I embarked on a sudden and unexpected trip to Austin, leaving West Texas last evening, then overnighting at my mother's residence. Early this morning my SO and I drove into Austin. I can assure you that MUCH has changed since I was last here. Our destination was the University of Texas, where SO was to attend a work-related conference. My job was to drive and wait, then drive again this evening. That was alright with me, as I wanted to see Austin again. I believe the last time I was actually "in" Austin was probably in the late 1990's, with the exception of a trip to Houston in 2006 or so. On that trip, however, we were in a hurry and did not stray off of Highway 290.
Be that as it may, upon reaching Austin this morning, I found that of course all the highways were totally changed, with new exits and overpasses galore. Even the Tom Tom was intimidated by the "progress" made with the highways over the past two decades. I was pleased with some of the change, though. For instance, it was very easy for this tourist to reach the UT campus. The Tom Tom regained its compusure after we left I-35 and got on Highway 45 or Loop 45, or whatever it is. Then straight to Burnet Road. A tourist friendly drive, it was.
Needless to say, after such a drive from the backwoods of Coryell County to the Austin metroplex, I had to seek UT's "facilities" right away. This was all taking place in the Commons, by the way. I sprinted through the Commons Cafe and located the Men's Room in the not-too distant distance. As I approached the Men's Room, I had no idea the surprise awaiting me via signage posted near the restroom door. I kid you not, there is a sign next to the doorway advising the "needy" person that, in addition to the men's and women's rooms, there is also available a UNISEX restroom nearby! UNISEX RESTROOM?!!
I was actually in too desperate straits to explore the Unisex restroom, which was located in some distant area of the building. But as I availed myself of the MEN'S facitlity, I began to ponder the implications of the Unisex restroom. For instance...are there URINALS in the unisex restroom? Are there stalls only? Are there stalls AT ALL?! I suppose UT is a progressive campus but I did not realize progress had progressed so far! I realize that in today's world of sexual equality and social acceptance and all, nothing should be really shocking anymore. I do not know if a unisex restroom is shocking to the world at large, but I was caught off guard.
After completing my business in the Men's Room, I returned to the hallway where I again read the sign concerning the Unisex Restroom. Oddly enough the Unisex restroom is located near the Commons business office. Why so far from the "regular" restrooms, I had to wonder. Anyway, I thought about making a trip to the unisex restroom just to see what it was all about, but instead just went to the Commons Cafe and purchased a DP to calm my nerves. Oops, sorry Nurse Cheryl! She does not like me to drink DP. For the most part, I do not drink a lot of DP out of respect for her, but I did resort to this medication this morning. And no, I did not make that maiden voyage to the Unisex Restroom.
But it turns out the Unisex Restroom sign was not the only sign of interest this morning. Not at all. As I was exiting the Men's Room I saw another informative sign. Yes, the sign was very informative but was a little bit out of place in my opinion. You see, this sign advised restroom patrons that they should consider the possibility of whether they were pregnant or not. That's right! The patrons of the Commons Men's Room should consider the possibility of their pregnancy. If one IS pregnant, then that person is advised by the sign to remember that consuming alcohol while pregnant COULD BE harmful to the unborn child.
And here I thought the Unisex Restroom was progressive. It is really NOTHING compared to the possibility of a bunch of pregnant male UT students running around campus! I must say this has truly been a day of surprises. But I fear now for the local beer industry. I mean, what if a large percentage of UT males get pregnant at the same time?! Sixth Street, brace yourself for the coming crash!
Be that as it may, upon reaching Austin this morning, I found that of course all the highways were totally changed, with new exits and overpasses galore. Even the Tom Tom was intimidated by the "progress" made with the highways over the past two decades. I was pleased with some of the change, though. For instance, it was very easy for this tourist to reach the UT campus. The Tom Tom regained its compusure after we left I-35 and got on Highway 45 or Loop 45, or whatever it is. Then straight to Burnet Road. A tourist friendly drive, it was.
Needless to say, after such a drive from the backwoods of Coryell County to the Austin metroplex, I had to seek UT's "facilities" right away. This was all taking place in the Commons, by the way. I sprinted through the Commons Cafe and located the Men's Room in the not-too distant distance. As I approached the Men's Room, I had no idea the surprise awaiting me via signage posted near the restroom door. I kid you not, there is a sign next to the doorway advising the "needy" person that, in addition to the men's and women's rooms, there is also available a UNISEX restroom nearby! UNISEX RESTROOM?!!
I was actually in too desperate straits to explore the Unisex restroom, which was located in some distant area of the building. But as I availed myself of the MEN'S facitlity, I began to ponder the implications of the Unisex restroom. For instance...are there URINALS in the unisex restroom? Are there stalls only? Are there stalls AT ALL?! I suppose UT is a progressive campus but I did not realize progress had progressed so far! I realize that in today's world of sexual equality and social acceptance and all, nothing should be really shocking anymore. I do not know if a unisex restroom is shocking to the world at large, but I was caught off guard.
After completing my business in the Men's Room, I returned to the hallway where I again read the sign concerning the Unisex Restroom. Oddly enough the Unisex restroom is located near the Commons business office. Why so far from the "regular" restrooms, I had to wonder. Anyway, I thought about making a trip to the unisex restroom just to see what it was all about, but instead just went to the Commons Cafe and purchased a DP to calm my nerves. Oops, sorry Nurse Cheryl! She does not like me to drink DP. For the most part, I do not drink a lot of DP out of respect for her, but I did resort to this medication this morning. And no, I did not make that maiden voyage to the Unisex Restroom.
But it turns out the Unisex Restroom sign was not the only sign of interest this morning. Not at all. As I was exiting the Men's Room I saw another informative sign. Yes, the sign was very informative but was a little bit out of place in my opinion. You see, this sign advised restroom patrons that they should consider the possibility of whether they were pregnant or not. That's right! The patrons of the Commons Men's Room should consider the possibility of their pregnancy. If one IS pregnant, then that person is advised by the sign to remember that consuming alcohol while pregnant COULD BE harmful to the unborn child.
And here I thought the Unisex Restroom was progressive. It is really NOTHING compared to the possibility of a bunch of pregnant male UT students running around campus! I must say this has truly been a day of surprises. But I fear now for the local beer industry. I mean, what if a large percentage of UT males get pregnant at the same time?! Sixth Street, brace yourself for the coming crash!
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