Thursday, October 11, 2007

My State Capital

So if you and I went to Dallas Texas, I could take you to all the great restaurants, show you all the fantastic shopping (cheap or expensive but I only do cheap) and drive you down every back road possible. If you needed something special or a certain something for a baby gift, I could tell you where to go (Nordstrom's at Northeast Mall- a lovie blanket for $15.99 and they put it in a beautiful box). The best BBQ (Main Street BBQ in Euless), the best Mexican (La Hacienda Ranch), the best margarita (Esparzas) or the best Target (some are better than others but the one in Grapevine has the best clothes), I could tell you. Market Street has fresh sushi and a great wine selection and really good coffee. Oh and the best chicken salad to use when your hosting a baby shower! Central Market in Southlake has all the ingredients you need when making a Giada De Laurentiis dish (Wal Mart DOES NOT) and Grapevine Mill's Gap Outlet has the best sales on kid's pajamas (probably right now). But if you visited me in Austin, I would know nothing. I'm a Dallas girl. Born in Fort Worth but, a Dallas girl.

Before moving to Austin, I heard people constantly say "If I could live anywhere, it would be there. It's so relaxed. The people are so laid back and it's beautiful (The Hill Country is gorgeous for those of you that are not from Texas)." I am so annoyed now by those people that say my state is flat and ugly. Obviously they don't live in Central Texas because Austin truly is a beautiful place. But, I seem to have a bigger issue lately. My friends back in Dallas (the ones that tell me how much they love Austin and how lucky I am to live here) keep asking if I have been here or been there. They keep talking about all these restaurants and places in Austin that I have not seen. I explain that we are busy and don't venture out much and I hear things like, "You live in Austin and you don't get out much?? But, there's so much to do, so much to see!" Obviously they do not understand the life of THREE kids! :) Well, tomorrow I'm getting out. We have a new family on our Church Planting team (they live a few houses down which is so cool) and even though they are from Tennessee, they know Austin! So she is picking me and the kids up and taking me to Whole Foods! And I must say that I am so thrilled because it's in a really cool area that everyone says I will absolutely love! These friends have also been to Sandra Bullock's Restaurant and a ton of others places so I think I will finally get to enjoy the benefits of living in a super cool place!

Now if I could get the Dallas Cowboys to move here, things would be perfect. Oh and the State Fair would be nice too. Bring Big Tex to Austin, he's tired of Dallas and the bad neighborhood they have him in (It's a bad part of town)! Plus those Longhorns could play those sorry Sooners on home turf! The Dallas Cowboys, Big Tex and the Texas-OU game, bring it all to Austin! Why not? It's THE capital of TEXAS for crying out loud!

Born in Fort Worth, Dallas is home but Austin is a better home. Yep, I said it! I'm finally liking it here better than I liked it there. :)

6 comments:

Amy... said...

That is huge, Amanda! Better?! I think that is the way it is supposed to be. Following your transition has been so fun!

Unknown said...

Thank you Amy! I am so glad you noticed what I meant and realized that it's a pretty huge thing that I'm finally settled and liking it here. I was not sure if it would ever happen! :)

Gina said...

Well I moved to Austin 5 years ago and STILL don't know all the cool places to go and see since I moved here PREGNANT and now have two! LOL

I am looking forward to exploring more and one day taking a trip to Dallas with you to check out all the cool things to do there....WITHOUT KIDS, OF COURSE!

Have fun over there at Gateway and the Domain, you'll love it!!!
Love you!

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to hear about your adventures today!

Love you!
Kelly Ann

mamashine said...

The menu at Sandra Bullock's place looks awesome. No prices though- I wonder if that means I can't afford it?
I'm so glad you love Austin!

Liz Ferguson said...

That is so awesome! I am so glad you are enjoying where you are. What a great moment to finally feel settled. :) I can just hear the contentment in your words!

I agree it has been fun to follow your transition.

Hope you enjoyed your day of exploring and shopping!