Puppy and Kitty

As you may or may not know, Tania and I have nicknames for each other:  Puppy (me) and Kitty (Tania).  There are many cute (and probably annoying) reasons why we call each other these names, but the most basic reason is that each of us have similar characteristics to the animal that describes us.  And what are those characteristics?  Instead of spouting adjectives and verbs, take a look at this, which perfectly describes who we are, and how different we are about certain mindsets.

The Dog's Diary

  8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
  9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
  9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
  1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
  3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
  5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
  7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
  8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

The Cat's Diary

Day 983 of My Captivity

    My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

    The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!

    There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

    Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

    I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now ...

Learn how to talk Austin-like

If you're going to hold conversations with folks and try not to always sound like the newbie, you're going to have to give into some quirky wording and pronounciations in order to fit in.  Doing so will require you to lose some pride and your own personal background, but trust us, it's worth it, because unless you use the following advice, you'll be shunned from becoming a true Austinite.

Guadalupe - pronounced Guad-a-loop - A street running N/S above the lake

The Drag - A strip of Guadalupe that connects ends of campus, comprised of a large amount of shops, restaurants, and trailers.

Burnet - pronounced Burn-it - A road running N/S that branches off from Lamar up around 45th st.

Manor - pronounced May-ner - A road running E/W that juts from campus across the 35 into the eastside

The Hill Country - The lush country side west of Austin. Head out on the 290/71W and enjoy great biking trails, wine vineyards, and cute German-influenced towns.

MoPac - Short for Missouri Pacific, the train line that runs along the 1 highway. Now the nickname for the 1 highway.

Town Lake - The river-looking body of water in the heart of downtown Austin, properly known as Lady Bird Lake.  The trail that runs along both edges of the lake offer a beautiful way to walk, run, or bike amongst the exercising Austinites.

SoCo - South Congress area, between Town Lake and Oltorf.  Great shopping, eating, and drinking.

Kolache - pronounced Ka-la-chee - An Eastern European influenced pastry with stuffings ranging from sausage, cheese, fruit, and various combinations of it all.

I'm sure there's much more than that, but those should get you going to sounding like a local real quick.