times before

Scarecrows

Spray bottles - only when being sprayed near her

Any human under four-and-a-half feet tall

When someone has an apple, but doesn't share a few bites

When someone opens that cheese box (refrigerator), but doesn't give her a bite of cheese

When she sees her kitty-friend, Kenji, get lettuce, but Janie doesn't get any lettuce, even though Janie doesn't like lettuce

When the kitties fight with each other - Janie checks out the fuss, but doesn't get involved.

When a kitty wants to come inside, but no one opens the door - Janie will alert Chad or me and lead us to the door.

Sonic - Sonic is our fourteen pound male cat. He hides around corners, then jumps out at Janie when she tries to pass. He puffs up his fur and hisses. It's very scary. Janie flinches and backs away, but then she wags her tale for some reason and acts excited. Maybe it makes Janie feel included when Sonic ambushes her since he also accosts Marigold and Kenji (our other two cats).

Baths - duh. It should be noted that Janie behaves well during baths. She stands very still and gets a far away look in her eyes as if she is meditating on her happy thoughts until the bathing ceases.

Love the One You're With

I admit it. I look at other houses sometimes. I'm a homeowner, but I'm not blind. I see houses that have professionally landscaped exteriors on quieter streets. I see houses that have fireplaces and interior laundry rooms. I can't afford most of those houses, so there's no harm in just looking, right? I mean, they're totally out of my league. They're probably so accustomed to the longing glances from strangers that they don't even notice anymore.

I love my 1952 house. As I painted over a few dings inside the house, and finally painted the new door and frames outside this weekend, I couldn't help but notice this sweet house's age spots. I saw the chipped wood trim, the cracks in the shingle facade, the uneven repairs on patchwork drywall in the corners of some rooms. I looked out over the too-big-for-me yard with its raggedy mix of bare dirt, grass and weeds that needs to be mowed again already. I fantasized of a day when I'll have just a small courtyard or patio to maintain with a posh garden home or modern condo.

My dream-abode is either brand new, or newly remodeled and move-in ready. It doesn't need to be bigger, but I'd like to trade-in one of the bedrooms for another bathroom and a laundry room that doesn't involve a trip out to the carport. Oh, and of course it has ample closets. I know some people go gaga for garages, but I'm attracted to a lighted, walk-in closet myself. Though I lust after this imagined future home, I haven't found it yet. If I do find it, who's to say that the timing will be right?

For now, I love this house. I still see all the traits that first drew me here. We've had some great times and made memories. We're attuned to each others' quirks and creaks. We're comfortable together. Sometimes that's enough.

Knock-Knock. Who's There?

Living on the corner of one of Austin's busiest streets has its challenges. There are the booming bass car stereos thump-thumping past at all hours of the day and night, the loud motorcycles and modified car engines speeding by (and sometimes shaking) the bedroom windows, the honking of car horns, idling traffic on weekdays between 3:15 and 5:30 PM, the rooster across the street who crows at odd hours -- and that's just the noises. We also get more than our fair share of door-to-door solicitors selling (nonexistent, outrageously expensive) magazine subscriptions, political supporters spreading the word about their candidate or cause, people seeking donations for some legitimate charities and some questionable charities, Boy Scouts selling mulch (which was a welcome sales pitch - bought eight bags), assorted Jehovah's Witnesses, one lady selling sad string-art (not making this up) and a few confused people who thought our house was for rent. After Chad's car got side-swiped back in December, one bold soul knocked on the door offering his car-fixing services.

Once an unscheduled handyman showed up at our house in his clearly marked company vehicle wearing his company uniform. When I politely told him I wasn't expecting a handyman, he claimed he had the wrong house. This was shortly after our house was robbed, so of course I got a bit paranoid wondering if he was casing our house to see which easily-pawned items we might have replaced.

Yesterday had to be the oddest door-knocker during our habitation of the 1952 house. At noon, a man in full military fatigues stood on the stoop. Janie-dog (fifty-five pounds of mixed-breed protective services) accompanied me to the door. The man (hopefully a legitimate member of the military?) said he was sorry to bother me, but that some road debris had lodged itself under the front of his SUV. He asked to borrow a serrated knife. (All the better to stab me with?! my inner Little Red Riding Hood wondered.) Our house sits near one of the main routes to the military reserves base. He was in full fatigues with his name on his chest, so I gave him the benefit of the doubt. I brought him an old, short blade serrated knife. He thanked me and said he'd leave the knife on the front stoop when he was done. I locked the door tight behind him, just in case. He left the knife as promised when he was done. I don't trust an unscheduled handyman in company car and uniform, but I do trust a young man in military fatigues who seems worried that he's running late.

Safety First

I am saddened and sickened by the man who flew his small plane into an office building here in Austin last Thursday. This column by Austin American-Statesman's John Kelso sums up my similar feelings on the situation.

I had nightmares Thursday night after viewing news coverage of the crash. Friday night I had trouble sleeping at all. Saturday night I dreamed that our house was robbed again. Monday night while running errands, I drove past the burnt-out shell of the IRS building. It looked like a hulking ghost.

We try to be safe: wearing seat-belts, locking doors, looking both ways before crossing the road, taking vitamins, washing hands... For all the precautions we take, we can't completely avoid danger. Or get adequate sleep.

Spring Fever

Sunday we enjoyed a high temperature of 77 degrees. Chad and I (along with a LOT of other Austin residents & visitors) went kayaking on Ladybird Lake. A person can't ask for a nicer taste of spring than that. Even though Saturday was overcast and chilly, the garden stores were full of lovely spring plants. I wanted to go on a plant-buying spree, but I refrained.

Today the high will be 36 degrees with strong chance of snow and/or sleet. It's okay. I'm going to enjoy it, because summer will be here with its relentless heat and sun all too soon.

Celebrate Your Love with a Murder Mystery Dinner

I'm in another dinner theater show that's open to the public. You might think it's odd to celebrate Valentine's Eve with a whodunnit dinner show. Honestly, so do I. The upside to watching a mystery show on date night is that you're so busy trying to pay attention to clues and solve the crime while eating your yummy dinner, that there's no room for awkward date conversation or awkward periods of silence. That's gotta be good for new romances and long-standing romances alike. Just sayin'.

Saturday, February 13
Enjoy a three course meal & three act show.
$50 per person, not including tax & tip.
Show starts promptly at 7:30.
Dave & Buster's Austin
Call 512-346-8015 for reservations.

Temple Grandin

If you have HBO, set your video recorder for the premiere of the biopic Temple Grandin tonight at 7:00 Central / 8:00 Eastern. Filmed in the Austin area, starring Claire Danes, this movie recreates the fascinating history of Temple Grandin - a talented and intelligent, autistic woman who researched and designed advances in the humane treatment of cattle and who also serves as an advocate for autistic people. I watched the film Thursday night at HBO's Texas premiere party, and loved it. The story was touching, visually artful and humorous. While watching I completely forgot about Claire Danes as an actress, and was immersed in Temple Grandin's personae. Claire Danes did an amazing job. I don't want to give anything about the story away, so no spoilers here.

HBO kindly and thoughtfully hosted a lovely premiere event at the Austin Convention Center with Temple Grandin herself speaking after the movie. Ms. Grandin spoke with charm, wit and passion about her research and about living with autism. I'm so glad I was invited to attend. HBO also gave copies of Ms. Grandin's book Thinking in Pictures to guests. I'm looking forward to reading it!

Friends, you may remember me gushing over getting to work on this film as a 1965 airline stewardess. You can see my back in the first scene. I'm in a beige stewardess outfit with my hair in a bun and a pillbox hat. Honestly, I'm a tad disappointed that my face isn't visible in the film, but that's such a shallow complaint in light of this great story. I'm blessed that I was able to be a teeny-tiny part of such a wonderful project.

Emerging from the Germs

I spent the better part of December and January with a tenacious cold-sinus infection-bronchitis bug. Lots of coughing, nose-blowing, tiredness and general malaise. I made it to the gym a few times for slower than usual, lighter than usual, less frequent than usual workouts. Chad took over most of the dog walking duties. I spent more time than usual at the house drinking more hot tea than usual and going through way more boxes of tissues than usual.

My major accomplishment during this sick time was finishing the pictured 1000-piece puzzle with Chad's assistance.



I'm now ready to get back to my usual schedule of going to the gym three times a week, keeping up with the chores and walking the dog a few miles everyday. Wish me luck!

There, in the sky, that's weird.

Our precious pooch, Janie, alerted me to the presence of an enormous kite in our airspace last week. In full Lassie-mode, Janie whipped her head towards the giant kite on the horizon, then whipped her head back to me, urging me with her eyes to make that thing leave. She trotted back and forth between me and the fence barking with concern.

I tried to get Janie inside and distract her from the perceived threat in the sky, but she wasn't having it. Janie very rarely jumps at the door, but this kite had to be stopped, even if she had to open the door herself. After ten minutes of continuous barking and jumping at the door, I went back outside with her. We sat on the deck steps together. I hugged her tight and repeated, "it's okay. It's not going to get you." Still she watched worriedly, giving warning yips every few minutes. Even after the kite's merciful retreat, Janie wanted to run out every few minutes and check the sky for interlopers.

Tonight as I sat reading and Chad sat tapping on his keyboard, we heard Janie talking in her sleep, giving quiet tight-lipped yips. Chad quipped, "she's saying, don't let that kite get me. She's having a kite-mare."

Donate Now

If you have not already donated money to the Haiti earthquake disaster relief, I implore you to do so now. I donated through UNICEF. Here is the email message I received today:
_________________________________________________________________

Words fail: up to two million children are at risk in Haiti right now.

Separated from their families. Trapped under rubble. Countless newly orphaned. Desperate.

Every moment matters: donate NOW and 100% of every dollar to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF will go directly to fund child-saving relief efforts in Haiti.

We can save these children. I say this because I've seen your generosity and I've seen UNICEF's response. Less than 48 hours ago, UNICEF delivered to Port-au-Prince:
10,000 tarpaulins
4,600 water containers
5.5 million water purification tablets
556,000 oral rehydration sachets
These supplies are bringing critical relief to up to 10,000 families. An additional 20,000 families will receive similar supplies momentarily. But it's not enough and these two million children are relying completely on international relief.

Please give now: every gift will save a life, and 100% of your donation will go directly to UNICEF to support relief efforts.

Children in Haiti have nowhere to go. No homes, no hospitals, no government aid centers. There is literally nothing beyond what you and I and the rest of the relief community can provide.

Yes, delivering relief into the country has been exceedingly difficult. Yes, logistics and communications have taken time.

But this means nothing in the face of these children who need us. We will do whatever it takes to save these children, no matter how difficult, how seemingly impossible.

Please, help us save more lives.

With humility,
Caryl M. Stern
President and CEO
U.S. Fund for UNICEF


P.S. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF is absorbing all administrative fees associated with handling your donation, so that you can be confident 100% of every dollar you give will go directly to relief efforts.

Happy New Year!

I'm paraphrasing Charles Dickens from A Tale of Two Cities here: 2009, it rocked in some ways and sucked in others.

Rocked:

Chad started his own business with two great partners that exceeded our best expectations!

Chad discovered the joys of actually living at home versus spending far too much time on business travel.

I actually got to spend time with Chad and have a handsome date to dinner and events.

I was fortunate to work as a production assistant for the auditions for Broadway's Spiderman musical. It was a blast! 250 amazingly talented young people auditioned for two roles. Two were chosen to move on to New York City!

We spent the equivalent $ of a European vacation on a new HVAC system which is much more eco-friendly and works great.

We welcomed Harper to one branch of the family tree and Regan to the other branch. Hello, nieces!

Our sweet pets: Marigold, Kenji, Sonic and Janie are all still with us - happy and healthy.

Sucked:

We spent the equivalent $ of a European vacation on a new HVAC system.

Chad learned some of the pitfalls of running his own business during back-to-back all-nighters on the phone with India.

We lost Chad's Papa F. Consequently, Chad spent his birthday this year at Papa's funeral.

Our sweet 1952 house got robbed. We're still recovering financially, physically (door repairs / painting replacements) and emotionally from this major inconvenience.

One month after the extended warranty ended on my car, we spent the equivalent $ of a deluxe domestic vacation on my (stupid) car repairs. Three words: Melted Engine Parts.

Chad's car got side-swiped parked on the street in front of our house mere days ago. To quote Chad, "it looks like a beater-car now".

Goodbye, 2009. We'll not forget you and your events. You had flair for drama, friend!

Glamorous!

Much of my life as an actress is not at all glamorous. Tonight's peak behind-the-scenes found me in the greenroom gluing on fake nails for tonight's dinner mystery show while running lines with my fellow-actors. I rocked those nails during the show, and will rock them for a few more days as that glue is strong! Classy, right?

The Dave & Buster's showroom may not be Broadway, but I had a blast helping the audience celebrate New Year's Eve. I've never gotten so many hugs after a show. Thanks to all who came out! I'm so blessed to get paid for doing what I love!

Old Year's Resolutions

Instead of looking forward to 2010 just yet, I must attend to some unfinished business for 2009.

1. Paint the exterior door frames after getting new security doors.
2. Finish installing all the new doorknobs and locks.
3. Get all the new locks re-keyed to match so I don't have six different house keys to carry around. I'd like to cut that number to two house keys.
4. Make key copies to distribute to a select number of responsible friends who can come to my aid when I lock myself out of the house or when I need a cat-sitter. Don't all volunteer at once...
5. Hand-wash cashmere sweaters. I think I procrastinate over this task, because I don't love the smell of wet goat and Woolite. However, I do like having my choice of clean sweaters on cold days.
6. Learn lines for New Year's Eve show.
7. Shamelessly plug the New Year's Eve show even though I'm sheepish about people I know seeing these shows. Just remember, it's not high-art, and it's all in good, silly fun.

New Year's Eve at Dave & Buster's in Austin!

hilarious three-act mystery
chef crafted three-course dinner
complimentary power card for games
midnight countdown with champagne toast, dancing and DJ!
doors open at 7:30pm
dinner & performance begin at 8:30pm

Space is limited. Call Special Events at 512-346-8015 today!
$64.99 per person (plus tax & gratuity).
Reservations required.

Open Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

We got our new security doors and new, sturdier side door installed this week. This is great, except that we now have a lot of painting to do of door frames and the new door. I know it's a busy time of year, but maybe you could spare an elf to help us paint? Please.

Other than help with the never-ending list of home-maintenance projects, the gifts I want this year aren't things that the elves can build. I want more fun times with friends; more travel with Chad to places such as Washington D.C., New York City, Boston, Ireland and Marfa; more moments of discovery and joy.

I apologize that we haven't decorated for Christmas yet, unless you count putting the red & green collar on the dog, but we've been awfully busy. We're gonna get right on that tomorrow!

So, um, what time can I expect the painter-elf to arrive?

Love,
Jenn

My Favorite Things

I'm sure you've all heard that Oprah is not doing a "Favorite Things" episode this year. To fill the void, I'm splashing out with my own spin on "Favorite Things".

I love this necklace. It's sparkly, lovely and handmade.


These condos are my favorite addition to the overcrowded condo market in Austin. They've been designed in an eco-friendly manner, are in a great neighborhood, and each unit has a private balcony and rooftop terrace! I'm thankful for my 1952 house, but a girl can dream.

This scarf adds a little flash to outfits. It's from Martin & Osa. I find that Martin & Osa is my favorite chain store lately.


My favorite local store in Austin, Adelante, happens to be located mere blocks from our house.


Book People earned the title of the largest, independent book store, and features great staff selections for books. While Book People is my favorite book store, Half Price Books is a very close second.



I'm not much of a foodie. A good self-serve salad bar makes me happy. The Whole Foods at 5th Street and Lamar Boulevard has an amazing salad bar with lots of vegetarian selections.


I love me some scented candles. Lights Out Candles are produced locally with soy wax and lead-free wicks. The nag champa scent is so delicious and earthy smelling.


My favorite self-indulgence is a visit to Milk and Honey Spa. I've been to both locations and find the atmosphere and services heavenly.


Readers, I hope this helps with your withdrawal process during the Oprah no "Favorite Things" kerfuffle. Don't bother looking under your seats for any of these items, but you might want to vacuum under there.

Workin' On It

A very nice handyman repaired and reinforced the door jamb and door frame just a few days after the door-kick-in-house-robbery back in early October. However, we're still working on cosmetic repairs. I painted the exterior of the front door frame and door yesterday and today. Chad continues to toil at the task of repairing the drywall and texture around the inside of the front door frame. Then I'll paint that area.

One good thing about prepping the front door to be painted was that I cleaned off a year's worth of dirt, dead bugs and spiderwebs from the entryway. Ewww. It looks much better now.

I've ordered the security storm doors and a new, much sturdier door for the carport entry. All should be installed by mid-December.

After gathering and submitting much paperwork, we got our check from the insurance company (minus the $1000 deductible and depreciated value of our stuff versus the actual replacement cost). We opted not to replace some of the stuff that was stolen. Between beefing up security at the 1952 house and replacing some of our items, it's been an expensive venture.

I still hesitate to leave the house. I have a somewhat irrational fear that if an opportunistic robber sees my car gone or sees me leave with Janie-dog on foot, our house will be robbed again. I'm working on shedding that fear.

Happy Pre-Halloween

We skipped the hosting of the sometimes-annual BYOP shindig this year, but we couldn't skip pumpkin carving altogether. As usual, Chad's is super-arty, masterfully crafted and generally cooler than mine. I'm just the weensiest bit bitter and jealous about his mad jack-o-lantern skills. Love his ode to Dia de los Muertos. I was feeling lazy and did the bedazzled cat face.



And here's our spider-friend. I call him Hector.

No BYOP This Year. Come to a Show Instead!

Sadly, the recent break-in at our house was the final nail in the coffin of this year's BYOP party. Chad and I decided not to host our sometimes-annual pumpkin carving party this year. We're both tired and over-scheduled. Life has thrown too many curveballs of late.

However, if you want to share in some Halloween fun with me, I'll be in two dinner mystery shows for Halloween. Both shows are open to the public. Costumes are encouraged as you will be attending Victoria Van dor Voort's (that's my character's) annual Halloween party in the year of 1929. When rumors start circulating the party of a little dip in the stock market, the accountant better watch his back! (October 29, 1929 -- google it if you need a little perspective.)

Friday, October 30, 2009

ONLY $50 PER PERSON!
(Includes tax/gratuity for dinner, the show and a fun costume contest with prizes!)

DAVE & BUSTERS
9333 RESEARCH BLVD #A600
512-346-8015 FOR RESERVATIONS

&

Saturday October 31, 2009
ONLY $33.50 PER PERSON!
(Not including tax/gratuity for dinner and the show.)

Spaghetti Warehouse
117 W 4th St. Austin, TX
512-825-1253 FOR RESERVATIONS