You know you're officially a Yuman when...

I'm officially a Yuman!

When I first moved to Yuma three years ago, I didn't understand why people made such a big deal when it rained. I couldn't understand why a rainstorm was considered news and why schools closed down and sent students home. At my previous town, schools shut down only for snowstorms, not rain.

Now I get it! When it rained just a bit Thursday, I got excited and ran to the window to look at the rain.

On the way back to my desk, I caught sight of two newcomers shrugging their shoulders and I had to laugh. That was me three years ago.

Now I understand what a rare treat a little rain is. And how disruptive a lot of rain can be to Yuma since the city is not set up to handle it.

If they stick around, they'll understand. And when they do, they too may consider themselves official Yumans!