I’ve recently gotten into Friendfeed, which basically shows anytime I do anything on the internet. Here’s mine.

I tried not to show any side in my Austinist post, but I really did love the episode’s take on Austin’s gentrification. Sure, we can’t blame Peggy Hill for the rising property costs in East Austin, but still. People are buying houses in East Austin because it is less expensive than elsewhere in town, East Austin becomes a popular place to set up shop, and the rents go up because of it. So the people who have been living in that area of town for most of their lives are finding their property taxes rising.

This episode of the show may oversimplify the issue slightly, but the main feeling of it is dead on. A change in the demographics changes the flavor of a neighborhood. Ergo, the fish tacos become salmon tacos.

Oh, just watch the episode and see what I mean.

I’m a little disappointed, but not that surprised. Our landlord has been frustrated with our plumbing issues and more – I think he just doesn’t want to be a landlord anymore. And his friend really wants to take on the condo, even knowing about all the issues.

So, we will be moving. Again. And I won’t be able to walk to work anymore. Well, it was nice while it lasted. If I could afford to buy my own condo (and was determined to do it), this would be the market to do it in. But I think I’ll stick with renting for now.

And then there’s Hillary’s attempt at moving Texans:

True, Ann would likely be campaigning for Hillary, and that might have been able to get her more supporters. But a posthumous video basically saying that Ann supported Hillary (and you should too) is less likely to grab voters, I think. I loved Ann, and this video is a nice tribute, but it doesn’t change the fact that Hillary voted to go to war.

Lest we forget. . .

Next weekend during the Film festival, I’ll be helping with the youth group’s lock-in. Last night I was trying to remember where my sleeping bag was and recalled that I gave it away when Austin was collecting supplies for Katrina evacuees. That shows you how often I use a sleeping bag! I’m honestly not the camping sort. . . well, unless it’s camping in a cabin.

As far as voting, I’m pretty much stuck with Obama, aren’t I? I’m not voting for Hillary, and both Richardson and Edwards have dropped out of the race. I like Obama okay, but I am not feeling “fired up” anymore about him. I think I am getting worn out from the longest Presidential campaign ever. I watch BBC World news to try to escape from our national politics-centered news coverage, and they end up talking about our elections anyway.

I can’t escape.

But of course I am voting. I’m excited that our (Texas’) vote means something this time around, but I hate that I am feeling so close to over it. I’m usually way more into Presidential elections.

IMG_0828, originally uploaded by evso.

I need another weekend already. I’ve been to two memorial services in three weeks. Yesterday’s service was very sweet and moving. One of the choir members sang one of my favorite pieces. While his performance wasn’t flawless, I do think the song was a great fit for the man remembered.

IMG_0819, originally uploaded by evso.

As you know, I went to England in January. I’m planning on visiting K in New Mexico during her Spring Break (first week of April) and am also pondering a trip to California to visit Michele and Phil’s new digs there for her 30th in December. I have never travelled so much in one year.

But this is my thirtieth year (I’m still 29 right now!), so I think it’s a worthy time to go places. I have the vacation days, and I might as well use them.

I have more of my Brighton beach photos up on flickr now . . . I still have a few more to upload.