I have found that distance only makes the heart grow fonder, especially when it comes to the city I hold near and dear to my heart. Having been away from my hometown for quite some time now, I figured it was about time I wrote about it. I am one of the lucky few that was fortunate enough to grow up in one of the greatest cities in America, Fort Worth, TX. Whether you call it Funky Town, Panther City, The Fort, Cowtown or simply Home...here are a few things you can relate to if you were born and raised in FWTX.

1. Constantly having to explain to people that Fort Worth is not Dallas.

We are not a part of Dallas. Dallas is just that irrelevant city to the East. Fort Worth is so much better than Dallas...everyone knows that!

2. Sundance Square is the place to be at Christmas time.

Actually, it's the place to be any time of year.

3. The Stockyards...

Your first concert may have been at Billy Bobs and you can't forget about the limitless Tex-Mex options! "That's my backyard," as Casey Donahew says.

4. TCU will always be your hometown team.

In fact, you probably spent a few Saturdays at Carter Stadium Cheering on the Horned Frogs.

5. Speaking of Sports, the undeniable rivalry between Arlington Heights and Paschal.

6. Ol' South was always the move after High School Football games.

It's open 24/7 and everyone knows that German pancakes are delicious at any time of day.

7. Fort Worth is divided up roughly into 4 parts: North side, South side, East side, and West side.

Which part are you from?

8. You've probably seen that one mustang somewhere on the South Side of town.

9. Main Street Days is a must!

10. So is Mayfest!

11. Stock Show & Rodeo season runs Mid-January to Early February and MLK day meant students got in for free!

12. Having to explain to people from out of state that we don't actually ride our horses to school.

13. Class field trips were either to the Fort Worth Zoo or Bass Hall.

14. The snow days were few, so when there was one everyone went all out or all in because Texans can't drive in the snow.

15. While Fort Worth is considered a large city, every native knows that it is almost impossible to go somewhere without seeing someone you know.

16. Does anyone else ever wonder what happened to the Fort Worth Cats?

17. Avoiding I-35 at all costs.

18. Feeling a special connection to any country song that mentions Fort Worth in its lyrics.

Just to name a few...

"Take Me to Texas, Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind?" by George Straight

"Hotty Totty" by Josh Abbott Band

"Dallas Days and Fort Worth Nights" by Cody Jinks

"Stockyards" by Casey Donahew

"Things To Do" by Grady Spencer & The Work.

So to answer you question George Straight, yes Fort Worth is always on my mind. When you have a hometown as great as mine it's hard to not realize the undeniable stamp it has left on my life. I'm so thankful to have grown up in a city filled with diverse culture and amazing people.