And sometimes life happens....

Oh my goodness! Unless you don't pay much attention to music, you've probably heard of South By Southwest (sxsw), a huge interactive, film, and music conference in Austin every Spring. The last time I went was in 2004 before it became really popular. Jimmy went to a few shows last year, but the idea of parking forever away, walking long distances, standing in line for hours, and standing during endless concerts did not appeal to my lazy completely out of shape self.

In the past when we would go to concerts that required me to stand the whole time, I would be miserable because my feet would hurt (even though I was wearing tennis shoes) and I could not stand being in a huge crowd. I would get dizzy and have to leave my friends to go stand in the back or on the side or try to find a place to sit down.

This year, Jimmy really wanted to do sxsw. He RSVPed for us to several parties so that we would have options. For sxsw you can buy wristbands for $160, or a badge that can get you into practically everything for $795 (I know!). But, there are TONS of free shows and things to do. All of the parties and shows Jimmy RSVPed to were free.

I was nervous that I would not be good company for Jimmy, because it would be hard on me. We parked in my work garage downtown, and we used a Smart Car (those tiny 2 door cars) that are part of a Car 2 Go program that you basically rent and drove down to 2 blocks away from the party. It was awesome!

The first day, we went to the Paste Party. We got there early and were pretty close to the front of the line, but we had to wait in line for 2 hours for the doors to open. I was really surprised because my feet did not hurt at all! Because we were so close to the front, we got to grab a table that was close to outside so we could hear inside and outside bands. They also had free beer for the first few hours. A couple of our friends were at that party with us, and it was a lot of fun.

The next day, we had to get up really early because the Rachel Ray party started at 10. We got there a little after 8, and the line was already soooo long! I was really surprised to see friends in line so we got to hang out with them! That line again was 2 hours. Then we get inside, and it is SO crowded. We went in and went straight to the line to wait for free food (yes!), but we were in that line for 3 hours!!!!! Sounds terrible, but it wasn't because there was also free beer, and we could see/hear both stages where bands were performing. Also in such close quarters, you make a lot of interesting friends. Check out the pic of the guy that shaved a shamrock into his face. Ah.. I love Austin. We stayed at that part until 4, and I was on my feet until about 2:30.

I was really proud of myself for being on my feet and completely crowded for so long, but I was okay, and I really had a great time. Now I know I can do it! And if I can handle sxsw, I can totally do ACL bc you can take chairs and blankets! ACL is definitely not free though. BTW - we spent a total of $10 for both days.

The music was fun. The most exciting person we saw was Macklemore and Ryan Lewis on Saturday. I tried SO hard to go see Justin Timberlake on Saturday night, but I could not get tickets, and I may have cried a little.

So I had too much beer, and not the best foods this weekend, but I did my mile walks Monday - Thursday, and I was on my feet a ton this weekend. Life happens. I can't always eat as healthy as I want, and I like to have drinks with my friends! The difference now is that 1 or 2 days of bad eating does not mean that I'm done. It means I get back on the wagon. Camp Gladiator starts again tomorrow night, and I'm going to try to get stronger!

Such a fun weekend! Check out my pics!