While I have lived in approximately 9 different homes throughout my life so far, I have only lived in 3 drastically different places (Michigan, Italy, and now California). While visiting Michigan over the holidays, I was constantly reminded of major differences (and similarities) between my hometown of Haslett, Michigan and my current residence, Los Angeles, California.
The one thing I really hated about Michigan (and cold climates in general) are my poor feet freezing on a car ride. After about 10-15 minutes, my toes begin to freeze and go numb. I can't feel them anymore, even while constantly moving them! Although I still get cold feet and hands in LA (thanks to my circulation problem), it is not nearly as bad as it was in the mitten.
Other bad side effects of cold weather: chapped lips and wet pant legs. I do not miss the salt drying on my jeans and then turning them gray and stiff below the ankles.
A good thing about cold weather: I think it creates a stronger "stock" of people. I have heard many times, whether it be someone telling me I am one of these people or through a story from a friend, that people from the Midwest are highly sought out in California. We are seen as hard workers. I always thought that was stupid until I went home this Christmas. It is so damn hard getting on all that cold weather clothing... and then immediately taking it off when you get inside for fear your will boil to death. It takes a strong willed person to want to do that several times per day, 5-7 months of the year.
A similarity between the two states: the quality of local television is about the same in both Michigan and California. The anchors still bumble for their lines and the commercials.... well, let's just say they breed crazy wherever you live. (Michigan: see Terry Hanks. California: see Leeds Mattress Store)
I always miss NCG Cinemas. I get hooked on a movie theater for some reason or other and once I get hooked, I just can't stay away. In Haslett, it is NCG. I'm reminded of all the movies I saw there in high school and during breaks in college. I just love it there, it feels like home. It doesn't hurt that tickets are only $5 during the week too.
Some things I missed about CA while I was in Haslett (and all over Michigan): the Clippers (please don't kill me), football being on at 5pm (it's hard to wait until 8!), and friends. Usually I get overwhelmed with being busy or just do not feel comfortable at home anymore (it's an independence thing). I think this is the first time I have been home (since going off to college) that I felt like I was where I needed to be. It was time to go back to LA when it was time, but I was fine being home for a time. Maybe things are just working out the way they are supposed to.
The one thing I really hated about Michigan (and cold climates in general) are my poor feet freezing on a car ride. After about 10-15 minutes, my toes begin to freeze and go numb. I can't feel them anymore, even while constantly moving them! Although I still get cold feet and hands in LA (thanks to my circulation problem), it is not nearly as bad as it was in the mitten.
Other bad side effects of cold weather: chapped lips and wet pant legs. I do not miss the salt drying on my jeans and then turning them gray and stiff below the ankles.
A good thing about cold weather: I think it creates a stronger "stock" of people. I have heard many times, whether it be someone telling me I am one of these people or through a story from a friend, that people from the Midwest are highly sought out in California. We are seen as hard workers. I always thought that was stupid until I went home this Christmas. It is so damn hard getting on all that cold weather clothing... and then immediately taking it off when you get inside for fear your will boil to death. It takes a strong willed person to want to do that several times per day, 5-7 months of the year.
A similarity between the two states: the quality of local television is about the same in both Michigan and California. The anchors still bumble for their lines and the commercials.... well, let's just say they breed crazy wherever you live. (Michigan: see Terry Hanks. California: see Leeds Mattress Store)
I always miss NCG Cinemas. I get hooked on a movie theater for some reason or other and once I get hooked, I just can't stay away. In Haslett, it is NCG. I'm reminded of all the movies I saw there in high school and during breaks in college. I just love it there, it feels like home. It doesn't hurt that tickets are only $5 during the week too.
Some things I missed about CA while I was in Haslett (and all over Michigan): the Clippers (please don't kill me), football being on at 5pm (it's hard to wait until 8!), and friends. Usually I get overwhelmed with being busy or just do not feel comfortable at home anymore (it's an independence thing). I think this is the first time I have been home (since going off to college) that I felt like I was where I needed to be. It was time to go back to LA when it was time, but I was fine being home for a time. Maybe things are just working out the way they are supposed to.
I see what you are saying about some things but I don't get the "sought after" bit.
ReplyDeleteI have never encountered anyone claiming that Midwesterners are harder works. (And saying that stems from pulling on cold weather clothes doesn't work for me. I did that kind of crap for 4 years in college and I can tell you it's not that big a deal. It is not an event that molds ones character)
The most common thing I have heard is about thick vs. thin blood.
Midwesterners/easterners tend to have thicker blood whereas we Californian’s have thinner blood. So, 60 degrees is friggin' cold for us but only cool for you.
The first boss I had out here said she liked people from the Midwest because we are "hard workers." Getting dressed to go outside in the winter is just a small bit of the pie that possibly makes up that statement. I still don't really know why people would say that, but I have heard it from other second hand sources as well.
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