Heather Lucier Stanley

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Alan and Uncle Brian have emerged from the mud pit as victors because they have placed in their age group at this year’s Austin Muddy Buddy. The intensity has paid off. Onward to morning beer and partying in the beer garden.

This blog is part of the Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series. Alan and I started dating in November 1999. The Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series captures our 12th year together through photography and writing. Year 12 provided plenty of change and excitement.

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Animated. That is the first word that comes to my mind whenever I see Muddy Buddy snapshots of Alan and Brian. Alan smiles for the camera. He is my ham. Uncle Brian is intensely dedicated to the sport.

Alan and Brian make a great Muddy Buddy team. Low Down and Dirty is their team name and it is fitting.

This blog is part of the Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series. Alan and I started dating in November 1999. The Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series captures our 12th year together through photography and writing. Year 12 provided plenty of change and excitement.

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Alan and his Uncle Brian have been teammates in the Muddy Buddy for many years – I forget how many. I have been teammates with Alan, Kathleen, and Joe. I have not done the Muddy Buddy as often as Alan. At least one year, I got to be a spectator with Alan’s Aunt Vicki and Cousin Megan. Perhaps Megan and I could do the Muddy Buddy together one year? Or how about Aunt Vicki and me?

Each team selects its team name. Alan and Brian are Low Down and Dirty each year. Joe and I picked Michigan Mud, having both graduated from The Univerity of Michigan. Go Blue!

This blog is part of the Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series. Alan and I started dating in November 1999. The Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series captures our 12th year together through photography and writing. Year 12 provided plenty of change and excitement.

Funny… Dirty 6th was one of those places popular to me (1) when I was an out of towner coming to Austin from San Antonio and (2) in my early 30s when Alan and I were first dating. Once I reached my mid-30s, except for the occasional bachelorette party, many years passed and I did not go to Dirty 6th Street.

Renewed interest? I can see the appeal again. Dirty 6th is a high energy street to take out of towners and people watch (and be careful of who is around you!!!) I feel it has gotten raunchier over the years and/or I am more observant today.

Joe had some friends in town from Mexico and after spending the early afternoon and evening at the Spring condo pool area eating and chatting, the entire group hopped into two taxis and headed to Dirty 6th Street.

I had a fabulous photo of all of us, which I accidently deleted during the start of The Big Photo Project effort. Maybe somebody saved it to their own personal drive after I distributed it? Sometimes in an effort of organization/reorganization, I overorganize/overpurge. Oops!

After spending a couple hours at The Beauty Bar dancing and hanging out, the group walked to a Polish food cart and tried Polish food at Joe’s request.

This blog is part of the Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series. Alan and I started dating in November 1999. The Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series captures our 12th year together through photography and writing. Year 12 provided plenty of change and excitement.

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In 2011, St. Patrick’s Day was on a Thursday. Alan and I felt like going to the FREE SXSW concert at Auditorium Shores and met up with our friend Joe at the concert. That evening, The Strokes played.

After listening to the music for a bit, Joe, Alan and I ventured over to Zax’s for more beer and basketball.

This blog is part of the Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series. Alan and I started dating in November 1999. The Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series captures our 12th year together through photography and writing. Year 12 provided plenty of change and excitement.

In 2010-2011, Alan and I explored many restaurants that were new to us. Fabi + Rosi receives top honors!

One evening in early March, Keith, Debbie, Alan and I dined at Fabi + Rosi. In 2010 -2011, Fabi + Rosi stood out for the best food. However, it is no longer on our radar because of where we live!

From Auditorium Shores [my landmark], Alan and I live 1.7 miles to the South and East, close to I-35. Fabi + Rosi is North and West, close to Mopac. It may sound a bit silly because Fabi + Rosi is only 4 miles and 12 minutes away from our house by car. Yet living near many quality restaurants and bars within walking distance of our house has changed my perspective on dining out.

I’d rather go to a restaurant from 1/2 a mile [South Congress] to 2 miles away [2nd Street District] from our house and walk to it. More exercise. Better for the Environment. Saving on Gas Money. If we drive to a restaurant we head North, closer to where several of our friends are living.

This blog is part of the Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series. Alan and I started dating in November 1999. The Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series captures our 12th year together through photography and writing. Year 12 provided plenty of change and excitement.

Costumes, running and contests!

The Rogue Raffler is a fun running event. The participants run for raffle tickets and a chance to win a prize, such as a race entry, massage, free chiropractic session, a pair of running shoes, Rogue Running program, etc.

Alan and I dressed up for the Valentine’s Day Rogue Raffler and won the costume contest. For winning the costume contest, each of us received a New Balance goodie bag. In addition, we participated in the Lady and the Tramp spaghetti kissing contest and placed 2nd. For our 2nd place finish, each of us won a pair of Brooks running shoes valued at $100 a pair.

The 2011 Valentine’s Day Themed Rogue Raffler has been our best raffler for winning stuff to date!

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Our friends Joy and Craig like Moonshine Grill. Alan and I had been to Moonshine 4 or 5 years ago and had remembered liking the restaurant for their memorable battered and fried asparagus appetizer.

Austin has so many spectacular places to go to eat. Yet Alan and I habitually go the same few restaurants for a period of time until we try the next few. Realizing our pattern, I have been working on branching out. In 2010-2011, Alan and I revisited and/or tried several restaurants!

The homemade potato chips at Moonshine are the best. I also remember the wine list being good.

After dining at Moonshine, Alan and I suggested Icenhauer’s on Rainey Street for a drink after dinner. In 2010-2011, Icenhauer’s was one of our go to bars for a drink after dinner.

This blog is part of the Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series. Alan and I started dating in November 1999. The Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series captures our 12th year together through photography and writing. Year 12 provided plenty of change and excitement.

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I do not know what number half-marathon it is for either of us. I could look it up out of curiosity, but I guess I have not been focused on the number # of halfs that I have completed. I will, however, count my marathons!

Someday I’ll record the # of halfs I have completed.

The 3M Half-Marathon is Alan’s favorite because it is (1) a fast course and (2) the weather in Austin in January is good for running fast. The San Antonio Half is my favorite because I lived in San Antonio for 5.5 years and it is where I consider I grew up: first real job, first city on my own after college, etc.

In 2011, we both ran 3M.

The swag bag for 3M is the best.

This blog is part of the Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series. Alan and I started dating in November 1999. The Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series captures our 12th year together through photography and writing. Year 12 provided plenty of change and excitement.

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Chicken Liver Rumaki, Pabst Blue Ribbon and Beer Pong: quite a combination!

I love the potluck format because friends bring things that I may not think to make on my own. Our friend Nancy brought Chicken Liver Rumaki.

I remember my mother making something similar in the 1970s and I enjoyed it. Nancy’s appetizer was a hit!

Other friends who attended the party asked us what the Rumaki were because they loved them. I loved them! I think now, I ate my share of Rumaki that night.

I had never had a Pabst Blue Ribbon before this party and we bought a case of it for the party, anticipating a mighty beer pong evening. Instead, we chatted and chatted and beer pong barely happened. Nancy, Gary, Alan, Tripti and I participated briefly in a few games of beer pong.

This blog is part of the Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series. Alan and I started dating in November 1999. The Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series captures our 12th year together through photography and writing. Year 12 provided plenty of change and excitement.