It’s been fun, but what’s up next?
These folks have some ideas for turning 2013 into an even better year.
With less than a week until the new year, we’re just about ready to stop reflecting on all the fun that 2012 brought to Austin. In fact, who needs reflection when we can make resolutions to make 2013 even better? For this week’s Like a Local, three Austinites shared their resolutions, albeit with a twist: They listed some Austin places and activities they intend to go to and explore in the coming year.
Meghan Turner, cofounder of local pit bull rescue and advocacy group, Love-A-Bull:
In 2013, my sweet rescue pooch, May, will be 10 years old. She is a big part of my life, having inspired me to cofound Love-A-Bull. I’ve had the distinct pleasure of being May’s guardian for the past seven years, and I want to celebrate her big 1-0 with 10 special activities. These are the front-runners on that list, so far
Host a Doggie Disco nighttime pot luck at one of my favorite pieces of public art, Open Room Austin (across from the Pfluger Bridge) — don’t forget the iPod, glow sticks and light-up leashes.
Share a Mama’s Cake (May likes it with cherries added) at the Gourdough’s trailer on the way to Auditorium Shores.
Hike along the secluded off-leash trail at Onion Creek, one of the bestkept secrets of dog parks in the city.
Invite all two-legged and four-legged friends on a pub crawl along Rainey Street — Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden has a great dog play area.
After a walk around Mueller Lake Park (Love-A-Bull meets there at 10 a.m. every first Sunday), hit up the Mueller Farmers Market and listen to the live music. Sometimes, there are visiting falcons and donkeys.
Wally Workman, founder of the Wally Workman Gallery on West Sixth Street:
I’ve owned the gallery for 32 years. It has grown up as Austin has grown up, so we appreciate the old with the new. Our New Year’s resolution is to have each and every show be successful. Then we can take the artists out after their opening to eat at Fonda San Miguel and spoil them with a night at the W Hotel. Part of old Austin, Fonda is one of our favorite restaurants — delicious and creative food, incredible art and a celebratory vibe. Part of new Austin, the W Hotel houses local artwork throughout and will be a vacation away from home, even for our in-town artists.
Success for us means success for them and we hope to be able to thank them in good order, with a taste of both guards.
Bradley Dean Whyte, freelance performing arts and music teacher at the Paramount and Zach Theatres, Little Yoga House, Jump Gymnastics and other venues:
I’m relatively new to Austin, so this year, I’d like to do a lot of the same things ... only better. I’d like to do a better job ordering the “Slacker’s Banquet” at Bouldin Creek Cafe. Maybe integrate the word “po” in my order instead of saying “vegan cornbread.” And I’d really like to make this change gradually, without anyone noticing. I don’t want a waiter, in March, saying “Hey, now, wait a minute, aren’t you the guy who calls this cornbread?” Because that would be very uncomfortable.
More trips to the Alamo Drafthouse. But I need to remember to sit somewhere in the front half of the audience, because, despite its awesomely vigilant no-talking policy, I still manage to sit next to the talkers. And I really don’t have the courage to rat them out by writing a message on those little papers, with those little golf pencils they give you.
I’d like to go out and see more improv. I’ve enjoyed playing piano with Girls Girls Girls, The Story Wranglers and with The Puppet Improv Project, but I seriously need to just go out some night while I’m not working.
More raw food at the raw foods bar at Whole Foods Market. More yoga at Black Swan because everyone knows that yoga makes you happier and better looking.
Finally, I’d like to learn the names of the waiters who do such great work in this town. I eat out too much not to know their names.