Do you love Tuscaloosa, Alabama? Prove it!

Life in Tuscaloosa, over time, gets in your blood. It's SO good to be back in T-Town. I've noticed, even if you tried to conceal what city you are from, there are ways to tell if someone is from Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

I present evidence while making it clear that this is just the tip of the iceberg.

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YOUR FEELINGS ON TACO CASA

I will never forget moving to Dothan, Alabama, and one of the first people I met made an interesting comment during lunch. She said, “Well, it’s not Taco Casa.” I knew!

She knew that I knew. I yelled “You’re from Tuscaloosa, aren’t ya?” I was right, and like myself, she even attended County High.

MAKING FUN OF AUBURN IS ENCOURAGED

I had never lived anywhere in America where Auburn jokes were off-limits. Enter my years in Dothan. Again.

I was warned on my first day that because we are only 50 miles away from Auburn, Auburn jokes were off-limits, especially in business settings.

I lived in Tuscaloosa when I was a kid, and any number of Auburn put-downs, sarcasm, taunt, or slight was our little wink at each other.

RIBS, WHITE BREAD AND BEER ARE ALL YOU NEED

Oh yeah, BBQ is big in West Alabama. When talk turns to this, it’s easy to know who has T-Town ties.

Of course, nothing is more significant than Dreamland BBQ in Tuscaloosa. Back in the day at 5535 15th Ave, Big John Bishop operated the grill, and Ribs, bread, and beer rounded out their menu.

I was hesitant, at times, taking out of towners to the original dreamland. Every time somebody from the north would request potato salad or some other side that dreamland did not serve back then. It always embarrassed me when this happened, so I kept Dreamland all to myself.

LIFE REVOLVES AROUND ALABAMA FOOTBALL

You plan weddings, births, and deaths around Alabama’s football schedule. If you are not from around here, this might seem odd. If you’re from Tuscaloosa, the odds are pretty high that you will be born a fan of the Tide.

I can’t go through the list of people I know that tried to plan the delivery of their child around Saturday's game. Stranger yet, sometimes they pulled it off! Induce me on Friday, doc. If you don’t want anyone at your wedding or event, schedule it during an Alabama game.

THE (I HATE THIS PART) "KICK SIX"

You remember where you were when the dreaded “Kick Six” happened in the 2013 Iron Bowl.

Oh, I was at my uncle's house for Thanksgiving festivities, and the entire house fell silent for about two hours. It’s one of the historical tragedies that you remember exactly what you were doing and where you were at that fatal moment. November 30, 2013, was an ugly, ugly day.

NICK SABAN IS ALL POWERFUL

Nick Saban is, BY FAR, the most important citizen. I know that Bear Bryant was beloved in West Alabama.

I can’t imagine that he was more loved than Nick Saban. If Coach Saban ran for Mayor, come on, it would not be fair to the other candidates.

Landslide anyone? I’m not sure that there is a position that Nick Saban couldn’t get if he desired it. He’s the GOAT, and we all know it.

DON'T MESS WITH T-TOWN!

Nobody sticks together like Tuscaloosans in a crisis or tragedy. April 27, 2011, is evidence of that T-Town spirit. The efforts of the Tuscaloosa Police officers and other first responders.

TPD officer Trevor Phillips stands out as a family approached him with an infant that wasn’t breathing. Without hesitation Officer Phillips immediately started resuscitation while running with the baby to a triage station a half-mile down the road.

The infant started breathing again and was one of the youngest survivors. Racquel Smith, Who took cover with her 15-month-old daughter in Rosedale, and sadly was the only survivor in her family.

Racquel became active after her tragic loss and was on the front lines in the days following, volunteering in her community. So many amazing people and unique stories that came from tragedy in Tuscaloosa.

YOU KNOW EVERY SONG PLAYED ON DENNY CHIMES

Chances are, if you I’ve never been to Tuscaloosa, than you have never heard of Denny Chimes. I WAS NAMED AFTER DENNY CHIMES! Long story for another day.

The 115-foot tower is a place everyone knows about in Tuscaloosa. It’s an icon. It buzzes and chimes every fifteen minutes. In addition, it is Used to celebrate university achievements from the big to not so big. The bells play songs for U of A scholars, football victories, holidays, and sometimes requests. If you are from Tuscaloosa, you probably know the tunes of Denny Chimes.

I didn't really appreciate how much I love this place, until I was away. Man, It feels good to be Tuscaloosa again.