12 Things You Have To Do Before You’re An Official Nebraskan

So you've moved to Nebraska. Congratulations! We hope you'll love it here as much as we do! Remember to update your driver's license and voter registration. But before you can consider yourself a true Nebraskan, we recommend having a few very important experiences. After you've done all of these, then you can consider yourself a through-and-through Nebraskan.

1. Learn all of the words to "There Is No Place Like Nebraska."

This is important. You will be graded.

2. Visit a state park...or two or three.

Nothing helps you appreciate Nebraska's natural beauty quite like immersing yourself in nature.

3. See the capitol building.

Seriously. It's even more amazing in person than it is in pictures.

4. Successfully navigate through pothole/road work season.

Bonus points if you don't mess up your car's alignment or get a ticket for speeding through a work zone.

5. Eat a Runza.

Notice I didn't say "Eat AT Runza?" Yeah, that's because you've just got to try that doughy pocket of meat and cabbage.

6. And nosh on a big, juicy steak.

Preferably not at the same meal, but whatever floats your boat.

7. Down a red beer.

The unofficial grown-up drink of Nebraska. Not everyone likes them, but if you want to earn your Nebraskan card you should at least try it once.

8. Take in a Huskers game.

Even if you can't get tickets to see it in person, watch the game on TV. Even if you don't like football, it'll help you understand what everyone at work is talking about the next day.

9. Watch one of our famous sunrises.

Multi-colored and bright, our sunrises are unrivaled.

10. ...And one of our even more impressive sunsets.

No matter where you are when the sun goes down, take a minute to stop and watch. It'll take your breath away every time in Nebraska.

11. Get stuck in "traffic" because there's a slow-moving farm implement in the road up ahead.

...And just hope they either turn off soon or you have the chance to pass.

12. Master the "farmer wave."

This gesture, above all else, will help you fit in when you live in Nebraska. When another car approaches on a country road, lift a couple of fingers from the steering wheel, keeping the rest of your hand on the wheel. If you recognize the person or want to be extremely friendly, give a smile and nod as well.

Once you've gotten these Nebraskan experiences under your belt, it's safe to say that you're an official Nebraskan. What else do you think someone has to do to earn their Nebraskan status?