Happy Birthday to Me!

Thanks to everyone who sent me cards and gifts and things. It is very exciting to receive packages at my new house and have cards to decorate my counters. It makes me feel loved while I am still trying to get to know people here. So I'm 23. No one call and sing me "No one loves you when you're 23... and you still act like you're in freshman year." So far its been a great day and last weekend was a great weekend.

The best part about this birthday, is I actually have time to think that it is my birthday. I remember one year I was so busy studying for a structures test, that I had completely forgotten until the gang arrived with the cake. And then there were the years where Women's LEadership Conference stressed me out so much I didn't have time to think about it. This year, I am calm, well-rested, relaxed and happy.

Honeymoon in Houston

Last week we had a lecture on different stages of adapting to a new culture (meant for international travels): Honeymoon, Hostility, Habit, Home. Well, most of my Swiss experience fluctuated between Honeymoon and Hostility, though, happily I think I did enter the habit phase before I got home.

Here, I think I am still in Honeymoon with Texas. I love the weather (that's just because it hasn't hit a million degrees with 100% humidity yet). I love the scenery. There are a kabillion resteraunts. I am reading a book called "Being a Yankee Chick in Texas" and it says that you know you are at home when it feels like you have gone a long time without eating Tex-Mex if it has been over a week - well, last week, I said that same thing "I haven't had Mexican in a while" and then realized it had only been a week. I am sure Karen is laughing at this, because she knows I never really even liked Tex-Mex before!!

So, I have also learned here that the RODEO is no joke. There is like a two week event called the Houston Rodeo. And in addition to the expected bucking broncos, trail rides, and cowboys, its apparently a great social event with concerts every night (from Neil Diamond to the Dixie Chicks). Very strange. I have also learned that there is a difference between an east and west Texas accent. And I have been watching the King of the Hill and suddenly it makes a lot more sense - a very very good orientation to Texas life.