Hey everyone. For those who know me quite well, I am from the golden and sunshiny state of California, where I have lived my whole life. But fun fact, I was born in the Midwest, specifically Michigan! I have visited there a few times in my life, and even though I love sunny weather every single day of the year, there are some things that I do in my life that are clearly Midwestern customs. And for those of you who are from the Midwest, prepare to relate and feel great, because these are the reasonswhy the Midwest is so fantastic.
1. Dunkin Donuts over Starbucks
- As much as I LOVE Starbucks, all of their fancy cappuccinos and lovely donuts, Dunkin' Donuts beats their coffee by a mile. Dunks is amazing.
2. Puppy chow, or "muddy buddies" for you outsiders
- I have only recently knew the existence of this wonderful snack, but I could sit in front of the television for hours eating bowls of puppy chow. Tortilla chips and guacamole is to California, as puppy chow and root beer is to the Midwest.
3. Cornhole is life
- Whenever I see this game set up on a lawn or at a party, I just have this strong yearning to play and get more competitive than a dad watching their son play in a baseball match.
4. 40 degree weather is child's play
- Shorts, t-shirt and moccasins with 40 degree windchill? Easy as pie. I'm not crazy, I swear.
5. Michigan vs. Ohio football
- Very similar to picking USC vs. UCLA. There is no "in-between." There is no rivalry, or friendly game. It is simply war. Some teams play for victory, others play for glory. Michigan and Ohio play for blood.
6. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan
I remember taking a bike ride with my family one summer vacation, many years ago. We were at Mackinac Island, and amidst the world's best fudge and beautiful shores and forests, the upper peninsula is one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
7. State fairs
- Crazy carnival rides and concerts, and everything is fried. Shut up and take my money, just give me some deep-fried oreos and a bacon-wrapped turkey leg. Let's watch the fireworks and ride the tilt-a-whirl.
8. It's called "pop," not soda
- I grew up saying soda, but my parents say "pop" all the time. So, I guess you could say I'm fluent in soda dialects?
9. Asking for a side of ranch ALL THE TIME
- Ask any of my friends, they will say I always ask for a side of ranch with my meal whenever we are out at a restaurant. The sweet nectar of the gods goes great with pizza, french fries, burgers, and best of all, chicken tenders!
10. The Midwest is just so beautiful
- We have the Upper Peninsula, Chicago, the Great Lakes, beautiful farmland, college rivalries, and best of all, the nicest people on Earth. What more could you ask for?
