Nostalgia for my college days, a friend tying the knot and a desire to escape the East Coast took me home to Austin, Texas, a few weeks ago.
Ah, Austin. A city I tired of after four years of never-ending breakfast tacos, heat waves and studying for tests at the University of Texas. After moving to Washington, DC, however, I gained an appreciation for that booming Texan town.
One of the murals off Guadalupe Street I walked by nearly every day during my years at UT Austin.
How can anyone resist frozen margaritas? Warm, breezy days by Lady Bird Lake? A quick walk to the largest state capitol in all the nation? I never realized how great Austin was until I left it behind.
With 5 days in the old Republic, I had to choose my activities wisely. While catching up with old friends, trips to swimming pools, South Congress Avenue and downtown were mandatory. From sun up to sun down, memories became realities – but just temporarily.
I felt young again. I remembered things I’d forgotten long ago, like the first ice cream flavor I ever tried at Amy’s (butter pecan), the way my first dorm room smelled (not the best scent in the world), and Selena’s songs playing proudly in restaurants and bars. It felt like home. When you can wear tank tops to brunches and dinners, all is good in the world.
A necessary photo by Jo’s Coffee on South Congress. The “I love you so much” wall was covered by a sign reading “love wins y’all” in celebration of the Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage.
Now, as I write this post at Starbucks in our nation’s capital (surprise, surprise), I think of all the memories I can make right here. While dreaming of the past and the good ol’ days delivers a rush of positive emotions, it diminishes your current reality. Austin will always have a place in my heart, but from now on, I’ll think of the opportunities Washington, DC, has in store for me.
Here’s to a bright future, y’all!
Yours truly,
Jonathan
Style Over Stress 