Oh, Oklahoma

The kid and I are headed to Oklahoma (motto: "it's just like where you live, but flatter") tomorrow. As usual, I am looking forward to the time off but dreading the actual travel because my curly-haired traveling companion doesn't listen worth a shit. I just don't know any nicer way to say that. She likes to run backwards through security checkpoints we've already cleared. Fling herself at donut stands and snack vending machines. Skip into the men's restroom. Fun stuff like that.

Once I get through through three airports and the rental car adventure, not to mention the joy of hauling two suitcases, a car seat, and a Spongebob Squarepants carry-on, I'll be in serious need of a drink. But good luck finding one in Oklahoma. I guess they've got the whole "bible belt" thing going on there. I'm not a beer drinker myself but I pity those who are because in many outlets (grocery stores, convenience stores, etc.) the much-maligned "three-two beer" (beer with just 3.2% alcohol) is sold. As my brother-in-law says, "It basically just makes you have to pee."

Last year while I was visiting the Sooner State, I did find one lone liquor store (in the town neighboring the eensy-teensy town where my mom lives) but quickly learned that what would be a $10 bottle of wine in any other state was $15 there. Apparently there are all sorts of archaic liquor laws on the books in Oklahoma. Liquor stores can sell beer with the higher alcohol content, but they cannot refrigerate it. Because, you know, no one would ever dream of drinking it at room temperature. Way to separate the alcoholics from the casual drinkers who own refrigerators! The whole thing is just sort of curious, I guess. It's not like I wanted to get plowed but a nice glass of wine while on vacation seems apropos. My mom said she will take out a loan and buy me a bottle.

Anywho . . . I'll continue to update my blog periodically while I'm on vacation. I'm looking forward to attending my nephew's first birthday party on Sunday. I can't fit anything else in my suitcase so I'll need to shop for him as soon as I get off the plane. So far, the party is the only thing on my schedule for the next nine days, and that's the way, uh huh uh huh, I like it.

Comments

Khudson33 said…
Have Fun!!!!!!
October 16, 2009 at 7:38 PM
Elizabeth said…
You know, not all of Oklahoma is flat, but the liquor laws are indeed archaic. Safe travels to my current state of residence.
October 17, 2009 at 9:55 AM
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