The Hil Street Journal

We've moved!

2007-10-10T06:59:00.000-07:00

Please visit (and re-favoritize)
http://hilstreet.wordpress.com/

Thanks,
Hil

Barack Oil-Bama!

2007-10-07T20:26:00.001-07:00

This weekend, Ryan and I accompanied Tara and Eric to the Texas Freedom Network annual gala as a guest of our ministers. There was a concert, live auction and silent auction all in the name of equal liberties for all. Ruthie Foster opened the concert and the cover band was the same one from my company's user conference - and a lot of fun to dance to!

It was great to go to this event with Tara and Eric. Tara leads a Methodist group for social action and Eric is a graduate student studying public policy, so they knew the goings-on.

At the silent auction, we all bid early in the evening - we were sure we wouldn't win anything ... Well, Tara and Eric won a framed oil painting of Senator Barack Obama (shown here)! Capturing the essesnce of Barack speaking on the campaign trail, this painting looks nothing like anything Tara and Eric have ever purchased! I hope this oil painting shows up in a future Christmas card!

Later that night, we celebrated Joe's birthday and stayed up much, much later than usual! It was great to see Joe and catch up with Bryan - in college I had lunch with them everyday. We remembered the old days like a bunch of old 27-year-olds. Happy Birthday, Joe!

UPDATE Re: Small World!

2007-10-05T18:41:00.001-07:00

It only took one day. We found Ginny O'Quinn. I am kind of sad the search is over!

-Hil

Small World!

2007-10-05T09:55:00.001-07:00

Last night, we hung out with Deirdre and her friend, Emilie while watching 30 ROCK. Ryan and Emilie started the college name game. Ryan asked if Emilie knew a friend of his that went to Trinity University, so Emilie asked us if we knew someone she went to high school with that went to Baylor ... etc ... you know how the college name game works.

Then, Emilie asked ... "do you know Ginny O'Quinn?"

Stacie and I were BFF with Ginny O'Quinn freshman year. I dearly love Ginny O'Quinn, but Stacie and I both lost contact with her. So did Emilie.

Deirdre started a "Are YOU Ginny O'Quinn" face book profile. We will find you Ginny O'Quinn!

A Pos-Men for 30 ROCK!

2007-10-04T07:36:00.000-07:00

By the Hammer of Thor! Thursday, October 4 is here!

The show that brought you jokes like "Leave to the Cleve," “Crazy Sevens,” “Albuquerque Freak Out,” “Avian Bone Syndrome,” “Muffin Top,” "Moon-Vest," and “Dr. Spaceman” premieres its second season - tonight!

I really think 30 ROCK is the funniest show I have encountered. Tina Fey – you are a genius! I see why my husband lusts over you! It is justified!

I hear rumors that Grey’s wasn’t good last week, so maybe tonight is the night you give 30 ROCK a try? Seinfeld is guest starring!

To celebrate the arrival of season two, we are going to Deirdre’s. A wise choice, because she shares in the admiration!

Survey!

2007-10-03T06:40:00.000-07:00

Help out my friend, Jamie Lynn!

She is working on her master's degree in advertising at UT and has to solicit 60 living, breathing people complete a series of surveys. Fill out this survey here.

Just takes 10 minutes.

Thanks!

Running Mix for the Ladies!

2007-10-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

Through careful orchestration and listening to my heart, I have created a great running mix if any of you ladies are interested in trying out. My mix contains a good balance between angry female vocalists and upbeat dance mixes. Depending on how fast you run, my mix can probably get you through 3-4 miles. You can flip around to your favorites for shorter runs. Thanks Ryan, for sponsoring this running mix by providing the iPod.

1. Sublime, Santaria: This upbeat summery song is a great one to motivate you to start out your run on a happy note. The song reminds me of driving to Sonic with Ellie circa sophmore year laughing when we figured out they bleeped out “punk ass.”

2. Destiny’s Child, Survivor: I forget about the fact I am running because I still crack up everytime Beyonce sings “you know I’m not gonna dis you on the internet …”

Stay classy, Knowles.

3. Christina Aguilera, Fighter: Continuing in the angry theme, everytime they have that drumbeat-whip noise I run a little faster.

4. Carrie Underwood, Before He Cheats: Closing out the angry woman trifecta, this song keeps me going because it keeps you at a good pace. I also like to imagine little Carrie Underwood bashing in a car. And I must admit, I like daydreaming that I am singing the song at a Karoke bar.

5. Chamillionaire, Ridin’ Dirty: Lil’ tooth needs it.

Although I must warn you! If you download the he entire song (not the radio version) it ends with a radio play of Chamillionaire wrecking the car they are alllegidly “ridin’ dirty” in. This radio play starts with screeching wheels. If you are running outside remember: a semi is not coming after you – it’s the song. Without this warning I almost peed my pants!

6. Shakira, Hips Don’t Lie: Who knew that a Latin horn ensemble is just what the doctor ordered to help you make it to the home stretch?

7. Britney Spears, Toxic: This is a good one to end with because it will take your mind off of your aching legs and exploding lungs and move your mind to Britney’s domestic troubles and other celebrity gossip.

8. The Beatles, Hey Jude: Cool down! The horns and repeating “na, na, na”s will make you feel triumphant in your workout!

9. Nico, These Days: Her deep, deep voice and the steady cello accompaniment will calm you down.

10. Jack Johnson, Upside Down: The chill guitar beats can soothe even the highest heartrate.

Happy running!

Holy Mother of Meerkats!

2007-10-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

Any Hil Street followers watch Meerkat Manor? Did anyone watch it Friday?

Well - I bawled my eyes out over a television show for the first time since Joey, Chandler, Ross, Monica, Rachel and Phoebe went to get coffee for the last time. The Meerkat's recent episode was so depressing I ran to the back room and called my mama in tears!

This episode was of season finale porportions and they just threw it in the middle of season three! No warning.

If you want to get as emotionally unstable about African prarie dogs as I am, I won't ruin this one for you. Get the DVDs and start from the beginning.

There is a prequel movie in the works.

Religious Freedom on NBC!

2007-09-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

Last night, NBC had some great premieres with My name is Earl and The Office, and religious tradition was a theme in both episodes! Interesting!

In Earl, Joy wanted to make Earl a glass mosaic of his face as a gift to him (since he is serving her prison sentence), so she broke a Lutheran stain glass window. The joke was that Joy had to lay low because the Lutherans were very serious about this vandalism. Also, during visitations, Crabman presented Earl with both a Bible and Torah, greeting him with a “Shalom.”

In The Office premiere, after a tragedy involving Michael, Meredith, his car and her pelvis, Michael wanted everyone to open up about their religious beliefs, much to the chagrin of HR rep, Toby. Ryan, would you allow a conversation about religions at the WFM?

Back to The Office: Stanley is Roman Catholic, Daryl and Pam are Presbyterian, Creed has been in several religious cults (leading and participating), and Kelly is not sure who Buddha is. Also, the IT guy is maybe ... Sunni? We could not understand him. Comment if you did.

Also, Angela’s super conservative feelings came out when she exclaimed that Sprinkles would not go to heaven because she was euthanized.

Editor’s note: You know how Angela can do that really prissy, rigid, religious character so well? That’s because she is a Baylor alum! She has met a few of these people. Ha!

Religion was a major theme on last night's NBC premieres!

Warning - angry, jealous rant!

2007-09-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

There is a non-profit group in Austin that provides medical benefits to musicians. I got an e-mail from the WFM about a benefit for them. Ug! I think there are more worthy charities. Here is a quote from a news clip about this organization:

"I love being a musician in Austin, because I get medical benefits. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have this organization."

You don't know what you would do? How about getting a job like the rest of us have to! I'd love to be a musician or religious philosopher for the rest of my life - but I HAD TO GROW UP and work. I have to WORK HARD to understand the products I promote. Engineering is not my hobby ... making music, stamping and reading are my hobbies.

I DO NOT SUPPORT YOUR CAUSE ENOUGH TO ACTIVELY GIVE YOU MONEY, YOU WHINY BRATS.

WFM, call me when you really have an actual charity to support. We are at war, people!

Love,
Hil

Street Cred Challenge!

2007-09-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

Turns out a gold tooth isn’t enough to get you street cred.

Emilie from H-town has challenged me to prove my street cred by defining a “street” term to the best of my ability. Since I don’t know any street terms, I am going to have to deduce from my own life experiences. I have to deduce from Oklahoma, Swiss and Baylor experiences – the most gangsta places in the world!!

Challenge: Define “ghost riding the whip”

In PR, when you are “ghost writing,” you are writing an article for another person in the company. For example, if a publication needs an article from your CEO, often, PR professionals will “ghost write” or "draft" the article and publish it under the CEO’s name. The CEO has many demands on their time, so they need help from someone to write the first draft.

Emilie spilled the beans on “whip.” I know it means “pimped out car.” I would have never guessed that, so I am glad I have a clue.

So, “ghost riding the whip” must mean chauffeuring the CEO of your gang, or your “gang leader.” Since the gang leader has worked his or her way up in the gang, and they need time for dealing and as Chamillionaire says, “findin’ a chick I wanna bone,” they do not have time to drive.

That is my submission, Emilie! I hope I am right. If not, the black crusaders may be after me ...

Who I'd Like to Meet!

2007-09-25T16:16:00.000-07:00

I am attending the national PR conference in October. Today they announced that the keynote speaker is Karen Hughes!

While I don't consider myself a fan of the GOP or politics at all, I do consider myself a fan of intelligent female PR pros, and Karen Hughes tops them all!

If you have ever perused my MySpace page, you will notice the "who I'd like to meet" section. First on the list is Karen Hughes. That's serious, folks. SERIOUS.

She is so classy! Hopefully she will not notice my gold pirate tooth.

Also interesting about the PR conference: one of the other keynote speakers is Mia Farrow. I am not sure what her contribution to PR is ... but I'll take copious notes and let you know.

Lil’ Tooth!

2007-09-24T14:39:00.000-07:00

Went to the dentist today because I have a toothache. Turns out one of my back teeth is cracked so I have to get a crown. The cracked tooth is very small so they informed me that a porcelain crown would not be wise because it would probably crack as well.

I have to get a gold crown.

Wuz up! I gots a Grill! I finally have street cred!

I ran into Amanda after the dentist as I was cruzin’ on the street. She was rollin’ in her new Camry – it’s fly! When we stopped at a stop sign, she offered to get me some dollar sign charms for Lil’ tooth. I couldn’t stop cussing and referring to my friends as "those fly bit&$#*s." It was unlike me …

Lil’ tooth!

Office Mystery!!!

2007-09-24T08:54:00.001-07:00

Who had a cube party in my cube this weekend? I arrived to work early this morn to two empty Tecate bottles in my trashcan.

Usually, I am greeted on Monday with a fresh trashcan liner ... was someone drinking in my cube this morning? Is it the mice?

A Treatise on the Name, Hollis!

2007-09-23T06:50:00.000-07:00

Many have asked, “why Hollis?” I have five answers.

1. Basketball - Hollis Price played college basketball at OU from 1999 to 2003. When Ryan and I started dating, we watched Hollis Price play several games - and we were huge fans. The first time Ryan drove to Oklahoma to meet my family, we met at an OU basketball game. Not only was Hollis Price a stand-up guy (so nice!) he was also very good at basketball. He helped to lead the Sooners to the NCAA Final Four in 2002. He is now a professional basketball player in Lithuania.

2. Give me an H! - “H” names are abundant in my family. My grandfather, mother, two aunts, an uncle and I all have names that start with H. Hollis continues the lineage.

3. The Holly and the Ivy - I love Christmas, and “Hollis” is the male version of the female name “Holly.”

4. Holly the Collie - My aunt (whose name starts with H) had the first collie of our family and named her “Holly.” Hollis is honoring that first collie.

5. Easy transition - Hollis’ official fancy-pants papers name is “Boris.” I think that’s because Border Collies are usually black and white, but he’s all red and white so Boris is some sort of communist “red” joke. Not interested in pursuing a political philosophy debate with my puppy’s name, we changed it to another name, but a name that still rhymed with the original name to make the transition easier.

Reflections on Puppy Ownership

2007-09-19T14:42:00.000-07:00

I have had cats all my life. Mercedes has been with me since I was nine-years old, so I am good at raising cats (if I do say so myself). So this new experience … this puppy experience … is confusing me.

A cat owner’s initial observations about her first puppy:

1. Puppies follow you everywhere. They are not as curious about the world around them as kittens are, they are just interested in you.
2. Puppies are not predictable. I guess I thought Hollis would show up trained because everyone tells me that Border Collies are soooo smart. He’s still consumed with his own tail and his denta-bone. He is no baby genius.
3. Kittens stalk bugs. They catch them and play with the poor little bugs just to torment them. When Hollis catches a bug, he eats it. Whole. "Gulp." Ewwww ...
4. Litter boxes are annoying, but puppie poo stinks much, much more potently than kitten poo.
5. Puppies are not as agile as kittens – I had Hollis following a piece of yarn I was spinning around in circles and he threw-up. Kittens would love that game! Spinning does not make kittens nauseous.

Even though these are initial challenges and surprises, he's still a delight. I am learning so much!

ACL Fest Recap!

2007-09-17T07:20:00.000-07:00

This year’s ACL fest experience is dedicated to two people: Kevin, of course, for the hook-ups and Alan for introducing us to both The Killers and Midlake.

Friday night was a blast. The Killers closed with our favorite song of theirs which usually includes a large Gospel choir. They vamped the baseline until the audience sang the choir part. I was glad they did that, because if not, Sarah and I would have been asked to perform the gospel part on stage and I was very tired. The show was extra fantastic because we got to watch the show with Kevin and Sarah’s family in the hospitality tent. Fun stuff.

K-bone got us backstage for Midlake which was unreal. For those of you not familiar, Midlake is the band that Ryan moved our vacation for, so they are obviously a high priority in the Marchbanks household - being backstage meant a lot to us. They closed with “Head Home” and added an extra special jam at the end.

Another highlight was the frito pie that Ranch 616 was making at their booth. They opened a little bag of Fritos corn chips, poured in chili, cheese, pico and ranch dressing and handed you a spoon. Tara coined it, “Heaven in a bag.” It was. Tito’s was back with their Sweet-O – it was delicious. Interesting that my ACL post is just as much about food as it is about music.

Thanks again, Kevin and Alan!

Also this weekend: Ryan’s sister and my sister were both in town and got to meet little Hollis! Morgan and Jon moved into their house and our puppies met, which was high drama. Neither of them behaved themselves!

Arizona Recap Two: Grand Canyon Mule Ride!

2007-09-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

So, Ryan and I woke up early Saturday morning to ride the mules. Boy was I scared! What if a hiker scares my mule? What if my mule trips? What if my mule is really tall? (I don't know why I was concerned about the height of my mule ... being like three feet higher on a mule does not matter when you are on a 500 foot cliff – silly me!)

But then I met my sweet mule, Chester. What a delightful mule! He was really focused on, well … EATING. It was funny to watch him eat everything, but it was not funny to watch him try to eat something halfway down the Grand canyon. Not cool, Chester. Not cool.

Chester sounds like a good name though, huh? Morgan told me not to get “Buck” or “Lightning.” Based on her criteria, I felt safe. Ryan was on Razzo or Razzy … I don’t remember Ryan’s mule's name because I was on a mule riding down the grand canyon. I was a little pre-occupied.

So - we start the trip. It wasn’t scary except for the times that the mule would run around the switchbacks. Oh, and it was also scary to look down. See that picture where Ryan snapped a picture off the side of his mule? See those little green shrubs? Those are trees, people!

At lunchtime, we ate at Plateau Point where you can see the Colorado River below you and the Canyon above. It was so peaceful (except that it was 115 degrees). But it’s a dry heat. As the sweat evaporates, you feel cooled off. Very different from the OK and TX heat I have lived in all my life.

After lunch my mule went a little crazy and ran away from his pack. That made me nervous for the ride back up because Chester was not pleased.

On the way back up I kept looking at the vast canyon above me and thinking “how did I get down here? That is so high up!”

When we arrived back we drove to Scottsdale and checked into the Westin Spa. The next morning Ryan and I were up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains. We were both happy because he could watch people golf and I had a history book with me and Starbucks coffee. Perfect!

We spent the day with a good family friend, Robert. He lives in Phoenix, and took us to the Biltmore for Birthday Brunch and showed us all the mansions in Paradise Valley. We went to Taliesin West, so it was a Frank Lloyd Right day! And we went to the Whole Foods of course.

Tonight we are off to Austin City Limits! Thanks, K-Bone! My sister comes in Saturday to meet little Hollis and have dinner. Busy weekend!

Yankee Stadium!

2007-09-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay. Puppies and work have consumed me. You will have to wait for the second Arizona recap.

This video Ellie sent me should keep you busy ... thanks, Ellie for keeping the Hil Street Prank Video ™ Series going.

Arizona Recap One: Sedona and Grand Canyon Sunset!

2007-09-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

We survived our trip! The survival gives away the ending to “Arizona Recap Two: Grand Canyon Mule Ride!” but this fact is unavoidable.
We got to Sedona late Thursday and woke up at 6:00 a.m. Friday to hike Cathedral Rock before the heat set in. As you reach the top (1.5 miles one way), you are surrounded by tall rocks to the left and right, a canyon in front and mountains behind you. It was beautiful and worth the 600 ft. climb!
Next, we went to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix designed by one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s students. The view from the chapel was breathtaking.

Cathedral Rock? Chapel of the Holy Cross? Though we did not feel energy from the “hippy crystals” supposedly underneath the city, Sedona was definitely a religious experience for us!

Ryan gives me a hard time because every vacation with me involves at least one monastery, chapel, cathedral, historic mission or religious statue. Maybe this time I was subconsciously trying to get props from the man upstairs before the mule ride? Who knows …

We ate post-hike breakfast at the Coffee Pot Restaurant then headed north for the beautiful drive through Oak Creek Canyon to the mama of all canyons – the Grand Canyon. This was Ryan’s first time to see the majestic beauty of the canyon (which I will argue is another religious experience).

We took pictures all along the south rim and checked into our hotel (Thunderbird Lodge) on the rim. That evening we had a nice dinner at the legendary El Tovar hotel and said our prayers for the adventure to follow Saturday … Stay tuned …

Arizona!

2007-09-06T06:01:00.000-07:00

Today we leave on vacation! This will be a jam-packed vacation filled with anxiety-inducing stunts.

We are headed to the Grand Canyon for a mule ride! That’s right- I am going to be on a mule over a cliff. Please pray on Saturday, September 8 from roughly 8:00 am – 3:00 p.m. PT. Thanks for spending your day kneeling for my safety. I really appreciate it.

Suz – if I take a hike in Arizona ON a mule, can I post about it on Cactus Country Hikers?

First, we’ll spend a night in Sedona where we’ll hike around Red Rock. Then, we head up to the Grand Canyon where we will be on a mule for seven hours. Then we head to Scottsdale to stay at a resort we can’t afford because I just have to treat myself after being on a mule for seven hours. Then, we head home.

Isn’t that a quick trip? Here are the top 10 things I am looking forward to …

10. No changing planes! This is the first time I have gotten a direct flight in a long time

9. Listening to my new iPod

8. Watching the beautiful scenery during the drive up to the Grand Canyon

7. The jokes Ryan will come up with to get my mind off the fact that I am hundreds of feet in the air on a mule

6. The Westin - those beds will be sooo comfy!

5. "In-and-Out Burger" in Scottsdale

4. Being on Pacific Time – it’s like a gift of two hours!

3. Turning around and seeing the Grand Canyon after I get off my mule – that means I survived

2. “Thai Spices Natural” – a hippy veggie curry place in Sedona

1. Zero percent humidity. (Damn! my hair is going to look soooooo good!)

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

2007-09-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

We have an announcement!

We made this decision because we have love to share. We made this decision because we are ready.

Maybe we are not ready, but I turn 27 today and I might be going through a mid-20s crisis. And I know Mercedes isn't ready.

We bought a puppy! ... had you going, didn't I? He is six weeks old - we pick him up in two weeks (after our vacation). He is a red and white border collie. We are naming him Hollis.

Oh, Hollis! How long have I waited for you! Mercedes is going to die. I don't mean literally ... maybe I do ... Hopefully we all can just get along.

My first sermon!

2007-08-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

Today, I gave the sermon at our church’s Wednesday noon service. This was the first time I ever have given a sermon to adults (not youth camp) and boy was I nervous! I wore flats so that my knees wouldn’t shake. Luckily, I started out with a joke so the laughter made everything less serious. :)

I talked about my aunt and uncle’s miraculous pilgrimage from Canada to Mexico City to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Now that the sermon is complete, I can focus on other things, like my parents visit! They are driving to Texas tomorrow! Hurray!

Office Prank!

2007-08-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

My friend Amanda got to her desk one morning and her Dwight bobblehead had been stolen!

There were wanted posters in the elevators and everything. Then, this video showed up. Dwight went to our company's user conference.

This video concludes the Hil Street Prank Video ™ Series. And it is a perfect video to complete the Triune series of laughter. Great prank, Courtney. This is pure gold.

Fly like a bird!

2007-08-27T06:13:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Ryan’s family was in town. The Red Bull Flugtag was in Austin on Saturday so we went. It was funny to watch the people “attempt” to fly – but the most interesting thing about the event (that I did not gather from the commercials) was that each entry has a skit set to music. There was quite an emphasis on the skits – it really affected the judges scores!

New Zealand!

2007-08-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

Today’s post is in honor of my friend Shannon. Shannon is an editor here but today is her last day. She is leaving to take advantage of her year-long work visa in New Zealand! How exciting for Shannon to work in such a beautiful, exotic place!

Shannon informed us that New Zealand is looking for skilled workers, particularly florists. So to the large percentage of Hil Street readers who are florists out there, you can contact Shannon if you are looking for a change of scenery. Best of luck Shannon! I will miss your humor and general commentary on life.

We will send salsa!

WOAH – Ellie is hot!

2007-08-23T06:46:00.000-07:00

I got home from work late the other night, and my husband informs me that my best friend, Ellie, looks just like a girl from the show, “Girls next door.”

Just what a wife wants to hear when she gets home from work.

Anyway, this morning, Ryan showed me the described playmate. It was Holly – who I think is Hugh Hefner’s girlfriend. Last time I checked, Ellie had short brown hair, but whatever, those are silly details.

So here’s to you, Ellie – you are HOT!

Amanda Huginkiss!

2007-08-16T11:06:00.000-07:00

In honor of summer's end, I am going to provide a Hil Street Prank Video ™ Series. Port-o-prank kicked it off yesterday, so we continue today with a compilation video of various Simpson characters prank calling Moe’s Tavern.

While we are talking about the Simpsons, I’ll go ahead and provide a Hil Street movie review. Ryan and I saw the Simpson’s Movie at the Alamo Draft house during one of their feasts. The Alamo feasts feature theme dinners during movies. We had: Duff beer, chili, three eyed fish (nuclear plant), lobster soup, a pork chop and a BIG donut at the end. Yum. The movie was great too – I laughed – A LOT. High recommendation from Hil Street.

Back to the Hil Street Prank Video ™ Series. Trust me – this Hil Street Prank Video ™ Series ends with a with a video of an amazingly-well orchestrated office prank from my friend, Courtney. You won’t want to miss it. Stay tuned.

Port-o-prank!

2007-08-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

I don't care if this is real or not - this is HILARIOUS.

Portopotty Meeting Interrupted Prank - Watch more free videos

Summer Poetry!

2007-08-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

Someone e-mailed a beautiful summer poem to me. It's very well written. ENJOY! Here is:"Summer" a poem by Abigail Elizabeth McIntyre ...

S**T!
It's Hot !

The "Hil Street Web Favorites" Series Continues!

2007-08-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

Have I lost you, dear blog reader? I apologize for my hiatus. I return now with a “BANG!” to present to you my 100th post! For my 100th post, I will appropriately review Blogger.

Push button publishing allows anyone, ANYONE to be a blog journalist. I didn’t even have to get ordained over the internet. With this freedom, my opinions, disappointments, political views, buffet commentary and images are available to anyone who finds my URL. I can use this for evil or for good.

I have many friends who are also blog journalists. This is not a lucrative endeavor – but you won’t go in the debt because blogger is free. I am paid by the satisfaction of receiving your comments.

I should be back online now. We’ll start to plan for the ’08 user conference sometime in late August I am sure. But, I have at least a week of down time.

Geek Fest!

2007-08-06T09:11:00.001-07:00

Incase you were wondering why I haven't been posting ... e-mailing ... calling ...

Here's why I am so busy ... the "Geek Fest" begins!

National Instruments uses "geek fest" to show off, improve its products
By Dan Zehr
AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Monday, August 06, 2007

Even longtime employees at National Instruments Corp. give a chuckle when they talk about the raucous reception their work gets at NI Week.

Every year, the company uses its annual conference as a stage for its latest and greatest products. And every year, the thousands of researchers and engineers who crowd the hall react with wild applause.

Co-founder and chief executive James Truchard gets the biggest reaction, but the employees who work on new products and upgrades soak it in as much as anyone. As Eric Stark-loff, director of product marketing and witness to every NI Week in the past decade, recently said: "It's this geek fest we're pretty proud of."

So when the cheers start Tuesday through Thursday at the Austin Convention Center, Omid Sojoodi and Aljosa Vrancic might be tempted to take a quick bow. They managed development for the latest version of National Instruments' flagship LabView software, which the company plans to announce today.

National Instruments' products are used widely by engineers, scientists and researchers, who employ the software to design, run and measure all kinds of programs — everything from radio-frequency tests on cell phones to a recent test of shutters on a new space telescope NASA is building. The same products have played a role in creating many everyday items.

LabView is a vital piece of what National Instruments does, and the major updates the company issues about once a year help drive profitable software sales. And because NI Week brings together a large group of LabView's most loyal users, Sojoodi, a senior group manager, and Vrancic, a principal engineer, use it to get feedback on what they've done and what they might do next.

"We'll have closed-door sessions with our power users and talk about some of our products in development," Sojoodi said. "We target our power users, and they really help shape some of the more specific features we add."

New features in this latest version will bring the hardware up to speed with the changing computer platforms on which it runs, particularly the growing adoption of multicore processors. The new chip technology puts several processing brains, or cores, on a single piece of silicon, which allows the computer to divide and conquer large tasks or simultaneously run smaller jobs.
The newer processors, and how National Instruments' products will take advantage of them, will be key topics at NI Week, Truchard said on a call with analysts last month.

Multicore processors already suit LabView well. LabView has been "multithreaded" for years, meaning its jobs can be split into separate threads, processed at the same time and woven back together afterward.

That means LabView users automatically get a performance boost when they move from traditional processors to multicore chips, Sojoodi said, "but with the release we gave more control to people who want to go in and specially make changes to take advantage of this hardware."

One key change will give users the ability to define which tasks should run on each core. For most tasks, that happens automatically. For example, a home computer user running the Windows operating system would see little difference between a traditional processor and a dual-core processor.

But for the highly technical applications many LabView users deal with, some tasks take on much greater importance than others. The new upgrade will allow users to assign a critical job to its own core, so the vital process runs uninterrupted by other calculations.

Some users might be perfectly happy with the automatic division of tasks between cores, Sojoodi said, "but in this particular case they might want to run this piece of code on core four. It gives them more control on where this code will run."

National Instruments is taking this idea even further with an expanding push into chips that users can customize and run at higher speeds. Using LabView, these field-programmable gate arrays, or FPGAs, can be designed for specific high-performance tasks.

A prime example is the CERN Large Hadron Collider under construction hundreds of feet below ground in Switzerland and France. A global consortium of physicists is building the next-generation particle collider to conduct research they hope will unlock some of the deepest secrets of the universe.

Starting in 2008, they'll send beams of particles at super-high speeds around the 17-mile circle, smashing the beams together and analyzing the subatomic debris that results.

National Instruments is working with the team to build a system that can both control the particle beam and measure the results of the collisions, said Kamran Shah, manager of LabView marketing.

Controlling and measuring particles that move around the speed of light takes some quick gear.

Those high-end jobs continue to attract National Instruments' developers, and probably always will.

"The improved hardware and software capabilities are allowing National Instruments to push further into areas that once were the domain of the high-end guys like Agilent," said Antonio Antezano, an analyst at Bear Stearns & Co. Inc.

The company has started pushing more into radio-frequency testing, for example. Rivals such as Agilent will continue developing new abilities as well, Antezano said. But by capitalizing on hardware and software updates, National Instruments can push itself up into higher-end applications.

"Now they're more direct competition with Agilent, where before they were more focused on broad general applications," Antezano said. "With the performance in hardware improving, they will be able to push further into that high end."

That's not to say the company will move beyond the bulk of its customers.

The company's success has grown from its ability to make programming quick and easy for just about anyone who wants to keep their focus on research and development.

"We're targeting non-programmers with LabView, and we're certainly trying to make it easy," Sojoodi said. "Over the years, that has become more of a philosophy for us: Make it easy to use for engineers and researchers so they don't have to get bogged down in programming."

The idea isn't to transform easy tasks into simple ones, he said, quoting National Instruments' co-founder Jeff Kodosky. The idea is to take prohibitively challenging tasks and make them possible.

The company's success at accomplishing that has generated a lot of loyal customers, and it's at the heart of all the cheers that rain down each year at NI Week. In the weeks leading up to the conference, registration again was rolling above last year, and National Instruments was expecting another record crowd.

Scott Jordan will be one of the more than 2,000 people expected to come to Austin for NI Week. He's director of nanopositioning at Physik Instrumente-USA and one of National Instruments' earliest customers.

Jordan will head a panel called "Breakthrough Innovation" on Wednesday, discussing different ways people have applied National Instruments' technologies. Those sort of interactions make NI Week an annual stop, he said.

"There's a chance to interact, to collide and to collude with your fellow LabView users, and that's huge," he said. "There's nothing like that anywhere else in the industry."

# # #

Scaredy Cat!

2007-07-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

So ... I practically grew up in a nursing home. My mother has worked in a nursing home for over 20 years, so as a young child I spent many a weekend painting nails, attending church, leading low-impact aerobics and playing the viola for some really really interesting entertainment.

Also, I grew up with cats … so when Mike sent out an article about a clairvoyant nursing home kitty … I just had to post!

This cat is called the “Grim Reapurrrrrrrrrrr” – very interesting … Thanks for sending, Mike!

Prison Musical Theatre!

2007-07-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun tidbit about Hil you probably don't know. During the summer of '03, I sang and danced musical theater for prisoners inside an Austrian Prison. Crazy huh?

Our college musical group went to Graz, Austria every other year to be a part of AIMS (American Institute of Musical Studies). We’d perform gigs all over Austria – but usually the gigs would be in banquet halls, outdoor venues or castles. One gig was in an Austrian prison.

Why am I telling you this? Because of this You Tube video. I can’t decide about this video. Is it insightful? Impressive? A cultural lesson? Humorous? Surprising? Interesting?

Watch 1,500 Philippino inmates perform Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

Miracles!

2007-07-23T13:00:00.001-07:00

Today ... we welcome Lauren!

A good friend of mine from agency days started at my company today! Lauren will be managing our tradeshow program.

I am excited for Lauren and me to pick up where we left off in cubicle land. Here's what you can expect:

1. Talking about the "boyish" things our husbands do
2. Lunching
3. Chatting it up about Harriet and Theresa
4. General merriment!

I am a little too excited. As of 3:18 p.m. CT, Lauren probably hasn’t received her laptop yet because she is in orientation … but … you better believe that she already has an e-mail waiting from me!

An apology!

2007-07-23T05:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Blog-reading faithful!

I apologize for the lack in posts. I also apologize for not returning e-mails.

Our annual user conference is in early August, so July is very busy! I have been working and working and working and I can’t think of a darn thing to write about. Please just know that I love you and I am thinking of you, dear blog reader.

When my muse returns you will be the first to know about it.

Yours truly,
Hil

"Hil Street Web Favorites" Review 2!

2007-07-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

Today I want to share my favorite website with you, Google. Google is great! Here is how it works: you type what you are looking for …

Ha ha … you didn’t think I would review Google, did you? I know you know all about Google.

I am going to review the site Weslie and I are gaga over … iGoogle. Imagine opening your computer to your perfect website. A website with little windows looking into your favorite pieces of the internet.

HIL’S iGOOGLE FRONT PAGE:

Column 1 (left):
NATI and WFMI stock tickers
Austin weather and my family’s Oklahoma City weather
Search field for Wikipedia and dictionary.com.

Column 2 (Middle):
My del.icio.us bookmarks
CNN.com World top stories
CNN.com US stories
GoogleNews top stories.
Moving on …

Column 3 (left):
Twitter feed
Link to my Google Reader Labs (RSS feed for all my favorite online publications, publications I monitor for Work, and Sam and Julia’s blogs).

Then I have a “fun” tab and a “travel” tab for all the low cost airfare tickers and RSS feeds to interesting travel articles.

And my personalized scene is “city scape” which shows a city with the same weather as my city.

Make your homepage your own by making it iGoogle!

Bikinitini!

2007-07-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

On 7.7.07, Deirdre celebrated her birthday! For those of us unable to celebrate on Saturday, we treated Deirdre to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory on Thursday.

As you can see here, Deirdre and I are enjoying our favorite martini, the Bikinitini. It tastes like a pina colada, but looks like a martini. So you are thinking "white frozen drink with umbrella" but you look "classy."

The phrase Deirdre and I have coined for the drink is "Bikinitini: the look you want with the taste you crave."

Another funny sidenote: Deirdre refuses to say "cutsie" words on menus.

Deirdre will not order:

1. The Dizzy Chik Wrap at Taco Deli

2. The Bikinitini

Deirdre's dining companion has to order these items for her, or, she just points at the menu. Funny stuff.

Happy Bikinitini Birthday, Deirdre! Glad we could celebrate!

Happy Birthday, Mercedes!

2007-07-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

Mercedes (right) turns 18 on Sunday!

She went to the vet on Friday to get a flea treatment, so she is all ready to party on her birthday. To celebrate, she will have the opportunity to lick the inside of a tuna can.

When asked about her 18th birthday, Mercedes tells me that she is excited to finally vote this year! She is endorsing Hillary Clinton. This surprised me, since Mercedes was raised in the predominately Republican State of Oklahoma. As a hard-hitting blog-journalist, I dug further to get the real scoop behind Mercedes decision:

“I am ready to see Socks back in the white house,” Mercedes says. “Having a dog in the white house isn’t helping the feline agenda at all. Spotty Bush will only pay attention to what dogs need. Sometimes I get all fed up with a bipartisan system. Cats and dogs won’t ever truly get along.”

You heard it here first, folks … one vote for the First Cat! If Socks comes back, Maybe Mercedes will be appointed to the Feline party's “Secretary of the Elderly.”

“Hil Street Web Favorites” summer series!

2007-07-10T07:07:00.000-07:00

This summer, I am going to share my favorite websites and e-newsletters with you, dear blog reader. Yes, I will selfishly review TwoBluePeas.com (providing unique baby gifts, designer baby clothes and cool baby blankets) before this summer series is over – you better believe it!

This week, I want to highlight Gmaps Pedometer. I think this is a “mashup?” (Deirdre, please clarify). This is a big google map that allows you to plot your course on any neighborhood street. I use it to see how far I run. I used to just drive the course with my car and use my cars’ odometer to figure out mileage. “So if my car was at 101388 when I left my house and now it’s at 101390 …”

You type in the address where you start running and plot your course. The Original Milwood has so many twists and turns – I have endless possibilities!

In related news – the blogosphere has more company … Bill and Suz started a blog about their hiking adventures. Check it out!

An Open Letter to Ben Folds!

2007-07-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Ben,

I have been a loyal Ben Folds enthusiast for nine years. I remember being a senior in high school, listening to “The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner” in my car with Travis. I then realized that your sweet piano tunes spoke to my soul. I remained a fan even after I heard “Hospital Room.” I listened on.

I remember hearing “Magic” for the first time. It was so beautiful that I turned my radio WAY UP, and the loud timpani almost made me lose my hearing. I remained a fan. I listened on.

When you went out on your own – I didn’t leave you. Even though I really missed Darren Jesse, I listened on.

I remember being 21, jamming to “Rockin’ the Suburbs” with Joe in the practice rooms at McCrary Music Hall. I remember going on my second date with my now husband to see you at the Red Jacket (Matt was there too). I remember endless conversations about you in Penland Dining Hall with Brian, Joe and Matt (another Matt). I reserved a spot on your cruise to ask you in person, "Is Eddie Walker dead?"

Today, Ryan received an e-mail with the subject line: Ben Folds Experience important update! "Ooh – that sounds fun," I thought. I open the e-mail and it says you canceled the CRUISE? You canceled due to scheduling difficulties with other artists? This is one of many ways you have betrayed me, Ben. But, I will remain a fan.

I will listen on.

I have an idea. I have been in PR for four years and I have scheduled and promoted many an event. You should hire me to RESCHEDULE THE CRUISE.

Call me. My number is 867-530-BENN.

Your friend,
Hilary
Ben Folds PR Manager

iPerbole!

2007-07-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Eric, for sharing the urban word of the day!

iPerbole - The hype surrounding any product Apple unveils.
"Claims that the iPhone will change the world are all part of the iPerbole surrounding the cultish company."

Controversal Blog Post!

2007-07-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

I can't complain about the rain. I just can't do it.

We've had rain for two weeks straight and I love it. I'm sitting here, listening to the heavy rain while Ryan plays guitar (and whistles) and I just feel cozy. I mean ... they might cancel the Austin 4th of July fireworks show and I DON'T CARE!

I know my Seattle friends are reading this and thinking, "Rain? I'll give you rain ... and a knuckle sandwich!" (what up, Al!)

Hear me out, PNW ladies. Here is the truth: All I see down here is the hot sun from mid-June through Thanksgiving (sometimes even Christmas). No wind, no chill, no clouds ... just the clear sky so bright you can't look up as the UV rays beat down on your young flesh choking choking you with 110 degree temperatures as the burn-ban-worthy-dry-grass causes your parking lot at work to spontaineously burst into flames near your car. This rainy season is a welcome change. Our grass is not brown ... but green!

(DISCLAIMER: I am sorry about Summer Flood ‘07 and I am sorry about Steph's flight problems.)

Other than that ... bring on the rain!

New Job!

2007-07-02T06:03:00.000-07:00

Today’s post is in honor of Ellie! She got a new job, and today is her last day at her current job.
Ellie is in the “marketing for properties” business (sorry I don’t know the technical term) and is movin’ up the corporate ladder by taking a position as a marketing manager. Ellie already has a full schedule for her week off!

1. paint the office
2. go to the gym (We hear “Summer Slimdown” has begun!)
3. watch some daytime TV
4. work in the yard
5. "etc."

Congrats on your new job, Ellie!

I bought an iPhone!

2007-06-29T14:16:00.000-07:00

I am totally kidding. I did not get an iPhone, I just wanted you to read my blog. How are you?

It isn’t raining today, so hopefully Austin won’t float away. Work is getting crazy so a floating city is not something I have time to deal with.

Have a great weekend!

Party like it's 1999!

2007-06-28T07:35:00.000-07:00

Saturday, Eric and Tara hosted a going away party for Mike and Hillary (the other Hilary M!). The theme was High School Homecoming - it was a costume party. Let me tell you – Eric and Tara included all the elements of high school homecoming including: a paper sign for Mike and Hilary to run through and a slow dance.

High School Cast and Crew:
Mike and Hillary: Homecoming couple complete with mums.
Kevin: Drill Team
Sarah: Band Geek
Tab: Goth rocker-chic complete with dark eyeliner and black nail polish
Cameron: Coach complete with really short shorts
Eric: Cheerleader
Tara: Nerd
Ryan and Hilary: Mary Kaye Letourneau and her 14-year old boyfriend. (Ryan thinned out his mustache and I was pregnant in prison)

Check out the pictures for yourself!

Slow times!

2007-06-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the lack in posts. NOTHING interesting has been happening in my life, thus the lack of blog content.

With this down time in my life, I did have a self-realization. I now know why I am so busy all the time. Turns out I can’t be trusted with free time.

Example:

Wednesday night, Ryan had class and I realized I had nothing to do. Nothing. No plans. No work that needed to be done. I got home and looked around the house waiting for something to call out to me.

That evening, I ended up watching four “Super Sweet 16” episodes, eating a bag of chips and drinking a beer. Man, did I feel disgusting (physically, gastrointestinally and emotionally – those kids are brats!).

I can not be trusted alone with free time.

Things are about to pick up though. Our annual user conference is around the corner, so work hours will increase. I also picked up more work at church – I’m going to edit some web content.

In related news: Mike and Amanda started a blog! The weblog is entitled “A&M Livin’”. This title funny because Mike is a big UT fan. So if you are interested in the life of these crazy kids – log on!

Soon to come: Ryan and I went to a costume party on Saturday. I am waiting to gather all the pictures to post about the party - but get ready - the pics should be FUNNY.

Cat-cam!

2007-06-21T12:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you for sending, Ryan.

This guy put a lightweight camera on his cat to see what happens to him throughout the day. This is AWESOME. I will try this with Mercedes. You will see pictures of
a) underneath the table
b) food bowl
c) litter box
d) her own body as she licks it.

Check out his outdoor cat’s photo gallery.

Happy Summer Solstice!

2007-06-21T10:53:00.000-07:00

A favorite holiday in the Marchbanks household is today! Summer Solstice!

Ryan and I often feel alone in our merriment - not many of our friends talk about this holiday. Looks like we need to head to Stonehenge!

Enjoy the long day!

Sick day

2007-06-19T07:16:00.000-07:00

I am home from work today. I left work at 2:00 p.m. yesterday and have been home ever since. I'm pretty bored. Here is the list of what I plan to do with my day.

1. Finally e-mail Daren Butler back
2. Watch all the You Tube forwards people have sent me that I don't watch at work
3. Sleep
4. Watch NI stock updates on my iGoogle like a hawk
5. Sleep
6. Scour the internet for a picture of Sam Alexis Woods (who I predict will be the most beautiful baby in the entire world)
7. Fall asleep watching The View

Amanda is a local celebrity!

2007-06-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

Just when you think that you get away from media relations ...

Former PR colleague (and UBC member) Amanda, is featured here on our local FOX News doing all sorts of exercises!

She is the buff one with the brunette ponytail.

Congrats, Amanda! You can see your media training at work here. Your push-ups were on message!

All Aboard!

2007-06-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

BIG NEWS. Last night, Ryan and I booked the most important vacation of my lifetime …

We are going on a Ben Folds Cruise!

For those of you who don’t know, I am not well versed in new music. I don’t follow new artists. I don’t have an iPod. Instead of venturing into new worlds of music, I usually just listen to Ben Folds CDs over and over and over. I love Ben Folds!

To save money, our room is Leonardo DiCaprio style down on the low, low deck. (What’s up third class Titanic!) We may have to actually scoop hot coals into the engine to get our reduced rate. I don’t know yet. All I do know is that I am attending the most intense Ben Folds concert EVER! The four day cruise (Miami to Jamaica) is "festival style" - different artists will be playing shows all over the ship and Ben is the headliner. It's like ACL fest in the ocean!

I have a list of questions to ask Ben Folds on the cruise:
1. How many hours a day do you play piano?
2. Is Daren Jesse on the boat somewhere?
3. Is Eddie Walker dead?
4. Will you ever play in the ACL Festival? If so, do you need a place to stay? Your kids can play with our cat!
5. How many times have you sung “Brick?”

I love Ben Folds!

Happy Flag Day!

2007-06-13T19:39:00.000-07:00

To celebrate Flag Day this year, Stacie is flying to Austin! OK, so it’s just a coincidence that she happens to be here on Flag Day. We are not actually celebrating flags.

Every year, I attend Stacie, Meredith and Becca’s roommate reunion weekend. I lived in their apartment with Stacie during our final summer of school (what’s up August grads!) when I was taking “Intro to Christian Ethics” and “Prodestant Reformation Survey” and Stacie was taking some sort of math.

What was that about, Stacie? Why were you taking math?

That summer, Stacie taught me about Goldschlager and “That 70’s show” and I taught her the freedom of not wearing pants. Her class was at 8, and my classes were at 1, so we had our evenings together to head to Common Grounds.

Anyway, that one summer has earned me a ticket to their roommate reunion train. Stacie will fly in to the ATX and we will spend the weekend in San Antone with Becca, Meredith and her baby, Mabry!

Assembly Required!

2007-06-13T07:07:00.000-07:00

Last week Ryan and I made the trip to the Austin IKEA for the first time. Man, IKEA is fun!

We purchased and assembled the long-coveted china cabinet with the instructions photographed here. Good thing I know Swedish – I was able to lead Ryan through the process. That same night, we unpacked our china from their original boxes (yes, they have remained unopened from our wedding in 2003). I am so pleased to have a china cabinet!

Enchanted Rock Editorial!

2007-06-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I took our rescheduled camping trip this weekend. We spent Saturday night at Enchanted Rock hiking, caving and (accidentally) rock climbing.

Ryan took me caving because it was “easy – like walking through a small hallway.” It was not. It was totally fun – but not as easy as Ryan explained. You are crawling, squeezing, and scooting around narrow, slippery granite. You have to pull yourself up and push yourself through lots of rocks! We have scrapes and bruises to prove it!

So, we got out of the cave and laughed about how much more difficult the caves were than Ryan remembered. Ha ha. After some friendly banter, we decided to hike down to the bottom. We looked to our left: drop off. We looked to our right: drop off. Hmmmm. How do we get down … OH we have to rock climb back to the top (Ryan didn’t remember this part either).

So, Hilary “I have never rock climbed in my life why are you doing this to me” Marchbanks sets up for her first rock climb - 1600 feet in the air. No training! It was scary! But Ryan was cool, calm and collected.

When we got to the top, Ryan then admitted that he acted cool, calm and collected so that I wouldn’t freak out, but he was really worried because I had never done anything like that before. “Nothing like almost killing your wife!” he joked. I punched him (I’m kidding).

Then we talked about how much we loved life and each other. We saw a lizard and talked to him about how lucky he was to be alive. We made sweet, sweet love there in front of the tourists. (I’m also kidding about making the sweet, sweet love.)

We got back to our campsite to set up our tent. Then we hiked back up to the top for some star gazing, enjoyed a dinner of campfire hotdogs and s’mores (Ryan dropped a flaming marshmellow on his knee – scar to prove it) and hiked around the rocks the next morning.

It was a great trip!

Enchanted Rock Pictures!

2007-06-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

The big, pink granite Enchanted Rock

Ryan during the first hike
Hilary at the top of Enchanted Rock
The end of the cave!
The end of the cave!
See the trees at the top? That's where we were climbing!

UBC June Meeting!

2007-06-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

The second monthly meeting of the Uptown Buffet Club was a success … Well, kind of. Morgan and I didn’t follow the rules. We decided that we wanted to go to CiCi’s so we didn’t draw buffet names. To stop a repeat uprising in July, we drew the July buffet location immediately after the June meeting.

As you can see from the picture of John, we did extensive research to decide which buffets to include in the July drawing. We projected a buffet Austin search on the wall.

Morgan drew the revered and feared Thomas Super Buffet ... that should be an adventure!

Anyway, back to CiCi's. The mac and cheese pizza is super delicious, but the highlight of the evening was DEFINATELY "Pizza Thomas." He gathered all the children for a prize drawing preceded by an awkward attempted comedy-esque routine. I think he’s local – I am not sure you can look for him at all CiCi’s.

I saw the sign!

2007-06-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

I grew up in the Bible belt. Actually, I think it's safe to say that Oklahoma City is one of the shiny diamonds in the huge belt buckle of the Bible belt. It's a pretty evangelical place.

There are several Protestant churches in Oklahoma, so when driving down any given road, you will see lots of church signs. Some are straightforward (Sunday Morning Services at 8:45, 10:30 and 11:00 a.m.), but some church sign coordinators try to be clever. Usually, the signs illicit a... "Huh?" response. This website categorizes all sorts of such church signs! Funny stuff. Thanks for sending, Stephanie! Enjoy!

Ellie and Will are parents!

2007-06-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

Willow is Ellie and Will’s new kitty! Meow!

A neighbor of Ellie and Will’s found a wittle bitty kitten (on Willow Way) and Ellie and Will “can’t say no to baby kittens.” She is only 4 ½ weeks old! She’s so young she can’t take care of herself. Ellie and Will have to feed her 4 times a day with a wittle bitty syringe and even teach her how to use the bathroom. As evidenced by the picture, they are loosing sleep. Being a parent is stressful!

Their three cats are jealous that Willow is getting all the attention. Hopefully they will be friends soon.

Congrats on the new addition, Will and Ellie!

I am dating a college student!

2007-05-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

Let’s take a trip to the old days when Ryan was sassy and I was sassier. My husband is a college student! Ryan is taking classes at night!

Ryan is taking the core curriculum for a computer science degree because he is interested in HR information systems - an emerging Human Resources field.

Through a local university out of San Marcos, TX (Texas State), Ryan will take computer science and programming classes at night to meld his HR knowledge with computer expertise and become a superHuman Resources Information Systems professional. I wonder if he will learn LabVIEW?

The group picture here was taken when Ryan (middle) and I (far right) were in a music group in college (we were not yet dating). This picture was taken when our tour bus wrecked after a gig in Longview, TX (That's for you, Leslie).

Our bus attempted to go under a low bridge and got stuck (none of Ryan’s drums were harmed). You can kind of see the stuck bus in the background. At the time this picture was taken, we had all been sitting by the side of the road for hours and we are a little delirious. I know we were all told to make “jazz hands,” but I don’t remember much else. Wait – I do remember that someone in town brought us TCBY and that Ryan was very nice to a homeless woman. I digress …

Congrats, Ryan! And welcome back to college! I hope we make out on the sly and make late night fast food trips like the old days! TACO C! Woo!

Military Hilary!

2007-05-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

Last week, our office went on a Field Trip! Man, field trips are more exciting as an adult. We spent the day outside with no work, there was beer on the bus and I could take my cell phone. Cool.

We went to Fort Hood, (a director at our company's brother is a Col) watched artillery practice (tanks were so close!) and then ate MREs (I had imitation pork rib with clam chowder). I got to climb into a tank.

It was neat to talk to the soldiers in training. They are all very proud of their work. Made me think of the Fort Hood soldiers in Iraq now (like Cousin Luc).

Anyway – I’m glad I got my survival skills in order, because guess what … the camping trip is back on. Goodness. June 9th my white feather better shine. Over Memorial Day Ryan and I slept on the floor of his aunt’s house and I was having trouble. This will be interesting …

FOOD!

2007-05-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

I’d like to introduce you to a new website! Morgan (a regular contributor to the Hil Street Journal) happens to be a great cook. She is now sharing her recipes with the world wide web on her blog, Saltimbocca!

An excerpt: “Saltimbocca means to "jump in the mouth" in Italian, alluding the fact that a dish leaps into your mouth because it's so good. I will strive for this, and hopefully each recipe that I post will fall somewhere nearer “saltimbocca” on the scale, rather than “ripugnante.”

Morgan is a fancy cook – so you foodies out there will enjoy reading about her stuff!

"She has dreams, she wants to meet Tiget Woods ..."!

2007-05-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gentleman - this is CRAZY

I can't even set this up eloquently. There are so many angles ...

1. The amazement of cat tricks
2. The "washing your hands" song
3. The craziness of this lady
4. The craziness of this lady

Watch until the end ... when the woman talks about the dreams.

Thanks Morgan, for sending!

Heroes Finale!

2007-05-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

If you have not yet watched the season finale to Heroes, please stop reading.

If you do not watch Heroes and won’t know who I am talking about, please stop reading.

So, at the end of the episode last night, as Peter is about to explode, his brother, Nathan, holds him tight and flies into the air so that he will explode high in the atmosphere and not kill millions in New York City.

Um … the writers forgot that Peter can fly on his own. Nathan didn’t have to die. An entire season – like 20 hours of my life, wasted by some silly writer’s error. Focus, Heroes' writers, focus!!!

College Roommate Birthdays!

2007-05-19T07:40:00.001-07:00

This week, two of my college roommates had birthdays! Katie (Thurs.) and Becky (Sat.) turned 26 this week.

Picture identification: I lived with these ladies all throughout college. I'm on the left, Ginny (an appreciated nurse in a previous posting) is second to left and is not celebrtating a birthday. Becky is holding her son, and Katie is in the pink.

I have celebrated many birthdays with these ladies! We celebrated their 19th birthdays when Becky was my potluck roommate in the dorm and Katie was our future roommate that knew Ginny (but I didn't know her last name). We celebrated 20 and 21 (woo!) together. The 22nd birthday was rough because that was the week we all moved out of 22D. Katie and I bawled like itty-bitty babies.

Ladies - as the wize Gerfers taught me, 26 is a good age. Old enough to know who you are, but young enough to still be young.

Here's to you, birthday girls! I miss you and love you!

Livestrong Day!

2007-05-17T07:03:00.000-07:00

Today is Livestrong Day! The Lance Armstrong Foundation is announcing The Cancer Screening, Treatment and Survivorship Act of 2007. Get online to send an e-mail to your representative today! My friend Lauren, pictured here, organized Livestrong Day – I am proud :).

Walking to work .... working to walk!

2007-05-16T08:39:00.000-07:00

It happened to the best of us. When we left college and found ourselves sitting at a desk all day, we gained weight. The hot, thin blonde on my drivers license (pic taken in '03) does not resemble me at all. I have been denied alcohol due to this discrepency!

The Mayo Clinic came up with this solution in 2005 - The Treadmill Desk.

I would gladly ditch the heels, wear my Old Navy yoga pants to work and walk while I write pitches and talk to editors. It would be lovely! I wonder if the Mayo Clinic sells their items on Amazon.

Thanks for sending, Morgan!

Uptown Buffet Club Photo Montage!

2007-05-14T12:43:00.000-07:00

Uptown Buffet Club First Meeting!

2007-05-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

The first meeting of the buffet club was a smashing success! Not only did we complete our first meeting, we worked on our team goals, rules and creed.

Goals:
Have a road trip to Lake Charles at the end of year one for a weekend of buffets.

Rules:
1. If you miss a buffet club meeting, the team will decide on a challenge for you to regain club membership. Friday's challenge: eat the small spicy octopus.
2. Next month, we will meet at someone’s house and draw the buffet name from a hat. I love the spontaneity that the Uptown Buffet Club brings to my life.
3. Still on the table: do we include “cafeterias” into the mix, or just the traditional buffet?

Creed:
Mike will write a six sentence creed beginning the six sentences with B,U,F,F,E, and T, consecutively.

In related news … My businessy calendar, which only shares “businessy holidays,” did not include a very important event last week! I was unaware last week was Nurses Appreciation Week. Ginny, mom and other nurses … we appreciate you!

Saw “Real Genius” this weekend with Sam and Julia. It was funny – so 80’s ... and Val Kilmer was a complete spazz.

Big Fish Retires!

2007-05-10T21:16:00.000-07:00

Fish brought down by "the man."

Fish enjoying his life in Paradise, Jamaica

Today, my office pet, Beta 1.0 is retiring from his busy coroprate life. Beta has lived (literally) in his office day and night. Now is retired! He exercised his stock options to move to Paradise! Look at how free and lovely he swims! It's glorious!

Today we are having a retirement party for Beta 1.0 complete with goldfish crackers!
(I've had Beta 1.0 for one year and five months! My co-worker, Tiffany, gave him to me as a secret Santa gift back in December 2005. He is a healthy and happy fish.)

Cat Town!

2007-05-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

Ellie sent me a website so funny tears came to my eyes.

This site even gives props to the Scottish Fold breed!

Ellie, let me know if you do this with your cats. I want to see those episodes!

On the road again!

2007-05-08T07:30:00.001-07:00

This post is in honor of my car, Madeline. On our way back from Oklahoma this weekend, she hit 100,000 miles!

Madeline is a 2001 Silver Volvo. I have had her since August 2002.

Madeline was with me for the end of my college career, the beginning of my real career and has taken me several places. She has been on I-35 more often than some truckers have!
She has gone from Edmond, Okla. to Waco several times, Waco to Lubbock, Edmond, Okla. to Austin, Austin to Little Rock, Austin to Tulsa, Waco to Santa Fe …

She is a true traveler of the heartland and great southwest. Congratulations on hitting this milestone, Madeline!

A weekend of celebration!

2007-05-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

Today, I am driving to Okla. to visit my parents. Before I head up I-35, I wanted to wish everyone a happy Cinco de Mayo and happy Kentucky Derby!
I will be celebrating spring weather and chillin' out at my parents place.

Last year, Suz's Cinco de Mayo involved several plastic mermaids.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Can Babies Spell Entrepreneurship?

2007-05-03T07:19:00.000-07:00

Creative Baby Gifts! Baby Clothes! A baby boutique you can visit in the comfort of your own home!

If you are a woman with whom I have exchanged e-mails in the past four months, you know that my good friend, Sarah, has launched her own business!

Two Blue Peas (twobluepeas.com) offers designer baby duds and gifts via a hip, easy-to-use website.

A baby boutique you can visit without getting in your car! No carbon emissions! (I think there may be a “green” story here … the press will love it …)

Before and After!

2007-05-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

Tony Blair recently announced he is leaving his role as Prime Minister after 10 years.

Look at this before and after image of Tony Blair (Economist).

WOW.

In related news, Prince Harry leaves for Iraq this month.

Logo!

2007-05-02T07:23:00.000-07:00

This logo is brought to you by Suzie! Thanks, Suz for sponsoring the Uptown Buffet Club by offering your computer services for free! Ryan is our founding sponsor, offering his design skillz free of charge.

The Blogosphere helps the Austin Uptown Buffet Club!

2007-05-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

The Austin Uptown Buffet Club (UBC) will begin on Friday, May 11! Ryan even made a logo for our club using the best HR design software … Microsoft Excel. I can not figure out how to upload an excel document on to blogger, so if you know how please help. I want to share the logo with the world!

The buffet choice is still in question but the date has been set. We wanted to go to Pancho’s, but this Mexican Buffet’s website had no listing for the ATX. So I googled “Austin” and “Pancho’s” and found a local blogger lamenting Pancho’s Austin closing. Neat that I found this information by posting comments blogger-y-blogger.

So it may be Golden Corral. It may be the Chinese Buffet Palace. Mike says the only suggestion that is out-of-bounds is Super Buffet until our digestive systems are trained with a rigorous regimen of more buffet work.

I’m going to gain about 15 pounds because I don’t trust buffet produce. If it’s not some sort of carbohydrate covered in cheese or grease … I probably won’t eat it. Unless it’s soft serve.

When the Moon Hits Your Eye!

2007-04-30T14:43:00.000-07:00

Free Pizza at Pizza Hut on May 1, 2007! 3-5 pm. This is what vacation time is saved for, folks!

Homo-ners!

2007-04-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

Look at these young kids (pic taken in June 2003). So young, so in love. Can you believe these kids are BUYING a house today?!?!?!

Congrats, Ellie and Will. Sorry I embarrassed you with an old picture.

Field Day!

2007-04-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

Friday, our team at work participated in United Way’s “Day of Caring.” We left the office for a day and staffed a local elementary school’s field day. It was fun to get out of the office and spend the day at the park! Morgan, Trisha and I staffed the tug-of-war station. (It was definitely a three person job.) Through Ryan’s work, he mentors a kindergartener.

Coincidentally, the boy Ryan mentors was at the school we volunteered with on Friday! Ryan has a picture of them together, so I studied the picture and went to field day ready to meet him.

Morgan and I found him right off the bat (the kid was wearing the same shirt on Friday that he was wearing in the picture Ryan has). Morgan and I took far-away stalker-like pics (shown here) and then I introduced myself. He really was not interested in meeting the weird lady who knew his name.

All in all – field day was a blast! Kids have so much energy. I was exhausted that night and slept very soundly.

Morgan and Hil

Stalker Pic

"Who is this weird lady approaching me" pic

Hil pic

Water baloon station and volleyball pic

Tug of war

Happy Administrative Professionals Day!

2007-04-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

Today, I'd like to honor the administrative professionals in my life:

Ellie, who says "It's a pleasure to assist in professionally administrating the office," is a marketing and administrative assistant in Loouisville.

Katie works in Dallas and she loves the ladies she works with! She says everyone is very encouraging.

Alicia and Brigid work here! They are fantastic. Alicia makes me laugh with stories of her two-year-old, and Brigid calls me “Doll Button.” (Every girl needs to be endeared every once in a while.)

Thanks to "The Office," administrative professionals are more glamorous than ever before. America's Sweetheart, Pam, is an Administrative Professional!

Today – you are honored! Have a great day! Get a pedicure! Have a glass of wine!

Contributed Piece!

2007-04-24T06:42:00.000-07:00

Contributing reporter, Amanda, requested this story be posted on the Hil Street Journal. This story CLEARLY made it through the editorial gatekeeper (me) because it involves two of my favorite things: music and cats.

Weekend!

2007-04-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the hiatus. The Austin PR awards are Thursday, and yours truly is working on the “onsite voting.” That means I’m organizing a whole bunch of mundane stuff like ballots and ballot boxes. But it’s keeping me busy. Too busy to blog, apparently.

Friday we had dinner with some friends we haven’t seen in a long time. It was great to sit and talk with them about music, vacations and life in general. They got us interested in the Discovery Channel’s “Planet Earth.” There was a marathon on Sunday, so we watched four episodes.

This weekend, Ryan and I went to a popular South Congress restaurant for the first time, Enoteca Vespaio. Enoteca is a casual café attached to a hip, expensive-er restaurant, Vespaio. The food was lovely! We split a cheese plate, bottle of delicious vino, salad and pizza. I recommend this place to all Austin residents and visitors.

On the other end of the food spectrum: Some friends of ours have decided we want to start a “buffet club.” That’s right – Friday nights, we hit the cheesy, cheap, chain buffets. This is going to be HILARIOUS. I’m charged with organizing “Golden Corral” night. That will give me blog material!

April 19, 2005

2007-04-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

Today is the 12th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. As our nation is mourning today over another terrible, violent tragedy, we remember the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building and internal daycare all too vividly.

May the victims of both tragedies be in our thoughts and prayers.

Office Art!

2007-04-18T13:28:00.000-07:00

I got an e-mail from my friend, Weslie saying this link "is the best thing ever."

Yes, yes it is.

Since Jim can't be my boyfriend, at least he can be my wall art.

To Abby!

2007-04-18T05:50:00.000-07:00

Last week, Deirdre’s 16-year-old Chihuahua died. This post is in honor of Abby (left). You will be missed. You lead a long life! You were a funny pup, Abby!

Overdrawn!

2007-04-17T06:49:00.000-07:00

I am mad at my bank.

My bank will be referred to by a code name to protect its identity. The code name is: “Deep Holes Filled with Water - Movie with Funny Minnesotan Accents” Bank.

I was overdrawn last week on my personal “fun stuff” checking account (that’s the account I don’t share with my husband. It goes to pedicures, sushi, wine, haircuts, yoga, makeup, lattes and other bits of general merriment.) So, I was overdrawn for two days before I checked my account. When I saw the overdraft charges online I was like, “eeeek!” So I transferred some money, called Ellie to complain about my stupidness, talked to Morgan about how I had to forgo date night due to my folly, then ate a bunch of cheese puffs.

I had let it go. It was my mistake. I let it go until I got a letter on Saturday.

The letter was from my bank, “Deep Holes Filled with Water - Movie with funny accents.” The letter (LETTER) said: “please deposit funds to cover the overdrawn items immediately.”

Immediately. Immediately? IMMEDIATELY?

By immediately, you mean enough time to put my name on this letter, type out how much is overdrawn, print the letter out, go to the printer, trifold the letter, place the letter in an envelope, find a watery sponge to release the envelope sealant, close the envelope, run the envelope through the meter and have it sit in the mailbox to be delivered to me four days later.

Sounds immediate to me!

I had conceded to my mistake. I thought, “You got me! This is how you make money on free checking – from overdraft fees.” So I was OK with it until I get this letter where “Deep Holes Filled with Water - Movie with Funny Minnesotan Accents” Bank pretends to have my best interest in mind. They could have gotten to me sooner if they really cared …

“Deep Holes Filled with Water - Movie with Funny Minnesotan Accents” Bank could have e-mailed me! I have online banking. I have e-mail. I know they have my e-mail address because they e-mail me a couple times a week asking if I am interested in a credit card, refinancing or a home loan.

Or, “Deep Holes Filled with Water - Movie with Funny Minnesotan Accents” Bank could call me! I know they have my number because they have some fresh-out-of-school bozo named Veronica calling our house once a week asking if we want financial planning.

They have ways of getting in touch with me in a timely manner. When an overdraft fee going straight to the bank’s pocket is in question – they should not make it so obvious!

I feel like I’ve been Punked!

Catch 22!

2007-04-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

Today’s post is in honor of my good friend Morgan! Today is her 22nd birthday!

Morgan and I have a lot in common, but what truly brought us together is our love of fresh produce. We often buy apples for each other to taste. We have a rating scale:

yuck!
pretty gross
edible, but not ideal
meh
tastes like an apple
this is a good apple
this is a very good apple
honeycrisp

Are you looking for a new apple to try? Here are some recent apple critiques, communicated between Morgan and me via e-mail:

Winesap: by Morgan, Food Editor
Unbelievably tough skin
Suspiciously white on the inside
Very juicy
Mild taste - on the tart side
The tough skin must be protecting the soft-ish, more mealy inside, as it cannot withstand much pressure on its own.

Overall rating: meh

Pacific Rose: by Hilary, Other Food Editor
Good consistency.
Juicy, yet crunchy at first.
Sweet, but lacking in other flavors

Overall rating: This is a good apple.

Morgan, this image of apple-shaped birthday candles is for you. May your birthday be as crisp, flavorful, and delicious as a honeycrisp.

Today is Holocaust Rememberance Day

2007-04-15T15:21:00.000-07:00

These are pictures from Ginny and my visit to the New England Holocaust Memorial in Boston. The tall glass pillars are etched with six million numbers symbolizing the tattoed numbers of those who were killed in the Holocaust.

Sunday School - 1st and 2nd Grade!

2007-04-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

This morning, I taught Sunday School to 1st and 2nd graders. My lesson was to teach the “story of the cross.” I was a little nervous because I knew it would be hard to answer questions like this:
“Miss Hilary! Why did they kill the nice man?”
“Miss Hilary! Wouldn’t it hurt to be up there on the cross like that?”
“Miss Hilary! That’s gross!”

The kids were surprisingly not focused on the gory details. Instead, they argued over who received the most money in their Easter eggs and who had already lost more teeth. Here are some funny quotes from this morning:

“Instead of learning about Good Friday may I make a paper airplane?”

“Jesus will never grow old and die because he is alive all the time up in the clouds.”

“You got one dollar in your Easter eggs? In my Easter egg I got candy and cash. One dollar and 48 cents.”

“I can draw Easter things very easily because I have been doing cursive like all year.”

“My little brother really, really can’t write. He’s three."

“Did the disciples get drunk on bread and wine? I am pretty sure they did. Yeah, I think they got drunk.”

“Where did Judas kiss Jesus? That’s weird.”

I’m glad the kids at my church are so open with their Sunday School teachers and each other. (?) Next week: 4 year olds. I’ll share more quotes.

PETA Award for the day!

2007-04-12T15:37:00.000-07:00

So, last night, I'm on the phone with Ellie. After about an hour and a half, we begin our goodbyes. Then, Ellie (in a whispering breathy kind of laughing voice) says, "Oh my goodness, oh my goodness ..." I'm little nervous that she has injured herself or something, but I quickly realize that she is laughing a little bit. "The cats have chased a rabbit into the house. Oh my goodness. The hoppy animal is probably going to nuzzle itself into my bed. How did it get in there? What would you do?" I told Ellie to make a lot of noise so the rabbit would run out of the house. She decides to call Will and remain outside until he returns home because she is deathly afraid of any and all animals other than cats. Even cute baby bunnies frighten her.

Will gets home, looks under the couch and says, "Oh it's a little bunny. Just like the Easter Bunny! Pretty cute actually. Want me to get the golf club?"

"No!" Ellie exclaimes! ::Visions of Will clubbing baby rabbits come to her head...::

"Actually I was just going to scoot it out from under the couch to the door."

"Oh. Good idea."

So, Will saved "Young Peter Cottontail" (as he has named it) even though the three ravenous cats were dissapionted.

Interactive Blog Post!

2007-04-12T07:37:00.000-07:00

My friend, Kevin, works for a sports/entertainment marketing firm. For Lollapalooza this year, he launched a viral website project called PaloozaHead to promote the lineup online. It's fun to play with! :)

Here’s Cam and Tab’s one month-old son, Colin rockin’ out.

Try it with your pics and post your links in the comments section!

What is that ball of fluff in my couch!

2007-04-11T16:58:00.000-07:00

What is that ball of fluff in my couch?

Ladies and gentleman, the ball of fluff is the 17-year-old Scottish Fold Empress of the Marchbanks estate - Mercedes.

Her bed is located in the kitchen near the window, but she has moved spots. Lately, she has made her relaxing home the space between the couch and far right (passenger side) couch cushion. She doesn't mind when we sit down, she just continues to sleep.

In related house news: Ryan was outside talking to Mike and Amanda the other day, and a neighbor came by and thanked Ryan for fixing up the yard. Kudos, Eldest Marchbanks!

Preach-it sister!

2007-04-10T13:37:00.000-07:00

This is hilarous!

Ladies – this post is for you. (Gentleman, it may make you a little uncomfortable ... or you might laugh. I don't know your individual tastes.)

An Open Letter to James Thatcher, Brand Manager, Procter and Gamble

Thanks for sending, Deirdre!

Stewart/Colbert!

2007-04-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

I plan to vote for the Stewart/Colbert ticket in '08 for a funnier America! (Based on my voting choices, obviously, the Hil Street Journal is not a political forum ... but I have to share what NEWSWEEK Magazine is doing)

In an ongoing series, NEWSWEEK publishes letters and e-mails from fallen U.S. troops in Iraq to loved ones and friends back home. They share unedited letters provided by families of the deceased.

As a person living in the US, I do not feel like we are a country at war. We still have Super Bowls, the Oscars, running water, AC, electricity, blogs, reality TV, etc. Reading these letters brings the war (emotionally at least) a little closer to home.

Pray that our troops come home soon.

Happy Easter!

2007-04-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

I love Easter! Today, we went to church and watched a lot of golf. I took a two hour nap on the couch while the Masters commenced. It was a very restful Easter.

This next week is going to be busy! My in-laws are coming into town Friday evening, so I have to figure out a weekend of elaborate meals. Why? Because that's what in-laws want ... they want to know that their son is well fed with nutritous home-cooked meals from their daughter-in-law who works two jobs. (shhhhh - don't tell them I don't cook everyday. I can't cook everyday, I'm not God. Or a cocaine addict.)

The weather here is cold. We were a little worried that Gene the Tree wouldn't make it - but he is doing OK. :)

I'll have more interesting posts later on this week ... the posts will be "theme related" not "Hil's life related."

Meow!

2007-04-06T11:08:00.000-07:00

As you know, I have an old cat. Mercedes is 17 (she was my 9th birthday present). All she does is sleep – she doesn’t help with any chores. I thought old cats were useless … until now.

Happy Friday!

My name is Liz and I’m not an alcoholic!

2007-04-06T06:43:00.000-07:00

Well done, NBC. Last night’s The Office was great and 30 ROCK was awesome as well. Did you notice both shows made references to men wearing women's clothes? Clever!

“Dream Jackson?” Hilarious! I may have to watch those again tonight!

It’s Good Friday! This is the day Christians remember the crucifixion. Not sure what’s so good about that. I do like the music though. Lots of minor chords and as for hymns … a few favorites. (Stacie – we’re going to sing ‘O Sacred Head Now Wounded’ tonight!)

I’m in my choir uniform at work today since I have to get straight to the service – white button down shirt, black pants, black shoes. As I left the house Ryan asked me what the specials were. Yes, yes. I am dressed as a waiter.

Have a Blessed Good Friday!

Remembrance!

2007-04-05T06:44:00.000-07:00

Today is Maundy Thursday, the day we remember the Last Supper.
Holy Communion services are taking place all over the world. These church services commence in the evening, and some churches will even have feet-washing ceremonies to commemorate Jesus washing the Apostles’ feet. Although I am involved in church activities, I will not be washing anyone’s feet this evening. :)

My favorite hymn, In Remembrance of Me, shares what Holy Communion and Christ's teachings mean in our lives today.

In remembrance of Me eat this bread

In remembrance of Me drink this wine

In remembrance of Me pray for the time

When God's own will is done

In remembrance of me heal the sick

In remembrance of me feed the poor

In remembrance of me open the door

And let your brother in, let him in

Take eat and be comforted

Drink and remember too

That this is my body and precious blood

Shed for you, shed for you

In remembrance of me always love

In remembrance of me don't look above

But in your heart, in your heart

Look in your heart for God

Do this in remembrance of Me

Do this in remembrance of Me

In remembrance of Me

Have a reverent, thoughtful Maundy Thursday.

Hil Street Box Office!

2007-04-04T14:41:00.000-07:00

This weekend, I went to see The Namesake. Wow – what an amazing story! Through the Ganguli family, you see the sharp contrasts between family culture in India vs. US. The story elicited many emotions from me (I cried thrice!). However the movie was not that good. Directing was choppy and some of the dialogue/acting was awkward. Made me wish I read the book first.

So … Hil Street recommends you read the book even though she has not read it. (?) How pompous!