I’m so sorry, y’all. I mean, one minute I’m driving a four wheeler in the mud somewhere in East Texas and the next I’m going eighty five miles per hour on the shoulder, trying to get to the county hospital with Almanzo rolling around in the back seat.
Just a typical little vacation, you know?
The good news is that we’ve extended our little Texas vacation by a few days. The bad news is that now I know first hand the excruciating pain that kidney stones can cause. Ladies, email me if your husband or boyfriend ever gets a kidney stone and I can try to talk you through it. It’s not a pretty thing but will make for pretty great relationship bonding, I can assure you that.
Thankfully, we have amazing friends here in Austin who have been taking great care of us and I’m getting pretty familiar with the city….or actually, the state itself. In a matter of three days, I’ve driven about eight hundred miles in a little white dodge rental car. It’s been a little out of control to say the least. I think we are on the up and up here though and should be able to fly out by this weekend.
However. I told Almanzo that we should just stay and attempt College Station round two since we didn’t make it to the Aggie game last Saturday. It’s all part of the adventure, right?
So, because of the extenuating emergency circumstances, I haven’t been taking too many photos. My party at Lustre Pearl seems like ten years ago and currently I’m sitting blogging in a small lakeside coffee shop somewhere in Austin with the patient sipping water at my side. Good thing he’s so cute, I’ll tell ya what.
Here are some of my favorite photos so far. Despite everything we’ve been through (and we’ve been through a lot in the past four days…trust me), I really LOVE Texas! Hopefully we can come back soon for a pain-free vacation. But until then…
jen @ Taste Life
September 7, 2010 at 11:04 amOh my gosh, Jenna, that sounds crazy! It sounds like you and Almonzo really bonded, though, and perhaps this is a story you’ll tell to future generations. 🙂 Keep enjoying yourself!
katie@ Fab.Fit.Full.
September 7, 2010 at 11:04 amMy sister is a massage therapist in Austin, maybe she can help with the pain/stress! http://www.remedyhealing.com/default.asp?contentID=793
Heather (Heather's Dish)
September 7, 2010 at 11:09 amgirl, i love texas too…i so miss it! the road trips are the best…where else can you drive FOREVER and still be in the same state? except for going north/south in california 🙂
Rachel (Two Healthy Plates)
September 7, 2010 at 11:11 amWhat great photos! I love the boots in the mud haha. Looks like you’ve been eating some good stuff too =)
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
September 7, 2010 at 11:14 amAw, that sounds awful. My friend gets really bad kidney stones so I know how horrible they can be. Hopefully he’ll be back to normal soon!
Jessica @ How Sweet
September 7, 2010 at 11:14 amIf those are you boots… they are too cute! And I’m so sorry about the kidney stones… heres to a speedy recovery!
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin
September 7, 2010 at 11:14 amAww poor Almanzo!! I’m sure you’re taking good care of him and he’ll be back up to speed in no time!
R @ Learning As I Chop
September 7, 2010 at 11:15 amSuch a cute picture of you two!
Tina
September 7, 2010 at 11:17 amOh no!! I hope he feels better fast! Glad you two get the option of staying down there longer though so you can enjoy everything despite the emergency situation.
Kelly @ Happy Texans
September 7, 2010 at 11:21 amOuch!! My hubby gets kidney stones sometimes and it’s so painful for him. He had to have one removed years ago. Ugh!
Sorry your Texas trip has had some stressful times. I do love those pictures. Makes me want a Shiner right now. 🙂 Tour some of the vineyards and breweries if you get a chance. It’s a lot of fun.
Therese
September 7, 2010 at 11:21 amGlad the emergency is no longer an emergency! I remember when my father had kidney stones and the doctor tried to tell my mother to brace herself as he was having a heart attack and she’s the one that said: “No, I think it’s just kidney stones.” and my Mother was a waitress for most of her life!
Stacy
September 7, 2010 at 11:23 amOh, no I hope he feels better! Kidney stones are definitely no fun. It’s pretty great that you were able to bond over it 🙂 I am sure you have been a wonderful “nurse” helping to take care of him. That shrimp looks absolutely delicious!
emily
September 7, 2010 at 11:26 amAwww, poor Almanzo! My husband had kidney stones and his was record breaking small and it still hurt like hell!
Danielle
September 7, 2010 at 11:28 amWomen get kidney stones too. They are an equal opportunity experience! My husband has supported me through three rounds of them, and I’ve been told they are more painful than being in labor.
Tara @ FoodforFuel
September 7, 2010 at 11:30 amMmm you went to Z’Tejas! Love their shrimp tostada bites. Hope the rest of your trip is eventful but without any trips to the hospital 🙂
Lizzie
September 7, 2010 at 11:31 amUrgh! Sorry to hear about the medical emergency – but nothing lie adventure to keep up the bonding, right? Those shrimp look amazing!
Jasmine @ Eat Move Write
September 7, 2010 at 11:31 amI’m so glad he’s feeling better. That is definitely a bonding experience. Those are the kinds of things that deepen your relationship. Glad to see you guys were able to roll with the punches.
Estela @ Weekly Bite
September 7, 2010 at 11:32 amI hope he feels better soon!
marie
September 7, 2010 at 11:34 amThe Aggies are my MORTAL ENEMIES. You’re better off without ’em!
Kelly
September 7, 2010 at 11:34 amSorry about the kidney stone drama! I hope he feels better soon and that you are still enjoying texas!
Amy
September 7, 2010 at 11:35 amKidney stones are no fun – I hope he recovers quickly. Z’Tejas photos! That’s one of mine and my husband’s favorite restaurants for a dinner without the kids.
Mary
September 7, 2010 at 11:35 amAH! kidney stones are the WORST ! I remember one time my ex boyfriend now, had one and I had to take him to the hospital at 5am because he was in such pain!
kelsey@snackingsquirrel.com
September 7, 2010 at 11:35 amyou are a guys’ dream girl!!! my cousin drives 4 wheelers and i only ever got the chance to ride on the back of one, theyre so fun tho!!
jen
September 7, 2010 at 11:36 amtoo bad you guys didn’t make it to the game on saturday-it’s definitely an experience. hope he starts feeling better soon. at least you are stuck in a cool city and maybe it will stop raining here one day between now and the weekend 🙂
megan @ whatmegansmaking
September 7, 2010 at 11:37 amoh my, I’m so sorry to hear that! Glad he’s doing better though. Hope you can enjoy what’s left of your vacation
Beth (Blessed and Inspired)
September 7, 2010 at 11:42 amLet me guess… you went to ZTejas?? Sad that I can tell by the food picture! Also, I’m betting that you’re blogging from Mozart’s??
Marguerite M
September 7, 2010 at 11:44 amPoor Adam! Hope all is well now! And then you are being hit with a TON of rain and wind from the storm! I think you will be happy to get back to Cali! And plan for your next trip to Texas! Glad you guys got a great bonding experience out of it! Enjoy what little time you have left of your Vacation!
Kris
September 7, 2010 at 11:44 amAww poor Almonzo! He’s lucky to have you with him. It is the most agonizing pain; I had to have the last one removed surgically. Make sure he keeps drinking his water, and hope he feels better.
elisa
September 7, 2010 at 11:46 amGlad you’re enjoying my state! I couldn’t possibly live anywhere else! I feel your(Almanzo’s) pain with kidney stones as I myself have had 3. WORST PAIN EVER!! Hope you make it to the Aggie game! Whoop!
Claire
September 7, 2010 at 11:56 amOh man! Watching your bf go through a passing of kidney stones is the WORST! I had to do it last year and it was awful to see this 6’2″ man go through such excruciating pain. He wouldn’t even go to the doctor-just sat in the tub for hours and tuff’d it out 🙁
Rebecca
September 7, 2010 at 11:57 amPoor Almanzo, glad he is feeling better!
And I gather by the cornbread that you went to Z Tejas, yummmm!
Hallie
September 7, 2010 at 12:01 pmMy brother got kidney stones like a week after he moved cross-country. And two days after he got mugged (but, learned an important lesson about Washington DC parks after midnight). It sounded BAD, the poor thing. Your guy is lucky to have you as a nurse!
Heather
September 7, 2010 at 12:05 pmGlad to hear you are all doing well now, enjoy the rest of your trip!
Maria
September 7, 2010 at 12:06 pmShiner Bock! Black beans and cheesy things! YUMMM! But boo to Almanzo getting sick 🙁
tasha - the clean eating mama
September 7, 2010 at 12:06 pmGlad to hear everything is OK!
All I saw was the beautiful picture of cornbread. That’s pretty much all I needed to see. =)
Annie@stronghealthyfit
September 7, 2010 at 12:15 pmGlad everything is calming down! Sorry to hear about the kidney stones 🙁
I
Coley
September 7, 2010 at 12:17 pmOuch! I hope Almanzo feels better quickly! Enjoy your time in Texas and thanks for the update:)
Camille
September 7, 2010 at 12:19 pmYikes, what an experience!
All your food photos are especially gorgeous!
Stephanie
September 7, 2010 at 12:30 pmI recognize the Z Tejas cornbread, too! Glad the patient is recovering!
Annie
September 7, 2010 at 12:31 pmYou poor dears! I know how anxious you must have been. I had to drive to several different emergency rooms at midnight while my boyfriend screamed in pain in the back seat. (He was having major back issues.) I was shaking by the time I finally got into the ER.
I hope Almanzo feels better!
Amber K
September 7, 2010 at 12:32 pmSo sorry he was in such pain! I’ve heard that they can feel worse than labor. Not something I ever want to experience!
Heather @ Side of Sneakers
September 7, 2010 at 12:44 pmOh my gosh- my worst childhood memory ever is waking up in the middle of the night with my dad screaming from the bathroom floor with a kidney stone. yikes. Glad he’s ok!!!
Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf
September 7, 2010 at 12:56 pmSorry about the kidney stones! My husband got those a few times and even had to have surgery for one of them. Hope he’s doing better, and I’m glad you’re enjoying TEXAS!
grace
September 7, 2010 at 1:09 pmglad you’re enjoying texas despite the mishap.
Liz @ Tip Top Shape
September 7, 2010 at 1:09 pmThis sounds like my last trip. I went to Virginia and my mom took a nasty fall, landing her in the ER for stitches to her head. Definitely makes a trip interesting, lol. On a happier note, wonderful pictures!
Emily
September 7, 2010 at 1:10 pmGreat photos! Sorry to read about the problems, but the food looks divine 🙂
Jillian @ Reshape Your Life
September 7, 2010 at 1:12 pmGlad to hear he is doing better! And wow ya’ll have been driving like crazy! But it looks like ya’ll have had an awesome time (given the circumstances) and have eaten yummy food. Texas welcomes you two anytime! Hope Almanzo feels better soon!
Emmanuelle
September 7, 2010 at 1:30 pmAw, poor Almanzo, glad he’s feeling better though! Enjoy the rest of your time in Texas!
Katie
September 7, 2010 at 1:35 pmOh yikes poor guy!! Kidney stones would NOT be fun. Hope you enjoyed your vaca though!
Alison
September 7, 2010 at 1:35 pmThe last picture is awesome! Haha, I’d love to go muddin’ 🙂
Courtney @ Bread & Bokeh
September 7, 2010 at 1:35 pmThat picture of Almonzo and you is so adorable! I hope he is on his way to a speedy recovery!
Nicole, RD
September 7, 2010 at 1:38 pmLove Texas…and Shiner Bock!
Karen
September 7, 2010 at 1:39 pmOh, I hear you! Just had the same experience with my boyfriend, except we were in New Orleans. (Interestingly enough – we live in Austin!) I took him to the Tulane Medical Center ER for the first round…and then to the Seton ER once we were back in Austin when it flared up again. Kidney stones are not fun! The ER doctor in New Orleans told us that it was the closest experience to the pain of childbirth that a man could have. I hope Almonzo is feeling better!
Sana
September 7, 2010 at 1:48 pmOh goodness I hope your boy is doing much better now!
Rebeca
September 7, 2010 at 1:52 pmI am SO SO glad you’ve had a fun trip, minus the kidney problems. I adore living in Central Texas so I am glad you’re having fun. Lake side coffee shop? I hope you mean Mozarts! Anywho, enjoy the rest of the trip!!
Mary Catherine
September 7, 2010 at 1:55 pmSo sorry to hear about Almanzo’s kidney stones 🙁 poor thing! Hope you get to experience some true Tex-Mex while you guys are here. Matts El Rancho has some of the best (their Bob Armstrong queso is to-die-for!) Balance it out by eating at Eastside Cafe – they serve fresh veggies from their garden to your table.
Brooke - One Healthy Cookie
September 7, 2010 at 1:56 pmhaha, I was about to comment that I hope you’re at Mozart’s too! Oh, such a great little place.
MaryK.
September 7, 2010 at 1:59 pmKidney stones are not a walk in the park! I know how it can disrupt a vacation! My husband actually got an attack on the second day of our honeymoon and slept through the rest of our romantic vacation. We can laugh about it now at least. 🙂
Hopefully your trip home goes smoothly!
eatmovelove
September 7, 2010 at 2:01 pmHope he’s doing better now. Love all the pictures…but
THOSE BOOTS! woot!
Caitlin
September 7, 2010 at 2:05 pmWell wishes to the boyfriend! I am a woman, but kidney stones are still one of my greatest physical fears. You guys must be very brave to get through it together!
misti
September 7, 2010 at 2:30 pmLooks like you may have had the amazing Shrimp Tostada Bites from Z-Tejas. MMMMmmmmm good!
Rebecca
September 7, 2010 at 2:35 pmMy dad suffers from Medulary Sponge Kidney Disease, which essentially means that your kidneys don’t properly drain… With new medications now, he has no new stones in his kidneys for the first time in decades! He’s had hundreds in his life. I know what it’s like to watch as a loved one is in unspeakable pain! Make sure Almanzo drinks TONS of water, and watch to make sure he takes it easy! I am sure you are doing this for him already… boys can be stubborn! Depending on what minerals his stones were comprised of (my dad’s are calcium oxalate), you may be able to help prevent stones in the future by altering his diet. Others, like my dad, will need medication to prevent the formation of the stones.
Hope you’re continuing to have fun in Texas!!
Krystina
September 7, 2010 at 2:50 pmI’m glad he’s alright! Do I spy cornbread? Delicious.
Kristin
September 7, 2010 at 3:46 pmHi Jenna! I recently started reading your blog and I love it! So sorry to hear about Almonzo’s kidney stones. Hope he’s doing better. I live in Austin and I’m glad to hear that you’re enjoying your time here (well, for the most part anyway)! Since you guys are still in the area, and if the boyfriend is up to it, you should head over to Brenham and tour the Blue Bell factory. It’s about 90 miles from Austin. They serve you ice cream at the end of the tour! http://www.bluebell.com/the_little_creamery/visiting_blue_bell/VisitBB_Brenham.html Stay safe and enjoy the rest of your time here!
Janice
September 7, 2010 at 3:47 pmOh no – I have had those 1x thankfully and that was enough- lots of pain for sure
But I also have 2 kids so kidney stones are cheaper and less body changing than childbirth at least 😉
As a born and raised and will probably NEVER leave the lone star state – welcome y’all an enjoy it fully!!!
Katherine
September 7, 2010 at 3:48 pmLove the Texas pics, you too are beyond cute.
Janice
September 7, 2010 at 3:51 pmOk didn’t make sure my comment sounded like a redneck that can’t write ;( awesome!
– anyway
Live it up!
hiplip
September 7, 2010 at 4:12 pmMake sure to try a Shiner Blonde too!
Emily
September 7, 2010 at 4:19 pmUgh to kidney stones. My dad had them once and it is the only time I have ever seen him literally writhing in pain. It was terrifying. Also, later that week, I got my wisdom teeth out. My poor mother had to take care of both of us invalids!
Maren
September 7, 2010 at 4:29 pmWhen I met my boyfriends Dad’s side of the family, after we had been together for almost 4 years, I got the worst case of food poisoning I’ve ever had a day into the trip. It’s awful, being away from home and sick, but I’m so much closer to those people now. You can’t really feel awkward over anything after that.
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
September 7, 2010 at 4:36 pmSo glad that he’s on the mend! Wow…I have had a kidney stone and they are horrible!
I love your boots. I know other vegans will probably throw tomatoes at me for saying that, but they are so sassy, sexy, and awesome! I dig em!! 🙂
Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/
September 7, 2010 at 4:36 pmGlad he’s okay and you and a little fun and some great food.
Maria
September 7, 2010 at 4:39 pmOh my goodness I love your cowboy boots please tell me where I can get a pair immediately?!
Sarah @ Sarah's Shaping Up
September 7, 2010 at 4:46 pmSorry to hear that about Almanzo! I hope he feels better quickly!
Glad to hear you’re enjoying Texas though! 🙂
Lauren at KeepItSweet
September 7, 2010 at 5:35 pmAw so glad he is doing ok!
Suzanne de Cornelia
September 7, 2010 at 5:41 pmThe photos are JUST gorgeous and amazing.
COULDN’T feel sorrier for Almanzo. OMG–have WITNESSED this–Truly Horrible! Regis Philbin talked about his own frightening experience on the air. Get thee to ‘Prescription for Nutritional Healing’ ($17. medical bible)—to find out cause/effect/what to do. Poor Almanzo! But he has YOU! I looked on Youtube and several say Lemon Juice dissolves, including one who says his were the size of a nickel–Oy!!!
In the meantime, I’ve been blogging about the most romantic of the Loire Valley chateau, Chenonceau that can’t wait to return to for the summer moonlit walks. Very romantic story behind it (except for the wife, but in those times she, unfortunately, was a more of a political alliance than an amorous life partner).
Get Well Soon, Almanzo!! So sorry for your extreme pain. Not fair!!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing
September 7, 2010 at 5:45 pmYour poor man! But you two are TOO precious together! And that food.. oh yum!
Rachael
September 7, 2010 at 5:49 pmNothing like a medical crisis to cement a relationship 🙂
Apparently kidney stones are something more common to men, but I get them every couple of months (post-Africa bad kidneys).I’m still waiting to compare them to childbirth, but they are pretty darn atrocious…rolling around in the back of a car sounds about right. Hope he has a speedy recovery, and I’d recommend uva uri as an herbal prevention method in the next few weeks.
Audra
September 7, 2010 at 6:10 pmI went to A&M and am kind of jealous that you get to go visit Aggieland! If you like fish tacos, you should definitely try La Bodega while you’re there. Amazing fresh food, great drinks and a fun atmosphere! I worked there in college and still love it!
Catherine
September 7, 2010 at 6:25 pmI am also a fellow Aggie (class of ’06 – whoop!). I am super jealous that you are there. I worked at La Bodega in college and I too can attest that the food is great (the drinks aren’t so bad, either!). 🙂
Kim@BudgetOrganicLiving
September 7, 2010 at 6:46 pmI can totally relate to you driving 85 on the shoulder to the ER. I didn’t drive that fast when I brought my husband J to the ER because it was 4 am and I was exhausted, but it was difficult no to. He was in so much pain and we had no clue what was happening and I was so very scared. Thank goodness he was okay and that Almanzo is okay too.
You should definitely try to get to the game on Saturday. I think you all will have fun and if Almanzo is anything like my husband he’ll be as good as new in just a couple of days!
kate
September 7, 2010 at 7:06 pmGlad youve still managed to have a decent vaca!
Paige
September 7, 2010 at 7:11 pmTaking a wild guess from your pictures… did you happen to eat at Z Tejas on 6th & sit lakeside at Mozarts? I live in Austin & if you haven’t made it to those 2 places, I highly suggest it 🙂
Joelle (The Pancake Girl))
September 7, 2010 at 7:12 pmGah, I want some boots too!!
I feel your pain on the hospital stay- trip to Nola a few months ago with my boyfriend landed us in the hospital all wkend as his appendix decided to be a big troublemaker.
susan
September 7, 2010 at 7:55 pmHow do you like the remnants of Hermine? Making for a beautiful day in Austin huh?
P.S. Shinerbock is the best… try the other flavors too just for fun!
Rachel Wilkerson
September 7, 2010 at 8:16 pmLove the food pics and the lovely couple pic!!
Even though you’re still here under crappy circumstances, I hope you’re enjoying yourself!!
Jessica@tastyandtrim
September 7, 2010 at 8:20 pmSorry to hear about the kidney stones. I hope Almanzo feels much better! You two are just adorable together 🙂
Mastering Public Health (@MasPublicHealth)
September 7, 2010 at 8:23 pmPoor guy! On a totally unrelated note, I always can’t help but wonder how many of your [new] readers/commenters think your boyfriend’s actual name is “Almanzo.”
M
September 7, 2010 at 8:38 pmThat is funny about “Almanzo”(for new readers… he’s Adam in the real world! 😉
Mary Lee
September 7, 2010 at 8:49 pmAww poor Almanzo! My hubby has had them 2 times now, and he kind of lives in fear of more. The last time they told him he’d likely have another in the next year or so by the looks of an ultrasound, not a happy camper.
Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle
September 7, 2010 at 9:01 pmI’m moving to Austin in January!!!! Glad you had a good time!
Suzanne de Cornelia
September 7, 2010 at 9:52 pmBTW forgot to mention.
The Carmel Art and Film Festival Oct 6-1o is giving away (3)- FREE five day trips to Carmel for the festival! Deadline to enter 9/12. Details: http://tinyurl.com/oe4ezq
Erin
September 8, 2010 at 2:40 amOh man, these pictures make me miss Texas immensely! (i’m living overseas right now)
Despite the painful circumstances, I hope you enjoy your few extra days in the land of cowboys, bbq and Aggie fans 🙂
Gree
September 8, 2010 at 3:20 amYikes! Kidney stones are awful, glad to hear he is recovering. Love the picture of the boots in mud!
Christie - Honoring Health
September 8, 2010 at 3:30 amI hope Adam is feeling better soon. I have never known anyone with kidney stones but heard it is more painful than childbirth!
Enjoy the rest of your days and I hope it is pain free!
Sarah
September 8, 2010 at 4:25 amA nurse told me kidney stones were the only pain as strong as childbirth, so there’s a justice after all 😉
Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels
September 8, 2010 at 4:37 amI love the picture of you two, so cute! I’m sorry that Adam had to deal with kidney stones. 🙁 I hope he’s feeling better.
Laura (spokesnoats)
September 8, 2010 at 5:21 amAwwww! I hate when vacations don’t go as planned. And I hate even more when my better half is ill. So sorry for you both 🙁
sarah k. @ the pajama chef
September 8, 2010 at 6:27 amyikes! glad he’s recovering and you guys have people around ya to help out. 🙂
Jenny
September 8, 2010 at 6:37 amLooks like a lot of fun! 🙂
Debby
September 8, 2010 at 7:25 amI love your hair color 😀 It is your natural color?
Lynna
September 8, 2010 at 7:48 amAh, yes, kidney stones…husband’s first round, he drove himself to the doctor’s office (WTH?) and they immediately put him on a demerol drip and called me. 2nd and 3rd rounds involved me driving frantically to the ER with him rolling around in the back seat, a la Almanzo. Excrutiating, he says…hope A feels better!
Sarah @ See Sarah Eat
September 8, 2010 at 7:53 amYour pictures (and you!) are beautiful and you look very happy 🙂 I hope your boyfriend is feeling better soon, that sounds awful.
Sarah
September 8, 2010 at 7:54 amyour trip looks so fun jenna! i have always heard austin is a great city. so sorry you had to deal with kidney stones…i had them in college it and was so horrible. i literally thought i was dying. i got them on bid day my junior year and enden up in the ER…not good. hope he is doing better!!
Lauren @ Running Examiner
September 8, 2010 at 8:49 amugh, poor almanzo. my boyfriend had a kidney stone last year, and he was none too pleased about it. (he even had a minor one!) hope he gets better asap.
Rachel
September 8, 2010 at 9:18 amWonderful photos! Sorry about the kidney stones. Come to Dallas, please!!
Amy
September 8, 2010 at 9:42 amWhoop! To the Aggieland water tower and College Station, not the kidney stones. That’s a bummer.
Kristin
September 8, 2010 at 3:34 pmcounty hospital? does that mean yall went to Brackenridge? i’m a nurse on the oncology floor there – it isn’t a pretty hospital, and i imagine you had to wait a longgg time in the ER, but the staff there is perty good 🙂
Jen
September 9, 2010 at 10:09 amOh man. I got a kidney stone on my sweet sixteen (happy birthday!). It is to this day the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. Methinks I’ll be able to handle childbirth much better after that, lol.
Kristin
September 10, 2010 at 1:37 pmI’m a native Texan and now a Florida girl. I love me some Shiner. So glad you are having a (minus the kidney stone) good time, Texas style!