Texas, Our Texas: Pros of Living in The Lone Star State

Fall is a popular topic in the blogosphere right now, but I am having trouble thinking about fall as I sit in an apartment with broken air conditioning and 100 degrees outside. This is the time of the year when living in Texas makes this Siberian feel like she’s about to melt the minute she walks out the door so I thought it is also a good time to remind myself what I love about this crazy state.

The food: 

If Chris and I ever leave Texas, the food is what we will miss the most (other than our families, of course). We are not alone—our friends who have moved away always ask to stop for Tex-Mex, barbecue, or Whataburger when we pick them up from the airport. I could seriously alternate between Tex-Mex and barbecue every single day and not get sick of it. That brisket gets me every time, and Blue Bell Ice Cream is the best. You get the point—I need to stop talking about the food before I have to drive over to Rudy’s to get some barbecue.

The people: 

Oh, Texans, how I love you. The people here are so friendly and down to earth. One of the things I missed when we lived in Europe was smiling at everyone we passed on the street. I know there are friendly people everywhere, but Texans are their own breed, especially when it comes to state pride.

The sun: 

One of these days I’ll write a list of the things I dislike about living in Texas, and the weather will be high on that list (tornadoes and persistent 100 degree heat, anyone?) One of the things I do love about the weather is the abundance of blue skies and gorgeous sunsets. Other than our crazy spring, we don’t get a lot of rain, and nothing makes me happier than a blue sky, especially in the winter.

The State Fair of Texas: 

I look forward to the State Fair of Texas every year. From the insane food options (fried Thanksgiving dinner, anyone?) to the pig races, the Texas Star Ferris wheel, and the fun shopping, the fair is one of my favorite events. I am already trying to figure out what weekend I can go this year.

Football:

In Texas, football is way more than a sport. The atmosphere is incredible and is something you have to see to believe. My first experience with Texas football was at my large high school, and I was shocked at the commitment of the fans…and I quickly became one of those fans. Football is taken seriously, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The closer it gets to the possibility of us leaving, the less I want to leave. Texas is home, 100 degree heat and all.