The Tri-Cities is exactly what it sounds like. Three cities basically combined into one. We're located in southeastern Washington (No, not Washington D.C. ... Washington, the state.) and to many people's surprise, we are not covered in luscious greenery. In fact, many people consider it a desert. No tall, beautiful evergreens here. Just like any other city, there are many things that set us apart.

1. It's hot.

You tell people this and they're all like "Oh yeah, it's hot where I'm from too."

No. You don't get it. It's really hot. By 8 a.m. it's probably already 90 degrees out.

2. People ask if it's safe to live here.

I mean, I'm still alive. While it may be true that we hold a lot of radioactive toxic waste, we aren't going to sprout any extra limbs any time soon. (For those who are confused, the Tri-Cities [Richland in particular] is home to the Hanford Site. This is where the plutonium was made for the bombs used during WWII.)

3. Your snowmen are made out of tumbleweeds.

Trust me, you haven't seen a true tumbleweed storm until you've visited the Tri-Cities. They're EVERYWHERE!

"Hey what's in your backyard?"

"What? Oh that? It's just a tumbleweed mountain."

4. Hearing someone refer to themselves as a "bomber" is in no way alarming.

We aren't really bombers (I hope.) When people do say this however, it's because Richland High School's mascot is a bomber. Once again, this is because the high school is located in the same area that parts of the WWII bombs were made.

5. You get more excited about Spudnuts than Krispy Kreme.

Spudnuts are doughnuts made from Potato flour and they're irresistibly tasty. Our local Spudnut Shop has been around for over 60 years now and never fails to create the perfect Spudnut. Bye Krispy Kreme; we've moved on.

6. Your idea of crazy traffic is George Washington Way at 5 p.m.

George Washington Way is a main street that runs through part of Richland. Between around 3 and 6 p.m. the road is just absolutely packed because all of the Hanford Site workers are coming home. It seems as if just about everyone is a Hanford Site worker.

7. You see someone you know every single time you go to the airport.

Our pathetic little airport is so small that chances are, you'll see your ex-boyfriend's sister or your grandma's best friend the next time you go. (Fortunately, our airport is being remodeled, so at least it will look a bit nicer than before.)

8. Insane wind storms.

Remember those tumbleweeds? Well, those, along with the incredible winds, can create quite the damage. Try driving down the highway one minute and then having your windshield plastered with tumbleweeds the next. Oh, and don't be surprised if you see a tree that has fallen into someone's house.

9.The biggest event of the year is the Water Follies.

Every summer Tri-Cities citizens and people from outside the Tri-Cities gather to watch hydroplanes race along the Columbia River. People either hate it or it's basically the one thing that they look forward to all year. Even if you aren't there for the racing, it's a great excuse to hang out and BBQ with friends and family.

10. You call the Tri-Cities "the Tri-Shitties."

But only okay to say if you are from the Tri-Cities.

11. You brag about the sunsets.

I guess you'll have to come visit to see what all the hype is about because even all of the wonderful pictures don't do our sunsets justice.