Tatum Does Texas
It was my first time to Texas, my first time meeting Jake's parents in person, my first time shooting guns, my first time taking a cooking class, and my first time saying good-bye to my darling sweet boyfriend. A week full of firsts!
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If I could describe Texas in one word, I'd say HOT. Other than that distinctive characteristic, the only other thing that stood out to me was how much Texans love their state. I don't necessarily blame them, since I love my beautiful state of California, but not only is their state flag everywhere, many of the vehicles boast Texas shaped metal placards and bumper tickers. Everything is also very flat. Little towns will pop up out of nowhere. One in particular is Roanoke, Texas. If you get a chance to go anywhere in Texas, the cute little town of Roanoke has my vote. Jake's mom took me there to walk around and have a glass of wine, and I was so fascinated by it. It reminded me of movie set, or if someone said, "go build a town", it's exactly what you'd build. Red brick and stone buildings, cute street lamps, little shops, restaurants, cafes, parks and benches, and I don't even think it's a mile long. You're very unaware of what lies beyond the town's limits when you're there... which is a set of railroad tracks and oh, that's right, nothing.
We also went to the Dallas Farmer's Market one morning. Very HOT and very large. Jake and I bought fresh tomatoes, peppers, onions, and avocados to make fresh salsa and guacamole, which turned out pretty great! Jake fried up some homemade corn tortilla chips to go with them and those were amazing. Below is Jake's mom and dad cruising the aisles of the farmer's market...
Before we got to Texas, Jake had asked me if I wanted to shoot guns, since it was one of his family's favorite things to do, as well as a very "Texas" thing to do. I said "yes, of course!" without thinking about how I actually felt about it... TERRIFIED. The whole idea of guns is so foreign to me. Growing up on a farm, I knew my dad had a shotgun somewhere (used for those sad animal situations), but I never knew where it was, nor had I ever actually laid eyes on it. Aside from that, I've always considered myself a very peaceful person, and guns have never had a role in that. But as everyone is well aware of the approaching zombie apocalypse, I've also considered myself a survivor, and I'd better know how to use a gun if I intend to keep that up. So shooting guns we went...
At first, I still didn't really think I was going to shoot a gun. We all went in to the front shop of the shooting range, picked out our first gun, ammunition, eye ware, ear muffs (headphones?) and target, and then headed back in to our private lane. I started getting nervous, but I still didn't think that I was actually going to do it. After Jake's dad explained how to work the first gun, they asked me if I wanted to go first. The answer was NO, but I realized my turn was coming and I couldn't back out as much as I wanted to. The fear and anxiety was intense, but I knew it was somewhat irrational. I had to get a hold of myself. I put myself in the world of The Walking Dead, and decided it was time to take out some zombies. When my turn came, I was trembling all over and could barely aim the barrel of the gun. However, as soon as I steadied myself, I took my first shot...
Needless to say, that zombie's done. With every shot I took, I felt my fear dissipating and instead felt exhilarated. What a rush! I walked in there timid and afraid, and with each round I could feel my confidence sky rocket. I have a new respect for and love of guns. I don't know that I would ever own one just yet, but I'm no longer worried about my ability to take out zombies. It was a liberating experience and a lot of fun!
You can see more of Jake's impressive skills at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLblTvNpaCY&feature=youtu.be
Aside from that, Jake's other Texas mission was to have some good ol' Texas BBQ. We intended to get some at a BBQ next to the farmer's market (Pecan Lodge) that got crazy good reviews, but even though we got there 45 minutes before they opened, our position in line gave us an estimated two and half hour wait (from the time they opened). When opening time came around, we decided that maybe there were BBQ places just as good somewhere else.
Sure enough, we drove to a place called Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ. As soon as we arrived, the guy asked us if we were coming from the line at Pecan Lodge. He said he was grateful to their long lines and the new business it gave his place. But despite being our back-up plan, it was delicious. The guy looked exactly the way I would picture a Texas BBQ guy to look too. A little rough around the edges, a long beard... either a Texas BBQ man, a mechanic, or someone off the show Deadliest Catch. He was super knowledgeable about meats too. He first asked us if we liked our brisket fatty or lean, and Jake's mom and I both said "lean". He gave us a look of disgust, told us that we were making a huge mistake, and cut us each a piece from a fatty BBQ'd brisket. WOW. YUM. Boy was he was right, fat has never tasted so good. We quickly ordered the fatty brisket, turned them in to sandwiches, and checked another thing off Jake's Texas "To Do" List.
All in all, the week I spend in Texas was a blast. I've never eaten so many big delicious meals in my entire life. Before I get in trouble I should say, Mother you are an amazing cook and my life has been filled with delicious meals made by you in your kitchen, but all I mean is that in Texas I consumed huge portions at every meal, which isn't my norm. Especially for a week straight. Between the Texas BBQ, the patty melt cooking class, the delicious meals made by Jake's mom, and our dinners out on the town, I for sure gained a few pounds...
But the best part of the trip was the time I spent with Jake and his parents, Pat and Jack. Being as they live Texas, and we've lived in California, I hadn't had the luxury to meet them before, and it was invaluable time I will always remember and cherish. I had an amazing time with Pat whenever the boys went golfing, swapping stories and getting to know each other. She and Jack spent a lot of time apart during the early years of their relationship, and I know that her story will be a comfort to me during the time Jake and I will be apart. I'm grateful beyond words that my relationship with her has developed into a friendship I will carry very close to my heart. And I enjoyed my time with Jake's dad, Jack, just as much. I could tell early on that we shared similar viewpoints and interests, as he was very easy to talk to. I look forward to one day beating him at a game of chess, although I've accepted that day won't be anytime soon (regardless, you have to have goals in life). In both cases, it was clear why Jake is the way he is; all of the members of the Matthew's family have the biggest hearts and are some of the kindest people I've ever met. I have often thought about how lucky I am to have Jake, but it wasn't until our trip Texas that I became more aware of just how lucky I am. I'm so happy it's unreal.
It was a perfect way to officially start this journey of mine. It was a struggle to pull myself away from Jake when he dropped me off at the airport, but I tried to remind myself that I'd be seeing him soon. Separation anxiety and my fear of planes were strong, but the excitement I felt over starting this new chapter of my life was even stronger. I called everyone I needed to call, said some prayers, and on August 5th, 2013, with the help of two very strong vodka sodas, I said goodbye to the USA and boarded the plane...
And just like, I was finally headed to medical school...
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If I could describe Texas in one word, I'd say HOT. Other than that distinctive characteristic, the only other thing that stood out to me was how much Texans love their state. I don't necessarily blame them, since I love my beautiful state of California, but not only is their state flag everywhere, many of the vehicles boast Texas shaped metal placards and bumper tickers. Everything is also very flat. Little towns will pop up out of nowhere. One in particular is Roanoke, Texas. If you get a chance to go anywhere in Texas, the cute little town of Roanoke has my vote. Jake's mom took me there to walk around and have a glass of wine, and I was so fascinated by it. It reminded me of movie set, or if someone said, "go build a town", it's exactly what you'd build. Red brick and stone buildings, cute street lamps, little shops, restaurants, cafes, parks and benches, and I don't even think it's a mile long. You're very unaware of what lies beyond the town's limits when you're there... which is a set of railroad tracks and oh, that's right, nothing.
We also went to the Dallas Farmer's Market one morning. Very HOT and very large. Jake and I bought fresh tomatoes, peppers, onions, and avocados to make fresh salsa and guacamole, which turned out pretty great! Jake fried up some homemade corn tortilla chips to go with them and those were amazing. Below is Jake's mom and dad cruising the aisles of the farmer's market...
Before we got to Texas, Jake had asked me if I wanted to shoot guns, since it was one of his family's favorite things to do, as well as a very "Texas" thing to do. I said "yes, of course!" without thinking about how I actually felt about it... TERRIFIED. The whole idea of guns is so foreign to me. Growing up on a farm, I knew my dad had a shotgun somewhere (used for those sad animal situations), but I never knew where it was, nor had I ever actually laid eyes on it. Aside from that, I've always considered myself a very peaceful person, and guns have never had a role in that. But as everyone is well aware of the approaching zombie apocalypse, I've also considered myself a survivor, and I'd better know how to use a gun if I intend to keep that up. So shooting guns we went...
At first, I still didn't really think I was going to shoot a gun. We all went in to the front shop of the shooting range, picked out our first gun, ammunition, eye ware, ear muffs (headphones?) and target, and then headed back in to our private lane. I started getting nervous, but I still didn't think that I was actually going to do it. After Jake's dad explained how to work the first gun, they asked me if I wanted to go first. The answer was NO, but I realized my turn was coming and I couldn't back out as much as I wanted to. The fear and anxiety was intense, but I knew it was somewhat irrational. I had to get a hold of myself. I put myself in the world of The Walking Dead, and decided it was time to take out some zombies. When my turn came, I was trembling all over and could barely aim the barrel of the gun. However, as soon as I steadied myself, I took my first shot...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLblTvNpaCY&feature=youtu.be
Aside from that, Jake's other Texas mission was to have some good ol' Texas BBQ. We intended to get some at a BBQ next to the farmer's market (Pecan Lodge) that got crazy good reviews, but even though we got there 45 minutes before they opened, our position in line gave us an estimated two and half hour wait (from the time they opened). When opening time came around, we decided that maybe there were BBQ places just as good somewhere else.
Sure enough, we drove to a place called Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ. As soon as we arrived, the guy asked us if we were coming from the line at Pecan Lodge. He said he was grateful to their long lines and the new business it gave his place. But despite being our back-up plan, it was delicious. The guy looked exactly the way I would picture a Texas BBQ guy to look too. A little rough around the edges, a long beard... either a Texas BBQ man, a mechanic, or someone off the show Deadliest Catch. He was super knowledgeable about meats too. He first asked us if we liked our brisket fatty or lean, and Jake's mom and I both said "lean". He gave us a look of disgust, told us that we were making a huge mistake, and cut us each a piece from a fatty BBQ'd brisket. WOW. YUM. Boy was he was right, fat has never tasted so good. We quickly ordered the fatty brisket, turned them in to sandwiches, and checked another thing off Jake's Texas "To Do" List.
All in all, the week I spend in Texas was a blast. I've never eaten so many big delicious meals in my entire life. Before I get in trouble I should say, Mother you are an amazing cook and my life has been filled with delicious meals made by you in your kitchen, but all I mean is that in Texas I consumed huge portions at every meal, which isn't my norm. Especially for a week straight. Between the Texas BBQ, the patty melt cooking class, the delicious meals made by Jake's mom, and our dinners out on the town, I for sure gained a few pounds...
But the best part of the trip was the time I spent with Jake and his parents, Pat and Jack. Being as they live Texas, and we've lived in California, I hadn't had the luxury to meet them before, and it was invaluable time I will always remember and cherish. I had an amazing time with Pat whenever the boys went golfing, swapping stories and getting to know each other. She and Jack spent a lot of time apart during the early years of their relationship, and I know that her story will be a comfort to me during the time Jake and I will be apart. I'm grateful beyond words that my relationship with her has developed into a friendship I will carry very close to my heart. And I enjoyed my time with Jake's dad, Jack, just as much. I could tell early on that we shared similar viewpoints and interests, as he was very easy to talk to. I look forward to one day beating him at a game of chess, although I've accepted that day won't be anytime soon (regardless, you have to have goals in life). In both cases, it was clear why Jake is the way he is; all of the members of the Matthew's family have the biggest hearts and are some of the kindest people I've ever met. I have often thought about how lucky I am to have Jake, but it wasn't until our trip Texas that I became more aware of just how lucky I am. I'm so happy it's unreal.
It was a perfect way to officially start this journey of mine. It was a struggle to pull myself away from Jake when he dropped me off at the airport, but I tried to remind myself that I'd be seeing him soon. Separation anxiety and my fear of planes were strong, but the excitement I felt over starting this new chapter of my life was even stronger. I called everyone I needed to call, said some prayers, and on August 5th, 2013, with the help of two very strong vodka sodas, I said goodbye to the USA and boarded the plane...
And just like, I was finally headed to medical school...
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