Lubbock or Leave It....

I have a hard time lying. Always have. Game face you say? Don't have one.

My face gives me away. Every. Single. Time.

So believe me when I say, I actually really like Lubbock, TX.

(Que random looks)

Lubbock was my first stop on the 2012 Southern Loop of Fun and since I've been there before, it was like greeting an old, windy friend.

If your Texas geography is a bit dusty, Lubbock is in the West. Close to New Mexico. A major College town in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by fields, random bars and a whole lot of university spirit.

Sound Familiar? I did hear somewhere that Pullman is the Lubbock of the Pac-10...

Not only do we have the rural connection, but we've now got Mike Leech, the New head Coach at WSU. He's also the Pirate guy I keep hearing about who is going to bring the glory days back to my WSU Cougs and the entire town of Pullman. People were actually excited that I went to Wazzu. I even met a few who had Coug Gear and were very much looking forward to our next Football Season.

I don't think I've heard that when referencing the Cougs in a long, long, long time...It's usually more of a "Dear God, please let us win at least one game this year..."

(That, and "I hate the Huskies").

Other then the severe devotion to football, there are a lot of reasons to enjoy a jaunt to Lubbock. Good beer, Good people, Good eats and Zero Traffic.

Main Reasons for Lovin' Lubbock...

1. The event I was at today was pretty laid back and I met fun and interested students. I heard more 'Yes Ma'am's' and 'Ya'lls' then I have in my entire life. I like being called Ma'am. Maybe it's because it sounds so sweet when its delivered in a Southern dialect.

I'm going to teach myself to talk Texan.

2. TTU has a troupe of All-Male, Cowboy Cheerleaders (don't call them Cheerleaders to their face) who carry around Cowbells and bring the spirit to football games. They came to the event and rang those bells. Loud. Nearly gave me a heart attack every time.

They are called the "Stampede Tramps"

No. That's not a typo.

3. Rudy's BBQ. It's a gas station and a BBQ place all in one. And it is amazing. I'll admit. At first I was a little concerned. I don't have much trust in gas station food.

Really, Why would I?

However, you walk in and are overwhelmed
with the beautiful scent of ribs. Picnic tables are set up underneath Texas, Military and US Flags. There are buckets (literally) of ice tea. You can order meat by the weight and there are troughs of beer and soda. They're known for their banana pudding too.

I don't think it gets any more American than this:



4. My Holiday Inn is located on Avenue Q. The theater nerd in me was tickled by this information.

5. Modern Day Cowboys. They've got the boots, the hat, the jeans. Everything I imagined a Cowboy to be.

But wait. There's more.

They've got Ipads and Starbucks in hand.

Talk about Thoroughly Modern.

6. Really, Really nice people with adorable stories. I met a woman on my flight who was 82 years old. I don't know what her name was, but for all purposes, I'll call her Rose because she totally reminded me of Rose Dewitt-Bukater from Titanic. She was on her way to Kansas City---where she is 'wintering' after having visited her 81 year old boyfriend. They met each other almost 60 years ago when they worked for the Railroad. Both were married at the time and lost touch after he moved away. Just about 6 years ago, he looked her up. She'd been a widow for about 12 years, he almost the same. Now they are dating. She made it clear that they weren't going to be getting married though---just have fun hanging out, eating dinner and going to shows together.

Rose was so worried about me traveling alone. I didn't tell her how often I set off on my own. She has a weak heart, no need for to unnecessary stress out a stranger.

(I stress out my family enough)

7. Lubbock is home to Buddy Holly. I don't know any Buddy Holly songs, but I do like that his glasses are totally popular right now. I stopped off at the infamous Buddy Statue. It's where all the locals recommend. It's here and the Prairie Dog Farm or bust. Next time I'll try and make it to the Museum.




8. Beautiful Sunsets. The night sky sure delivers here in Texas. I swear, this photo has not been altered in any way. It's just that stunning.


***In order for this to be a no bias, no bull kind of post, I have to at least one or two 'Leave-Its' about Lubbock.

(Obviously a result of my fair journalism training at the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication)

1. Airport Security:
Are you kidding me Lubbock? I swear, they're one of the toughest and the slowest I've been through.

I know how many crazies must fly in and out of Lubbock every day, but seriously.

The LUB just got an upgrade in the form on a Security X-Ray machine. After I got scanned (which took a very long time) They needed to check my Right Wrist.

Just the wrist.

There was nothing on my right wrist. No hairband, no bracelet. Not even a tattoo.

Just flesh and bones. But it got its own mini pat down.

Curious cat that I am asked, "What's wrong with my wrist? Did you see something in your little box that I should be concerned about?"

He glared at me with scary Texas eyes. I didn't want to get stuck in Lubbock, so I left it alone.

2. Budget Rental Car:
Conversation:
Man-We have to charge you for a windshield chip.
Me-I completely disagree.
Man-Well, you didn't purchase the extra coverage, so it's your responsibility.

I tried to be a bit more mean, but I couldn't. Like lying, I'm terrible at being intentionally rude to anyone outside of my family.

We go out and look at the windshield. There aren't any chips, damage, bug juice or dirt on the thing.

Man-Sorry.
Me-Liar.

Never again. Thankfully I had them double check. I'm convinced they were trying to take advantage because I was a woman. Or Short. Or Left-handed.

I should totally have done what Californians due best and sue them.

What a Lubbock party foul.