Travel Near, Travel Far...But TRAVEL

It has been a short while since my last post. First, I decided to take some much needed time off from work to celebrate my birthday (translation: 2 days). And then it was back to the grind stone and the traveling to and fro.

I can handle the traveling and living out of a suitcase. Every time I travel someplace, I try and learn something about where I was that I can take with me and become a bit more enlightened. My travels today are mostly in the US, but can sometimes take me farther away. I am amazed by how differently we all live right here in the US.

Having just been to Dallas, I returned home to step off the plane into a cloud of haze and humidity- just lovely- and the familiarity of the palm trees and golf courses. But I smiled as I recalled the cowboys and cowgirls I encountered in Texas. They beat to a very different drum than the one I often dance to, having been raised in a coastal, Northeastern city. The differences are as night and day. And when it comes to politics in this state, you won't find too many folks who don't enjoy bending your ear a bit.

I didn't know line dance from the Irish jig, but was game to try. And the folks were just about as nice and helpful as could be. And a few drinks here and there didn't hurt.

Rhinestones, lassos, and boots galore, it was a pleasure to get away from my every day norm and step out of the comfort of my life for a bit. And I guess that is really the point: to not always do what feels comfortable and familiar. It's perfectly acceptable to get out there and explore the terrain, the people, the culture, and the food. And heck, maybe even I can find a good ol' cowboy. Let's just hope his favorite song isn't "Achy Breaky Heart."