I have to say, coming from the South, sometimes the Midwest feels a bit foreign to me. After spending my childhood and teen years in Texas, coming to Wisconsin for school was more of a shock to me than I was expecting it to be. I remember my first week of school, everyone was complaining about how "hot" it was because it was 85 degrees out and I just laughed. Little did I know though what else was in store for me here and how much I would actually end up missing home. If you're from Texas or anywhere in the South, I'm sure you'll be able to relate to me.
1. Sweet tea
Back home, sweet tea was your drink of choice over water anytime. sweet tea basically is our version water. It is essential to life and your well-being. Here in the midwest though, some people have never even had sweet tea. I even know some people who prefer unsweet tea over sweet tea... (*gasp*). Anyone who grew up in the South knows that Midwesterners who lack respect for sweet tea is truly a tragedy. And no, dumping a packet of Splenda in your bitter unsweet tea does not count.
2. Warm weather
Before I left, I never thought I'd say this, but I miss the Texas heat. If I had to choose, I would rather pick sweating in 105-degree weather than shivering in - 2-degree weather. I mean... how is that even a thing? The temperature should not be allowed to be a negative number. And what happened to snow days? Am I really expected to trudge through the ice and snow just to make it to class? I miss the sun and my tan skin and being able to still wear just shorts and a t-shirt in January. Summer can't come soon enough.
3. The food
It's not a lie to say that the south has some of the best food in the country. I know you some may get offended by this, but it's true. Sorry. From Texas's barbecue and Tex-Mex to Louisiana's boiled crawfish and gumbo, you just can't go wrong. Some other amazing southern foods that deserve to be noted are the traditional but famous biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak, fried green tomatoes (tuh-may-tuhs) and sweet potato (puh-tay-tuh) dumplings, hush puppies, cole slaw, pecan pie and so much more.
4. Cowboy boots
Where I live, cowboy boots are a perfectly appropriate and normal footwear for almost any occasion. Whether you're taking a trip to the grocery store, going to church or even attending prom, cowboy boots are many peoples favorite choice of shoe. I mean honestly, whats not to love about them? They're comfortable, durable, and cute!
5. Southern hospitality
Midwest nice? More like midwest ice! I'm just kidding really, but comparative to the South, sometimes Midwesterner's come off a little bit cold. And don't even get me started on East Coasters. Back home you can always expect to be treated in the most polite and friendly matter. We always say "yes ma'am," hold the door open, greet friends and strangers with a "howdy" or "how y'all doin'?" and even if you hardly know someone, you're basically welcome to walk right in through their front door anytime and have a home-cooked meal.
"Sounds pretty good now, don't it?"
-Billy Currington
