So, listen. I grew up in Austin and I’ve always loved it because it’s my hometown. But the truth is, I haven’t always LIKED it very much.
When I was a teenager it was okay but I didn’t really distinguish it from other places because Austin was all I knew. A tiny bit of wanderlust left me feeling trapped and unable to appreciate anything that was truly great about the city.
Later, after living in San Diego for a while and coming back home, the boiling hot summers, traffic and utter lack of Pacific Ocean made Austin seem harsh and oppressive by comparison. Jason moved here in the mid 90s and we had a few good years enjoying the social scene… but that grew stale after a while and eventually we started seriously exploring other places to spend the rest of our lives. The time and the money were just never there, though, so we stayed. Reluctantly. Always with a plan to get out as soon as we could.
And then we had Sam.
Becoming a mom changes everything – anyone who’s done it will tell you that. I’ve changed in a million different ways since Sam came into my life – a million different ways. But one of my favorite things about this mom gig is the fresh perspective it’s given me — particularly when it comes to my surroundings. Particularly when it comes to Austin. It’s not just MY hometown anymore – now it’s Sam’s, too. And seeing it with that new set of eyes has made me realize just low lucky we’ve both got it.
The reason I started this blog was to share this new perspective with you – to maybe remind you, if you live here, how lucky we all are to call this place home. It doesn’t matter who you are, what age, race, religion, sexual preference or walk of life – there’s ALWAYS something to do in Austin. Live music. Festivals. Parks. Lakes. Shows. Dining. FUN. All you have to do is find it.
It’s not perfect – no place is. I still want to hide in my air-conditioned house for most of the summer and the traffic still drives me nuts. But for me, the balance on the scale has tipped and the good far, FAR outweighs the bad. I hope it does for you, too.
I was planning to write a big review of the Zilker Park Kite Festival, which we go to every year and had a wonderful time at this weekend – but honestly, I think the pictures speak for themselves. Scroll down a bit and see the day we had – and then tell me Austin’s not worth it.
The pure joy of laying on a blanket in the middle of Zilker Park, on a beautiful day, and looking up to see your son’s face with a huge smile, surrounded by THOUSANDS of kites in the air – well, for me, that’s Austin.
Take it from someone who knows. If you live in this city but don’t love it, you’re totally doing it wrong.
Love,
Beej
Sadly, we didn’t make it to the festival this year. Looks like you and your family had a great time! And the weather was perfect for hanging out in Zilker Park!
Could NOT agree with you more….not the whole ‘mom’ part, but it is definitely accurate when you say you just take Austin for granted when ya live there….I now see all the cool things there are to do there, things I never did, or knew about, or thought about doing when I lived there….but seeing it all now makes me really long to move back! Thanks for reconfirming I need to need to move back (although San Diego is pretty awesome!).
We at the Exchange Club of Austin are so pleased that you and your family had a wonderful time at our kite fest. It has really grown over the last few years and has almost taken on a life of its own. The pride we feel as the field fills with children, kites, and dogs is thrilling and everyone is pleasant, polite and has a great time. Our small 501(c)3 started this kite fest 83 years ago at the suggestion of Ed J StJohn, the president at the time. The first fest was held on March 10th, 1929 in Lamar Park. Many people think that this is a city sponsored festival, and though we are partnered with PARD for the use of Zilker Field, the Festival is owned and orchestrated by the Exchange Club of Austin. We are a civic organization with about 40 members. Any profits we make, and this year it looks as though we may go into the red, go back into the Austin Community to support many organizations that work for our National Mission “The Prevention of Child Abuse.” We also support other community organizations such as SafePlace, Elder Care, the Boy Scouts, the Capital Area Food Bank and we give scholarships to kids with disabilities who have overcome tremendous challenges, excelled in school and are going on to higher education. We also recognize outstanding volunteers, Fire Fighters, Police Officers, and special community heroes. So when you come out to the field to have a good time you are supporting your community. Thank you for your participation and please tell everyone you know that the Exchange Club of Austin is responsible for the Zilker Park Kite Fest. Best Wishes to you and your loved ones.