Deep in the Heart of Texas

As this time of year rolls around, I find myself quite happy to be in Germany. The hockey season is winding down, the snow is finally melting and spring is (hopefully) just around the corner. I start to think that I don't miss Texas all that much.

That is, until I realize what all is going on in Houston these next two weeks. I can't believe that it is already here, but the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officially starts up today. And the cowgirl in me is longing for a quick trip home to see the bucking broncos, chow down on roasted corn and giant turkey legs, and jam out to some good ol' Texas Country. 

2,000 calories on a stick, don't mind if I do! (source)

This year, the HLSR really snuck up on me. I didn't realize the Cook Off, which kicks off the festivities, was this past weekend. And don't let the words "Cook Off" fool you. There is way more drinking and country music playing than cooking going on! 

My mom had to rub it in when I called her on Saturday. "I'm at the Cook Off, it's sunny and 80 degrees. Oh, and we got into special radio tent with all you can eat and drink!" Can you say jealous! Haha, I am glad they had a good time.

I think I attended the HLSR for over 10 years consecutively, and wouldn't ya know, I missed my first rodeo because of hockey a few years back. Damn that sport :) So, in honor of these next great weeks in Houston, and because I will always love Texas, I wanted to share some interesting facts with you. I am not being biased (well, I guess I am, I love Texas!), I know that other states are awesome too. But, I figured that after my Canadian post, I owed the Lone Star State a shout out too. Hope ya'll enjoy!

YEEEHAAW!

*Texas is one of the most historically rich states. In the last 165 years of statehood, and even stretching far back before that, Texas has a very interesting and exciting cultural past. Believe it or not, we even had to take a full year of "Texas History" in junior high.

*They say everything is "bigger and better in Texas" (who am I kidding, I say it too. Obnoxious!). But, it actually comes in second in the U.S. in population and area (behind California and Alaska, respectively). Still, Texas stretches 800 miles each way and the entirety of New England, as well New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois could all fit inside the state's landmass.

*Almost everyone is familiar with the saying "Remember the Alamo", and although there is a lot of legend surrounding the actual facts, it really was a turning point in Texas history and to this day makes for a great heroic story. The Battle of the Alamo, in present day San Antonio, has its 175th anniversary on March 6th this year. Around 190 Texians defended the Mission and held their own for nearly two weeks against 5,000 Mexican soldiers. In the end, all but two of the Texians were killed. "Remember the Alamo" became the cry of the Texas Revolution and sparked the attack and quick win against the Mexican army at the Battle of San Jacinto, which took place a little over a month later, in April of 1836 (and, no joke, the soldiers probably marched over some parts of our neighborhood). Hey, my hometown's motto is "The Birthplace of Texas"!

Gotta love Davy Crockett and his coon skin cap defending the Alamo! (source)

*The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the world's largest live entertainment and livestock exhibition. In 2010, attendance reached a record high of 2.2 million visitors. With that many visitors, the shows required over 20,000 volunteers. And they are proud of their job! I bet they break the attendance record again this year :)

Oohhhheeee, get along little doggies. (source)

*Speaking of rodeos, Pecos, Texas, a small Western Texas town, claims to be the site of the world's first rodeo, held on July 4, 1883.

*Not surprisingly, Texas does have a lot of 'mosts'. 
*It produces more wool than any other state, I found out much to my surprise. Weird, because it doesn't really get cold enough in most parts of Texas to even wear wool!
*Texas has more individual farms than any other state, as well as the most tornados.
*It also leads the nation in livestock production and cotton (big shocker, right!?).
*Since the discovery of oil in Spindletop, Texas in 1901, oil has been an iconic symbol of Texas. The Baytown Refinery area just outside of Houston is the largest in the country. 
*Texas also leads in natural gas production. And I'm not talking about passing gas, people.
*Even with all these 'bad' energy sources, Texas makes up for it by being the nations leader in wind power, a renewable energy source. So, hah!

Can you imagine seeing this!? (source)

*The name Texas comes from a Caddo word meaning "friends" or "allies". Ain't that sweet :)

*Six Flags, as in the nationwide amusement park chain, gets its name from the six flags that once presided over Texas. First Spain made a claim to the Texas area, then the French had power for a bit with a short-lived colony. Mexico was the next to preside over the region, until the Battle of San Jacinto when Texas won it's independence and became its own Republic. Yep, Texas was once its own entity. Then, of course, it became the 28th state in the union, and broke off with the Confederacy during the Civil War. 

Everyone just wanted a piece of Tex-Ass. (source)

Hope you enjoyed a mini trip to my home state. I would love to see other people write about what is great in their state or country!