Holidays are busy times with social calendars filled to the edges. While some people can effortlessly engage in the endless amounts of small talk required of party-goers, others would rather walk the hot desert barefoot than have one more conversation with a stranger about the weather. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, these tips will help you enjoy chatting at the next office party or neighborhood potluck.

Start by doing some homework. For the office party make a quick mental list of what has been going in the lives of co-workers. Has someone traveled lately or recently had a child or a grandchild? Being prepared with some thoughtful questions is always a great way to start a conversation. If this is the first big company function you will be attending, ask someone what the normal protocol is for holiday parties.

If you will be attending a party in someone's home, do a little research for a nice host gift. Maybe they have a favorite wine or a favorite bakery. It's always nice to come bearing gifts, but to present the host with something they know you put thought into is always truly appreciated. Also, thoughtful doesn't necessarily mean expensive.

Remembering people's names can be one of the biggest challenges of any party-goer. Dr. Gary Small, author of The Memory Bible, suggests a technique he calls "Look, Snap and Connect." First, make an effort to listen to the name as you hear it for the first time, seeing the name in your mind as you it is said. Next, make a mental snapshot of a defining feature on the person's face, like blue eyes or curly red hair. Finally, make a connection between the name and the mental snapshot. For example, as you are introduced to Sally, picture the name in your mind along with Sally's freckles to connect the name to a memorable feature.

Another helpful way to lock the name into your memory is by using someone's name within the first few minutes of being introduced. After meeting Dave, make an effort to say something like, "How long have you been with the company, Dave?" Saying the name in conversation helps cement it into your immediate memory.

Keep conversations going by checking the latest headlines before the party. However, leave the gossip, politics and religion for conversations with your close friends and family. It may make for some lively conversation, but particularly for work related events save the politics for the pundits.

Another way to keep the party talk flowing is to be a good listener. Rather than thinking about what you are going to say next, really listen to what other people are saying. Remember, the party is not about you, but rather a time to enjoy the company of other people. Knowing you are not required to be the smartest or the funniest person in the room takes a little of the pressure off. If you are at ease the conversation will flow better and the people around you will relax, too.


Ki's created a website so people can search about Austin real estate online. It encourages searches of homes in the Austin MLS by user selected criteria. He also writes monthly updates on the health of the market on his blog covering Austin Texas real estate.

Chances are you've made some new resolutions to start the New Year with. If you are like most Americans, you will probably break those resolutions before the end of the month!

Here are a few tips on how to keep those resolutions and make the New Year a success!

1. Be realistic. The best way to accomplish your goal is by setting one that is attainable. Don't say you are never going to eat chocolate doughnuts again.

2. Plan Ahead. Do not make your resolution on New Year's Eve. If your resolution is something you take seriously, then you should have a well thought out plan in place. By taking your resolution seriously, you will be able to keep it.

3. Make a guideline for your plan. If you have decided to stop smoking, have some guidelines in place. Know how you are going to fight the urge for a cigarette a week into your resolution. Have a list of people you can call for support. The most important thing to do is check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program or smoking cessation classes.

4. Track Your Progress. Keep a ledger of some sort. Whether it is on your computer, PDA or just a note book you have lying around. Short term goals are easier to attain. Begin slowly, instead of saying you are not going to smoke a cigarette for a month, get through a week without one. Each small success is one step closer to finishing your resolution.

5. Stick To Your Resolution. If you get frustrated, do not give up. It takes a while for new habits and behaviors to stick. Studies show that it takes about 21 days for a new activity to become a habit.

6. Make a list. It may make sense to see what your goals are. Write them down. Make a list of all the pro's and con's.

7. Do Not Get Discouraged. Beating yourself up when you stumble is not going to get you anywhere. Stay focused and just go one day at a time. If you mess up, it is not the end of the world. Get up and try again!

8. Reward Yourself. If your resolution is to lose 10 pounds a month and you have met your goal for the month, take the time to reward yourself! No, don't eat a half gallon of Blue Bell; instead go buy yourself that new shirt you have been eyeing all month! It will give you extra motivation to continue with your success!

9. Share your goals. Let your family and friends know what your plans are. They are your support. They can help keep you on track and keep you motivated.

10. Keep Trying. If at the end of February your resolution has fizzled out, don't give up. Take a deep breath, go over your goals, and find that reason you chose this particular resolution and there is no reason why you can't make a "New Year's Resolution" any time of the year!


Ki maintains a website, which works as a clearinghouse of information on Austin Texas real estate. There, future homeowners can use his Austin MLS search. He also has a blog that covers statistics and news on Austin real estate.

The holidays are a time for celebration, but it can be a stressful time, too. Decking the halls and all the other preparations for the festivities can start to feel less than jolly. Take a little break this season from the gift buying and tree decorating to enjoy some local holiday merriment.

The Ballet Austin's 46th annual production of The Nutcracker makes a wonderful family outing or even a romantic date. Forget the hustle and bustle for awhile and be transported to the land of talking mice and sugar plum fairies. Performances run until December 23 and tickets at the Long Center for the Performing Arts are $12 - $68. For information call (512) 476-9151.

Enjoy a perennial New York City favorite with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, including the world famous Rockettes. Austin is one of 18 cities nationwide to host the Madison Square Garden Entertainment production, which is at the Frank Erwin Center December 30 and 31. Tickets are $25, $49 and $72 and would make a memorable Christmas gift. For information call (512) 471-7744.

A little off the beaten path is the Hill Country Galleria on Highway 71, which has performances featuring local talent every weekend at the amphitheater. Bring your own camera for a free picture with Santa in front of the thirty-six foot Christmas tree Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 6 p.m.. Or, bundle up on these cool December evenings and head to The Domain, off North Mopac, to sip hot chocolate at the large outdoor fireplace. Families can stroll the brightly decorated lanes of shopping and restaurants at this outdoor venue with the appealing feel of a village.

An Austin favorite for the last 26 years is the Trail of Lights Festival in Zilker Park. This free event runs every night from December 14th to December 23rd, 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. It is worth the crowds to see the 1.25 miles of 41 continuous light displays. There are also crafts, food, entertainment and a holiday train ride. A good meeting spot for friends and family is under the 155 feet tall Zilker Tree and it's fun to warm up and enjoy a treat by the giant Yule Log. Because the Trail of Lights does get crowded, it's a good idea to plan ahead on transportation and parking. There is limited on-site parking for $15/car, but there are also shuttles from Waterloo Park. For more information on parking and street closures call (512) 416-5700.

Immerse the family in a day of holiday festivities at Schlitterbahn's inaugural "Hill Country Christmas" in New Braunfels. Attractions include a display of one million lights, shows, carolers, ice skating, food and shopping. The event runs until January 4 and ticket prices are $12.99 - $14.99 with free parking.

As a recent study by Harvard professor Nicholas Christakis showed, happiness is contagious. It really can help relieve the stress of the holidays by putting on smile and going out to have a good time. Consider it a gift to yourself.





Ki is a realtor working in the central Austin real estate market. His site provides a free graphical search of the Austin MLS. His site also provided information and stats on Austin real estate and Round Rock real estate.

Labor Day weekend in Austin this year promises every imaginable kind of activity, with something for everyone, young and old, in the works. Some choices for end of summer fun locally include Texas Longhorn events, the Austin Bat Fest, and a day of yoga, among other celebrations. If you’re a sports fan, the Texas Longhorns are playing a home game the Saturday before Labor Day, and the game will be held in Darrel K. Royal Memorial Stadium, as usual. The beginning of Longhorn football season in Austin is always a day filled with excitement and anticipation, and this year is no different from any other, so get out your burnt orange and white clothing and head to the U.T. campus for a day of competition and rivalry.

Another popular event is being organized for its fourth year this year, the 4th Annual Austin Bat Fest, which will be held on and around the Ann Richards Bridge Saturday and Sunday prior to Labor Day. This event promises various activities, musical performances, a diverse choice of food and drink, and many other family-oriented arts, crafts, educational displays, and other bat-related festivities. The estimated attendance for BatFest is about 40,000 spectators and participants, so come early to see and hear thirty different musical acts perform on two different stages and watch as over 1.5 million Mexican free tail bats soar over the clear waters of Lady Bird Lake and the Austin skyline. This event partially supports the bats and their colony under the downtown bridge and admittance is just $5.00, so come out and see what all is being offered at the 150 different booths which will be set up in the festival area, on the Congress Avenue Bridge, which was recently renamed to honor former Texas Governor Ann Richards. While there, you can sample the different cuisines or enjoy shopping among the numerous offerings of stained glass, pottery, art objects, photography, jewelry, fine art, and other eclectic goods being sold at the festival. The event will remain open until midnight Saturday night and ten p.m. Sunday night, so there will be plenty of time to shop and celebrate during this event.

Another sporting event being held over the Labor Day weekend in the Austin area is the 7th annual Labor Day Cup, which is a soccer tournament for children which serves as a kind of practice for the coming season, and this event is being sponsored by Nike this year and promises fun for all. The games are being played at fields throughout the Austin area and the tournament is being organized by the Lonestar Soccer Club. In addition to the soccer tournament, a tennis tournament is also being held over Labor Day weekend in the Austin area, and those interested in participating may sign up online for both the soccer tournament and the tennis tournament, which is affiliated with the U.S. Tennis Association.

A free day of Yoga is being held again this year on Labor Day too, as it has been since 1999, and this event is the perfect opportunity to learn the different styles of yoga as well as become familiar with different teachers and studios, at an inviting price: free! The classes are being held at studios across town, and some individual studios are offering food and drinks after the classes as well, and participants are invited to stay, relax and enjoy the day.

Many water-related parties are also on tap, and one of these events is the Splash Days event which celebrates the gay community and includes an “adult swim” party with D.J.s and a dance. Some of the related activities will be held at a downtown hotel and a schedule is available online for this event too.

There are many other smaller events being held, and many celebrations on and around Lake Travis as well as Lake Austin, with cookouts being planned in local parks and other facilities. However, it is important to remember that motorized water c rafts are prohibited on some area lakes during the holiday, and the waters of Lake Travis are very low this year, so boaters are being advised to use caution when boating in area lakes at this time. There are many other choices of activities in the Austin area, and since the Labor Day weekend marks the end of the lazy days of summer and a return to school for the kids, use your time wisely and enjoy the day relaxing, celebrating, and having fun, since you won’t get another chance until next year!

Ki is a real estate broker in Austin. His maintains a site focused on Austin real estate which provides a graphical search of the Austin MLS. In addition he provides market updates on his Austin real estate blog.

Looking for something fun in Austin to do this New Year’s? Tired of late night drunken parties? Perhaps looking something a bit more kid and family friendly? Why not check out First Night Austin? Every December 31st the streets of downtown Austin Texas are transformed into a free performance and visual arts bizarre. The best part is that it is all free. The tradition of bringing in the New Year with a city wide celebration of the arts began in Boston in 1976. Since then, the idea has spread like wildfire to over 120 cities and communities throughout the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. While the first celebration in Boston brought in 60,000 people, now First Night brings in over a million people worldwide. This year the Austin festivities begin at 3pm and continue until just past midnight. There are many stages and events throughout downtown Austin. You may want to start you day over at Auditorium Shores where you could check out the Giant Games furnished by the Austin Children’s Museum. Later in the day the Trouble Puppet Theatre Company will be performing its show "Alchemy and the Wheel of Destiny.” If you enjoy the puppet you may want to head over to the Austin Children’s Museum where the United Way will be hosting a Puppet Making Workshop. What are the RoboSpinArt and the Pongonator? You’ll have to check it out for yourself. The project by the Robot Group will be on display all day at the Buford Tower on Caesar Chavez. The largest concentration of events will take place at the Austin City Hall Plaza on Second Street where Mayor Will Wynn will kick in the New Year at 7:30pm. On the headline stage you can check out a Persian Dance group, music by the Asylum Street Spankers, the Golden Arm Trio Brass Band presenting the work of Graham Reynolds, and Drum Jam. This is also the place to be for the midnight fireworks display. Inside City Hall, the Theatre Action Project takes over the Boards and Commissions Room with their Peace Crane Project. In the Council Chamber you can expect performances by the Chinese School of Dance, the Austin Vocal Arts Ensemble, the Austin Chamber Ensemble, and the Austin Wind Symphony. Whatever you do, be sure not to miss the Grand Processional. This giant parade takes over Congress Avenue at 6:15pm. You’ll be able to see pieces of almost all of the performances as well floats and the infamous "Celebrity Pedi-cab Race." New for this year the HBMG’s Creativity Incubator presents a theatrical showcase underneath the South First Street Bridge. Highlights of the showcase include "The Leash: A Psychedelic Western Operatta” by the Rude Mechanicals and The Debutantes and Vegabonds presentation of "Hubris.” So why not come out this year and join your fellow Austinites in bringing in the New Year with the new tradition of First Night Austin. There are certainly plenty of good times to be had and this year’s offering includes something for everyone. Ki is a realty professional in Austin Texas. His site covers the Austin real estate market and has a search of the Austin MLS for visitors. He also has a blog where buyers can keep up to date on the latest Austin real estate news.

Like most towns during the holiday season, Austin brings out their festive lights. However, there are two areas in town known for displaying an awesome array of lights- 37th Street, and the Trail of Lights in Zilker Park.

Starting back in the early 80s, neighbors on 37th Street in Hyde Park came together to create a completely unique Christmas light experience that is creative, wacky, and fun- what today would be deemed as, "Keeping Austin Weird." Resident Jamie Lipman began wildly decorating his home, and his neighbors followed suit. Discarded motorcycles have been wrapped in hundreds of lights, bushes were sculpted into automobiles (including headlights), BBQ cookout scenes were created, and several strands of lights crisscrossed the street. From the rooftop of one house, massive amounts of lights were strung, and every 5 minutes a volcano "erupted" with a cloud of smoke, and the lights turned red, mimicking lava pouring down a mountain. Lipman would go all out, decorating his front and backyard, with thousands of lights, and covering his home in black plastic to have his homemade creations show up better and brighter.

Though the street has gained national attention for its creativity, it has gone through many changes in recent years. Old residents have moved out, and a new crowd moved in. Even Lipman himself moved from 37th Street last year, though he has offered to come back and help set up his famous lights. Time will tell if the new neighbors will keep the spirit of 37th Street alive.

Boasting 300,000 lights, The Trail of Lights is put on by the city of Austin, and grows bigger every year. The Trail of Lights was originally named "Yule Fest" in 1965, and is a one mile strip of static and moving displays located in Zilker Park. "The 12 Days of Christmas" display was the first created, and still holds a prominent position at the beginning of the trail. Many of the beautiful craggy oak trees have brightly colored lights from the bottom of their trunks to the tips of their highest branches. Along with the 43 lighted displays, shops selling trinkets, hot food and apple cider dot the trail. A variety of local dance troupes perform on the entertainment stage, Santa holds court for a throng of youngsters, and a massive Yule log burns night after night.

For most visitors to the Trail of Lights, their trip begins or ends at the Zilker Tree. Located just south of the trail, the Zilker Tree stands 155 feet tall, and is not really a tree at all, but one of Austin's original moonlight towers. The towers were erected in 1894 as the city's first illumination system, and 17 of the original 31 still stand. The tree hosts 3,309 lights, and children and adults alike can be found underneath the tree with their heads up staring at the lights, and spinning in circles until they crash to the ground. This year's tree lighting ceremony will be held on December 2nd at 6pm, with the Trail of Lights open evenings through December 31st.

If you are interested in Austin you can find information on Ki's Austin Real Estate Blog. Ki's site also is filled with information about the Austin real estate market along with a search of the Austin MLS for Austin Homes.