Little Britt

What is it about New Years that makes people feel so fresh? Is it really a chance for rejuvenation and new goals or just another day in the life? To some, it’s simply January 1st, the day after December 31st or ‘National Hangover Day’ (as I like to call it). To others, it’s the first day of a new diet or exercise plan. For me (this year at least), it truly is a fresh start to reflect and discover what it is that I want in my life.

Two weeks ago (5 days before Christmas) I was let go from my company, along with many other colleagues, due to an acquisition. I’ve enjoyed some good down time with my family for the holidays and now it’s really time to think what I want for myself. Some people say they’re 45 years old and they still don’t know what they want for themselves. Goodness, I hope I have it figured out by then.

In terms of my career: Sales? Social media? Austin? The truth is I’m open to a lot of options. A new opportunity in a new city is very appealing. Shit, so is moving to Costa Rica or Australia for a while. Why not? People do it all the time. Don’t they?

I like to take life as it comes to me and roll with it. I’m confident I have found the love of my life so it’s certainly comforting to know I have him by my side no matter what. I’m looking forward to the next journey in my life. I’m not quite sure where it will take me but I hope it brings me happiness and fulfillment . Perhaps a nice traveling gig with an expense account?

Either way, Happy New Year to me for a fresh new start. Cheers!

Yes, it’s true … and I didn’t do it with Geico, State Farm, Nationwide or AllState. Turns out, I was paying enormous amounts with Progressive for the past 2 years and I was able to cut my payments in HALF with the exact same policy with Esurance.

After completing an online quote and confirming the details with a very helpful Esurance customer service rep, I paid less than $350 for a 6-month policy with Esurance, when I had been paying over $750 this whole time.

Just goes to show you how much money you can save by doing a little research. It may take you more than 15 minutes, but it sure will save you more than 15%.

One of the greatest things about living in Austin as a twenty-something is that there are so many of us here. It is well-known that Austin is a melting pot stewed up of interesting people from all across the country. I’m proud to say I have close friends from Georgia, Wisconsin, Texas, Florida, California, Michigan, Mississippi, Indianapolis and Illinois.  So of course when Thanksgiving rolled around, many were saving the trips home to see our families for Christmas. Several of us thought it befitting to do our own Thanksgiving, together as friends. In a way, we are our own family; our home away from home. Several of us joked, “Can’t go wrong with an orphaned Thanksgiving”.

Step one involved constructing the menu: 1 Brined Turkey, 1 Fried Turkey, Roasted vegetables, Mashed Potatoes, Cornbread Stuffing, Yams with Baked Marshmallows, Green Bean Casserole, Broccoli & Cheese Casserole, Macaroni & Cheese, Gravy, Deviled Eggs, Dinner Rolls, Apple Pie, Sweet Potato Pie.

After many grocery store visits, it was time to begin preparing the turkey. Our chefs began by defrosting the 21-lb bird overnight. Day 2, we had to sit the turkey in brine concoction for 24 hours while preparing for other dishes. Having put such thought, time and effort into this day, the night before Thanksgiving was almost like the night before Christmas – we were eager with anticipation!

The morning of our big day, I set off to run the 20^th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot with the girls while the guys began cutting vegetables and devoting all their needed attention to our beloved turkey at 7:30 am.

5 miles later, I felt good after some exercise and quality time with the gals – it was time for me to start cooking. I was in charge of the yams, the roasted veggies, homemade gravy (which is not an easy task) and cranberry-ginger-orange sauce.

Before our big meal we had an important football game to watch: Saints v Cowboys. Anyone who knows me well knows I am a true Saints fan at heart. From growing up watching Saints games in my diaper with my Dad to attending the Super Bowl XLIV last year with my family, it’s safe to say, I get in to the games. After last season’s dreadful loss to the Cowgirls 24-17 and having them ruin our undefeated season, I was ready for some payback. (Not to mention this was the first year ever the Saints were playing on Thanksgiving Day). Turns out, the Saints won the game 30-27 (yes, it was a close one) but a W is a W, am I right? As in Who Dat!

Dinner turned out better than we expected and most delicious! Our friends were more than impressed with our culinary expertise. After pigging out, we were ready to have some drinks and enjoy our night out with close friends. As comforting as it is to be with family for the holidays, I have to say this Thanksgiving with close friends was very special and one to remember.

The best part about it all? Leftovers!