I moved to Oregon in the second grade and moved away the week before college started to head to Los Angeles. During my first week of college I had to explain that Portland was sort of like “Portlandia,” although no, I do not watch the show. Living in Portland has shaped me into the thrift-shopping, 90’s loving, coffee-obsessed woman that I am today. If you, like me are coffee enthusiasts, compost and eat Voodoo Donuts, you probably grew up in Portland.
1. The rain doesn’t faze you
The rain never bothered me anyway.
2. You can pronounce Oregon correctly
It’s not or-y-gone or or-gan, it’s or-a-gin.
3. You can also say Willamette
Say it with me: will-am-it.
4. Recycling and composting are a thing
What do you mean you only have a trash?
5. You have no idea how to pump gas
What do you mean I can’t just wait in the car?
6. You know Stumptown and Dutch Bros are the only coffee shops you need in your life
Get out of the way, Starbucks.
7. You don’t own an umbrella
Rain is just a free shower.
8. Birkenstocks are just a thing
Don't question it.
9. Nike is everything
Going to the employee store is the best day of the year.
10. You’re pale from never seeing the sun
It doesn't rain all the time, just most. And when the sun's out, we go outside.
11. You know there’s nothing to do downtown, it’s all about going to the East side
Thrift stores, record stores and the best concerts.
12. Powell's is the only place to buy books
What is Barnes & Noble?
13. You don’t understand sales tax
Why would you spend extra money on necessities?
14. You miss the old PDX carpet
RIP.
15. You listen to indie music
And go to cheap concerts.
16. Portland is your home
