Nom Nom Nom!

Really that's all I can say about Torchy's tacos. I know, I'm late to the party people, but what can I say? I've been busy. Super busy. Busy with a side of busy.

So we finally got the chance to try them out at the new suburban south location off of William Cannon & Mopac. What yummy goodness. The Democrat & the Green Chili Pork tacos were a-ma-zing. The migas tacos are huge (HUGE, I tell you!).

Run, don't walk, to that which is Torchy's.

Taking it Seriously

Whenever I think about the time I've spent on different hobbies or diversions, it's like I can never do anything half way. ProductCamp has been that way for me. First I just attended, then the next thing you know I'm volunteering to run registration. What seems like minutes later, suddenly I turn around and find that I'm the Logistics & Volunteer Coordinator for ProductCamp Austin. Whoa! When did that happen?

Don't get me wrong, I do like being involved. Maybe too involved. It's always been this way.

Maybe I need to focus on just being a participant in things. You know, just showing up. Not bringing any chips, or dip, or ice. But... I don't think I can hack it. I'm always a bringer. Always.

In college, with aspirations of going to law school, I joined the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Each fall our chapter went on a camping trip near the lake. It was a purely social, laid-back event, with goofy activities for 'newbies' that would hardly be considered embarrassing much less hazing. But, since it was my first year, I was supposed to be subjected to those and that was fine with me. It was all in good fun.

However, I showed up early. I brought my own tent, sleeping bag, and flashlight. I brought my own Coleman propane lantern and new mantles -- and knew what to do with them. The trip organizers rented 20 tents -- but couldn't figure out how to put them up. So I organized a team of people, showed them all how to assemble one tent, and then dispatched them to do the rest. They also rented lanterns -- which needed new mantles installed and to be lit properly (guess who did that). Next, they needed (no joke) someone to build a fire.

Did I mention? This was a co-ed fraternity. Apparently none of them had been boy scouts. Or girl scouts. Or ever even 'camped' in their back yard with their dad on the weekend.

And since no-one knew my name, they would call out for help by yelling: "Where's the Bad A$$ Camping B*tch?! We need her." "Bad A$$ Camping B*tch?"

Best. Nick-name. Ever.

I haven't had a better time camping since either. *sigh*

Shoes for the Soul

It's really amazing to me what a new pair of shoes can do to inspire. Maybe this phenomenon is limited to my brain-space, but I truly find that with the right pair of shoes, I feel I can accomplish just about anything.

:-D

SXSW 2010 Registration Kicks off

Can it be here so soon? Why yes, yes it can! Registration for SXSW 2010 officially launches Monday, August 3rd -- get your registration in now for the best hotel choices. :-D

Attendance at the SXSW Interactive portion of the conference has continued to increase each year by leaps and bounds. They seem to continue to attract A+ folks to speak in both their Keynotes and Panels. Last year the Guy Kawasaki and Chris Anderson keynote was pretty interesting and 2008 was all abuzz with the Mark Zuckerberg interview by Sarah Lacey.

Overall, the thing I enjoy the most are the connections I make during SXSW. It is truly an amazing networking event -- with a tad* bit of entertainment thrown in for good measure.

I've been to every SXSW conference since 2003, so if I can answer any questions for you, feel free to send them my way.

*Note: YMMV :)

Fake it till you believe it

"Fake it till you believe it" is something the marketing director at my former employer is known to have said on occasion. Really the idea is that no matter your frame of mind, if you 'fake' it, then ultimately you'll start to believe it and actually feel differently about the situation. And certainly that sentiment rings true now that a job search is at my doorstep. Putting yourself in the right frame of mind for a job search in this economy can feel a lot like a 'Fake it till you believe it' moment. You have to believe that you are a superstar and radiate that confidence in how you approach new opportunities (notice I said confidence, not arrogance!).

On to lighter fare... I read my Horoscope every once in a while for entertainment. Read today's offering for Tarot.com (I'm a Capricorn BTW):

It's healthy for you to reestablish yourself today, especially if the ground recently shook beneath your feet. Although you're most comfortable when you know where you are and where you are heading, you might not have that luxury now. Although you are regaining stability, you may not want the same things you once did. Give yourself time to set different goals before you try to figure out your new course.

Hopefully that means good things are on the horizon. :)

Water Scofflaws Beware!

Really ... what a great word... scofflaws.

I can tell you that right now my yard is a virtual dustbowl, after more than 30 days of 100+ degree heat and record-breaking lack of rain. In what has to be the worst drought we've had in 100 years, cities around Texas are encouraging residents to report on illegal watering.

So Texans, here's a recipe for baking cookies on the dashboard of your car. Enjoy!

Exits and Moving On..

This week QuickArrow announced their acquisition by NetSuite, bringing this chapter in my work experience to a close. QuickArrow, an Austin Ventures portfolio company, survived when the tech bubble burst in Austin in 2001 and was back on a track and poised for growth when I joined in 2005. Being part of a start-up that grew up and ultimately achieved an 'exit' is certainly something I'm proud to have been a part of, but that feeling of success is mingled with a certain amount of sadness.

Someone said it feels like the last day of school or that there should be a year-book for us all to sign. I know what they mean. Being a part of a small company meant wearing a ton of hats, always pitching in and having a feeling that I was really making an impact every day. Of course, the people I worked with were a huge part of what I loved about being there every day. From Wii Bowling Tournaments to setting off the building fire alarm on Halloween (someone brought a 'fog machine') -- I'll have lot's of great memories to take with me.

While I'll miss my co-workers in the days ahead, I'm excited to turn the corner and see what is in store for me now. I'm ready for a new challenge and a fresh opportunity to help another company achieve the same kind of success and growth that I did at QuickArrow.