I was framed.

I cannot believe how fast 2012 is already flying by. It seems like just last night the gals and I were assigning times to our sparkly NYE dresses and dancing to the sounds of our laughter, clinking glasses, and of course...Blackstreet. It's hard to believe that tomorrow brings on a new month and a slew of new opportunities. Some of my favorite people were born this month, and how can we forget... it's Cupid's month. Don't act like you don't know what I mean. 


As I may have mentioned, I have an ever growing obsession with Pinterest. So much so, that I have decided I must only partake in pinning 2-3 days a week, for 30 minute increments (I use a timer), and even seriously considered deleting the app on my phone. Well thanks to this new kick, I've been on a DIY frenzy. Give me some spray paint, a hammer, some duct tape, and you've got yourself a masterpiece - a la ACG. Here is one of my favorite doings:

Created on 1/22/12

This past weekend I attended a seminar (to say the least) and when I walked in was immediately slapped in the face with all kinds of empty picture frame arrangements strikingly similar to the one I had created in my casita. It was kind of strange, but mostly amazing. The theme of said seminar was "Picture this" and we spent a lot of time focusing on our framework and various pieces of our lives. I pictured where I've been, where I am, and where I want to go. We spoke about creating our own pictures and my mouth literally fell to the floor when I found this picture and realized that I coincidentally left a few frames completely empty. Well maybe not coincidentally...


My entire life I have always believed that everything happens for a reason. Every behavior, action, and reaction is completely out of our control no matter how "in control" we feel we are. Walking into a room of frames after having created my own was proof of this.


I thought I was creating this frame arrangement because I was bored and simply wanted to recreate something I had seen online, but now I realize that I really did this so I could have a constant reminder of what I rediscovered on January 28th. As far out as it may sound there is not a bone in my body that does not truly believe that. 


When I was 23 I read something a friend posted online. She mentioned that she rarely speaks about her beliefs or practices because it is just so precious to her. At the time I just didn't fully understand what she meant. Now almost four years later I completely understand. It's not that she was ashamed or thought people wouldn't understand, it's simply that it was so precious she wanted to keep it safe and protect it. The same way you place your favorite ring in a cushioned jewelry box or maybe even how some people refuse to post (or let anyone else post)pictures of their new born baby. You can whole-heartedly believe in something without screaming it from the roof tops, and this is coming from someone who screams a lot of things from a lot of roof tops. Sometimes people would rather whisper, or even hold onto something so close that no one even knows they have it. It's as simple as that. Some things are just like the wind. 

~A Charlie Gal

A dot com, I am.

You may have noticed that I was experiencing some technical difficulties for about two weeks. Well, now that that is over it's time to celebrate my tiny accomplish that is a really BIG deal to me...

I'M A DOT COM!!!!

Yep, now you can find me and my sweet little writing thang at www.acharliegal.com! (And I figured it out on my own!) One small step for man, one giant step for MANDY! Or something like that. Let's just say that phase one of Operation ACG Facelift has been completed. More to come my pretties. I'm going to try as hard as I can to be completely involved in this process, but I'm not going to lie - I'm pretty terrified (and stupid) when it comes to technology stuff. I can tweet, I can pin, and that's about as good as it gets. Luckily, I have extremely talented friends who are patient and willing to help me learn the ways of the interwebs. Hang tight, we'll get there soon enough. 

Tonight I'm having dinner with a dear friend and mentor from my Texas State days at a small cafe on the East side. I'm sure it will be as lovely as it sounds. 

~ A Charlie Gal

Spin Cycle

My friends and I often joke about how we have become Senior Citizens because we now have the ability to wake up extra early on the weekends without the help of an alarm clock. Although I truly do believe it is a sign of our ever-increasing age bracket, I absolutely love this fairly new talent. I also love the fact that I know longer lay in bed trying to force myself to go back to sleep, but rather have become extremely productive. Like yesterday for example. I woke up around 7:30 am, got dressed and attended the first service at my church. (Yes, I get my Jesus on.) After which,  I came home, cooked a little brunch, then loaded my car with my massive amount of laundry that I let accumulate  (a sign that I'm not quite there yet) and headed south to a nearby laundromat. Now before I get into that experience, let me just say that I was completely finished with all my domestic chores by 2:00 pm, and was able to enjoy the rest of my Sunday by doing exactly what I wanted.... E! Golden Globe Red Carpet special. Oh joy! (Thank SBJ that you cannot see the dumb grin on my face.) That in itself is one reason I have fully embraced my new citizenship. 


Now let's talk about this laundromat sitch. 


Honestly, it had been a really long time since I visited one of these so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. The last time I went to a laundromat I was in undergrad and convinced a friend to come with me. This of course meant we snuck in booze and had a mini-party there. This is not what happened yesterday. What actually happened is I arrived, claimed my machines with my detergent, collapsable hampers, and latte, and then mistakenly exchanged a 10 dollar bill for quarters instead of a 5. Talk about jingle. I was beyond thrilled when I was able to start all my loads at the same time. (Yes, this is my life.) I put a timer on my phone, picked up my book, and did calf-raises as I read. Life was grand. 


About five minutes later my ADHD kicked in and I was bored. I put the book down and took a minute to observe what was happening around me. I saw a group of men who didn't speak English arguing over how much clothes would fit in one machine, a small group of hipsters obviously nursing hangovers, some chatty musicians, and of course a few screaming children begging their mom for quarters so they could get a toy from the vending machine. (Whoever thought of putting those machines in there is a jerk, you know everyone needs their quarters!) It wasn't a bad scene, but since I was alone I felt like a creeper watching everyone; I decided to pick up my book again.


My timer went off and headed to my first machine to make the switch. Just as I began pulling my clothes out I was spotted by a guy friend I hadn't seen in a while. No big, right?  We gave each other a quick hug, quickly caught up on the holiday season, and then had the whole "SX is coming...I'm sooooo busy" schpeel. Everything was peachy until it was awkward.  Yeah, you know that moment in the laundromat when you notice someone peep your basket and your unmentionables are sitting at the top of your pile'o'clothes. Yeah. Pretty much. Conversation quickly ended and before my face could tell all I headed to the dryers. 


It was here that I realized the how massive the dryers were, how little some of my items were, and how the men who didn't speak English had their eyes on every single dryer....looking to spot something lacey, and looking extra creepy. I quickly transferred all my goods, and shot a "don't look at my clothes unless you want bleach poured on your face" glare at them. Hey, it's not my fault. Who do I need to talk to about having tinted dryer windows? I should probably talk to them about electronic transactions as well.


It didn't take long for me to get back to feeling comfortable, and even though I had already claimed a folding table I decided I had had enough awkward moments for one morning. It was probably in my best interest to fold my skibbies at home. When my timers went off I threw my clothes back in the hampers and headed to the parking lot. 


On my way out the door I noticed a sign for the mat's same-day laundry service. $1.05 per pound. Washed and folded! I had no idea places actually did that! That would be even more convenient than doing 4 loads at the same time. Before you start thinking I'm extra bouj, let me say I only considered it for a split-second and remind you that I don't have my own washer/dryer at home. Truth is, I really enjoyed my little ol' laundromat experience and even though it definitely had its fair share of moments I'd totally go back and do it again....and maybe even again after that. Who knows, maybe it will turn into a party next time. 

~ A Charlie Gal

This post is dedicated to my dear friend, "Queen of the Club", "Party Princess", and above all else, Domestic Diva. You know who you are - clinky clinky.

26.

One of my favorite bloggers once wrote about how girls are crazy until they turn 26. She went on to talk about how foolish she was with guys before 26, and how she did things like call 18 times in a row, drive by his home at crazy times in the night, and whole lot of other things that made her straight up cray. She didn't only talk about the crazy things she did because of guys, but those were the most memorable. 


Well, I'm 26 and am I still crazy? Don't answer that. 
Without getting into my foolish moments over guys, (we all have them....you too guys) I am proud to say that over half of the things she admitted to doing I NEVER HAVE, but that's ok I'm not judging. Had she not been a bit nutty over a dude I would not have had such an entertaining read. I'm sure he was a proper a-hole, too. (The absolute worse kind.) But really, as unfortunate as those tales are they really do sometimes turn into beautiful, beautiful art.....just ask Adele. 


Back to the 26-club. Am I crazy? I guess it depends who you ask. For my birthday I jumped out of a plane. I also got overly excited on Black Friday when I purchased a Pyrex set that took up the majority of my cabinet space in my tiny kitch. I know, I know...I probably (aka absolutely) do not need that much Pyrex, but oh....it makes me happy. AND I don't care what anyone says - having an abundance of Pyrex is sexy. (Or Lock-n-Lock.) I also get this stupid grin on my face when I see my stainless steel stock-pot. Yes, I know how that sounds. I can't help it - I like home goods! 


Maybe girls are crazy until they turn 26, and after that they turn into.... well I don't know what it's called, but I see myself going through it right now. Hmmmmm.

~ A Charlie Gal

p.s. My apologies for the rando post. I'm trying to stick to the goal I set yesterday and didn't have the energy to get into the good. Blame Leandro and his Brazilian Butt Lift. Dah.

Are you there 2012? It's me ACG...

Nearly two weeks into 2012 and what's new? 
Not a whole lot. 


As I mentioned previously I did plan on doing the whole "Goals for the New Year" post, but at this point...I think I'm good. Of course I have a weight loss goal. Given. Of course I have a finance goal. Given. And then there are always the randos...cook more, smile more, take a risk, don't take too many risks. blah blah blah blah blah blah blah. 


See what I mean? Not taking that route. I have however decided it's time to give A Charlie Gal a face lift, and perhaps a purpose. What's that you say? I don't want this little ol' blog to just be about me? Well of course I do silly, but I do realize that I'm not nearly as interesting as the many pieces that shape this thing called my life. This year I think I'll introduce a few of my costars and let you in on a few Zuri secrets. If you don't know what that is, you soon will. If you do know what that is, consider yourself ahead of the game. I guess you can say that's where a lot of this began, and by "this" I mean "online this" of course. Before Zuri it was all pen and pad, and a word doc. every now and then. 


Ok fine. I take back the whole no posting on goals thing. I have goals for Charlie and here they are:


1. Find a way to increase readership (is that a word?) without being terrified of others reading something I actually wrote. 


2. Give this gal a new look. I love those lanterns, but they have me thinking that maybe last year was a dark time or something. I don't think it was, but either way that's just not how I'm feeling anymore. 


3.  Not waste too many hours on Pinterest trying to decide on the new look. (p.s. I'm so thrilled to make a new board!!!)


4. Guest Charlie's. Beginning with my bosse bouj zuri trifecta: "Chocolate Charlie" and "1/2 n 1/2 Charlie". More on those fine fellas later. 


5. Give ACG more of a purpose. What's the idea behind all this? Announcements? Events? Bands? Jeez, when did this get so difficult? 


6. And finally consistency. As much as I'd love to get in this everyday let's be honest....it probably won't happen. But I'll start off with a 3 posts a week plan. (Damn, that means I'm already behind.)


Ok, thats a good start. Let's see how this all plays out. OHHH yes, please feel free to call me out when I'm living in slackerville. We know that happens sometimes. Hmmmm, maybe I should get a male Charlie? A Charlie Dude? A Charlie Guy?..... whoa whoa, let's not get crazy! We'll see. 




Well here goes nothing! 2012 there is still hope!!!


Salute - clinky - clinky!

~A Charlie Gal

Too much. Too soon.

As amazing as this year began, it has quickly taken a very quick spin in a very scary direction. I had every intention on writing about my goals and hopes for this year upon my return, but have been completely side-winded since my return from el lago.

Early morning on NYE, a beautiful girl named Esme Barrera was tragically murdered in her home. I had very few encounters with her, however a lot of very special to me were extremely close with her. She was a big part of the Austin music scene from a million different levels - fan, mentor at Girls Rock Camp, part-timer at Waterloo Records, and an all around live music enthusiast. Although I did not know her personally, I feel like we have very similar stories. She was 29, and her killer has not been found. He's still out there.

I really am not trying to turn this tragic loss towards myself, but as a single girl I can't help but worry. My first night back home I was terrified. I literally jumped at every sound outside my window. I called my neighbor and embarrassedly admitted I was afraid, I thought I heard something but it could have been all in my head. He went out and scoped the area, then reassured me there was nothing and told me to call him if I heard anything else. I slept a solid 2 hours before I had to go to work. Last night was a little different but not much. I went over to visit with him before going to bed and asked him to walk with me 20 feet so I could lock the door while I was still in his sight. Am I crazy?

I checked my windows and then sent an email to my landlords asking for reinforcement locks on my windows and replacement bulbs for our parking lot motion detector light. When I finally fell asleep, I had nightmares of opening my eyes and seeing a shadowy man standing next to my bed. What would I do if that had been real? Could I protect myself? Could I unlock my iphone fast enough to call for help? You don't have to answer that because I already have. How could this have happened to her? Imagine her fear.

This tragedy has changed so many people. My timelines are flooded with posts about her, and with every single mention of her name my heart sinks. She was walking home from a night of celebrating the beginning of a new year. In a city that thrives on being pedestrian and cyclist friendly what do you do? I live in Clarksville and there have been many nights I go for walks to gaze up at our moon towers or walk to my favorite coffee shop or bookstore. No more. There was a meteor shower this morning I would have loved to see, and last week I probably would have, but I just couldn't do it. Today I got home just as the sun was beginning to set and couldn't help but stare longer at the man walking his dog on my block. Was it him? Was he planning something? Am I next?

On my front door a I have little note to myself as a daily reminder. It says, "Live in fear or live in faith...choose wisely." I find myself reading that more and more lately. Living in fear is awful, and these last few days I don't think I've ever been so scared. I have never been afraid to live in this city, but right now everything just has a different light.

I realize this is no way to start a new year. As my neighbor said as a means to comfort me, "Maybe this year had to begin like this, there is no way this year can get any worse now, right?" I just don't know. I just hope that this tragic, tragic loss will be as much as an eye-opener to my friends as it has been to me.   We are not invincible, and mortality is not just for those 55+.

I'm sure I can go on and on about how I'm feeling and how I wish I had been given the opportunity to really know Esme, but I think I'll just leave it where it is. Heaven has a new angel.

In loving memory of Esme Barrera. 

Articles below

Esme.

Brooklyn Vegan benefit for Esme.

More benefits for Esme here. 

Bosse Bouj and the #2012MidnightSociety

I believe they call what is happening to me right now "Writer's Block." Dah. I hate you. I have a million things I'm dying to get out but I don't even know where to begin. 

I'll just start by saying thank you to my wonderful friends who brought the new year in with me. I seriously had the best NYE I have ever had. I was incredibly nervous, because honestly, the plan was either a recipe for disaster or the best weekend ever. It was definitely the latter. I really cannot express how special this past weekend was. It's an amazing thing to be with people who span all different parts of your life at the exact same time, and on top of that go smoothly. WOW! I was so nervous, but now I am just so so happy! Of course, I have a list of people I wish could have been there as well, but I guess sometimes you just can't have it all. 

"Rules are meant to be broken" took on a whole new meaning this weekend, and even so all I can do is wonder how in the world I got to be so lucky. Even though we all have different stories, different relationships, and incredibly different beliefs I really am in love everyone I was with this weekend. When it comes down to it, what more can you ask for on New Year's Eve? Thank you, thank you, thank you #2012MidnightSociety ...... let's do it again next year. 

In past years, I have said that whatever song is playing after the countdown is the theme song for that year. Past songs include: "PYT," "Flashing Lights," "Superstar" and a few others. (I probably should have ended when it was "Bad Romance" but it didn't.) This year, I have no idea what song played. All I can hear are my friends counting down, screaming HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! and then screams of joy and laughter. Literally. So that's what it is...my theme song for 2012 - my dear, dear friends  hollering with excitement, eagerness, playfulness, and lots and lots of love. If my little theme song tradition truly does set the tone for my year then bring it on. I'll definitely take as much of that as the world can give. 

But, really how did I get so lucky? 

~A Charlie Gal