I was born and raised in the oldest town in Texas and I never realized how much I appreciated being from the Lonestar State until I moved to Louisiana for college. Though my part of Louisiana is basically an extension of East Texas, there are still some major differences in the dynamic between states. I have also learned that Texans really are kind of obnoxious about how proud we are to be from Texas, but I'm 100% confident that we are completely justified for this. Here are nine reasons that I'm #TXproud:
1. Texas is the only state that could be its own country.
How cool is that?! Not only could we be our own country if we wanted to, but we also could split up and make five different decent sized states. What can your state do?
2. There is a Texas-shaped waffle maker.
I don't even really like waffles, but when my non-Texan friends try to get super proud about their own state, I quickly ask them "Oh, does your state have its own waffle maker?" I have yet to hear "yes" to that question, so that nips it in the bud real quick.
3. One word: Buc-ee's.
Buc-ee's is basically a mixture of a gas station/convenience store on steroids and made for Heaven. The bathrooms are always clean and there are friendly people to welcome you everywhere. You're not really from Texas if you don't have a Buccee's shirt.
4. We have different weather in every region.
This could be a curse or a blessing, but you can be exposed to all climates just in our state. If it's snowing in Lubbock, it could be raining in Nacogdoches. This also means that you're never completely prepared for the weather. Last December I was wearing Nike shorts outside...
5. Tex-Mex is way better than any attempt at Mexican food anywhere else.
The "Mexican" food in Louisiana just isn't the same as my favorite restaurants back home. Whenever I fly back from somewhere into Houston, my first stop is always Lupe Tortilla to get fajitas.
6. No state income tax.
I definitely didn't realize how lucky I was to be from Texas until I had to pay state taxes in Louisiana. I wasn't even aware that state income tax was a thing that other states do, because I never had to pay it before.
7. When you're out of the country and people ask where you're from, you say "Texas," not "America."
Definitely didn't notice this until I went to the UK and told everyone I was from Texas, while the rest of the group I was with would just say "the United States." The great thing is, none of the Brits needed clarification because they all knew where Texas was (because it's so wonderful, duh).
8. Friendly people, everywhere.
When I say everywhere, I do mean everywhere. Even where you don't expect tons of friendly people to be. Whether you're walking around in a store and someone says hi, to when you're stranded in the middle of nowhere and someone comes to help you with your flat tire.
9. There's nowhere else you'd rather be.
Even though some of us move away from the great Lonestar State, we are always true Texans at heart. Whether you're from the Pineywoods, or Hill Country, and anywhere in between, Texas will always be home.
"Texas, Our Texas! All hail the mighty State!
Texas, Our Texas! So wonderful so great!
Boldest and grandest, withstanding ev'ry test
O Empire wide and glorious, you stand supremely blest."
