I live in California.
California is full of sunshine and beautiful beaches.
What it’s not full of is friendly people.
Whenever I go for a run I say hello to my fellow runners.
What I get in return is silence.
Okay, this is the part where you say hi back.
Or hello.
I’d love a howdy.
(But, hey, this isn’t Texas.)
How about a wave.
It doesn’t have to be a full wave, just one finger.
Not that finger.
California, why so grumpy?
This past June, I visited Arizona.
I went for a run, which turned out to be a walk because it was summer.
In Arizona.
Yes, I know…
it’s a DRY heat.
Regardless, the sun beat mercilessly on the back of my head.
Sweat dripped from every limb.
My organs sizzled.
I was thinking, this must have been how Joan of Arc felt,* when I was interrupted by two women.
“Hello,” they both said, smiling as they walked by.
In my heat-induced stupor, was I imagining greetings?
A minute later, an older man passed by, giving me a smile AND a wave.
Your flesh is melting, but still, you greet.
It didn’t stop there.
Walkers, runners, bikers.
“Hey!”
“Good morning!”
“How are you?”
It’s 6 AM and 140 degrees.
That’s how I am.
But these shiny, happy people didn’t seem to notice.
Sure, their smiles have been fused to their faces, and at any moment, they might spontaneously combust, but not before telling me to, “Have a super day!”
Which leads me to the question…
Arizona, why so chipper?
My only answer is that it’s gotta be…
The DRY heat!
*Maybe Joan of Arc wasn’t actually burned at the stake. Maybe she just lived in Arizona.
Arizona? Who knew!! And what is wrong with those people in California! This is supposed to be a happy sunny place!! Funny January!
Very funny! thanks Jan
👋👋👋👋 love this!
Very funny and so true! When I returned home many years ago from taking my son to ASU (in August) to begin his freshman year, I told friends I did only three things in Phoenix – drank water, wrote checks and you can figure out the third! But why my fellow Californians are grouchy is anyone’s guess . . .
Right? Californians are so grumpy! When I lived in North Carolina for four years EVERYONE said Hi! I move back to Cali, still saying Hi! to strangers as I did in NC and would get nothing back. Then I remembered where I was. Grumpy So Cal 🙃
I agree, this happens to me every day!! Why are people so grumpy!!!
Great story Jan!!!
Too funny! 😂👏🏼 I still say hi 👋🙋🏼♀️ I think I’ll switch to a howdy 🤠
So true!!! Maybe they drink more water in AZ, which makes them happier, nicer and less constipated. Californians are dried up, log-jammed grumps who think they’re way to cool to say hello. Especially if they’re riding a bicycle that costs more than my house.
Oh dear, you’ve clearly hit a nerve here. Lol. Great story! Too much truth for this girl!
Haahaa!! Everything is better in dry heat! Especially my hair! Lol