I have a shirttail relative who was born in Michigan but grew up in Texas. He now lives in an un-named, deep-blue nanny-state.
He confidently informed me that "You aren't tough enough to live in Texas."
That statement struck me as odd.
Is it really a matter of being "tough"?
I want to think that I am "respectful" enough and "courteous" enough to find a place in Texas should the need arise.
Perhaps "toughness" comes into play when things aren't exactly what you expect and you have to bite-your-tongue. But that can just as easily fall under being a good house-guest or courtesy.
I say "Howdy".
I say "Sir" and "Ma'am".
I say "Please", "Yes" and "Thank-you".
I say "Grace", "God-bless you" and "Adios".
I mean every word. None of them are forced.
So far, there are not a lot of places I cannot go back to.
Not to be a "sharpshooter", but--
ReplyDeleteI think you have a mistake in the first sentence-- I believe you meant the "second "Michigan" to be "Texas"
??
And I would agree with you
having lived in Michigan for 65 of my years-- given your background (Eaton Rapids) and your interests --I believe you would fit right in
If however, you were from the "Points" or Northwest suburbs -- well then it might be questionable
I think you are correct. I was gonna point it out but you beat me to it.
DeleteGood catch.
DeleteWorst part of Texas was the heat.
ReplyDeleteFrom one Houstonian to another… yep!
DeleteDon't forget is ugly sister Humidity. Perspiration Incontinance is not an exageration - getting out of car and you are already breaking a sweat - Man ! If a state required A/C at home or sitting in traffic - Texas and other southern states would be right up there.
DeleteAmen!
DeleteMight have meant the heat, humidity, and mosquitoes large that the FAA requires nav lights for ‘em…. It does take a bit out of you. Thank God for A/C…
ReplyDeleteThere was the "all you could eat" seafood and prime rib place once that did not mean it...
ReplyDeleteIt’s all in the attitude
ReplyDeleteI would recommend looking north. ---ken
ReplyDeleteOur seemingly endless near equatorial summers are trying, I'll give you that. They are balanced by the pleasant interlude that we call "winter" . I haven't owned a snow shovel in fifty years. Yes, we get a snow now and then. No problem. Give it a couple days and it'll be gone. As far as attitude goes, you'll be fine. Hell, we treat Californians with deference, if not respect, even though we know they're gonna vote wrong.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I married into a strong Texas family; I don't think it's (usually) a matter of being tough - it's a matter of fitting into how they do things and understanding their view of the world.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, it's similar to how you work to fit into any new location or new group of people.
Jonathan
You're definitely Texas material, son. Come on down.
ReplyDeleteThe heat isn't a problem. Humans are adaptable. The 90s(F) here are like the 50s(F) up there. October until April has some of the most beautiful weather possible.
And now that the planet is cooling, it's even better. We had days this August where it didn't get out of the 80s.
As a lifelong Texan and a long time lurker here at the ERJ blog-o-sphere, you'd be welcome in The Lone Star State, sir. I'd take you as a neighbor any day rather than the deep-blue nanny-state locusts that are invading.
ReplyDeleteFred in Texas, It aint so much tough as it is a mindset. No matter where you go in the world, If you say you're from Texas people recognize the place name. If you say you're from some other state, odds are the listener hasn't heard of it... And there's an expectation that even with your good manners, you're brash and bold enough to accomplish great things. In the words of Davey Crockett "You may all go to hell, I am going to Texas." or the battle cry "Remember the Alamo!"
ReplyDeleteThere is something different about Texas and there's something different about a native Texan. Its subtle and hard to put into words, but its there. Kind of like being Airborne. Once you earn those wings there isn't any going back. Or being a marine. Once you're infected with Marine there isn't a cure.
Fred nails it. There is a difference in natives of this state. But not all have it to the nth degree. I'm not sure why. You're welcome by my fire anytime you chose to come down.
ReplyDeleteYou can always tell a Texan, but you can't tell him much. ;)
When a Texican talks about tough, an Alaskan starts laughing.
ReplyDeleteAs to Texas, first off the cities can be slices of Hell just like everywhere else. If you are in towns Under 100K or the country Texas can be amazing. Many city Govts put up Nativity scenes on city proterty ( and at least a few put up Menorah. ) Although it is not as common as it once was many kids still call you Mr. Or Mrs. when speaking to adults. It is VERY common to have people at a store check out counter to wish you " Blessed Day". Not everyone is a died in the wool Texican. We have people from every nationality , race and color. Most at least make a passing nod towards their religion and are friendly. There is SOME discrimination down here. ( Yeah, I know, surprise). Some directed towards Hispanics and likewise some from Hispanics towards Anglo's. Mostly I find it a great place to live and I can't even imagine moving back North where in the Winter it is sometimes colder outside than it is in my freezer !! The only time " toughness" is called for is when the electricity is off during the Summer. With our heat and humidity, I dont know how the pioneers up through 1950s or so lived with electricity to run fans !! I can get by without an airconditioner if I have to but without at least a fan...I get kinda cranky !
ReplyDeleteMexas from Texas
You'd fit in here just fine, and I suspect it would be double-quick. Same goes for the rest of your clan, from what I've read. - Aggie.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all of the feedback.
ReplyDeleteI am not planning on moving but it nice to know I have options.
-ERJ
And remember, Texas started out as a republic. Returning to their roots should be a breeze.
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