So, in no particular order...
- Everyone says "yes ma'am" and "yes sir", no matter who they are talking to (It was surreal at first working in the bookstore, I'd help an upperclassman find his books and he'd refer to me as "ma'am" the entire time!)
- Everyone usually remembers me after the first meeting (because I'm the odd-ball out, being from up north)
- Going two-stepping is normal Friday night fun
- Guys always open the doors for you (This is exactly what I experienced with my awesome Dad and friends back home, but not usually in public places. It's everywhere here!)
- There's a lot of state pride. You aren't just an American, you're also a Texan.
- It's sunny and 54 here right now... supposed to be 69 tomorrow!
- Being from out of state and so far from home means everyone-- and I mean everyone-- offers to take you home for short holidays. You make a lot of friends really quickly.
- Because I'm so far away, communication with my Indiana family and friends has to be more intentional, which results in it happening better and more often than if I were, say, three hours from home.
- People love to give you gifts to help you feel part of the "Texas Culture."