Acclimating

Before I moved to Texas, I used to say doesn't, wasn't, isn't. Now, like most Texans, I say those words and don't pronounce the "s". It used to drive me crazy and now I do it continually and I don't even realize it.

Before I moved to Texas, I called my father, dad or James (James is not his name, it just fit). A person I now know very well but had just met after a few months upon arriving here would tell stories and she would say refer to her father as daddy and I would think it was odd that a grown woman called her father daddy. Now when I refer to my father or anyone's father, I say "daddy".

Before I moved to Texas, I would refer people's grandchildren using the word grandchild(ren). Now, I call them grandbabies.

Before I moved to Texas, I never considered driving with an open container (alcoholic type) and would have thought less of anyone who did this. Well, up until two years ago, it was allowed and a common practice. While I never got intoxicated behind the wheel. I will not deny that I would take a sip when it was offered.

Before I moved to Texas, I didn't know about pan dulce, enchiladas, carne asada, carne guisada, breakfast tacos, migas, machacado, and lots of other wonderful foods found on menus all over San Antonio and South Texas. Now, I enjoy them and can't believe I lived so many years without them.

Before I moved to Texas, I never drove in a city with access roads. In the city they are one way, in the country they are two way. And turn arounds - how easy are they. Unfortunately people drive way too fast because these are so easy to maneuver through but they sure are convenient.

Before I move to Texas, I would have never thought a slow car in front of me on a two lane road would move to the right (onto the shoulder) for me to pass. Now I get annoyed when they don't.

Before I moved to Texas, I would address neighbors by their first name. Now I say "Howdy neighbor. How are you sir/ma'am?"

Before I moved to Texas, I rarely went right on red and NEVER went left on red. I do both on a regular basis. (The left on red is when you are turning left onto a one way street)

Before I moved to Texas, I would go to fairs, carnivals and church picnics and have a ton of fun.The entrance and parking fee (if there were any) were very reasonable and once you were in, you just paid cash for what you wanted. My first Fiesta was an eye-opener. You bought tickets to gain entrance and then you bought more tickets from assigned booths to use for food, drinks, and games. And places would get so packed and fights would break out. Very different from what I remember from home (although it's been a long time) and I have to say I still have a hard time with this one. But I love that downtown basically shuts down for two weeks in April to celebrate the culture and history.

When I moved to Texas, I figured it was temporary. I would be here for a few years, gain some experience in the workplace and move back to the east coast. So after 4 years, I moved to Baltimore. I was there exactly one year. It was not for me and I kept comparing everything to Texas. (Maybe that was part of the reason it never became home.) So I moved back. And I have to say it's been great. While the move was an expensive way to find myself and what I wanted to do, I'm glad I did it because when I got back, I embraced my life here.

Right now, the drive back and forth is dreary. The grass is all brown, most of the trees have dropped their leaves and the wind is cold. I was driving home tonight and I realized that while it is a harsh scene, this is a beautiful place with beautiful people.

I'm so glad I have made this home.