Arizona’s birthday is coming up. Even though I write seven (or more) articles every week that describe how amazing our state is, I thought that writing up at least one that lists some very Arizona specific experiences would be a great way to celebrate.

1. You know that deserts are both habitable and more alive than most people would ever imagine.
Dog.breath/Flickr
2. Vacationing to a cooler (or warmer) climate is just a short drive away.
MPR/Flickr
3. Move over toddy coffees: sun tea was the original cold-brewed drink.
Amanda Tipton/Flickr
Other than sitting outside in the sun all day, it's the exact same process.
4. Distance can be described through time.
The Friendly Fiend/Flickr
For example, my grandma lives about 35 minutes north of Winslow, but I really don't know how many miles it is.
5. Seasonal storms rarely result in a mad dash to the store for milk and bread.
Romana Klee/Flickr
6. Speaking of storms, you also know that it is perfectly acceptable to photograph or record even the slightest amount of precipitation.
Kevin Dooley/Flickr
Pictures or it didn't happen.
7. Dust in your home is a way of life.
Piermario/Flickr
Hopefully your home isn't this dusty.
8. Unless you're going to eat it that same day, bread should be stored in the fridge.
Logan Sakai/Flickr
I once bought a delicious loaf of Acoma bread and left it on top of my fridge for a day. Not even a full 48 hours later, it was moldy. I also ate a tortilla that spent a night on the kitchen table after a couple of relatives claimed it was still good. It turns out the tortilla was just starting to mold. I am still scarred from that experience.
9. More people should be prosecuted under the “Stupid Motorist Law.”
Regan76/Flickr
According to a 2013 article in the Arizona Republic, only a handful of people have ever faced the fines despite the dozens of folks who require saving from flooded roadways each year.

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10. Seeing a high forecast of 105-degrees in southern Arizona in July is considered a cooler day.
Jennifer Boyer/Flickr
11. You know that all Mexican food is not created equal. For every great restaurant out there is another restaurant that should probably just close their doors for greasy, over-cheesed food.
Rpavich/Flickr
Whoever thought too much cheese could be a bad thing? When it hardens and gets oily before it even arrives at your table, that's when.
12. For the most part, your car can last ages with the state's low humidity.
Mlhradio/Flickr
It will take it a long time to look like this one.
13. You learn quickly that crayons and lip balm will not last long in your car in the summer.
Dave Emerson/Flickr
14. Canals are not for swimming.
D. Patrick Lewis/Flickr
15. There's nothing quite like the smell of the desert after rainfall.
Terry T/Flickr
Except maybe the smell of sweet acacia trees and citrus blooming in late winter, or the pine trees along the Rim.
16. There should be a spot on your resume for “Ladmo Bag Recipient.”
Flazingo Photos/Flickr
17. Country dancing is often considered an acceptable P.E. requirement.
Lois Elling/Flickr
Ah, to be 13 again and dancing with those clammy-handed boys while wearing very unfashionable gym clothes.
18. We also know that Arizona is the best place to live.
Allen/Flickr

How many of these can you relate to? Let me know what other truths you would add to this list!

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