Damn I miss Texas. Laying in bed, listening to Texas Country Music, makes me realize what I'm missing.

I miss being in the honky tonk listening to Kevin Folwer and Cory Morrow, not punk music like One Armed Wanda and the Butterfly Cocktails.

I miss the way people in Texas start a chant at the dance hall, then at the next show, it appears on a t-shirt. Funny t-shirts though; not some political or environmental shit like "impeach the government" or "save the hairless raccoon" as in Colorado.

I miss people being polite. When I walk down the street, I want people to look at me and say hello, not purposely treat me like Madusa.

I miss barbeque pits with steak and chicken... to hell with smoothies and vegeterian food.

Every once in a while, I want a Lone Star Beer. No disrespect to Coors Light, but variety is nice.

Paying a state income tax sucks... Texas has the right idea.

I miss the Houston Astros and a full ballpark... not a team below .500 and in last place.

I miss the heat... to hell with the snow.

I'd prefer to pay $140,000 for beautiful home in a nice neighborhood... not $300,000 for a 1200 square foot condo.

I miss being forty-five minutes from the beach, one hour from Houston, three hours from Austin and San Antonio, and four hours from Dallas and New Orleans. The micro-breweries in Fort Collins are nice, and the plains of Cheyenne offer a nice distraction, but it doesn't compare to a weekend on the Comal River or a party on Bourbon Street.

I want a Whataburger, fries, and a couple ketchup packages. Damn I miss their ketchup!

I want to see a show at the Midnight Rodeo.

Pat Green sang about a "nightmare," but he woke up. While we're making a great life in Denver, being closer to home would be a better circumstance.

I don't know if Texas misses me, but people like Davy Crockett, James Bowie, and Sam Houston made sure it would survive without me.

God only knows I miss her, though.

Labels: Family, Friends, Texas

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 12:44 AM | Permalink | Comments

So after four days, a New Year's Eve celebration in Austin, and a long drive in a Penske truck, we finally made it to Denver.

The city is beautiful, snow is on the ground, and our apartment is perfect. While the new place is a bit small, everything fits, and it will be decorated nicely.

My parents took the drive with Rebecca and me, and my brother Matt Giardina followed along on his way to Boulder.

We certainly couldn't have made the move if it wasn't for Dan Montes, Danny Gossett, Bryan Brassard, and Michael Chang. Unloading the house, and trying to stuff everything into the truck was much more difficult than expected, so maybe next time I should get a bigger truck.

Actually, there won't be a 'next time'. If we return to Texas, we're hiring movers.

Matt and my parents helped Rebecca and I get everything in the new apartment, and because we're on the second floor, was a feat in itself.

It's great to know we have such wonderful friends, including our family. We still have a long way to go, but we're making progress, but again, without everyone's help, I can't explain how difficult it would have been. Rebecca and I are so appreciative.

As soon as we get all the computers together, we'll post pictures. We miss everyone already, and can't wait to see friends in the Mile High City.

Labels: Denver, Friends, Texas

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 12:56 PM | Permalink | Comments

Election Day is just over a week away. Want to call it the most important election in our lifetime?

Isn't that what they always say?

I believe I've finally decided who will receive my vote, because I do things a bit differently than everyone else.

Let's preface:

I'm not a straight-ticket voter, although I used to vote straight Republican -- I've since learned. I do, however, consider myself Republican, because in a two-party system, I prefer the far right opposed to the far left. Maybe that's also because I hate hippies.

Face it, we're not going to agree with an elected official on all the issues. I don't care for Governor Perry's plan for the Trans Texas Corridor, Chris Bell's health care solutions need heavy revision (minus the pro-choice issues), Carol Keeton McClellan Rylander Strayhorn is really a Democrat in a Republican's body running as an Independent, and Kinky can't seem to get it together long enough for real voters to take him seriously.

Most Texas newspapers have endorsed Perry, while a few have sided with Bell or Strayhorn. If you read the polls, Kinky appears to be falling drastically. What makes no sense, however, is that Texas residents appear to disapprove of Governor Perry's job performance, but will likely re-elect him come November 7th. With five candidates (including the Libertarian), the winner will have approximately 35% of the vote.

While it's difficult sifting through the smear tactics, personal attacks, and smoke screens, I believe that if Texans want real change in our beloved state, it's going to take someone like Kinky Friedman to do it. In my humble opinion, his inexperience will actually be his strength.

I'm somewhat indifferent to legalized casino gambling in Texas, I like the idea of TexasCare, support gay marriage, and would like to see an increase in funding for stem cell research. I'm not sure how any of this makes me a Republican.

Actually, this is why I'm not a Democrat -- or at least why I'm not voting for Chris Bell.

With Governor Perry in office, we have a record surplus -- nice! But school finance is still shit, healthcare is worse, and he's made hollow progress with the border.

The only reason I'm considering voting for Rick Perry is because Chuck Norris has endorsed the governor. I'd hate to punch Kinky's name on the ballot, then turn around to a drop-kick in the face.

I'm not telling you who to vote for, but please educate yourself. It's hard for me to believe that I'm siding with he hippies, rednecks, and good ol' boys, but with the options presented to me, that's where I stand.

As Kinky says, "may your God of choice bless you." Hit the polls November 7th.

Labels: Politics, Texas

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 12:32 AM | Permalink | Comments

Texas is going to be missed; I realize that more and more everyday. While my new home (Denver) will have many perks, there are some that will be tough to replace.

I have family in Houma, Louisiana and my grandmother is currently there visiting. She mentioned they'd like for Rebecca and I to come to Mardi Gras in February.

While I immediately said that'd be a great idea, I realized that in February, I'd probably be snowed into our new apartment in Colorado.

Unless there's a strong cajun influence in Denver, Boulder, or Fort Collins, it appears there will be no Mardi Gras celebration for us. If, by chance, they do have one, it can't be worse than Port Arthur's, can it?

Similarly, Rebecca and I went to the South Texas State Fair last night... and I'm not really sure why.

We didn't ride anything -- we never do. It is nice, though, to walk around and see what food they've decided to put on a stick this year. For the first time, I noticed "stuffed pickles" -- stuffed with ham and cheese.

That sounds a bit disgusting to me. We stuck with the usual Crawfish Etouffee and fresh squeezed lemonade.

Again, Denver has no pistolettes, gumbo (which is supposed to have okra), Creole, or Beignets. I'll have to settle for replacements, like Buffalo Burgers or elk.

People wonder why the population in the deep south is fat. Visit a fair; see if you can resist candy apples and funnel cakes. We eat better than everyone else.

Labels: Denver, Rebecca, Texas

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 12:31 PM | Permalink | Comments

At a cruising altitude, somewhere over southern Colorado, the week that was is fresh on my mind.

Rebecca and I are planning a move to Denver in early January. We have a trip scheduled for mid-November to finalize housing, schooling, and squeeze in a mini-vacation, so I got a head start.

Because of Nate’s accident, I’ve now spent significant time in the Mile High City, and even found time to squeeze in a Broncos Monday Night Football game. Invesco Field is gorgeous, and even though temperatures were ridiculously cold (for a Texas boy) and rainy, I had the time of my life. Matt, my brother in Phi Mu Alpha, came down from Boulder where he’s getting in Masters in Music to join Krystal, Caitlin, and me for beer and football. The Broncos beat the Ravens 13-3.

Tres & Sara’s apartment, where I stayed, is located in Westminster off I-25, 15 minutes north of downtown Denver. I made the drive every night, and made a point to take a different route each trip.

I’ve come to the conclusion that I love this city. Downtown is constantly busy everywhere (unlike Houston, which has hot spots) and the city is clean.

The drive is amazing. Each direction you turn, the Rocky Mountains are in visual distance, and the view from the hills is so peaceful and captivating. Looking over the landscape puts life into perspective. While Texas will always be in my blood, I don’t think I’ll have a difficult time making Denver my home.

City living is going to be an adjustment. Aside from the fact that I’m going to be away from my family and friends, adapting to the cost of living increase, the different food choices (no more late-night Whataburger or Jack In The Box tacos), and limited access to the Houston Astros, the transition shouldn’t be too difficult. Rebecca’s family (and now my family) will be there, I’ll eat more Panara Bread, and I’ll become a Rockies fan. That should solve most of my problems, but again, finding a job will be my main worry.

Driving through downtown, I had a hard time believing that finding a stable, enjoyable, and decent paying would be difficult. There have to be plenty of opportunities available. Hopefully I’ll be able to capitalize on one of them.

Now I get back to my life. My professors have been great, so it’s time to play catch-up. If I don’t, we might not be moving to Denver.

Labels: Denver, Family, Football, Nate, Texas, Travel

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments

Kinky Friedman continues to remind people every day that he's not a politician -- and because of that, he's gaining my support more and more every day. Too bad he's losing everyone else's.

According to a poll by the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Kinky is trailing Governor Perry 41% to 13%. Fellow Independent Carole Keeton Strayhorn sits a bit better with 14%, while Democrat Chris Bell matches Friedman's unimpressive 13%.

Keep in mind the source of the poll, though. I doubt very many attorneys are interested in Kinky's "good ol' boy" politics.

While speaking in Houston, Kinky explained his 'Keep It Simple, Stupid Politician' campaign by saying he wants to deploy 10,000 guardsman to the border to protect from illegal immigrants. If you've ever been to Houston, you'd understand why that wouldn't go over very well.

"Keep It Simple, Stupid Politician" -- is there a better name?

And to top it off, he went on to discuss Hurricane Katrina evacuees still living in Texas' largest city: "The musicians and artists have mostly moved back to New Orleans now." Then continuing, he said, "The crackheads and the thugs have decided to stay here. They want to stay here. I think they got their hustle on, and we need to get ours."

Crackheads and thugs? He almost has my vote.

Why would a person like this get my vote, you ask? Because he's not a politician. The only time our government is going to go through real change, is to put someone in office who isn't worried about re-election. Since Kinky believes in a one-term limit, he's said that if he wins, he won't run again. At that point, there's no fear of voter backlash.

But if he keeps making comments like that, he's going to lose the 'dishwasher' and 'lawn service' vote. Since the crackheads from New Orleans aren't registered to vote in Texas (and likely, not Louisiana either), I wouldn't worry too much about pissing off folks from The Big Easy.

Regarding the cracheads, Kinky went on to say "I have empathy for these people. I know how they think." Being a former crack addict himself, you might think Kinky'd be a bit more sympathetic, but I guess that wouldn't be his style.

"At least I never killed anybody. I mean, even (U.S. Senator) Ted Kennedy can't say that," Friedman said.

Wow. This guy definitely knows how to piss people off. If he was talking about someone other than Ted Kennedy, I might be upset.

If you don't know the incident Friedman's speaking of, then Google the name 'Mary Jo Kopechne'.

Chris Bell went on to criticize Kinky's comments, which lead to him being asked of his drug use. Apparently he's tried pot "maybe four times." Maybe? When you smoke pot 'maybe' four times, shouldn't it be 'about' four times? Quit being scared to tell the truth, Mr. Bell!

Maybe? SHEESH!! Most people know the difference between someone who's smoked pot 'maybe' four times and a crackhead from New Orleans. Just ask Kinky!

But I digress.

Again, Kinky's turning heads. He may not be gaining the support he's looking for, but hopefully he's making people rethink the type of leader they want in office. 'Maybe' he's paving the way for someone else to run in 2010.

Labels: Politics, Texas

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 12:12 AM | Permalink | Comments

A lot of you don't enjoy politics -- and I understand why.  For the November gubernatorial election, you stand a strong chance to make a change. 

I'm certainly not telling you who to vote for, but take a hard, serious look at Kinky Friedman.  He's a musician and a writer, and if all goes well, he'll be the new face of Texas politics. 

If you're tired of the job Rick Perry's done, and finally realized that no Democrat is going to win the Governor's mansion in Texas anytime soon, your options become Carole Keeton Strayhorn (who's actually a Republican running as an Independent), Libertarian James Werner (who hold absolutely zero chance of winning), or Kinky, who's running as an independent (and for all I can tell, should be).

Take a look at his site, and he's even got a MySpace.  Read his blog, watch his videos, and give serious thought to a different type of politician in Austin.

I mean, hey -- "Why the hell not?"

Labels: Politics, Texas

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 11:22 PM | Permalink | Comments