Austin Rock Star Style

Our office Christmas party was last night. This is not to be confused with the all-attorney party that was in Houston two weeks ago, or the litigation section party that is two weeks from now. It's the party for everyone- attorneys, staff, etc.- who works in Austin. It was at the Austin City Limits studio, original home to the famed music series (the longest running music series in television history, wikipedia tells me). The last episode in that studio was taped last month and the series is moving downtown, so it was nice to get to see it in person before the switch. It's an unusually "hip" place for a party with a bunch of old, boring lawyers (myself totally included), but it was fun. It was catered by Pappasitos (our party budget has gone way down, but in a good way, I like this food better) and Sahara Smith performed. She was very good and everyone seemed to enjoy the music.

I was without a date as JP stayed home with the kids, leftover lasagna, and a movie where lots of people die. He seemed happy. We didn't want to pay for a sitter for a work function (if we're paying for a sitter, we're going on a DATE) and he's going to the litigation champagne party in two weeks. Plus, he's such an introvert, these kind of events are exhausting for him. He has a good time and my co-workers really like him, but it takes like a week for him to recharge. I don't understand it, I find other people energizing, but I accept it. Plus, I really didn't want to see that movie (or eat the leftovers, again).

The invitation said the dress was "Austin Rock Star Style." Pretty much the most unhelpful attire indication ever. I decided it meant I could wear my gold sequin tank top which had been sitting patiently in my closet wearing it's little clearanced price tag for months. Sadly, sparkly shirts play a very small role in my life.

(I completely suck at taking pictures of myself. Cock your head to the side, squint a little, and pretend I'm smiling instead of looking ironically amused, or whatever expression that is on my face. Also, pretend that my bed is made and the bath mat behind me is hanging up like it's supposed to be. And my mirror is very not flattering.)

I also used the dress code to bring out my fabulous Fergie shoes. They were also bought on clearance, this time at Ross when I was 9 months pregnant. (What the hell was I thinking? It's a miracle they fit because I know my feet were too swollen to possibly try them on when I bought them.)

These shoes also play too small a role in my life, but I love them and the fact that they make me 6 feet tall. I towered over many of the partners I was talking to, but it's good for them. Landon liked my shirt and its "golden circles" but he thought my shoes looked funny. But he wears orange crocs, so I'm not sure he should be giving out footwear fashion advice.

This weekend is going to be crazy with work (big deadline Monday), a ton of Chrismtas shopping (I'm done with all the family stuff, this is just for the 6 daycare teachers, and the four children Landon and Claire's classes "adopted" through the Austin Adoption Coalition Secret Santa Program. I keep crying when I read their wish lists and mini bios and I've now spent more on them than my own children, but my kids don't need anything), two toddler birthday parties, Christmas tree buying and decorating, and the stuffing/mailing of the Christmas cards. Plus, the Biscuit has an ear infection so we spent the morning in the Saturday clinic at our pediatrician. But it's all good - Christmas music is playing, JP has a bunch of swim lessons, and Clairebear smiles even while she's tugging on her ear and looking confused at the pain it's causing her. I think I've said this about other months, but December must really be my favorite. I've never been this cheerful while I had this much going on. I'm just so excited about the holidays this year!