Pay It Forward Concept Warms My Heart

Hill | Holliday's "What Goes Around" for Liberty Mutual
One of my favorite spots that truly builds a brand message around a core human value like personal responsibility. The story shows how observers of random acts of kindness are inspired to then offer their own acts and the cycle continues. When was your last random act of kindness?

Playing After-Work

A really great, small group of gal pals headed out for a glass o' vino at Sushi Samba after work today. Time flew by as we indulged in bottles rather than glasses and an over-the-top cocktail tree concoction! ;o) over conversations about everything from why in the world we're still motivating consumers to buy - to frogs, dolphins, monkey-dogs, and lions - to a full-on consensus around an inspiring, world-changing business plan.

Learning About Learning

Moderated discussion groups with moms tonight. Learned a lot about summer learning loss and its impact of school-age kids fall readiness.

Growing in Grace

Tonight wraps up an incredible, eye-opening, and inspiring four week FC Women's Study class on Grace. So, what exactly is grace? Among many discussions, one thought I particularly liked is that it's a reflection of God's love toward ourself and others. "... but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22"

Consumer Conundrum

Today, I just don't feel as enthusiastic about uncovering consumer motivations to build strategies to get them to buy, buy, buy.

Biking Around White Rock

It was a beautiful, sun-filled Sunday! We spent part of the afternoon soaking up the scenery with a bike ride around White Rock before going to FC's Fusion Service.

Limbs for Life Masquerade Ball

Berger and I went out in full masquerade attire this eve to support the Limbs for Life Foundation. We met up with his Gallo colleagues for a little vino before joining the benefit's silent auction and dinner and ended the festivities at Nana's.

C3 Inspiration

We were certainly moved to our feet and in thought and prayer by Bishop T.D. Jakes at Fellowship Church's C3 tonight! I wish everyone I know could have experienced it. He talked about how there are three types of people in your life - confidantes, constituents, and comrades. He reminded us with vigor that God has us covered. It was amazing.

Confidants – are for you and for what you are for (we're lucky for having a few)
Constituents - are not for you but are for what you are for
Comrades – are not for you and not for what you are for

Favorite Movies Tunes of '07

Once | Falling Slowly


Juno | All I Want Is You

Just a couple great tunes from the movies last year!

"Say (what you need to say)"

I heart this song!

Fool's Gold For Friday

We checked out the cutie romantic comedy, Fool's Gold, this evening. Any movies with romantic fun, boats, beaches and the great blue yonder top my list of escape flicks lately.

Happy Valentine's Day

Today and always I have delighted in love, honored friendships and family and celebrated my most blessed relationships.

"We love because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19

The Fading Polaroid

In the wake of Polaroid's announcement that it will no longer produce the instantly gratifying photo film, I salute this magical technology with a few favorite Austin shots.

A Must-Experience Dining Event

A very romantic friend led me to this incredible concept today! Outstanding in the field is an outdoor culinary event that celebrates local farmers with white-linen dinners set between the soil and the sky surrounded by the fields that produced the bounty for the table. It's officially been added to my "Bucket List" as I would love to tour this event throughout its adventures. (While it's set for many desirable places starting in June, it will be in Austin in October! :o).

Feeling Grateful For Where I Am Today

An Intimate U2 Experience!

Pounding surround sound and 3-D effects put you smack in the middle of U2’s Vertigo tour in this larger-than-life film. What a treat U23D was today! A deeply immersive emotional experience that transcends traditional 2D audience viewing into a music and visual technology must-see.

The Maiden Voyage

Matt successfully set sail today on White Rock Lake! Beautiful day of excitement, nerves, and tenacity.

ARK :: Acts of Random Kindness

The world is changed by "Acts of Random Kindness". (In fact, the Evan Almighty website has a place where people can record their own Random Acts of Kindness.) Saw this movie tonight and just really loved its meaning and messages.

• Get above the status quo and our ego and really listen for what you are called to do (this call will follow us and get stronger and stronger until we act upon it)
• If you want to change the world, first find out God's priorities
• God gives us everything we need to accomplish the task at hand. Noah was provided with what was needed as was Evan. The materials were delivered to his front yard. When God asks us to do something he's not going to fail to equip us to do it. God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called.
• God always answers our prayers (often in ways we don't imagine). Favorite quote from the movie:

"If someone prays for patience, do you think God gives them patience? Or will He maybe give them the opportunity to be patient? If courage is prayed for, does God give you courage, or does He give you opportunities to be courageous? And if someone prays for their family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does He give them more opportunities to love each other?"

Guess this means that if you ask for money, He gives you the opportunity to earn the money. If you ask for wisdom, He gives you the opportunity to learn.

Melty Fun Song :o)

Ingrid Michaelson's "The Way I Am"

I Heart Feist

Denver Day Trip

Left a sunny 76° Dallas for a day of Nestle meetings in a chilly 10° Denver. ... home after midnight made for a pretty long day.

Sometimes I Wonder ...

... what in the world I'm doing in a city that is so un-me. And then I know. I have a really great life here with a growing and meaningful relationship, a job that provides for what I need and want, good fellowship among friends, and a central international airport for easy travel anywhere in the world. (and of course, a three hour trek to Austin anytime of day or night ;o)

Funky Yet Refined

Spent the weekend with two lovely friends taking in the best of Austin. We brunched at Austin Java today while savoring every moment from the weekend before heading back to the Big D. Hilarious, calming, restorative, precious, memorable.

R&R on the Lake

Ahhhh, what a day! I can't begin to describe just how incredible Lake Austin Spa Resort is - it's my favorite spa in Texas (so far), is a restorative sanctuary and retreat, and where we spent the first 1/2 of the day lounging blissfully through treatments, chats, and hammock naps.

Destination Cupcake

An after-spa day must: Hey Cupcake! As if I even needed half another reason to love Austin, this cupcake stand makes my heart melt even more for A-town.

Dining and Dancing the Night Away

And to top off this Saturday eve ... dining at Vivo with a side of P.J. the Bear to dancin' up a sweat at Beso Cantina!

Southbound 35!

Crystal and I headed to our home away from home to hang with Soums this weekend! An eve of "go as you are" cocktails at Red House Lounge (love the patio panchos and random decor), new wknd identities (Harlow, Zahara, Ireland) and catch up convo over a fun Italian dinner at Stortini.