Borg Nation

Yesterday it became evident to me that I have assimilated into the culture of New England. I was talking to Karyn on the phone as I was driving to pick up Elisabeth from Jani's house. I don't exactly remember what we were talking about. What I do remember is using the word "wicked". Up here, the word "wicked" is commonly used as an adjective meaning "really" or "very". It isn't strange to hear someone up here say something like, "I had to wear three hats today because it was wicked cold out", or "Do you have some Advil because I have a wicked bad headache." Whenever I heard someone use the word "wicked" like this since I've been up here, I would laugh to myself because it was just so weird to hear the word used like that. Well...yesterday, I used the word in casual conversation. It just happened. Almost as soon as I said it, I asked Karyn if she heard what I said. She said she did and thought it was pretty funny. We had a good laugh over it and decided that I've definitely been here long enough to absorb the culture. Although I have to say: I don't think they will assimilate me completely. I still love bright colors and will wear them in the dead of winter. I will paint my kitchen orange at some point. And yes, I would definitely consider having this in my yard (except I don't think my husband would go for it.