The Cat Spot

Despues de my afternoon of autism I met up with this guy Sean, whom I met off the " Platonic " section on craigslist. I had posted an ad titled : "Victorian District and Puppets," and included an emo picture of myself. I was curious as to who would actually respond to this. He was the only one. Since it was raining we decided to meet up around 6pm downtown. I wasn't too nervous about meeting this guy (Based on his picture I figured I could take him and I always carry a knife with me). We walked around a bit and after chatting around the block, decided we could tolerate each other enough to eat dinner together. He just moved to Austin from Chicago area and scored some sweet job. After dinner he took me up to his office to show me the view (It was cool I wouldn't have gone if I didn't feel safe). I was expecting cubicles and basic office stuff, but this place was something else. If I couldn't see puppets, at least I got some robot action. The comp...

My plans for the Victorian District excursion were postponed due to rain, along with the puppet show. There is always next week. It all worked out for the best. I was itching for some good vegetarian food and found this little place on the 6 th St called Amrosia Living Foods Cafe . It has wifi and I was in the mood to write and eat. Only one of those happened. The place was small and friendly. I asked to sit by an outlet and server told me a last minute presentation was about to happen and the outlet would be in use. I walked to the back of the restaurant and there I was talked into the getting the raw special: beet ravioli. Which was amazingly delicious and filling. Followed by raw baklava for desert. All the food served is gluten free. After finishing my meal I wasn't ready to leave so I asked what the presentation was about. Author Rhonda Spellman was discussing diet and nutrition in regards to treating autism . Also joining her was Dr. Lauren...

Tonight I joined a meeting with Austin Zero Waste Alliance (AZWA). I was curious as to what Austin was up to in the green scene. The meeting was held at Casa De Luz (which is an interesting place itself. I'll have to come back to explore more). Sitting in the meeting my mind was going off. By the end of the meeting we had created a new Community Outreach committee and I'm helping them with the start up. I don't how long I'll be in Austin but I wanted to leave my ideas behind and these people seem perceptive to my suggestions and would actually make them work. These people get shit done. My gratitude for the knowledge and experience I obtained in Chicago is coming into use here.

I'm currently sitting in Summermoon Cafe , which makes their coffee using a wood fire process which dates back to whenever. It tastes pretty good and I think this will be one of my Cat Spots here in Austin. I've been pleasantly surprised by the number of people I know who live here in Austin. Monday evening I met up with a fellow Chicagoan at the Spider House . He changed significantly and it made me happy to seem someone who left Chicago doing so well. I also met up with a someone from high school whom I haven't seen in over six years. He couldn't remember why we had stopped talking in high school and I had to remind him we were suppose to go on a date and he stood me up hard-core and we just never really spoke after that. Yesterday I joined him and his film buddies on hot day at Krauss Springs . It is wonderful being able to appreciate people for who they are now, and not how we remembered them to be. For the next few days I'm planning a Victorian excursion ...

I had a fantastic 4 th of July. One of the best ones I've had in years. I got in late the night before and didn't really get any sleep because I stayed up talking to a friend from high school who lives in Austin, till 4 in the morning. After being on the road for way too long, I wasn't sure if I could handle the 4 th of July, but my brother Dan quickly convinced me that I had to go. Homemade brisket, boat, salt water pool and hot tub, lake, island, amazing fireworks, awesome house, ect . Dan even put on a ten minute slide show to prove to me what I would be missing. Lake Buchanan was formed back in 1939 after the construction of Buchanan Dam which flows in and out of the Colorado River. For a man-made lake I was impressed. On top of that we were also chillin at a super cool house located on the lake that was built back in 1940's with a Frank Lloyd Right influence. Thanks to Cowden ! Looking across the lake I noticed a house that had trees growing on the top of the r...

After battling the garage door at my little storage unit, I finally hit the road at midnight. My mind was set that I had to make it to Austin by July 4 th . The 18 hour drive had no impact on my decision to drive straight through. Around Mount Olive, Illinois, I noticed a sign for Mother Jones Monument. I have no idea why I felt compelled to see this, but I turned off. The signage was a little confusing and ultimately I ended up in a cornfield next to a cemetery. While passing the cemetery I immediately noticed this headstone with a great name. I never found Mother Jones, but I guess I'll save that for the next time I pass by. I stopped only for gas, freeing the pee, and sleep. At first I was weirded out by sleeping in public, but when one hits the point of exhaustion, it really doesn't matter. I slept at some rest stops, Panera Bread (I never went in), and a strip mall parking lot. Getting just enough rest, but not fully being able to relax due the chance of someone kno...

Last night I enjoyed a wonderful meal at Andies on Montrose and Greenview. I sat outside amongst the couples and friends chatting away the time until the food arrived. A glass of Syrah and some pita bread kept me company. To the right of me an elderly man sat alone, we acknowledged each other's presence and the breeze the evening had to offer. The old man and young woman sat separately alone, with an air of confidence and satisfaction of not having to explain ourselves to anyone. The old man just wanted his meal, while the young woman fantasized about much more.I found my cat spot for the evening. Today I'm just about ready to take off. I have the option of going to see Brazilian Girls tonight at Soldier Field. After briefly thinking about it my mind was already set. Leave Chicago tonight! Not sure where I'm going but I'll take whatever comes my way, and have a good time.