Austin, for whatever reason, brings out the beast in me. It happened when I first went to school there 20 years ago and it happened in July of 2007 as well. Certain cities tend to hold certain thoughts and expectations. I just don’t know why when I’m in the car driving to Austin, suddenly the music on my radio is turned up louder and I start to listen to hard rock in roll instead of the softer stuff. Visions of Steely Dan, Moody Blues, Gary Moore and really rough others start to cause me to shake, rattle and roll.I cannot drive by West, Texas without making a pit stop. And getting kolanches.I’ve worked at the state capital, resided in Jester Hall and lived on a South Austin farm. Didn’t work out. I have tried and failed horribly to live in Austin three times. There will not be a forth time. But Austin does beckon me. The drive back home always includes endorphined-filled pleasure often combined with pain because of the past atrocities that I’ve committed.I’m going back in September. But maybe not to work. But maybe to work some. This time I’m bringing my parrot. I’m sure the hotels in downtown will go nuts with that but she’s quiet. Unlike me. In getting to Austin one goal is to certainly to meet a few old friends and make, perhaps, one new one. When I start to see signs pointing to Austin, the libido goes into high gear and I see chill bumps start to form on my lower arms. Go figure.Who knows? That poster who said “Austin was weird” and “What’s wrong with 6th Street?” and I responded to him in kind, probably has something right.But I have it figured out. Before you arrive? It’s the anticipation of things to come.Once you’re in town? It’s the water.