Thursday, May 24, 2007

Packing and music and bats (oh my)

As I don't plan to be on a computer anytime Friday, this week's Friday Five is a bit early. Not as early as I'd planned, however. Maybe someday I will finally learn to pack for a trip in less than three hours time. I will make a proper list and pack in some logical order, rather than running from room to room nonsensically without any semblance of a well-thought-out plan. I will remain focused on the task at hand, rather than getting distracted by the television and the Internet and various other nonproductive diversions.

Of course, barring any of these responsible and reasonable solutions, I could perhaps at least finally remember that I cannot pack for a trip in less than three hours time, and therefore start my ridiculously disorganized and highly distracted packing process a bit earlier in the evening. Until then, however, here I am again at 1:14 a.m., thinking what a very good idea it was to take off of work the whole day tomorrow instead of just half of it. I've learned that much, at least. Baby steps, I always say.

In any case, I am finally almost packed for my mini-break to the Lone Star State. One more run to Target for some quart-sized Ziploc bags (Damn you, TSA, and your silly bag size restrictions, too) to hold my non-explosive three-ounce bottles of shampoo and other toiletries, and I should be all set.

To get myself ready for my trip (and to share some terribly useful information with the rest of you as well), here are five fun facts about Austin, Texas (courtesy of my friend Wikipedia, since perusing my Austin guidebook is yet another thing I'd planned to do much earlier but haven't quite gotten to yet).

  1. Austin has more music venues per capita than any other U.S. city. No wonder the list of artists hailing from there actually rivals that of Minnesota. Personally, I am hoping to run into my fake boyfriend Bob Schneider. I'm not too concerned about the rest.

  2. Because it is a center for liberal politics in the middle of a largely conservative state, Austin is sometimes referred to as "blue in a sea of red," or, better yet, "the blueberry in the tomato soup." (Ew. But also... hee.)

  3. The slogan "Keep Austin Weird" has become a local motto to promote the city's diversity and eccentricity and to bolster support of local and independent businesses. I can get behind that. The Twin Cities could stand to be a little weirder, actually.

  4. Austin is one of the largest U.S. cities without a franchise of any of the four major sports leagues. (Honestly, I am starting to think I should move to Austin, and I haven't even been there yet.)

  5. Tourists often gather on the Congress Avenue bridge at sunset to watch the Mexican free-tailed bat population emerge for the night. (Yeah, I won't be doing that. Not a chance. Also, if bats are prevalent enough to be a tourist attraction, we can just scratch that "maybe I should move there" thought after all.)

Have a great holiday weekend, everyone. I'll catch up with you again next week.

14 comments:

Twanna A. Hines | FUNKYBROWNCHICK.com said...

Blueberry in the tomato soup. I love it!! :)

Have a FABULOUS weekend!!!

Poppy said...

Safe travels, Stef! When you get back please remember to tell us all about your love life, k? :D

-R- said...

Have fun! I am disappointed in your non-love of the bats. They are part of keeping Austin weird!

Anonymous said...

A blueberry in tomato soup...I agree: Ew, but also funny. But it would be one of those easy meals you were looking for, hmmm....just kidding. Afterall, ewwww....

shelleycoughlin said...

I love that you use wikipedia to get your travel itinerary. :)

Have an awesome trip- bring us back some fun photo souvenirs!

lizgwiz said...

Have a great time! (Wave down at Oklahoma as you fly over us.)

I can't believe you're anti-bat, though. Bats are the coolest. I'll add that (along with "dislike of mushrooms") to the list of "Things About Stefanie I Just Don't Get." Hee.

On a completely unrelated note, I finished "Eat Pray Love" a couple of nights ago. Loved it. (But where's MY Felipe, damn it?)

Whiskeymarie said...

You're the second blogger I read who has/is going to Austin this month.

Maybe I need to go. I'll see how you liked it first.

Have fun!

L Sass said...

Have fun in Austin!!

Do you have any plants that need watering? Because, you know, I'll be around this weekend.

Stefanie said...

Liz--Mushrooms are gross, and bats are mice with wings. (What's scarier than a mouse? A mouse that can FLY!! Gah!!) Frankly, I don't understand why this isn't obvious to you. (Oh, and glad you loved the book!)

L Sass--Why, YES, actually! It's mainly just outdoor ones, though, and I'm hoping the rain takes care of that. Please don't rob my house when you're in the area! (Oh, and have fun with the family!)

The rest of you--Thanks for your fun travel wishes! I'm sure I'll post photos when I get back.

Anonymous said...

Have a great time!!

Anniina said...

Have a fabulous mini-break! Did you pack your Audrey Hepburn scarf?

Jarod said...

No bats, eh? I used to catch them when I was little - they are cute! Oh sure they bite, but who doesn't?

Unknown said...

My daughter is fascinated with bats and they are facinated with bugs. I had to put up a bat house for her and it has been win-win ever since.

metalia said...

Bob Scneider is one of my secret boyfriends, too! Also, I actually knew fact # 1 about Austin, but only from watching Real World: Austin. I'm not proud.

Have a great trip!