Wherever it is you live, there are always ways other people can tell what state you come from. Whether it be the way you talk, dress, act, or the stuff you eat, they always know. I didn't realize the real truth behind this until I moved away from my little town of Highland, California to the big city of Dallas, Texas. My friends constantly hear me yammer on-and-on-and-ON about California; whether it be what we ate, where I hung out, what friends I have there, the mountains, the beaches, and yes, even how we dress, my friends always hear about California.
If you grew up in California (or even lived there for a while) here are some things you will most likely identify with:
1. You prefer In-n-Out to Whataburger any day (sorry to my Texas friends).
To be fair, California founded In-n-Out so we might be a tad biased in choosing our place to eat burgers. Admittedly, I do love a meal from Whataburger from time to time.
2. You LOVE authentic Mexican food and hate Tex-mex (again, sorry Texas friends).
You know what Baker's and Del Taco are. If we're being honest, Tex-mex isn't absolute crap. However, once you've had authentic Mexican food, it's hard to adjust.
3. You agree that mountains are quite possibly the most beautiful thing to be surrounded by.
From Yosemite to Big Bear, California is surrounded by mountains. Living in a place where you're encircled by mountains, have the beach, and the desert near you is quite possibly the best place to be.
P.S. How can you not say God exists when you have a view like this?
4. You are prone to saying "WEST COAST, BEST COAST."
Know that our ocean is cold, but our beaches are prime. Each beach is special for something. Huntington, Newport, and Laguna are all different. We have the Santa Monica pier, for goodness sake. Everybody has their favorite beach, of course, however, there's nothing like a drive down PCH with your best pals.
5. You shop/ eat at places no other state knows about.
What is this thing you call "HEB" where is the "Vons"? Every other state might have Taco Bell, but we have Del Taco and Baker's.
6. We laugh when people complain about traffic...Have you EVER been on the 91 during rush hour(s)? HA. NO.
I can recall, one time, driving home from Knotts Berry Farm to Highland and it taking me six hours. Yes, SIX. Mind you, that usual drive takes about an hour and a half (see next point).
7. Speaking of freeways. What is I35E? What happened to THE 405 (which is a parking lot not a freeway)...Oh right, it's in California.
Freeways in California typically start with "The." They are absolutely horrific to drive on nearly any day of the week. This picture accurately represents the daily torture of a drive to and from LA. The 405 is not a freeway you want to be on anytime after 3 pm or before 10 am.
8. Tornado reactions: "WHAT IN THE WORLD IS A TORNADO? What do we do?! Where did the earthquakes go!? I LIKED THE EARTHQUAKES, OKAY!!"
Californians who move to states with major storms and tornados don't understand the severity of them until they see them. They complain about storms and how unpredictable they are, but tornados are much worse. Both can be equally as destructive, but earthquakes are more ideal to be in.
9. It's 60 degrees outside? Okay, time to get the North Face jacket and boots. Wait...I don't have those...CRAP, where do I get them?
We do not understand cold weather. We see that the temperature is below 60 and we get out our warmest clothes (which are few and far between), and our boots. However, we have knowledge to layer because by noon, we'll be back to shorts and tank tops.
10. Your fashion choices can be a bit whacky.
So wearing rainbows with jeans is unacceptable? Well, then, what do I wear? Sandals? Chacos? Actual tennis shoes? No, this is not okay. I repeat, NOT OKAY.
11. You never say "Cali."
What is Cali? Is this some magical place in the middle of fairyland? No. It's CALIFORNIA!
12. You pride yourself in, at least, ONE California sports team...*cough cough* the Dodgers are the best *cough*.
Californians have so many sports teams to choose from. There are five MLB teams, four NFL teams, four NBA teams, three NHL teams, two MLS teams, and a huge variety of college teams. Therefore, if you grew up in California you probably root for at least one of these teams.
13. You still have road rage and claim that nobody else knows how to drive...Sorry, we Californians don't know "roadside courtesy."
This one is pretty self-explanatory. California drivers are not nice people...especially during rush hour.
14. Humidity is a foreign concept to you and your hair.
California does have some humid days. However, they are extremely mild compared to any other state. Thus, if you go to another state with humidity, you should first learn how to control your mane. Otherwise you will end up looking like this cat...yikes.
15. You have had a season pass to at least one of the major theme parks.
Whether it be Disneyland, Six Flags, Knotts Berry Farm, or Universal studies you have had a season pass at least once in your life. Granted, you've probably gone to each of these at least more than once. Unless you like big roller coasters, you're probably prone to stay away from six flags and stick with Knotts!
16. Your town has produced at least one pro-athlete or famous person.
In my hometown of Highland, I lived less than ten minutes away from Redlands, CA., home of the Redlands East Valley Wildcats. The school that helped Chris Polk make it into the NFL. Fun fact: my sister graduated with Polk back in 2008.
17. You know how to pronounce La Jolla
18. You don't miss the chance to go to the Mission Inn during December.
The Mission Inn is possibly the prettiest (and free) place to go to during Christmas time. You can ice skate, and stroll down the area with your friends marveling at all the gorgeous Christmas lights.
19. You know that Los Angeles and Anaheim are two different cities.
People can tend to think that Los Angeles and Anaheim are two cities in one. However, they are completely different in many ways. They have different culture, people, sports teams, and scenery. This is reason #1 why The "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim" shouldn't be allowed to associate with LA.
