A Reflection on Austin

I'm almost halfway done with my college career, thus I've lived in Austin for almost two years. I have a love/hate relationship with this city. Mostly love, occasionally hate. 

One thing to love about Austin is that it is never boring. Sometimes when school is slow (though that doesn't happen often) I sit around thinking I'm bored. But then I think I'm crazy - I live in one of the most exciting places in the country, in the world maybe, so I should never be bored here. I can go outside and explore, go try food I wouldn't normally eat, shop and look around the eclectic stores, and of course, eat a lot of dessert. Austin is constantly moving from on thing to the next. There is always another festival, another show, another concert. There's no time to be bored.

^ Feeling on top of the world at Mt. Bonnell

^ Jacoby's Restaurant and Mercantile

The food in Austin is nothing short of incredible. Whether you want Mexican food or brunch, you will not be disappointed. Whenever I go home to Dallas for summer, I can't help but miss my favorite restaurants back in Austin (I'm looking at you, Homeslice). Shockingly, I haven't gained much weight since I've moved to Austin, thanks in part to all of the walking around campus. I constantly apologize to my family for the money I spend on food - forget clothes and shoes, food is the thing burning a hole in my pocket. The stories behind several of Austin restaurant's are almost as good as the food. 

One thing is for sure about Austin: It is a weird, weird place. People continue to "Keep Austin Weird" every single day. My world has grown immensely since moving here. Back home in my bubble of the town I grew up in, I felt safe and comfortable. Here in Austin, I may often feel uncomfortable and maybe even a little scared, but I have learned about other people and ways of life. It is a good kind of scared and lack of comfort that I feel. I will forever be thankful for all of the weird things I have witnessed in this city. It has shown me there is a world beyond the home I grew up in and people experiencing many different walks of life. I strongly believe everyone needs to move away from home to a place much different than the place they grew up in and experience life there. Though Austin may only be 350 miles from Dallas, it is much, much different - a different I know now I desperately needed. 

One of the biggest downsides of Austin is the traffic. It. is. horrible. If you have to drive somewhere 10 minutes away, you better leave at least half an hour earlier than planned if you'd like to be there even remotely on time. But if that's the only downside to Austin, I guess I can sit in traffic a little bit longer. 

The only other thing wrong with Austin? It's not where my family is. I miss my family and dogs every single day, and to be honest, I think about driving home quite often. As amazing as Austin is, it will never fill the hole that is my family.

I always loved playing outside when I was younger, but as I got older, I couldn't care less about spending time outside. But when I came to school here, I realized pretty quickly how wonderful being outdoors is in Austin. I often sit inside doing homework or relaxing and feel guilty that I'm wasting such a beautiful day away. I try and get out as much as possible, even if that means just putting a blanket on the front lawn and read a book. The trees and water and green grass and trails are meant to be enjoyed - I hope I spend much more time outside during my last two years of college. 

Austin is an incredible, beautiful place. As much as I'd like to say I came to UT because it is an amazing school, I wanted to go to UT so I could live in Austin. Here I am, two years in Austin, and I am so glad I picked this place to be my second home. Austin, keep on being weird. Weird is good.

In a Rut

^ I'm currently studying at the TOMS coffee shop on South Congress, trying to motivate myself with some coffee and cool vibes. 

I have been in such a rut lately. I don't know if it has to do with the somber weather in Austin or me waiting for this semester to end, but I can't seem to get out of it. Last week, I went home to surprise my mom for her birthday in the middle of the week. I was planning on being home for less than 24 hours, but after I got a fever, that 24 hour hour trip turned into a 4 day stay. I was so happy I was home when I was sick... I would not have made it in the quad pod in my bunk bed with a fever. Not to mention, I got to spend more time with the people I love most! I was unexpectedly so so so happy to be home. As soon as I got back to Austin, I was immediately home sick. And ever since then, I've been is this rut, as mentioned above. Any advice on how to get out it? I also feel so unmotivated to do any school work... Summer, it's time. It's time for you to get here!

I think I'm in desperate need of some sunshine and fun. The weather in Austin has been gloomy these past few days, and when the sun came out for a couple of hours, I was instantly a little bit happier. I also think I need my people around me, like John and my family. When I'm with them, my days are so much better. Thankfully, this weekend my mom and my grandma will be in town for Mom's Weekend. We plan on shopping, drinking a lot of margaritas and brunchin'. Maybe it's exactly what I need!

March

GUYS, March was amazing!!!

So I turned 21 on March 22!!! It was one of the greatest birthdays ever. My friends were amazing and  did so much for me. I got my first margarita at Fuzzy's with my mom, John and Emily! It was so fun getting to say "One strawberry margarita please!" and whip out my ID. I made sure to tell the waitress it was my first time ordering a drink! She even threw in a free chips and queso for me :)

My sweet, sweet friends got me a cake and little happy birthday banner to take pictures in front of. I felt so special having friends around me celebrating me! Later we went to dinner and I may or may not have had a little too much to drink... that's the only way to turn 21, am I right? Thanks margaritas and tequila!

The best part of it all was that John got to come to Austin!!! He spent two full days here and it was the best two days. We walked around campus and he met a lot of my friends. I think they liked him :) He's such an important part of my life that it's always great to show him my life here in Austin. By the end of the week I was begging him to transfer here! It was nice having a boy around to carry my things to and from the car, hehe. I love him so much and felt so special that he came all the way to Austin for me! It was the greatest birthday gift. The day after my birthday, we even went to the Ben Rector concert together. Ben Rector is one of my faves and having John with me made it even more incredible. We danced and smiled all night - it was awesome. 

^ Just a couple of pics to show my love for Anna!!!

This weekend was Round Up here at UT. Round Up is definitely not my scene, but hey, I tried! After one day of Round Up, I was ready for a day of sleeping and rest. This past month was crazy. March is always the best month, but the busiest month. It's been a beautiful couple of weeks and I can't wait to see what April has in store. 

Hey There

^ my own personal R2!

Hey there, it's been a while huh?

It's sad when I can't really think of anything to write about... it's been all about school here lately, nothing too exciting. I get the urge to write a blog post and when I sit down to write it, I can't think of anything to say. I need some inspiration I guess.

Thankfully, exciting things are coming my way! Spring break, John's birthday and my 21st birthday!!! John and my family are coming to Austin to celebrate and I couldn't be more excited. I'm already planning it and it's still a month away! Also, I can't wait for margaritas ;)

A couple things that have been fun lately: Emily and I went and checked out a Star Wars mural she found! We were definitely freaking out about it. I've been reading books that aren't related to school which I've been pretty thrilled about. Anna and I went biking around Town Lake a couple of weeks ago! It was beautiful and I even did some exercise, which is very unusual if you know me. And finally, this weekend my parent's are coming to Austin to visit me. I haven't been home since winter break and won't be home till spring break, so I've been really home sick. Seeing them will be so nice! I'm looking forward to seeing people that aren't students, haha. 

With so many exciting things coming up, I'm looking forward to some writing inspiration. 

The Best We Can

^ love yourself!!!

My roommate said something the other day that's been on my mind lately. She reminded me that it's easy to get annoyed, frustrated and angry with ourselves and other people. But, it is so important to remember this one thing: We're doing the best we can. 

With people, I tend to wonder why they do something a certain way or why they can't just do this one thing I asked. I criticize and assume I'm always right. But really, I'm so wrong. These people are doing the best they can do. No one does things maliciously to hurt me - they have their own life and their own struggles and their own battles. I need to understand that they can't always help me with my own. They are just doing the best they can. 

And with me... well, I am so hard on myself. Everything I do I question. I seek approval from all the wrong people and try my hardest to be what people want me to be. I knock myself down and inevitably struggle to pick myself back up. But here's the thing I have to realize: I'm doing the best I can. Even when I fail miserably, I tried and I tried my best. I won't get the acceptance I may want from other people and I can't continue to beat myself up for it. There is nothing wrong with me - I was wonderfully and beautifully made. So here's to reminding myself today and everyday that hey, you're doing the best you can. 

I found this really cool 18 day challenge online. Can you go 18 days without saying anything negative about yourself? It will be a struggle, but let's see if we can do it!

18 Day Challenge

Too Cool for School

I'm back at school and these past two weeks have been interesting. I'm definitely happy to be back - I still firmly believe I go to the best university in the world. But, my homesickness is alive and well. I had such a long and good break at home that it's been hard to adjust back to my school life.

My classes are alright, nothing too great and nothing too horrible! I originally was enrolled in biology. The second day of class I almost broke out into tears because I had no idea what the professor was teaching. It was almost comical... like what the heck is a mitochondria?! I ended up dropping the class that day and it was probably the best decision of my semester thus far. One down side is that I've been pretty spoiled with having no Friday classes the past two semesters, but now I do. Waking up this morning was tough.

Last week, Emily and I met up with my mom and grandma in Waco to visit the Magnolia Market. It was adorable! Sadly, Joanna and Chip weren't there, but maybe next time. When I was considering going to Baylor, I was hesitant because Waco seemed so boring. But, Waco has so much more to offer than what people think! It was actually so cute and had an awesome small town feel. Sorry for writing you off so quickly, Waco! And seeing my mom and grandma was perfect. I had only been gone  a week, but already I missed them so much!

Last night we had a date dash downtown. It's not very fun sometimes, considering I have to dash dateless (where are you John?!) but getting to see my sisters is always great. We got some voodoo donuts afterwards too, so how could I not enjoy that?

Today, I'm trying to enjoy the beautiful weather Austin is experiencing. I'm at Mozart's coffee shop with Emily and Anna getting some work done (them, work. Me, not much work). Birds keeping pooping on us so we're now at our third different table trying to get away from. Wish us luck!

A Break

This break has been so, so good. I've done everything I've wanted to do - from sleeping a lot, reading, and spending time with my family and John. I've been here since December 10, but I'm still not quite ready to go back. I'm looking forward to this next semester, but breaks are always so nice.

My family got a new fire pit in the backyard, so there has been a lot of sitting around the fire and s'mores. We've never had a pool or anything, so it's been so nice having a reason to sit outside and enjoy the weather. We have so much fun together... I love our sense of humor! They make me laugh so stinkin' hard.

I'm kind of (okay completely) obsessed with my dogs. They might just be my hardest goodbye!

The weather over this break has been pretty crazy. It's been unseasonably warm. I'm a winter kind of girl, so I haven't been too thrilled that I haven't been able to wear my beanies and warmest winter sweaters. 

^ ew, PDA!!!!

I love this boy. We've been spending so much time together and it's been great. This break he even got me into Star Wars (I thought I'd never say that). We've had a lot of down time just hanging out and talking. He's my best friend! I've been trying not to think about leaving him in just a few days...

I feel so lucky I get to back to this school on Sunday. I'm going to be crying as I leave Dallas, I'm sure, but at least I get to go back to a place I truly love.