Love, Funk, Booze... and a Pool

On Saturday night, Jason and I went to Carly & Matt's wedding. You may remember me mentioning them in a earlier post regarding Matt's band, Uncle Bruno. Matt and I work together and everyone at work has been anticipating this event since Matt proposed during the holidays last year... it didn't disappoint. This post with be picture heavy because there were so many great moments!

They got married at a wonderful venue called House on the Hill in South Austin. Since we live about 45 minutes from there, we decided to get a hotel room for the night and take advantage of the shuttle services they were offering out of town guests. We aren't from as far away as a lot of their guests (mostly Maryland) but it was appealing to be able to stay as long as we wanted and not worry about driving home. So, the dogs were sent to camp and we got a room!

The name of the venue is very fitting because it is perched up in the hills of Austin, so you honestly forget where you are. They have a few buildings, lots of trees, a pool and several cabins. Carly and Matt, along with their families took over the facility for most of the week leading up to the ceremony, so it was perfect. For those of you that haven't met Carly & Matt, they are super cool, laid back couple. This wedding was a perfect fit for them. It was casual, fun and beautiful. The ceremony was done by Matt's brother Chris and it was held outside in front of a fountain. The Bridesmaids wore simple sundresses and the men dress shirts and pants. The Bride and Groom were dressed in simple, yet perfect clothing... including new Converse sneakers for Matt and sandals for Carly. We all stood and watched as family and friends did readings and said meaningful things about Carly and Matt. It was a little warm that night, but for those 20 minutes, you didn't even notice.


After they were pronounced Husband and Wife, the party began. Two words folks... open bar.


The food was fantastic- just ask Carly...

(The First Dance)

As the sun began to set, things got more festive. Uncle Bruno took the stage and did a few songs. I am not sure Matt could have been a happier man... he had just married his soul mate and now was doing what he loved in front of all of his friends and family.

(The PetRelocation gang.)

(The Ladies of PetRelocation.)

By the way- apparently when I wrote about Uncle Bruno last time, I failed to show any pictures with their awesome Bass Player, Chad. So, here ya go buddy!

After Uncle Bruno wrapped up, the stage was opened to anyone that wanted to perform. This went on for hours and became an All-Star jam session of the Kincaid and Veditz families. It was awesome. They all sang, played instruments and celebrate together. We all danced, laughed and enjoyed the music. The Bride and Groom even got up and performed together. The video quality on this isn't very good because it was so dark, but the audio is worth listening too... so cute! (There are two videos- the first is them just getting READY to sing and it is so funny, I had to include it.)

It was a nice night of celebrating, love and good music. Oh, and did I mention the open bar?? That definitely added to the atmosphere. It was just an all around good time. It really felt like all of their friends and family had gathered in a backyard somewhere and had a big party.

(Casey doing his best "Fire Marshall Bill" impersonation. So good- it was scary.)

The shuttles back to the hotel began at 9:30 and continued until 12:30. We made the last shuttle run and boy, am I glad we did!! If we had left an earlier, we would have missed the funniest part. Let me give you a hint... there was a pool there. Wedding + pool=... you guessed it! We were sitting and enjoying the music when suddenly we hear a "SPLASH" in the pool. We look over and the Bride's Mother had been pushed in by two Bridesmaids. Soon after the two Bridesmaids were pushed in!! Well, the third Bridesmaid was sitting at a table in front of us and before anyone knew what was happening, the two wet Bridesmaids were physically DRAGGING her to join them in the pool... SPLASH. Well, you know who was left... Poor Carly was up on the stage singing when she was attacked and carried into the pool. Screammm... SPLASH.

Everyone gathered around the pool to laugh and take pictures- including Matt. Big mistake buddy. Out of no where, Jason and Damon, grab Matt and swing him in as well. SPLASH. It was hilarious!

After everyone was out of the pool, we said goodbyes to the newlyweds and headed to the shuttle. We got to our room exhausted and reminded that we aren't teenagers anymore.

The next morning, we took advantage of still being in South Austin and we met up with Kitt, Jack and their Little Man, Sean. It was a nice time of catch up with them and it provided Jason and I some much needed greasy food and caffeine!!

It was an awesome weekend. Carly & Matt- thank you for including us in your big day, we love having you as friends and are so happy for you.

Uncle Bruno

When us old folks stay out past 10pm, we like to brag about it. When we go to an event that doesn't even start until 10:30pm, we take a camera... for proof that we were there! Last night was one of those nights...

My co-worker, Matt, is the guitarist in an Austin band called Uncle Bruno. They are a jazzy funk band that is absolutely awesome! You can go to their website to hear some of their music. The band was actually named after this guy...

That is our boss' dog, Bruno. A super cool, laid back, Stratfordshire Bull Terrier.

Normally when Matt asks me if I am coming out to see them, the first question I ask is, "What time?" When he tells me, it is usually followed by me groaning and having to explain that I haven't seen the other side of midnight in a really long time because I turn into a grumpy, sleepy pumpkin. However, last night was a special occasion and I knew I wanted to be there... they were celebrating the release of their first CD!! Unfortunately, Jason had some very early morning rocketry and radio events on Saturday morning, so he couldn't come with me. So, my date for the night was Matt wonderful, fiancee, Carly. (There will be a blog coming soon dedicated to their highly anticipated wedding at the end of May!!)

(Carly working the crowd for CD sales!)

(L to R: My co-workers Jillian and Rachel, me and Carly.)

We headed downtown and the band got started around 10:30... and they were amazing. You could tell they were lovin' life and celebrating their CD release. The gig was at a bar called the One-2-One Bar off 5th Street and the stage was set up so that you were could be only feet from the band so you could just get lost in their music. It was a cozy bar with big open windows allowing the sticky Texas humidity in and the sounds of Uncle Bruno out into the city. If you closed your eyes, you might have thought you were in The Big Easy.

(Matt making a goofy face.)

They performed what can only be called a jam session. It was funky, bluesy and jazzy. I can honestly say that I had never really been exposed to this type of music. I didn't know what I was missing- I am a true fan now!! Since meeting Matt, I have known that he was in a band. However, after seeing him perform, I have an true understanding that he isn't just some guitar player in a garage band... he is a true artist. Sometimes I just can't stop watching him on stage because his face has an expression of pure love, contentment and pride while playing his guitar. He feels it. Here is a video of him in action...

A couple of hours into the night, there was an uproar on stage when they saw a man walk into the bar... he was a big deal. His name is Stanton Moore and, if you are like me, that means nothing to you. However, Carly explained that his is one of the most influential current drummers on the scene and it was a huge honor that he had come to the UB show. He is from New Orleans and was in town for a show. He got up on stage and did a couple of songs with UB. Here is another video...

Even though I didn't know who he was, you could tell by the look on people's faces that this man was a legend and it was a privilege to be hearing him perform. (Notice the UB sticker he plastered on his shirt... too cool.)

I watched as Matt and Carly constantly exchanged jaw-dropped glances of disbelief that this was happening... Matt because he was playing on stage with the man and Carly because she apparently had a little crush on him... :o) I felt like I had been a part of a magical moment, as did everyone else in the room.

It was a great night of celebrating. The singer/sax player even got up on the bar and the trombone player walked through the crowd.


We danced and laughed for hours. I am so proud of Matt and just pleased as I can be to know Carly. As I left the bar, Matt announced from the stage, "Thank you, Amy Koliba, for coming!!!" That's right kids... I know the guitarist in Uncle Bruno. Be jealous.


And for the record, I made it until 1:15... however, I am fairly certain I have permanent hearing damage.

Guest Blogger...

Many of the blogs that read regularly will often feature "Guest Bloggers" that write a blog or two. Since I haven't a lot of things to blog about lately, I thought it might be fun to do this. As I decided who to invite, I tried to think of someone that would be interesting and creative. Then it came to me... I knew who HAD to write this guest blog. After much persuasion and promises of treats, he agreed. Everyone, please welcome him... making his first appearance as a writer on "The Life of Amycita"... Tucker The Beagle!!!

Thanks Mom. Well, as she said, I am Tucker "The Beagle" Koliba and I am told that a little bit about my life would make for good reading, so here I am! First, a little background about me. I like to be mysterious about my life before becoming a Koliba. I keep most details to myself, which has allowed my adopted parents lots of enjoyment as they like to guess about my early years. They think I am about 8 or 9 years old and I just let them go with that. I have only really let on a few things about me... I am very easy-going, I LOVE BBQ or anything grilled with a passion, I like peanut butter, good ear scratches, sleep and children.

I first met my Mom and Dad at the Williamson County Humane Society. They had apparently been searching specifically for a Beagle and had gone to several other shelters with no luck. Then they came across the website for WCHS and saw my picture. While I hung out at WCHS, they named me "Lucky". WCHS had rescued me from a kill-shelter because my "time was up" there. I am not really sure what that means, but my Mom gets a sad tone to her voice when she talks about it. She says that she can't imagine why I hadn't been claimed.

When my Mom and Dad came to see me, I was sleeping in an outdoor pen and I was kinda sad. I really like being around people, so the cage life really wasn't for me. I was pretty skinny in those days too. (One might say that I am a bit on the heavy side these days, which may be true. However, I know that I am much healthier now. )

Dad came over and put a rope around my neck and handed me a plush toy... I liked him already. I carried the toy bone in my mouth as we went for a short stroll. Just a Man and his Dog. Then my Dad motioned to my Mom and I heard her say, "I will fill out the paperwork!" Next thing I knew, I had a new leash on and we were jumping into the car to start a new life. I had found MY people. In the car, the talked about how they didn't want to keep the name "Lucky" and after a little bit of discussion, I was given the name "Tucker". I like it quite well and will answer to it now.

They took me directly to the spa where I got a nice hot bath and blow dry. Then we headed home and I checked the place out. It had been a really long day and I felt comfortable there, so I found a soft spot and fell into a deep sleep.

They already had a cat named Puck. He was kind of a grumpy old man but once he figured out that I was okay with him ruling the house, we got along fine.

Well, actually, he just ignored me which worked out great!

So, that is the story of how I became a Koliba. I have been with my family for just over 2 years now and loving it. I was an Only Dog for only about 7 months... then they brought home my crazy, younger sister, Cheyenne. Somehow we are different breeds but look a lot a like. She keeps me on my toes a lot! That is another blog topic...

My days are spent going to work with Mom during the week and hanging out with Dad at night and on the weekends. We go to the dog park, take walks, lounge around the house and take car rides. Its a good life and I feel like those people at the Humane Society knew of the good things that were coming my way because I should do feel "Lucky". But for now, I need to go perfect one of my hobbies... sleep.

This whole blog thing is exhausting...

* * * *

Thanks Tucker!! Stay tuned for his next blog... A Day In The Life!

Tell them what they've won....

ANOTHER AWARD!!! PetRelocation.com just keeps impressing people and they give us awards so that we can celebrate! What is even more impressive about this particular award is that it came from a magazine in the United Kingdom!

Re:locate Magazine Awards "recognize and reward talent from across the relocation spectrum..." We were awarded the "Relocation Service Provider or Team of the Year (Specialist Supplier)". Here is the full story on their website.

Here is a full list of all of the award winners...

1. Best Relocation Strategy/Policy
   Winner: Jones Lang LaSalle
   
   
2. Technological Innovation in Relocation
   Winner: PricewaterhouseCoopers
   
   
3. Inspirational HR Team of the Year
   Winner: Ernst & Young
   
   
4. Relocation Service Provider or Team of the Year
   Winner (specialist supplier): PetRelocation.com
   Winner (supplier): Pricoa Relocation
   
   
5. Best Property Provider or Solution
   Winner: SACO Apartments

Pretty cool, huh?? Unfortunately, the Gala was held in London this week, so we couldn't attend. We are making STRONG hints to Kevin & Angie about being able to attend when we win it again next year!

Where do I work???

I work for one of the Top 50 "2009 Best Places to Work in Central Texas"!! That's right! We just found out today and we won this award from the Austin Business Journal. We are so excited!!!

It is no wonder I love working here so much!

When you look at the list of the other 49 winners, it is hard to believe that our little 11 person office in Spicewood, Texas is among them. Here is the official list:

Accountability Resources
Adlucent
Administaff, Inc.
Alamo Title Company
Austin Marriott North
BancVue
Bazaarvoice
BuildASign.com
Campbell Stephenson LLP
Campus Advantage
Cirrus Logic, Inc.
Convio
DMX, Inc.
Door Number 3
DPR Construction, Inc.
Farmers Insurance
Greater Texas Landscapes
Heart Hospital of Austin
Hilton Austin
JOSCO Products
LifeSize Communications
Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend, PC
Lockart, Atchley & Associates, LLP
Lois Paul & Partner
Maxwell Locke & Ritter LLP
McQueary Henry Bowles Troy, LLP
milk + honey spa
NetQoS
Padgett, Stratemann & Co., LLP
PetRelocation.com
Phoenix Management, Inc.
ProfitFuel, Inc.
ReachForce
Resource Financial Group, Inc.
Richard P. Slaughter Associates, Inc.
Seton Family of Hospitals
Shermco Industries, Inc.
SpawGlass
St. Davids HealthCare
State Farm Insurance
Stream Realty Partners
Texas Association of School Boards, Inc.
Texas Medical Liability Trust
The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies
The Steam Team
TicketCity
Transwestern
Vintage IT Services
Watkins Insurance Group
Wells Fargo

"Get in my belly!!"

I was just going through pictures and found this funny video from my Boston trip last year. I couldn't post it in my original blogs about the trip because it would have spilled Kara's Baby Beans!! Well, since her happy news is out, I can finally share it!

I took this video to share with Jason. I wanted him to see the cool waterfall we had hiked up to see. It was so awesome. Thanks again Kara!

Enjoy!

Old friends & cute kids...

Sometimes it is hard for me to believe that I have been in my current job for almost 1.5 years. I love my job and really only a few people can understand WHY I love it so much. Besides the obvious (great bosses, awesome co-workers, bring the dogs to work everyday, etc.), what is the biggest reason I love this job??? It isn't SAMSUNG. :o) The folks I hung out with last night all have that common bond. (Even the very few that are still there hate it!)

From what I hear, everything I hated about Samsung has only gotten worse. Plus, they are also dealing with the poor economy and the overall morale sounds awful. They also don't hold the massive events anymore- which was what I enjoyed most. THANK YOU PETRELOCATION for getting me out when you did!!

Every few months or so, we get together for dinner or drinks. It is nice to touch base with everyone and catch up on their lives. (Kasi- how did I manage to miss getting a picture of you!?!)

(Raqui- still hangin' in at Samsung. Peggy- my former supervisor at Samsung.)

(Michelle- still at Samsung. Leigh- former Samsung. Arann- still at Samsung.)

(Jason with Sara, a former Samsung-er. Her family- Frank, Colton & Paige. When we took this picture, Colton turned his hat to the side and said, "Yo, yo, yo!!")

The stars of the show were two ladies that are new to the group. They didn't work at Samsung... but their mothers did! They entertained us with smiles, waves and just being darn cute.

(Miss Troy- just chillin' out with Raqui's sunglasses.)

(Miss Ava- smiling through some yummy baby food.)

It was nice to meet Ava and I was excited that she brought her Mom too. I hadn't seen Dee Dee since her shower last year. She and her husband Steve recently moved back to Austin from NYC and I am so happy!

For you ladies that weren't able to make it... we really missed you. Next time you will want to come because you will want to see Troy bust a move for you... (For you email folks- go to my blog for the following video.)

SNAKE!!

We had some excitement at work this morning. Our office is out in the Texas Hill Country, so I have always known this was a possibility but today it happened... there was a HUGE snake!!

My boss, Kevin, and I both have exterior doors in our offices. He walked outside and passed by my window and then stopped. He quickly turned around and went back into his office. Very loudly, he says, "Uh, Amy- don't walk outside your office." I laughed and said, "Why?" He responded with, "There is a huge snake by your door." Uhhhh.... I am not really sure what I said in return, I was too busy scrambling up into my desk chair!

My office consists of four women and six guys. ALL of the guys immediately went outside the other door and went around to see it. I am still in my chair with my feet high above the ground. The snake starts getting nervous with its increasing audience and starts slithering around and HISSING. Yes, hissing. UGH. If you haven't figure it out by now- I do not do snakes. Or any creepy crawly of any kind. It also started flattening out its head so now I am convinced it is a Cobra.

The guys got a couple of brooms and tried to move it and it struck at the brooms. I was DONE at that point. Anyway, they got an ice chest and managed to get in there. The hauled it off into the woods somewhere and released it. So now, my skin is crawling and every movement outside freaks me out. Thank GOODNESS the dogs were in their play area and not running around.

Scotty got pictures on his iPhone- they are clear pictures but it doesn't really do the size of the snake justice since he had already coiled up. (The doormats are those that are in front of my office door. )


We found it online. It is a "Eastern Hognose Snake". Apparently, it flattens its head to resemble a Cobra as a defense mechanism. The subtitle under its name is "a shy, harmless, beneficial snake." WHATEVER. A snake is a snake and I KNOW it would have attacked and killed me if given the chance!!