Where are you from?

When Texans are asked where we are from, most of us are not likely to answer "the U.S."--we say Texas.  For some, it is a matter of pride in their state.  For me, it just makes sense--it seems pretty obvious that I am an American, and the next question is going to be "Which state?" anyway. 

I am so glad to be from Texas, but our state's image overseas took a beating during the Bush years, and, having endured Rick Perry's arrogance during the past decade, I am afraid that his being on the national stage can only make things worse.  So, I try to be prepared for just about any kind of reaction when I say where I am from. So far, it has not been too bad! A few comments so far:

"You are from Texas. (Smile.) Like Bush."     

"Texas? What part? Ohh, Austin is cool!"

"Are you a fan of Perry's?....No?! Oh, thank God."

"My brother-in-law lives in Houston. It's too hot."

"I thought I heard a slight drawl."


My personal favorite:

"You are from Texas? Where are your guns?"

Are you excited?

I have been asked a lot lately, "Are you excited? Are you getting nervous?" Actually, I am not feeling either one yet; mostly what I am feeling is stressed--stressed about getting through my to-do list, about selling my car, about how much money I am spending (getting a driving ticket this week didn't help, either)...

Yes, I am trying to sell my German car so that I can go to Germany!

I keep trying to tell myself to slow down and to enjoy this time, because this IS my vacation...I am going to Germany to WORK.   So, with that in mind, I have been dragging taking my friends and family with me to eat enough Mexican food to last me until Christmas, I've added a few more BBQ places to my list, I've seen my favorite Texas country artist a couple of times, and I've even done a few things that could be considered tourist-y, like going to the top of the University of Texas tower:





view of downtown Austin from the top of the University of Texas tower--it was closed when I was a student



and going on the tour of the brewery in Shiner:



In case you were wondering, the brewery gives you four 6 oz. samples!



I still have two weeks (!), so it will all get done, right?