KCCU: Getting down to business

Hi Uncle Chuck!

Hope you’ve been well. It continues to be fast-paced over here. So begins the summer of a lot of travel and goals being accomplished! To that end, I will put the blog on hiatus in order to properly focus on what lies ahead. I’m always a call away!

10 years of teaching

Alex held a recital for his students on Sunday (squeezed between a church gig in the morning and a wedding gig in the afternoon). Many of his students have now invited him to their senior performances or high school graduations. And the kids I distinctly remember being so small at the piano have grown up and now it’s their siblings who are the small ones. Life goes ever on and on.

BBQ with a Berbere bark

I went with Alex to his gig in Forth Worth this past weekend and he took me to this amazing BBQ spot called Smoke’N Ash. It’s Ethiopian BBQ. So instead of a black pepper coating, they used the traditional Ethiopian berbere spice which I like better. And they had the typical veggies and lentils on their injera bread. Absolutely delicious!

Back to school!

I started my program to become a Certified Travel Agent! I met with my coach this morning and she was pleasant and reassuring. She said I was ahead of the others in my class since I already have an LLC and an idea of who my target client is. I asked if there was any benefit to working for a properly established travel agency, but she said that after hearing about what I’ve already accomplished, I’d be better off being independent. It’s scary doing something new, but I’m excited!

KCCU: Return of the blog!

Hi UC!

Alas, it’s time to update you on what’s going on with Alex and me! Can’t believe it’s already been well over a week since we were in Florida. When will we see you next? I hope you’ll join us in New Orleans for Jazz Fest and more!

We’ve got some exciting news to tell you as well, but would prefer to tell you over the phone. Call me when you get a chance! :)

Back to being busy

Alex has been hustling! He did an audition with the new band, Silverada, on Monday and they offered the job to him before he even played with them. The Alex Hartley Trio will do their first paid gig on Friday and Kyle and Gabby are flying in to support him - how sweet! Then next Friday Alex will be in Dallas to do a live recording with Jon Wolfe at the world’s largest Honky Tonk, Billy Bob’s. He’s been practicing nonstop and one of his students was shocked when Alex told him he’s at the piano all day.

Cloudy with a chance of an eclipse

Our house was in the path of totality for the eclipse on Monday. It was cloudy, but you could still see the progress over time. In fact, the clouds sometimes made it easier to see the eclipse without the glasses. It was absolutely WILD when it got so dark that the street lamps and our dawn-to-dusk lights turned on at 1:35 pm. It even got noticeably cooler. You could hear cheers from all over the neighborhood. Truly a moment where everyone paused to appreciate a phenomenon.

I’ve been hustling too!

I was really proud of myself for reaching my goal of earning $100 within the first full month of becoming a freelancer and I’m on track to earn $1,000 by the second full month. Last night I got my first referral from a previous client! But I have also missed out on at least 3 opportunities because I couldn’t book flights. So today I enrolled in an accelerator program to become a travel agent. I know you talked about how AI will make travel agents obsolete, but I actually just got hired to work with an app that utilizes ChatGPT for their travel planning services. They specifically wanted my ‘human touch’ to make it better and they anticipate me being valuable to their customers who have complex plans.

KCCU: Plenty of bags, flowers and syringes

Hi Uncle Chuck!

I hope your visit to Asheville went well. I’m sure there was a lot to process. It continues to be quiet over here; we started the IVF process last week, more on that below.

I’ve reflected on this series and I don’t mean to bore you with the mundane, so I’m going to move to a bi-weekly cadence. Usually much more interesting things happen within 14 days than just 7!

Another good haul

Continuing Alex’s (and I guess now mine as well) love for old formats, he got 3 bags full of DVDs from a neighbor. We ended up keeping about 1 bag’s worth of DVDs and the rest will go to Goodwill or something. Lots of good finds including that Hitchcock series and Muppet movies among other things. We didn’t feel compelled to keep the Nicholas Cage filmography or the religious ones.

Latest window installation

The bluebonnets and other wildflowers are in full bloom! It makes every drive much more enjoyable. Fields of blue and bright orange with speckles of yellow. The pinks, reds and whites will show up soon.

Shots galore!

We’re in the middle of Round 3 of IVF! This time it’s 4 shots a day over 10-12 days whereas the past two times have been 1-2 shots a day spread out over 3 weeks. We’re intentionally expediting the process so that we don’t have to renew our expensive COBRA coverage. My poor belly looks like it has been bitten by fire ants with all of the red dots.

KCCU: Keeping ourselves entertained

Hi UC!

Normally Alex is gone during the weekend, but this time it was my turn. I honestly miss the days of doing business trips. I think it’s healthy to have some time a part to either adventure or have an empty house. A lot has been going on with my family that has consumed most of my time. I’ll share more over a call.

The latest Linklater

Alex went to a screening of his favorite director’s new documentary on HBO called “God Save Texas.” It was about the prison industry’s impact on his hometown of Huntsville, Texas and its influence on his movies such as “Dazed and Confused” and “Boyhood.” Apparently Texas has the most executions of any state by a longshot.

A little visitor

Alex had just finished his lessons when I overheard him gasp and he asked me to come look. Not sure what to expect, I walked into his studio and found him staring out the window. Perched on our covered patio set was a cute kitten trying to nap in the cold and quite windy weather. It scurried away when we tried to check for a collar.

Viva Las Vegas!

I met up with my sister in Las Vegas for “the bachelorette party we never had.” Due to her circumstances, she hasn’t done anything fun for herself in a long time. This was her first flight in 8 years, her first time in a cab, her first time doing a fine dining experience, first time having soup dumplings/dim sum, etc. It was my pleasure to be an “Aunt Kim” to her; I imagine this must’ve been what it was like when Robin joined her in Paris. I get it. Seeing my darling sister have a marvelous time gave me so much joy!

KCCU: San Antonio and songwriters

Hi Uncle Chuck!

We survived the great tire debacle and have made it to Wednesday! Has it really been a month since I got the news my life was going to change? Wow. But I reached a milestone: I earned $10 in my first freelance gig! The task was to review the website for a dumpster rental company in Fort Lauderdale. It’s not a lot but it’s a start. While doing the research, I saw one of their competitor’s name was “Bin There Dump That.” They would easily earn my business!

Down in ole San Antone

The cool thing about being adults with no kids and a bit of free time is that we can randomly decide to do a day trip. So we drove down to San Antonio on Saturday and hung out. We went to this iconic Tex-Mex restaurant called Mi Tierra. It was bursting with color. I wish I had taken a picture of the huge bas-relief mural of the whole extended family. It was impressive!

Willing to drive for a good bite

I’ve talked about concha’s before and once you get a craving, ya gotta do something about it! I don’t get why Austin bakeries can’t get this right; it’s kind of like how croissants are the best in Paris or SF and bagels in NYC. At La Panaderia, they’re as big as your face and so delightful. You bite into a pillow and then there’s a satisfying crunch. Come visit us and we’ll take you there!

Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame

On a whim, Alex got tickets to an award show honoring 6 songwriters from Texas. They were being inducted into the Hall of Fame for their contribution to the music industry and I was amazed by how much of their work I recognized even though I didn’t know who they were. I never thought of myself as a country fan but I guess I am! When you compare the lyricism of their work to a lot of music today, they’re real stories instead of just cliches. I hope people continue to appreciate that. We highly recommend listening to “Tin Man” by Miranda Lambert (that’s who is pictured below with the songwriter and another honoree).

KCCU: Settling into a new normal

Hi Uncle Chuck!

On to the 3rd week of this new life. I find myself busy and wondering where the time goes sometimes. I packed up my office; no longer in need of the videoconferencing speakerphone or two monitors, etc. I’m in this weird holding pattern of trying to manage my stress for IVF so I haven’t properly started the projects I set out to do. And I’m trying to be ok with that.

I’ve really taken your comment about having wiggle room to heart. It keeps me from panicking about not being as productive as I used to be.

Back with old friends for a first

Alex played with his old band on Sunday at the 3ten l Austin City Limits. He’d never played there before, so it was a fun opportunity! The guys were happy to have him back and it was nice seeing old friends. But it’s such an interesting juxtaposition from the tour he just finished up. With Jason, Alex was engaged and having a great time being challenged. Whereas I describe this performance as being on autopilot - to be fair, the entire band is on autopilot since they’ve done this so many times. For a moment it felt like a step back but in truth, perhaps it helped us understand the progress Alex has already made.

The master of thrillers

We watched “Shadow of a Doubt” as part of our Hitchcock series and it was fantastic! It was a slow start but we were on the edge of our seats by the end of it! The twists and hints were expertly included. Thrillers have come a long way since this era so I have to remind myself how innovative Hitchcock was at the time. It’s kinda like how Alex had to explain the significance of Ray Charles or Elvis. Have you seen this movie?

I’m just here for the food, kinda

Alex and I enjoy going to local athletic games. It’s a vibrant atmosphere and we have no skin in the game. We’ve had to learn a few traditions the hard way like how in UT basketball or volleyball you don’t sit down after the national anthem until UT gets a point. Oops! But my favorite part has been taste testing the hotdogs at each venue. UT basketball had a delightful brioche bun with a snappy sausage so 10/10, but I gave this hotdog a 7/10. Alex thinks it’s more of a 4/10 but I’m reserving that for the hotdog at the soccer game in Mexico City. That was awful.

KCCU: Happy Valentine’s Day!

Hi UC!

It’s me again! I already caught you up on most things so these are just little observations and ramblings.

Oh and Happy Valentine’s Day! Let today be a reminder that you are loved!

That’s all folks!

Last week, Alex played in Dallas, Houston and Austin for the final stretch of the tour with Jason Hawk Harris. Alex has remarked how the tour was so smooth compared to other tours he has been on; sometimes tours can be a drag if things aren’t planned out properly but this one went off without a hitch. It’s been a blast and I’m honestly kinda sad it has come to end but all good things must. Now Alex is returning to his residency and focusing on his own music.

Movie night continues

I recently lamented that I missed our James Bond nights and asked if we could rewatch them. I wasn’t aware of another long series that was similar. Well, Alex had the brilliant suggestion of watching Alfred Hitchcock’s filmography and he found a set that includes 15 of his films. We started with Sabateur. I’m looking forward to getting cultured and enlightened.

Satisfaction from a little thing

A local community newspaper called The Austin Chronicle is finally moving out of their dilapidated building and they had a fire sale of whatever was left. A lot of old tables, filing equipment, ancient technology and movies/CDs nobody wants. But under a pile of “Give us an offer” knick knacks, I found this little stamp that said ”PAID” with a line for the date. Whenever I pay our bills, I put a huge “PAID” with the date and confirmation number. We showed it to the cashier, ready to negotiate, but she took one look at the thing and shooed us away - probably grateful to have one less thing to throw away. I’m legitimately excited to use it. It gets to live another life!

KCCU: Home-comings and goings and a fascinating film

Hi UC!

Although I’m enjoying my new-found freedom, this lack of structure is also unsettling. You go through school and there are exams and graduations. Then you go to work and there are deadlines and milestones. So now that I’m properly unemployed for the first time in almost 20 years, I’m having to test my own discipline. But I’m kept busy with all of the paperwork for unemployment, insurance, finances, job hunting, etc. and I know I’ll create my own structure soon enough!

Btw, we finally got our flights to Florida! We’re getting in on Friday March 29 and then heading out early on Monday April 1. Can’t wait to see you!!

He’s back!

After a long 2.5 weeks on the road, Alex finally got back on Sunday morning. The house is so quiet without him. I didn’t really notice it until the past few days when he’d play records in the morning while making coffee. When he’s not here, I just stay in our bedroom or my office with occasional visits to the kitchen. But there is some tragedy with my efficiency: I didn’t notice that his plants in the living room were dying. Apparently I was supposed to know they needed watering. I’m told they’ll live though; I merely tortured them. I have no green thumb, sorry!

The Zone of Interest

I watched this movie called “The Zone of Interest” last week and it was the most horrifying movie I’ve seen but there’s no graphic imagery or violence. How can that be? Well, it’s nominated for Best Sound at the Oscars and I hope it wins. The horror is implied and relies on what you, the viewer, already know. The disregard of that horror should make you uncomfortable and possibly/hopefully makes you reflect on what you are also ignoring. An expert use of assuming that the viewer can discern subtleties. Highly recommend!

What a catch!

I’ve written a couple of posts about my departure from Dell - reflections on how grief has turned into gratitude and how I’ve accomplished so much in my 10 years there. As I sifted through old photos, I found this one from my first Family Day at Dell where Alex dropped by; I think we had only been dating for a few months by this point.

What I haven’t talked about in those posts is how Dell gave me the gift of Alex and gave us security during the formative years of our relationship. Had I not had such an amazing internship at Dell, I would’ve married a jerk in Houston. Had they not been headquartered in Austin, our paths would’ve never crossed. Had my bosses been rigid about working in the office, I would not have had the flexibility to be a supportive partner to a musician with nontraditional hours. Without Dell, we would not have traveled the world extensively together. We would not have had mental health and fertility benefits that we needed. Simply put, we would not have had the life that we’re so lucky to have. It wasn’t always perfect, but I’m choosing to be so grateful for what I got.

Introducing KCCU: Keeping Chuck Caught Up

 Hi UC!

I told Kim that I’d be there for you and I feel like that starts with keeping you close to the family.

So KKCU has shifted to KCCU (Keeping Chuck Caught Up) and the same idea applies: There’s no pressure to read or respond, but it’s there for you if you’d like. I’ll start with a weekly cadence until you ask me to change or stop.

Here’s a little of what’s going on with me and Alex!

Hello from the PNW!

I’m finally home after a long weekend in the Pacific Northwest. We were only in Seattle for about 24 hours and then drove up to Vancouver on Sunday. The past few days in Vancouver were pleasant - a nice 55 degrees. I love rainy days and being near water, so the perpetual gloominess has been quite a delight. Alex on the other hand is ready to be back in Texas.

Music to my ears

After many years on the road, Alex admitted that he felt burnt out. Playing music felt like mundane work and bereft of joy. But he picked up this tour with Jason Hawk Harris and he’s been having so much fun! The audience is engaged, the people are nice and the music is a welcome challenge. I’m so happy to see him enjoy his passion again. It was a huge risk for him to leave his previous band, but it has certainly been rewarding!

A variety of tastes

Both cities have such a diverse population - something we’re not used to seeing - and they’re buzzing with energy. Alex has been on this tour for almost two weeks and has only eaten 1 burger which is pretty impressive. He’s had Indonesian, Italian, Vietnamese, Turkish, Lebanese, Thai, Cambodian, Cantonese, Japanese, and Filipino cuisines. In Seattle, there was an amazing Filipino diner right next to our hotel. We had the typical Filipino breakfast of “silog” (eggs and rice) with a meat (longanisa sweet sausage for me and corned beef for Alex). We also got a short stack of ube (pronounced oo-bay) pancakes made with rice flour with an ube syrup that wasn’t too sweet. It really lifted my spirits!

A little lagniappe

Alex performed in Salt Lake City tonight and will then go to Fort Collins and Denver. He’ll be back home by Sunday. He will play at the famous Continental Club in Austin next Friday and Saturday (Feb 9 and 10). We hope you can join us! In the meantime, I leave you with this entertaining video from Alex’s gig in Vancouver.