Up Where the Air is Clear…

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Today, we went to the Zilker Kite Festival in Zilker Park. I really had a lot of fun. There were times when you would look up and could probably count 500 or more kites in the air, all over the park. It was a neat sight. This picture is actually from the kite festival. It pretty much sums up the entire festival in one picture. Lots of cuteness, but with a little edge to it (notice Captain AC/DC in the background). We parked at Whole Foods then walked down to have a picnic with the kites. Whole Foods and kites really mesh well…at least in Austin.

Moving on…

Speaking of where the air is clear, I’d like to clear the air myself.

Sometimes I get tired of the phrase “I feel so Austin-ey” or “This is such an Austin-ey thing to do.” That was a phrase thrown around a lot today. I said it. Annalee said it. Pretty much everyone who lives here says it. I have to admit that when I’m doing an “Austin-ey” activity, I feel cooler. Much cooler. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t get tired of the whole idea sometimes. Here’s my point:

There is this idea that we live in the most fun place in Texas. We have places like 6th street and the Warehouse District. Zilker Park hosts things like ACL and the Zilker Kite Festival. There’s so much live music and something is going on 24/7. The number of incredible local restaurants is amazing. And you know what? I have to agree, we probably do live in the most fun place in Texas. However, I have decided to release myself from the occasional embarrassment I place upon myself when others look down on me because I have not become a full-fledged Austin resident. Did I just say embarrassed? Keep reading.

I like sitting at home watching movies or reading a book. There are times when I enjoy going to a chain restaurant. I like the convenience of Wal-Mart. Inside activities are just as fun to me as outside activities. I don’t wear thick black-framed glasses and I don’t smoke or drink excessively. I don’t wear all shades of khaki and hiking boots are not in my closet. I see no change in my life when I eat organic food. All of these statements make me an occasionally-embarrassed Austin resident.

So, you will probably not see me running along Town Lake every chance I get. You won’t catch me on 6th street each night of the weekend, closing down the bars. I won’t be drunk in Devil’s Cove and I probably won’t be eating lunch on the drag everyday. Next time you ask how Austin is, don’t throw out a couple of names of places then look utterly surprised and disgusted if I haven’t been there yet. I’m pacing myself. I live in Austin but I’m not quite “Austin-ey.” I like the feeling, I just haven’t bought-in to the lifestyle quite yet.

That said, who doesn’t love this place? Everyone moves here and when people must leave, they have emotional going-away parties. What a great place to be……..and man, that kite thing was a real “Austin-ey” thing to do. (Pat on the back.)

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