13 Signs You Grew Up In Lodi

Because it's not just a town, it's a lifestyle.

1.

When somebody asks where you're from and you have to explain that it's a city next to Stockton. This is usually followed by a cringe and an explanation that you don't have a criminal record.

2.

You then don't know how to respond when strangers sing "Stuck in Lodi" to you. Thanks, Creedence Clearwater.

3.

You undoubtedly met half of Lodi at In-N-Out after every sports game, party, or minimum day.

4.

Butcher Shoppe has ruined any chances of you enjoying a sandwich without a pickle or Hershey's kiss. It's also another place to visit if you'd like to see your first grade teacher, your best friend's mom, your priest, and your middle school crush with all of his siblings.

5.

You also giggle every time you see a Mr. Pickle's sandwich shop because of the record breaking time (or lack thereof) they spent open on Lodi Avenue. Did they really think Lodians would turn against Butcher Shoppe like that?

6.

Going to Lodi Stadium 12 on a Friday night is only fun while you're in middle school. Otherwise half of your movie experience is spent watching the ushers kick 13 year-olds out for throwing popcorn at you and smothering the theater in Hollister cologne. (When did I become that old person?)

7.

You learned an early appreciation for wine because that was the only alcohol you could get your hands on. Parties consisted of wine bottles your friends whose families owned wineries could score.

8.

Taking 30 minutes just to find the spot in the field that your friends decided to throw a bonfire at this Friday…Only to have the perfect spot replaced by vineyards. (RIP Humptree)

9.

You've grown up with this uneasy feeling that you're being watched. This is because you are. Your parents really do know every adult in town. And those adults really will tell your parents about those short shorts you wore to the Grape Festival on Thursday.

10.

When you move out of Lodi and experience a complete meltdown over the tiny fact that it will take you more than 5 minutes to get across town.

11.

After high school you vow never to live in boring little Lodi ever again. In reality, you'll raise your kids here in a few years.

12.

The only thing you hate more than everyone knowing what you're up to is that it only gets worse as you grow up. You probably also hate the fact that you just stalked 8 of your middle school classmate's facebooks.

13.

REUTERS VINCENT DU

You've been kicked off of Mason's Beach on the Mokelumne River for not being members. After, of course, you learned that "floating down the river" means swimming a mile with an inner tube on a currentness mass of leaf-infested water.