Ahhhhhh....

I just got back from the best bike ride of my life. The day was beautiful-hot, about 94 degrees, but not humid. I wanted to get out and enjoy it, so after dinner I saddled up my Trek and headed north. I'm still finding new spots here, and I'd driven past a neat area on my way home last weekend that was too far to walk but too close to justify driving-this was my goal. I trucked up Guadalupe, past the UT campus and the buzz of South-by-Southwest, past my laundromat and a quaint, authentic-looking neighborhood pizza joint I'll have to try, and past a sports complex with stadium lights glowing in the twilight. The area I noticed was a cute, modern condo neighborhood with all sorts of new retail outlets and restaurants each with a unique, mouth-watering smell wafting out. The temperature was perfect for the diners on the patios, and the breeze carried the sounds of laughter, silverware tinkling and dogs barking as I rode slowly around in the brick-paved streets. I took the long way back, down Lamar, and finally visually confirmed where our Central Market store is, in another tempting shopping area, a few famous Austin restaurants including the first Taco Shack, and into the part of Lamar with no stoplights,and a wide, smooth bike-friendly sidewalk with a stream alongside. It was dark by then, and as I rode I passed through a depression so cool I got goosebumps. I looked up and saw Orion shining above me and was overwhelmed with peace and contentment. I realized that for the first time in my life I am EXACTLY where I'm supposed to be. I worked hard to get here and now I know it was worth every tear, and every sacrifice. I know it all sounds cheesy but I just wanted to shout "I'm HOME"! I rode back to my cute little house to my happy cats for a weekend away from a great job to await the arrival of my best friend and relax, knowing this is it. I could get hit by a bus tomorrow, but to have felt so un-restless for one moment seems enough.