What makes your town unique?

Well, a lot of people would say that Hastings isn't very unique. Maybe that's true, maybe it's not, but I know there are certain signs that will confirm that - no matter how much you wish you weren't - you are from Hastings.

1. You get mad when people call Hastings "Wasteings" but can't truly get mad because you agree.

So far this seems to have really started within the last couple of years. I've heard it a lot more it seems in the last couple years anyways. I used to get really mad when I heard people say this - I still get a bit angry - but sometimes I think about how there isn't much to do and realize that the nickname is fitting. We live in what seems like a dying college town.

2. Sitting at home on a nice day because there's nothing else to do.

Like I previously stated, Hastings is a dying college town. We use to have a mall with things to do, used to have a roller rink. Used to have a lot of stuff other than the internet for kids to do. But now there isn't all the much and kids don't always want to hang out with others at a park. Yes, Hastings has some very beautiful parks but older kids and teens aren't as interested in going to them. So now we just sit at home, inside, on nice days.

3. Every time you go out, you see at least one person you know.

Edit

It never fails that every time I leave my house, I run into someone I know.

4. Walking "Downtown" is probably one of the most enjoyable things to do.

There's lots of cute shops downtown that are always interesting and fun to pop into. Though small, our downtown is mighty and full of historic buildings.

5. Want improvement - but the town is run by geezers.

The older generation oftentimes does not like any sort of change. That includes any change to the community, even if it would help improve the economics of the town. I mean, people fought having a Dunkin' Donuts come into town! It doesn't help that the mall we have could be filled if the rent wasn't so high. Same with some of the shops downtown too. Rent is just too high and Hastings doesn't always get a lot of people passing through. If we could fill up the mall again, it would be amazing. I just don't see it happening anytime soon.

6. You know the timing between the lights on certain streets.

I'm sure this happens in every town since every town has traffic lights. But it seems like on a couple streets here in Hastings, that if you time it right and go the right speed, you'll never hit a red light. For instance, second street. If you have ever driven down second street, the one way, you know that there is definitely a way to drive without hitting a traffic light. Downtown the speed limit is 20, but if you go about 15 or 18, and time it just right, you won't hit a single red light.

Do any of these ring a bell with any of you other Hastings kids? I know it definitely rings for me! But if you doesn't ring for you, what do you think is a sign that you're from Hastings?