I kinda really like Austin.
The weather — at least since I got here on Tuesday — has been perfect. The beer is good. The food is yummy. And most importantly, the people are awesome (hi, César and Rachelle, Erica and Soren, Victor, David and Jay).
My trip to Austin was cut short due to crazy weather on the Dallas end. I feel like I’m rushed trying to get in a minute or two with all the cool people I know and “know” (via the internets). I’ve “known” some of these people for close to 4 years. Four years! It’s a little weird to finally meet, but also really cool. You can just talk about life or throw Vulcan and Westside signs outside of a hipster East Austin bar/café (okay, I think it’s really weird to have a place where you can buy both beer and coffee… crazy!).
Some of the others on my list of awesome people are friends from graduate school. They were pseudo-mentors who helped me figure out how to do something using SPSS (a statistical program), motivated me when I really wanted to leave the program, or just listened to me blabber on about some guy. I’m really grateful for their friendship.
My host tried to recruit me to move out here like she did. I asked if she gives the Austin sales pitch to everyone who visits. She responded, “no, only the good people.”
I don’t know where I’ll end up after grad school. I’ve never ruled out moving out of California when I begin my professional career (not that I know what that will be), but I know no place will measure up to LA.
I miss home. Eight more days.
Lotería Chicana 
They say There’s no place like home.
I guess that rings true right about now, ehh?
I hate SPSS, but I can get you a bootlegged one if you need it. Full version and everything.
i need the bootleg spss and help from cindy! i used to live in austin and it’s a great city. it’s like a little piece of california in the heart of texas. hope you made it out to the salt lick for their peach cobbler.
I wanna get back out to LA soon. The last time I was there was for a conference, so I didn’t get to see as much of the city as I would have liked. Here’s what I’m listening to right now http://www.sendspace.com/file/b8oja9. I’d love to move out there, but its too far away from home…
Cindylu,
You know there’s a sayin’ around these parts that goes: “I’m not from Austin, but I got here as fast as I could!” I think Austin would love to have you here. Your friend was right, we want the good people to move here, fuera con los yuppies.
As a Téjano, I’m not sure I agree with Austin being anything like California. I think Austin is all its own. But a true lover of Texas we’ll see how incredibly lacking in charm Austin can be… I prefer other parts of Texas, definitely all its own.
I had fun talkin’ life and flashin’ signs… you’re always welcomed here. 🙂
How did the panel go at NACCS?
I was only able to see some of Jake’s presentation…
Also, Austin was nice and warm then the Midwest!!
c/s