South by (I could care less) South West

This week is South by South West, or more commonly known as SXSW here in Austin. The city is packed to the brim. I have been waiting for days to be able to sneak into the recycling center that is just in the heart of all the traffic downtown to drop off our months accumulation of cans, lids and wine bottles but I just can't manage to wake up early enough to beat the rush.

Before I moved here I had no idea what SXSW was. I knew it involved music and film but other than that I really didn't know much else. And now that I live in Austin my knowledge hasn't really increased, either. All I know is that traffic is horrendous, everyone is in a great mood, and I'm too poor to get into any of the events and way too lazy to brave the crowds to get into the free ones.

But I don't care. It's spring, spring break and all week it's been sunny with a high of 85. The whole city is smiling, laid back, and cracking open six packs. Our neighbors all have friends in from out of town or are throwing together impromptu get togethers in the fresh air. Last night we all decided we were in the mood for Mexican food but didn't want to bother with the crowds so we all chipped in and did a little fajita cook out. After two hours we had a delicious southwestern feast and I went to bed feeling like I was going to explode.

The only thing that makes me sad is that Tori Amos is performing in La Zona Rosa and to get in you need a badge which costs about $600. I could have blown about $125 on a wrist band, but there's no guarantee to get in and I would have had to stand in line for hours. I've been a fan of Tori Amos since the 7th grade and I've only been able to see her perform once, on her Plugged '98 tour. But so is life. I still have hopes that I will bump into Tori somewhere around town this weekend, tell her how much I love her and she'll give me a little wink. I could go into the story about how I tried to meet her after the show I went to and I got pushed back behind everyone else but my Dad knew one of the bouncers and got to meet her (we were separated). He even took photos for other people. That night I cried. (I was only 14, give me a break!)

I, also, being lame, applied to get into the Perez Hilton party, but I doubt that that will happen! Haha.

But it's ok. I'm relaxed, content and loving this sun. If anybody wants to come visit me next year I think this just might be the best week for it!