Kansans know that there’s just some things you can’t and shouldn’t go without if you’re going to live here. Kansas isn’t all sunsets and sunflowers, and often there’s a lot about the state people don’t think about before moving in. Of course, you’ll need a fair bit of manners to live here comfortably, but there are some things not everyone mentions. Here are 13 pieces of our Kansas pie, only some of what Kansas needs to survive:
- A good pair of boots
Katie Weilbacher/Flickr Though some of us swear by Birkenstocks or Teva sandals, there’s something we need more often here, especially if you don’t live in the city. A good pair of boots will last you for years, if you treat ’em right.
- A heater for our winter…
Julie Chapa/Flickr Our winters don’t always get very cold, but when they do, they sure love to try hard to freeze us to death. A heater is vital for those who want to survive those winter days where it dips below zero at night.
- …and an air conditioner for our summer
Q Family/Flickr Kansas gets a lot of sun, which is good for our crops, but not always great for our homes.
- A love for hearty foods
Jpellgen/Flickr Foods like fried chicken and delicious barbecued pork and beef come to mind when I think of Kansas. Of course, they’re all served with potatoes and corn, if not other fried foods like okra!
- A flexible wardrobe
Angela/Flickr There are days where you’ll need a coat in the morning, but by three you’ll want to trade it for shorts. Either you can forsake fashion for a day, or suffer mother nature’s temper tantrums. Up to you!
- A preference for either the Jayhawks or the Wildcats.
brent flanders/Flickr Yes, you have to choose. Even if you do like another state’s team, you’ll probably still need to tell us which one you’d pick if you had to.
- A tornado shelter
dana byerly/Flickr Look, I didn’t say you needed to use it, but you should at least have one in case it comes directly for your house, or in case another Greensburg-type situation happens.
- Insurance
State Farm/Flickr Whether it’s storm damage or a tree blown over by the wind, you’ll need insurance anywhere a storm can touch, just in case.
- Sunscreen - sometimes in the winter, too
Max/Flickr Even when the clouds are out, you can get a sunburn! And make sure you get it everywhere, or you’ll risk ending up like this guy here.
- Bug repellent
Mike Mozart/Flickr Mosquitoes are a huge problem in some parts of Kansas, and they seem to come back stronger every year. One thing is always true, though. If you’ve got bug spray, you’re a lot better off (and less itchy!) than if you went without.
- A dish for the potluck
Katherine Lynch/Flickr If you’re invited to a potluck, you shouldn’t be that guy who never brings anything. Even if it’s just a salad or some pasta you picked up at the store, it’s better than mooching off of everyone else’s hard work!
- A plan B in case of weather
Niccolo Ubalducci/Flickr Honestly, you should probably have a plan C in place as well. There’s days when the state just doesn’t want you to do anything! At least you can take pictures, if you’re stuck at home!
- And your family
Chuck Patch/Flickr Whether it’s friends you’ve made here or your family that arrived with you, you should always keep them close. Kansans are crazy about their roots, and you should learn to cherish them too, if you don’t already.
What else do you need to survive here in Kansas? However, if you haven’t seen our piece on Kansas stereotypes, you should!
Katie Weilbacher/Flickr
Though some of us swear by Birkenstocks or Teva sandals, there’s something we need more often here, especially if you don’t live in the city. A good pair of boots will last you for years, if you treat ’em right.
Julie Chapa/Flickr
Our winters don’t always get very cold, but when they do, they sure love to try hard to freeze us to death. A heater is vital for those who want to survive those winter days where it dips below zero at night.
Q Family/Flickr
Kansas gets a lot of sun, which is good for our crops, but not always great for our homes.
Jpellgen/Flickr
Foods like fried chicken and delicious barbecued pork and beef come to mind when I think of Kansas. Of course, they’re all served with potatoes and corn, if not other fried foods like okra!
Angela/Flickr
There are days where you’ll need a coat in the morning, but by three you’ll want to trade it for shorts. Either you can forsake fashion for a day, or suffer mother nature’s temper tantrums. Up to you!
brent flanders/Flickr
Yes, you have to choose. Even if you do like another state’s team, you’ll probably still need to tell us which one you’d pick if you had to.
dana byerly/Flickr
Look, I didn’t say you needed to use it, but you should at least have one in case it comes directly for your house, or in case another Greensburg-type situation happens.
State Farm/Flickr
Whether it’s storm damage or a tree blown over by the wind, you’ll need insurance anywhere a storm can touch, just in case.
Max/Flickr
Even when the clouds are out, you can get a sunburn! And make sure you get it everywhere, or you’ll risk ending up like this guy here.
Mike Mozart/Flickr
Mosquitoes are a huge problem in some parts of Kansas, and they seem to come back stronger every year. One thing is always true, though. If you’ve got bug spray, you’re a lot better off (and less itchy!) than if you went without.
Katherine Lynch/Flickr
If you’re invited to a potluck, you shouldn’t be that guy who never brings anything. Even if it’s just a salad or some pasta you picked up at the store, it’s better than mooching off of everyone else’s hard work!
Niccolo Ubalducci/Flickr
Honestly, you should probably have a plan C in place as well. There’s days when the state just doesn’t want you to do anything! At least you can take pictures, if you’re stuck at home!
Chuck Patch/Flickr
Whether it’s friends you’ve made here or your family that arrived with you, you should always keep them close. Kansans are crazy about their roots, and you should learn to cherish them too, if you don’t already.
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