Life As It Comes

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This past June, I hit the five-year mark as a Texas resident. People have heard me say “Texas,” on occasion, with a shake of my head and mocking in my voice. Usually it has to do with the lack of seasons compared to what I’m used to, having grown up in the Midwest. Sometimes, a particularly scorching summer day or some humorous or silly aspect of the state or its inhabitants will elicit that response, too.

This weekend, I spent a few moments in the midst of my various goings-on to reflect on how much I’ve grown to love Texas.

I was invited to a very Texan wedding out on a ranch well north of Flatonia. The ceremony took place in a show-barn, and the reception was just a few steps outside under a tent. The drive out had been beautiful, and I enjoyed the rustic feel of the entire evening. The groom’s uncle, a missionary in Africa, had flown in to conduct the ceremony, and the bride’s family played gracious hosts to us all. I soaked up the conversation with some small-town folks and experienced some delightful culture somewhat different than cosmopolitan Austin (not that Austin isn’t weird in its own way). At the reception, I also met the CFO of the Lance Armstrong Foundation (Texans are decidedly proud to claim Lance). I left, reluctantly, having enjoyed this wedding I had been greatly anticipating and reminiscing of music and good times I had enjoyed with these friends, as well as a feeling of privilege at being a part of something so authentic, refreshing, and Texan.

Why would I leave in such a hurry? I volunteered the next morning at Longhorn Half-Ironman in support of my training teammates and to see second-hand what this 70.3 distance is all about. I worked the swim-exit early in the morning, pulling swimmers out of the water and helping them keep their footing as they got their legs back under themselves. Then, after talking with some coaches and spectating teammates, I set up shop on the run course to direct traffic and keep the course clear. I had a great vantage-point for watching my teammates run by and cheering them on! It was interesting being on the other side of a race and lending support and encouragement to those who were competing, but it felt like (and they confirmed afterward) that they were needing it and eating it up. I was so proud of them all, and being out in the heat and sun bothered me next to none. On the long walk back to my car after the race, I remembered a couple years ago coming out to Decker Lake to watch another friend attempt her first super-sprint race and being so uncomfortable with the heat and sun on that route back to the parking lot. I quite enjoyed the walk this weekend! Maybe it was all the T3 training outside this summer or the fact that it’s finally starting to somewhat resemble autumn down here, but it felt like a great day to be out in Austin, TX enjoying that event.

To sum up, suffice it to say that I felt myself really enjoying where I am located these days, and I think that’s a good thing. There have been times when I’ve missed other parts of the country or world that I’ve visited and lived in, but this weekend I was happy to be in Texas!