So far in my 29 years of life, I have resided in 3 states: Hawaii, California and now Texas. What a contrast, huh? Texas by far was the biggest change I have ever experienced.
Never having lived more than a few miles from the beach, I arrived in North Texas on July 10th, 2006. To say it was an adjustment for me is an understatement. After almost 2 years in the Lone Star State, I finally feel like I am getting a grasp on this whole Texan thing. I have received a whole new vocabulary, new experiences, and a fresh outlook on life. Here is a little perspective on Texas through the eyes of a California girl.
Things I had never seen or heard before I moved to Texas:
a true change of seasons
a major thunder and lightning storm
golf-ball sized hail
freezing rain
tornado warnings
temperature changes of 40 degrees in a matter of hours
fire ants
cicadas
106 degree heat with 80% humidity
solar screens
radiant barrier
a "safe" place
Kroger
Tom Thumb
HEB
Quick Trip
numerous restaurants
a state-wide obsession with Football at every age level
High School Football Stadiums that rival College and Pro stadiums
"yes ma'am"
Sweet Tea?
a smoker (for meat)
brisket (I always knew it as steak)
Queso in a crock-pot
BBQ Beef
fried okra
grits
Frozen Custard
a "grill out" (Californians just call it a BBQ)
Homecoming Mums
soda for breakfast
"y'all" (I had heard this on TV, but did not realize people actually say it)
the term "fixin' to"
tumbleweeds
punch served at social gatherings
vehicle inspections (instead of smog checks)
houses for 100K!!
rows and rows of all-brick houses
sugar gliders
longhorns
freeways that go in circles
The "Texas Pledge"
$5.15 minimum wage
year-round tanning salons on every corner
Blue Bell Ice Cream
Bluebonnets
Chiggers
I am sure the list could go on, but as you can see, I have learned a whole lot! I have actually perfected 3 different accents, and can switch back and forth at will: Hawaiian "Pidgin", Orange County laid back surfer speak, and now a Texas drawl (how many people can actually say that?)
I am truly embracing life in Texas. Every day I am thankful for the opportunity to own a home with a backyard in a quality public school system. I may have moved here kicking and screaming, but I think I am here to stay.
Don't worry, Mom, I am not disowning my California heritage. I will always remember my 8th Generation Roots in the Golden State. And I will always love Fish Tacos.
Tuesday, April 15
Texafornian?
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8 Reader Comments:
This made me smile :-)
Thanks, Nessa. :-) Did I leave anything off the list?
Come back to Cali!
As much as I miss you, I am so happy that you have adjusted and even learned to appreciate the place!
Texas is quite a culture shock. When I moved here from Arizona ( a lot like CA), I remember my jaw droppping on more than one occasion. But once the shock wears off, it is a place to love.
PS
What about Frontage roads? I always knew them as access roads.
What about 2 way frontage roads?
Oh yes, how could I forget those roads! They do not exist in California.
Thought of another one: chiggers
It's so funny that you talk about seeing the change in seasons for the first time. I moved to North Texas from North Georgia and I bemoan losing the change in seasons!
Awww...your post made me a little homesick. I'm from Texas but have lived in California north of Santa Barbara for 7 years now. What would I be called...a Califexan??? I do miss some of those things, especially my family, but I have my husband and children here. Thanks for bringing a little bit of home to me. By the way, I love your blog!
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