The Evergreen State

You know the state flower (Mildew) (well, it’s actually the coast rhody, but yeah… )

You feel guilty when you don’t recycle. (shh… - and it’s true)

You use the phrase "sun break" and know what it means. (of course!)

You know more than 10 ways to order coffee. (actually, I don’t - but I know people who know more than 20)

You know more people who own boats than air conditioners. (true)

You feel overdressed wearing a suit to a nice restaurant. (true)

You’ve stood on a deserted corner in the rain waiting for the "Walk" Signal. (*cough*)

You understand that if it has no snow or has not erupted, it is not a real mountain. (true!!!)

You can taste the difference between Starbuck’s, Seattle’s Best, Veneto’s, Peet’s, and Tully’s. (I still make mistakes…)

You know the difference between Chinook, Coho, and Sockeye salmon. (yeah, you can’t?)

You consider swimming an indoor sport. (um… it’s not outdoor?)

You are well versed in the difference between Japanese, Chinese and Thai food. (not forgetting Vietnamese, Indonesian, and all the others)

In winter, you go to work in the dark and come home in the dark — while only working eight-hour days. (yep)

You never go camping without waterproof matches and a poncho. (yep)

You are not fazed by "Today’s forecast: showers followed by rain," and "Tomorrow’s forecast: rain followed by showers." (it was a bit annoying when the rain lasted for a whole month…)

You have no concept of humidity without precipitation. (this isn’t the east!)

You can point to at least two volcanoes, even if you cannot see through the cloud cover. (now that you mention it, yes)

You notice "the mountain is out" when it is a pretty day and you can actually see it. (yep)

You put on your shorts when the temperature gets above 50, but still wear your hiking boots and parka. (sometimes…)

You switch to your sandals when it gets about 60, but keep the socks on. (no!!)

You’ve actually used your mountain bike on a mountain. (I would if I had one)

You think people who use umbrellas are either wimps or tourists. (yep)

You knew immediately that the view out of Frasier’s window was fake. (me: :-)

You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from Washington. (I think this is proof… )

Tacoma Dome Controversy

Circa 1982
Myron Thompson
Tacoma News Tribune

A major issue that stirred up Pierce County and Tacoma in the early 1980s was the building of the Tacoma Dome. Nearly every resident had an opinion about how the dome should be built.

This Thompson cartoon shows the different factions that joined the fray. A Tacoma Dome "jury" of citizens was finally chosen to decide on design plans, and the Dome opened its doors to the public on April 21, 1983, on schedule and under budget. It is the largest wood domed structure in the world, and besides being a great facility for athletics, it is nationally known for its high concert-quality acoustics.

Once upon a time, God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael, the archangel, found him, resting on the seventh day.

He inquired of God. “Where have you been?”

God sighed a deep sigh of satisfaction, and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, “Look, Michael. Look what I’ve made.”

Archangel Michael looked puzzled, and said, “What is it?”

“It’s a planet,” replied God, “and I’ve put Life on it. I’m going to call it Earth and it’s going to be a great place of balance.”

“Balance?” inquired Michael, still confused.

God explained, pointing to different parts of earth. “For example, northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while southern Europe is going to be poor. Over there I’ve placed a continent of white people, and over there is a continent of black people. Balance in all things,” God continued pointing to diff erent countries. “This one will be extremely hot, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice.”

The Archangel, impressed by God’s work, then pointed to a land area and said, “What’s that one?”

“Ah,” said God “That’s Washington State, the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful mountains, rivers and streams, lakes, forests, hills, plains, and coulees. The people from Washington State are going to be handsome, modest, intelligent, and humorous, and they are going to be found traveling the world. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, high achieving, and they will be known throughout the world as diplomats, and carriers of peace.”

Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then proclaimed, “What about balance, God? You said there would be balance.”

God smiled, “There is another Washington… wait until you see the idiots I put there.”