Farewell Austin

When I said that I wanted to live in Austin at least a year, I didn't realize I was foreshadowing.  My one year anniversary happened Wednesday, December 1st, 2010.  And as of Wednesday, December 8th, 2010, I am officially no longer a resident.  My "I've been in Austin a Year!" party ended up doubling as my going away party as well.

Leaving is bittersweet because Austin is the only place I have ever really felt at home.  Growing up in California I always knew I needed to get away.  I refer to SoCal as "BMWs & Boobjobs" for a reason...they're everywhere.  I prefer to spend my money on travel, massages and other people.  Neither are right or wrong; neither are better or worse; they are simply two different styles of living and I prefer the latter.  When I arrived in Austin, I immediately felt the slower pace, the friendlier demeanor and the shift in priorities.  Austin is a cool, fun, eclectic city with so much to offer.

In my year here I see more than anything that I have grown in my relationship with the church and in my view toward my finances.  Both were severely lacking prior to 2010, so I am eternally grateful for this growth.  In the spirit of closing out this chapter of my life, I thought I'd do a little year in review Molly style...in photos.

January: Me, CarolAnn and Michelle before heading out for New Years

February: Me and a mask in Fredricksburg

March: Amy and me at Rodeo Austin about to see Lady A

April: Kristin and I take a moment for a photo during a Music for the City event

May: Me just before the Bun Run starts

June: Courtress and me just before she becomes a married lady

July: Georgia and I enjoy a day at the zoo

July also: My Nonna and me, the last time we saw each other

August: I move into my new apartment and start painting

September: Me with my mama at our annual Cecilio & Kapono concert

October: Amy, Emily and me hanging out for my 32th birthday

November: Me and Jesse posing at the Getty

December: The gang at my "I've been in Austin a Year/Going Away" party at The Speakeasy

This year has been full of goods and bads, blessings and curses, births and deaths, healing and injury, ups and downs, rights and wrongs, joys and sorrows, new friends and old.  This year has changed me from a rootless wanderer to a shallowly rooted adventurer.  I became part of my first church family this year and learned more about the Bible than I ever thought possible.  I got to positively influence young lives, feed the poor, feel like a part of a real community and get to know some of the best people I've ever met.

I know I'll come back to visit, I know I'll never forget this year and I know, without hesitation, that I am blessed to have been brought to Austin.  Even if it feels a little too short lived.

Thanks for making this year amazing, Austin.  Follow me on my new blog from now on.

Love,
Molly

Bubbles on my Nikon D80

Playing with my new camera!

My New Nikon D80

For those of you who either already love Nikon or have camera envy when you see one...I am in love.  I just got my first professional grade camera and cannot stop snapping shots.  I am a full time nanny and I'm pretty sure this little girl is going to end up a model because she's already good at turning and smiling on command.  Here are a few fun shots I've gotten so far:

Music for the City at Freebirds

Music for the City is a non-profit started locally in Austin.  Music for the City is a movement of artists and Austinites bringing together music and charity to aid the poor, sick and helpless.  Today they have a day-long event happening at Freebirds on South Congress.  Hear local artists, benefit worthy causes and have great food!!  You couldn't ask for a better Austin experience.  If you're in town for ACL, get on down to Freebirds!  You won't be disappointed :)

Kitten at Central Market

While eating lunch with the little girl I nanny today outside the Cafe at Central Market, we were befriended by this darling kitten.  I'd guess she's between 5 and 8 months old.  She made her way around until Sarah and I decided to share our lunch with her, and then she finished and cozied up under our table.  I just thought you'd like the pictures...she's a cutie!!

I'm not much of an animal person, but some little faces are just impossible to resist!

Diaper Cake

For anyone who has never wanted to make a diaper cake, I can assure you it is worth the effort!  It took me about 45 minutes and 96 diapers, but here's the cake!!  We used it as the cupcake stand and it ended up the centerpiece of the food table.  I received a ton of comments about it, including a friends' husband who still believes I bought it already made.

Before the cupcakes:

At the party:

It was a labor of love for a friend pregnant with twins.  If you want to know how to make it, leave a comment!

The Gap - Love Your City

While shopping at The Gap I found this cute t-shirt that felt like it should be made just for Austin.  I found it even better because the church I attend, Austin City Life, just finished a series of sermons all about giving back to your city and indeed loving your city.  I snapped this picture mainly for my pastor, but I thought y'all should get to see it!

A few things to love about the city today:

• Free Yoga at Ruta Maya on South Congress (Saturdays at Noon)
• Perfect 82 degree weather, a subtle breeze and not a cloud to be seen
• $9 yoga mats at Walmart (Green, blue and pink options!)

Enjoy!