Cass in the City

From Where They Run

2010-12-01T11:01:00.000-06:00

Hey friends,

I would love nothing more than for you to check out one of my favorite local bands - From Where They Run.

I know I have said it before and I'll seay it time and time again, these guys rock. Help support and go to their next show. Be prepared for a thrill ride down indie lane.

Visit: http://fromwheretheyrun.com

YAY ITS MY BIRTHDAY!!!

2010-11-24T10:25:00.000-06:00

25 years down and a million to go!

can't wait for tomorrow's Thanksgiving feast and the upcoming Christmas holiday!

Yahoooieeeeeee! :)

Yankee Candles

2010-11-22T15:11:00.000-06:00

This holiday season, I have picked up extra work at the Yankee Candle shop in the mall. Thinking it would just be another mall job, I didn't have any expectations. But now that I've started working there and learned all of the tricks of the trade, I can't get enough of it. Who knew I would love working in retail and be so good at selling something as simple as candles!

Working with candles really brings me joy. I love that the guests are mostly older women and are just as nice as can be. (I mean honestly, you can't be horrid and buy candles!) They like to chit-chat and get to know you a little bit. And what I never thought about before is that in a way, these "strangers" are inviting you into their home, an intimate place, and asking for your help in how to create a relaxing atmosphere or to find a fragrance that brings back old memories for them. It is just all really special!
And to boot, this job just makes me feel good and the majority of my customers are just so very thankful that I was able to help them. I get instant satisfaction from this job and I think that is why I am so into it. And my laid back, drama-free co-workers are just as wonderful. I am so very thankful to have them.

And it just happens that I am obsessed with candles. Although I haven't owned any over the past few years, there is really nothing like a good smelling room and a burning candle to help you wind down and relax. Because it is that time of year, I do have a handful of favorite holiday fragrances. If you have time to stop at a Yankee Candle store, check them out for yourself. I can't certainly can't get enough and you can even order them on-line! Happy smelling!

I am not usually a big Gingerbread fan, but I can't get enough of the warm spices in this fragrance. Its a great version of baked Gingerbread and has the cutest accessories to make this holiday extra festive!

Who doesn't love the smell of baked apples? With a light scent of pine, the dash of cinnamon, and warm, crisp apples , your house will smell absolutely divine. Don't be alarmed if the neighbors stop by to ask for your secret.

This is one of my new favorites that has been growing on me since I started last week. North Pole is a clean, fresh scent that leaves your house smelling wonderful with hints of vanilla and peppermint. The candy-like smell is sweet and refreshing!

An American Thanksgiving Holiday To Remember? Let us hope...

2010-11-17T10:05:00.000-06:00

So it turns out that this year, I will become Chef Cass and prepare our Thanksgiving Feast. The good news is I have the whole day off. The bad news is I will probably be extremely hungover from the night before as it is my birthday (the big 2-5 - yikes!!). I've never cooked Thanksgiving dinner in my life, let alone an entire turkey. I'm actually quite the dessert gal around the holidays. Every year I make pumpkin roll and if I have the time, deep dish apple pie. I've even dabbled in something savory over the past few years and have prepared a creamy pumpkin soup (that is just to die for). But now, I'm afraid I have a lot on my plate so to speak. And on top of it all, I've loaded up on hours at my part time job so I'll be working almost every night next week.

But, it should be fun and I'm actually looking forward to the experience. I just hope it's edible by the time I'm through. I should probably start making a list of what I can achieve this holiday and start mapping out both my time and my menu!

Stay tuned for the results next week! And pointers, tips, and comments in the meantime are all welcome. Trust me, I'm going to need every bit of advice I can get!

There's no place like home for the holidays

2010-11-15T13:39:00.001-06:00

I think everyone can agree that there really is no place like home for the holidays. And with Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, I'm beginning to feel the weight of what these famous lyrics sang by Perry Como truly mean.

You see, I have decided to not return back to the east coast for the holidays again this year. This decision did not come easily and it still breaks my heart to think about being away from my family, home, and the blustery snow for another year. But in reality, this was a cost-effective choice. I was able to pick up a part time job for the holidays and I will be working as much as I can throughout the next few weeks.

Aside from that, I will get to spend these two holidays in Texas with my honey! And I really couldn't be happier with my "Plan B" option. Although there will be no snow and the trail of lights has been canceled, I won't be lonely and it seems I've already acquired a house full of Christmas decor to start setting up on Thanksgiving. Not to mention there will still be tons of Christmas movies on television, hot cocoa to drink, and warm fleece blankets to wrap around in. And if my honey knows me at all, we will be driving from one little Texan town to the next to soak in all of the holiday festivities and cheer this season has to offer.

So although there is no place like home for the holidays, Austin, Texas will be my home this year and will most likely continue to be my home for years to come. And ya know, this place isn't all that bad. I actually don't mind having this amazing city as my "home away from home".

...But I do wish we could work on having a little Texan snow for the Holidays! A girl can dream!

Randy Rogers Band at the Nutty Brown Cafe

2010-11-10T09:31:00.006-06:00

As a kid, some of the fondest memories I have involve me driving around the countryside in upstate New York with my dad blasting a Johnny Cash cassette tape. In fact, the only music I really knew was that "western twang" always coming from the radio. But with all the country music I grew up listening to, I can't say I ever really knew much about Texas country. Well fast-forwarding 20 years to now, I find myself in Austin, Texas living amongst the herds of Texans flocking to all of the shows surrounding this local, popular genre. And you can bet your ten gallon hat that I'm dancing right along with them and doing my best to keep up with the catchy Texan lyrics.

Thus far, my most favorite Texan music citing was on Friday, October 29th. I made my way over to the Nutty Brown Cafe for the first time where I was more than ecstatic to see the Randy Rogers Band perform in the packed venue. The band came out fully dressed in their Halloween gear imposing various characters from the original Karate Kid. Randy Rogers himself led the band as Mr. Miyagi and the rest of the cast played their hearts out on their various instruments. They performed a few of their older songs but it seemed to me they focused on a lot of the material from their latest album, "Burning the Day", which debuted late this summer. As for the crowd, it was clear that everyone knew the majority of their set because everyone who surrounded me on this chilly evening were singing every word right along with Mr. Rogers.

As the show progressed, the hit new single "Interstate" was performed and shortly after, "Missing You is More Than I Can Do", which Randy Rogers' proclaimed as his "Austin Song", was played as well. The band also announced prior to performing "Steal You Away", that it would be the newest song to hit the radio waves thanks to local supporters such as 98.1 KVET. Furthermore, the incredible fiddle skills played by Brady Black is certainly worth mentioning . Dressed as the infamous character Daniel-son from Karate Kid, Mr. Black really captivated the crowd with his hypnotic fiddle solos throughout the show.

There are always new things to discover when moving from place to place. Being new to Texas has left me with a lot to explore and most of all; it has introduced me to Texas country music. If you get the chance, please try to fit Randy Rogers Band into your schedule. They are incredibly talented musicians and they'll give you a show you will want to revisit time and time again. And in the meantime, go out and purchase their new CD which can be found at almost any local record store. There's really no reason to wait. And for those skeptical folks, get a preview at Randyrogersband.com. Enjoy!

By Cassandra Grabowski

Halloween Halloschmeeen

2010-11-02T11:41:00.000-05:00

I couldn't possibly top myself off this year after last years Lady GaGa Halloween in South Korea. But I did raid my closet and come up with a lot of different costumes that didn't involve spending money. And the one I went as was a 1940s pin up girl. I wore a black cocktail dress I love with a sweetheart neckline and just did up my hair and make up. I watched a few youtube videos on how to do different hair styles and finally came up with one that worked for me - the Victory Roll. All that was required for the face was a little black liquid eyeliner and a lot of red lipstick. And there you have it! Just call me Betty.

Andrew and I decided to skip out on joining the madness downtown and went to a friend's house instead for a little Halloween fun. They had a live band performing that sounded like they were straight out of New Orleans and we danced the night away. Andrew showed up as Wolverine and got an incredible amount of compliments for his grand look-a-like to Logan from the movie. He too already had everything he needed in his closet. And while he was waiting for me to get ready, he even constructed some of those Wolverine claws that shoot out of his arm. He won best costume of the night in my book.

I ended up getting sick for some reason and left the party early. The entire next day was miserable and I continued to be sick until roughly 6pm. It is now Tuesday and I still feel ill and can't eat normally, but looking back, I couldn't really get into this years festivities. I hope my attitude changes for the next holiday! It is now November, the month of my 25th birthday and Thanksgiving. Time to cheer up Charlie!

I hope you're not offended. It was just really funny!

2010-10-21T21:57:00.001-05:00

Andrew: "You really do refuse to eat Chick-fil-A."

Me: "It's yucky for you!"
Andrew: "I ate it at 8pm. It was amazing."
Me: "Eww...that's so late. Can't you get a salad or something with chicken in it?"
Andrew: "What do I look like? A Chic-fa-gay!?"

Our First Korean REUNION

2010-10-21T21:46:00.000-05:00

It seems as though this Autumn has brought forward a lot of "firsts" for me. And I sure am glad!

After one year of being separated, a bunch of the old crew from our days in Korea, made a trip out to Austin to reunite once again.

Dave flew in from Michigan.

Sohyun, Dave's girlfriend, flew in from South Korea.

Jon flew in from Washington, D.C.

Jenny drove in from New Braunsfels, Texas.

Jane drove in from San Antonio.

Andrew and I hosted.

To say we did a lot would be a lie. However we did eat a lot of Austin cuisine (food from the infamous food trucks, lots of Mexican, and even more of that good ol' Texan BBQ), drank a lot of alcohol, and picked up where we last left off in Korea - but this time, in AMERICA. We watched football, ate lunch in a small Texan town called Gruene, and even saw San Antonio and its' infamous landmark - the Alamo. Sohyun rode a mechanical bull, Jon bought a million shots, and we danced around taking silly pictures. At one point, there was even a rugby match in Andrew's room, a guitar session, and a sit-up/pull-up competition.

It was just like old times. The rest of the crew that couldn't make it or who are still living in Korea were sadly missed and thought about often. Cramming a full year apart into a single weekend was simply not enough time for catching up. But that just means we need to get together again, in a new place and with more faces. Glad we could pull it together. And for the record, I still hate saying goodbye...

sweet, sweet baby jesus

2010-10-21T20:57:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I had the urge to listen to Christmas music.

...Its not even Halloween.

I'm hopeless.

My First Black and White Ball

2010-10-21T20:49:00.000-05:00

Last Friday, I coordinated my first charity event for the non-profit organization, Texas Advocacy Project. When I was assigned this event at work, I knew nothing about the company. But I quickly learned that they did work I could relate to. Texas Advocacy Project provides women in Texas with free legal services to escape abusive relationships. Often times, women will not remove themselves or their children from such relationships because their husband is the "breadwinner", and if they leave, they fear they cannot support themselves or furthermore, fear more threats and receive continued abuse.

The Black and White Ball was a charity event to raise money for the foundation on behalf of the many victims it helps serve. I have recently learned that we collectively earned approximately $171,000 in only a few short hours. I would say for my first charity event, that is a fairly decent amount and I'm so honored to have been a part of it.

Participating in this benefit makes me feel even more proud of my own mother for being a survivor. Its nice to know there are people out their willing to help.

Austin City Limits Music Festival

2010-10-21T20:18:00.000-05:00

Austin City Limits is an annual music festival put on by C3 Productions (the company who also coordinates Lollapalooza in Chicago). It is a three-day festival, located in Austin’s own Zilker Park, and host’s eight enormous stages. This year, I was one of 75,000 attendees and we were all there for the same reason: to listen to great MUSIC.

With a great line up on each stage and all artists performing simultaneously, it was rather overwhelming to choose which stage to be present at. But I took my trusty schedule and hopped around the festival solo on Day 1. I was able to skip out of work early on Friday to head over to the festival and catch some late afternoon shows. I saw the Black Keys (one of Andrew’s favorite bands), then half of the Band of Heathens, and Amos Lee at sunset. Finally, I was able to meet up with a co-worker and her friends to see Sonic Youth, one of the original grunge bands. After the show, we decided to leave the festival early and skip out on seeing Phish and The Strokes. So we headed on a long hike back to our cars so we would be rested for the next days’ festivities!

On Day 2 of the festival, Andrew was able to join me as I scored him a last minute discounted ticket from a friend. We started off seeing The Very Best, an amazing reggae band from South Africa, and then we hung around the same stage to see Gaslight Anthem. We took a break to eat some Salt Lick BBQ sandwiches and then off we went to another stage to see Manchester Orchestra. We finally met up with my friends after the Temper Trap show, where I accidentally ran into them. We decided to split up again, and Andrew and I headed to see Gogol Bordello, the very energetic gypsy punk band. After watching everyone dance around, we headed over to see Deadmau5, a famous DJ with an incredible light show who had recently appeared on the VMA’s on MTV. The crowd was full of fist pumpers and a lot of energy. Towards the end of the show, we found a spot and waited for Muse. They sounded incredible live, but Andrew and I decided to skip out a little early in order to beat the traffic. We still had Day 3 to attend!

The final day of the festival was beautiful. In fact every day of the festival was sunny and in the high 80s, the opposite of last year’s rainy, mud fest. We were finally able to meet up with my friends and carpool to the festival. I learned it is very hard to go to a festival with a group because everyone wants to see different shows. We ended up splitting up a lot from the group but we had fun nonetheless. We started off seeing Portugal. The Man, a band based out of Alaska who was really great. Then we saw Gayngs, a reggae/DJ type band who threw joints in the crowd, and then we were off to see The Constellations and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Andrew and I stopped and had another Salt Lick BBQ sandwich (sometimes you just can’t get enough) and we moved onward to catch the end of Yeasayer’s show. Afterwards, we went to see Rebelution (Andrew’s must see reggae band) and after we sawThe Flaming Lips, where the lead singer enclosed himself in a giant clear beach ball and floated over the crowd.

From there, we caught a little of the Norah Jones show and then it was EAGLES time. The Eagles were by far more amazing then I expected. I was really impressed with their musical talents and the fact that I knew every word to each song. We stayed until the bitter end and crept our way closer and closer to the stage. I totally recommend seeing them if you have the chance.

Now looking back, I would say I had a very eventful, musically jammed weekend, and a festival I’ll never forget. Who knew they would be so much fun and worth the hefty ticket price. You’re literally let loose on a few acres of land to dance, party, drink, eat, and be entertained from morning until night. Out of all the bands I saw (and as you can see, there were a lot) I could narrow my favorite down on each day.

Friday – Amos Lee by far. There is something so soothing about his voice and his sound. It just makes me melt.

Saturday – The Very Best. To be honest, there really wasn’t much to their show. It was basically a DJ, a lead vocalist singing over the tracks, and two dancers. But the energy was high, the sound was great, and I was having a good time.

Sunday – The Eagles. As I said before, there show was a blast. Between their incredible guitar skills and their soothing harmonious vocal blends, you couldn’t help but be sucked into the power of music!

I already can’t wait until next year! I already proposed that Andrew and I base our future vacations around music festivals all over the world. Needless to say, he didn’t put up a fight.

WILLKOMMEN

2010-10-19T21:07:00.000-05:00

Ahhhh....Fall is here and along for the ride is Oktoberfest. Andrew and I headed down to my favorite little Texan town called Fredricksberg for the best annual Oktoberfest around. We had German food, German beer, sifted through German crafts, and were entertained by German bands and Czech dancers.

This was by far, one of our best dates ever together. The weather was beautiful, we were both in good spirits, and it was October - one of the best months of the year. You best believe we will make it down next year! Maybe someday we'll actually make it to Germany for the real Oktoberfest!

Music at Hills Cafe

2010-10-03T21:56:00.000-05:00

The end of summer is officially here.

This past Wednesday, the 98.1 KVET Summer Concert Series showcased Texas star Kevin Fowler as their final performance. After a summer long series, the Hills Cafe has hosted hundreds of rising local stars, free of cost, every Wednesday night under the big oak tree. This annual series brings in music enthusiasts of all kinds and from all walks of life. So whether you come to Hills Cafe to listen to great music, eat the tasty comfort food, drink a few tall boys, or meet up with your friends, you won't leave disappointed.

Once Andrew and I learned that we could no longer experience the free music that we had become accustomed to week after week, we raced out of work and headed down to Hills as fast as we could. The show turned out greater than I had ever imagined and Kevin Fowler managed to pack in a full house.

Although I can't remember his name, I did make a new friend. He insisted on calling me his little sister all night. This was fine by me because if someone got in my way, my cowboy friend was always there to take care of business. Sometimes when you're in a crowd of people that big, it's good to have a somebody around to help you out. In my case, I had not only a big brother but a big brother cowboy. This is yet another reason why I have come to love Texas.

So, I am sad to report that there will be no more free summer concerts at Hills Cafe in Austin, Texas this year. But I am excited for next year's series to begin. Thanks Hills for helping me move one step closer to becoming an Austinite.

I couldn't resist but to post this Andrew quote:

2010-10-01T22:21:00.001-05:00

Cassandra: "Do you wanna go to the grocery store with me?"

Andrew: "No, I'm watching Oprah."

What our friends had to say after I posted it on Facebook:
September 13 at 5:37pm

Susan Sturm, Devon Lee, Sarah Neville, Shannon Mitchell, and Austin Miller like this

Jee Yeon: oh Andrew

Andrew Miller: ‎#1. It was the first show of her last season.
B. After 25 years of being on the air, I owe her at least one show.
#3. I was stuck to the television because she was going to give the audience a secret "prize." How can you walk away from an Oprah secret prize?
Paul Simon also played a very touching song to Oprah. It was special.

Cassandra: oh i just love the way you count

New Hobbies are F-U-N

2010-10-01T22:11:00.001-05:00

Since I am living with a Andrew, a guitar playing fool, I have found myself dabbling with the idea of playing again. At the ripe age of whatever you are as a sixth grader, I awoke one very glorious Christmas morning with a beautiful guitar under my tree. (Santa was extra good to me that year.) At the time, I happened to be a singing fool. I mean, I always was an entertainer. One could often find myself parading around the house as a toddler with a fluffy tutu skirt, ultra glam sunglasses, and a jump rope (the jump rope being the best part as I would sing into the handle as if it were a microphone and hold the long chord with my other hand, twirling about as I performed).

But this was different. I really wanted to be able to sing, play, and create my own songs. Little did I know that unlike my dazzling singing skills, I had no natural-born guitar talent. This was a wake up call.

After banging around endlessly on a guitar I had no idea how to play for an entire year, my amazing Aunt Kristina who always had that "can-do" attitude bought me guitar lessons. You could only imagine my excitement. Every week, I met my guitar instructor (who looked more like a guy seriously lost in the 80s) and we went over the basics. I learned how to play chords and notes of all kinds and from time to time, I would go home and perform recitals for my family. My biggest downfall came with practice. No one told me I would have to give up play time to learn how to play guitar. Unfortunately, the guitar didn't keep me interested enough to stay dedicated.

It wasn't long before I landed my very first roll in the school musical. I happened to play the enchanting Chinese immigrant (with a full solo) in a production titled "Freedom Bound", a musical about people from all over the world who moved to New York City to start a new life. With rehearsals falling on the same night as my guitar lessons, a choice had to be made. Being the busy bee that I was (and still am), I chose focusing my energy on singing.

Now, with a zillion years having passed by, I feel some sort of regret for not sticking with playing the guitar. But it just happens I still own one, a guitar my real dad gave me as a 16th birthday present. I haven't been able to let it go all of these years because it's the only thing he's ever given me. The vintage style Fender has given me new inspiration. And being in a grand city such as Austin, music capital of the world, I'm not looking back. Admittedly, I don't practice every day. But I would say that I give a good hour about 4 days a week. So far, I've managed to successfully learn one song written by Band Perry, titled "If I Die Young." And last night, I started teaching myself a song called "She's like Texas" written by a local Texan band called the Josh Abbott Band. Lucky for me, I've chosen two songs that incorporate the same chords. I happen to be getting really good at them!

Next on the list to master: playing AND singing at the same time. It's a lot harder than you think! Don't judge.

SWAMP PEOPLE

2010-10-01T21:32:00.001-05:00

I probably would have never heard of this show if I wasn't dating a boy who was obsessed with the History Channel. I also wouldn't have known about this show if my boyfriend's family wasn't from Louisiana. But the truth is they are. And we are COMPLETELY addicted to the new show, SWAMP PEOPLE, aired every Sunday night at 9pm central.

I like to consider this show a crash course in Louisiana speak. Them "Good ol' boys," as the locals call them, really talk in an insanely fast mumble that is mixed with all things Cajun french. There is also no acting, just true honest, hard working people trying to make a living. Hunting alligators for them is not a sport, it's a way of living and its also a tradition that has been passed down for generations. And ya know, it's really no different than my family deer hunting in the north. I just think alligator hunting is a little more on the dangerous side. I could never see my dad hauling a dead "gatar" over a boat.

But in addition to the crazy talk, the astounding southern food is something to not pass by. Since living with Andrew, I've been exposed to a whole different style of cooking. I can't say that it's my favorite, however it is tasty for the most part. When it comes down to it, I guess I'm really just not a huge fan of all the butter and grease - and neither is my body at that! But after careful observation of Swamp People, I have found myself trying things like the infamous fried alligator on a stick. (And in case you were wondering, it was delicious.) Mrs. Bonnie (Andrew's mother) has also prepared a Texan version of Jambalaya and Crayfish Etouffee, both incredible meals.

So thank you Swamp People, for opening my eyes, teaching me the lingo, engaging me with Louisiana culture, and for filling my tummy.

And Mr. T-Roy, I think you're awfully swell. Don't ever change. (Please also tell Mr. Bruce Mitchell that I look forward to his bib-overalls with no shirt look every week. Thanks.)

Pecan Street Festival

2010-09-26T13:26:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, Andrew and I spent the entire day in downtown Austin at the bi-annual Pecan Street Festival. Located on what is known as 6th street today, approximately 300,000 people come from all over the United States to participate in the largest festival in Central Texas.

Festival goers can find arts and crafts of all sorts including jewelry, sculptures, paintings, cowboy hats, and more. (My favorite tent is always the one full of Amber jewelry.) And for a little entertainment, various bands could be heard performing on the five different stages scattered throughout the festival. I even ran into a few street performers looking to make a few bucks in tips. (This was my very first live accordion player).

Street Musician

But what people, including myself, may not be expecting is the out of this world street food. Funnel cakes, gyros, turkey legs, beer, and snow cones found its way into many stomachs. I even found a Cajun food stand straight from Louisiana. They were serving good ol' southern food from the bayou, and I mean straight from the bayou. It wasn't long before my curiosity took over and I was eating fried alligator on a stick. It was actually incredibly tasty, with a fried chicken like flavor and chewy texture. But just add a drizzle of ranch dressing and you're all set! Who knew!

If the food wasn't fulfilling your thrill-seeking needs, there was even a small petting zoo and an assortment of thrilling rides for the children to enjoy. I even spotted a few balloon animal artists and face painters amongst the crowd.

Pony Rides

If that still wasn't enough, the architecture that lines the entertainment districts are so beautiful and full of character. I learned that the streets are lined with many commercial buildings and historical houses dating back from the late 1800's and early 1900's. Today, these buildings house numerous entertainment venues, bars, cafes, and art galleries (some of which I have visited).

I also learned that when Edwin Waller was designing the street plans for Austin, the north-south streets were given the names of Texas rivers in the order in which they appeared on the Texas map. The east-west streets were then given the names of trees but were later turned into numbers. Apparently, the Old Pecan Street Spring and Fall Festivals honor the original name of the street as well as create money to preserve it and keep it beautiful. I think that is a great way to protect what makes up this great city. So thanks to this 30 year tradition that has become 100% Austin, family and friends have a great way to spend time with each other and help the city in return.

Officially the first day of FALL!!

2010-09-23T17:53:00.009-05:00

It seems as though I've been waiting an incredibly long time for this day to arrive. It is Thursday, September 23rd, 2010 in case you didn't know, and it just so happens to be my favorite day of the year. It's the day that signifies the first official day of Autumn - my favorite season.

tis' the season with Starbucks

I love everything about it - the smell, the colors, the weather - literally everything about it! I love going to soccer and football games. I love wearing scarves and jackets and tons of layers. I love that I can drink hot cocoa. I love that some days are warm and some days are cold and that you have to pay attention to the weather in order to know what to wear that day. I love that the air is filled with smells of cinnamon and spice. I love seeing various squash and lines of pumpkins at the farmers market. I love walking into a craft store and seeing decorative items for Thanksgiving. I love cuddling up on the couch with a blanket and watching movies like "When Harry Met Sally" or "Stepmom". Turning the air conditioning off and opening up the windows makes me incredibly happy. Eating soup again and cooking comfort food gives me something to look forward to. Doing things like sitting outside and watching the leaves change and fall can be so uplifting. I mean the list just goes on and on.

I don't think my smile could get any bigger...SOOO HAPPY!!

With everything I love about the Autumn season, I decided to celebrate this year's return by drinking my first Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. Up until a few years ago, I wouldn't even go near anything pumpkin. But there is something about this drink alone that stands out as the best thing about Fall. It happens to be my favorite thing to order at Starbucks and I look forward to it every year. You may remember that I wrote a similar blog while I was in Korea last year. I searched high and low all around Seoul for this little beverage, and to my utter dismay, I was never able to taste the sweet liquid. To be honest, my Fall felt incomplete and it's taken until this day to realize what was missing. I am so glad I was able to start this season off right. So thank you Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. I don't know what I'd do without you!

The Best Date With Myself

2010-09-22T21:29:00.000-05:00

drip. drip. drop.
drop. drip. drip. drop.

This is the sound I've been hearing regularly the last few weeks. Being originally from upstate New York, rain is not an unfamiliar weather pattern. But after living in the dry desert for the past few years, I can't help but be in awe every time it rains. I always hated rain growing up. I mean, it would ruin my play dates in the park after all! But now, I seem to find myself always looking forward to a good rainy day.

Nonetheless, tonight was one of those wishy, washy rainy evenings where it would rain, then stop, then rain some more - you get the idea. It just happens that I was alone, something I have become unaccustomed to living with my boyfriend Andrew. I love being with him and I love living with him just the same. But on this lonely, rainy night, I was happy to be companionless.

I stood at the counter eating a salad made up of all the vegetables in my refrigerator. I drank crystal light. I surfed the net and listened to some chic music. I practiced the same song on my guitar over and over in the living room. I took a hot bubble bath, something I rarely do. (Please note that I bathe regularly. I've just always been a shower girl. Tonight seemed like a good night to make peace with my inner-girl.) While thoroughly enjoying my bath, I read another chapter of Bergdorf Blondes, a mindless book about single female socialites gallivanting around New York City, while listening to classical solo piano music from my laptop close by. Then to top this rainy, single-yet not really single girl night, I dusted off what I refer to as the bible (my Sex and the City ultimate DVD collection) and watched one of my favorite episodes. It's the one titled "Ex and the City", (episode 18, season 2) where Carrie finds out Mr. Big is engaged to Natasha what's her face and the four girls sit around a table discussing how Carrie is just like K-kkk-kkk-Katie from the movie The Way We Were starring Barbara Streisand and Robert Redford.

After the episode ended, and I realized how much I missed my SATC fixes, Andrew walked in the door from a long days work. I jumped in his arms and we talked about our day and I secretly decided to promise myself more single-not really single girl dates in the future.

Reuniting with the Infamous Gibb Sisters

2010-09-21T20:36:00.001-05:00

It just so happens that it was Jane's birthday weekend and to celebrate, Jenny decided they should head to Austin to see a show. Little did Jane know that Jenny clued us in on the birthday plans and as Jane and Jenny were exiting the venue, there Andrew and I were to greet the girls! It had been one whole year since we last saw each other in Korea, and when our eyes met (and Jane got over the shock) it was like we never left each other. We picked right back up where we left off. But this time, it was in AMERICA.

friends together again at last

We headed down 6th Street in Austin's entertainment district to celebrate our reunion and found ourselves walking into the Blind Pig. It's a good thing we got there early because it wasn't long before the enormous venue was packed to the max with not only a waiting line to get in the front door, but another waiting line just to get to the upper deck. Nonetheless, the music was good, the drinks were okay, and the time spent with the Gibb sisters was priceless.

the cutest couple you ever did see

Once we arrived back home (and after Jenny backed into a parked Escalade), we enjoyed more catch up time and reminiscing about the way life used to be. We scarfed down some tator tots (that I so carefully prepared) and took a shot of soju for old time sake. Immediately after, Andrew threw up in the sink. Looks like soju and Andrew will never get along. It's okay buddy. You can't win um' all!

Austin Music Scene

2010-09-20T22:09:00.004-05:00

The Austin music scene is unlike anything I've ever experienced. There are always so many shows playing around town that it's hard to choose which show to attend. These days I find myself frequenting the free shows the most. However on Friday night, I couldn't turn down an invitation to the Bright Light Social Hour CD Release Show at Antone's on 5th Street. They are a local Austin band and have taken the city by storm. Bright Light Social Hour has blown up so fast and have such a committed following of fans that they have finally raised enough money to support their recording project. With the release of their new CD, they put on one of the best shows I've ever been too and managed to sell out the entire venue.

As a proud owner of BLSH's new album, its not just their music that makes them so appealing. The entire crowd seems to sing-a-long with every song and dance the night away. Their bluesy, funk, old soul type of sound mixed with modern day lyrics are so catchy and musically stimulating that you can't help but dance along and be hypnotized by their iconic guitar, keyboard, and sweet vocal sounds. Check out the link of my favorite band below. I just know big things are going to happen for them!

http://soundcloud.com/thebrightlightsocialhour/detroit

Dear Birthday Fairy and Santa Clause,

2010-09-16T20:31:00.001-05:00

Being unemployed for several months has left me scraping by with little extra. I would think it's very, very swell if I woke up on either holiday with a guitar case so my guitar doesn't get beat up anymore, a sweet and stylin' guitar strap so it's easier to play, and hip cowgirl boots.

I can't sing and play guitar in Texas without boots!!! Let's get real...

I love you so much!

Your most favorite supporter,

Cassandra Grabowski

AMOA, the worst art museum I've ever visited

2010-09-14T22:08:00.002-05:00

As my short days at work are coming to an end (thank goodness I'll be moving to full time hours soon), Andrew and I have been trying to make the most of our afternoons together. Today, we went to the Austin Art Museum. Let's just say, it will be the last time. This museum is undoubtedly the smallest museum I have ever stepped into and clearly I didn't do my research because little did I know they only show one exhibit at a time. This months exhibit happens to be based on the work by Romare Bearden, a very talented artist no doubt. Unfortunately, it's just not my taste. I appreciate his printmaking skills as I used to study this art form in high school. I also loved that all of his artwork in the museum were inspired by African Americans or Jazz music. However Andrew and I both found ourselves done with the entire museum in a matter of 15 minutes. (Please accept my sincerest apologies Mr. Bearden.)

With a downtown parking meter paid for the next two hours, we decided not to let our failed art experience slow us down. Instead we ventured onward, and did some urban exploring. We popped into a few art shops with locally made crafts and weaved in and out of downtown streets, passing famous local landmarks such as the Driskill Hotel and the Paramount Theatre.

The Driskill Hotel

The Paramount Theatre

We also walked around in the entertainment district on Sixth Street where you can find numerous music venues, restaurants, and bars. We even found a great tourist shop where we picked up a number of different brochures of fun things to do in and around town!

6th Street Store Fronts

I love dates with my boyfriend!

The Cupcake Craze

2010-09-10T22:47:00.000-05:00

What's the deal with cupcakes these days? It seems that everywhere you turn, there's a new cupcake bake shoppe opening or a cupcake based television show covering your LCD screen. Big ones, mini ones, personalized, and glamorized. Just think of what Dr. Seuss could have done with cupcakes if he were still alive!

But aside from cupcakes being everywhere, how on earth did they ever become so famous?

When you think about it, who can resist a cupcake? I for one don't even like cake. Birthday after birthday as a child, I never once wanted a moist and fluffy cake...and certainly not a cupcake at that. I was a pie gal and the only cakes I would go near were the infamous ice cream cakes and cherry cheesecake (my personal all-time favorite). These days, birthdays are built around what kind of cupcake tower or trees will be displayed. There are cupcake towers, trees, and cakes. But I have to admit, they are pretty. Who knew cupcake making would become such an art form!?

Well, now that I'm here in Austin, there is a food truck that sells the most famous cupcakes around. I've lived here three months and I've finally become curious enough to visit this local landmark! To celebrate my first full week of work, Andrew drove me down to "Hey Cupcake" where he bought me the sweet berry special. It was strawberry cake and strawberry icing. Umm...I might be hooked.

Why didn't I jump on the cupcake train and start a business?