After graduating high school, I took a big leap of faith and decided to move to Alabama to attend Troy University. So what's the big deal? Well, I was born and raised in good ol' Wisconsin and I had no idea that I would experience what I like to call "southern culture shock." Now let me tell you, nothing makes you prouder of where you're from until you're elsewhere. My nickname soon became "Wisconsin" and anytime Wisco made the news, I was eager to bring up my home state. Adjusting to southern life had been quite the change for me, but it has broadened my horizons and taught me more about myself than I could have ever imagined. It has especially established a pride for my home state Wisconsin. If you are from Wisconsin, I am certain you can relate to some of these situations as well as questions I get asked almost every day.
1. Do you really call a water fountain a bubbler?
Why would I call it a water fountain? It's obviously a bubbler. Duh.
2. Say the word "bag."
I'm not sure what it is about this word, but anytime I say it out loud, I get asked to pronounce it again. Apparently, northerners tend to say this word more like "beg." I don't hear a difference... I'll say the word bag how I want to!
3. Do you eat a lot of cheese?
Ummmm... not more than the average person, but I will most definitely brag about our cheese. Especially cheese curds. Man, I should get paid for how many times I've advertised Wisconsin cheese curds! Southerners always ask me if cheese curds are just like mozzarella balls...My response is this: NO THEY ARE WAY BETTER CHEESY-FILLED, DEEP-FRIED HEAVENLY GOODNESS MELTING IN YOUR MOUTH.
4. What is Culvers?
ONLY THE GREATEST FOOD CHAIN EVER INVENTED. OK, I might be a little biased... But I am seriously offended that no one has heard of Culvers down here. These people are missing out on delectable ButterBurgers and Fresh Frozen Custard. These 100% Midwest beef creations will blow your taste buds out of this world. And I'm pretty sure I never stop talking about their amazing cheese curds...
5. Aren't you cold?
Yes, it is 55 degrees and yes I am wearing shorts. The sun is shining, the breeze is nice, and it sure beats the freezing cold temperatures I am used to up north! If it dips below 60 of 65 degrees, most of my southern friends will comment on the "cold" weather. Newsflash: until your fingers have changed colors, even under the warm mittens you are wearing, after walking outside to your car for two minutes, you do not understand the definition of "cold" weather.
6. Friday Night Fish-Fry instead of Fried Chicken Wednesday?
I don't think I will ever understand the absurd obsession with fried chicken down south. People go crazy over it! Chick-fil-A all the way! I must be from Wisconsin or something because to me, nothing beat a good ol' fish fry on a Friday night with friends and family. Beer-battered cod and potato pancakes all the way!
7. Who/What is St. Nick?
Is this only a Wisconsin tradition? I don't know about you, but Santa wasn't the only bringing gifts to my house during Christmas season. My momma made sure we hung our stockings on the evening of December 5th and the next morning, sure enough, they were full of fresh fruit and nuts, an ornament, and other special treats and goodies.
8. Did you just say "you guys" instead of "y'all"?
Y'all is the ultimate grammar no-no for northern language. For real, y'all need to brush up on y'alls English skills. So yes I do say "you guys" referring to a group of people, even if it is just girls. You guys should try it sometime.
9. Are you a Packers fan?
Is the sky blue? Does the sun rise in the east? Does my mouth gape wide open after you just asked me that question? OF COURSE PEOPLE! Now I am not the doctor in my family, (that would be my genius of a brother) but I am fairly certain that if you are born n' raised in Wisconsin and you are NOT a Packers, something is genetically off balanced in you. Not matter how enthusiastic about sports you may be, if you're a true Wisconsinite you bleed Green and Gold!
After writing this article, I realize I do eat a lot of cheese. And I think you guys are the ones that say "bag" weird. Last, but definitely not least, GO PACK GO!!!
