Peace

Happy Monday! I'd venture to say that this is a happier Monday than usual, seeing as I woke up about two hours later than I usually do on Monday mornings. And I had one great weekend. From spending the majority of Saturday at the rodeo with my friends to turning around on Sunday and having some fun in the sun, if you will, I don't think spring break could have started on a better note.

I left you guys just before brunch with Amira, and guys, I am obsessed with Tout Suite. Not only was the food incredible - I'll get to that in a minute - but the ambiance was just the cutest. When I heard that it was "hipster," I didn't think much of it, because after living in Austin, I know hipster. And Houston isn't it. But this place is hipster. Starting with its location and outside appearance. It's just off the freeway, in what appears to be an old, abandoned warehouse. I personally was just thrilled to see that it had a parking lot, because that's not something you typically see in downtown Houston. And when we walked inside, I was immediately enamored with the place. It just screamed, "cool." It actually used to be a Ford dealership, a motor oil shop, a nightclub, and now it's a cafe. And it still has the original floor from 1904. Hipster.

The chalkboard walls, subway tile, hanging clipboard menus, succulents, and fun light structures all really appealed to me, and they all worked together to give the place a very homey, rustic, and chic feel, as though anyone and everyone from any walk of life is welcome there. It reminded me of Pinterest, and you guys know I love Pinterest. And the seating was plentiful, which, again, is not something I was expecting on a Sunday morning at a hot Houston brunch spot. Amira and I had absolutely no trouble finding a table.

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And the food. I had a hard time deciding between the quiche and the avocado toast, but eventually ended up going for the avocado toast. And I did not regret that decision. It would probably be pretty easy to recreate, as it's just avocado, honey, and cracked pepper on sourdough, but oh, it was absolutely delicious. I had no trouble finishing off every last bite. The pepper gave it a little bit of spice, but I was a huge fan.

And though I'm not typically a tea person, I'm trying to ease myself into drinking it on a regular basis, so I ordered a cup of peppermint tea. Though I didn't finish the whole cup, I really enjoyed it. It complimented my toast nicely, and it warmed me up on what started out to be a gray and chilly day. And for those of you who are coffee drinkers, I hear the coffee is to-die for. So there's one more reason for you to check this place out.

Finally, we didn't try anything from the bakery, as it was only about 11:30am, but everything was so beautifully presented. As the sister restaurant to SWEET in City Centre, I would expect nothing less. I will absolutely be returning, as it is worth the 20ish minute drive. This time I'm going to try lunch or dinner, and hopefully they have a vegan sweet treat option. Most places do, these days, so I'm fairly confident on that one. Overall, I give these place five stars. The brunch was very reasonably priced, and it seems as though everything else is, too. Don't be surprised if Tout Suite makes another blog appearance before the week is up!

After we had stuffed ourselves to the brim, we hopped back on the freeway, taking I-45 South all the way to Galveston. Well, actually, there was a wreck on 45 that made traffic move at the equivalent of a snail's pace, so we took a detour through Pearland and Friendswood as a means of avoiding the congestion. Once we hopped back onto I-45, it was smooth sailing. And, the sun came out, so we were convinced that it was meant to be.

We found a parking spot pretty easily along the Seawall - I didn't even have to parallel park - and I pulled out my bike while Amira traded her tennis shoes for blades. We biked and bladed along the Seawall, expertly weaving through people, for about half an hour to 45 minutes. The weather was seriously perfect, and the sea breeze felt incredible. I couldn't believe that I was in Galveston, as I kept commenting on how blue the water looked.

After our cardio session, we walked toward the pier to purchase tickets for Galveston Island's Historic Pleasure Pier amusement park. I had been to Pleasure Pier a few years prior, but because the weather was so bad, a majority of the rides were closed for the day. Fun fact for you, Pleasure Pier has more rides over water than any other theme park. We rode the swings, which is something I wish you all could have experienced. We flew high up into the air, and the view was incredible from up there. I didn't risk snapping a picture, but it was blue for miles and miles.

We rode the ferris wheel after that, and Amira and I both commented on how at peace we both felt up there, looking out into the water, feeling the sun tan our skin. She let the stress of her looming deadline go, and I haven't thought about school or STAAR in days. I felt as though I had not a care in the world, and I loved it. We all deserve days like that, and often. They're just so good for the soul.

And because we couldn't stay peaceful for long, we then boarded the Iron Shark, possibly the world's scariest roller coaster. Kidding, but you know those roller coasters that go straight up, and then more than straight down? That was the Iron Shark. It lasted maybe 30 seconds, but I was screaming my head off for that entire 30 seconds. I was talking to myself as we were ascending, saying, "It's almost over, it's almost over, it's almost over." I know, that's the very thing that I don't want to do in life, but roller coasters are a different story. I love the thrill, but I'm still scared silly.

So after one fun-filled, sun-filled day, we were ready to make our way back home. And I wish I could say that I was productive once I arrived home, but I watched a documentary until falling asleep. Another night with over nine hours of sleep. I could get used to this.

And that's all I've got for now. I'll pick back up tomorrow or Wednesday!

Spring Break To Do List

Okay, so I didn’t tell you my whole running story yesterday. I was on such a runner’s high that I didn’t want to share this embarrassing story with you guys until today. It’s sure to make you laugh, because if it’s not one thing, it’s another. So, I was about 3.5 miles into my run when the water I chugged just before I left caught up with me. I was running up Kirkwood when I decided I would run into a neighborhood family favorite – Sam’s Deli Diner – to use their bathroom. I walked in, said hi to the people working, and asked if I could use their bathroom. Getting the okay, I headed toward the back of the restaurant, I guess not noticing the “Wet Floor” sign. I’m sure you know where this is going. But I’ll paint a picture for you anyway. I must have been walking too fast, slipped, grabbed a chair in an effort to catch myself, and proceeded to fall to the floor. I did land on my elbow, but I think I hurt my pride more than I hurt the bone. But I got up and walked it off and I lived to tell the tale. Thankfully, the restaurant wasn’t too crowded, and I hurried out without making eye contact with anyone. Happy hump day to me!

And because we have O N E school day left to spring break, I thought I’d share my Spring Break To-Do List with you guys. It’s more general than specific, but these are a couple of the things I hope to accomplish on my N I N E glorious days off from school. I am so glad my spring break wasn’t this week, because the weather has not been very spring break-esque. My fingers are crossed for sunshine next week so that I can finally get a little bit of color into my vampire-like skin.

Spring Break To Do List

Try three new restaurants

• I have a Houston Restaurant List that is about a mile long. While Houston has plenty to do, our restaurant scene has got to be our claim to fame. And I’m a little bummed that I spent so much of my life eating at restaurants in my own little Memorial bubble, and even then I’ve missed some good ones, because there are so many good ones out there in Midtown, Montrose, the Heights, and Rice Village. So, this break I am going to try at least three new restaurants, though I can almost guarantee that Hungry’s will make a spring break appearance. Old habits die hard.

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Read a book

• This past Sunday I finished reading Mindy Kaling’s book, and I have yet to start a new one. This spring break I am going to start (and finish!) one of the many, many books that I have recently purchased. Once upon a time I told myself that I would finish all of the books I already have before buying any new ones. Ask me how long that vow was kept.

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Declutter

• Remember the 30-Day Minimalism Challenge? Yeah, I haven’t been consciously completing that one very well. But one thing I really want to accomplish is decluttering my room, my closet, my bathroom (which I’ve pretty much already done), my car (this is an ongoing goal), my computer (both school and personal), and my cell phone. Let me explain a little bit. I repainted and redid my room over LABOR DAY WEEKEND. How many months ago was that? And I still have boxes of things that I never really unpacked when I moved home from Austin. I think I was in denial. Or lazy. Or busy. I’ll let you be the judge. Anyway, organization has got to happen. And as for my car. Well, I seem to live out of my car, and I would be embarrassed if anyone were to look inside and see all that I keep in there. And last but not least, we have technology. I have this habit of taking screen shots of quotes or workouts or restaurants that I like or want to remember or try out of visit, and then I don’t do anything with them. Which may be why my phone constantly tells me that it’s almost out of storage. I want to write those quotes or workouts down and keep them all in one document on my computer so that I can delete the photos off of my phone. And speaking of computers, it’s time to go through both my personal computer and my school computer and get rid of unnecessary photos, documents, and downloads. Organization is the motto this break! 

Watch a movie

• I’m a horrible movie-watcher. It’s hard for me to sit down and just watch and enjoy a movie, however, there are many movies that I do want to watch or see. So, my goal is sit down, watch, and enjoy a new-to-me movie. Because there are too many movies that I just haven’t seen. And maybe I’ll even make my way over to an Alamo Drafthouse because evidently teachers get free admission to one movie from March 7 – March 22 for their self-proclaimed Teacher Appreciation Week(s). I can dig it.

Play volleyball

• I’m sure you guys know by now that I played a little volleyball back in my day. And that I coach a little bit in my spare time. Just in case you’re new around here. And I really, really miss playing volleyball. I played some this summer and I absolutely loved getting back into it. And I’ve told myself now that I’m back in Houston I am going to attend open gym at Spike Sport Volleyball Club. It doesn’t start until 8:30pm, and we all know that’s getting close to my bedtime. But a couple of our volleyball managers play for the men’s club there, and they say that open gym is a good, competitive time. So it’s my goal over spring break to attend at least one open gym, because coming back to the game you played for so long is just like riding a bike – It never really leaves you.

Try two new recipes

• Ever since I moved back home, baking has been going strong. Cooking, on the other hand, well, not so much. And I’m really good at pinning really pretty and delicious-looking recipes on Pinterest, but I never actually follow through and make them. It’s just so easy to have leftovers or eat whatever my parents are eating, that I don’t take the time to cook anything for myself. Maybe I could even cook something for my parents, to attempt to thank them for all that they do for me. And if I don’t get back on the cooking grind now, I’ll lose my touch and end up being one of those people who eats only Lean Cuisine in the event that I do move out of my parents’ house. Don’t worry, it will happen, just not quite yet. So, in addition to trying three new restaurants, I also want to try two new recipes, one of which has to be an actual meal, not a dessert.  I’ll likely pick a recipe that includes Brussels sprouts, because I’ve been craving that tasty veggie lately.  

Zucchini Noodles are high on my list (Source)

Try something new

• This one is really open to interpretation. Maybe it will be a new exercise class, a new skill or hobby, a new activity, if you will, but I want to do something outside of my comfort zone. Not even my comfort zone, but just something out of the ordinary. I’m sure it won’t be too hard to find something that fits this bill!

And on that note, I’m off to make sure I’ve got everything covered for the week after spring break. My last goal is to not do any school work over the break. And I’m starting that one off on the right foot by giving in and showing a movie tomorrow in my English classes. So sue me.

Spring Break To-Do List

Hello, wonderful readers! I'm just popping in for a quick study break, though it has been hard to focus my mind on school with spring break creeping closer and closer. Less than 48 hours to go, but who's counting?

It's no secret that I'm very excited to spend an entire week in Houston. This will be my first trip home this semester, and especially in the midst of this very crazy week, I have really been anticipating it. I love Austin, especially with this picture-perfect weather we have had lately, but I also love knowing that I'm heading back to Houston soon for some sweet time spent in my home city. Though I will of course be hitting up my favorite spots - Hungry's, Ruggles, and Berripop - I have been keeping a list of new places I want to go to in Houston. Since I will not be in Houston for very long this summer, spring break is prime time to get started on my list. I am sure that not all of them will be accomplished during this week, because my laziness will take over and I will be content lounging at home watching Pretty Little Liars on Netflix and scrolling through Pinterest. But, without further ado, here is my Houston Spring Break To-Do List:

• Smooth Island and Juice Bar
• Tiny Boxwood Cafe
• James Turrell Skyspace to watch either the sunrise or sunset
• Read The Great Gatsby
• Picnic at Hermann Park
• Try a new recipe
• Cook an entire meal for my family

They all seem pretty doable, with the exception of reading The Great Gatsby, only because I, even after this insane week of school, still have quite a bit of school work hanging over my head. The 15-page research paper is definitely my fault, however, I want to re-read the book before the movie comes out in May, so I might have to just make it happen.

Are there any other places I have to go while I am in Houston? Sounds strange asking for recommendations for the city I spent the first 18 years of my life, but I feel as though there is so much of it to still be discovered!