What’s a Benson native to do in Austin?.

Thursday, December 07, 2000

What’s a Benson native to do in Austin?

Well, if you’re me, you’re spending your time at the City Council chambers, in local schools and unpacking.

I’ve recently moved to Austin from Benson, in west central Minnesota, a trip of 4.5 hours, including rest area stops. All of my immediate family members aided in the move, which brings me to my first point.

Moving away from home is hard, challenging and frightening, but necessary. This is the first time that I’ve lived so far from home, and the prospect is daunting. Why is it that I wanted to escape and have freedom and now that I have I miss my mom? Does it revolve around the saying that we always want what we don’t have?

Probably, but I also believe that we become courageous to spur us on to the first step and fearful afterward to hold us in check once we venture out. It’s kind of a killing-me-to-make-me-stronger kind of thing. (Wink wink.)

My first days at the Herald and in Austin were scary, but I don’t think I’d be accused of hyperbole to say that they were some of the most important days of my life thus far.

I’m not too proud to admit that I miss my family. I do, terribly, but living on my own is great, too. For all of the expenses, responsibilities and dishes (grumble, grumble), having my own space is beyond cool.

Which brings me to my next point – unpacking. After four years in college, I’m completely amazed at the trinkets and ugly clothing I’m finding while unpacking. And why is it that I have more things than space to put it in? Anyone? Anyone?

What I love the most about my new life in Austin is that I’m in the first week and already I’ve grown – or, I think I have anyway.

I’ve been amazed at the kindness of strangers (no, not in a Blanche DuBois kind of way). I’ve attended several city and organization meetings and in each case have been welcomed warmly, with numerous individuals patiently explaining what I don’t already know about Austin.

Highlights of my stay thus far are (in no particular order):

1) My landlord: You know who you are. Thank you for your sweetness.

2) El Mariachi: Food and service so good I dream about it. I plan to systematically visit all the restaurants in town, by the way, so don’t feel left out. I’ll be there soon.

3) ShopKo, Cash Wise, Target, and a mall – all in town! If you don’t want to travel 30 to 50 miles outside of Benson to go to a department store, your choice is Pamida.

4) First-run movies!

5) And diversity, which I truly haven’t experienced since leaving California.

On the day my mom drove away, I returned home at lunch and turned weepy and homesick after reading the note she left behind.

But at the same time I felt proud – proud that I applied for a job far away from all that was familiar; proud that for once if the house is messy and dirty, it’s MY fault; proud that I’m – supposedly – an adult after all this time.

And I think Mom is proud, too.