Wow! That's a Step Up!

My husband works as a banker at Chase bank. He grabs people that come into the bank, has them sit down at his desk, then helps them get the goods. He just got moved to a new branch and there is a wide variety of people that come in. Some without shoes, teeth, or a hair brush; but most of them seem pretty normal.

Several times, while making small talk, the subject comes up about John just moving here from California. And do you know what the response is! "Wow! That's a step up!" What? What's a step up because I know you're not talking about Idaho being a step up from California. Now, I live in Idaho and I really like it here. It's my home now and heck, even my drivers license and my voting registration is in Idaho. But NOBODY insults MY homeland. These past few days after fuming about this comment, I've been trying to come up with ways to respond to these people. Don't worry. I even have the entire conversation in my head and I am willing to type the whole thing out just for you! (John will be my voice, and Farmer Fred is the Idahoan)

(Bank Conversation into the small talk)

Farmer Fred: So, John you from around these parts?

John: No, I just moved here from California.

Farmer Fred: Wow! That's a step up!

John: Yeah, well, of course it's a step up if you like no fresh fruit, no museums, no historical attractions, no cultural diversity, restaurants that serve rubber food, fewer educated people, slow pace, the smell of poop, stagnant economy, lack of professional jobs, and no Disneyland. Then, yes, it is a step up.

Farmer Fred: Yep.

Don't forget, I love Idaho, but don't be baggin' on my homeland.
So, some may think that there is too much pride in California. However, what they call Pride, I call UNITY.