People often ask me, "why would you ever move to Washington when you're from Southern California?" with a vaguely perplexed look on their face. In which I usually reply, "because I like it here, why else?" It is of no surprise that Washington weather is completely different from Southern California, and not just the weather but the people, culture, food, and everything in between. Here are a few of the ways you can relate if you're a true Californian living in Washington.
1. You're very aware there's no In-N-Out.
If you're from California, you probably love In-N-Out, and, well, if you don't... I'm sure people don't take that lightly. It's almost like all of our moms fed us In-N-Out in utero because we all love it that much. So, needless to say, when you realize they don't have In-N-Out in Washington, it's a pretty sad day.
2. You hate that the sun literally never comes out.
Yup. And you would have thought I would have thought about this before I moved here, yet I still get continuously upset about it. According to KOMO News, Seattle has only seen three mild sunny days since the start of October. Let that sink in for a bit. Three....mild....sunny....days. Invest in your Vitamin D pills and happy lamps, kids, because it doesn't get easier.
3. You're not used to being wet all the time, no matter how long you've lived here.
Us true Californians never see the rain. In fact, our lakes are so dried up you have to actually request water at a restaurant now. There is no shortage of water in Washington, clearly. Walk into work? Yeah, you probably got rained on. Walk into class? Yeah, you probably got rained on. It's a way of life up here, so you just have to accept it.
4. You had to trade in your Nikes for hiking boots.
Unfortunately, your Nikes just won't do anymore for those casual strolls to the Hollywood sign; you gotta get yourself some big girl shoes now. Hiking is a huge thing in Washington, so be prepared to work those glutes.
5. You've experienced a change in 'beaches.'
This one's debatable. I am used to the beaches with actual sand at home in California, not rocks, so I wouldn't consider there to be very many beaches here, but this debate has become pretty heated. Just be prepared to not have the beaches here that we do at home because they're just not the same (and neither is the tanning).
6. You will ditch the Starbucks (if you haven't already).
I know all of your eyes are probably rolling in the back of your heads right now, but really. Yes, I live where Starbucks was founded now, but the cool and eclectic coffee shops in Washington are my absolute favorite part. So ditch the Starbucks, and go visit one of your local coffee shops and maybe take a picture with your trendy coffee!
