R is for Redneck

I like beer. There...I said it.

I know what some of you are thinking. "How undignified!" "Expand your pallet!" or how about, "Grow up already." To those critics I say...Whatever! I'm a Texas girl born and raised and if that makes me a cheap date...so be it.

I was raised listening to Hank Williams Jr., Willie Nelson, John Denver, Jerry Jeff Walker, Johnny Cash...many redneck stories in my past. Not that we didn't listen to other things, don't get me wrong. It's not like my parents put me to sleep every night to "Up Against the Wall Redneck Mother" (which I know every word of, by the way). But, my parents liked to have fun and every year had a party with their friends (chosen family, if you will).

A couple of them were excellent musicians (as was my mom, thank you very much) and they basically played music all day long. Yes, beer drinking was part of the agenda, too. Looking back on it, I never remember anyone being "drunk" though. Only having fun. Not to say they weren't over-served, but as a kid I just enjoyed being around all of the music and laughter and wasn't paying attention to the alcohol. Probably because it wasn't the main focus of the get-together.

You may think that makes my upbringing very "low rent" and that's okay with me. It's got to be part of the reason I'm not a high-maintenance person. I don't desire designer things. Not that I fault or judge anyone who does. No way. Just don't fault or judge me for not desiring them. I'm sure I spend my money or time doing things others think is silly. Again...okay by me. God made all of us different for a reason. What a boring world it would be if we were all the same (as I frequently tell my kids).

My beer of choice has always been Coors Light with olives. Though, just recently I discovered something new. Bud Light Lime. Gotta say...not bad!

Now for the really embarrassing part (I can't believe I'm releasing this info): I actually won a beer chugging contest in college when I was a little sister for a fraternity. Aren't I looking high-class now?! Hey...college brings out a different side in us and I definitely had my share of fun.

I don't drink any type of alcohol like I used to. But that doesn't mean I don't like my ice cold CL's from time-to-time. Not in excess. I've got two kids to wake up in the morning, after all!

So...cheers to all my beer drinking friends out there! Here's to you! Go put one on ice, kick back and enjoy.