Two and a half years ago when we moved to Texas, we packed up our car, and a Penske truck with whatever we thought we’d need to survive until the big truck arrived and we hit the road. 

We drove for almost three days, taking our time because really, how fast can a fully loaded Penske truck go? The scenery along the way went quickly from the familiar, SoCal freeway, to the Palm Desert, to the Arizona desert, to the New Mexico desert (which is not quite as scenic as Arizona for those of you wondering). And then we crossed the state line into Texas.

Yes, that’s  a long time to spend in the car, so what better way to pass the time than sing! Admittedly, I’m not a good singer. Carry a tune? Not me! Not even in a paper bag! BUT, for some reason, I’m an amazing singer in the car!  No really, I am!

I like all kinds of music, but my go to station tends to be country, and as luck would have it,  the popular song at that time was Dierks Bentley’s Drunk on a Plane. Let me tell you that song  came on approximately every hour and a half. Ten hours a day of driving, divided by the same song every hour and a half – well, you do the math. That’s a whole lot of Drunk on a Plane. Sure, I could have changed the station – but I didn’t. Ever. Not even one time.

Now to add some fun to this, our then 12 year old granddaughter was with us. While her dad drove the Penske, she came along for the ride and was going to be staying with us for a few weeks once we arrived at our new house. Poor thing! She doesnt even like country music and here was was, bombarded with this song over and over! It wasn’t until she got back home in CA that she lost her mind and said she never wanted to hear that song again! So now, every time I hear that song, I think of her and all the arventures we had on our way to Texas.

Now that we have been here for almost three years and we are fully immersed in the Texas lifestyle, we wouldn’t even dream of missing the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. It’s always fun, and in addition to the rodeo, you get a concert too! Once the rodeo is over, the crew comes out, sets up a stage, equipment, chairs, and within 10 minutes, instant concert stage!

Well, guess who last night’s performer was? Yes!!! Dierks  Bentley! We’re getting drunk on a plane! He did not disappoint, sang all his number one hits (I’d forgotten How many there are) and his last song was….you guessed it – Drunk on a Plane. As the entire crowd sang along, I immediately thought first of my granddaughter and had to giggle to myself. I even recorded a short video of it to send her!   But something else happened too. As most performers do, Dierks (yes, we are on a first name basis) made mention several times about Texas and Texans. “Hey, Texas, how y’all doing tonight?” You know what I mean, right? Well, I had this epiphany I’m a Texan! You see, not long after we moved here, we went to a Brad Paisley concert and I was feeling like I didn’t know where I belonged, I actually felt like an outsider hoping no one would notice how uncomfortable I felt. Would we get kicked out for being fake Texans?! I know, it was dumb.

I have no idea when this transition took place. Was it gradual? Did it happen one day and I just didnt notice? Was it when I bought my first pair of cowboy boots and became instantly addicted? Was it when I had to surrender my CA drivers license? Was it the first time I heard a prayer said at a public event? I’m not sure, but I know that I love living here. What’s not to love? (aside from scorpions)

I still experience new things, still frequently find myself saying, “you never see that or hear that in California”. Thankfully, it’s rare that I don’t say that without a smile on my face. And for some reason, my favorite seat now is 7A!!