Austin RRFM

In a random act of senseless violence I lost a cousin last month. She was radical and idealistic and genuinely believed there was a better way than how our society exists. And she wasn't afraid to live out her principles. Every time I think of her I am inspired to greater kindness and a more meaningful existence.

She founded the San Francisco Really Really Free Market, a sort of monthly garage sale, except that nothing is bought or sold. It is more like a potluck where everyone contributes what they can and everyone walks away enriched by the experience in some way. Austin's RRFM is this Sunday on the east side of town. Sounds like it's worth checking out.

This is for you, Kirsten.

Rocking the Kettlebell

Crazy workout today - power swings with a 24 kg (53 pound) kettlebell. Bottoms up swings and presses (!) with the 16 kg kettlebell.

Rocktoberfest indeed.

Rocktoberfest II

Second Rocktoberfest pledge: Baking. I have a fairly large number of friends with October birthdays. And I'm going to make cupcakes for each of their celebrations that I attend.

Recently I discovered a dark chocolate cupcake recipe that is fabulous. I made it for a work potluck and they went over quite well, so I think that's what I'll make for my teammates' post-rugby practice birthday drink up at our sponsor bar.

Tuesday's workout was killer - eight rounds of 20 seconds hand to hand kettbell pass-offs, followed by eight rounds of the same, but power swings, then snatches, then sprawls into a high pull. I managed everything except the snatches with a 16kg kettlebell. I'm getting there...

Sidenote - the pumpkin ice cream at Amy's Ice Creams is amazing.

Rocktoberfest

For whatever reason I keep thinking I'm going to leave work (13 minutes and 20 seconds) and walk out into a chilly, dim late fall evening. Despite the fact that it is most definitely still summer here in Austin. I think my body has decided enough with this weather, if we can't have it for real, we'll fool ourselves. Even Denver wasn't as deliciously cool as expected. Not incredibly hot, and the changing Aspen's on the drive to Boulder for Sunday's match were lovely, but it was nothing like I had hoped. Then again, pretty much nothing about the month of September, much less that trip, was. On the bright side, the beds in the hotel were fantastic and the pitch in Boulder was downright lush. An "oh, please tackle me" kind of lush.

October isn't starting out so great either, for a variety of reasons. I am, however, going to attempt to celebrate Rocktoberfest along with The Modern Gal. I pledge that I am going to do my best to make that 16 kg kettlebell my primary weight. I may not be able to press 16 kilos by the end of the month, but I will at least be able to snatch it. That will make me feel like I rock.

Also, I pledge to come up with another pledge for Rocktoberfest...

Plus, DQ has Pumpkin Pie Blizzards for the month of October. I'm going to see Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist tonight with friends. Iron Man is out on DVD. Sunday I get my birthday cake during Pattie and Carrey's house warming. Not to mention that I get to play lots of rugby during the month of October. Fun, low-stress rugby with our B-side, starting as eight man.

*I know I'm not blogging much. Keep up with me on Twitter instead.*