Every year at the same time, this fair city of Austin, TX turns into a magical and messy place. Musicians, film makers, and interweb genius' all flock to town and the city goes wild! What is it? SXSW....if you don't know what that is, then chances are you shouldn't. This two week span of parties, music, films, and everything in between is my favorite time of year. There is absolutely nothing like it, and just driving down IH-35 you can feel this magical and creative energy. It's like Christmas in the spring. 

So many of my most precious Austin moments happened during this window - like the first year I went to the Fader Fort. I sat in the grass with my friend Evan and we were both just enchanted by how awesome everything was - the music, the weather, our lives at that very moment. "I think this is what Heaven is like," were his exact words. I could not disagree. 

That said, the month before SX is quite different. The entire city is abuzz trying to prepare for the biggest time of year. When we welcome the world to our living room, knowing good and well that just because all these out-of-towners looooove Austin, they will completely use, abuse, and then spit it out while they are here. We're mentally prepping for our "Cheers" type bars to become full of people who don't know our names, and remembering times when seeing a familiar face was more than a relief...it was a saving grace. We're also living by the letters G.S.D.

Speaking of G.S.D. - my colleagues and I have been completely under the gun. I feel as though every single day I am saying to myself, "You did it last year, G. Do it again! Do it!" And then guess what? I'm one step closer. This is the time when everyone's first words to each other are, "How are you holding up? You ready for SX?!" and everyone's response is, "Man, we're soooo busy." There is little room to complain because everyone is going through the exact same thing you are. 

I've said it once, and I'll probably say it a million more times. I am my father's daughter. Among the things I've inherited from good ol' Charlie is this little tag line "No news is good news." Which I am realizing may not be entirely healthy...for people who care about me and this little world I'm living in. It's easy for me to get caught up in my long days and short nights without even taking a minute to send a "Hey what up dawg," text to my sweet uncle, or even reply to a note in my gmail....don't even get me started on facebook messages. So here I go. I promise to make more of an effort to reach out and keep open lines of communication with the people I care about. (bends pinky finger) I'd also like to apologize in advance for everything that is to come out of my mouth, finger tips, and facial expressions. I'll try my hardest to control myself, but somethings are just beyond me. 

For you out-of-towners coming into my dear, sweet city, please pick up your trash. Pizza plates do not belong on 6th Street, I don't care how dirty it is. AND DO NOT MOVE HERE! 

Now, scamper off and start exercising your liver and load up on vitamin C - you're going to need it!

Clankity Clank! 

~A Charlie Gal