13 ways to know you're a Utahn

13 ways to know you're a Utahn


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From our love of the outdoors to our friendly people, Utah is a unique place, and living here is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Here are 13 ways to know you're a Utahn.

You're with the band

The music scene in Utah is nothing to sniff at, and that means many bands find their voice here. From local favorites to bands that have hit it big, musicians are everywhere in Utah. Whether for fun or a career, it is likely you know someone in a band and have supported that friend or family member by going to their shows at one of the many nearby venues.

13 ways to know you're a Utahn

You know how to make anything into a casserole

If the only things in your freezer are tater tots and vegetables, you know how to mix them with a can of soup for a casserole. Every family has its favorite casseroles, and any Utahn knows how to pull together a meal from seemingly "nothing."

You have a favorite place in the mountains

Whether it's a hike you've been doing since you were young or a camping spot no one else knows about, every Utahn has a favorite mountain activity area. It could be the hike you attempt in the early morning to eat breakfast while watching the sunrise, or that camping spot where turns are marked by bushes and trees. Either way, it's your spot.

13 ways to know you're a Utahn

You only understand directions on a grid system

Of course you understand directions this way; it's easy. From the center of town in Salt Lake City, city blocks are numbered in increments of 100, making it simple to find any address in the county. Within other cities throughout the state, the easiest addresses to find are those that adhere to the rules of a number system, as opposed to using street names.

You've spotted a local celebrity

From Elaine Bradley to Bert McCracken, David Archuleta to Marie Osmond, Utah has its share of celebrities in the entertainment business, and every Utahn remembers the first sighting (or second, or third) of a local celebrity, including the time and place, maybe even the conversation. Perhaps you have a photo of the celebrity that you share with friends as you tell the tale of your brush with local fame.

13 ways to know you're a Utahn

You've run your car's heater and air conditioner on the same day

Utah weather is back and forth, so mornings and afternoons can widely differ. A cool summer day means you may need the heater running for your morning commute, but then you find yourself blasting the air conditioner on the way home. The same goes for warm winter afternoons. Of course, remember your sweater for those cold office days in the midst of summer heat, too.

You've tasted a dirty soda

No matter the recipe, dirty Dr Pepper or dirty Coke drinks are popular in Utah. Most recipes include adding coconut syrup and lime juice, although there are variations. Whether mixing them at home, picking them up in a gas station drive through or ordering them while eating out, you know dirty sodas are not, in fact, dirty at all.

Jazz has nothing to do with music

You love the Jazz — and we're not talking about Louis Armstrong, although he's great, too. No, we're talking Rudy Gobert, Dante Exum, Trey Burke and the rest. No matter the ups or downs, the Jazz have your support. You've gone through the rebuild process, the rotating roster, the goodbyes to Jerry Sloan and hellos to Quin Snyder, and your blood runs blue. Or yellow. Or green.

13 ways to know you're a Utahn

You know a mommy blogger (or are one)

Mommy bloggers are mothers who blog about — you guessed it — motherhood. Mommy blogs are widespread and, considering Utah's high birth rate, it's no surprise there are many mommy bloggers here. Blogging about everything from child care and activities to recipes and support, mommy bloggers are an online force.

You've been in the spotlight

From speaking in front of a large group to being an extra or acting in a film, Utahns know the feel of the spotlight. Beyond public speaking, Utahns excel in talent shows, theater productions, dance performances, sporting events, musical concerts, and the list goes on. Of course, the filmmaking scene in Utah is impressive, with both independent and big-budget filmmakers taking advantage of the talent and locale.

13 ways to know you're a Utahn

You've used a cab only a handful of times

Many Utahns drive their own cars, and the state has public transportation options, including Utah Transportation Authority buses, TRAX and FrontRunner. That means cabs are more prominent on the big screen than in your day-to-day life. However, ditching a car is becoming more common, which means you may see more cabs on the road. Not only that, Robert J. Debry offers free cab rides to Utahns celebrating New Year's Eve to make sure everyone makes it home safely.

You're polite

Utahns tend to be a polite bunch, minding our P's and Q's and smiling when we pass people on the sidewalk. It's something that goes without mention until you run into non-Utahns. Have you ever been out of the state and nodded a friendly hello or said thank you to someone in the service industry, only to be complimented for your kindness? That cordiality is a sign that you're a Utahn.

You know what Point of the Mountain means and frequently reference it

Every Utahn knows the point on I-15 between Salt Lake and Utah counties and uses it as a reference to determine how much farther to drive or what to expect from traffic. Point of the Mountain has shrunk in the past decades, but it's still an important reference point for understanding how to find somewhere, or for breathing a sigh of relief as you pass that milestone on your way home — in either direction.

Robert J. Debry and Associates are proud to call such a wonderful state home.

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