I feel like being from Nebraska is unlike being from any other state in the country. We have the best football fans and some of the nicest people. We keep a gun in our truck and pray to the good Lord in church on Sunday. It's a special place that is home to certain traditions and facts that only those who are true Nebraskan, will truly understand. Here are the top 13 things only us "Nebraska folk" can understand and appreciate.
1. Husker football is not just a sport, it's a way of life.
Some areas might think they have it all when it comes to college football, but in Nebraska, this is true. We take our college football VERY seriously. The fans are loyal to the grave and will flock to Memorial Stadium (or the nearest sports bar) on Saturday so they don't miss a single second. The whole state pretty much comes to a stand still on game days.
2. You crave Runza.
Not only do you crave them, but you have to explain to everyone outside of the state what they are. The wonderful meat pockets are just too delicious not to love. Not only do you love to eat Runza's, but you love to make them at home as well. Nothing beats a good Runza on a hot day, or a cold day, temperature Tuesday anyone?
3. You know what "GBR" stands for, and you use it frequently.
It's simple. We live by one motto here and that's Go Big Red! Anyone who doesn't feverishly post "GBR" on all forms of social media on Saturday's just don't understand the passion we have for the guys in red.
4. You can tell the difference in crops before they even start sprouting in the fields.
From the time we are small children, we learned the difference in the fields of corn, beans, and whatever else you may be planting this year. If you are a farm kid, it's basically in your blood from day one.
5. You've lived in, or know of, a town that's population is around 500 or less.
Or for that matter, about 60? Not every town in the state consists of a post office and a bar but to be honest, so many of them do. Everyone knows everyone and driving isn't always a necessity to go downtown. To others, it sounds like torture, but to us it's the best way to live.
6. You're go-to pizza order is with Valentino's.
Val's serves some delicious pizza alongside their buffet menu and the residents of Nebraska are lucky enough to have them scattered across the state. The greasy pizza has us coming back for seconds and trying to explain the wonders of Val's to the rest of the deprived world.
7. Hot Dogs must be red.
This is non-negotiable. The best hot dog you've ever tasted comes from Nebraska and is best flung out of an even larger hot dog at a football game. These infamous hot dogs, originally known as "Fairbury Brand Hot Dogs" are now sold as "Blue Valley Brand" hot dogs and are found at the barbeques of every true Nebraskan.
8. Stopping (or slowing down) for a tractor on a major highway is completely normal.
Honestly, any large farm equipment vehicle can be found traveling along the backroads and highways, not just tractors. Any Nebraska resident that encounters one, waves and waits patiently to safely get around the farmer who is growing the crops that feed America.
9. You own a million different articles of clothing that say "Nebraska."
Not only clothing but so many different random items. My cat eats out of a food dish that proudly says "Nebraska". Most of us don't even see this as anything special, but head out of the state and others will be shocked at the amount of things you have that simply display the state you come from.
10. You wave at other drivers as they pass by.
It's just common courtesy. We see another driver and we politely wave as we drive by (even if we don't know them). I really think all states should pick up this kind habit. It doesn't have to be a wave, just lift a finger off the steering wheel or tip your hat.
11. Your high school was small enough that you knew everyone and their families.
As well as their home address, name of their pets and their favorite hobbies. Every student participates in activities and sports because if you don't, that activity ceases to exist due to lack of members.
12. You have experienced all types of weather within one day.
You only have to spend one day here to feel a heat wave, a cold front, and a thunderstorm in a matter of hours. If you're lucky enough to hear tornado sirens, grab a chair and head to the porch because you won't want to miss this.
13. You find yourself defending the great state of Nebraska to anyone that tries to say bad things.
If you were born and raised here or joined halfway through, you find yourself defending the great state to your death. We're like one big family. We can say whatever we want about our lifestyle, but the minute someone else mocks us, it's war.
