Home > Wendy Does Waco > Archives > 2008 > September
September 2008
All work and no play?
You know what Waco really needs? Recess.
Recess for grown-ups. It’s, like, the best idea I’ve ever heard of in my life. Not a smoke break, not lunch out with coworkers, not 15 minutes grabbed on the sly to pick up your dry cleaning. I mean pure, unadulterated (pun intended) recess.
I hung out at Viking Hills Elementary School for an hour on Thursday watching classes come out to recess (no, I’m not creepy stalker chick, I’m writing a story about recess). I watched little girls making up a dance routine and others walking arm in arm or playing hand clap games. Little boys tripped and tumbled across the open field and through the playscape, sweat slicking their hair down. And I heard the kids making up rules to games of their own creation, declaring this wall home base, that tree a good hiding spot.
I was tempted to throw down my notebook and play along with them. (Now THAT would have been creepy.) I had forgotten how great recess could be. How I used to end up with red welts on my shins because I liked to climb poles during recess. How I had to wear shorts under my uniform so I could hang upside down on something we called the “witch’s hat”. How, in third grade, I used to breakdance with my best friend (oh dear God, I can’t believe I just confessed that).
I was one of those kids who ALWAYS hated school, but I always loved recess. Maybe recess is what’s missing in a lot of our adult lives today. Maybe recess is the desideratum for a balanced existence.
So I’m proposing the first ever Waco recess. Heritage Events could plan it, they’re good at what they do. Local businesses could sponsor it, they would be contributing to the health and sanity of the city. Baylor phys. ed. prof. Karen Fredenburg and my favorite p.e. teacher Cindy Strunk could consult on the activities and I would publicize the crap out of it. There could be 4-square and other adult friendly recess games and we could do it at Indian Spring Park on some nice Friday around lunch time.
What do you say? Am I nuts or is this an awesome idea? Ok, maybe I’m nuts, but this is still a good idea. Just make me one promise — don’t pick me last for kickball.
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An autumn state of mind
Monday was the first day of autumn, so I’m trying mighty hard to get into an autumn state of mind. Actually, I can’t lie, I’ve been trying to pretend it was fall since, like, mid-August. It is, hands down, my favorite season.
Unfortunately, I have pretty high standards when it comes to fall. Living in the Carolinas will spoil you. There’s the apple picking in Hendersonville and the changing leaves on the Blue Ridge Parkway, roadside stands with boiled peanuts and just a certain feeling in the air, of change and anticipation.
Still uncertain whether I can swing a ticket to Greenville in october, I’m determined to make the most of the season here. The cool weather a week or so ago really helped and football on the weekends goes a long way too. Plus, I’ve got a cinnamon apple smell going in my place and my favorite fall apples are at HEB right now.
I’ve pulled out my fall flavored music, which, for me, means Fionna Apple, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Rilo Kiley, Better Than Ezra, The Be Good Tanyas, The Decemberists and certain jazz standards.
The Oktoberfest kickoff at the Bear had a nice little fall feel and Caitlin and I are planning a pumpkin carving soiree. And last but not least, I’ve been getting back out to Cameron Park. No, it may not look like Tablerock or Ceaser’s Head, the Devil’s Kitchen or Pretty Place (all western Carolina mountain spots), but when you’re walking, and leaves flutter softly down around your shoulders like butterflies, it will make you smile and not really care where you are — Asheville or Waco.
If you have any local tips for fall flavor, pass them on. And here’s a couple of my favorite pics from one of the millions of trips my best friend Amy and I have taken up to the mountains.
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A smoking hot topic
Did anyone see the comments to go along with the smoking ban article in today’s Trib edition? Ouch! Talk about a hot topic.
I can’t help but wonder which way this city will go, if pushed. Since I’m a pick ‘em up, put ‘em down smoker, I don’t feel uber passionately about the issue — except to say that I’m not crazy about the governemnt taking away my choices.
My Nanny basically succumbed to her smoking-induced emphysema in the end. And my Grandad had lost like 3/4 of a lung due to cancer. Neither my mom, Aunt Donna or Uncle Pat smoke, they didn’t have to, they grew up with secondhand from Nanny and Grandad.
I know it’s horrible for you, but it’s still legal and still my choice. If the government really cared about our health that much, wouldn’t they stomp out the industry, rather than slap my hand if I light up in the wrong place? I’m just saying …
That said, I don’t linger in bars that are so smoky the smell permeates me. I head for the patio to light up almost always. A lot of my friends smoke right now, some roll their own, some have pipes, some cigars (which I can’t stand, sorry Chip) and I think they should have every right to. Especially at the bar. Sorry, maybe I’m just channeling my journalistic ancestors, but what goes together better than a drink and a cigarette?
I’m not attacking non-smokers, really, I’m not. My mom is one of those people who will cough and wave her hand in her face if seated near a smoker. I just think it’s an interesting topic and especially interesting how passionate people get about it.
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Reasons not to stay at home and sulk
So I didn’t remain in a depressed slump all weekend and I have a sweet friend and a few nameless Baylor girls to thank for it.
I went out late Friday for what I thought would be a solitary glass of wine at the Bear. but, as often happens, I soon found myself surrounded by friends. One dear boy, who happens to be turning 25 today, made it his personal duty to cheer me up. As I fretted about whether my career will allow me to stay in Waco, he countered with, “We’ll find a way to keep you here.”
Successfully cheered, I followed a few friends to Scruffy’s. (God help me, I just can’t stay away!) And it was at a dark and dirty table on Scruff’s patio that I was reminded why I must continue to go out in this town, even when I’m feeling down.
I saw a group of flirty girls with freshly flat-ironed hair at a nearby table playing with some sort of digital gadget. My boys were talking business at that point, so I took the opportunity to wander over to the girls for a closer look.
“I’m nosy. What are you doing?” I said to the young Baylor beauties.
It turns out that they were passing around the breathalizer that one of the girls had bought. They were using it and then commenting on each other’s level of drunkeness. I was intrigued and immediately slipped into reporter mode. Could this be some trend? Are college kids being more careful about their consumption?
The simple answer? No.
“I just bought it for fun,” the 21 year old owner of the gadget said. I asked if she bought it so she would know if she could drive or not, so she would be more careful about that kind of thing. “Oh, I’m not driving. I just bought it to play with.”
Her new toy? It cost $200 from Sharper Image.
At this point I had to smile and walk away. Was I glad the girls were getting an education about what legally drunk really feels like? Was I dumbfounded that someone would, could spend $200 on something like this for fun? Was I secretly satisfied that I had just wandered upon a perfectly Bayloriffic moment? Yes to all of the above.
It was fate telling me to get out and about no matter what, because when I least expect it, Waco happens.
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Go do Waco for me, please
I’m not feeling super bubbly today. I’ve got way too much on my mind. I can’t shake my worry about the Trib being for sale. But if ever there was a weekend full of stuff to distract me, this would be it.
Tonight the Gridiron Grill will be showing the Baylor game in the alley on the South side of Heritage Square. The real treat though, will be Piano Man playing after the game. I’ve always wanted to go see him at Treff’s, but I hear it gets mega crowded. Plus, have you ever noticed that after an evening at a smokey bar, even your unmentionables smell like smoke? Eeewww. So Piano Man in the open air should be lovely.
Also, this weekend there’s the Waco Cultural Arts Fest, which I think is a pretty good place to go with kids. Check out the lineup for Saturday and Sunday in Carl Hoover’s story from this week’s paper.
Tomorrow is also a special day at my home haunt, The Dancing Bear Pub. They’re hosting an Oktoberfest Kickoff Party from noon till 1 a.m. there will be beer tastings, and German grub too. And best of all, the company — you can’t find chiller folks than those at the Bear.
Like I said, plenty to do. I’d like to say I’m gonna get to all of these things, plus take a hike in Cameron Park if the weather holds out. But right now, I just want to curl up in my bed for the weekend and sulk.
Don’t be me. Go do Waco.
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Adult movies. Finally.
She said, “Let there be adult movies.” And there were.
That’s right, the powers that be at Heritage Events listened when I politely whined about wanting a more grown up Third Thursday movie night on the square. They answered in a most sublime and awesome way, with the showing of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off tomorrow (Thursday, 18th).
I might have died from giddiness had they chosen Pretty in Pink or The Breakfast Club, just the thought of Echo and the Bunnymen songs ringing from downtown Waco makes me tingly all over. But ‘Ferris’ probably will have a broader draw and is ultimately a better decision. And, in fact, is downright appropriate for Waco.
Whenever I hear someone complaining about how lame Waco is, I always think of the Ferris quote, “I’d like to dedicate it to a young man who doesn’t think he’s seen anything good today.”
To the Waco naysayers, I would say, take a day off, Ferris style, and enjoy the oddities around you. Can’t plan a day of such fun yourself? Never fear, Scott Baker and I have something up our sleeves to help show how to have fun in this city.
I have a school board meeting tomorrow night, but hope to ditch it early and get out to watch the movie. “Adult beverages” will be sold and no children under 12 are allowed. I expect to see tons of people I know out there — adult movies are always more fun when watched with friends.
I’d like to dedicate (this adult movie) to folks all over the area who say they haven’t seen anything good in Waco.
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Gone to the dogs
Help me out here, was there ever an episode of I Love Lucy where Lucy goes to walk dogs at the Humane Society? Because if there was, then you have a very good idea what my Saturday morning looked like.
Waco Humane Society was filled to the brim this weekend with pets of Ike evacuees and needed some extra human hands to help take care of all the animals. So Caitlin and I figured that opportunity had us written all over it.
We showed up Saturday morning, with fresh homemade muffins (ok, I called them muffin tops, because somehow I burnt the bottoms and had to cut them all off. did I mention I don’t cook?) for the shelter staff who were working their butts off. I felt confident and maybe even had a bit of a swagger, because while I’m a natural with babies, I’m also pretty darn good with dogs.
Oh, how the mighty fall. The staff led us down the hall of large dogs and put us to work walking them. The first one out of the cage (a medium-sized yellow lab looking cutie) nearly tore my arm off. I have never seen so much energy in my life. And folks, I don’t consider myself easy to drag around or knock over, I mean, there’s a reason I played center in powderpuff football.
But the dog whisperer, I am not, so I let them lead me around and we played and ran together in the wind and rain. They were all very sweet and not one of them ripped my face off, which I really appreciate. We were rewarded for our efforts by getting to go around and pet and talk to a bunch of the animals, including holding two baby puppies.
We left after a few hours with scrapes and blisters and smelling like wet dog — but we had the best time. I’ll definitely try to help out more at the Waco Humane Society.
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You can take the girl out of the Bear …
Caitlin and I decided to shake things up Thursday night, so we headed over to Austin’s on the Avenue.
First of all, this place is definitely a great addition to downtown Waco. I love the idea that people staying at the Hilton might wander upon the place and be drawn in by the music, spacious patio and all the pretty people. It says something about this town being alive and vibrant.
Next, the bar is really attractive, with old pictures of Waco on the walls inside, and did I mention the spacious patio? The bartenders were friendly and the music was live. Though, honestly, I can take or leave the whole country thing, plus the loud factor does make conversation a bit of an exhausting shouting match. And I do wish they served food, from what I could tell, they don’t. It’s not a big deal, but when I go out, I first come home from work, I take a nap and then wake up, dress and go straight out, never hgetting a chance to have dinner. This usually means that by my second glass of wine, I’m trying hard not to vomit. I’ve actually started carrying crackers around with me to deal with this. But I’d be so much happier if I could just buy the table some chips and salsa.
I’m glad that Austin’s exists, for sure. Now for my more colorful review…
I looked around last night and wondered where all these people came from. The majority of them I felt like I had never seen before, and folks, I try to really get around town. I’m a reporter, it’s kind of our job to know a lot of people. Then Caitlin figured it out, maybe I just didn’t recognize everyone with their clothes off.
Ok, that’s an exaggeration, but it’s not an exaggeration to say I have never seen so much Waco thigh before. With a healthy dose of cleavage to boot. Apparently the unofficial uniform of Austin’s are tiny, mini, babydoll dresses. I found myself hoping and praying that no one took a spill because it would have been a Lindsay Lohan moment for sure.
To me, Austin’s (ironically enough) has a real Dallas vibe. People want to come and see and be seen and the girls want to get pretty and wear their favorite dresses and put a fresh face of make-up on. Understand me please, I am not saying there is one thing wrong with that at all.
I just happen to be a little more Austin (granted, before it became over-saturated), a little more Asheville. I tend to like low-key, not too loud to talk, don’t feel like you have to apply mascara, accepts you in your khaki shorts and Winthrop T-shirt kind of places. I like to get pretty and go out sometimes, but also like to have a place where I won’t scare everyone if I wander in after yoga.
What can I say? I guess you can take the girl out of the Bear, but you can’t take the Bear out of the girl. All of this said, I’m supposed to hit Austin’s tonight with my friend Dallas. Isn’t life strange?
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Best chicken salad in town
The search is over, and I’m happy to accept the thanks of a grateful city. For, I have found the best chicken salad around.
The chicken-y concoction at Secret Chef has cranberries, green onions and other spice like ingredients. Most importantly, it’s mushy while not being over-mayonaissed and there’s plenty of chicken without the threat of huge chicken chunks falling off your cracker and down the front of your dress.
I happened upon this poulet perfection when I went to check out this catering/meals to go place. I don’t cook, so I’m always interested in people who want to do that for me. I also was curious how business was doing, given the economy and the fact that having people make chicken and rice casserole for you might be considered a luxury. But apparently, business is great. Maybe it’s the chicken salad.
The other dishes sound super tasty too, so I think I might try to do the math and see if they are budget friendly enough to replace some of my Lean Cuisines. Although really, who am I kidding? Meals and drinks are the two places in life I don’t skimp because they’re so social. I mean, sure, I could eat Ramen noodles at my apartment, but splitting chicken nachos with Caitlin at the Bear is so much more fun.
Anyway, go try Secret Chef, 611 Bowden. The chicken salad is $8 for 1lb., expensive but soo worth it. And check out www.secretchefwaco.com for their weekly menu.
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In the eye of the storm and bored to death
Ok, you can just consider this post part two to the “multi-faceted faces” post I wrote the other day.
I can feel Waco development brewing like a storm. I see it on the horizon. I can smell the potential for cool like ozone and feel the anticipation for what this place could be, like electricity in the air. I’m somehow right in the midst of the storm, but I’m not part of it … And it’s making me NUTS!
I’m great at spreading the word and introducing the right people and helping things along and informing the public. But that’s all on the periphery. I’m dying to be part of it, in the middle (maybe not the middle, but on the fringe of the middle, perhaps). I want to feel like I’m actually contributing rather than being some sort of support staff to those who are.
This may be an occupational hazard for journalists, I’m not sure. We’re always so busy complaining about our editors, this topic hasn’t really come up. But I know I’ve felt this way, on and off, throughout my career.
I want to believe in something, take a risk, invest my savings, sell myself to others (um, not meant how it sounds). Alas, I don’t have a “thing.” You know, a thing, my thing, that is going to make Waco a better place — I don’t have one of those. Oh yeah, and another problem, I have the business acumen of a platypus, possibly an addled or brain-damaged platypus. Yep, that’s me.
So, until brilliance strikes me or someone who’s already brilliant finds me useful, I guess I’ll just unfold a chair and watch the storm churn around me as I write about the rainmakers.
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Help me celebrate, Waco!
Some of you know Jenn Sims and some of you don’t. But you’ve all heard me talk about her, her daughter, Madison, and how sad I was when they left Waco.
Well, Jenn and I have, of course, stayed in touch and lately our conversations have been about things like dilating and effacing and other things that I don’t understand but I just know sound painful and gross.
But I got the sweetest call ever this morning, with Jenn telling me that Monday evening she gave birth to an enormous, healthy boy. Does this story get even better? Yes! Jenn’s husband had flown in from Baghdad Sept. 3 to be there for the birth (he has to go back later this month).
I couldn’t be more tickled and, if I could, I would buy everyone in Waco a big blue cupcake in celebration. Instead, I’ll try to spread my elation to everyone I come in contact with today.
No tired-looking eyes, no boring work assignments, no boy I like who doesn’t like me back can get me down today — I’m an extended aunt!!!
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The multi-faceted faces of Waco
The Ethan Durelle farewell show at Common Grounds Saturday night was awesome. What’s unfortunate is that their last show was my first. I’m pretty new to their music, but enjoyed the show nonetheless, especially watching Jeff Weathers wail on the drums.
A comment was made on my last blog post asking what I meant by the place being packed with “kids” and saying that that person would not take their kids to the show. Well, I originally meant college age when I said “kids”, but after going to the show, I have to say that if I had even younger kids I would have taken them to the show if they wanted to go. I’ve been to countless street festivals that were more rowdy and less entertaining than the show at Common Grounds. I’m thrilled that my parents let me start going to shows of my choosing (with them escorting me, of course) at age 12.
Anyway, while at the show I got to thinking about how Waco is like this treasure trove of talented people, and sometimes you don’t even realize it. I knew Jeff W. was a nice guy, but had no idea he was a great drummer. Same thing with Van Darden, yeah he’s a writer, but he also plays the drums and I’m sure one day will be an amazing music writer. Another friend of mine, I just found out, can write grants.
In a word, I find the Waco-folk I’m surrounded by inspiring. They make me want to plumb the depths of my talents, see what else I might have to offer this little hamlet besides news coverage. I love writing about people who do things, but I also want to be a do-er, not always the observer. Heck that’s what this blog is supposed to be all about, right?
Hmm, deep thoughts. I must go ruminate. End of lesson, grasshopper.
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Common Grounds eats Waco
You basically could live at Common Grounds this weekend if you are interested in non-stop activity.
It begins tonight at 9:30 with a dance party in the Backyard.
DJ SCANTRON (Shay Scranton) will have dominion over the joint. (I hear he also has set Sunday nights on fire with his Scantron Sundays at Treff’s) There’s a $1 cover.
After getting caffeinatted and crazy tonight, you can rest briefly before heading back to Common Grounds from 11a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday for 18 bands. For Free. Lots of local favorites will play, ending with the last show by Ethan Durelle.
Sounds great, but there’s just one problem for me. I’ve hit the age where I can do a few glasses of wine in one night. But even one strong cup of coffee in the evening is going to make me say annoying things like, “well, I can just forget about getting any sleep tonight.”
I’m guessing the place will packed to the walls with kids, so if that’s your thing, go crazy. I may try to get out for Ethan Durelle’s set.
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Mammoth worth the money
I once again made the trek out to the once-super-secret, but these days increasingly-less-super-secret Waco mammoth site. (Which is not to be confused with the Waco Mammoth Site, which is what the same place will be once it is open to the public)
But I digress … I said skeeters and chiggers be damned and spent Thursday morning at the groundbreaking for the Site. Though I’ve seen the dusty old bones and dig site before, it still impressed the crud out of me.
I concluded my day of mammoth coverage at a public meeting regarding the future of the WMS. One man, who clearly felt passionately about what he had to say, suggested that it would be nice to be able to pay to take care of bones, but that it’s silly, given our country’s deficit and how overburdened taxpayers are.
I respect his opinion. And respectfully disagree. I would just hate to live somewhere where preserving history and fostering things like the arts are considered too frivolous to bother with. Where’s the quality of life without these things?
So at the risk of sounding drunkenly ra-ra, I’ll say that I’m looking forward to seeing this mammoth thing come to fruition, through some kind of funding or another. And I’ll be there saying, yep, I remember when you had to know the secret handshake to get directions to the place.
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Anyone been to Austin’s?/ Had any good javelina?
I see that Austin’s on the Avenue (Austin Avenue) is open now. Has anyone been? What did you think?
I plan to have drinks there soon. I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for it to open, and it looks great from the outside. But now that it’s open, I don’t know if it is exactly what I was waiting for. I was given the impression it was going to be a wine bar and I had created little visions in my head of what it might be like.
But apparently it has a heavily Texas Country theme? As country goes, the Texas kind is the best, but still… I can only take country in small doses.
The wine selection is supposed to be great though, so I’ll definitely keep my mind open. Let me know what y’all think.
On another Texas-centric note, I was in the Metroplex last weekend and had dinner at an interesting place in one of the shapeless, soulless suburbs, Plano I think. The restaurant is called Love and War in Texas. The menu is split into regions of Texas, South, of course, is very Mexican, West is all steaks and the coast is seafood. But it was the Central section that cracked me up. It offered items like antelope, quail, venson and wild boar.
Don’t get me wrong, I loooove venison and I actually ordered the wild boar, but what amused me is how off-the-beaten-path the offerings in the Central Texas section were. I can’t decide whether it mis-categorizes us or perfectly captures the strange little vortex that is Central Texas. I mean, it’s an area that includes Waco, Killeen and Austin, right?
Anyway, cool place, and the javelina was different but decent — definitely NOT the other white meat.
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Red lives/ A call for more weird Waco tales
I know some of you out there were or still are loyal readers of the Baylor-centric Bearmeat blog. A great blog indeed, though my addiction to it died when venerable blogger “Red Andrews” stepped down from his blog throne and passed on the Bearmeat torch.
Well my friends, I tell you today, with no little excitement, Red lives. I met him and his lovely other half last weekend. Always the master of his anonymity, Red was kind enough to reveal his identity to me and I bowed down and basked in his genius appropriately.
I still entertain daydreams of Red and I one day uniting our forces of snark and ruling benevolently over the Waco blogosphere. But until then, it will be nice to throw back a beverage with the man himself now and then.
To Red, who I know is reading, thanks for ending this Waco mystery for me. Maybe next I can try to figure out the reason for this town’s proliferation of car fires.
To celebrate my new alliance, I’d like to call for another round-up of Waco weirdness. Please send in your tales of Wacofabulousness. Amuse us all.
