Love IN Austin!

Besides things I love about Austin, I love that Harlan and Casi are IN Austin so that can be a part of their lives. More specifically I love that I was a part of their recent engagement story. Had you asked me 10 years ago if I was going to be a part of my brother Harlan's proposal or even liked him enough to be around long enough to get to know his girlfriend I would have laughed out loud. Growing up, Harlan and I fought like cats and dogs and got in arguments just so we might get the other person in trouble. Now, we talk daily and I can't remember if we've fought since High School. 

A series of events led Harlan to make the decision to propose to his girlfriend, Casi, this weekend. I guess that's how it normally works out, but Harlan's original plan was foiled due to an unexpectedly discovered email to Casi's mother. While worse things have happened (cause she essentially said yes when she realized what she had stumbled upon), Harlan was incredibly disappointed. I quickly worked to make Harlan feel better about the situation and develop a new and even better scheme. 

Fortunately, there are a lot of wonderful places in Austin to propose, however, it isn't so easy to get a suspecting girlfriend to said places on short notice. Harlan created a convincing email that we sent through my friend Emily's cousin who works in a reasonable position at the Capitol with a logical involvement in "Austin Young Chamber of Commerce", that invited us lovely ladies to Zilker Botanical Gardens on a Saturday evening happy hour. 

Casi recently agreed to be my wing woman as needed so I was able to easily convince her this would be a good opportunity for her to excel in her new position if she were to join me. Harlan and I worked out the exact details as Casi readily agreed to join me at this free happy hour. Not allowing much time for error, I helped Casi get ready. I rushed her along and ensured her wine glass was never empty. Casi was none the wiser to my tricks and went right along with our plan. 

We walked along our path... I urged Casi forward and stopped walking as Harlan came out from nowhere. Their special moment was out of ear shot but it seems the point got across and Harlan snagged himself a fiancé by the end of the conversation. Casi's family and best friend were hidden out of the way and came and joined the couple after the question was... well implied... Harlan forgot to say the words, will you marry me? Good thing she helped him along and asked, "was there something you wanted to ask me?" 

After the pictures were taken, we all went for a wonderful dinner at Parkside, of course. Harlan was able to impress his future in-laws with a superb meal and excellent service. Celebrations lasted well into the night and the happy couple never went without a smile. 

I am thrilled that I have a new future family member and that I was able to be a part of the momentous occasion! I love that family lives in Austin and we were able to pull of a wonderful night. 

http://www.zilkergarden.org/

http://www.parkside-austin.com/

Barton History Lesson Springs

In case you didn't already know, at one point in my life I majored in History. Today, when looking for a few fun facts about Barton Springs I was overwhelmed/kinda excited about the rich history related to Barton Springs. No lie, the thought crossed my mind to do a fun research project on Barton Springs. Go ahead...call me a nerd. Don't worry, I will keep the facts to a minimum so no one gets bored!

According to just about any source Barton Springs is the crown jewel, must see, number one natural tourist attraction in all of Austin. If you don't believe me just check in with the Olmec people who roamed in 5,500 B.C., Indian tribes who took a dip along the Comanche Trail, the famed conquistador Cabeza de Vaca, Franciscan Friars on their way to San Antonio, or Uncle Billy Barton. While all of these people endured the Texas heat and relished in the wonders of Barton Springs they are all now, in fact, deceased. With that said, I would just take my word for it. Barton Springs is awesome.

Barton Springs is a series of springs enclosed by man made walls spanning nearly 3 acres to create the largest natural swimming pool in an urban area. The fresh water is constantly fed by fissures in the limestone floor of a rate 26 million gallons a day! Unlike your typical neighborhood pool the water in Barton Springs will always remain a cool 68 degrees since it is constantly flowing from underground. After catching some sun on the grassy knoll it is always a test of courage to take the plunge into the icy cool water. Besides having your heart stop due to shock you will be surprised to find the pool floor is muddy, rocky, and full of algae and plant life. For the truly daring there are diving boards.

On any given day at Barton Springs you will have exceptional people watching opportunities. Austin's finest from the topless to the full body tattoos are on display. Some musically inclined will bring their bongos or guitar and then, out of nowhere, girls in hula hoops appear. Often you hear the barking dogs on the outside of Barton Springs on the "free side" where there is no regulation and distinct smells of the grassy nature. It's ironic how inside the gates lifeguards are strict on the rules of no food or drinks, however just on the other side of the fence illegal activity is politely asked to be put away by the police that occasionally patrol.

Free side or not, it is only $3 dollars and you know it goes to pay the lifeguards and keep the pool natural and beautiful. There has been a charge on the pool since the 1800's when Uncle Billy Barton owned the land. Barton later donated the land to the city of Waterloo - when it became the new Texas Capitol in 1839 (it all comes together now... Waterloo records, Icehouse etc... Austin's namesake before it was Austin).

The only recorded person who ever disliked Barton Springs was none other than Sam Houston, bitter about Austin (errr Waterloo) becoming the capital city of Texas and fearing Indians he stated; loosely, he wouldn't risk his scalp to the @%&* hole called Austin. While good old Sammy may have had some valid points I would be willing to take that risk to call Barton Springs my home! I love love love the amazingness of Barton Springs and maybe one day I can bore you with the full length history lesson!



http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/bartonsprings.htm

http://www.texasescapes.com/SplashAcrossTexas/BartonSpringsTexas/BartonSpringsAustinTexas.htm

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/pools_schedule.htm

Indiana Jones Adventure

In keeping with the Alamo Drafthouse theme... I would like to recall my favorite adventure with my good friend Trever. Up until now all the events have been current but I cannot neglect to recount the Indiana Jones Adventure. I am no Indiana Jones movie buff nor do I really care to be the first person to see any movie but yet again I was convinced by Trever to tag along for something different. 

By tag along I mean Trever needed me to purchase tickets to the said adventure as I was the only one willing to put both tickets on my credit card knowing full well it would take a month to get paid back. (I love you trev! :-))

In 2008, when Indiana Jones Kingdom of the Crystal Skull opened we joined about 60 mega fans on a tour bus around Austin for "one-of-a-kind danger flavored excursion." No lie, that's what their blog said. http://blog.originalalamo.com/category/uncategorized/page/17/. With that kind of marketing how could I pass it up?

Our excursion began on a Wednesday afternoon and provided an "Indy Fedora" and an unlimited supply of Tecate (cause that's what Indiana Jones drinks when he drinks beer, obvi) for the bus ride to Cypress Valley Canopy Tours. If we could hear it over the excitement of the crowd, Indiana Jones movies played on repeat for our entertainment.   A short ride later we arrived and were asked to secure our fedoras for some zip-lining through the forest. It's like a roller coaster in the woods! I have some pretty quality pictures from this. I don't recall but I believe we were then to search for artifacts throughout the forest. I'm thinking I missed this to zip line a second time or chat it up with the new friend Trever and I made, Zach, who happened to be the guy who organizes special events for the Alamo Drafthouse. 

Next, we were on to a studio on the East Side to watch "Texas Snake Man" Jackie Bibby charm snakes. Jackie Bibby is not your average snake charmer... this man is a world record holder for some pretty safe choices in life. He played with the snakes, sat in a tub full of snakes (87 is his record) and put 10 rattlesnakes in his mouth and swung them around like it was no big deal. We watched him do the latter while we were provided the fine cuisine of alligator and naturally... rattlesnake. It tasted like chicken! With a little more beer we left the studio and returned to the Alamo Drafthouse to return to our strategically reserved seats for the midnight showing of Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. 

The movie was ridiculous.... aliens... really? I won't be watching that again anytime soon. The adventure was also ridiculous, in a good way though. I loved it and I obviously have not forgotten how an average movie can be awesome at the Alamo, even if it is just for one night. 

http://www.texsnakeman.com/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367882/