You Know You're from North Carolina ifCourtesy of NorthstarYou've gotten used to the smell of cow manure on a car trip to Raleigh. Saying "y'all" isn't just a cute expression; it actually means something. There are big labrador retrievers in the back of every truck. You give directions using KFC and Waffle House as landmarks. You still see Dale Earnhardt tributes on cars. You can't imagine life without Bojangles' sweet tea. Your annual church fundraiser always deals with bbq and potato salad. You have a sunburn from May to October. Your 'heavy winter clothing' consists of some turtleneck sweaters, a fuzzy jacket, and your daddy's boots. Your family has fried chicken once a week. You can tell the difference between cotton fields and tobacco fields while driving. One of your neighbors has a confederate flag hanging on their front porch. Those "damn yankees" are taking over your school/church/workplace/neighborhood... You've been "properly raised", and yankees love it when they hear you say "ma'am" and "sir". You get your carbs from biscuits, rolls, pancakes, and grits. You know the difference between a "redneck" and a "hick". You own at least one surf shop or seafood restaurant shirt. No matter what those people in Ohio say, we are still "First in Flight". The Coca-Cola 600 is as big as the Super Bowl. You prefer Chick-fil-a to KFC. You know pastry is a chicken stew, not a dessert item. Every time you visit someone you're offered something to eat and a glass of tea. Your granddaddy always wore overalls and your grandma always wore an apron. In summer you have home-grown tomatoes with every meal. When it rains and the creek rises, everyone gathers to see how high it rose. You know that "chunk" the ball means to throw it. You've had a burger "all the way" - chili and slaw on it. You can recognize a copperhead and your heart drops when you see one. You have at least one relative that raises collards. Your folks have taken trips to the mountains to look at leaves. Your school classes were cancelled because of a hurricane. You know Krispy Kreme makes the best doughnut. You have an opinion about UNC: You went there and loved it, or you hate everyone who did. You know the best BBQ is found in Lexington. You would rather eat at Bojangles's than McDonald's. You have actually uttered the phrase "It's too hot to go to the pool". You faithfully drink Pepsi or Mt. Dew everyday of your life. You have your own secret BBQ sauce. You or your neighbors have more hunting dogs than you have family members. You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from North Carolina.
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