1. A World Without Runza’s Is A Dark Place Indeed
There are no Runzas to be found outside of Nebraska. I repeat: NO RUNZAS.
2. Leaving Nebraska Means Leaving All Of Your People Behind
You might have had nothing in common with your neighbors in Nebraska, but come game day, everyone bleeds red. The other Cornhuskers kind of red, not the red that everyone already bleeds…You get it.
3. No One Else Gets How Amazing Cinnamon Rolls And Chili Is
It’s crazy, and sad, but true. Cinnamon rolls with chili is a Nebraska thing.
4. Former Nebraskans Take Abundant Pride In Their Homegrown Legends
Presidents and politicians, billionaires, Oscar winners, Hollywood legends, timeless comedians, musicians, writers… Nebraska has spawned it all.
5. …Even The Legends Who Don’t Actually Exist
Penny from the Big Bang Theory? She’s from Nebraska. Aunt Becky on Full House? She was a proud Nebraska girl before she got hitched to Uncle Jesse. The X-Men’s Cyclops is Nebraskan.
People use Nebraska to raise their wholesome American characters because that’s what Nebraska is.
6. Nebraskan Friendliness Is Something To Be Admired
Is it that Nebraskans really are just that nice? Or is it that everyone else is just so rude? It definitely takes some adjusting to.
7. Treasures Like This Are Harder To Find
And you don’t realize how much that means until it’s gone.
8. Omaha Was Not Overhyping The Steak
Omaha steaks really are some of the best you can find anywhere. Are you really ready to leave them all behind? For what? A flank?!!
9. Don’t Expect Any Special Game Day Treatment
While Nebraska is virtually shut down or revolving around game day, you’re off somewhere with people who couldn’t care less.
10. Feel Free To Wave To People…
…But don’t be surprised when they don’t wave back and instead look at you skeptically as if you’re plotting to steal their cab.
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11. Not As Many People Share Nebraskans’ Love Of Corn
From the Huskers to your dinner plate, there’s no denying that corn rules the scene in Nebraska. Some sad outsiders have lost sight of how amazing it is.
12. Where Else Would You Possibly Get To Drink Your Corn?
Corn lemonade, anyone? It’s not exactly the cocktail of choice elsewhere.
13. Or Find Corn Flavored Ice Cream?
Even ice cream knows how to be Nebraska, with Ted & Wally’s churning out flavors like corn, Fireball whiskey, and even honey cornbread. Leave Nebraska and you’ll discover just how vanilla the world really is.
14. When People Mention Big Red, They’re Probably Just Talking About Bad Breath
You’re over here with your corn hat shouting “Go Big Red!” and they’re trying to pass you a stick of gum like “No, really. Go Big Red. Please.”
15. It’s Every Former Nebraskan’s Duty To Educate Outsiders On Nebraska Reality
You don’t get the name Home of Arbor Day for the tumbleweeds, after all. Along with the cornfields there is a variety of landscape. But, get this, there are also cities, too. Prepare to dazzle few minds.
16. That Zoo Really Is Pretty Spectacular
Sure, you can find a zoo just about anywhere. But Omaha’s zoo was named the best in the country for a reason. It’s awesome. And they’re not kidding.
17. Nebraska Is The Breakfast Of Fundraising Champions
Chances are, you’ve attended a fundraising event in which pancakes or waffles were served. People outside Nebraska just aren’t doing it right.
18. The Cheese Selection Outside Of Nebraska Is Both Pretentious And Lacking
Aisles dedicated to the Velveeta section will be sorely missed in other places. Sorry if I’m not into cheese that smells like dirty socks.
19. There’s A Whole Different Category Of Traffic Problems
The good news is that the days of getting stuck behind a tractor procession just might be over for you. The bad news is that it’s about to be replaced with literally thousands of cars and terrible drivers.
20. At Least The College World Series Is On TV
It’s covered by ESPN, so that’s a plus. But getting to see it firsthand once you leave might mean a plane trip to get there.
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21. Taking The Dog Out For An Afternoon Drive Gets Strange Looks
Not like here in Nebraska where it’s just business as usual. They just don’t get it.
22. The Weather May Be More Dependable
But it’s definitely much less interesting.
23. They Might Just Be Birds…
…But try finding another sight like this anywhere else.
24. You’re Probably Making A Huge Mistake
You’re leaving The Good Life behind.
25. But Don’t Let Your Homesickness Get The Best Of You
We’ve all been there. That place where you miss home so much, you’d do just about anything to feel close to it again. Just don’t do anything that will get wrinkled when you’re in your sixties.
26. Because A Nebraskan Can Always Come Back Home
It will be here just as you remembered it in your daydreams, ready to welcome you back with open arms.
What do you miss about Nebraska? Tell us in the comments below!