​The Texas ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday is an annual event designed to promote energy efficiency and conservation. Originating in 2008, this holiday typically takes place over Memorial Day weekend, from Saturday to Monday. During this period, qualifying ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and products, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and lighting, are exempt from state sales tax. Texans are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to purchase energy-efficient items, saving money and reducing their environmental impact. The holiday serves as a reminder of the importance of adopting sustainable practices, making choices that benefit both the pocket and the planet.

Website: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/96-1331.php
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​​The Texas Water-Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday is an annual event that encourages water conservation and sustainability. Originating in 2008, it takes place during Memorial Day weekend, running from Saturday to Monday. During this period, shoppers can purchase certain water-efficient products, such as low-flow toilets, showerheads, and irrigation systems, without paying sales tax. The holiday aims to promote awareness about water conservation in a state often facing drought conditions. By incentivizing the purchase of water-efficient items, it seeks to empower individuals to contribute to water preservation efforts and build a more sustainable future for Texas and its natural resources.

Website: ​https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-1018.php

Aba Austin
Aba, a Hebrew word for "father," is the name of a Mediterranean restaurant called ABA Austin. It is located in the South Congress Avenue (SOCO) area and offers a cozy seating, pleasant environment, and an ambient atmosphere, making it an ideal place for a quiet brunch date. ABA Austin is a part of a restaurant chain that is also present in Chicago and Miami. The menu features Chef CJ Jacobson's contemporary approach to Mediterranean cuisine, who won Top Chef Duels in 2014.​

Aba Austin
​Address: 1011 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Web: abarestaurants.com

Elizabeth Street Café
Elizabeth Street Cafe is a Vietnamese French restaurant on Elizabeth Street, south of Austin. Lunch and dinner are served on weekdays, and open at 8 o'clock on Saturday and Sunday morning, offering exquisite breakfast. We recommend Vietnamese coffee, tea, Pork Belly Steamed Buns, Pho, Spring Roll and Banh mi made of French baguettes.

Elizabeth Street Café
Address: 1501 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
Time: Mon-Fri 11:00am-10pm, Sat-Sun 8:00am-10pm (Menu)
Official website: elizabethstreetcafe.com/austin

First Watch 
First Watch is a great spot for casual brunch meetings, offering an extensive menu that includes healthy options.
Web: https://www.firstwatch.com/

La Madeleine 
La Madeleine offers a French breakfast complete with croissants, coffee, and egg dishes. The casual ambiance is laid-back and perfect for a morning chat.
Web:https://lamadeleine.com

Shortcuts help improve our productivity. The following are the top 20 shortcuts for MacBook users: 

1. Command + Space turns on the spotlight search, which helps find anything on the MacBook. We can also use the window to do simple calculations like using a calculator. 
2. Option + Close After we open many images in the Preview application, we can close all of them by clicking on the Close with the Option key. 
3. Command-Option-Shift-V is different from Command+V because it pastes the Text without the format. 
4. Command+i Opens the files info dialog to check the file created and modified time and update to which application should be used to open the file (and the type of files with select the Change All option). 
5. Command+Control+Shirt+4 takes screenshots of selected areas to Clipboard. Command+Shirt+4 takes screenshots of the chosen location and saves them as a file to a specified folder. Command+Shift+5 open screenshot/recording options with location selected. 
6. Command+Control+Space opens the Emoji window where we can search and add Emojis. 

Settings are necessary to keep the computer delivering the proper function. The following are the top settings: 

1. In the Finder | View menu, choose Show Path Bar and Show Status Bar. Those two bars give useful folder hierarchy and details while navigating the files system. 
2. In the Keyboard Preferences | Text, add text replacement for frequently used text input such as emails and popular emojis. For example, I put sukeeteatime.com as ".st," so I don't have to type the full address later. 

I recently joined a hiking group where we must purchase gear and clothing to make our hikes easier. Our group typically buys high-end brands like Solomon for hiking shoes, Black Diamond for hiking poles, and Arc'teryx for clothes. However, as I considered our gear choices, I wondered about the relationship between our preferences and our group's social dynamics. In today's chat, let's explore the motivations behind our buying habits and examine the psychological implications.

Is it important to choose a brand that aligns with our aesthetic preferences and lifestyle? Yes, it is! Everyone deserves to use high-quality products that make us feel comfortable and satisfied, as long as they are affordable. We shouldn't feel guilty if we prefer certain brands or high-quality products.

However, do we need to be mindful of social dynamics? Yes, we do! While choosing high-quality brands that align with our aesthetic taste and lifestyle is perfectly valid, we should also be aware of the deeper psychological implications. The issue arises when these purchases are driven by a desire to feel superior to others, a form of conspicuous consumption that can strain the fabric of our group dynamics. We need to be aware of an intricate dance of aesthetics, functionality, and social status. 

Do we need to be cautious? Yes, we do. When we buy things to feel superior to others, it's called conspicuous consumption. This behavior suggests buying something for personal enjoyment and flaunting our status or keeping up with others. This phenomenon was first identified in 1899 by Thorstein Veblen in his influential book "The Theory of the Leisure Class." It is often overlooked but can explain more of our consumer behavior than we realize. It can become problematic if it causes additional group pressure and overshadows the more meaningful aspects of our interactions and shared experiences.

What's important? We need to focus on building meaningful relationships. Amidst this backdrop of brand-dominated choices, it's crucial to refocus on what truly binds us as a hiking group. It's not the logo on our gear but the shared love for nature, the camaraderie, and the collective experiences that forge lasting bonds. Fostering an environment where everyone feels valued regardless of their gear choices is essential. We need to cultivate a culture that prioritizes experiences and relationships over material symbols of status.

Reflecting on this subject can help us grow personally. By recognizing and moving beyond the superficial appeal of brands, we can build a more inclusive and fulfilling group dynamic. This contemplative journey is not just about what we wear on the trails but about our impact on each other's lives. It is about leaving positive footprints in one another's hearts.