The 47th State

For the record, let me just make this really clear.

New Mexico is a state, NOT a country!

Here is how a typical introductory conversation with me goes.

Idiot: "Are you originally from Colorado?"
Me: "No, I moved here when I was ten. I'm originally from New Mexico."
Idiot: (look of surprise and admiration) "Wow! What was it like moving to America?"
or
Idiot: (with look of confusion) "So do you have duel citizenship?"
or
Idiot: (more confusion) "Oh, so you speak Spanish?"
or worst
Idiot: (look of perfect understanding) "Your parents must have been missionaries down there."

Sigh. For those of you who failed to learn anything about your country, much less ever look at a map, New Mexico is a state in the United States of America, which is the country that you live in. By the way, the USA (United States of America (remember, that country you live in)) is located on the planet earth, which is also where you live.

I can almost understand people out east asking me this question, however I have gotten this response from an alarming number of Coloradans. I mean, it's only their southern border state. How is it possible that so many people can be soooo ignorant?! For those of you stupid Coloradans on your way to vacation in a Mexican paradise, all you have to do is cross the southern state line. Really. Just make sure you go through the border patrols before you hit Pueblo.