When people discover that I am from Palm Springs, I get a variety of reactions. Some are genuinely shocked I am still alive after living through such high temperatures. Others never fail to say they have a vacation house and are avid Coachella attendees.

While I no longer live full-time in the desert, it will forever and always be considered home. Thus, why not write an article about the beautiful Coachella Valley?

So, this is all for my fellow desert rats. May we continue to wear sunscreen and thank God for air conditioning.

1. When you hit the Morongo Casino and the windmills surface

You have established an internal marker to automatically call your parents the second a windmill is in sight.

2. When people regard your home as “Omg, you must be so close to Coachella?”

Yes, I live 15 minutes away from Coachella. No, I have never camped before.

3. It’s 115 degrees outside, just another summer morning

Hey, at least you don't need to put make-up on.

4. When you have never understood the concept of a white Christmas

My vision of Santa became known as a male with a large, white beard in a red, Christmas hat with swim shorts. He also was most likely playing golf.

5. When the Indian Canyons was your elementary field trip

Flashback to brown bag lunches and taking awkward class photos on that fallen tree. Also, how the teachers managed to not lose one of us during the hike is honestly a miracle.

6. Every season is pool season

After a quarter like this one, my Christmas Break will consist of laying by the pool and doing close to nothing.

7. Food, food, and oh more food

A shake from Great Shakes, flautas and margaritas from El Mirasol, a wet burrito from Loco Charlie's, or a pitaya bowl from Fresh. My mouth is salivating just thinking about it.

8. Shocked you aren’t stopped for speeding because everyone drives SO DARN SLOW

Like molasses. Slow and painful to be behind.

9. Amazing scenery

Beautiful sunsets. Beautiful sunrises. Beautiful mountains. Just beautiful everything.

10. Not having much to do but loving it anyway

My Friday nights consisted of making up dances with friends, going bowling, or seeing a movie. Maybe, if we were feeling daring, we did all three. And I loved every second of it.

As much as the desert is hotter than hell itself, I am lucky that this valley is the place where I have grown up and gone through many of life's challenges. And while the desert may not be where I choose to settle down in my own life, you best believe you can always catch me walking around downtown Palm Springs with a margarita in one hand and a Great Shake in the other.

It will always be home. Always.