I see it all the time. Maybe it just the area we live in (although I don think so). I see signs of Texas everywhere. Texas shaped food, Texas shaped accessories, bumper stickers boasting God Bless Texas, pick up trucks that are “Special Texas Edition”, signs that say, “Come and Get It”, or “We Don’t Dial 911”. You get my drift, right?

Texans are proud people. Prior to moving, I lived my life entirely in Southern California, and while I’m sure there are plenty of people that are proud to be Californians, it’s just not quite so widely advertised. I don’t recall any special California edition cars, much less pickup trucks, Although in California, it would probably be a special edition Prius or something! That being said, I have to admit I didn’t expect to be so well received here. I really expected to hear comments like Californians are invading Texas, but everyone here has been so welcoming. More like, “Welcome to Texas, it’s no wonder you left California!” It’s at that point I bite my tongue and leave Jerry Brown’s name out of the conversation. It’s not that they think they’re better, it’s just that they can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t want to live here. I’m pretty sure they must actually teach Texas pride in school!

We went and saw American Sniper last night at the movie theater in town. As people wer filtering in, I noticed that there were several young kids coming in. Not young teens, not pre teens, but kids. Twice I asked JD if he was sure we were in the right theater because surely no parent would bring there young kids to see this movie. I was wrong.

Was it because the parents were clueless? Was it because it’s Texas and there’s more tolerance of weapons? Was it because it’s Texas and in addition to being proud of the state of Texas, they’re extremely proud of being American. That, and the fact that the lead character was a Texan. I don’t know the answer, maybe a combination of all of those things. It was a good movie, but those kids should have been in the next theater watching Paddington.

By the way, just for the sake of comparison, it was only $14.00 for both of us to get in the movies and today I filled up my car at the gas station for $46.00!