Florida--the Sunshine State. Known for its white, sandy beaches and constant sunshine (although us locals know the chance of rain here is always high), tourists flock here and clog our streets year-round. When you tell people you live here, their first reaction is to assume you have a permanent spot at the beach. How do we get any work done when we live somewhere so beautiful? While other people may wish they lived here, only the locals truly understand what it's like. For the true Floridians, I've tried to sum up exactly what it is like to live here.
1. When you get into your car and feel like you have just stepped into an oven.
The steering wheel is burning your hands. The seat belt is almost too hot to put on. Your car seats seem to sear through your clothing. The trick is to touch as little of your car as possible and just hope the air conditioner cools everything down, quickly.
2. We all know the true masterpiece that is a Publix sub.
Outsiders do not understand the love that Floridians have for Publix subs. Forget Subway, give us Publix! We love Publix subs so much, they're making a separate sub shop.
3. Tourists.
All I need to say is the one word and everyone understands exactly what I am talking about. Tourists suck. Living here would be so much better if we didn't have to deal with tourists so often.
4. When you get all dressed up to go to the beach, but the weather doesn't agree.
5. No one seems to know what a blinker is for.
6. Every day there is another crazy headline in the newspaper.
Why do people do the things they do? We have no idea, but Florida seems to attract the crazies. At this point, all you can do is shake your head.
7. Florida is more than just Disney World.
Along with our beaches, people automatically associate Florida with Disney. Someday, people may realize that there is more to Florida than Disney.
8. Publix sweet tea is delicious.
Publix again. By now, I guess it should be obvious that Floridians love Publix. But seriously, the sweet tea is amazing.
9. We know the best beach locations.
The tourists may overpopulate our beaches, but they don't know all of them. While they compete for spots to lay their towels, we can relax and enjoy the tourist-free waters.
10. We got used to the interesting wildlife a while ago.
While some of our animal neighbors may frighten tourists, we got used to seeing alligators and turtles walking the streets a long time ago.
11. Most of all, we love it here.
No matter what, we would never change where we live for the world.
