The Smeds: August 2006

Texas: Love it or Hate it!???

Since moving to Austin, I've realized that people can generally be divided into two groups:
1. Those who love Texas
2. Those who hate it

The funny thing is that just about anybody who I've ever heard say that they hate TX or think TX is lame or would be a horrible place to live, are invariably those who have never been here or spent any amount of time here. Whereas those who love TX, are those who have spent some time here, likely in Austin and had the fortune of enjoying the many lakes and waterways.

Honestly, I have to admit... before moving to Austin last year, I was one of those who thought that TX was a backward dustbowl, that had little redeeming value. But since coming here and settling into Austin I'd like to dispel some common TX myths:

1. You have to drive a F150 dualie in order to be qualified for a driver's license.
(not true, but helpful if you want to fit in with the cowboy crowd)

2. It is hot, dry, dusty, flat, and there are no trees and vegetation.
(Partially true - it is hot, but unlike AZ, it is not a "dry heat" - TX is about as green as it gets - more like living in a tropical climate than a desert - think FL with some rolling hills)

3. You have to say "Ya'll"
(not true, but people look at you funny when you say "you guys")

4. You can buy twice the house for half the price.
(not true - if you are coming from CA, you can probably buy 3 or 4 x the house for half the price)

5. Everyone wears cowboy hats and wranglers
(not true - everyone except the people from CA)