ain't never been another like me

Wow. I've almost been in Austin for 2 months. It's strange how much can happen in such a short amount of time, huh? It's like a whole different life down here in Texas.

And I dig it. I really do. Part of me feels so guilty for saying this.
But honestly, underneath it all, I was just so sick of the constant grind and hustle that it took to survive in NYC. I always felt ever single part of my life was a battle that I had to win.

Down here, it's a little easier. And a little more stress-free. I dig it. But I also know that I might grow soft down here.

That's why I need to continually keep glaring at people, frowning, watching my back, looking angry and unamused, and act pompous and aloof. In this way, and this way only, will I still remain NYC tough and not get big, fatty, and smelly like all the other people here in Austin.

So, if you see me staring you down, like I'm about to run you over, just know that I'm just training myself. Take no offense. Or else I'll beat you down, punk.

Ha ha ha! I love it.

And amy's ice cream.
And girls who can't eat ice cream because they're lactose intolerant.
And kids from Taiwan.
And really good Thai curry made without fish sauce . . . vegetarians, represent!
And silly romantic comedies that make me throw game at every girl I see.
And rolling with Christian friends who are always shocked and amazed at the liberties I take with the Christian way of life. Hey baby, it's my faith that keeps me strong. Not my guilt, know what I'm sayin?
And what's going on in the H-town hip-hop scene. Wow, Mike Jones, Paul Wall, Devin the Dude. I take credit for it all. Thank you thank you thank you.
And bananas. Man, I love eating those bananas. My favorite fruit by far.
And working out with my trainer, who's totally chill and way too young to know true pain, but still works her butt off to whip me in shape.
And not having to wear a tie each and every day, and constantly worry about picking up my dry cleaning.
And fresh tortillas. Oh baby, made with chipotle and assorted red stuff.
And getting random emails from old friends in Korea.
And being offered job after job, but not having enough time to take them all.
And getting to sleep until noon on a weekday, and still getting all my work done.
And lunch with chill girls who genuinely enjoy hanging out with you.
And Christian kids on the flipside who party harder than I ever did, but still roll with the true faith and always invite me out to throw bones with them. How do they do it? Maybe they don't sleep ever. That's my suspicion.
And the knowledge that I'm the best bone-roller hands down, but no one will ever know, cuz I'm retired, pardna. Ya heard?
And seeing success in my students. Especially the ones who always work hard.
And talking. Just talking about things I dig, and people actually want to hear me out.
And advanced yoga classes in which a headstand is a basic pose that we then work off of.
And friends having babies that I get to play with and poke and try out my educational theories on.
And running at top speed at the UT track. Mesmerizing, imagining all the seats filled and cheering you on, with the beautiful views of Austin all around.
And finally getting comfortable with the absurd amount of white people down here in texas.

And your moms.
Ha ha, didn't think I'd leave that one out, didya.