The other night, one of the folks who was instrumental in helping me land in Austin remarked that on my 1-year anniversary link round-up post, I didn’t really say anything about my Austin anniversary. I’ve definitely been thinking about it a lot. Like the turn of the new year, this has been a time to reflect on what my expectations were and what I’ve been able to accomplish. It’s been a really good year for me and I fall in love with Austin a little more each day, but it’s not without some sadness. I miss my friends and my family. I was listening to my beloved KGSR the other day, and the DJ was talking about Alison Krauss’ high and lonesome style of music. I love her so much I paid $80 for a ticket to Saturday of ACL! The music and the words high and lonesome are resonating with me; they are part of my Austin experience.

But the thing that stands out to me most, despite the title of this post, is how much help and support I’ve gotten not just from my Austin family but my family back in New Jersey too. There were a lot of things that were unmanageable in my life that are slowly coming under my control. I like to say I’m growing. I sure do miss my friends but I defintily made a good choice.

And just so this post isn’t wholly without a movie connection, my worlds collided again today as I had the opportunity to meet Jason Tyrrell who works with the Indiepix posse. He was in town for the DVD release of a quintessential Austin doc, Hell on Wheels by Bob Ray. I had debate plans last night so I missed the party, but this weekend, I’ll strap on a helmet and prepare for Roller Derby. I expect a smooth ride.