Cooler weather brings out the love...

And because I haven't done one of these lists since the spring (not that I didn't love anything during the summer, but it was HOT, y'all, and I never did find a sunscreen that didn't taste like shit). Since I recently dug the sweaters out of the back of the closet and threw an extra blanket on the bed, j'adore:

Sleeping with the windows open (see extra blanket on the bed); boot weather - the UGGS are back, plus I found two new great pairs super cheap...one at Marshall's ($20 for slouchy black leather boots when the only pair left was in my size? The Universe wanted me to have them) and these grey suede lovelies from DSW (way less than retail); I haven't caved in to the jeggings trend yet but I do live in leggings, boots, and tunics/sweaters/mini-dresses in the winter; now that it's cooler at night, Miss Kitty loves being warm more than she hates the dog, so get to curl up at night with both of my furbabies; this is what the skyline in Austin looks like at night (and I don't mind that it gets dark earlier); post-summer in Austin, people emerge like they do up north after being snowed in and it's fun and free to people-watch (which can be really interesting here...check out one of my favorite Austin photography sites); I finally watched Whip It, which was filmed in Austin, and it was not only cool to see local landmarks like this one:

But it also (sort of) made me want to sign up for one of the teams here (yes, in Charleston we had one, flat track, in Austin there are many and leagues and bank tracks and teams and really tough chicks); one of my favorite fashion web sites (no, it isn't Prada) inspired me to add "thrifting" to my "things to do" list and I'm planning on browsing some of the great thrift stores in Austin this weekend, including Buffalo Exchange; taking the dog for long walks in the morning and coming back to a house that smells like strong coffee (and then having a cup on the back deck); that I'm brave enough to cut my own hair (bangs!); having free time to write; creative inspiration; and just living, living, living.

What makes my heart happy...

My book editor offered a (completely unsolicited) extra six days for me to work on finishing the second half of my manuscript. I'm a stickler about deadlines and would never have dreamed of asking for an extension, even if the last chapter killed me, but my book editor is awesome and must have ESP because she just made my week.

Michael brought over jambalaya for dinner that was so good it made me want to ask him to be my lawful wedded wife, but I refrained. We watched a documentary on Charles Busch (The Lady in Question) instead. "I hate this house! I hate these walls... I hate that sofa! The only part of this dump that doesn't make me puke is that door - because that's the way I'm gettin' out!" ~Angela Arden

I get to see my favorite Aleigh in Savannah this weekend. Since I promised not to talk her out of getting married (which wasn't hard, since her fiance is a gem and a catch and a charmer), I get to be her break from talkin' 'bout the wedding stuff. Al and I generate a lot of creative energy together and I always end up with pages of scribbled ideas from our visits.

I think I'll be ready for the roller derby in about a year if I keep roller skating once a week. Adult skate, Thursday evenings, 6:30 to 8:30, Hotwheels James Island. $3 for admission AND skate rental. I'm skipping this Thursday, but will be back on wheels April 5. Janet, Katie, Leigh and I had a lot of fun last week (YES all my friends have blogs) because it's so very 80s and such a great feeling to pretend you're 13 again for a couple of hours. I leave you with two words: Side ponytails!