These are my reasons...some of them.

I'm sitting here unable to sleep for whatever reason, because you know I walk around like a zombie...I should be able to sleep at a moment's notice. In fact, I fell asleep at my computer this afternoon while Clinton was dozing. So, now I have a chance and I'm wide-eyed.

Clinton and I have really been enjoying Texas...probably a little too much. Don't get me wrong...in Tennessee I have a great house, a wonderful husband, and fabulous friends...but there's just something about Texas that's always pulling at my heart. Poor Rodney knows how much I love Texas because everytime I go back to Tennessee from a trip, I mope around the house for a couple of days...not on purpose, it just happens.

So, I've been thinking...what is it that makes Texas so much better than any other place on earth?

(1) Well, for starters there's the flag...and it's plastered on everything. Texans have so much pride in their state and they want to symbolize it everywhere...and I kind of love that about us. (2) And, duh, no one makes food like we do...TexMex is a treat for me now because it is hard to come by in Tennessee. I've really had to up my TexMex recipe portfolio at home just to get my fixes. There's no Chuy's or Hula Hut down the street anymore...no worries though, authentic Beef fajitas are now one of my specialties...and Mother is teaching me a new recipe this week...Green Enchiladas. I've already tried them and they're to die for. (3) Of course, who doesn't enjoy a little diesel engine background noise? That of course is more for, but not limited to, rural Texas. I can sit on my parents' patio and about every two to three minutes a diesel truck will whip around the corner...engine rumbling...and it often gets Clinton's attention. (4) Wranglers and cowboy hats...on REAL cowboys...not those made up kind trying to make it big in Music City. (5) Gentlemen. This shouldn't be just a Texas thing, but I'm pretty sure it's not a well-known Tennessee thing...except for you Rodney, you're perfect. Men should be opening doors, saying "yes ma'am", treating ladies like ladies. (6)"Fixin' to." I'm always fixin' to do something, but I'm never actually fixing anything. Can anybody tell me why that is? (7) Football. Sure it's played everywhere, and maybe the biggest stadium isn't even in Texas...but football is still different and much more serious here. It's starts before they're even old enough to understand the game. Boys are red-shirted in Kindergarten...held back a year so they'll be a little bigger when they get to high school--just for football. Pee-wee leagues cover the state with little boys dreaming of playing for Texas, Texas A&M or Texas Tech...only traitors go to OU. Friday nights clear out small towns (and some large ones) to cheer on the hometown heroes. Players are treated with respect by the whole community. Local papers are covered with pictures of the football players and cheerleaders...not so much the world news. (8) Taco Cabana. It's a fast-food Mexican restaurant with homemade tortillas, homemade salsa, and adult beverages.

I could go on and on...I'm sure later postings will include more things I love about Texas...aside from my awesome family...I can't even remember why they embarrassed me so much in junior/high school...they're truly the coolest people I know.

Well, I've typed myself into sleepiness...I better head to bed. Goodnight, Texas, can't wait to see you tomorrow.