Oscars with the Varner Ladies

Last night the 83rd Annual Academy Awards were on television. My lovely coworker, Lyndsay, and her fabulous mother, Becky, hosted an Oscar party. In true Becky fashion, the get-together was complete with Becky's homemade goodies and signature Bloody Mary recipe, which is probably the best I've had. Ever. And yes, that includes all the fancy Bloody Marys at Del's and Fayzee's in La Crosse.

The night consisted of fashion and film debates, plenty of snacks, and new friends. Lyndsay and Becky definitely know how to host a wonderful party. I look forward to many more to come. Here are a few photos from the evening.

Some of the guests gathered to watch the Oscars.

Treats made by Becky.

Me with the Varner ladies, Lyndsay and Becky.

Relay University

Surprisingly I haven't posted about my new position with the American Cancer Society yet. Relay For Life is a huge part of my life down here. I manage five Relay For Life events in Bastrop, Lee, and Milam Counties. I am privileged to work with some of the most amazing volunteers who show such passion and commitment to fight back against cancer.

Last month we held our annual Relay University where we invited all our volunteers in the Central Texas Region to come share ideas and learn new tricks to help make each Relay For Life successful. The room is filled with such a positive and motivating energy. It is truly overwhelming to be in the presence of these hardworking volunteers. I am so proud to be part of the Central Texas Region and help in the efforts to eliminate cancer. Here are a few photos from that wonderful day. 

If you're interested in learning more about Relay For Life in your community, visit www.RelayForLife.org

The room where we held the general session. Look at all those volunteers!

The theme this year was Relay Remodel. Survivors and caregivers could take photos in front of this backdrop, which turned out to be a big hit this year.

A few of my coworkers, Lyndsay and Ashlee, posing in front of the backdrop. 

They emceed the survivor and caregiver photos and to make it fun and silly.

We held a table centerpiece contest. Each Relay community decorated their table based on this year's theme.

The centerpiece my community, Bastrop, came up with for the contest.

My Pseudo Mothers

If you didn’t already know, I was born in Austin. I only lived here four years, so I don’t remember much, but my parents lived in the city for eight years and made some life long friends. I am lucky enough to have kept in touch with a few of them, who now act as my mothers, since mine is over 1,000 miles away.

Last weekend Jenifer, Mary, and Terry took me out for a belated birthday dinner at a delicious Vietnamese Restaurant in South Austin. I have to say, it’s nice to have Mothers 2-4 (as they call themselves) close by!

Jenifer, me, Mary, Terry at Hao Hao.

Birthday Celebrations

Last weekend a few college friends made the trip down to Austin to escape the frigid cold and help celebrate my 24th year. Although it did snow the first night they were in town, the weekend ended up to be gorgeous and I was able to show them what Austin is all about. We went for Mexican Martinis at Trudy's, ate some delicious ice cream at Amy's, shopped on South Congress, walked around Town Lake and Barton Springs, experienced both "Dirty 6" and the more classy West 6th Street bars, and joined other Wisconsinites to cheer on the Packers to a Superbowl victory.

Not only did my Midwest girlfriends help me celebrate my birthday, but several of my new Austin friends were with me throughout the weekend, making it unforgettable. Thank you to all who made my 24th birthday special!

Shopping on South Congress - had to try on cowboy hats!

Walking around Town Lake.

Amanda, Mandy, me and Shannon on my birthday.

The massive birthday fortune cookie dessert I received from Imperia. 

They even typed up a personalized fortune just for me.

Friends, new and old, celebrating my birthday.

Go Pack Go!

Blizzard

It seems like the entire country is experiencing blizzard-like conditions this week. My sister's classes at Mizzou have been cancelled two days in a row, Chicago is suppose to get record snow fall in the next 24 hours, and even here in Austin the temperatures are expected to drop to the teens with a chance of snow Thursday night.

My hope is that this weather does not stop my friends from making their way down to Austin. On Thursday Amanda, Mandy, and Shannon are flying down from Milwaukee and Minneapolis to celebrate my birthday. Cross your fingers they get here safe.

In honor of the storm, here are a few photos of the record snowfall in Rochester this past December. Keep warm out there!

My home in Rochester. I don't miss the snow, but this picture sure is pretty.

The snow is taller than my Momma.