3 Months

It's taken me awhile to start this post...because, there hasn't been much to blog about.  I've stuck to the goal and haven't broken any of the rules for the secondhand challenge.  Time has gone by rather quickly....I've saved hundreds of dollars, simply because the impulse purchases I used to succumb to are off limits now.  In the meantime, the hubby and I have paid off several thousand dollars worth of debt...and we are in total gazelle mode.  Speaking of the hubby...he's getting a promotion soon that could lead to an increase in income that would put him above his masters-degree-holding wifey.  At this rate, we'll be paying off the mortgage before our future kids start grade school.  Cha-ching!

Any who...the second hand challenge continues to be a great test in patience and frugality...thrown in with a little adventure.  I'm over 25% of the way to reaching my year-long goal, and I've enjoyed every day of it!  It's taught me that it really doesn't cost much to lead a fulfilling life.  (The best things in life are free.)

xoxo

The Falls (at McKinney State Park)

I was so hung over the day I visited McKinney Falls for the first time...but I just had to get out in the open.  I had spent 3 days consumed with music and enveloped in crowds of strangers...I really needed a break.  So, I packed a book, my camera, some snacks and water, and headed down the road...a short 10 minute drive from mi casa, to the park.  I walked around for awhile...observed some families and mountain bikers on their Sunday afternoon outings...then I found the right spot and passed out in the grass.  (Not on grass, unfortunately).  There were ants on parade:

And, I found "the falls"...

Then, I found the best spot to lounge under the trees for a nap. 

The whole experience made me long for the days when I was in grad school...and Stef and I would take popcorn and other treats to the park to lay out.  I would study while we talked and got some sun.  It was the best!  I'll definitely spend more time here soon.

GO

It was the closest I've been to the stage before.  Alison and I were literally grabbing the railing in the front row of the Ghostland Observatory concert at the new ACL Live theatre in downtown Austin last month...and it was so fucking awesome!  I guess this was my third Ghostland show...and it didn't fail to impress.  Laser lights beamed over our head as the music was felt.  It was an amazing experience.  We were this close:

(A photo from my weak ass camera)

(No zoom necessary!!!!!!!!!!!)

Anyway...it was an awesome way to end a month filled with great music!  I would expect nothing less from springtime in Austin.  Let's see what April will bring.



In Dreams

So, I had this crazy vivid dream the other night...about a total snafu of the social network.  In the dream, I was watching random porn on YouTube, and I guess I clicked "like" on one of them...which automatically updated my Facebook and Twitter feeds...where lifelong friends, family, past teachers, and random strangers alike, were able to view my preference in porn.  Obviously, the introvert in me was completely mortified, and  I quickly tried to delete the feed (and restore my "good girl" reputation), but it was too late!  Back in the small town where I'm from, word had spread quickly, that the once "all school favorite" had turned into a sleazy out of control porn addict over night...one who broadcasts her preferences via social networks, no less!

I woke up feeling slightly exposed...and a bit wary of YouTube.  What does it all mean!?!?!