I learned some really important life lessons about danger growing up in Lubbock. It’s basically everywhere. Some threats are real. Some are massively exaggerated. Others are just silly.
Whether you were afraid of quicksand swallowing you alive or a piece of gum living in your stomach for 7 years, here’s a list of things that totally freaked out Lubbock kids in the 90s.
1. Tornadoes
Greg Johnson on Unsplash” loading=”lazy” onload=”this.parentNode.parentNode.classList.add(‘frame-loaded’);” onerror=”this.parentNode.parentNode.classList.add(‘broken-image’);” fetchpriority=”low” width=”4240″ height=”2832″/>Photo by Greg Johnson on UnsplashPhoto by Greg Johnson on Unsplash
This is a big-time number-one in Lubbock. We were all totally certain a tornado would scoop us up and carry us away. It was probably the only real fear we needed to worry about out of this entire list, truthfully. But, yes, Lubbock kids thought tornadoes were coming for them sooner or later.
2. Quicksand
Jonathan Borba on Unsplash” loading=”lazy” onload=”this.parentNode.parentNode.classList.add(‘frame-loaded’);” onerror=”this.parentNode.parentNode.classList.add(‘broken-image’);” fetchpriority=”low” width=”5472″ height=”3648″/>Photo by Jonathan Borba on UnsplashPhoto by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash
Really thought this one was going to be a bigger issue when I grew up. Turns out, you run into quicksand relatively few times in your life, if ever at all. Bummer. No dramatic rescues happening in your future.
3. Swallowing Gum
Hunter Newton on Unsplash” loading=”lazy” onload=”this.parentNode.parentNode.classList.add(‘frame-loaded’);” onerror=”this.parentNode.parentNode.classList.add(‘broken-image’);” fetchpriority=”low” width=”3916″ height=”4895″/>Photo by Hunter Newton on UnsplashPhoto by Hunter Newton on Unsplash
Someone’s brother’s friend told you that if you swallowed gum, it would live in your stomach for 7 years…or forever. For some of us, this was a big stressor. According to science, all of that was BS. You can rest easy, but probably shouldn’t swallow any gum…just to be safe.
4. The Bermuda Triangle
Anne Nygård on Unsplash” loading=”lazy” onload=”this.parentNode.parentNode.classList.add(‘frame-loaded’);” onerror=”this.parentNode.parentNode.classList.add(‘broken-image’);” fetchpriority=”low” width=”5184″ height=”3456″/>Photo by Anne Nygård on UnsplashPhoto by Anne Nygård on Unsplash
Nothing was more fascinating or terrifying to a 4th grader than hearing about the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle. Why were we so worried, though? We live in West Texas. We were all little idiots.
I’m still a little concerned. Whatever.
Read More: Rediscovering Nostalgic Comfort Foods For Gloomy Lubbock Weather
5. Razor Blades and Drugs in Halloween Candy
Sebbi Strauch on Unsplash” loading=”lazy” onload=”this.parentNode.parentNode.classList.add(‘frame-loaded’);” onerror=”this.parentNode.parentNode.classList.add(‘broken-image’);” fetchpriority=”low” width=”3936″ height=”2624″/>Photo by Sebbi Strauch on UnsplashPhoto by Sebbi Strauch on Unsplash
Dumb. This one was the silliest of them all. If you’re still afraid of this, you’re a certified suckaaaa.
6. Piranhas
Sofia Rotaru on Unsplash” loading=”lazy” onload=”this.parentNode.parentNode.classList.add(‘frame-loaded’);” onerror=”this.parentNode.parentNode.classList.add(‘broken-image’);” fetchpriority=”low” width=”5184″ height=”3456″/>Photo by Sofia Rotaru on UnsplashPhoto by Sofia Rotaru on Unsplash
Yes. In Buffalo Lake. In our above-ground pool. Wherever they might be lurking. You never knew when one was going to get a taste for your toes.
7. Lightning
David Moum on Unsplash” loading=”lazy” onload=”this.parentNode.parentNode.classList.add(‘frame-loaded’);” onerror=”this.parentNode.parentNode.classList.add(‘broken-image’);” fetchpriority=”low” width=”3744″ height=”5616″/>Photo by David Moum on UnsplashPhoto by David Moum on Unsplash
It was quite scary in Lubbock, so I think this fear is valid.
8. The Chupacabra
Andy Li on Unsplash” loading=”lazy” onload=”this.parentNode.parentNode.classList.add(‘frame-loaded’);” onerror=”this.parentNode.parentNode.classList.add(‘broken-image’);” fetchpriority=”low” width=”6000″ height=”4000″/>Photo by Andy Li on UnsplashPhoto by Andy Li on Unsplash
Some of my friends swore they were real. I’ve never seen one…but there’s still time.
9. Spontaneous Combustion
Tobias Rademacher on Unsplash” loading=”lazy” onload=”this.parentNode.parentNode.classList.add(‘frame-loaded’);” onerror=”this.parentNode.parentNode.classList.add(‘broken-image’);” fetchpriority=”low” width=”4480″ height=”6720″/>Photo by Tobias Rademacher on UnsplashPhoto by Tobias Rademacher on Unsplash
Hey, it could happen…
Looking back, it’s funny how much time we spent worrying over silly things that probably would never happen. I mean, the tornadoes definitely could have. But, I’m pretty sure the Bermuda Triangle isn’t to blame if anyone goes missing in Lubbock.
Keep scrolling for other silly fun in the galleries below…
Southern Comfort Food: Best Places In Lubbock To Get Banana Pudding
Banana pudding out of a box is okay if you’re desperate, but if you are looking for real, delicious banana pudding in Lubbock, you don’t have to look far.
Gallery Credit: Renee Raven
806 Delicious: The Best Of Local Lubbock Food In Pictures
I asked a group of serious Lubbock foodies, “what’s the best meal you’ve had recently in Lubbock” and they answered in pictures. WARNING: you will get very hungry looking at these photos!
Gallery Credit: Renee Raven