Rodeo Time

Yes, I like the rodeo.  Of course; I'm from south Texas! I grew up in that environment. I like everything about it, except the getting hurt part. Of course it's been a while for me. Still, I have young relatives and friends that are right now doing the same thing I did forty years ago. The wild thing is, I am finding out that many Filipinos have a great liking for watching rodeos on TV.  That surprised me for sure! Of course they do not have rodeos here. But the whole concept of riding wild bulls and horses for sport intrigues them. I have found numerous rodeo fans here, and it's still a small shock to me. They all ask me for vidoes or DVD's of rodeos. Even the Chinese and Japanese I meet here show a surprising interest. It's a huge curiosity to them.

I rode in the rodeo circuit when I was 18.  I stopped around 21.  Went all over Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona. I rode bulls mostly.  Got hurt a lot of course.  Won a few times. Broke my nose twice, my collar bone, three of my ribs, four of my fingers (which are still a bit crooked), and my ankle. But I always had a girlfriend; or two; or three! It's the tough guy image that brings them in.  It's the coolness. That's pretty much the biggest reason I did it to begin with. Is there a better reason? Of course, you became part of a group.  A small, close knit group that had a lot of respect for each other, and watched out for each other. Most of the cowboys work on a farm or ranch and are used to hard work and long hours. They are tough, friendly (mostly), and honest. Why do I mention this?  I think it's obvious.  There are not many people these days that are like that. They still do deals by hand shake, which, in the older days, was the way a MAN made a deal.  It was based on his word.  They will look you straight in the eye, give you a strong hand shake, and the deal is done!  They don't need lawyers, banks, or accountants to make their deals for them.  Of course, these are included, but only after the guys talk face to face.  Tell me when or where that happens any more.  Nobody trusts anyone any more.  And your word isn't close to good enough now for most people.  That's a sad thing.

If the world worked like that right now, all over, it would be a hell of a better place.  Especially between Presidents of countries. But that's make believe now. Even tho times have changed (not all for the good, either), I still have a lot more respect for somebody I just meet that looks me in the eye, gives me a good solid hand shake (not that noodle arm or feminine crap!), and talks straight. Don't you? Do you want a wishy washy guy for a friend? I don't. Actually I can talk a lot more sophisticated and educated that I'm doing here.  I have three degrees.  But it's not the real me! Is there something I need to prove? You won't get a fake front with me. I am who I am.