I’ve never lived anywhere longer than 5 years. Being the perpetual new girl has its pros and cons.

At 30, the longest I’ve ever lived somewhere is five years.

That’s one year longer than the time I spent in college, which for most people is probably the shortest time they’ve lived in one place. I’ve lived in 10 cities, seven states, and more houses than I feel like counting, and when people ask where I’m from, unlike when they ask me about the weather, there is depth to the question.

So much so that my answer varies depending on the person who’s asking.

I’ve moved all over, first for my dad’s job, then of my own accord

If I know I’ll never see you again, you get “Birmingham, Alabama,” my birthplace, quick and easy. If the conversation is…