Day 1: Houston

So if you ever get a chance, you should fly out of Branson, MO on AirTran or SunCountry. Now, I'm biased because my sister is in charge of marketing, BUT they actually come out on the tarmac and wave good-bye to you as you are taking off. When you fly into Branson, they come out on the tarmac and say "Hi, welcome to Branson..." This, compared with the Atlanta AirTran staff who basically looks at you mean, if they look at you at all. Also, the inside of the Branson airport is gorgeous.

I got to Houston - 94 degrees and rented a Prius. It was only $5 more a day than their cheapest car. I'll be driving all over this big state, so maybe the savings in gas money will pay for it. It's very weird, pushing buttons to start a car, but drives great! I'm not sure navigating a new city and learning how to drive a hybrid was a great idea, but I lived through it.

I stayed with a lovely couple in Houston, Brad and Lynn last night. They decided one day that Wisconsin was too cold and just up and moved to Houston to work with a theatre company. They are world travelers that told me they loved Mexico City. That was good to hear, as most everyone else are bearers of doom and paranoia... They really helped to alleviate some of my nervousness. They also said there is a small place on the Pacific coast of Mexico that I "HAVE to go to" because it is "absolutely you." After they showed me pictures of this out of the way meditation/hippie/clothing optional beach, I'm almost sorry that I had already gotten reservations in Belize. What is it with my friends insinuating that I am a nudist??? :-) Oh well, another trip for the future. I may never stay home now.

Stay tuned for Day 2 in College Station...