I'll know I'm back home when . . .

19 December 2010 9 comments
  • I can say "The mountain's out!" and people will know what I mean. And there will be a mountain to point at.
  • There's a coffee shop on every corner.
  • There are more Subarus than pickups.
  • The people all know the difference between Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Thai food.
  • Nobody thinks it's weird that my city has 5 quadrants.
  • Everyone knows how to say Issaquah, Puyallup, Chehalis, Couch, and Willamette.
  • I'll be able to assume that the people with umbrellas are tourists.
  • About half my friends live in the woods.
  • I overhear regular people in discussion using terms like "localvore," and "freegan."
  • Chacos can be worn any day of the year.
  • People around me know the meaning of "U-Dub," "the Schnitz," and, of course, "jo-jos" :)
  • Bridges are everywhere and there are no tolls.
  • The bike lanes in the city are wider than the car lanes.
  • Any eco-system I want is within a couple hours driving distance: mountain, beach, rainforest, oceanic sound, waterfall paradise, hot springs, desert.
  • I can blame everything on ex-Californians.
  • Normal people recycle.
  • People drive politely.
  • Mossy front yards are welcome.
  • I can almost look forward to a mild earthquake.
  • I no longer have to worry about tornados. [Unless I live in Aumsville?!]
  • "Weird" is considered a term of endearment.
  • My neighbors are as passionate about their microbrews as some people are about their political parties.
  • I can enjoy First Thursdays again.
  • Trees are green in January.
  • 50% of people say they hate Starbucks, but 60% of people go there.
  • Birkenstocks and beards are plain jane.
  • No waitress blinks twice when I ask for my order to be vegetarian.
  • None of the sports teams are really any good.
  • I can once again enjoy the deliciousness of Burgerville. Yes, please.
  • I can navigate the geography without a map.

9 comments:

  • Anthony said...

    This sounds like some sort of paradise. I like that I didn't know everything in your list. Only the people that consider that a residence at some point in their life should be pleased to know all of it. :)

  • Nicholas said...

    Well, failing to proofread my speedy typing ends yet again in embarrassment. I meant to write "Watch it, KB."

    But "what it" seems like an interesting question/statement too.

  • kessia reyne said...

    Donnie >> Indeed, I am talking about Portland. I could have added a few others, such as: "The forecast is always the same October through June: 'Rain likely.'" // "Residents know the shades of difference between mist, showers, and rain." // "No one blinks an eye at forecasts like 'Cloudy with a chance of showers' and 'Misty with showers in the late afternoon, followed by rain in the evening.'"

    Also, keep in mind that the polite driving that I love is the same driving that drives Keith nuts. Moral of the story? Different strokes for different folks.

    Nick >> I will watch it. And I will gladly help you haul boxes if you decide to move :)

    Anthony >> It is a paradise to me! I think you'd like it, too-- particularly away from the city. You can be in that one half of my friends who live in the woods :D

  • TaraB said...

    I'd like to add Hot Lime Cheetos to the list. They are NO WHERE to be found in those eastern parts. Some people don't notice but believe me, I do. Welcome back to the Northwest Kessia. It's good to be home, huh?

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