Wichita, Kansas: the heart of the country and a place I like to call home. There are certain realities that "Wichitans" know all too well, and below are just a few of them.
1. You know exactly what a "shocker" is.
2. You have no idea what real traffic feels like.
3. The only thing you want is a Trader Joe's.
4. You -- like everyone else -- think Red Lobster is one of the best seafood restaurants in town.
5. When the tornado sirens go off, you continue to go about your day like something that could potentially kill you isn't happening.
6. You know you have some of the best movie theaters in the country.
7. You think a 20 mph wind is a gentle breeze.
8. When you are in another city, you wonder where all the churches are.
9. You often take walks down by the river on a summer night.
10. Speaking of the river, you have one of the best monuments in the country, especially during the summer.
11. You have a few choices when listening to the radio: country, classic country, country and sometimes country.
12. Going to the east or west side feels like such an inconvenience because it takes longer than 10 minutes to get there.
13. KU vs. K-State rivalry will possibly ruin your friendships.
14. When a new doughnut shop opens up, it's like the Queen of England came to town. (But, let's be honest, The Donut Whole is still the best.)
15. When you go to the coast, people actually ask you where Kansas is located.
16. You have the best sunsets.
17. Also, let's not forget the spring storms.
18. You know at least one person who will not leave the house without at least one article of clothing that has camouflage print.
19. If you want to see a concert that isn't a country artist, Wichita is not the place to do it.
20. You won't find many superficial people.
21. You grew up going to Exploration Place, the Sedgwick County Zoo and Cow Town.
22. A lot of people you know haven't seen the ocean or been on a plane.
23. But almost everyone has been to Colorado or Table Rock Lake.
24. A quick drive out into the country and you will see the best sunsets and the most amazing star-filled skies.
25. You know at least one person who considers hunting (or fishing) to be their entire life.
26. You are very creative when it comes to thinking of something to do.
27. You miss it when you are gone.
