Stereotypes

I think stereotypes are really funny, especially of my own state.
When asked what people think of California, this is what they reply with:

• blonde hair
• tan bodies
• surfers
• Most often they would include the word stupid with surfer.  (interesting).

Here at college conversations typically go like this:
Hi my name is__________.
Where you from?
Me: California
Oh. Thats cool. You go to the beach a lot? Do you know how to surf?
Me: Um no.
(I have been to the beach, I love it. I have never attempted to surf.)

Teacher: Oh yeah these Cali kids can't drive in the snow.
"Oh, you're from Cali? How are you handling the weather?"

My favorite (which happened on saturday):
Oh where are you from?
California.
Oh that is soo cool.  You look like a Cali girl. Your pretty blonde hair and sunglasses.
Me: Thanks? (I was a bit flattered, but I hate being tied to the California stereotype).

I live in the mountains.
It snows quite a bit.   
I have driven in snow.
The mall, stake center, temple, Chipotle, In N Out, Target, Walmart, any major entertainment is an hour drive away.
I live four hours from a beach. 

This is it...pretty small.

I live in a small community.
Its a slow-pace kinda life.
Everyone knows everyone.
I feel like I lived a different way of life, then most kids from California.  
I deal with scorpions in my house.  Rattlesnakes in my yard.
Bears, bobcats, wild turkeys.
Coyotes keep me up with their obnoxious howling at all hours of the night.
We cut our own wood to stay warm. 
In many areas, there is no cell service. 
I wouldn't ever change where I grew up. I loved it. 

There are many different stereotypes out there, and that's why you shouldn't judge people by them. 

They aren't always true. 

~Linz