Whoa baby! I'm a busy bee. I didn't look too far to the future when I accepted my position as an assistant basketball coach and full-time graduate student. I wanted to enjoy every last minute in Austin. Now, I feel like my life is 180 degrees different from how it was three short months ago. There's an endless list of things I miss in Austin, but I am content with my decision and loving the hectic life I'm living right now.
Along with my roles as coach and student, I'm able to see some of my best friends on a regular basis. In order to chronicle some specifics, I've started two new blogs.
The Cake Brigade is a "business" of sorts my friends and I began (http://cakebrigade.blogspot.com). With my other blog, Both Sides of the Bench, I intend to chart my experiences and progress as a coach (http://bothsidesofthebench.blogspot.com). It's pretty ambitious, I know, so ... we'll see how it goes ... Ha.
***UPDATE: Both Sides of the Bench is due for a total blog makeover. It's now April, and I realize I was the biggest slacker ever with this endeavor. I'm going to clean it up--sooner or later. Perhaps I'll try to keep up a little better next season?
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Oh the things I learned
I wanted to share some thoughts about my job as the online editor at a news station and post some links of my writing while at News 8. Although I didn't get many opportunities to escape from the newsroom, I did get to publish a few pieces of my own:
'Sew' a profit from the comfort of your living room
Hiking and history in your own backyard
Library lends free entertainment to every neighborhood
Freeze, can and bulk your way to a fatter pocketbook
Influencing political change through blogging
Bloggers bring blue to a red state
Attendees react to Thursday's Democratic debate
'Sew' a profit from the comfort of your living room
Hiking and history in your own backyard
Library lends free entertainment to every neighborhood
Freeze, can and bulk your way to a fatter pocketbook
Influencing political change through blogging
Bloggers bring blue to a red state
Attendees react to Thursday's Democratic debate
A look back at Longhorn land
I can't believe how fast two years flew by. Austin was the perfect city for me ... not too "big city-ish" and not a one-horse town, but a place I called home and one in which I felt I belonged. I knew from the weekend I arrived it was a special place, and I will hold in my heart forever nothing but the best memories.
Here's a look back on a few Austin memorable moments.
IH-35: Also known as Interstate Highway 35, this was my address for six months. I lived in an apartment in South Austin, conveniently located on the interstate access road. It was a learning experience in numerous ways. First of all, don't trust an apartment locator. Sure, it may be a free service, but your "locator" has no idea you know nothing about the city, and in Austin, seven miles from downtown is a LIFETIME away for a young, single girl looking to have some fun in the Live Music Capital of the World! My apartment was in one of those sprawling new-ish apartment complexes with a gate. My closet was big enough for a twin bed. I had SPACE, a luxury I would trade as soon as my lease was up ... but for those six months, I was living large. I was also living in a semi-sketchy part of town, bordering the 'burbs, and the highlight had to have been the grand opening of a Super Target. The area certainly developed in the next 1.5 years, following my departure, but it just wasn't for me. I had a nice landlord, nice neighbors, but I also had to pass not one, but two XXX stores on my way home each night. In addition, it just was not appropriate for a 20-something to be out running alone along the access road for a workout. Nevertheless, it was a nice start. I explored Austin in those six months and mapped out exactly where I wanted to live.
GENaustin: Also known as Girls Empowerment Network-Austin ... also known as my first "real" job, GEN taught me oh so much about life in less than three months. I found a posting for this organization on Craigslist, and it sounded perfect for me. My part-time job required me to assist with the coordination of mentoring programs at several middle schools in the Austin area. The concept was for high school girls to lead weekly "club" sessions after school.
As a brand new transplant to the capital city, I knew little about the public school system in Austin and even less about serious issues affecting teens and tweens. Blame it on my sheltered upbringing or my limited experience coaching and tutoring children in a small town. City life for kids is different, and my eyes were opened wide during my short stint with GEN. During my time at GEN, I witnessed some pretty young girls facing some pretty tough situations, and often I brought their problems home with me at night.
Most of the other employees were graduate students of social work or women with experience in social work. Me? Well, I had journalism experience, babysitting experience and the aforementioned coaching young kids experience. I quickly learned that I might not have been ready for this type of employment at that stage in my life. Regretfully, I stepped down from my position. I held my head high, however, because my supervisors understood and supported my decision, and I knew I learned a great deal about myself, young women and the school system for city in which I was about to spend the next two years of my life.
Starbucks on Parmer and MoPac: On a map, it didn't seem to be as far away from my first apartment as it was, but ... it was. I drove 25 minutes to earn $7.50 an hour, but I made some great friends and finally learned some of the secrets of Sbux! As a college student, I spent almost every night studying at Starbucks, and the baristas became my friends and confidants. I wanted to pay that forward. Although the time spent in the car and the lack of pay eventually caused me to resign my post (I kept my green apron), I'll never forget this as one of my first employment experiences. I most certainly will not forget the day I was working the drive-through, and a customer yelled at me for spending so much time chatting with the car in front of her. I thought I was going to cry. Friendliness was a priority as a Starbucks employee, and I never thought that asset would backfire on me. I learned that people are unpredictable, that's for sure!
University of Texas: A co-worker at GENaustin suggested I apply to be a mentor and tutor in the athletic department at UT, so I did, and I was hired. I mentored a group of swimmers, and I tutored various students in communications and writing. I enjoyed this job because I was able to connect with some hard-working individuals. I loved serving a role (albeit super duper minor) in an athletic department with so much tradition. Thanks to one of the academic advisors on staff, I was able to connect to a job board, and that's how I wound up finding my job at the news. Everything happens for a reason, indeed.
RunTex: Joining The Morning Group (TMG) at RunTex was one of the best decisions of my life. My coworker Ricky encouraged me to join him. After spending weeks turning down his invitations, I finally got the guts to show up for a workout. Over the course of my involvement with TMG, I met some wonderful, inspiring individuals and improved my running performance. It was an amazing experience. I'll never forget my friends and fans from TMG.
Tarrytown: After six months in South Austin, I figured I had done enough research on the city to pick the location for my new apartment. I found my itty bitty apartment in the fabulous Central/West Austin neighborhood of Tarrytown. It proved to be the perfect fit for my lifestyle. Just 2 miles from downtown, I left for work seven minutes before I needed to be there. I could run right from my door to the Trail at the lake, and I loved walking to Maudie's Tex-Mex on Tuesdays with my friend Dotts. Eventually, my buddy Ricky moved in just a block away, and it definitely felt like home. It was perfect. Oh how I miss T-town.
News 8: I think I've written plenty on this blog about my experience at the news. I'll take the good, the bad and the ugly because all of the experiences helped shape me in some way. My coworkers made my days, and although I wasn't too fond of the bureaucracy and somewhat selfish mentality of some in the business, I will say I learned a ton. That's an understatement. I think that phrase "baptism by fire" was pretty appropriate for my time at the news. I had no clue what I was doing, but I did the best I could, and I can say with certainty that I left my position better than I found it. That's the ultimate goal at any job, right? I know I made a difference, no matter how small that might have been.
Rocko et al.: By far the best--and most lasting--memory of Austin is my friends. I could list them here and tell you how special each is to me, but I'll let some photos do the talking. Who would have thought that I would pack my car and head for the Lone Star State, only to leave with an address book full of friends I will treasure for the rest of my life. I couldn't have asked for a better two years of my life. I have to thank God for that, and for blessing me with Mr. Rocky Ray, the most precious of people.
Here's a look back on a few Austin memorable moments.
IH-35: Also known as Interstate Highway 35, this was my address for six months. I lived in an apartment in South Austin, conveniently located on the interstate access road. It was a learning experience in numerous ways. First of all, don't trust an apartment locator. Sure, it may be a free service, but your "locator" has no idea you know nothing about the city, and in Austin, seven miles from downtown is a LIFETIME away for a young, single girl looking to have some fun in the Live Music Capital of the World! My apartment was in one of those sprawling new-ish apartment complexes with a gate. My closet was big enough for a twin bed. I had SPACE, a luxury I would trade as soon as my lease was up ... but for those six months, I was living large. I was also living in a semi-sketchy part of town, bordering the 'burbs, and the highlight had to have been the grand opening of a Super Target. The area certainly developed in the next 1.5 years, following my departure, but it just wasn't for me. I had a nice landlord, nice neighbors, but I also had to pass not one, but two XXX stores on my way home each night. In addition, it just was not appropriate for a 20-something to be out running alone along the access road for a workout. Nevertheless, it was a nice start. I explored Austin in those six months and mapped out exactly where I wanted to live.
GENaustin: Also known as Girls Empowerment Network-Austin ... also known as my first "real" job, GEN taught me oh so much about life in less than three months. I found a posting for this organization on Craigslist, and it sounded perfect for me. My part-time job required me to assist with the coordination of mentoring programs at several middle schools in the Austin area. The concept was for high school girls to lead weekly "club" sessions after school.
As a brand new transplant to the capital city, I knew little about the public school system in Austin and even less about serious issues affecting teens and tweens. Blame it on my sheltered upbringing or my limited experience coaching and tutoring children in a small town. City life for kids is different, and my eyes were opened wide during my short stint with GEN. During my time at GEN, I witnessed some pretty young girls facing some pretty tough situations, and often I brought their problems home with me at night.
Most of the other employees were graduate students of social work or women with experience in social work. Me? Well, I had journalism experience, babysitting experience and the aforementioned coaching young kids experience. I quickly learned that I might not have been ready for this type of employment at that stage in my life. Regretfully, I stepped down from my position. I held my head high, however, because my supervisors understood and supported my decision, and I knew I learned a great deal about myself, young women and the school system for city in which I was about to spend the next two years of my life.
Starbucks on Parmer and MoPac: On a map, it didn't seem to be as far away from my first apartment as it was, but ... it was. I drove 25 minutes to earn $7.50 an hour, but I made some great friends and finally learned some of the secrets of Sbux! As a college student, I spent almost every night studying at Starbucks, and the baristas became my friends and confidants. I wanted to pay that forward. Although the time spent in the car and the lack of pay eventually caused me to resign my post (I kept my green apron), I'll never forget this as one of my first employment experiences. I most certainly will not forget the day I was working the drive-through, and a customer yelled at me for spending so much time chatting with the car in front of her. I thought I was going to cry. Friendliness was a priority as a Starbucks employee, and I never thought that asset would backfire on me. I learned that people are unpredictable, that's for sure!
University of Texas: A co-worker at GENaustin suggested I apply to be a mentor and tutor in the athletic department at UT, so I did, and I was hired. I mentored a group of swimmers, and I tutored various students in communications and writing. I enjoyed this job because I was able to connect with some hard-working individuals. I loved serving a role (albeit super duper minor) in an athletic department with so much tradition. Thanks to one of the academic advisors on staff, I was able to connect to a job board, and that's how I wound up finding my job at the news. Everything happens for a reason, indeed.
RunTex: Joining The Morning Group (TMG) at RunTex was one of the best decisions of my life. My coworker Ricky encouraged me to join him. After spending weeks turning down his invitations, I finally got the guts to show up for a workout. Over the course of my involvement with TMG, I met some wonderful, inspiring individuals and improved my running performance. It was an amazing experience. I'll never forget my friends and fans from TMG.
Tarrytown: After six months in South Austin, I figured I had done enough research on the city to pick the location for my new apartment. I found my itty bitty apartment in the fabulous Central/West Austin neighborhood of Tarrytown. It proved to be the perfect fit for my lifestyle. Just 2 miles from downtown, I left for work seven minutes before I needed to be there. I could run right from my door to the Trail at the lake, and I loved walking to Maudie's Tex-Mex on Tuesdays with my friend Dotts. Eventually, my buddy Ricky moved in just a block away, and it definitely felt like home. It was perfect. Oh how I miss T-town.
News 8: I think I've written plenty on this blog about my experience at the news. I'll take the good, the bad and the ugly because all of the experiences helped shape me in some way. My coworkers made my days, and although I wasn't too fond of the bureaucracy and somewhat selfish mentality of some in the business, I will say I learned a ton. That's an understatement. I think that phrase "baptism by fire" was pretty appropriate for my time at the news. I had no clue what I was doing, but I did the best I could, and I can say with certainty that I left my position better than I found it. That's the ultimate goal at any job, right? I know I made a difference, no matter how small that might have been.
Rocko et al.: By far the best--and most lasting--memory of Austin is my friends. I could list them here and tell you how special each is to me, but I'll let some photos do the talking. Who would have thought that I would pack my car and head for the Lone Star State, only to leave with an address book full of friends I will treasure for the rest of my life. I couldn't have asked for a better two years of my life. I have to thank God for that, and for blessing me with Mr. Rocky Ray, the most precious of people.
The photos are in no particular order but showcase some of Austin's finest coworkers, friends and other gems.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Big life change
Goodbye Austin, hello again Portland!
GoViks.com
PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland State head women's basketball coach Sherri Murrell has announced the hiring of Kate Benz to her coaching staff.
Benz was a two-time honorable mention All-Pac-10 forward at Washington State, where she graduated with a degrees in communication and history in 2007. Benz garnered Pac-10 All-Academic first team honors in each of her final three seasons and left Pullman with a 3.82 grade point average.
"It's great to be back on the court with Kate. I could not pass on the opportunity to hire a former player who brings such amazing qualities to our program here at PSU," said Murrell, who coached Benz at Washington State from 2003-2007.
"I love that she is from Portland, and her energy and knowledge will help us continue recruiting great Northwest talent."
After a standout prep career at Central Catholic High School where she was the Mt. Hood Conference Player of the Year and a first team all-state selection as a senior, Benz went on to become the all-time leading rebounder in Washington State women's basketball history. She became the first Cougar to lead the Pac-10 in rebounding when she did so in 2005 and 2006. She averaged over eight rebounds per game in her career and tallied over 1,000 points to finish 11th on the school's all-time scoring chart.
Since graduating from Washington State, Benz has been working as an online producer at a news station in Austin, Texas. This will be her first coaching job.
"I'm thrilled to have this opportunity from Coach Murrell," said Benz. "I don't know if I would have felt as excited or as comfortable if I was going to be working for someone that wasn't my college coach. I really look forward to being a part of the Portland State staff and using my experience as a former player to help out the team."
Benz will serve as the graduate assistant at PSU while she pursues a master's degree in writing.
---
The Oregonian clip
GoViks.com
PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland State head women's basketball coach Sherri Murrell has announced the hiring of Kate Benz to her coaching staff.
Benz was a two-time honorable mention All-Pac-10 forward at Washington State, where she graduated with a degrees in communication and history in 2007. Benz garnered Pac-10 All-Academic first team honors in each of her final three seasons and left Pullman with a 3.82 grade point average.
"It's great to be back on the court with Kate. I could not pass on the opportunity to hire a former player who brings such amazing qualities to our program here at PSU," said Murrell, who coached Benz at Washington State from 2003-2007.
"I love that she is from Portland, and her energy and knowledge will help us continue recruiting great Northwest talent."
After a standout prep career at Central Catholic High School where she was the Mt. Hood Conference Player of the Year and a first team all-state selection as a senior, Benz went on to become the all-time leading rebounder in Washington State women's basketball history. She became the first Cougar to lead the Pac-10 in rebounding when she did so in 2005 and 2006. She averaged over eight rebounds per game in her career and tallied over 1,000 points to finish 11th on the school's all-time scoring chart.
Since graduating from Washington State, Benz has been working as an online producer at a news station in Austin, Texas. This will be her first coaching job.
"I'm thrilled to have this opportunity from Coach Murrell," said Benz. "I don't know if I would have felt as excited or as comfortable if I was going to be working for someone that wasn't my college coach. I really look forward to being a part of the Portland State staff and using my experience as a former player to help out the team."
Benz will serve as the graduate assistant at PSU while she pursues a master's degree in writing.
---
The Oregonian clip
Americana summer '09
Summer is the best time of year, especially when you live in Central Texas. The sun stays out so long you forget what time it is, and everyone is ready for adventure at any given time.
These are a few of my favorite things (Summer 2009 edition):
Rocky and Jigger "my" horse.
The Ranch: No, not the bar where I met Rocky (although that is one of my favorite things, too!)--Rocky's family ranch. I love it. I can't wait to go back. This summer we went for the Fourth of July. It was so Americana. We rode around town (by which I mean we drove into town, turn around and drove back) in his Model A truck, and we laughed the entire way as our knees were jammed into the dashboard. His parents invited all their friends over for a huge cookout. We're talking about Dutch oven cookin' here, folks. Mm. Mm. Mm. I am licking my lips just thinking about the steaks, potatoes, and all kinds of fixin's. Oh baby. The food was amazing, and the locals brought a homemade canon to celebrate the holiday.
The cowboy and the toy truck.
Dutch oven apple pie. My mouth waters just looking at this photo.
Home: When living states away, nothing's better than a trip home. I was fortunate enough to witness the wedding of my good friend Mindy and her new hubby Jacob. I also made a trip to Seattle to see my favorite friends. Summer in the Northwest is gorgeous.
Can't believe my high school point guard is a wed woman!
Baby shower: Fernanda and John had a huge party at an amazing Italian restaurant in Austin. It was the coolest "baby shower" I'd ever attended. It was a big belated celebration of their marriage and a pre-welcoming for their baby boy, Antonio. Good people. Lots of love and laughs. One of the most fun nights all summer.
Fernanda, a giant margarita, and me.
Concerts: Randy Rogers Band, Roger Creager, Xavier Rudd, the Radney Foster birthday bash, the free concert series at Hill's Cafe and the list continues ... we saw some great shows this summer, and I can't hardly imagine life without the influx of music I've been exposed to in the Live Music Capital of the World.
Two of my best Austin girlfriends, Andrea, Jenny, and me at the Xavier Rudd concert in June.
One of my favorite photos of Rocky and me ever--taken at the Radney Foster birthday bash at Hill's Cafe.
Races: What's a summer without running a few good races? The Trail Foundation's Moonlight Margarita Run continues to be my all-time favorite race. I didn't win this year, but I still had an absolute blast.
SeaFair Torchlight Run with KVH and Em in Seattle. We decided to have two beers each and share a round of French fries before running an 8K race. It wasn't smart, but we did share a lot of laughs running around downtown Seattle and happy hour-ing it up in our sweaty, bib-sporting post-race attire.
Hamilton Pool.
Out on Lake Austin with the gang.
Happy Anniversary!
Rocky and I celebrated one year together this summer. Whodathought?! He bought me my very first flower and we opened a special bottle of champagne. Rocky surprised me in December after a long day at the Brady ranch and took me to an awesome vineyard/winery outside of Marble Falls. We sampled a lot of amazing wine with the owners, and, knowing my affection for the bubbly, Rock bought me a bottle of their almond champagne, and I held onto it until we celebrated our one-year.
Cheers to many more!
I'd like to say thanks for your outstanding patience and acknowledgement of the fact that I am a cranky, unmanageable mess when I don't eat every few hours. You are a true horse whisperer, and your incredible talent in numerous arenas of life and learning astound me. You're amazing.
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