Saturday, February 4, 2023

Tell Me I Ain't Turnin' Texan

I have lived my whole life in Gilbert, AZ, but now that I go to college at Texas Christian University, I'm (clap, clap, clap, clap) deep in the heart of Texas. And, with how enormous the state of Texas is, that is deep into Texas. But, does being in Texas for a whole semester of school make me Texan? Do I really have to like Whataburger? Over In-N-Out?! Let's look at a sampling of the quintessential Texan traits to see...

Boots - Now, I do know that not every Texan owns a pair of cowboy boots, but I've seen a couple Texas-natives on the receiving ends of judgmental looks from other Texans when they reveal they do not own boots. I did buy a pair of boots since going out to TCU, and I've walked out on the rodeo dirt with 'em on. 

Texan Pride - I certainly don't have enough Texas pride yet! I have a mug that says "Don't Mess With Texas," but I still don't know if I've gotten used to how many Texas flags are flying around me. Interesting fact: the Lone Star Flag is the only American state flag to have been also recognized as the flag of an independent country. 

Y'all - Yes, I do say "y'all." Then again, my sister goes to college in California and she says "y'all," too. 

Football - I love that football is such a big event in Texas. Being able to go to Big12 football games was a treat all season, and my love for college football will never die (see my blog post entitled "#GoFrogs #GoBucks"). When it comes to the Cowboys, however, I am much less committed than most. If I'm anything, I'm a Cardinals fan, so keeping up with the Cowboys is certainly not my first priority. 

Barbecue - The best barbecue I've ever had is from Joe's Real BBQ in Gilbert, AZ. For anyone from Fort Worth reading this and doubting that I've had good Texas barbecue, yes, I have had Heim Barbecue and Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que. 

Well, I don't think I'm a full Texan, yet, but maybe I'm fixin' to turn a bit Texan in my four years at TCU. Why not, right? My heart, however, is still firmly in the Grand Canyon State. And one more thing--I don't care how many people call it a gas station, but Buc-ee's is not just a normal gas station!

Check out my mashup of Blue Ain't Your Color and Tennessee Whiskey over on my YouTube Channel!