Tarantula in the house
Two years here on Rawhide Trail and I saw my first tarantula in the house today. Two weeks ago it was the second giant centipede. The scorpion count is TNTC - medical shorthand for too numerous to count.
My last days here in Austin are bittersweet, and as I look back at the past six-plus years here I see how much I've changed and how many things remain the same.
The bummer about Austin is that unless you are in film, music, IT, or are a graduate of UT, your opportunities are limited. Those are the industries here - lock, stock and barrel. The town is a ridiculously expensive place to live, but oh how I have loved the entertainment and food here.
I've seen musical acts I never ever would have seen in Cincinnati - Richard Thompson, B-52's, JD Souther, Neko Case, Roseann Cash, Raul Malo, Toots and the Maytals, Kris Kristofferson (howdy do to you too Mr. Kristofferson), Gordon Lightfoot ...
My love affair with Texas music remains strong and will never end with Guy Clark, Cory Morrow, Joe Ely, Bob Schneider, Dixie Chicks, Eliza Gilkyson, Lucinda Williams, Will Taylor, Ruthie Foster, Shawn Colvin, Patty Griffin, Toni Price, Gary P. Nunn (he gave me his home phone number in 2005!), Jerry Jeff Walker, Robert Earl Keen, (and what IS it with three-named men??). And Willie Nelson is just C-O-O-L, got it?
Thank goodness for You Tube and Waterloo Records.
My big surprise, musical act-wise, was that I thought I'd see Lyle Lovett more often - not so. He comes to town a lot, but he doesn't play often except for exclusive private parties here and there. I saw him annually in Cincinnati and only twice in Austin since I've been here.
And my love-hate relationship with ACL Festival - you hot, dirty, exhausting music whore. I don't think I ever did the full three days any year. Tip to the Austin people: Learn how to grow some grass in Zilker Park and plant some freaking trees. Maybe add a bench or two?
I still say "you guys" more often than I say "y'all" - y'all just doesn't sound or look right in a business email, but I see it every day. You guys is a dead Yankee give away.
I still care too much about what people think, but definitely have more of a "to hell with ya then" groove. I am way more laid back, but occasionally the Yankee "hurry up- are you that freaking stupid" edge creeps up.
I still don't get the fancy coffee Starbucks thing - very much a status thing in Austin. I do, however, buy fair-trade beans and grind them up.
I never did buy a pair of cowboy boots (not in the Austin budget), nor have I danced a Texas waltz with a big, strong, tall cowboy.
Note to the cowboys - I'm here until around the Fourth of July and I'd still like that dance... any takers?
My last days here in Austin are bittersweet, and as I look back at the past six-plus years here I see how much I've changed and how many things remain the same.
The bummer about Austin is that unless you are in film, music, IT, or are a graduate of UT, your opportunities are limited. Those are the industries here - lock, stock and barrel. The town is a ridiculously expensive place to live, but oh how I have loved the entertainment and food here.
I've seen musical acts I never ever would have seen in Cincinnati - Richard Thompson, B-52's, JD Souther, Neko Case, Roseann Cash, Raul Malo, Toots and the Maytals, Kris Kristofferson (howdy do to you too Mr. Kristofferson), Gordon Lightfoot ...
My love affair with Texas music remains strong and will never end with Guy Clark, Cory Morrow, Joe Ely, Bob Schneider, Dixie Chicks, Eliza Gilkyson, Lucinda Williams, Will Taylor, Ruthie Foster, Shawn Colvin, Patty Griffin, Toni Price, Gary P. Nunn (he gave me his home phone number in 2005!), Jerry Jeff Walker, Robert Earl Keen, (and what IS it with three-named men??). And Willie Nelson is just C-O-O-L, got it?
Thank goodness for You Tube and Waterloo Records.
My big surprise, musical act-wise, was that I thought I'd see Lyle Lovett more often - not so. He comes to town a lot, but he doesn't play often except for exclusive private parties here and there. I saw him annually in Cincinnati and only twice in Austin since I've been here.
And my love-hate relationship with ACL Festival - you hot, dirty, exhausting music whore. I don't think I ever did the full three days any year. Tip to the Austin people: Learn how to grow some grass in Zilker Park and plant some freaking trees. Maybe add a bench or two?
I still say "you guys" more often than I say "y'all" - y'all just doesn't sound or look right in a business email, but I see it every day. You guys is a dead Yankee give away.
I still care too much about what people think, but definitely have more of a "to hell with ya then" groove. I am way more laid back, but occasionally the Yankee "hurry up- are you that freaking stupid" edge creeps up.
I still don't get the fancy coffee Starbucks thing - very much a status thing in Austin. I do, however, buy fair-trade beans and grind them up.
I never did buy a pair of cowboy boots (not in the Austin budget), nor have I danced a Texas waltz with a big, strong, tall cowboy.
Note to the cowboys - I'm here until around the Fourth of July and I'd still like that dance... any takers?
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