Here I am in Leila and Brian’s apartment in Austin. If you know Leila and Brian (and me, for that matter), it won’t be a surprise to you that I’m updating my diary even while visiting friends. They’re the king and queen of computers, or something like that.
I called Kent this afternoon to wish him a happy 21st birthday. I wonder what they are all doing for his birthday tonight. Ah, sometimes I miss Atlanta. When I called, he and Carter were visiting Christina! I’m so jealous that everyone else gets to see her all the time now that she’s moved to Atlanta. I can’t wait to see her later this week! If only I had a car when I go to visit! I don’t know how I’m going to get anywhere without being a nuisance to my friends.
Anyway, it’s been a fun weekend. Leila and I headed half an hour down the road to San Marcos last night to see the Counting Crows at Southwest Texas State University. I believe they use the word “university” rather loosely; I don’t know if I’ve ever seen more girls with less clothing than I saw last night. The audience was really disappointing — it was like when Ben Folds Five came to Georgia Tech, and everyone went just because it was the thing to do that night, not because they were really big fans of the band. There weren’t many big Counting Crows fans there…just a bunch of college students with nothing else to do. But the show was great, and they played some songs from the new album they’re working on, and Adam rambled about a film fest going on this week in Austin. I love how Adam really talks to the audience, telling stories and commenting on life in general. It’s much more entertaining than just saying “hey” like most bands do.
In related Austin news, Brian and I are being way more than civil. (Ha, Kent!) Actually, Brian and I get along just fine, we just like to whine and pick at each other. I like him.
And I’ve decided that I can definitely see why so many people love Austin. It doesn’t quite feel like I’m in Texas anymore! There are hills, for one thing, and it doesn’t seem as hot as it is down by the gulf. It was gorgeous outside today — blue sky, big puffy white clouds, green trees — and the entire city just feels calmer and cleaner than Houston.
We went to this great restaurant called The Salt Lick for lunch. Mmmm, good Texas BBQ. It’s literally in the middle of nowhere; Leila described the way to get there as “you drive until you truly think you must have passed it, until every muscle in your body is telling you to turn the car around…then it’s right around the corner.” We ordered family style dinner, which means they just keep bringing food until you can’t fit anything else in your stomach. It was our one meal for the day, and it was sooooo good.
We then saw “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” at the theater…it was ok. Funny, but definitely just one huge inside joke. If you haven’t seen any of the other Kevin Smith movies, I wouldn’t recommend it. The list of famous people in the cast is impressive at least; I could have done without all the fart jokes but hey, that’s to be expected. Anyway. Ok movie.
Well. I’m gonna go grab something to drink and hang out some more. Tomorrow’s the first football game of the year…and they’re showing it on TV even in Texas!
