Austin, Texas: Is it in my future?

I had a really fun weekend with my family in Texas. I really just wanted to spend the time to reconnect with family members so seeing the city was not a priority. After waking up early on Saturday morning though, my aunt asked if I wanted to do some vintage shopping. Apparently it is a hobby for my aunt and uncle. They really love mid-century and art deco furniture. So we searched throughout for different antique shops. In the process I was able to see many different parts of the city. Of course I didn't buy anything, but I convinced my aunt and uncle to walk into Allens, a really expensive cowboy boot shop.

I wanted to see what the prices were for some really cute boots. I found the cutest red boots, but they also cost over $500 dollars, which is more then my rent! I wasn't about to spend that much money, but the desire to find a pair of boots caught fire within me. You see, I have wanted to buy a good pair of cowboy boots for a long time. I always wanted a funky pair that would stand out...like bright red. Well, I didn't know that there are so many types of designs. On Sunday morning, my aunt and I went out looking for the right boot and we found it! I have already worn them to work and received some great compliments. Although they were not the $500 pair, they are beautiful and I'm totally pleased.

I also went out to eat both nights that I was there. The first night we ate at PF Changs, which is nothing spectacular, but we had joined with my aunt's new friend, her realtor. I didn't know this, but my aunt is going to be a realtor. So of course we started talking about the cost of living and buying in the Austin area. Both ladies were trying to convince me that it would be the perfect place for me to live. Plus I could afford to buy a condo there. It certainly sounded tempting.

On Sunday while I was buying my boots, the sales man was flirting with me. He kept asking when I was coming back to Austin. Of course, I didn't have an answer, because I didn't really have a plan to return. Actually, I wanted to have answer. It really got me thinking. Maybe I could work there for the summer. Or wouldn't it be fun to move there and buy a brand new condo? They are hiring teachers right now...hymph...just maybe.

On Sunday night we had a large family get-together. I got to see my uncle Junior, my grandmother, and of course my aunt Debbie. We decided to eat Texas BBQ, because I had never tried it before. I assumed that it would be a meal full of meat with the regular sides of coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and the like, but I was unaware of the location of these traditional BBQ. We ate at a gas station. That's right, the restaurant was connected to a Shell gas station! Sadly for all of you I didn't take but two pictures on this trip. I didn't think I was going to take any pictures, but this meal was worthy of a few shots. When we ordered our meat by the half pound (ribs, prime rib, or flank) the person who took the order piled everything into a crate for us to carry back to the table. I thought it was a hoot! Not to mention that my uncle Junior was buzzed before we even got there.

Instead of having plates, each person blopped down in front of a piece of butcher paper and we started to munch on ribs or slabs of beef on wonder bread! A selection of barbecue sauce was provided at the table to top off the meal. Of course I felt like I had overeaten, but it was delicious. I shared a flank of meat with my uncle, and Junior shared a rib with me too...the meat fell right off the bone. Yum! If I do decide to go back to Texas I know that a gas station meal will be on the list of things to do.

I don't know if I will move there, but I think the summer option is definitely in the picture. Plus, it would be nice to see many family members as well. I will have to think about it. In the meantime I will just have to do some research on all my options!