Can you believe it? As of late March, I have lived in the birthplace of Texas Independence for TWO WHOLE YEARS. Which, I might add is still totally crazy.
I inadvertently celebrated the first anniversary of my moving to San Antone by halting the hideous bursts of laughter that up until that point of my conditioning process, usually followed the phrase, "I live in Texas."
Ever since the wind blew me into this quiet little excuse for a bustling metropolis in 2005, I have steadily derived quite the meaningful existences out of being here as I've stumbled into friends, jobs, cars or wine racks, bikes, and blogs.
Two years later, I still snicker in my head a little and on occasion throw up in my mouth, but still I think I fit into the landscape nicely.
Have I mentioned I have a roof terrace?
Anyway - if I have learned anything over the course of it all - throwing a party to celebrate absolutely nothing never hurt anyone. Plus, having a roof terrace is a pretty convenient place for having over all your friends. Especially if the weather is perfect. And especially if it's a potluck. And especially if you have a ton of really awesome friends to celebrate a completely made-up, but cleverly-named holiday with...
But first, on the day of my SanAntoniversary, observed - I partook in a little protest. At the Alamo.Even though I've been told repeatedly that it was infact - a rally - and not a protest, I still find it amusing to have been making demands of our government in a large group at the birthplace of Texas Independence on my Independent Birthday of Texan-ness.
Since the STEP IT UP rally was all about asking Congress to enact legislation that would curb global warming, it seemed only appropriate to bike down. It was a glorious day in San Antone - breezy, sunny, temperatures in the upper sixties.
Upon arrival at Alamo Plaza, it became evident that much help was needed by the event organizers. I made myself useful by handing out fliers, shoving clipboards at people and having them sign petitions, but mostly - I held the banner.
Maybe it was all the earth-tone clothing, or the long hair and facial landscaping combination, or most likely the running about authoritatively that got his attention, but while holding said banner, I was interviewed by our local Fox News team. Note to self: do not agree to be interviewed while holding up a large banner against the wind. It was a really bad interview, but I think I ended well by stating how important I think it is that something is done to stop global warming - so that my children and my children's children can continue to enjoy spectacular days like this one...and then the banner pole, caught in a gale-force crosswind, knocked me in the face.
The rally got underway soon after and I shouted enthusiastically with the crowd the following cheers led by a local USGBC Chapter Board Member.
"Step it" - "Up", "Step it" - "Up", "Step it" - "Up"
"How much?" - "80 percent", How much?" - "80 percent", How much?" - "80 percent"
"When do we want it?" - "2050", "When do we want it?" - "2050", "When do we want it?" - "2050"
Then, as a complete non-sequitor attention getter, there were belly dancers... followed by half a dozen speakers who advocated numerous CO2-curbing and other environmental initiatives, serving locally in various capacities.
The Lake|Flato attendance was high. Those kids must really love the environment to come so close to work on a Saturday. Three of my favorites - Vicki, Jennifer Young, and Tenna.
Another example of how everyone knows everyone in SA. Two of my new friends - Victoria and Blair. Both are students at Trinity U, but met in completely different circles. Victoria through biking and Blair is in my yoga class. This city is so oddly incestuous. Like me, they rode their bikes downtown.
Keynote Speaker Mike Villarreal - our local State Assemblyman, addressed how he is making a difference through enacting legislation in the state congress. I would say he is pretty awesome.
The big group picture - Step It Up! YEAH
Heather Weiler, Marc Toppel, Karl, Raina Tilden, some dirty hippie, and Denise Deleon. (I love how tall standing between Denise and Raina makes me look by comparison.)
From the rally, I biked home with Raina and her boyfriend, Blair and Victoria - and then it was a four hour race to get myself, my apartment, and my party together.
I did some last minute tidying up. I went to Desiree's house to borrow her outdoor furniture and shoved it into my station wagon. I stopped at the super market to procure last minute details : beer, soda, ice, limes, candles, among other assorted necessities. I made my famous beet salad. I made guacamole.
Brian and Alison play an important role in my overall San Antonio experience. Thus, I am glad they surprised me with their presence before ditching the much anticipated potluck for a show they had previously planned to attend up in Austin that night. Alison even brought over a potluck contribution - friendship bread - which was nice.
Then Vicki came over to help out and we all toyed with Brian's new camera tripod.
You can't tell from this ridiculous photo of our quartet, but we mounted the tripod to my bedroom bi-fold doors. We thought we would only fit in the frame if we all leaned into it. Clearly this was not necessary.
I finally had the chance to give Vicki the mouse ears I brought back for her from Disney World.
Vicki Mouse...
Before Brian and Alison took off, I had them assist me with lugging all the patio furniture up the fire escape. I put Vicki Mouse to work shortly thereafter arranging the furniture outside, while I continued making preparations in the kitchen.
Before we knew it - the first guests were starting to arrive - an hour before sunset as planned.
Alamo Architects co-worker Chip Collins and his wife Brett brought over some wine and more guacamole. Karen Eldridge of L|F made a fresh batch of mango salsa.
My friend Juan Carlos - a very talented artist of several media formats also proved that he could bake! He brought over an awesome German cake.
Chip mingles with Blair from yoga and his friend Brad. It was at this point that I lost track of what people were bringing to share - I'll do my best give everyone their credit due.
I was quickly learning that being a Host with the most' required foregoing an actual enjoyment of food. This was disheartening considering the bounteous and magnificent potluck cornucopia!
Sadly, Blair and Brad brought over a number of vegan delights too numerous for me to recall.
Victoria arrived as everyone else did - up the fir escape. Her potluck contributions arrived with Blair.
Jeremy Fields made the best out of the situation and took in the sunset on the roof above.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Jonathan Smith distributed his hand-skewered tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil hor deurves. Indulging with Victoria is my downstairs neighbor Anne. She is a very talented bass player.
Beyond is my yoga teacher Louise Land who arrived with Brent - another guy from our Tuesday Yoga class. They brought several pints of Amy's ice cream. Brent plays oboe in the San Antonio symphony which I think is pretty awesome.
Nick and Melissa - more new friends - shared with us a fantastic casserole. The one calamity of the evening occurred when one of my neighbors backed into Melissa's Jetta. This put only a minute damper on her enjoyment of the evening.
Mmmmm - roof terrace.
Tobin Smith and Cobal brought over wines and cheeses.
Rachael and David Dewane - interns at L|F from the great land of Wisconsin, Nicolette "Sheridan" Goode, Nick, Melissa, and Blair.
Jenny Rowe and Karen Krajcer - brought over a large platter of pork and chicken tamales.
Nicolette with Mark Jones.
Patrick and Stephanie Shearer - my San Antonio MVP's. I probably wouldn't have moved here is they hadn't made it so easy for me...
Jennifer Young, Jenny Rowe, Kristen Wiese, and Karen K.
Former co-worker Heather Weiler mixes with my current co-worker Lief Johnson and his wife Audrey. Hooray for mixing!
The Johnson's (of rare non-Mexican Hispanic origin stem from Puerto Rico)by request brought over Caribbean delicacies - fried plantains and yucca.
Brent gives my guitar some much needed attention - to the enjoyment of Heather DeGrella (who brought over some bean dip) and Blair.
Nina asserted that I appeared very serial killer-esque.
Another kitchen shot!
Raina and Karl danced a lot.
The Dewanes - so great to share some love for Wisco and the Beatles. Fun fact: David was part of the UW-Milwaukee Taliesin summer program.
Desiree, Christopher, a cowboy, and Vicki.
How to become a true Texan: Carefully sculpted facial hair + snappy denim cowboy shirt + Alamo beer.
It's that easy folks! (not pictured: Branded Lonestar-shape on lower right buttock.)
Vicki and Comeaux - not particularly interested in being photographed.
Cute couples portrait of Jonathan and Cameron.
Alright - break open the champagne...
This is a really unflattering one of Chris Krajcer and Matt Wallace.
And this is a cute one of Desiree and I - after I had forgiven her for infusing my hair and apartment with crushed eggs nd confetti. No cascarones ever, please. Especially in my house or in my hair. In either case, it's there to stay. Damn you Desiree!
Kristen finishes off some delectable morsels of some kind, chatting with Cameron in my dining room.
Karen and Jenny.
I tried luring Karen to stay longer by playing her favorite George Harrison song. After it repeated for the fifth time it seemed to loose it's siren call.
Marc Toppel and Nina Wilson - no siblings.
Krystal and Matt Fleeger - arrived late after a wedding.
It was circa midnight that the party really thinned out, which was good, because it meant that I could finally eat something.
Juan Carlos showed off (to Mickey) some of his drawings, while I tried to get him to do caricatures.
Desiree took control of the iPod and we had ourselves a little sing-a-long...
Until about 3am, when I promptly passed out.
Regardless of the fact that I spent most of Sunday alternating between voraciously cleaning up and finding myself collapsed on the nearest horizontal surface available, it could not have been a more perfect evening or a better way to express how much I cherish my many friends here.
The world keeps on turning - as proved by the sunset I encounter regularly on that wonderful terrace I inhabit - and sometimes I wish it would just slow down a little to let me catch my breath. Time keeps on slipping. Before I know it, there could be another SanAntoniversary. And another. I guess I have no choice but to surrender my part within the vicious battle between order and chaos exploding all around me.
Until then, I leave you with a short comparison to last year's SanAntoniversary which I never posted. Funny how much has changed in just one year...leaves alot to look forward to!
I love the poem I wrote on the flier. I have since abandoned my use of fliers in favor of evite. Which is such a great way to get the word out and keep track of RSVP's.
I decorated my car last year. I think I still have residual blotches of shoe polish.
My hair was longer, I wasn't as opportunistic with facial hair, and I wore t-shirts that amplified under-arm perspiration when photographed.
I also still lived behind Stephanie and Patrick in my little colorful house.
Marc and Nina (then siblings), interestingly enough back then Marc was finishing up his last semester in school at UT-Austin while Nina was still working at Lake|Flato. Now it's completely reversed. Marc lives here and works at L|F while Nina is in school, living in Austin.
They brought me a pinata, which was quite the treat.
It was Vicki's idea to have an all wine party, which actually worked out. Heather D was the only guest to follow instructions regarding the wearing of silly headware. I remember everyone had just arrived from Betsy's engagement party which I didn't attend due to setting up at my house.
Todd and Edee Wascher - were also at this year's potluck, though I didn't get their picture. Edee made an awesome squash casserole. Since last year, they bought a new house.
Denise and I aboard Jeremy's then, brand new scooter. I have no idea where I acquired a pink cowboy hat. Maybe it was Stephanie's. Which reminds me - Patrick had just moved back that day after a brief hiatus.
I gave that pinata what it deserved!
A year ago, we still had Blake around. And Brian had less facial hair too. Both Alison and Vicki had bangs.
Oh - look who it is! It's Brad and Vanessa - where the hell did they go? I don't think I've seen them but once since.
I WISH I WAS THERE! great to see so many familiar faces.
Posted by: JULIE | April 23, 2007 at 09:02 PM
Really cool party. I enjoyed your 2nd
SanAntoniversary!
Pary On!
Posted by: daddio | April 25, 2007 at 12:30 PM
Congratulations, Ben! May you and SA have many happy years to come. ;)
Posted by: Megs-a-loo | April 30, 2007 at 07:02 PM
missed another great party where was the pix of the hammock kisses mom
Posted by: mom | May 27, 2007 at 06:29 PM