Going to school more than 600 miles away from home, I soon realized there are things that I took for granted. After sitting and conversing with several other native Texans, I came to understand that there are an assortment of different things that make Texas one of a kind.
1. Blue Bell Ice Cream
Saying you don't like Blue Bell Ice Cream in Texas is the equivalent of telling your mother that you don't love her. Just something you don't do.
2. High School Football
When going to other states. it's hard for people to understand the intensity of high school football, not only from a player's perspective but also spectators, cheerleaders etc.
3. Mums
Going to college out of state, I have showed pictures to my new friends of my friends from back home during homecoming. And inevitably I always get the same question: "What is that thing on their cheat?!"
4. Dallas Cowboys
When being out of state, you actually have to ask people what professional football team they like. Unlike in Texas where 97 percent of people are Cowboys fans, and the other 3 percent are still bitter the Oilers left.
5. Late Night Whataburger Trips
Two thing go into this one. First, for clarification it's WATERburger and if you actually say What-a-burger you're probably not from Texas. Second, it's a pain actually looking for somewhere to eat after midnight when you're out of state.
6. Rodeo / Fair Day
Only in Texas do you get a full day off of school for the fair/rodeo depending on what area of the state you're from.
7. UT vs. A&M
It doesn't matter if your family went there or not, you have your opinion on the topic and every person in the state patiently waits for the day that they will meet again.
8. Summers
For four months out of the year, every Texan has grown to accept that it will be 100-plus degrees -- it really just comes down to if there will be any kind of wind.
9. Houston vs. Dallas
Just as everyone has their own opinion on UT and A&M, everyone has something to say about which city is better, and when this judgment is made, you better believe no detail is to small.
10. Pappa's Food Chain
No matter what food you're in the mood for, you better believe Pappa has your back with Pappadeax's, Pappasito's Cantina, Papps Bros Steakhouse, Pappas Seafood House, Pappas Bar-B-Q and last but not least, Pappas Burger.
