Where I'm From

Jason Michael Carroll - Where I'm From

(because the video of the Tebow boys singing this isn't on YouTube)

Two months ago, if you asked me, "Are you from the South?" I would have said, "No, I'm from Florida." However, after being a Colorado resident for two years and going back to my hometown for two weeks, I now have to answer the question a little differently. This is where I'm from...

You go to the downtown movie theater and there is one parking spot left. The guy who is much closer to the parking spot takes it, forcing you to park on a side street a few yards away. When you get inside the movie theater the guy is standing at the ticket counter waiting for you to walk in so that he can offer to pay for your ticket because he feels so terrible for taking the last parking spot and making you walk a little further.

After being gone for five years, you still can't leave your parent's house without running into someone you know. Thus, every time you leave the house you feel like you need to dress to impress because the only thing worse than a bad first impression is a bad impression after someone hasn't seen you in a long time. Letting those girls who made you cry in high school find out you moved away and became ugly just can't happen.

Even though you're 26 with a full time job, benefits and a mortgage, your friends' parents still see you as a college freshman.

Your dad tells your mom he will buy her whatever kind of car she wants and she comes home with this.

Your dad tells your brother he will buy him whatever kind of car he wants and they come home with an even bigger Ford pickup.

When tragedy strikes, the girls who wouldn't give you the time of day in high school and who you haven't seen in 10 years, rally around you and offer any support and encouragement they can.

Not loving the Florida Gators is like not loving Jesus.

You go to the local BBQ, you know the person seated in the table next to yours, 80 percent of the people in the restaurant have on camo, and after you pay the bill, the waitress asks if you want a sweet tea to go. 

If you are driving around town for more than 10 minutes you will see someone toeing a horse trailer.

That awkward kid you knew in high school is now your baby brother's mentor and the church golden boy.

Getting away is spending the weekend at the lake house.

Your parent's small group consists of the heart surgeon, the dentist, the judge and the mayor. Once a month they all go to dinner and then to the local theater where they are all season ticket holders.

Jeans and boots are always appropriate attire and there are such things as "nice flip flops."

At the close of his sermon, the pastor prays for Tim Tebow.

You meet your dad for lunch and there are only four restaurant options that are close by.

When someone talks about "Buddy" you have to ask which one? 

The high school baseball star married his high school cheerleading sweetheart. They have a baby and he teaches and coaches baseball at that same high school - you know because he is now your baby brother's coach. You still find that couple intimidating. 

That's Ocala, Florida. 

That's where I'm from. 

My brother is named after my dad.

My cousin is named Pressley - her moma's maiden name. 

The quarterback dated and married the homecoming queen. 

My friend Lindy sleeps on John Deer sheets. 

That YouTube video of Jason Michael Carroll was filmed in my hometown.

It may not sound like much, but it's where I'm from.