live the questions now

Between the weather and the economy, it would be fair to call this a winter of discontent/hibernation (Inauguration excluded), and so I have been counting down the days until we leave for Austin, where we’re headed next week for SXSW Interactive and some nerding, learning, networking,  seeing friends and family, performing (in Dan’s case), and, of course, eating and drinking. Austin is one of my favorite places for many reasons, and no trip there is complete without breakfast tacos, BBQ, or both. (Also, the cranberry oatmeal cookies at Jo’s Coffee on South Congress. Love.) So when I heard about the Pledge to End Hunger and its SXSW connection, my undying love for the Austin food scene was but one reason why I immediately wanted to support this campaign.

Going to SXSW is a big investment in my own professional development, and I realize I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to attend, let alone eat my my way through a week in Austin. The many recent news stories about exploding demand at food banks across the US have left me very aware and grateful that we’re still able to buy groceries and cook nutritious meals.

Last weekend, as I was planning my SXSW schedule, I made a decision that happens to tie in perfectly with the Pledge to End Hunger: NO BUYING FOOD AT THE CONVENTION CENTER CONCESSIONS. Having attended many, many conferences, I like to think that I’m somewhat of a convention center food connoisseur. I know well the overpriced muffins and heat-lamp-cooked pizza across this great land, and I know that I do not want to eat any of them next week. Neither time nor my freelancer budget are going to permit eating out at restaurants on Sixth Street every time my stomach growls, so in keeping with this new rule, I’m bringing snacks. Yes, I will be that nerd, the one eating goldfish crackers out of a ziploc bag. If you’re going to SXSW, I hope you’ll join me. Skip the concessions, even if just once, and donate what you save to help end hunger for children in America. (You’re also welcome to join me, literally, if you want to grab a bite. No concessions doesn’t mean no food at all. I’d love to meet up.) If you’re not going to SXSW, but still planning to eat lunch next week, it’d be great if you joined in, too — check out www.pledgetoendhunger.com to learn how.