Have you ever been driving down the road, on a familiar stretch, lost deep in thought? You snap out of your trance and realize you don’t remember driving the last 3 miles? When I drove for a living, I used to do this all the time. It’s not that you aren’t aware of your surroundings, it’s that you are so used to them you don’t always consciously mark them as you go. I do this a lot when I’m walking around as well.
I’ve decided it would be in my best interest to start carrying my camera with me where ever I go. It’s not that I haven’t seen a thunder storm before, or bugs, or scolding squirrels, it’s that they are in such abundance here in Houston and they are right up in your face.
Today I was walking along the sidewalk towards the store, deep in thought. I’ve walked this stretch to the store several times since I’ve been here. It takes about 20 minutes each way and it’s a great time to think about things. So, there I was, doing just that as I was strolling towards my goal, aware that I was walking next to a chain link fence that stands just a little over my head in height. I was thinking about all the places I needed to go when something caught my eye.
When you are in such a trance, things out of the ordinary can startle you enormously. I looked over to my left and damn near had myself a heart attack. There on top of the fence, not 2 feet from my head was a giant possum...who was hissing at me, baring its teeth, threatening me. I froze. My mind didn’t know whether to just keep moving or to stand still, wondering if it was going to leap at me.
We stared each other down for a good 3-4 minutes. The possum finally closed its mouth and I slowly moved past it. I walked about 10 feet, turned around and watched it for a little while longer. I then continued on my way, cursing at myself for not having my camera with me to snap a photo. Again, it’s not like I haven’t seen one before, I’ve just never had one at head level, scowling at me with its fangs exposed.
Needless to say, every tree and bush I passed along the way that had some sort of critter in it, rustling branches and making noise made my heart race. I’m not scared of them, I just don’t want them attacking me.
Anyway, on my way back home, I took extra care while walking by that fence and I noticed a net...like a butterfly net or a pool net. It seems the owner of the house discovered the possum too and took care of business. I wish I had my camera.
From now on, it’s an accessory I will be wearing as I discover the other wonders this city and state hold for me. There’s never a dull moment in this part of the country. That’s just how I like it.
I forgot to talk about Friday night. We, my brother, his friend and I, went to this joint...of course, I can’t remember the name. Anyway, it was like an outside bar with picnic benches, a basketball hoop, horsering......ditch? There was a live band playing and the atmosphere was very alive yet very laid back.
We walked up to the bar, got our drinks and proceeded to a picnic bench. I noticed there were little kids running around, people brought their dogs...must have been about 10 dogs there and some teenagers were playing hackey sack at the small basketball court. It was like being in a park but it was a bar.
I sat there, mesmerized. You just don’t see things like that in Seattle. It was the coolest place. My brother says it’s his favorite hang out and I can see why. The people were so. damn. friendly! I struck up several conversations with complete strangers that night and it was geniunely good feelings they displayed back to me.
This is how cool the place is: I don’t really like country music. The live band was playing all country music all night long. This place was so cool, I was actually enjoying the music! OMG! I never thought I would say that. You know, it would be fantastic if everyone in this country could be as cool as any of the Texans I’ve met so far. I hear jokes all the time about how Texans consider their state a separate country and I need a truck, a gun and my Texas passport to be considered a real Texan. It’s all jokes but it really does feel like a different country here. No matter where I go from here, I will never forget this place and it will be among my favorite places I’ve lived in or traveled to.
<--- Here Endeth The Lesson
