Shortly after I left the place this morning, and headed into work, I realized that I was not only the last patron to leave Solo Cafe before they closed for renovations, but I was the first patron in the door this morning. I guess if you measured just by this, you’d think I’m a total Solo junkie, and well I kind of am, but I’m not always there for the coffee. It’s really a second home almost for me. It’s so relaxing and there’s always so much going on. Not to mention it connects to the best. salon. ever.

As I was saying, today was the re-opening of Solo. I had an 8:30am meeting this morning but was determined to stop in and see what went on while I was locked out. I was joined by the infamous Matthew Petro.

I am glad to say that the feel remained the same. Some of the changes included moving the large round tables a bit and adding some smaller white ones which were pretty comfy. The “TV viewing area” was opened up and the couch and two matching chairs moved where the leather chairs used to be. The bicycle everyone remembers so much has been replaced with an awesome one of a kind mural that was painted on the walls by local artists while cleaning and renovating was being done.

The kitchen is coming along and a food menu should be available shortly. In addition there will be patio seating along the back patio of the cafe and I think I heard there would be a fire pit eventually as well. Smores n’ Lattes sounds like a fantastic night to me.

My peppermint cream was just as good as last time as was my cherry danish I haven’t enjoyed in awhile.

I’ve heard about a local tea place opening up, White August. Would be awesome if some of their teas were brought into Solo too.

Great way to start the day today, and glad to have my security blanket back and the balance back in my life

Solo – you rock!

This past Wednesday was the third Ignite Phoenix. I was fortunate enough to tag along to the 2nd one last October, which was only a few days after my arrival in the Phoenix area. I hadn’t heard much about it before that night, and pretty much only knew two people that were there (I’m sure a lot of you probably saw me and didn’t even know it), so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Of course I had some guesses, and they were *way* off base.

For the third Ignite, I knew what to expect and knew some of the presenters. I definitely felt like part of the gang instead of a visitor this time. It’s reminded me of all the awesome things that have happened in the four months I’ve been here.

The event took place at the Tempe Center for the Arts. The room we were in as well as the center itself was so beautiful. The combination of the tall windows and the water running right outside the venue made it look like the room was floating.

There were some amazing presenters. I absolutely loved the focus on the community that was expressed. The presentation on volunteering and getting out and doing something was so inspiring. I appreciated the presenters directness on telling people that their lack of time excuse is bullshit.

There were also some hilarious presentations such as 20 Answers to 20 Unanswered Questions. What a great way to end the night. I mean, now that I know the answer to “How many drinks is too many?” is “The last one,” I am much better off.

Afterwards, I headed to the post Ignite bash at Macayos. I met a few new people, which was one of my goals as well as hang out with those I already knew. Great time!

I’m pretty pumped for Ignite 4!

Yep. That should get some attention.

I’ve realized lately that I am beginning to enjoy cooking a bit. I used to despise it and much preferred baking only. Alas, I don’t like going out all the time and have not found a chef to work for free yet, so I have been forced into cooking slavery. Good thing is I don’t really mind it.

What bothers me about it though is cooking for myself. This is not nearly as fun as cooking a dinner to eat with others. For the most part, I am not a roommate person, so there are nights when I tend to eat alone.

This needs to stop, and I know there are others that end up in this situation too.

Therefore, I think we should have dinner parties. At least twice a month have a few people gather and have dinner and some amazing dessert. The host could cook and the others could bring some dessert or wine. The dinner could be rotated every time.

Who’s in for this? I am so game and want to start now!! I have some great recipes up my sleeves! Could even make use of my pool/hot tub area when I cook!!

This edition of Grace :: Balance :: Courage is brought to you by the luscious orange trees gracing roads and parking lots throughout Maricopa County.

If you’ve spent any amount of time in Scottsdale, Tempe, or elsewhere in the Phoenix area, I know you’ve seen the gorgeous orange trees that typically line areas of road and parking lots. There are several of these spots near my house, and my office parking lot has plenty as well.

I’ve seemed to notice lately that no one seems to do anything with the fruit when it’s ready to pick. It just sits there, rots, and falls off the tree useless. Why is this? One thing I love and appreciate about this area is all the green and local initiatives that are everywhere. How does something like this go unnoticed? I would love to find out how something could get started to harvest the fruit when its ready. It could be put to such good use – be sold to benefit the community, or better yet, be given to the homeless and those who desperately could use it.

Does anyone in the area know of any initiatives, past or present, lost or won, that deal with this issue? I’d love to become involved if there is.

Hmmm, that title now made me think of the movie Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer, but that’s a whole other story. Tonight of course was Rockaroke night at the Yucca Tap Room in Tempe, and I managed to drag another one of my friends along. This week since school is back in session it was *packed*. There was also dancing, which made it MUCH better.

It took me awhile to get a book, and after a coin toss, I decided on Radiohead’s Creep. I got the count messed up at the beginning but still managed to finish okay. Got a lot of “you’ve got a great set of pipes” compliments afterwards so at least I didn’t completely blow it. I promptly put in the other one I was stuck between, which was Alannah Myles’ Black Velvet. Just to let you all know… LOVE that song with a passion. One of my favorites! It was starting to get really busy so I was pretty far down the list.

So then it’s my turn again as they announced that song and wouldn’t you know, some other chick steps on the stage??? What????? What???? WHAT????????

Seriously????? She really stole my song?

I’m not two so I didn’t make a scene about it. I can say though I would’ve rocked that song. She, on the other hand, didn’t know the words and did some “song motions.” Fantastic. After that there was no way I would have a chance to be on stage again so I headed out.

Next week, it will be my song. You should all be there. Not just because of me, but because it’s honestly one of the best parts of Phoenix that I think hardly no one knows anything about. Who’s in next week? I’m not joking!

Yay! It’s my favorite time of the year. Okay, who am I kidding. This happens at least three times a year. I have an appointment on Saturday morning at Altered Ego Salon to have my nails done as well as my hair!! Now only is this a chance to get something crazy and different, it will be my first time at my stylist here in Tempe. I’ve had a lot of success with my nails and my eyebrows here though, so I am comfortable with my hair. Hopefully I have a stylist that is VERY experienced in color as I requested. I always get nervous with new stylists. So far, my stylist in both Akron and Dearborn have been the best. Virginia was a complete bust but it was such a small town. I can see this being a better experience.

While I don’t want to challenge her too much, I also don’t want to sacrifice my usual out of the ordinary color because of it either. The way my hair was cut last I like the most out of any of the ones I have had, and I have a good chance of keeping something similar too it. We all know though, I am a sucker for color, and it’s always the hardest decision I make.

My natural hair color is red, but it has dulled over the years to a brunette. My latest color is actually blonde, and for the first time. It took two salon trips to dye 95% of my hair blonde, and I was really nervous about it. However, my stylist in Dearborn suggested it and said it would look great on me, and as usual she was right. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments about the blonde. I also got good compliments when I did the pink/red color job prior to that. Part of me says go with one of those.. part of me says to hold up because I have NEVER had the same coloring done twice.

Here are some of the styles of the past.

*phew* There they are. Just a few of the crazy things I’ve done over the past five years. Feel free to speak up, and I actually encourage it. Whether you’ve known me for years, months, or not at all I’d love to hear some suggestions to think about and take in with me this weekend. Hopefully I won’t have as bad of a hairtastrophe as the poor Light Rail Blogger did.

Well today I decided to take a day off and relax a bit before the bustle of the holiday. I don’t have much to blog about but decided I would let all my East Coast friends know my holiday plans.

Today I am planning on catching up on house stuff (laundry, hanging pictures, organizing), but since I am also battling a bit of a cold, I might more realistically just get some of that done.

Tomorrow I will be celebrating Christmas with some friends.

On the Friday after Christmas, I am planning on checking out the ASU Art Museum and doing some exploring around downtown Phoenix. I will also have my eyes open for a New Years Eve dress. I am thinking, hot pink (duh)!

Saturday I am hoping to do the rest of the things I don’t get done today as well as go to the Light Rail opening celebration in Tempe and possibly check out the Phoenix one as well.

Sunday I will be volunteering at the LDRC.

Next Monday I am hoping to do some work from home, as well as on Tuesday. Tuesday night my friend Colleen should be here to help kick off 2009.

Wednesday of course is New Years Eve. If I haven’t found a dress by then, I will be doing that on Wednesday as well as relaxing and getting ready for a big night out in my new city. Me along with two of my other friends will be heading to downtown Phoenix to celebrate New Years Eve in style, the way it was meant to be done. I’m sure there will be plenty of photo ops to post after that adventure.

I don’t yet have plans for New Years Day or the days after that but will probably be doing some more remote work and hopefully checking out a karaoke bar or chilling with some friends.

What are your plans? I miss you all!

Most of my friends here are married, as well as most of the other acquaintances I know. I don’t mind it really, I love my friends. However, nights in get easier as you “get big” and I am going to try to break that habit for me. I need to make friends and get my own “circle of trust” going.

This lil socialista is going to start going out on the town . . . alone (EEK!)I figure it’s time to start exploring all the awesome things the area has to offer: figuring out where I like to hangout, where I don’t. Where it’s a meat market and where I can just chill, which is preferred. The best karaoke spots and the best dance and jazz clubs.

I’d like to say I’ll try a new place every day, but I’m thinking this might not be reasonable. However I can tell you that I will be updating you on my experiences as I go along. After all, that was really the whole point of this blog wasn’t it? I have been abandoning that lately, and I apologize.

Tonight’s goal? Finding a great sports bar to watch the Packers / Bears game and also a great karaoke joint.. I could use to belt out some tunes tonight.

If you are in the area and reading this, let me know.

Thanksgiving was such a blessing this year. It didn’t end up as I had originally planned, and I was graced with some additional guests, but then again, what is the fun in that?

My brother and Alex arrived around 9am that morning with their two other travelers. I set up the futon for them to take a nap and put out the air mattress as well, but Billy and Alex were not tired. Billy and I then started preparing the turkey and the sweet potatoes I was to make. I made a glaze loosely based on a recipe on my roaster oven box, which used olive oil, pepper, and dry white wine, but I added my own touches as well and pretty much just used every spice in my cabinet. Since we had until about 4pm or so, we set it on very low.

My brother took a passing at recreating my grandmother’s gravy made from flour, pepper, a little water, and the turkey parts no one likes to talk about. I have to say, it was a damn close comparison to my grandmother’s.

Two of my other friends who were joining us for dinner came over around 1:30 to prepare what they were making. They brought asparagus, salad, cheesy potatoes, and cherry crisp. We had some wine and played some rock band, watched some football, and enjoyed a new Cranium game I picked up last week at Starbucks.

Dinner time started getting closer, and it appeared as if the turkey was never going to finish. Around 4:15 we turned it up all the way and in 5 minutes the steamer thermometer popped and it was ready to go.

My brother’s two traveling friends had plans that ended up falling through and were going to head out and venture on Thanksgiving. We all decided they should stay as we had enough for them as well and Thanksgiving is not the time to be wandering a new city. It was a great night, but we were all worn out by the time midnight rolled around.

Luckily for me, they all decided to stay another day as well and I got to spend Friday with Billy and Alex. They joined me in my venture to check up on Jack and Jill, cats of friends of mine, and then took me to a restaurant I had never been to before for breakfast, First Watch. Not bad. Afterwards we headed to Old Town
Scottsdale for the afternoon, discovering a winery on the way, toured Tempe and ASU, and then relaxed and bought some items to cook for dinner. Billy and Alex made me an amazing fettuccine Alfredo with homemade Alfredo sauce and broiled chicken and sautéed vegetables. It was delicious.

Another visitor joined the slumber party at my house Friday night and also brought me back a Riesling having heard that I like sweeter wines. It was such a good time, and I made some great new friends. I think everyone enjoyed their time here and I enjoyed playing hostess.

This weekend has been great. Friday, I left work to come home and make some great chili for a chili party my neighbors and I were having. I ended up making a quick turkey and bean chili and while it wasn’t the typical all day crock pot affair I normally do, I got quite a few compliments. I made some spaghetti at home to have with the leftovers and it’s been fantastic! It’s so nice to have great neighbors to hang out with, three more people I know in AZ Bob and Jessy came to the chili party as well and hung out for a little while afterwards, but we were all a little tired.

Yesterday I had a very fortunate day. I accomplished some things I have been meaning to get done for awhile, and while no, I did not do any more unpacking, I did feel satisfied at the end.

I started off having the furniture cleaners come over promptly at 9 to clean my furniture. It was nice to have it not take up my entire day. However, it looks like it didn’t go very well as they are dry this morning and still have stains. I am not quite sure what I am going to do.

I then headed over to a branch of my Credit Union to get a debit/atm card. I was supposed to receive one in the mail as the branch in my office building doesn’t give them out on site, but it has been three weeks. They informed me other branches hand them out immediately. On the way, I found a great car wash, which I have been trying to find for awhile. So, not only did I find the branch close to my house and get my debit/ATM card, but I found a great car wash and was able to get all the crud from my car’s transport to Phoenix off. They dry the car both hand and with air guns and the car wash is completely touch free and can be watched from inside. Of course, as coincidence would have it, the card that was sent to me was at my house when I returned from my trip.

I also went to the store and got a few little supplies (including more water). The tape water in Tempe is not the greatest, and I probably won’t even be able to give it to the sugar gliders. Therefore, I decided to invest in something I have wanted for awhile, which is the PUR filtration system for your faucet that includes the flavors as well. We all know I am not a fan of water to begin with. I’m not a fan of soft drinks so much either. I really love juices and kool-aid (thanks mom) which almost just as bad. Hopefully this will help. I had some minor issues attaching it to my faucet last night, but I’ll address those later and definitely let you know how this ends up turning out.

I was also able to finally pay all my bills from the past few months which was a big load off my back (and pile off my counter).

Along with that included scheduling the flight for my sugar gliders to Phoenix. Morrigan and Tequila Rose will be here next Thursday evening and I am so excited. That gives me so much motivation to have everything organized for when they arrive. I cannot begin to tell you how much I have missed them even though I know they are being spoiled by their babysitter (I get pictures constantly to prove it). Don’t plan on seeing me much Thursday or Friday

I was also able to finally register a couple domains I have been meaning to do forever. I am hoping this gives me motivation to get my portfolio up and running (as I have registered my name) and start blogging on my usability blog, Snuggle Taxonomy which I also registered a domain name for.

I meant to blog in regards to all of this last night before I went to bed, but I crashed after being up late Friday. Today I am going to look at a center in Phoenix to volunteer at. Hopefully afterwards I will be able to get some unpacking in before I go to the Pistons/Suns game with Bob, Jessy, and ERIC!! Eric’s flight gets in today so we are celebrating.

I am truly grateful for the amazing adventures I have been having since I arrived in Phoenix. I am progressing well at finding the balance I hoped I would and having the courage to try new things and start a new life here. I probably forgot to blog about World Usability Day in the chaos so maybe I will add that soon.