Howdy Ya'll

I never listened to country music...until I came to Texas. 

Personally, I prefer the classic rock and alternative/punk genre so coming to a place where country is constantly played was definitely something I had to try and adjust to (I don't even think that I have adjusted to it completely). I know many people listen to country whether they live in the south or not, but I felt that my St.Louis friends and I didn't  consider listening to country music on a day to day basis. 

My first experience with country music at TCU was when my sorority was participating in Pi Kapp Push, a philanthropy focusing on the Push America organization. Our theme was Pat Green. When I found this out I had no idea who Pat Green was. When I asked around I got reactions such as "Are you joking?" or "How do you not know who that is?"

When I tell people that I'm not particularly a fan of the country genre many people look at me as if I were crazy. I don't like this type of music because I feel that the majority of songs are created in a cheesy way and the lyrics seem to be very repetitive. Most country music also has that stereotypical twang  that I don't think is pleasing to the ear. Yes, I could name a handful of country tunes that I enjoy listening to, but that's about it.  I would have to say that one of the characteristics of country music I do like is that they are always great songs to sing to!

Country Artists I Like:

Faith Hill

Taylor Swift

Carrie Underwood

Keith Urban

The Wreckers

I also feel that the whole "country image" that comes with the genre is a little dramatic. The cowboy hat, cowboy boots and wranglers seems to be a little over the top. I will say that I feel that there are many upcoming country musicians that are crossing over to the country/pop or country/rock genre. I feel that these areas are much more appealing to audiences, such as myself, who are hesitant to listen to the country genre as a whole. 

I know there are many who would probably disagree with me, but these are just my personal views on the country music industry. This topic is yet another difference I have found while living in Fort Worth  in comparison to St.Louis. 

Racism in the South

I thought this would be a good topic to discuss considering the most recent events that have happened through out Texas concerning our newly elected president, Barack Obama. I believe that I have been raised in a household where racism was not and is not tolerated. I believe that every person should be judged by their qualities as a person not by their skin color. That being said, it was quit a shock to come to a southern conservative school and be surrounded by others views and opinions. I'm not trying to bash students at TCU, but I feel that this has been one of the bigger differences between living in the midwest and living in the south.

There have been recent news reports about Baylor students hanging nooses on trees around campus to protest Obama's win for presidency. I was mortified when I heard this. NEWS FLASH PEOPLE: WE'RE NOT LIVING IN THE 1800s!  That gesture those students showed was so disrespectful that I would personally be embarrassed if I went to that school. I've heard many students across TCU's campus say derogatory comments about Obama and about African Americans in general. As my granny would always say, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."

Once I came to TCU I felt that many people used the "N" word more often then I had ever heard before. I immediately would tell that person that that's a rude word to use in any way shape or form. They would then look at me like I was crazy. I have seen many confederate flags hanging from fraternity houses or even on flag poles with in many areas of Texas. Everyone knows that that flag symbolizes slavery and the power of the white person. That blew my mind. It just seems that many people in the south don't feel that there are quality individuals in the world that are also black. 

Some of my best friends growing up were black and some of the smartest people I know are black. So why do people still view them by their skin color? I've tried to hold conversations with some of my friends (specifically guys) asking why southerners have these types of views and the only answer they were able to give me was, "That's how we've been raised". Now obviously this problem should be addressed in many southern households, but to me, I feel that young adults (such as college students) are old enough to create their own outlooks on life. I would hope that these outlooks we be positive and realize that racist comments are no longer tolerated in the world we live in today. 

Do I believe there are black people that are destroying the world we live in today? Yes. Do I believe that there are white people that are destroying the world we live in today? Yes. 

It's not about skin color, but about the individual's character that is potentially making the world a better place (or not) that needs to be recognized. 

I scream, you scream, we all scream....for mexican food

The majority of cities in the U.S. have their fair share of mexican restaurants. St.Louis has many that have become staples with in the community. However, I have sensitive taste buds so I steer clear from anything too spicy (which is a important aspect of mexican food that I seem to lack). Once I came to Texas people were insisting that I eat at mexican restaurants in the Fort Worth area so I could experience "real mexican food". I'm still trying to figure out what that means. To me, a chicken fajita is a chicken fajita, there's nothing fake about it.

After living in Fort Worth for 4 years I realized how the words "Texas" and "mexican food" go hand in hand. Whenever my friends and I are debating as to where to get dinner, the majority always suggests Mi Cocina, Joe Ts or Blue Mesa. After first arriving at TCU I quickly got tired of going to mexican restaurants, but I can honestly say that I have definitely warmed up to food type.

Now, I love going to mexican restaurants. There is always something I can find on the menu to satisfy my cravings and I feel that I am able to handle spicy foods more so then before. I also don't mind that when there's mexican restaurants, then there are margaritas! 

Many people might not think of this as something drastically different, but it truly is.Mexican restaurants are part of the culture in Texas and that was something I person defiantly had never thought of until I realized how people are obsessed with mexican food. I believe that I have engrossed myself into this aspect of culture with in the Texas and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

There are other things outside of Texas. I promise!

I was 10 the first time a I flied by myself. I was visiting family in Indiana and ever sense then I have never had a problem traveling by myself. Personally, I love going to new places whether it be in the U.S. or abroad. I have visited the majority of major cities in America, from LA to New York. I think its interesting, taking part in things that I am unfamiliar with or is different then St.Louis.  Once I got to Texas, I noticed that many students had either never traveled by themselves (even at the age of 20) or visited many other cities (let alone countries). I'm not trying to make it seem that I am more fortunate or cultured then other Texans, but I have started questioning the level of  interest many Texans have concerning the world outside of the lonesome state. 

I first noticed this when many of my fellow TCU students only applied to schools within Texas. It came across to me as being scared to leave the " Texas world" and emerge themselves in a different culture (whether it be big or small differences from Texas). Every one of my high school friends went to a different school and they are all located across the country. From California to Ohio, all my friends (including myself) were ready to see what other states/environments had to offer. I'm not saying this was because we hated living in St.Louis, but because we were ready to take this next chapter in our lives and create new experiences without relying on a familiar place.

I feel that the Texas pride is so strong that many find it hard to leave it behind when  choosing a college or even a place to live. Many of my college friends from Texas have traveled to several cities with in the U.S. such as New York, Colorado, and/or Florida, but that seems to be the extent of it. Several of my friends have had many opportunities to go abroad with family, but have declined stating they would rather stay in Fort Worth and hang out with friends. To me, you have to be crazy to decline an experience such as traveling abroad!

I know that study abroad programs are popular at the majority of universities, but only a couple of my friends here at TCU have studied abroad (this includes myself). Not only that, but they all chose to study during the summer instead of the longer semester options. My high school friends have all studied abroad during a semester (or more) during their college career. From China to Australia to even Kenya, my high school friends have covered many countries with in their 4 years in college. Unfortunately, like many of my TCU friends, I only studied abroad for a summer and I regret not studying abroad for a full semester.

From what I can tell, this topic is yet another difference between Texans and midwesterners.  

"You're Jewish?"

My dad & I

I have grown up in a household of both Jewish and Christian faiths. My dad is Jewish and my mom is christian. Because of this, my parents believed that it was in my best interest to figure out my religious views on my own. Because of this I would have to say that I'm probably a little more confused regarding my religious beliefs than the typical TCU student. Some people might disagree with the way I was raised religiously, but I wouldn't change it one bit. I believe that I have been exposed to many different aspects of religion and because of this I have chosen to live with an open mind and respect all religions. 

I knew that by coming to Texas Christian University there wouldn't be many students from other religious backgrounds besides Christianity. After spending a semester at TCU, I quickly became the first Jewish/half Jewish person many of my friends had ever met. I'm not saying I viewed this as a bad thing, but I was truly surprised that out of their 19 years of existence, my new friends had never met anyone of a different faith (whether it being of the Jewish faith or Muslim, etc.). I'm not a very religious person whether it's concerning Christianity or Judaism, but unfortunately there have been a few times where I have felt uncomfortable when others have made ignorant remarks about Judaism. I don't take anything personally because I have learned that many Texans live/have been raised in an area where it seems everyone shares the same faith/religious ideals, which becomes the only thing they are used to. I guess I give them the benefit of the doubt because how are they supposed to know any better.

A friend (she will remain nameless) of mine didn't know what the swastika symbol was or what it represented. Frankly my first reaction was, "You must have had a really bad school system in your town!"- considering most people have some knowledge of the history of WW2 and the holocaust. In any event, I decided to have a mini history/Judaism lesson with her. She was very interested and it felt good helping someone understand something that was totally unfamiliar to her. 

I believe that because I have a mixing a faiths and ideals, I'm in a sense, a little more worldly then other TCU students. I also feel that I have a much broader aspect on life and understand that other religious faiths should be respected whether you believe in their ideals or not.

"Friday Night Lights"

My very first experience/participation (that's a school oriented) football was during the '05 TCU vs. OU game. I went to a very small private school made up of roughly 400 students; 6th grade-12th grade. Because of this, we did not have a football team. Now this was even rare in St. Louis so when I came to TCU and mentioned that to people they immediately looked at me like I came from some crazy place.

Click here to visit my "Crazy" high school.

Football is a huge sport all across America, but Texas football, specifically high school football, seems to be like its own cult. Don't get me wrong, I was very active in sports/activities in high school, but I wouldn't consider revolving my entire high school existence around it. Many of my TCU friends, now juniors and seniors, still drive home for their high school football games. They all grew up going to football games and still talk about their high school rival as if they were still a spirited, little, high school freshman. A possible answer to this over enthusiasm towards high school football might come from pure boredom. Maybe many small towns might not have many entertainment options and watching high school football is the best thing to do on a Friday evening. 

Either way, I think it's a cute characteristic Texans hold: their pride in their own little  "Friday Night Lights" (a long with their slightly obnoxious pride for Texas).

Since I have lived in Texas, I have gotten to know my "atheltec side". Football is now one of my favor sports to watch, especially college football. I specifically love watching college football with my dad because he is a big fan of college sports. This new found love for football (which I give 100% credit to Texas for )has created a great bond my dad and I can share together. Thanks Texas!

Welcome To The Gun Show

I know that hunting is a hobby many enjoy across the United States, but I had no idea that it plays a huge role in the lifestyle of Texan families. After first coming to TCU, I was driving around with my roommate when we past by a billboard advertisement that said, "Gun Show. August 21-September  1." I had never seen an advertisement for a gun show, and I still think it's a little odd to this day. After being at TCU for only a semester, I began realizing that many of my friends (even girls) participated in hunting and shooting. I saw pictures of my girlfriends holding a dead dear in one hand and a rifle in the other. Frankly, all I could think about was "I better not make any of them mad!!" and "Poor dear!"

I personally am against killing animals as a sport and many of my friends here in Fort Worth tease me that I am too much of an animal lover. Hearing my friends talk about past hunting experiences are still hard for me to listen to since I am against the concept. I have asked many of my friends whether their families keep guns in their house and all of them have said something along the lines of, "Yes, I have grown up with guns". My family (and many of my other STL friends), on the other hand,  have never even held a gun, let alone killed something with it!

My boyfriend, Stephen, is what I would call a typical Texas boy. He collects guns, and goes hunting on a regular basis.  I was shocked to hear that for Christmas his parents bought him a hand gun. I guess nothing says "I love you"  more then a good ole' gun. At first I thought maybe it was a random gift his parents decided to get him..maybe for self defense purposes? But he actually asked for the gun for Christmas and was thrilled that his parents followed through with his wishes. I am still a little freaked out by that story. 

After living in Fort Worth for 4 years, I thought it was time to finally see what the whole fuss was about. No, I didn't go off and kill things...remember I'm an animal lover! Instead I shot a gun for the first time while participating in the activity, skeet shooting. I had no idea what skeet shooting was until last year and was ready to finally try it. I wasn't surprised when I wasn't able to hit any of the skeet, but it was a fun experience....to try once. I guess I can check that off my list of things to do while living the south.