How I did it: I drove down to Ft. Worth, Texas (and Austin, for a few hours) to visit a friend I hadn't seen in over 11 years. It was nice, but I've learned that 11 years time changes people. The drive down was so nice, but the drive back was HELL.

But Austin is cool! Just don't go during the SXSW festival, unless you're attending, of course. Or if you like to sit in hours of traffic jams. Then by all means, go to Austin during SXSW.

Lessons & tips: GET YOUR CAR CHECKED BEFORE YOU GO. ANYWHERE. I changed my oil, had my tires rotated, etc., but do you have any idea how scary it is to be driving down I-35 North at 3am and know that if your car DOES break down, there is literally no one around to help you? Yeah. SCARY. Get your car looked at.

Resources: Jiffy Lube. And I'd recommend going to Goodyear or any other car service center. Have them do a free inspection... trust me, it'll be worth it.

---

Mar 24, 2011, 08:55AM PDT | 0 comments | 7 cheers