You know you live here when...

[vanee 13]

You know you live here when:

• You don't need to carry a map with you when you go out alone
• You recognize street names and landmarks when people give you directions
• You can give other people directions how to get somewhere in your hometown
• An incoming local phone call might be for you
• You get junk mail addressed to you at your US address
• You occasionally run into people you know when you're out shopping

Can anyone add to the list?

[Uncle Wally 2]

* You get a pamphlet in your mailbox from the local police department informing you of registered sex offenders living in your community- and your name is on it.

[Mononoke28 137]

- You get upset at the car in front of you for driving too slow and then see that they have out of state plates.

- You know where your local grocery stores are located and know exactly which aisle to go to find what you need.

- You are familiar with street addresses or neighborhoods being talked about on the news.

- A friend tells you about a restaurant, museum, bar or special place on such and such street and you know exactly what area they're talking about.

Diana

[English Muffin 59]

You have as many Facebook friends from the US as you do from your home country.

[MrsCat 6]

you say howzit to your husband without laughing.

you order poki because you want it, not because you're trying to be adventurous with your palate.

you scoff at the thought of owning a convertible in Hilo because a true Hawaiian knows that its about as useless in Antarctica.

you check the surf report before checking the weather report.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

You get free sticky address mail labels from charitable organizations who want you to donate money with YOUR name and address on them;

You used to seeing things written in English - and Spanish

You know the back roads and local streets better than your husband does

You are used to seeing police wearing bullet proof vests and carrying guns

Almost everyone you know has a family member in the military if they aren't/weren't themselves

You drink Dunkin' Donut coffee 'cause there are no Tim Hortons

You get calls from friends now in addition to the hundreds of telemarketers

You have to phone the health insurance company to straighten out their mistake on your most recent medical appointment bill

You are used to seeing all the multiple advertising or election signs littering every single street corner and can now find the street sign

Edited December 11, 2008 by Kathryn41

[MrsCat 6]

Almost everyone you know has a family member in the military if they aren't/weren't themselves

So true Kathryn

that was one thing that was weird about moving here - the magnitude of the military in everyday life.

[MissStacey 1]

You hate going to the places where all the tourists go.

You stop flashing your boobs for beads because someone you know might see you.

You start talking about restaurants and say "they are not as good as they used to be"

Edited December 11, 2008 by MissStacey

[MrsCat 6]

You stop flashing your boobs for beads because someone you know might see you.

:rofl:

[sheree 2]

-when the lady at the local donut place know you by name

-when you start to say one dollar, two dollars and not say looney and two-nies anymore.

[sheree 2]

- when you make a full stop at the STOP signs

[Mrs.J06 4]

- when you make a full stop at the STOP signs

Ain't that the truth... I just got a warning for a "rolling stop" three weeks ago.

Also:

- you start defending the Americans and their way of life towards people of your home country!

[Mononoke28 137]

- When you hit traffic on the high way and know exactly where to get off so you can take the back way.

- When you walk into your favorite chinese restaurant and the girl at the counter says "Oh hi! beeeeef broccoli, no onion, wight?" And you answer shamelessly "right!".

- You can't wait for the next holiday which is only celebrated in the US while your family back home has no clue.

Diana

[Sandrila 1]

you see much people here have and how much we waste

[reeses16 8]

You're excited for the first snow of the season

You know which grocery store has the best produce

The people at Sam's Club all know you by name

You know/have met enough people that you've forgotten some of their names

You have health insurance through employment, but still don't understand how that works (I pay every month, but I still get a bill from the Dr.???)

You know which restuarants NOT to go to

You wait until after 7pm to make calls on the cell phone

You know where to find the cheapest gas in town