NatNews

The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is experiencing what one might call the Texas version of an Arctic blast, with recent temperatures in the teens and the wind chill in single digits—and even in the negatives. While some residents embrace the drastic change from the scorching summer temperatures not too long ago, others simply want nothing to do with such frigid conditions, especially when they typically work out outdoors.

When the local weather creates the need for multiple layers and dripping faucets, people often must alter their regular routines and spend more time at home. Some individuals begin to feel a bit too cooped up, but others, including Dallas resident Charlotte Thomas, don’t have problems finding ways to enjoy the downtime.

“Honestly, I can keep myself entertained indoors for a lengthy amount of time before I go stir crazy,” she said. “There’s lots of TV binging, reading books, online shopping (the worst habit). I have access to a gym in my apartment, so I usually work out, as well.”

Dallas-area resident Paige Ryder Celuch is also not a fan of cold weather and said she will do whatever she can to avoid going outside. Like Thomas, she is able to find plenty to do inside the warm comforts of her home.

“When it is too cold, I keep myself busy by reading, watching movies, and using my Peloton,” she said. “I do not like ice/snow days. I feel like when it happens in Texas, we lose power and can’t drive—which turns into a big discussion on our power grid. It’s really tiring to have the same conversation year after year when the same thing happens.”

Dallas resident Alfonzo Gonzalez doesn’t necessarily look for ways to stay occupied when the temperatures drop but, instead, uses that time to take advantage of the opportunity for rest.

“I don’t like the cold, so I will just hibernate at home,” he said. “There is no good feeling about freezing outside.”

Others don’t mind air that can make one’s face feel numb. Dallas resident Aaron Byrkit said he prefers cold weather, though when ice or snow hits the metroplex, he doesn’t necessarily get to go running on those days. However, he and his wife usually try to make sure to bundle everyone up and spend some time outside with their two boys—as long as they know they’re coming back to a warm home.

“Ice and snow days are far more enjoyable when the electricity stays on,” he said. “They can be a nice pause in the everyday routine. We’ll either go for a walk, or if things aren’t too icy, we’ll go over to Norbuck or Flagpole Hill and sled and play in the snow. It can also be fun to get a fire pit going.”

Like Byrkit, many other locals opt to experience activities with their families when others are wishing they were poolside or at the beach. Dallas-area resident Madison Royal makes the conscious decision to go outside in sub-freezing temperatures and when the ground is frosted over. She said she and her husband like to make memories outside with their son and dog when the rare winter wonderland occurs.

“Ice and snow days are my jam,” she said. “I wish I lived in Colorado. When I was a teacher, I used to love ice and snow days because it meant a day off. It’s a little different now with Cooper—a very big shift when you add a tiny human—but we do brave the cold. We like to go on walks with Storm, and hopefully we will get to play in the snow with Cooper if he enjoys it.”

Royal certainly isn’t alone in her love of the chill in the air. Dallas-area resident Kim Endo-Campbell said she enjoys cold weather because she doesn’t do well in the heat, whether during exercise or in a more casual situation. She also thinks fall and winter clothes give an individual the opportunity to wear more fashionable apparel without sweating excessively. However, if she is forced to spend more time inside, she manages to survive.

“I have a stationary bike and some basic weights at our apartment, so if I need movement, I hit the bike or lift,” she said. “I love to read and watch Korean dramas if I’m in a chill mood, or I find chores I’ve been putting off and finally do them.”

When Endo-Campbell is able to go outside and run on the roads or trails in the true wintery weather, though, she said she truly appreciates the chance to become captivated by the unique sights all around her.

“I love how quiet it is when it’s cold and seeing the frost and snow on the grass and other parts of nature,” she said. “If you’ve never caught a sunrise with frost/snow on the ground and steam and fog rolling across the water, then you’re missing out on a magical scene.”

Recent data revealed that Tuesday nights and Saturday afternoons are the best times for first dates—with meetings at those times 30 percent more likely to result in second dates—while Thursday nights are the worst.

Throughout the Dallas area, you can find Dallas Cowboys fans essentially anywhere you go, and you can purchase team apparel at a variety of establishments, including grocery stores. Hop on a plane and go to another state, and you can still find plenty of people who love the Cowboys and wear shirts and hats displaying that well-known blue star.

In 1978, NFL Films vice president and editor-in-chief Bob Ryan coined the term while editing the team’s season highlight film because he had noticed that wherever the Cowboys played, there were people in the stands with Cowboys jerseys, hats, and pennants, and Dallas was always featured as the national game on TV.

Dallas-area resident Ashley Hill is an avid fan and, because she grew up in the 1990s, particularly loved the era of the triplets (Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin). She said she believes there is good reason the Cowboys can still be called America’s team today.

“Not only are the Cowboys worth more money than any other sports franchise in the entire world (now estimated at close to $10 billion), but there are fans from all over the country and globally who love the Dallas Cowboys,” she said. “Our fan base travels better than any other team in the league for games. So, yes, I do still think we are America’s team.”

Dallas resident Shahid Sattar, who was born and raised in Dallas and has been a fan of the Cowboys his entire life, also mentioned the financial aspect of Dallas being able to call itself the team of the entire nation.

“The dollars say so,” he said. “As the highest-valued NFL franchise, it shows that many Americans are willing to buy their merchandise and watch their games, even when they haven’t won in almost 30 years.”

Dallas-area resident Ivan Alonzo said he isn’t a dedicated fan to any specific team, though he cheers for the Cowboys and doesn’t consider himself a bandwagon fan. He grew up near the old Texas Stadium in Irving and feels a bit of nostalgia from when he was a kid during the Super Bowl era in the ‘90s. He also justifies Dallas holding onto the title of America’s team.

“The team is synonymous with American football,” he said. “It’s one of the most recognizable teams around the world.”

Not everyone agrees, though. In fact, there are countless individuals who would argue that the Cowboys aren’t America’s team and don’t deserve to be called so. Phoenix resident Arin Mearig, who was born in Indiana and roots for the Indianapolis Colts, does not like the Cowboys and thinks there’s too much division around them for them to be considered America’s team.

“I feel like people either love the Cowboys or hate the Cowboys—there’s no in between,” she said. “So, they can’t be America’s team if probably half of the population hates them (and America is so united on everything else in the world, obviously).”

Like Mearig, Dallas-area resident Paul Nikstad doesn’t support the Cowboys holding the designation of America’s team, but more so because of their lack of championships in comparison to the team that has captured 13 league titles. The Cowboys have won five Super Bowls, the last one in 1996 (1995 season).

“America’s team is the Green Bay Packers,” he said. “They’re an older organization, and they’ve won the most NFL championships.”

As for now, though, even though they just lost another playoff game to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys still have this famous (or infamous) nickname. Mearig said she thinks a large factor for this is the location.

“I feel like there’s such a strong connection between America and the state of Texas,” she said. “I think if they were from Nebraska, no one would call them America’s team.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Ducky Ryder Celuch wants to remind all dear readers in the Dallas area to dress warmly this week

Monday, January 15: Mavs vs. Pelicans at the American Airlines Center
Tuesday, January 16: Stars vs. Kings at the American Airlines Center
Wednesday, January 17: Playboi Carti at the American Airlines Center
Thursday, January 18: National Thesaurus Day
Friday, January 19: Gimme Gimme Disco at Granada Theater
Saturday, January 20: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Who’s Bad — Tribute to Michael Jackson at House of Blues Dallas
Sunday, January 21: Dallasites101 Wellness Crawl in Bishop Arts