As a proud native of the Pacific Northwest who’s transplanted herself to the Northeast, I couldn’t resist spreading these hilarious stereotypes (that I identify with all too well!)…

The Pacific Northwest:*

• You feel guilty throwing aluminum cans or paper in the trash.
• You use the statement “sun break,” and know what it means.
• You know more than 10 ways to order a coffee.
• You know more people who own boats than air conditioners.
• You feel overdressed wearing a suit to a nice restaurant.
• You stand on a deserted corner in the rain waiting for a “walk” signal.
• You consider that if it has no snow or has not recently erupted, then it is not a real mountain.
• You can taste the difference between Starbucks, Seattle’s Best, and Vento’s.
• You know the difference between Chinook, Coho and Sockeye salmon.
• You know how to pronounce Sequim, Issaquah, Puyallup, Oregon, Yakima, and Willamette. * You consider swimming an indoor sport.
• You can tell the difference between Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food. (Hey, this goes for New Yorkers too!)
• You never go camping without waterproof matches and a poncho.
• You are not fazed by “Today’s forecast: showers followed by rain” or “Tomorrow’s forecast: rain followed by showers.”
• You have no concept of humidity without precipitation.
• You can point to at least two volcanoes, even if you cannot see through the cloud cover.
• You note, “The mountain is out” when it is a pretty day and you can actually see it.
• You put on shorts when the temperature gets above 50 F, but still wear your hiking boots and parka.
• You switch to your sandals when it gets above 60 F, but keep your socks on.
• You have actually used your mountain bike on a mountain.
• You think people who use umbrellas are either wimps or tourists.
• You buy new sunglasses every year, because you cannot find the old ones after such a long time.
• You design your kid’s Halloween costume to fit under a raincoat.

* According to Jeff Foxworthy.