Goose Egg

I’m so proud of my family. This weekend we went to Round Rock to celebrate with my uncle. He just graduated from The University of Texas. He got his Master’s in 13 months. And had a full time job, and wife, and son. He’s been working so hard and is finally done! He threw a graduation party on Saturday night. And… he went all out.

A stocked tiki bar, a margarita machine, a keg, canoes, a pool, yard games, catered food, etc. It was a good time. But that’s pretty common. If you know my family, you know that the Rosenhagens throw good parties. And we have excellent vacations. Not because we go to extravagant places, but because we have a good time together. I have a certain friend (who will remain nameless) who has said, “I wish your parents had more boys so I could marry into your family.” That’s a good wish.

Just so we’re clear, it’s not just the Rosenhagens. My mom’s side of the family is great too. It’s full of talented people. Both sides had some crazy talented genes. Athletes, artists, accountants, people who know how to handle money, people who get into UT Law School (Hook ‘Em), and all around smart people. So really, I shouldn’t have to try so hard to find my talents, right?!

On Saturday night, my sister and I were hanging out on the barstools at the Tiki Bar. I looked over and saw my twin cousins playing washers. I looked at Lindsay and said, “Want to go challenge Matthew and Ryan to a game of washers?” And she replied, “Chelsea, I suck at washers.” I laughed a little and said, “Lindsay, they are 11. They suck too.” Famous last words.

It was a brutal game. I’d like to blame it on the board, but for some reason, the boys weren’t having as much trouble. We are pretty sure it was the longest washers game in the history of all washers games. I have never heard two 11 year olds talk so much trash. We ended the game with a score of something depressing like 21-8. The icing on the cake? I contributed a whopping 0 points to our 8 point total.

Talented family? Maybe I’m adopted.

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I hope you’re enjoying the new layout. I made some changes to the top tabs (About and 100 Things). Keep checking back, I’ll be making more changes throughout the week.

Comfortable Guests

I’ve had this one pair of yellow Soffe cheer shorts since 9th grade, 1999 to be exact. It’s 2009, in case you haven’t noticed. (And, no, I wasn’t a cheerleader. Cheer shorts were quite the fad back then, everyone had them.) I still wear them regularly. They are worn around the elastic, probably from being pushed to their limits. I’m not exactly the same size I was 10 years ago. But they are soft. And oh so very comfortable.

 

Comfort drives a lot of areas of our lives. Clothes especially. We have outfits that we know we can count on to fit properly even on the bloated days. But also food. We have “go-to” meals… things that are quick and easy and delicious that we make more often than we’d like to admit to the general public or anyone who isn’t required to love us until death do us part. (Lemon feta chicken is ours… check out the recipe blog for that one. Yum!) We have comfortable shows. You may have seen every episode but you know you can watch it again anyways. Because it’s comfortable, familiar, and there won’t be any surprises.

 

I think this also applies to friends. There are people in your life that are comforable. You know you can turn to them on those bloated days. They aren’t offended if you only need them when you are in a hurry and need something quick. They are those quality friends that often blur the line between friends and family. My friend Jim is one of those. And by default (and vows taken before God and man) Sarah is as well. Stephen and I love them dearly. It had been about 9 months since we’d seen Jim, but seeing him over the weekend felt normal. Conversation was normal, comfortable. Nothing was forced, we didn’t feel like we had to impress them or keep them entertained. We just spent good, quality time hanging out. Those types of friends are hard to come by.

 

Our community group back in Austin bred a lot of those friendships. You’d be shocked to hear how many marriages came out of that group, and how many true friendships were developed. At each wedding we attend, we try to get a picture of the entire group. I remember at our wedding, we saw them taking this picture from a distance. Stephen and I were meeting and greeting and doing the normal bride and groom “thanks for coming, so great to see you” rounds. I heard someone yell “Yeah, a CG picture!” and saw them assembling. A few shots were taken before Stephen and I butted into their picture and scolding them for excluding us. These photos were taken on multiple digital cameras and a few of the table throw-aways. The other day I was going through some old pictures and I found this one:

 

Before Stephen and I cut into the picture.

Awww, what a nice looking group. They are all smiling and so happy to be there! That’s what I thought too. Then I looked a little closer at this “friend” I call Jim… Take a gander…

 

Top right... the tall fellow...

 

Horns down? At my wedding?

 

I guess I shouldn’t feel bad about forgetting to put pillowcases on their pillows.

Keep Austin Amazing

Stephen and I spent the weekend in Austin. It was fabulous. I’m a Houstonian. I know Houston isn’t the greatest city but I love it. It’s my home. I don’t mind the humidity. Or the lack of quality restaurants. We’ve already discussed how I’m a pretty mediocre person. I guess this adds to it. I obviously live in the greatest state, but I don’t live in the greatest city. And that’s okay. It fits me. And it makes my visits to The Great City even more special. There were many many days in college that I took Austin for granted. Now that I’m gone, I truly enjoy my visits. Today, I’m going to tell you the reasons I love Austin. Keep in mind that these are in no particular order and this is (obviously) not a complete list. Feel free to add to it!

 

*The University of Texas. The greatest university! I love the campus, the presence it holds in the city, the sports, the rankings, the color, the hand sign, the mascot.

 

*Casey’s Sno Balls – Located on Airport and 51st I believe. Best. Snow Cones. Ever. Snow Beach has nothing on them! They have a million flavors (my favorite being strawberries and cream). I can only handle a small and even then, Stephen usually has to finish it for me. It’s cheap, family owned, and so delicious.

 

*The views. Because of the hills in Austin, you are never more than 5 minutes away from a spectacular view. It’s breathtaking. (But also really scary to drive on those hilly, curvy roads!)

 

*The Austin Stone. I love this church. I love it’s teachings, it’s passion, it’s focus on missions and community. I love that I met my husband and many wonderful friends through this church. I love that when I started attending, there was only one service – now there are 4!

 

*Maudie’s Rockin’ Ruthann. A burrito sent straight from the man above!

 

*Everyone is always outside. Whether they are walking, biking, kayaking, studying, drinking, eating, sleeping, etc. They are outside. And while you may run into the occasional crazy man, you’re never really in much danger.

 

*Disch-Falk Field. Wow. This stadium is incredible. I loved it when I was there. It was my home. But now, after all the renovations, oh my! It’s amazing. And so beautiful. And they have awesome kettle corn!

 

*Bob Armstrong Dip at Matt’s El Rancho. There are no words.

 

*The wardrobe. At any given time, at any given restaurant, you can find a woman wearing a dress and $300 shoes. And in the table next to her, you can find a woman wearing a ratty t-shirt and pj pants. Both are acceptable. Both patrons are treated the same.

 

*The cute stores. Everywhere you go there are boutiques and family owned businesses. They are charming and personal. (Shout out to Ethnic Loft, a store that is near and dear to my heart. If you’re ever in Austin, check it out!)

 

*Kerbey Lane. Specifically the one on Kerbey Lane. Their blueberry pancakes are worth the wait. And the Kerbey Queso is lick-the-bowl good. (Please note that it’s never really socially acceptable to lick a queso bowl… Stephen…)

 

*The music. Music is ingrained into this city’s culture. Everywhere you go has music playing. Live music is all over the place. There are numerous music festivals and millions of bars that hold nightly concerts.

 

*Personal Faves: Diamonds, our CG, Tanglewood North (where Stephen proposed), Lyndsey’s apartment on Riverside, the Gentry’s house on Duval (where Stephen and I met), Hancock Center (where I did all my grocery shopping and got my pedicures), Rudy’s cups, the B-School— specifically the M-Lab, the SigEp house where I experienced my first frat party and first crawfish boil, Boat Parties, walking to Taco C or Marble Slab from campus, oh I could go on and on….

 

I think it’s fair to say that even if you’re an Aggie or Sooner or Raider, you still agree that Austin is a wonderful city. If you don’t think this, it just further proves the opinion that you’re all fools!

 

Once and Austinite, always an Austinite. I miss you guys and our memories to my very core. Stephen and I will always treasure our time in Austin. We are already looking forward to our next visit.

Making An Educated Decision

I feel like I just graduated from college. In all actuality, I graduated two years ago. Two years! That’s 50% of my actual college career. Those two years have been quite eventful too. I’ve gotten married, gained weight, rented an apartment, bought a house, had two jobs,  been on two cruises, started blogging, been through 2 facebook layout changes (hated them both), and learned that I like cucumbers. So when I think back to high school, when I was making my college decision, it’s amazing that I can remember much about it.

I was recently talking to someone about their child’s college choices. This girl had a few years before she even had to apply, but she was thinking about it. (So much more refreshing than the “oh crap, now what?” mentality.) She had been set on a certain school. She liked the location, athletics, academics, etc. but after a quick trip to another campus, she immediately changed her mind. I asked her mom what it was that made her change her mind. “Oh I don’t know. I think she just liked the way it looked.” You and I are old and wise and we know better than to make such a huge decision on such a small detail. Oh youth! Wait a second. I was youth. Rewind….

Anyone who knows me and my family knows that I have orange blood. Seriously, prick my finger. But sometime around my junior year in high school I realized that you aren’t actually born into a college. When my mom got pregnant, she didn’t actually call the registrar and say, “Please put us down for a spot for fall of 2003. We’ll get back with you on the name later. Just know she’s one of us… Thanks!” No, my name wasn’t written in the Great Book of Future Longhorns. So with this revelation, I decided to break my parents’ hearts and look at other schools. Kendall’s parents went to Baylor and thought there was something special about that school… maybe I should be a Bear. Jennifer seemed to think there was something special about that school out in Lubbock… maybe I should be a Red Raider. Since we’ve rewound, let’s take a look into my 16 year old analysis.

Baylor. This is my first look at a college that isn’t UT or Lutheran. How exciting. I’m growing up! I’m actually looking at colleges! Wow, this place is pretty. And look! They have a bear. An actual bear, on campus! This place is awesome. Oh and a bookstore with all things Baylor! I could come here and have a green and gold comforter! And a hoodie! And a handheld fan! Oh, and this foam block! Kendall, let’s buy this foam block! Oh my gosh, look at all these college boys… And this is a Christian school so they must all be good Christian boys! Wow, I think I’m in Heaven. George’s! THE George’s?? Do you SEE the size of those margaritas? Too bad I’m too young, I’ll buy a shirt instead. Pat Green would want it that way. Oh my gosh, I love Baylor! Ahhhhh Sic ’em Bears!

Texas Tech. Whoa, what’s that smell? Seriously, it’s poop? Wow, this really is country. So all these college boys must be real cowboys? Amazing. Good thing I wore my boots! Since Baylor has already won my heart, Tech needs to work harder. Let’s take a campus tour. Wow, these buildings are beautiful! And wow, look at that hill! Who said Lubbock was flat?! Seriously, does that smell ever go away? They have a winery? Sweet! Let’s go. Gross, I hate wine but, hey, look how old and mature we look with wine glasses in our hands. Quick, take a picture! Oh my gosh, prairie dogs! How cute. I’d come here all the time if I was a Red Raider! I once knew a guy on the Texas Tech baseball team, we better see if Tech has a bookstore so I can get a Texas Tech baseball shirt! Ahh Sic ’em… Hook ’em… What the heck do they say? Put Your Guns Up (?) !! Yay Tech!

A&M. Ha! Yeah right. I never had that big of a lapse in judgment!

UT. Ugh, why am I visiting this place? I’ve been here before. Plus, I’m having a hard enough time deciding between Baylor and Tech. But I guess I’m a smart girl, I need to make an educated decision. Here goes nothing. Gosh this place is huge! Look how many people are walking arou– … wait, is that guy not wearing pants? What the…? Neither is he! Neither is she! This place is disgusting. This would never happen at Baylor. Wait, what, I’m not a student… why are you handing me all of these fliers? Mom, did you read this? It’s No Pants Day. Why did you come here? Ugh, lets just go to the bookstore and buy something.

Application time. I’ll go ahead and apply to all three schools. I can decide later.

Acceptance time. First letter. Check it out, Mom and Dad. I got into Tech. And look, they’re offering me money. Awesome. But I don’t think I want to go there. It’s pretty far. And I don’t really think it’s for me. Second letter. Oh my! Look how much money Baylor wants to give me. This is amazing. Third letter. Okay. “What’s that Chelsea?” Oh, nothing Mom. It’s just my letter that says I got into UT. “UT? Or UT business school. Because that’s a big difference” Um… UT business school.

Decision. Clearly God knew what he was doing. He always knew I’d be a Longhorn. Maybe He was the one that wrote my name in the Great Book of Future Longhorns. He brilliantly made sure I was naive and unaware of the difficulty of getting into UT… and more importantly, the UT business school. It’s possible that I wouldn’t have applied for fear of failure. He gave me a hint of interest in other schools to take the stress away from me.

Choosing a college is a big deal. I don’t think we are extremely logical when we are making these decisions. So maybe this girl will choose her college based on the way it looks. Maybe she won’t. I chose a school that decided it was okay to not wear pants. Completely illogical.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Oh what a joyous season! Everyone is excited, houses are decorated, you can have friendly banter with complete strangers who hold different beliefs, you can wear the same color every day and nobody thinks otherwise… Ahh, yes, the season of Bowl Games. (You thought I meant Christmas? That was so 12 days ago!)

 

As I want checking out at Half Price Books today, the man says “You must be in a good mood!” I look at him with his long hair and mismatched clothes, look down at my purchase and say, “Why? Because I’m leaning to knit?” He tilts his head, nods at my sweatshirt and says “Well, I was refering to the game last night.” Oh… yeah. Next stop: the grocery store. A man wearing a Cowboys sweatshirt and Texas hat smiles at me as I’m picking out dishwashing soap. “Hmm, friendly” I think to myself. As I’m putting my groceries in my trunk he walks up to me and says, “So how about that game?!” Instant friends.

 

I’m not sure what it is about football season that brings everyone together. But I think Christmas season could learn something from it. Nobody thinks twice about throwing up their guns or wearing their Aggie ring around people that they don’t know. As the lady in her Purdue shirt walks by me in the grocery store, I highly doubt that she’s thinking “Maybe I should cover my shirt so I don’t offend that Longhorn girl over there.” No, we don’t do that. Why? Because it’s ridiculous.

 

You don’t have to celebrate Christmas but you should know that I do. So to everyone out there, Merry Christmas!