The Back of My Hand Is a Map

[~FloweryFriend~]

Posted: 3/31/06 at 2:46am

I grew up in the lower peninsula of Michigan. In Michigan, if someone asks you where you're from, often you answer by pointing to a spot on the back of your hand, as the lower peninsula is shaped like a mitten.

I was recently told that outside of the Midwest, people are confused by this action. Is there anyone here who hasn't seen a Michigander do this?

I've actually been thinking about getting a tiny star tattoo on the back of my hand to mark where I'm from (or maybe a tiny heart, as in "home is where the heart is"). Sort of to remind me of home, since I'm probably not going to live in my hometown again after I graduate from college. But I don't want to get it if people are going to think I'm a freak and not understand the Michigan map...

[DG]

Posted: 3/31/06 at 3:03am

~FF~ I know this isn't the topic you're attempting to discuss, but I would like to point out (as you seem to be pursuing a career in performance) that any mark you make on a frequently visible part of your body will probably have to be dealt with in one way or another. And that might get tiresome. Eventually.

[cturtle]

Posted: 3/31/06 at 6:53am

yes, i've seen a michigander do just that

and i'm SO glad my hand isn't shaped like georgia ...

Updated On: 3/31/06 at 06:53 AM

[Broadway_Baby]

Posted: 3/31/06 at 7:19am

I'm a Michigander, and I've actually had people (more than one) ask me to show them where I live using my hand.

I've never done it voluntarily though,

[~FloweryFriend~]

Posted: 3/31/06 at 9:42am

DG

Yeah, I've thought about that. That's why I think a really small tattoo in a light color will be best. Then I can cover it up with base, no problem. I've been trying to think of a tattoo for years that would be teeny tiny, but still meaningful to me.

This is the first time I've actually come up with something. Don't worry though. I won't get it unless I'm absolutely positive.

[papalovesmambo]

Posted: 3/31/06 at 9:52am

~ff~ (you're much too old now to be an ~ampersand~), the very beest thing that you can do is choose a fictitious hometown and begin now to erase any and all mention of that state up north (tsun) from your history. you'll be better off for it, trust me.

[DG]

Posted: 3/31/06 at 9:54am

By the way, ~FF~, I LOVE LOVE LOVE your avatar pic
Updated On: 3/31/06 at 09:54 AM

[~FloweryFriend~]

Posted: 3/31/06 at 9:56am

Actually, you might have something there. I went to the same high school as an actor who has now been in movies and is currently playing the lead role on a television drama (neither the actor nor the show is very good, in my opinion). When the press asks him where he grew up, he gives some b.s. about growing up on a farm, then moving to New York and going to a high school for the performing arts. But he's definitely in our yearbooks, and he was on the soccer team.

[Pip]

Posted: 3/31/06 at 9:58am

I live in Michigan now and it's part of how the natives make newcomers feel like idiots, I think. Everytime I ask someone where they're from they hold up their hand and point... It does kind of work once you get used to the concept, but it's REALLY weird when someone from the Upper Peninsular does the same thing by turning their hand sideways and pointing!

Posted: 3/31/06 at 10:15am

OMG, Pip, I don't know what is going on in your avatar, but I like it and will re-enact it immediately.

OH coooooooooach!

[caitiesus1522]

Posted: 3/31/06 at 10:18am

I have never seen this...and I am from Ohio and know many people from Michigan

[Pip]

Posted: 3/31/06 at 10:19am

I think the coach is pointing out where he's from in Florida...

[slimandslam]

Posted: 3/31/06 at 10:20am

Do people from Italy show where they're from by pointing to a high-heeled boot?

Do people from Colorado or Wyoming show where they're from by pointing to a spot on a blank piece of paper?

And do people from Florida show where they're from by pointing to... oh, never mind.

[Pip]

Posted: 3/31/06 at 10:22am

Like minds, I guess, slimandslam...

[slimandslam]

Posted: 3/31/06 at 10:35am

Ah, the joys of simulposting...