Y’all. Its no secret that I heart Texas.
So in light of Harvey and all its devastation, today’s post is an ode to all the things that make Texas fabulous.
1. For starters, its just a great shape. Its funky, its unique, all the other states wish they were the shape of Texas.
2. Kolaches.
I didn’t realize exactly how Texan kolaches were until we moved to Louisiana and there were none to be found. Luckily, the Kolache Factory will ship these frozen and on ice if you place an order over $100. So, yes, we ordered over $100.00 worth of Kolaches. Bacon and cheese. I don’t regret it.
3. Breakfast tacos. Who doesn’t love a breakfast taco y’all?
4. On that note. Tex-Mex.
If you’ve had it, then you know. There’s a special place in my heart for queso.
5. Blue bell ice cream.
All the flavors are good, but there may be crack in the homemade vanilla. Add some root beer for the best ice cream float, or keep it simple with some Hersheys. You can’t go wrong.
6. The welcome area.
I can’t speak to the welcome area coming from any other states, but the Louisiana one is fabulous. When we do our road trips from where we live near New Orleans to my parents house in central Texas, this stop is a must. Its big, theres plenty of parking spots, a picnic area and never a bathroom line, because they provide at least 50 clean women’s restroom stalls.
7. And on the note of a plethora of clean bathrooms – Buc-ees.
One third clean restrooms, one third random crap and candy, and one third gas station. Oh how I wish Louisiana had a Buc-ees.
8. Cowboy boots.
Functional and classic, they never go out of style. I love my pair of cowboy boots. They are extra special to me because they were a gift from my sister when I graduated from Occupational Therapy school and I wore them in my Texas wedding.
9. Cowboy boots lead me to the rodeo.
The “mutton busting” is my favorite. Its where little kids ride sheep until they fall off. You’ll laugh until you cry.
10. The word y’all.
Y’all can’t use this word to much. Technically means, “you all”, but has an unstated meaning that we’re friends.
11. The hill country.
Nothing like the hill country y’all. Its where the boy and I were married, its where we will be taking our first away-from-the-baby mini-vacation for 2 days this thanksgiving while granny Cindy babysits, its where I dream of us retiring. Blue bonnets, stars, rolling hills and these wonderful trees that grow in squiggles rather than straight up.
From our wedding day
12. Unfancy.
In Texas, we don’t care about how fancy you are. Hospitality and good BBQ are more important.
13. Speaking of BBQ, you will find the best bbq in Texas.
Personally, one of my favorite spots is the Salt Lick in Driftwood is a favorite. Cash only, even the cole slaw is good. If they’ve managed to make good cole slaw, you better believe the BBQ is spot on.
14. Texas accent.
My bestie, Bachers, says the Texas accent needs to be on this list, because she loves a good Texan accent.
15. The Boy’s Perspective
I asked the boy what he likes about Texas and his answer was, “no state income tax.” Not exactly the direction I was going with this blog post, but a good point.
16. Diverse.
Texas is home to so many people and each big city from Houston to Dallas to Austin has its own vibe.
17. Football.
Admittedly, I’m a bigger fan of the greasy wings at B-dubs than I am the actual football game, but hey for all the people who are obsessed, its a big deal in Texas.
18. The speed limit
On highways is 75 and 85 in west Texas.
19. Country music.
Nothing reminds me of Texas like a good old country song. Want a good story about country music? I recommend this podcast episode by Malcom Gladwell which explains a great deal about country music. Beware: this may cause ugly crying.
20. The people.
Obviously, the best thing about Texas is that they can survive one of the “worst disasters in American History” by loving one another. For every tragedy that has shown up on my Facebook page, I’ve seen an equally impressive act of selfless love. I’m so thankful that, even though there has been so much loss, Texas has and will continue to rise above only by loving one another. By loving each other, we see the face of God. 1 John 4:20 “How can you love God whom you have not seen, yet hate your brother or sister who you see everyday?” Photo Credits: All photos in this post were shamelessly stolen from either my best friend Rebecca Drago (see her pics here )or our wedding photographer Brian Shofner, who I cannot recommend enough!