The Triangle

Today was one of those days when I had every intention of relaxing at home after a long day and lack of sleep, yet somehow, it felt like the last thing I wanted to do. Heaven knows why because last night I ended up falling asleep late and then not really sleeping well at all. This is mostly due to my new routine of waking up at 6:30 in the morning to do my part time job.

So, I found myself pondering of a fun new thing I could try out tonight. I decided on checking out one of the open mics at Kick Butt Cafe. That place brings a twinge of nostalgia since my sister did a gig at each venue back in March and I was absolutely missing her! Now the quandary was whether it should be the comedy or music open mic. Well, as hilarious as watching amateur comedians can be, I did not feel like going all the way to the location by Airport Blvd, since it'd pretty far from me. So, music open mic it was, which meant going to the KB at The Triangle.

I got a kick out of this image I found when image searching triangle!

Now, The Triangle is this pretty nifty place in Austin where Lamar and Guadalupe meet to form the tip part of the Triangle and 45th street is the bottom. It is full of fun little restaurants and cafes where you can relax with good eats and beer. It also has a nice green lawn that adds to the charm of the place. I am very envious of those who own lofts there and are able to be a stone's throw away from these areas. The atmosphere of the area is also more yuppy-ish, which I kind of life simply because it reminds me a bit of certain areas at home, and I am definitely a little homesick.

the actual Triangle

Anyway, the open mic was.. okay. Honestly, those things are always a hit or miss depending on the artists that play. I was not there for most of it since dinner was first priority and KB did not have quite what my stomach was looking for. Then, when we arrived, the artist performing was way too.... out there. haha My friends were debating whether it could be construed as new age. I just thought it was funny, but not necessarily in a "I'd like to hear more" kind of way.

However, I have enjoyed my evening and thought I'd just share this little tidbit.

It's a family thing

Some of my friends are under the impression that I have family everywhere....  okay.. maybe that's true. At least, it's very true for Austin. In general, I think emigrating is just a reality of Filipinos. Therefore, many of us end up at random places around the world. Also, we are so big on family that we continue to count blood relation beyond the typical American limit of first cousins.  Honestly, it's really been a blessing having family here. Knowing I have this support takes the edge of this venture.

Even though the idea behind moving was to try something new and be more independent, it is a lot easier in theory than practice. I didn't fully appreciate "alone" til I found myself in a new city, having to adjust not only to a new culture (trust me, down here is a whole 'nother world) and getting used to 3 digits of HOT!!!!


 Now, the cool thing about meeting and spending time with family is that you realize some of the quirky traits that you find in with own family members display themselves those distant relatives as well. Considering which side of the family I have settled in with, I am not surprised at all that I somehow end up being part of this:

Yes, folks, this is a band picture. It's amazing how strong the music gene runs in my grandpa's side of the family. And actually, we happen to have our first gig this Saturday (that's how I got roped into this venture ^_^).  It is pretty awesome to be able to do something familiar and comfortable like music, especially when there isn't really anything I'm doing here that's familiar.

And at the same time, being with family also teaches me something new. For example, during a family gathering, I will hear 3 different Philippine dialects: Bisaya (my native dialect), Tagalog (which I only learned til 2nd grade) and Chavacano (which was never taught to me, but can understand because of my Spanish studies). It was pretty trippy the first time I heard all of them because they sort of just jump from one to the other depending on who they're talking to. Definitely keeps me on my toes if I wanna know what's going on!

Also, my 8 year old cousin is teaching me how to...

Although, when a young boy can move his hips better than I can... it might be time to throw in the towel. :)

That is all for now.

Austin Things

The last week and a half, I've been trying to get into some groove of life in Austin. Since I am still in search of a job (anyone need a social worker?), mostly getting in the groove consists of meeting fellow Austinites and spending time with them doing things Austin-y things. Honestly, I'm being facetious with that statement since after almost 4 weeks here, I am still not sure what an Austin-y thing to do is. Mostly, I categorize it as something that I am not able to do back home in the Northeast or something that relates to Austin being the Live Music Capital of the States.

So, the other weekend, I went out to do "Truck Things" with a new friend who just bought a truck. Not really sure what "truck things" are, but I found that it consists of off-roading and kicking up a lot of dust.

After our fun truck things, we cooled off in the river/lake. (Of course it was blazing hot that day... like every day!!!)

This past weekend was yet another Austin-y adventure. Friday night, I headed downtown to dirty 6th, to catch a Bluegrass/Blues-y rock band play on one of the rooftop bars. From there, I got a good view of the "owl" on the Frost Bank building. (Just disregard the two red lights in front of the owl building).

There was more music to be had on Sunday when we headed to Longs Center to watch some of the players from the Austin Symphony play string renditions of hits by Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson and Elton John. It's a good way to get some softcore classical music into the lives of your average citizen. We laid out some mats on the ground to enjoy some fruit, wine, good music and an amazing view of downtown.

So for sure, I am enjoying some of my time in this city. Still uncertain of my future down here, but as they say, try to appreciate the now and the time that you've been given. Maybe tomorrow everything will change and you'd regret not giving it a chance.

The stars at night...

Nothing brings people together like some a song and dance! 

photo found on this neat free stuff site

Thursday night was a fun, relaxing evening. I joined some hundred Austinites over at the Hillside Theater in Zilker Park to watch their free summer musical, Footloose. The ground was pretty hard and the grass was dead. We're in the middle of a drought after all. However, there was a merciful breeze throughout the night. I have to admit it was pretty neat to sit there on a towel with my picnic food, watching actors sing and dance with other people from the community. What I loved most was the small twinge of belonging that I felt there amidst the crowd. Always a good first step to being in unfamiliar territory.




Since I'm about to start my 3rd week in this place, I'm happy that this caterpillar is slowly coming out of the cocoon of isolation. Definitely, need to find more things to do like this and for sure ones that are free!  Seems like Austin has it's fair share. I even found a site that I linked in the above picture, which seems to have a number of free things in general. I'm excited about that.





After the time at Zilker, I did some star gazing around the bend from my house. This is definitely the part that I am loving about this place. STARS! In my head, I keep hearing, "The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas."  Thanks, Sheldon Cooper.

(Only Big Bang Theory fans are going to get this, lol)

From less than an hour of partaking in that age old pastime, I was able to see 3 shooting stars! It's pretty amazing. Back home, since I live 15 minutes out of New York City, that is quite the rarity. Sadly, I was in a salty mood and didn't feel like making a wish on any of them. Since when I have I ever not wished on a shooting star? Missed opportunities for sure. Can't let the realistic, grownup wannabe win out!

Anyway, even though there have been some fun adventures, I still feel my heart calling for home. That always brings me back to a very lonely place in my emotions. How did I manage to move to Honolulu, last time? You'd think moving 5,000 miles away would be more difficult? 

But then again, maybe this is the difference between 22 and 28-year-old Faye. Nevertheless, I always welcome the chance at seeing another side of me when faced with different situations. I just hope I'm brave enough for whatever other challenges await me.