Help, I'm evolving

I was out driving with a friend the other day. We were people watching while stopped at a red light. She said to me, "Texas women, they are just so funny!" I wondered what she meant and so I asked. She says, "Well, look at all the jewelry!" I looked back at a large group of women waiting to cross the street and thought, "Whoa, she's right!" There were earrings and bracelets and rings everywhere. Large trendy bags. Hair. Then I became very aware of my own adornments that day. And I thought, "Oh no, am I becoming a Texan?"

I've lived in Texas for the better part of 26 years, but have never considered myself a "Texan". When people ask where I'm from, I hesitate to say Texas because there does seem to be such a stigma attached to the culture... the southern drawl, the wranglers and cowboy boots, the big bar hair. It's nothing to be ashamed of... obviously I like Texas or I wouldn't keep coming back... it's just that I fancy myself a sleek city girl more than anything else. More East Coast. Even though I only lived there for 4 1/2 years during the first 5 years of my life. Lol.

I have definitely begun my transition to the way of the Texas woman. Gasp. I've probably traded in about half of my black streamlined wardrobe for something of color, several pairs of close toed modern dress shoes for sandals and flip flops, and yes, I do own a pair of really sassy cowboy boots (though they've never and I can guarantee won't ever be paired with Wranglers). I have added some spunky jewelry to my collection of accessories (which previously consisted only of a variety of silver hoops and lots of scarves). Last but not least, I now sport a true "hairstyle" as opposed to the long straight style that topped my head for 16 years. It hasn't reached big bar hair capacity yet, thank goodness, but it looks better "done" than swept back as I'd previously preferred.

This all brings me to another realization. My mother was a Texan. Shhh, you can probably hear her rolling over in her grave at the sound of that. She'd never have admitted it, though. Oh no. But the matching earrings, bracelet, ring, watch and shoes were solid proof. Scary.

So, I guess my fate is sealed. Texas has rubbed off on me. But only to an extent. Until it rubs off on my house and I begin hanging large metal stars on my wall or my wardrobe and I begin wearing orange on UT game days and or my collections and I begin to go nuts over Lonestar flag memorabilia, I think I am safe from having to admit it. Phew.