Rox's Reunion

It is official! Ten years have come and gone and it was time to make the trip back to the promised land known as Dobson High School. That’s right, I went back to the Phoenix area for my high school reunion. I would venture to guess that I haven’t seen 90% of my class since graduation, and in the last five years I have seen less 1%. Moving out of town right after graduation makes it hard to keep in touch. Yet walking into my reunion was like walking into at time warp where time stood still.

For some reason I have been programmed into thinking that reunions are events where you dress up in a prom gown—like the whole event is prom with older people. Forutnately, our reunion was held at Rustler’s Rooste on Saturday night and continued on in the form of a picnic the following afternoon. I decided that I was gong to attend the night event and skip the family picnic the next day in favor of hanging out with my own family.

I arrived at the reunion all alone hoping I would see someone I knew soon. My hopes were answered immediately. As I was walked to the end of the registration line, I saw Richard Joos, or Juice as we would call him. Juice and I have known each other since I was six! We used to swim together on the Tempe Swim Devils. I caught up with Juice as I waited to get my nametag. When I actually entered the banquet area (a tent in the back of the country themed institution), I was relieved to see so many familiar faces.

(BTW, I have fond memories of going to Rustler’s Rooste with me family, sliding down the indoor slide that was still there, and taking turns two-stepping with my dad. Good times.)


Honestly there were only a handful of people I didn’t recognize. Names were a bit tricky bu the faces were familiar. Sure, some people had put on the beer belly or had gotten married and had children, but for the most part everyone looked about the same.

Toward the end of the night, our Senior Class President, Stacia, gave out awards. I was the recipient of, The Most Interesting Job Interview Award—consisting of a certifplaque (plague meets certificate) and Donald Trump’s Art of the Deal. Too funny!


The best part about the reunion was reconnecting with people that I spent over a decade of my formative years with. Now that I have reconnected, I hope to keep those relationships rekindled for a lifetime.

Baby Willem

Last weekend I headed home to Phoenix for my 10yr high school reunion. But before I met up with my old classmates, I spent time with my family. My little sister Rochelle made an impromptu trip to Phoenix that weekend as well, so it was a complete family affair. I am not sure how it happened, but somehow Rochelle, my older sister Rhonda, and my dad arranged for Rochelle and me to baby sit our nephew Willem for a night giving Rhonda a break. Willem is my 10-month old nephew and the family’s pride and joy.

So Friday night, Rochelle and I babysat Willem. It was predetermined that Rochelle would be the main caregiver. No one ever stated our roles, but it was pretty much a given. I have never spent the night as an infant’s caregiver. Willem slept through most of the night and woke up once early in the morning from hunger. Rochelle and I both woke up, but Rochelle new exactly what to do. Rochelle fed Willem a bottle and he went back to sleep.

Willem woke up again around 6 a.m. for the day. At that point, I changed Willem’s diaper and then Willem was ready to go. For the rest of the day Rochelle and or I took care of Willem. Let me tell you that was work! Willem wore me out playing, needing to be fed, he was feeling very particular, and making sure he was okay. He is a crawler and can move at lightening speed!


The most precious moment was when Willem fell asleep on me. I was at the computer working and Willem was sitting in my lap playing n an extra keyboard. Suddenly I felt this weight on my chest and I realized that Willem was out for the count. Too cute!

We had a good time together. For me it was the perfect dose of a baby—long enough to have fun with them, but short enough to avoid the responsibility of taking care of another living being. After babysitting Willem (with Rochelle mind you) I absolutely admire my sister Rhonda even more than I already did.

-RXW

Pink HAAM

Last Tuesday was event filled. Clear Channel was kicking off Breast Cancer Awareness Month and their partnership with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation with a Pink Party: Pretty in Pink for the Komen board and Komen volunteers.

Tuesday was also the night for the HAAM Appreciation Party hosted by ME Television. The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) provides low-cost primary health care services for uninsured professional musician in the Austin-area. I also had a Jazzercise for the Cure meeting that evening in preparation for our October 22nd event. All three events were scheduled within three hours and I wanted to do them all.

My good friend Meghan and I headed over to Clear Channel’s office for the Pretty in Pink party. In fine breast cancer awareness month fashion, everyone had some form of pink on. It was great to meet the Race for the Cure volunteers and thank them for there time and efforts for the Cure.

Side bar: The Melting Pot catered the party and I found out that they signed a lease for a new location in downtown Austin next to Houlihan’s (across from the convention center). That is going to be awesomely dangerous.

I also met the Pam McKay, the new director of Clear Channel Austin. Pam recently moved from Houston’s Clear Channel offices. Pam is committed to the fight for the Cure and to Clear Channel’s involvement in the fight.

After the Pink Party, Meghan and I headed to the HAAM Appreciation Party. ME Television is located on South Congress in an old theatre. This was my first trip to the studio so Meghan and I took a tour of the whole building including the rooftop patio with an amazing view of downtown Austin. The event included live music by the legendary Marcia Ball.

Side bar: It turns out Marcia was Meghan’s piano teacher when she was a little girl. Unfortunately Megs did not become a legendary musician. Heh heh, but she is an extraordinary pr guru.

Meghan and I danced, well really kept the beat to Marcia and co and enjoyed the event. Then it was off to my Jazzercise for the Cure meeting . . . October, 22nd will be here any minute.

-RXW

Jazzercise For The Cure

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a member of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Affiliate board, this month represents the culmination of a year of getting the word out about breast cancer including, early detection, treatment, and finding a cure.

But this October, I wanted to do something more than I have in the past. My desire turned into Jazzercise for the Cure. On October 22nd, Jazzercisers in Texas will come together in Austin for a half day of Jazzercise, shopping, fun, and fighting for a cure. Each attended must raise a minimum of $100 for Komen to participate in the event. It is our way of helping out our sisters (and brothers.

Four Jazzercise franchise, Judy (the District Manager), Donna, Terri, and me, came together at the beginning of September to put together an event in October. Short notice, I know, but it has been going well. With the help of sponsors such as The Hyatt Regency Austin at Town Lake, Presidia, and Armadillo Clay, we quickly found ourselves on the way to an excellent event.

Judi Shepard Missett, the founder and CEO of Jazzercise will be our special guest along with Kenny Harvey from Jazzercise, Inc. and me. Kenny and I will MC the event, and I will teach the opening routine.

I will keep you posted on our progress. October 22nd will be here before you know it . . .


- RXW

Rare Magazine Photo Shoot

I recently did a photo shoot for Rare magazine’s Winter issue. Rare is known for its creativity. Every page of the magazine is artistic and original. My photo shot was no different. I don’t want to give away the concept, you are going to have to see it for yourself, but I will say that my shoot was one in a themed series.

The photo shoot was at Volitant, a fairly new gallery in Austin. Martha Bell, stylist at Anna Maria’s boutique dressed me for the shoot in fun and flirty attire. So picture me in a gallery taking photos for a concept that I can’t reveal just yet.

Whenever I do a photo shoot I try to channel my inner model. We all have an inner model don’t we? I figure I have read enough magazines and watched enough America’s Next Top Model to have a little bit of model in me. So basically I am a dork. I walked in with my sunglasses and Starbucks, chai tea soy latte with a shot of vanilla, and chunky bag. Then I quickly took the sunglasses off smiled and was back to Roxanne. But for the 20 seconds it took to walk from the car to the gallery, I felt like a model. Ta ha.

As soon as the magazine goes to print, I will fill in the blanks, but until then, here are some pictures of me getting ready for the shoot until then. ;-)
Vague I know but the pay off will be worth it.

- RXW

Wedding Day!

No! Not mine. ;-)

So my friend Megan (aka Intern Megan) who moved to Virginia Beach last month returned to Austin for the weekend. Megan’s initial purpose for returning was to attend her friends wedding. Somewhere between moving to Virginia Beach and planning to visit Texas, Megan and her fiancé Cruz, decided to get married during their trip home. Megan arrived into Austin on Friday morning, visited the Bobby Bones Show, and then came over to hang out with me for a while.

It was such a treat to see Megan again. As we talked about her life in Virginia Beach, her relationship, wedding, and marriage, I could see how excited Megan was about her life. In the weeks since she moved away to be with Cruz, Megan got a true glimpse of what was to come and I could see how happy that made her. Megan’s smile was contagious. I was moved my Megan’s perspective on marriage and her relationship. She found her guy and intended on making it official. It is rare in this day and age for a recent college graduate to look beyond the wedding and at the marriage. Megan’s mix of maturity, realism, love was refreshing and encouraging.

But I digress . . . .the wedding was a private ceremony with family at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. On the day of the wedding Megan planned on getting her hair styled at Aziz in Austin. Megan’s friend and former morning show co-host, Sara, and I spent Saturday putting together a goody bag for Megan’s big day. Our goody bag included a big white Mat & Nat bag, the wedding day pack from Philosophy, Austin dish towels, make up, perfume, champagne, champagne glasses, and more.

Sara had to work on Sunday, so I took the bag to the salon where Megan and Erin, Megan’s sister, were hanging out. I also brought over Megan’s favorite fruit (green grapes) for her munching pleasure. Megan was surprised to get a gift. I kept telling her that it was he wedding day! That is what girlfriends do on their friend’s big day.

Megan and I talked while the stylist did her hair. I felt honored to sit with her on her wedding day. It reminded me of my friend Molly’s big day—when we hung out to at the nail salon together. There is something about spending time with your friends hours before they get married that is so memorable. In those moments there isn’t really a set thing you can say or do. All the static of life goes away and life seems so much simpler; so pure. I don’t know, but there is something really awesome about it.


Megan’s hair was done before we knew it and she was off to San Antonio to get married and start a new chapter in her life.


Congrats Megan and Cruz!

-RXW

Fashion Fusion!

Friday was Fashion Fusion! Anna Maria’s Boutique hosted a fashion show on at Terrace 59 (the rooftop bar at Speakeasy) and I was one of the models. I always laugh when I am asked to model because I am 5’3 and bowlegged. Oh well, if they don’t notice, I won’t either. ;-)

We all met at Saks at 3pm for hair and makeup. When I got there I was sent my John and Timmy (the head stylist and his assistant) to makeup. That is where I met Mary, makeup artist extraordinaire. Mary made my eyes look amazing. The eye shadow was gold and brown and swooped out to the sides of my face. Already I was feeling like this was going to be a top notch fashion show. Then I went to Michi for hair styling. When I got up from the chair, my hair reminded me of Marie Antoinette! Too cool. I had curls, flowers, AND a blonde streak. Now although I wouldn’t walk around on a daily basis with my hair and make up like this, it was perfect for a show. Michi and Mary (M&M) worked wonders.


When hair and makeup was complete we headed to Speakeasy. As we walked out of Saks a gush of wind took hold of our hair and we all screamed in unison and ran back inside. Eventually we remembered that hairspray was our friend, and we braved the wind and walked to our cars.



When we arrived at Speakeasy we did a run through of the show and geared up for the event. I invited some of my girlfriends to the event so I knew I would have support if I happened to fall.

The entire show was a blast! The runway was in the shape of a rectangle with guests sitting and standing inside and outside of the rectangle. The runway/rectangle was a red carpet, and at each corner of the rectangle there was a platform. I wore two outfits: A purple Emma Savahl bustier with gray skinny jeans (not forgiving to a curve legged wonder like myself) and a purple silk halter dress—accordion style). I strutted from platform to platform and did my thing (whatever that means).

Now I have been to a lot of fashion shows and I have to say that this one was top notch and true to the boutique. Everyone left having had an amazing night and anxious to visit Anna Maria’s soon. It was a perfect way to spend a Friday night.


- RXW

Michigan fan in a sea of Burnt Orange and Red!

So last weekend I found myself amidst a see of Ohio State Buckeye #1 and UT Longhorns #2. That’s right, I was in Austin for arguably the biggest game this season—The #1 and #2 teams rarely play each other this early in the season. The Longhorns had fans from all over Texas in for the game, while the Buckeyes brought 40,000 fans with them to Austin and rented conference rooms in the convention center and the Frank Erwin Center for their fans to watch the big game. Honestly, I didn’t care who won. I mean I am not a Longhorn fan (although I am slowly being converted); I am still bruised by our (Michigan’s) Rose Bowl loss at the hands of UT two years ago. And I am DEFINITELY not a Buckeyes fan—enough said. But as a Michigan fan, I saw the value in the Buckeyes winning, maintaining their #1 status so that we could annihilate them in November and spoil their season. Heh heh!

Well the Buckeyes won definitively and burnt orange became the new color for mourning. As the game ended, the streets became a see of red and burnt orange. The depressed UT fans looked like the world as they knew it was over. Buck up Longhorns! You are still the national champs.
And the Buckeyes were actually nicer than they have ever been in Ann Arbor. I think they realized that they were outnumbered and far from home. They kept telling every Texan they ran into how nice they were.

I seized this opportunity to have a little fun. Dressed in a peach top that Buckeyes easily mistook as burnt orange, I trotted up to Buckeyes fans and asked to take a picture with them. The Buckeyes happily obliged. As we were taking the picture, I yelled out, “1, 2, Go Blue!!” The Buckeyes looked at me perplexed. “No dear, Go Blue is University of Michigan.” Then I turned and said, “Oh, yeah, see I forgot to tell you that I am a Michigan Grad. So congrats on your win tonight, but know that we are going to get you in November.” This had the UT fans roaring and cheering as the Buckeyes grimaced and yelled, “we’ve been had!” Hee Hee, that was an absolute blast. It was proof that a Michigan Grad CAN have fun at a Longhorns/Buckeyes game.








(BTW, I am so pumped about Michigan’s victory this week. Bye Bye Notre Dame!)
Go Blue!

-RXW

Boutique Crawl--Fashion, Friends, and Fun!

This week was Tribeza Fashion Week in Austin, Texas. As a lover of all things fashion, this makes me pleased. Of all the events this week, which included a designer showcase, boutique crawl, fashion show (see the picture of me in the purple dress), and fall wedding day (no interest in going to that event, hee hee), my hands down favorite was the boutique crawl.

I know what you are thinking . . . Roxanne, what pray tell is a boutique crawl? Well, a boutique crawl is the sophisticated little sister of the pub crawl: You travel in a van down a trail of boutiques and experience all of their (bad) and goodness. Ah, but a boutique crawl is much better than a pub crawl because along the boutique crawl trail is vast array of complimentary food, drinks, music (preferably a live band), and killer discounts. Let’s face it, a boutique crawl Roxs!

Nine of Austin’s faboo boutiques participated in this year’s crawl. I went on the crawl with my friends Abigail—soon to be Abigail, PhD, and former Baylor homecoming queen, and Sara—my kindred spirit in many ways and Bobby Bones (radio) Show co-host. None of us had crawled before and we were ready take the plunge.

We started at Anna Maria’s Boutique which I personally love and call the lovely ladies behind the boutique friends—good history there. As we dined delicious hors d'oeuvres and pomegranate martinis, and admired the couture, I realized this was going to be an awesome night.
Each boutique had its own flavor, ambiance, specialty drinks, music, and sales. And I found something I liked about all of them—albeit some were more pleasant than others. But the best part of the night was the fact that Abigail and Sara (who by the way met for the first time that night), and I shared stories and laughed about life, relationships, and fashion as we traveled in the Tribeza van from location to location. It was a bonding event between girlfriends with a beautiful boutique backdrop. Who could ask for anything more? (Well there were those earrings, necklace, and adorable dress too. ;-)

- RXW

Game Day!

I went to my first UT game ever. Three years in Austin and 4 years in Waco, and it finally happened. I was invited to go to the game by Blake and Robin, a fabulous couple from Houston that I hadn’t ever met. Now I must admit that typically I don’t take people I don’t know up on offers like this, but something told me that Blake and Robin were good “peeps.” I was right.

UT Game Day is a major event. The game was at 11am. My friend Meghan and I met up with Blake and Robin promptly at 9:30 and headed to tailgating central. When I was at Baylor, I never tailgated. At the University of Michigan, we would hang out at someone’s house in route to the game, but never what would be considered “tailgating.” We went to the Horns Fans tailgate on campus. Apparently the
organizers of Horns Fans, have been running their tailgate for years. The organizers stake out their spot the day before the game. Set up includes two tents, a smoke pit, hi-def televisions, seats, and a burnt orange vehicle. On the morning of Game day, the fans come in droves. We joined the see of burnt orange (I had a burnt orange tie-die number on), ate, talked, and people watched. I ran into some lawyersI knew from in and out of town. Small world.

After the tailgate, we headed to the stadium for the big game.

Sidebar: UT debuted their jumbotron, aka the largest HD-TV in the world. The jumbotron had subtitles, .
a huge screen with the game showing as well as a huge screen for advertising. Everything you ever wanted to know about the game was shown somewhere on the jumbotron large enough for everyone in the stadium to see

Austin in August at 11am is anything but cool. Thankfully there were people passing out hand fans (like from old church days) for a little relief. With in minutes Robin and I were baking. Meghan was wearing jeans and needless to say she was already broiled. We stayed for a quarter and a half and then couldn’t handle the heat any longer. The score was 21-0 UT when we headed out of the stadium.

We watched the rest of the half at the alumni center in the air condition. The alumni center is right next to the stadium and has televisions in every room for your watching enjoyment. As half time began, the fans peacefully stormed the alumni center and Blake, Robin, Megan, and I made a wise move. We headed to Matt’s El Rancho for queso (with guac, pico and beef), air condition, and second half game watching.

All in all it was a great Game Day: Blake and Robin were awesome, I tailgated for the first time, UT won 56-7, and we had queso.

Good times.

-RXW

The Great Pedi Cab Race of 2006

I spent Labor Day at home in Austin. My dear friends Mike and Molly came to visit from the Big Apple. I went to law school with Molly while Mike, Molly’s husband, was in grad school, and then was fortunate enough to clerk at the Supreme Court of Texas with Molly. With the return of Mike and Molly, spent the weekend together eating, reminiscing, eating, go out, eating, and . . . eating.

On Saturday night we ate (shocker) at Flemings and then headed out for a night in the Warehouse district. We checked out the new hotspot, The Belmont (I will give you my Belmont review soon). Side bar: Mike is the best dancer in the world and I like to show my appreciation for his skills by imitating his dance moves.

As the night wound down, we were hard pressed to find a taxi cab. We decided to find a Pedi cab. A Pedi cab, aka a pedestrian cab is a bike connected to a small carriage for no more than three. Mike and Paul were gracious enough to let Molly and I take the Pedi cab. Molly and I hopped on and didn’t really think about how Mike and Paul were getting home. So Molly and I were enjoying the leisurely stroll through the alleys of downtown Austin, as we watched the bartenders dumping cans of trash into the dumpster. Smelly!! As our Pedi cab took at turn out of the alley and back on the main road, Molly and I found ourselves smack dab in what would later be known as THE GREAT PEDICAB RACE OF 2006.

Much to my surprise, our Pedi cab was riding right next to a Pedi cab carrying Mike and Paul. Where did they come from? I guess I figured they would wait for another Pedi cab or maybe even walk, but I did not think they would end up right next to us. Without saying a word, Mike, Molly, Paul, the two drivers, and I all knew it would be a race to the death or rather to home. Our driver, let’s call him Speedy went into hyper drive. If there were cars on the road, I didn’t see them because Speedy was well, super speedy. As we came to an intersection, Team Testosterone went one way and we went another. Team Testosterone reappeared moments later cutting us off and taking the lead. Just when I thought it might be over, Speedy dug deep, found a burst of energy, and gained ground. Speedy rallied. As we passed Team Testosterone, Speedy chanted, “G-R-E-G GREG,” who I can only assume was the name of the other Pedi cab driver. With the rally chant, it was all over. The guys were toast.


The last stretch of THE GREAT PEDICAB RACE was totally uphill. This was the final element of our big win. Speedy made it up the hill relatively well, but Team Testosterone’s Pedi cab didn’t make it up the hill at all. Now I am not sure if the cab broke, if the guys threw in the towel, or if Greg took one look at hill and the guys and decided the pain wasn’t worth it, but the Pedi cab stopped at the bottom of the hill and walked the rest of the way. Our victory was complete.

As the co-champion of THE GREAT PEDICAB RACE OF 2006, I would like to thank Speedy for his endurance, Molly for being the best team mate a girl could have, and my little sister Rochelle for always believing in me. ;-) Hail to the Victors!

Good Times.
- RXW

Bye Bye Bear . . . For Now.

My life has changed from long days at the office, to constant travel. I love it, but it has forced me to make some difficult decisions. Namely, I made the decision to send my sweet yorkie, Bear to stay with my mother in AZ. Because I didnt' want to board her, Bear has stayed with friends every time I left town. Although she is a trouper, the home-hopping has taken its toll. I mean in some ways Bear's home-hopping has helped her socialize with other dogs and children. But during her home-hopping, Bear contracted fleas and got into pills. After dealing with the guilt attached to those two incidents, I realized that although my schedule isn't going to slow down any time soon, Bear needed stability. So when my mother visited me Austin in visit, Bear went home with her to AZ. It is best for Bear to stay with someone who loves her almost as much as I do.

Bear came to church with me every Sunday (after all she is a holy dog), greeted my Jazzercise students as they walked into class, hung out at Anna Maria's boutique while I was shopping, and sat in her bag patiently as I dined with friends. As much as I miss taking Bear around Austin, hanging out with my girl on the couch, and experiencing her excitement every time I came home, I know that it is best for Bear to be with my mom . . . for now. In the meantime, I miss her like crazy!!
- RXW

Roxanne on the Runway!

Tonight was the 2nd Annual Fashion on 5th event benefiting Easter Seals and I agreed to be one of the models. As a 5’3 bowlegged, flat-footed woman, modeling has not been something I have been had a lot of practice doing. But I was happy to model for a good cause. My one hope was that I didn’t fall. I am a clumsy girl. I have been known to trip just to trip. So imagine my pensiveness about walking down a runway. As much as I enjoy Sex and The City, Carrie’s dive on the runway was not something I wanted to reenact.

I modeled a gorgeous dress from Anna Maria’s boutique. My fellow models were the lovely Meredith, Kelly, Ashley, and Natalie. I met up with the other models for hair and makeup this afternoon. When we arrived at the salon we were called back one by one by the stylist. My stylist, Willow was a gem. She and I jammed to the radio and remembered the days of C&C Music Factory and Ce Ce Peniston (do you remember when the bear/monkey like automated Chucky Cheese/Showbiz pizza characters used to sing Sweat?) By the time my hair was finished Willow and I swapped contact information and favorite karaoke songs and locations.

Showtime in less than an hour . . . . I arrived at the venue and stepped into the mass chaos of backstage. Backstage was alive and bustling with people changing, hair being styled, and makeup being touched up. I learned that I was the FIRST person in the lineup! Me the first person? Eek. That meant if I tripped, fell, or even sneezed on the runway, I would set an awkward tone for the whole show. Lovely! Bobby Bones from KISS FM’s Bobby Bones Morning Show was the emcee for the event. I was happy that Bobby was emceeing because I knew that if I fell, tripped, sneezed, etc. Bobby would make fun of me and all would be okay.

Thankfully, I had nothing to worry about. I walked the runway with my 5”3, bowlegged, flat-footed self and didn’t fall once. Victory!

Personal reminder: Take delight in the small things.
-RXW

Spa Day!

Make over time! I had the pleasure of being featured in Tribeza magazine’s InSalon. InSalon is exactly what it sounds like. I had a day at my favorite salon, Salon 505 the Day Spa, in Austin, Texas. I started out by getting a facial with Lucy Nunez. I have been going to Lucy since I moved to Austin. Normally my facials are quiet with the waves of the sound machine crashing in the background. Within thirty minutes I am fast asleep.
This time I was laying there with mud on my face with Kelley, a fantastic reporter with Tribeza asking Lucy questions about papaya and enzymes, and a photographer named Faustino snapping pictures. I learned more about the process of facials than I ever wanted to know. I am happy to report that when the facial was over and they all left the room so I could change, I fell asleep. I don’t know what woke me up, but when my eyes finally did open up, I looked around wondering where everyone had gone. When I opened the door, they were all waiting outside for me. Fortunately they were packing up and chatting and didn’t realize that I fell asleep. Oops!

After the facial, we went downstairs to the hair and makeup area where Brenna did my hair and makeup as I jammed to the pop music on their satellite radio. The photo shoot was next. Faustino shot me in two dresses. The white dress that is featured on the front page of the article is actually one of my aunt’s pieces. My aunt, Charmaine Mills is an amazing designer and I was excited that Tribeza wanted to use her piece for the shoot.

All together I was at the salon for six hours of pampering and fun. Be sure to check out the Tribeza.

-RXW

Goodbye Intern Megan

I went to dinner last night with my sweet friend Megan, also know in Austin as “Intern Megan” from my favorite morning radio show, The Bobby Bones Show. Megan and I met through our work with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and hit it off immediately. Megan and I have become great friends over the past few months and I feel blessed to have met her. Tomorrow, Megan is moving to Virginia Beach to start a new chapter of her life. Although I am truly excited for her, I am going to miss her like crazy.

So last night was Megan’s goodbye dinner at Cantina Laredo. Her friends and coworkers, Sara and Lunchbox joined her sister Erin, and me to celebrate before Megan headed out of town. We toasted Megan, chatted, laughed, and enjoyed each other’s company. And for a moment, I forgot that at the end of the dinner I would have to say goodbye to my friend, for now. That made the night a little somber, but I know that I will see Megan again soon. Some friendships are only meant to last for a brief moment in your life. Other friendships span across different chapters and stages of your life. I know in my heart that Megan is a friend I will have through the years. And so this is goodbye for now, but not forever.


- RXW.

LA Part 2

After my ordeal arriving in LA, the Power of Voice Speaking Summit my trip to the City of Angels went well. The summit gave me an opportunity to meet people from all fields of expertise who speak to audiences around the country. I met internet marketing guru Tom Antion, New York Times bestseller J.L. King, and WNBA Champion Fran Harris. As someone transitioning from a more traditional field, it was beneficial to learn about their experiences in the business.

I stayed in LA an extra day to spend time with my sweet friend Allie. Allie (I call her Alibaba) and I had dinner with Marla, one of our producers and friend from the show. We also went to the live taping of Rockstar:Supernova with Tammy. I must admit I haven’t ever watched the show but, I enjoyed ever minute of it. I saw Mark Burnett for the first time since our finale. We jammed to the music and laughed at the banter between the contestants, Dave Navarro, and the members of Supernova. Even more interesting was watching the show on TV three days later. That’s right, the show is taped on a Sunday and airs on Wednesday. There is a lot of banter that doesn’t make the network cut. Special thanks to Steve for making that experience happen.

My trip ended with a short stop in Phoenix to visit my family including my nephew who is eight months and change. He is so adorable! Rejuvenated and rested, I headed back to Austin and back to work.

I speak at the Baylor Business Network Luncheon tomorrow.

Be sure to check out my interview with Bryce.

LA Part 1

Last weekend I was in Los Angeles for the Power of Voice Speaking Summit put on by Norma T. Hollis and Speakers Etcetera. It was a great opportunity for me to learn more about the speaking circuit and meet other professional speakers. I flew into Los Angeles Thursday night because I was due at KJLH, Stevie Wonder’s radio station for an interview early the Friday morning.

Well apparently a water main broke just outside my terminal. As a result there was 2 ½ feet of water in the road and the arrivals area turned into a parking lot. My crafty taxi driver drove through the short term parking lot shaving a good forty-five minutes off what ended up being a one hour ordeal. If felt sorry for my dad because he is the type that will check on his daughters until we have safely arrived at my final destination. I must have talked to him at least three times during the taxi ride which would have normally taken twenty minutes. So my dad stayed up until 12:30 am. Thank you Dad!
More on the conference and my trip to LA soon!

-RXW

Jazzertogs Photo Shoot

The Jazzertogs Fall 2006 catalog is out!! I was honored to model in the Jazzertogs (the Jazzercise Apparel line) catalog and I am excited that the issue if finally out. (See May 30, 2006)
The pink top I modeled in the catalog benefits the Susan G. Komen Foundation. 10% of the profits will benefit the Austin affiliate.
The catalog is available internationally at your local Jazzercise centers and online at, Jazzertogs. Thank you Joan Marie and Mary, for making the catalog look amazing. Special thanks also to Judi Sheppard Missett and Shanna Missett Nelson for being so generous with Jazzercise’s donation For the Cure.

Also, be sure to check out my most recent Inside Pulse interview with Leslie!
I think you will enjoy it.

Kimberly's Day

Today is officially Kimberly’s. Kimberly’s day was supposed to be a day of celebration and pageantry. Kimberly is a vibrant,12-year old Wish Kid suffering from Cystic Fibrosis. Make-A-Wish Foundation refers to the children whose wishes are granted as “Wish Kids.” Kimberly’s wish is to be a beauty queen. Her wish was to be granted this weekend through the Texas State Beauty Pageant.

As you know, I am an Ambassador for Make-A-Wish. I was bestowed with the honor of assisting with Kimberly’s wish. I was scheduled to meet Kimberly and her family at the airport and take them via limousine to their hotel. Later, I would sit down with Kimberly and give her pointers about poise and stage presence. I also arranged for Miss Austin, Sheena Monin to meet with Kimberly and share some pageant secrets. It was going to be an exciting weekend.

Unfortunately, two days before Kimberly was to arrive in Austin, Kimberly’s health took a wrong turn and she was hospitalized. Kimberly’s doctor would not release Kimberly to travel or compete in the pageant.

Kimberly, I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Know that today is YOUR DAY in Austin, Texas as decreed by Mayor Wynn and you are my beauty queen.

I look forward to meeting you when you get better so we can make your wish come true.

All my love,

Roxanne

A Sister Tradition

I decided to extend my trip to New York and meet up with my little sister Rochelle. Rochelle just finished her first set of classes in medical school and is enjoying her break by spending time in New York and Arizona.


Rochie and I have a tradition of going to B. Smith’s for macaroni and a plethora of cheeses every time we are in New York. Our tradition started four years ago when Rochelle and I joined my father in New York for one of his nerd conferences (he is a statistician). Rochelle and dad couldn’t find any restaurant that they both liked. We were walking down the street looking for a restaurant they could agree on, when we stumbled upon B. Smith’s. As we read the menu my father and sister both found entrees they liked. Hallelujah! Well the menu descriptions didn’t do the entrees justice. It was hands down our best meal we had all week. As Rochelle and I were still talking about the macaroni and plethora of cheeses months later, we agreed that we would come back every chance we got.

I also have a happy Apprentice memory tied to B. Smith’s. Allie, Sean, Tammy, and I ate at B. Smiths the night before Sean moved over to Gold Rush. We had a nice dinner and celebrated our good times together. For me B. Smith’s equals good times. This trip was no exception. Rochie landed in NYC on Monday night and went directly to B. Smith’s where I was waiting patiently. As I was sipping on an orange ginger margarita (you should try it), waiting for my sister, I spotted B. Smith at a
nearby table. At first I was hesitant to go over and introduce myself, but then I couldn’t help myself. I had the pleasure of meeting B., “Mr. B. Smith,” as he called himself, and a business associate. B. was as amazing as the food. When Rochie arrived B. came and introduced herself and treated us to dessert, bread pudding, which is divine.

Rochelle and I had a great time in NYC. I am glad I had a chance to spend time with Rochelle before she heads back to med school. I love that girl!
-RXW

THE HAMPTONS

I spent my first weekend in The Hamptons. Well that isn’t entirely accurate. I mean there was that one trip with the ladies of Sex in the City, but that doesn’t count.
The purpose for my inaugural trip was to attend the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation’s Art for Life Seventh Heaven Benefit. The event was hosted by Russell Simmons, co-founder of the foundation. The foundation provides disadvantaged urban youth with significant exposure to the arts and provides exhibition opportunities to underrepresented artists and artists of color.

The event was amazing! Since the theme was Seventh Heaven, most people wore blue. Donna Karen, Raymond J. McGuire, Susan Sarandon, & Tim Robbins were honored for their contribution to the arts. The night included a luxury silent auction and live auction, live entertainment, and a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream truck with an array of the toppings. The event was a huge success raising well over a million dollars for the foundation.

Although I went to The Hamptons for the benefit, I was also invited to attend the VH1 Save the Music party held the night before at Jaci and Morris Reid’s house. Unfortunately, my novice Hamptons status did not prepare me for the traffic jam from the City to the Hamptons. By the time I arrived the VH1 party, had ended. Bah!
I did make it to the after party where I danced the night away. Next time I will be sure to get on the road a good twelve hours before the party starts!

More on my New York trip tomorrow.

Austinites, be sure to check out this month’s Tribeza for my In Salon feature.