the Significance of That Weekend in Texas

Six months ago, I took my last 501 work trip to Corpus Christi (and later, Austin). I spent the first humid morning exploring by foot. I realized I recognized the small Texan city from having passed through more than ten years prior, on a spring break trip that most definitely reflected my age at that time (17). So much had changed since. I imagine I would have had the same enthusiasm at the chance to stop by Selena's memorial though. I remembered how many times I'd sang along to the cassette tape in my dad's car, how upset he was when he came home from work one day, how special it'd been when he took me to dinner and Jennifer Lopez's debut.
I'd flown to Corpus, Christi to supervise an event a new colleague was running. All went well. The following morning we drove to Austin. I reconvened with other colleagues who were based there on a day-drinking adventure down Rainey Street. I admired the easy, laid back approach to strong cocktails and good conversation, local beer and live music. It'd been awhile since I'd enjoyed such a thing in a new city with those I didn't know that well. I felt fortunate. I was reminded of my road trip, when I'd only briefly driven through.
On my last day in Texas, I basically traversed the entire city and UT Austin campus, stopping only briefly for a Skype interview with an Executive Director that has become my boss. I called my mom afterwards to share in my inspired excitement. What an opportunity for growth! One that's moved me from Los Angeles to San Francisco, the California town I'd seemingly always wanted to belong to.
So here I am, approaching 30, writing from the first city I've deliberately chosen as my own. It's amazing to reflect on just how much has been lived in the past decade or so. Most experiences have been documented on this blog, and others have been reserved for private conversations with my closest confidantes, many of whom are still scattered around the world. An SF routine is still in the making. Starting a new job, establishing new relationships, and creating a whole new branch of life is no less challenging simply because it's been done before. Thanks for bearing with me as I've come to acknowledge such wisdom (again). We'll be traveling soon.