New Mexico & Chili

NM June 01, 2017by Juliet White
12 Weird Side Effects Everyone Experiences From Growing Up In New Mexico

Where we grow up has an effect on who we become as adults. There are some ingrained habits we just can’t shake. Regardless of where you live as a grown up, a childhood spent in the Land of Enchantment leaves its mark, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

1. We don’t understand others’ reactions to our chile consumption So we eat chile at any time of day and on virtually any type of food. What’s the problem? Breakfast burritos require some form of chile, and don’t knock a green chile ice cream sundae until you’ve tried it.

2. We make this face whenever we order chile, but receive jalapenos.

3. We prescribe green chile stew for a range of ailments from a cold to a bad breakup. Keep your bland chicken noodle soup!

4. We’re enthusiastic rather than cautious about buying food from a complete stranger who is selling it from his or her trunk. The rule is to never take candy from strangers. Tamales are a whole different story.

5. While we may enjoy the sensation of going barefoot outside, we’re also a little cautious. Goatheads are no joke.

6. We watch where we put our feet when hiking…

Flickr/Kathy Knorr
…Even if we’re currently in a state with hardly any snakes.

1. We forget that there are places where people can’t see the stars.

Flickr/John Fowler
That’s just so sad.

1. We can drive at night when there is no form of light beside the headlights.

Flickr/John Slater
Zero. Zip. Nada. And we still won’t hit that coyote.

1. We’re in the habit of keeping extra water in the car.

Flickr/Daniel Orth
Okay, maybe not this much water! But, if we break down somewhere without cell service, we could be walking for a long time. Always be prepared!

1. We’re also extremely impressed by any body of water…

Flickr/Michael Rael
…that is bigger than a puddle. Although we have rivers and lakes, we don’t take them for granted.

1. In fact, we’re kind of the hall monitors of water usage.

Flickr/Kat Tomilloso
Leave the tap running when you brush your teeth? Then yes, we’re totally judging you.

1. We have a built in homing beacon that always pulls us back to the Land of Enchantment.

Flickr/thalling55
And why would we want to be anywhere else?
What would you add to this list?

If you’re considering relocating to New Mexico and are trying to get the lay of the land, you may be interested in this past article: “14 Surprising Things You May Not Expect When Moving To New Mexico.”