We get it. Arizona is hot. We get scorpions. Snakes are not uncommon. 115 degrees is nothing to us. You think you have us Arizonans all figured out, but do you actually understand what we deal with day to day? If you didn’t grow up in Arizona, you probably don’t realize how much you have to adapt to such a scorching hot environment. Don’t worry, I’m here to tell you. Keep in mind though, these are things only true Arizonans would understand.
1. Knowing you are half way to California solely based on the fact that you just passed the windmills.
2. Putting a towel down on your seat every time you get in your car so you don't burn yourself.
3. Actually having to invest in a high-end window shade for your car so you have a fair chance at avoiding a heat stroke.
4. Hey, remember when we thought Arizona was famous for having local talent, Jordin Sparks, make it to season six of American Idol? Yeah, same.
5. 'Windows down' weather is actually anything below 88 degrees.
6. Ugg boots will probably only make one appearance throughout the year and even then they’re not actually necessary.
Bless the girl who tries to flaunt these boots in early October. Meanwhile, I'll be in my shorts and tank top like:
7. You bring a frozen water bottle with you when you leave the house because you know that by the time you’re thirsty, it will be completely melted.
8. If you drink the tap water, you will die (or want to die).
9. Despite popular belief, we are not obsessed with cacti.
Please stop asking me about the cacti. Please stop sending me trendy cactus prints. Let me live my life...without cacti.
10. It is socially acceptable to buy swim suits year round.
Actually, it's encouraged. Go ahead, buy the bikini in December.
11. You bring a sweater with you every time you know you’ll be in an air conditioned building.
12. If you see a stray dog, there's a 90 percent chance that it's actually a coyote.
13. If you see a haboob forming, you have approximately 45 seconds to get inside to safety.
14. "OMG you're from Arizona? So the Grand Canyon is like, really pretty, right?"
15. Forgetting a hair tie could actually be life or death.
It's been a struggle, but it's a struggle we've adapted to. Like I said, only true Arizonans will understand.
