Plans for this weekend

If you're in the area this weekend, we highly suggest you go. Here's the website:

http://www.dentonjazzfest.com/index.html

Notes to Self:

*3:00 on a Sunday morning is not an appropriate time to "plan" for Primary music time.

*Do not get Botox.

*In most cases, it is not actually necessary to burn yourself with hot oil to be cast as the Phantom of the Opera.

Texas Bucket List

In no particular order...

1. Beth Marie's Ice Cream
2. The Greenhouse
3. Recycled Books
4. Denton Arts and Jazz Festival
5. I Heart Sushi
6. El Guapo's
7. Mr. Chopsticks
8. Thai Ocha
9. Disc Golf at Northlakes
10. Dallas Shakespeare Festival
11. Zaguan Cafe and Bakery
12. Good Records
13. The Angelika Theater (Dallas)
14. Blue Mesa
15. Cosmic Cafe
16. The Modern
17. Dallas Museum of Art
18. Fuzzy's Tacos
19. Bochy's Bistro
20. Hannah's Off the Square
21. Ravelin Bakery
22. Downtown Mini-malls 1&2
23. Chef Point Cafe
24. Cafe Brazil
25. Mia's Tex-Mex

Yes, I realize that most of this list consists of North Texas restaurants. Your point?

Running

I'm not sure how much time (if any) we've dedicated to our semi-recent foray into the running world. It all started back in October. We got a mailer from Team In Training, a program that raises funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. On a whim, Rachel and I went to an information session, and that same night, enrolled in a half marathon that would take place in Dallas this April.

We didn't end up doing the half marathon due to schedule conflicts, so we opted for a 10K in Fort Worth instead. To date we've participated in three races since December, with plans for another at the end of April.

The goal is to do one each month. So far, we haven't gone above a 10K, but my hope is that we'll be ready for a half in the next year or so.

It's been a really fun experience so far. The running culture is pretty laid back. I think what I like about it is the low barriers to entry (physical, financial, etc). Basically, if you can get a hold of a good pair of shoes, you're good to go.

Right now we're sporting Oasics, but so far we haven't gotten any advertising deals. Maybe after a couple more races...

But seriously, we're having a good time, and I hope that running serves as a gateway to other outdoor activities. It's great timing for a move to Pittsburgh. It looks like there's a lot to do in Pennsylvania and the surrounding states.

Oh yeah. On that note, we've decided to accept Pitt's offer. PA, here we come!

Grad School Admissions: The Results

After months of waiting, we finally have all six admission decisions. I've been checking my e-mail inbox incessantly for the past week in anticipation for the final notice. It came in the mail yesterday.

So, what are our options? Well, it's come down to two:

1) The University of Pittsburgh School of Public and International Affairs
2) The University of North Texas Public Administration Program

In either case, I'd be going for a terminal Master's in Public Administration with a focus on nonprofit management.

Right now, it seems all but certain that Pittsburgh will win out. Though the programs are generally similar, U-Pitt (unfortunate nickname, I know) would put me a lot closer to the DC/NYC international aid and development scene.

If this becomes official, we'll most likely be relocating to the Keystone State around mid-July.

I have until April 15 to accept my scholarship package from Pittsburgh. We'll post our decision prior to that date.

Peace,

Andy (yeah, I know I said I gave up blogging. I lied.)