This past week, I returned to my beloved Texas for the first time since August - the longest time I had spent outside of my state. And above all, I spent my time outside of Texas in Oklahoma. Every Texan's worst nightmare. While I have come to love Oklahoma and it isn't really as bad as people make it out to be, there were certain things I did miss about Texas. And plenty of things I didn't miss at all.
I missed...
1. HEB.
The greatest blessing to ever grace all Texans - a grocery store just for us. The bountiful shelves of HEB never fail to disappoint, and you can always find at least 5 varieties of whatever you're looking for.
2. Perfectly planned freeway systems.
So, the road that's parallel to the freeway and houses entrance and exit ramps is called a feeder road. In Oklahoma, I don't know who the heck planned those inner city freeways, but feeders are nearly nonexistent and I swear every ramp I take ends up being some odd clover shape. And I almost die every time. Needless to say, I don't go on freeways much in Tulsa.
3. Seeing beer and wine in grocery stores!
Oklahoma has terrible liquor laws, this is no mystery. While Texas doesn't have much better laws, at least you can buy beer and wine in grocery stores. And they even give out samples??? Luckily, Oklahoma has a chance to change theirs with the state propositions during the election.
4. Real, Texas Whataburger.
Because it's just not the same in other states. Take my word for it.
I did not miss...
1. Texas weather.
I was enjoying my nice mellow fall with changing colors in the leaves and morning and night temperatures being in the 40's or 50's. However, I did not miss humidity and the 70 or 80 degree weather that accompanied it. It's almost winter, Texas, get with the program.
2. Mosquitos. IN NOVEMBER.
I was outside for 5 minutes before I got swarmed. And I wish I was exaggerating. I hadn't seen a mosquito since August, and I sure didn't miss them either.
3. Traffic.
I'm spoiled in Tulsa. The maximum amount of time I ever spend in a car is 15 minutes, and there's no traffic whatsoever. Have I been ruined? Maybe.
I've certainly come to love Tulsa. And as much as I rag on Texas, it'll always be home.
