Texas!

I grew up in South Central Pennsylvania. I would describe the majority of the people to be conservative not only politically but also in terms of dress and relationships. The culture tends to be laden with Puritanical ideals.

The style of dress I am accustomed to seeing tends to be based more on function. Although there are always exceptions, you would not see flashy or outlandish wardrobes. If they are seen, the wearer tends to be an oddity. For the most part, fashion styles tend to be influenced more by the Gap and American Eagle than Hollywood.

I love to travel. Unfortunately the opportunities to experience new cultures has been limited due to financial and family constraints. When Ossur Prosthetics asked me to present my experiences to a group in Houston, Texas, I was thrilled.

Truthfully, I accepted the invitation before securing care for Robby. My eagerness superseded, albeit only for a moment, my Mommy responsibilities. Thankfully Robby has a devoted Nana who was willing to step in.

It was a long day traveling. My flights were delayed and cancelled but I didn't mind the hours of waiting in the airport terminals. Alone time has become a rarity and a luxury in my life. Sitting among the grumpy and irritable travelers, I was able to relax. I didn't have to change diapers or entertain a bored toddler. I was able to just sit and write. The delays in themselves afforded me a mini-vacation.

Finally, after 13 hours of waiting and traveling, I arrived in Houston. I was tired as I stepped out of the airplane and entered the terminal. After surveying the scene, I immediately began to smile.

I saw a middle aged woman with an orange-ish tan and prosthetic breasts. She was wearing a strapless black sundress with a long white fur coat draped over her shoulders. She was sporting knee high, pointy patent leather boots. This lady was being escorted by an elderly man, stooped over and walking with a cane. He had a large cowboy hat on his head and had animal skin boots.

I felt a bit like Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. I stepped off the plane into a completely new world. Texas! Looking around, I immediately began to realize that I'm not in Pennsylvania anymore!