I arrived yesterday at around 11am and was picked up by my friend, and host for the first half of my trip, Dave. Dave and I were on Young Judaea Year Course and has been a gracious host to me for the past couple of LIVESTRONG Challenges. Since the hotel reservation doesn't start until Wednesday, I decided to accept Dave's offer for free lodging (I did help show another technique for burping his newborn baby). Since I had to get up at 3:30 to make sure that I got the airport shuttle at 5:30am, by the time I arrived, I was still pretty tired.
Dave and his wife, Tish, had redone their backyard, complete with some beautiful stone patios and sitting areas, so after I settled in, met the in-laws and the baby, I retired to the backyard for one of the most serene hours I've had in a long time. The weather was idyllic. I sat down between two oak trees, gave myself a quick mani-pedi, finished my book, Secrets of a Jewish Mother by Jill Zarin, and took a nap. A little bit of lounging and catching up followed.
Because I don't eat pork or shellfish, and that was on the menu, I took a quick jaunt over to Tacqueria Guadelajara, per Dave's suggestion, where I had a hearty meal for less than $7. (Talk about a great deal!)
I got back, chatted for a short time, and then crashed - I was in bed by 9, long before the kids were asleep at home, for sure.
Today I awoke to this:
I KNOW! Can you think of anything better? Seriously! It was beautiful. Dave's going to have a hard time getting rid of me!
A bit of work and I headed out to LIVESTRONG Headquarters because I had an 11:30am appointment with Brandon, over at the Navigation Center (talk about a great resource!). The only problem was that, once I arrived, I learned my appointment is actually tomorrow. D'oh! I took the time to donate the painting I made for LIVESTRONG's walls, as they are bedecked with artwork from Lance's private collection. I do hope The Boss, and the others, enjoy it, and that it fits the decor!From there, I went on what was looking like a wild goose chase to find a pair of affordable cowboy boots for Thursday's Texas Fun Party. I am on a shoestring budget, to say the least. I first went to a thrift shop 2 blocks from LIVESTRONG HQ, but no dice. However, I was starving, and I realized I hadn't really eaten breakfast. A nice lady int he parking lot who was dropping off stuff for the thrift shop offered some advice as to where I could find some second-hand boots as well as a someplace for lunch. Per Gina's suggestion, I ate at Las Cazuelas and headed on my adventure in boots.
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| Can you believe! $5 for all THIS! (Oh, minus 1 taco. I ate before I shot. |
First, I went to St Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. Then, I went onto Heritage Boots, which didn't have anything under $300, so I had to rule that out. (But, MAN, what beautiful boots!) I hit New Bohemia, per the recommendation of a street vendor selling lovely bracelets recycled from old boots and belts. I spent almost an hour trying on boot after boot, but my feet and legs are still so swollen from chemotherapy, that none of them fit. The girls there suggested that I head to New Brohemia - their men's shop. There, I found 3 pairs of boots that fit, but none of them had that "X" factor. I found a pair for $20 that I was going to settle on, but there was a repair that would have to be made. The gentleman there suggested that I go to the shoe repair shop, the Golden Sandals Shoe Repair to find out how much it would cost.
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| I love the J.P.! |
No day in Austin is complete without libation from Juan Pelota's Cafe, so, victorious, I swung by my favorite watering/cycling hole to recharge myself, my phone and my iPod.
Once I was done with that, I was off to meet my old friend, Bill, at Rudy's BBQ. While this was a repeat stop, it had to be done. Rudy's BBQ is ridiculously good. So, I met Bill with his 2 daughters and we caught up, laughed and enjoyed the evening over turkey, brisket, and, an Austin staple...
Thus ends my first full day in Austin. Here's to many more!
