IT'S IN THE BAG!

I was not disappointed with what I had won, but I was hoping for a gift card to a restaurant that couldhave been used for  when the kids were here.  The radio station that has the equivalent of an advent calendar contest had many items up for grabs.  The first couple of days had a few glitches on the website, (which is par for the course,) and there was a day when the entries were not counted, (which is par for the course,) but the rest of the time, it was business as usual.  Each day I entered, no matter the prize, as the entries rolled over.  There were some things that I would have given away, and some I would have liked, but when I got the email to say I had won a bag, I became a little ungrateful!  Admittedly, I have said in the past that I could win a bottle of mayonnaise, and be happy, (and indeed I did win some mayonnaise on a 'spin the wheel' once, and was, indeed, happy,) as it is the thrill of the chase rather than the prize, but occasionally, it is the prize!  However, I digress.  I won the prize and had to go to the radio station in order to retrieve it.

The weekend had been busy.  I had mislaid a pair of boots, so tidied out my wardrobe on Saturday afternoon, as the weather was not conducive to sitting out.  I found my boots!  They were in a box marked 'boots'.  It was a good use of my time, if not exciting.  Sunday saw me in the kitchen. My neighbour had been admitted to hospital during the week and was released early in the morning, so I made some Shepherd Pies for her freezer.  I also made some sausage rolls for my next door neighbour as she had jaw surgery during the summer and was unable to eat solid food for months, so I promised when the time came, I would give her some of her favourite English/British fayre.  Her parents are Scottish, and her mother insists on keeping some traditions alive!  Ex-pats reunite!

A cold front blew in and whilst it was not freezing, I was glad to have put my winter clothes into some sort of order. So many times I hear a native Texan comment, "I don't actually own a coat."  Layers are a good idea, usually; here layers are the only option it would appear!  In I stroll, with my many outer layers imported from my homeland, and I could walk down any catwalk and receive agreeable comments.  

I emailed the radio station, as they had asked that I do so, in order that the prize could be at the front desk when I arrived.  I thought it a little odd that it would not be there as most are, but I would find out why it would not be readily available when I arrived.  My email got kicked back, so I called the number provided.  I was put through to a voicemail, and left a message.  After not having received any communication, I rang again, spoke to a person who put me through to someone else.  Again, voicemail.  I left another message.  I did not receive a reply.  Perhaps my bag would not be retrievable.

A spam call appeared on the screen of the office phone.  I answered, as usual, in my joyful voice, expecting someone asking me about my healthcare coverage, car insurance, home improvements, my age, plans to sell my house, the list goes on!  Instead, the voice asked to speak to me.  I tentatively said it was me speaking, and he said that he was from the radio station.  I had left my personal number, but presumably the phone from where I called came up on their phone!  He apologised for the confusion, and said that the bag would be at the front desk, with their receptionist, Rosa.  "Do you know where we are?" he asked.  I told him that I was very familiar with their location, and also knew Rosa!  I said I would be there either today or tomorrow.  They, apparently, close for lunch, but arrangements could be made to collect if that is the only time I could make it.  

Despite the fact that I did not have too much time to spare, I decided to take the time to go an collect.  I knew the location of the radio station but forgot how I started the journey.  My husband was trying to help with a map, which I didn't need, and was asking me for the address, which I didn't know.  I just knew where it was!  Or did I?  I drove along the road, across the lights, down to the next intersection, and turned around.  Not this way!  I remembered the route!  I drove down the road, through two sets of lights, over the railroad crossing and up, over the flyover, and off at the next exit to turn around.  I remembered, too late, that the left lane forces you over the flyover.  How many times had I made that trip?  I finally got on the right road, took the correct exit, and managed not to miss the hidden entrance. I had known how to reroute myself due to my early days of getting totally lost!  I did not panic, and I phoned no-one!  I made it!

I walked up to the window.  A broad grin came across the face of Rosa and she beckoned me in with waving arms.  The security guard opened the door, and put his arm around my shoulder, with a "Good to see you, again!  How have you been?" greeting.  Rosa came from around her desk and gave me a huge hug.  It was as if I had come home.  We exchanged salutations and seasons greetings.  "How is Grant.  How is the baby?" she asked, among other things.  I showed her pictures of the little one, and told her that everyone said "Hi".  Faces appeared on the landing above.  Who was this person, who had just walked in, who appears to be known by all?  A young guy stood at the desk, asking with his eyes.  "I am so pleased it was you who won this!" said Rosa.  It appears that if I had not collected it within the given time, there would be a fight as to whom was going to have it!  "We have missed coming here", I said, further causing confusion to the young man, and another young woman, who had joined us on the lower floor.  "I look out every day to see if anything is going on!" I comment.  The young man told me what they had planned for the next few months.  "We need to do something here!" said Rosa. "Yes", I reiterated, "You need to do something HERE!"  After a lot more hugs and promises of seeing each other soon, I left.  The Englishwoman Abroad had made another splash!  I felt very humbled as well as excited that I was so well accepted.  I actually feel (a little) famous!  

The bag was beautiful.  When I won, as mentioned, I was not particularly excited.  How many bags does one woman need?  Admittedly, as I have aged, I have done the 'woman' thing and have a bag for each season.  That is it.  However, this bag is considered designer (everything is designer, as everything is designed) created by a local designer.  The bags have become quite well known nationwide, and are quite coveted, especially locally.  Before I got back to the office, I had become quite attached to my bag.  A gift card for a restaurant would have been used, and the memory would have lived on, but the bag I can use over and over, if I use it.  At the moment, I am inclined to put it into a glass box or set it in my china cabinet!  (Well maybe not, but it is pretty!)  My appreciation grew because of the circumstances in which I won and received!  

The general local population appear to be in a relatively good mood.  People have been polite and  friendly.  It is how I remember my early days in Austin, as the Yuletide season departed, and reality came home to roost, most people stayed chirpy.  Perhaps it was the sunshine, perhaps it was because of the 'laid back' Southern way.  My home nation saw new year as usually cold, damp with short days, and although there was anticipation of better things, we were apprehensive.  Perhaps that was just me or my perception.  However, SAD is a syndrome!  The sun helps!  Not everyone was happy, but most were.

It was cold this morning.  Very cold.  Below freezing.  I had brought in my tomatoes (yes, I still have growing tomatoes in the middle of winter, outside, probably because they are from my seeds, and a bit eccentric) as I did not want to lose the crop, but left Edgar, the Meringa, to fend for himself.  He is a little big to come inside, although should the temperature drop considerably for too long, we would have to find a home from him.  

Monday is a national holiday.  I have not decided how I am going to spend my time, just yet.  I should really make the most of it, and do something different, really different, but no planning has been done, and no recommendations put forward!  Perhaps this Englishwoman Abroad should start a new tradition for her days off, and make .......... another story!