Gratitude

Check out this Big Picture spread.

These are photos from the most dangerous countries for women. Really makes this American girl grateful for my life as a woman here in Texas. Also makes me feel like I need to do something with this information. I read an article a few months ago about societies which repress women. A common characteristic of said societies in terrorism and religious fanaticism. Interesting, huh? I guess the question we have to ask ourselves is how to make a place for these women in their respective countries. Micro finance? I don't know... What do you think?

Culture Whore

It's good to be back, close to my family, taking spontaneous road trips, eating avocados everyday, sitting on back porches and balconies, hugging my brothers, and driving home to sunsets over Town Lake. I've been struck by the verdant beauty of Austin. I love seeing people paddle boarding at dusk, with a backdrop of vibrant fuchsia and kelly green trees. I love the old power plant and the train lines that cross the lake. I'm trying to be grateful at all times in everything, present and aware of my blessings here.

But I am, admittedly, a culture whore as my friend Kirsten dubbed it. I miss the foreign, the weird, the uncomfortable, the ancient, the traditional, foreign languages, the architecture, the sea...

A vague plan is stirring in my head - save my money this year and take a trip to Turkey again, maybe visit Beirut.

7 years later

I've put this blog on the back burner since returning to Texas, and I'm hoping to get back to regular blogging soon. I started a new job, am looking for a place to live, and have been really trying to ease into life in Austin again.

I'll write more later, but for now...

The W Hotel set up shop here right after I moved. It's in a honking downtown building whose glass panels have recently begun falling on people who are poolside, on pedestrians, and on cars. I couldn't help but think that this city is getting too big for its britches. Back in school when I studied urban development, my profs were always bitching about Austin's growth and warning us that the city just couldn't sustain it. I can't help but feel that the W situation is some kind of warning sign.

Austin has grown a lot; another 6000 people are projected to make Austin home by the end of the summer. Wah!!! It's too much. When I moved here in 2004, it was way chill and way weird, I crossed the city constantly to go from vintage shops in the south to my yoga studio up north. Now that drive could mean an hour plus sitting in stop-and-go traffic. Before, I didn't spend too long waiting to be seated, even at the most popular restaurants. Since being back I can't even book a reservation because everything is full full full!! Well the times are changing, and I'm sure they'll keep flying by. I'm trying to appreciate Austin as it was and as it is, because you can be certain that another 5 years down the road, it will be an altogether new experience.

No matter where I've traveled or lived, Austin's always been home in my heart, a city that I long for and love and try to convince people to visit. I want it to stay that way.