We're Not in Kansas Anymore

I know, I know. *WE* were never in Kansas. Ever. And we're not going there. Possibly ever. But I say this phrase figuratively, because today I learned how possible it is to feel as if you're traveling internationally even within the borders of the continental U.S.

With Louisiana behind me, I feel comfortable saying I've never seen another state like it. Open container laws aside, daiquiris can be purchased via drive thru. Counties have been replaced with parishes. Louisiana may quite possibly be the only locale in the country - other than Philadelphia - where people ask, "What parish are you from?" And my favorite, you can fill up your gas tank and then press your luck at a few hands of poker, because casinos are attached to the gas stations!

But Texas. Oh, Texas. I must admit, I was afraid to enter The Lone Star State. But I'm feeling much more comfortable here, now. Anyone familiar with the Captain Obvious Concept should come to Texas. Within my group of friends, I am the leader of the Captain Obvious pack. So luckily, for my first time in Texas, I'm feeling pretty at home.

What do I mean? Well, everything in Texas is labeled as such. Burger King has a Texas Whopper. A Toyota Dealership outside of Houston is Texas Toyota. People add Texas stickers to their cars that are already labeled Texan by their license plates. Do people from any other state DO things like this? I've never seen a Pennsylvania BigMac. Or a sticker to signify the Commonwealth of Virginia. Additionally, every tenth (I may be exaggerating...) of a mile on I-10 from the Louisiana border to Houston has a sign that says (again and again) that we're headed towards Houston. And my favorite, there are signs on US 290 that label where you can turn left. Zoolander would have been at a loss, but Captain Obvious, thank you for reporting for duty!

All joking aside, it is great to be in Texas. It's great to be in another new state. It is great to be with HEG and Boyfriend and Jake. And it's great to be so full on margaritas and Tex-Mex that I can't move. I was expecting some culture shock this far down South, but I definitely got more than I bargained for. And its great.

So, I'm headed to bed. After anoter especially long, long, day. 525 miles in 10 hours. That includes 3 pit stops plus a pull-over to conduct a conference call for work. Damn having enough responsibility that I can work from anywhere, including a gas station/casino in Louisiana...

Today's License Plates.... AL, AR, CA (My first CA sighting!), FL, GA, HI (Yes, Hawaii!), LA, MO, MS, OH, OK, PA (they're everywhere...), TN, and of course, TX!