Out of Place

Let me ask you a question (and that "you" is singular, not plural because I'm sure that no more than 1 person reads my blog (side note: is it just me or does "singular" look wrong everytime I type it because of that little orange man's company...? (triple parenthesis, cool!))). My question is, "Have you ever been the only minority in an entire city?" Well I have.

My adventures took me to Laredo this week (better known to my family as "The border town where everyone gets killed or kidnapped"-ville). I did some training and galavanted around the town. They had an impressive mall (impressive in its size and number of businesses) and an impressive HEB (impressive in it's ghetto-ness and the fact that everyone shopping there was pregnant). But most notable was the fact that I was the only caucasian there. Imagine how out of place I felt. Especially since I was wearing a Texas A&M shirt (everyone in the valley wears burnt orange). The only thing that would have made me stick out more would be if I had brought along my Washington Redskins cap (Cowboys' rival) and my "Catholics stink!" banner (everyone knows that all of South Texas is Catholic).

Ok, so I don't own a Washington Redskins cap or any anti-Catholic propoganda, but nonetheless...

This lack of diversity wasn't the only thing apparent. Also quite noticeable was how wretchedly boring the town is. I mean other than the mall, watching hobos fight over a matress on the access road (true), and the dog fights downtown (probably true), there's absolutely nothing to do in the town. I realized how boring this city was last time I visited, but being on my own, the realization punched me in the face as I looked out my scenic overview of the junkyard from my 3rd floor hotel window.

So as I ate at Taco Palenque, I decided that Laredo needs the help of a marketing major to attach a tagline to their city.

Laredo - As fun as bubblewrap...but somebody's already popped all the bubbles. And stole your wallet.

Laredo - Come for the cheap pottery! Stay until someone pays your ransom.

Laredo - 180 degrees from ordinary. And 180 degrees hotter.


Hmmm...I'm still working on them. At least I'm putting my degree to use.

Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs

There are certain signs you would think wouldn't need to be posted in public places. Especially in County Courthouses. Check the following lineup of signs from Eastland County Courthouse.