So, I’ve been in “officially” in Austin for about 6 weeks now. I’m still learning the town and liking what I’m seeing, but last night I got a sign from God (at least for the geeky fan-boy in me) that this town is my new “home.”
Last night I was out with other members of my team and a few customers and we were just chatting, getting to know each other, and overall having a good time at dinner.
After dinner, most of us walked back with the customers to the hotel, and then people started to peel off. I was the last (non-customer) to leave. This is because up until about 8 weeks ago I was a customer. I’ll speak about that transition later.
So, it’s me and three customers standing in their hotel lobby telling our war stories of life in IT. Then I notice someone pass by and walk up to the concierge desk. This guy looks really familiar to me. I discount this as just someone who looks like someone who I never met in person, but who I’ve seen hundreds if not thousands of times. Then his buddy says something like, “Hey J. what about this?” and I froze.
Fifteen feet away from me was Jensen Ackles. I was sure of it. The next time that he walked by, I called out to him, trying to keep my fan boy down and I think I succeeded. I shook his hand and we exchanged a few words. I told him that I’m a very big fan of Supernatural. He was kind enough to ask after us a little bit. I finished up by saying that I knew he was busy, but that I just wanted to tell him how much my wife and I really enjoy the show. For those that don’t know the show, think young version of “The Odd Couple” meets the Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual and you got it.
So, this is it. Austin is now home.