Free is Funnest

I should really start my own magazine. It would be National Geographic Adventure meets a Donald Miller book. Don't get me wrong, I love N.G.A., but am i about to spend $700 on a 2-day rafting trip? no sir. So i think there needs to be a magazine for people of my budget, with personal stories that make you want to see a place for more than its pictures.

My latest adventure took place right here in Dallas, this past Wednesday night. The entire night cost me $3. The events are as follows: Head to Victory Park with my borrowed lawn-chair in hand to see the pre-game performance from my favorite band, The Old 97's. We find parking on trusty Cedar Springs street, which is free. The concert was free. (and im used to paying $30 to see them). Let me also mention that I have loved the Old 97's for the last 9 years and it wasn't until THIS night that i got to meet THE Rhett Miller!!!

Then we get to watch the Dallas Stars on the jumbotron outside the American Airlines Center. During both intermissions, an incredible coverband called "Metal Shop" brings the rock with all the 80's hairband hits. Def Leopard, Gun's N Roses, Poison, you name it. They came complete with wigs and we LOVED it. The Stars made a comeback with their win in game 4!!!!!!!!!! At 10pm we hadn't had dinner, but are just minutes away from the Meridian Room which happens to be half-priced food night on Wednesdays. I split my best grilled-cheese-sandwhich ever with Alayna, and my half was $1.5o. After tip I had only spent $3 for the entire, wonderful evening. Stuff's free in Dallas, I just have to find it!!!! This is my new quest.

Austin: Crazy, Cool, Capital

I love Austin, Tx. If I didn't live in Dallas, I would live in Austin. I had a wonderful weekend at Cameron's wedding. The trip was 90 miles a minutes and I kept the pace like a champ.
It all started two hours into my drive when I get a call from Shast saying, "Carisse? Did you forget something?". Sure that I had packed everything necessary with just enough time to drive straight to the Bridal luncheon, oblivious to the fact that all three dresses I own were still lying on my living room floor in Dallas, I came up with plan B. I'd like to think that God kept all the federalis out of sight as I booked it south on 35. I stopped at an outlet mall in Round Rock, tried on the first green dress in my size, back up to the counter to get my tag screened and out the door I ran. You should have seen my swift speed. If only there were some sort of reality show for this, I would surely be in first place.
The Bridal luncheon was beautiful at the Austin Country Club. Amazing brunch followed by another amazing meal at the Iguana Grill that night. I got to enjoy Mexican food at sunset, overlooking the lake, with my fill of Margaritas complete with glow-in-the-dark cups. It was such a treat to be a part of this wedding. Thanks Cameron!
Hudson (threes company?), now lives in Austin and provided my fancy pants accommodations Friday and Saturday night. He lives in this great apartment complex right on the river and I had remembered to bring my bike (just not my dresses). We rode our bikes along the river, to Zilker park, ate lunch at the biggest whole foods ever, and back in time for the wedding. Hudson's fun and I had a really good time.
The wedding. Perfect. 71 degrees outside, at sunset in the backyard of this big old mansion in downtown Austin. People I havent seen since college were there. Dinner, dancing, cake and wine. Daniel Carlson and I shined the dance floor with the Texas two step, which we used for every single song...but we were in the Capital of Texas after all, and its kind of the only dance I know.
Lovely weekend. Excited for the next few months. Dallas summer musicals on the schedule and Alaska is around the corner!!!