Crush-Out Austin: Layne Tanner
It's the Orange-Hat Bike Messenger guy, or the Saturday Hatha instructor at YogaYoga South. It's one of the Lone Star Rollergirls, or the red-haired guy who works the counter at the Whole Foods.
It's your local secret crush.
After a reader request, our recurring interview series continues with a chatting up of "the adorable Maggie Gyllenhaal-looking ice cream scooper at Amy's on 6th street". And - on the heels of our interview with the Hideout coffee guy - it's looking like Austin's coffee and ice cream shops are staffed by modest, fascinating people.
She's the requisite amount of humble about her status as this edition's featured crush - Layne Tanner.
What do you do when you aren't working at Amy's?
When am I not working at Amy's? Actually, I have two days off a week and I treasure them. I usually spend my time swimming, bbq-ing with friends, and drinking too much. I drink. A lot. And I'm 25, so I'm past the age of blaming it on "college days". I will say that I don't necessarily get drunk often, I just enjoy the pint after work a little too much.
What was the last book or periodical you read?
I've been reading Preacher, the amazing graphic novel/comic by Garth Ennis. Yes, I'm a comic book geek. I admit it. Few people know that about it me or never think to ask because, I guess, I'm female.
I'm also a fan of X-Men, Spiderman, and some of the independent, less mainstream novels. Beyond comics, I'm also currently reading The Fountainhead.
*Layne's favorite albums and her love of Leslie are explained after the jump.*
So. Here is the required annoying record/album question. Tell us about your three all-time favorites and a recent find.
Number one would have to be Neutral Milk Hotel's In the Aeroplane Over the Sea. Lovely, lovely stuff.
Number two is Nick Drake's Pink Moon, although not-so-great an album for a hot Texas summer. Nick Drake makes me want to make-out with winter. Does that make sense?
Number three... Jesus, I don't know. Chet Baker is a favorite. I think that Devendra Banhart's song "A Ribbon" is one of the sexiest songs ever. Currently, I'm listening to a semi-new band called Tilly and the Wall. They'll make you love the world again. Or, rather, they do that for me.
What was the last thing you saw that really made you think?
Those anti-smoking Truth commercials always make me want a cigarette.
Do you have any siblings?
Yes, I have an older brother, an older sister, and a younger sister. My brother lives in Omaha, NE and my sisters live in Florida. We're all very close in age. Our Christmas/Summer vacations consist of drinking, smoking, dancing and laughing at all of our horrible sibling inside jokes. No one understands us when we're all together. Our conversations consist of one-liners and stupid animal noises, which make us laugh until we cry. I have a wonderful family.
What is your hometown?
Orange Park, Florida, which was/is Lynyrd Skynyrd's hometown. It's a little suburb outside of Jacksonville, on the north east side of Florida. It's really an extension of Georgia, but with beach towns and fewer confederate flags.
Where did you live before Austin?
Tyler, TX. I don't want to talk about that. Yeah.
What is your favorite place to grab some food?
Zen. Can't get enough of the ol' hibachi bowl and sushi.
What is your favorite mascot and why?
When I think of a mascot, Leslie comes to mind. He's Austin's mascot. I wish I had that man's legs.
What is a guilty pleasure of yours?
Ahhh, now I'm giving away all of my secrets. I love to watch Japanese television. Not anime, necessarily, but Japanese drama and comedy with live actors and cheesy story lines. God, that sounds weird.
Do a lot of people tell you that you look like Maggie Gyllenhaal? What do you think?
I hear it almost every single day. It's flattering, but sometimes it gets a little old. People will say things like "You look like that chick from Secretary" and then stare at my breasts for an awkward amount of time. I'm bracing myself for the day when someone asks me to "assume the position".
What else would you like us to know? This is where you can say if you are single, etc.
I'm currently single but I just ended a three year relationship so I'm not really looking for any phone numbers. I don't know.
When I was a kid, I had an unhealthy obsession with the musical "Cats".
I was a ballet dancer for 11 years.
Back in high school, I dated the lead singer of a now semi-popular punk band, which is something I will forever regret and constantly be reminded of by-way-of bad Verizon commercials and the occasional billboard.
I love olives. I hate pickles.
I love cheese and wine. I hate chocolate.
I was once a graphic/web designer, but now I don't even own a computer. Hm. I think that's all I've got. I am ashamed to admit that I have a myspace account.
Thanks, Layne.
Next up: Austinist gets an excuse to get sloppy on Franziskaner trying to track down "the long-haired Crown and Anchor bartender with all the ink".
Is there someone you've been pining over? Pine no more. Tell us about it, and maybe we'll help you get the deets on your object d'amour.
