Austin, TX

Every once in a while I get a proverbial bee in my bonnet about something. Yesterday, it was milk&honey branded all natural chocolate banana granola. (insert plug) You should try it. You'll like it. Great for all ages.

Today, it has been about going home. I think everyone who works in this hotel knows when I'm going to Minnesota next, as well as who's all going to be there. The folks who now recognize me by face are all beginning to ask things like, "How's the countdown going?" and "So how old are your nieces & nephews?" I am two steps away from purchasing a wallet big enough to house all of the photo slots needed to give a complete background on each of the little ones.

I guess it's been a long month.

It has also made me far more aware of my presence in this city. I gave someone directions today without looking up from my newspaper- which isn't to say that I'm an asshole who doesn't have the time of day to draw a fucking map, but more that my timely and efficient directions were well received and, surprisingly, correct. I can barely give directions in my own city, where I'm allowed to wander around with the excuse of never being there, but I dare say I'm getting better at this plopped in the middle of no where business. My GPS, though having been switched to an all too addictive British male voice (swoon), has been absent from the dash over the past two weeks.

Batista's now know my beverage choice. The cashier at the grocery now comments on my half bottle wine purchases, or, due to pathetic attempts at training, the lack thereof. And the local riders are becoming familiar with how long to follow me on a climb before passing at my weakest moment. Yes, this city and I are becoming intimate. But it's time to shake this clinger and move on. 5 days, Austin- it's not you, it's me.