When You’re From New York, But Live in Connecticut

Last week, a writer for theodysseyonline.com, wrote an article entitled "28 Signs You're From Connectcut". Since I am originally from New York, and moved to Connecticut 14 years ago, I wanted to see how integrated I am now. I thought I had mixed into the CT tapestry pretty well. But, as I read the list, I began to wonder if everything about me screams, "I'M FROM NEW YORK!" All I can think of is this clip from the movie My Cousin Vinny.

I took each sign that Julia Albini listed and, well, ok, my New York attitude came out. Even when I saw that she pointed out 28. I can do it in 10. New Yorkers are not known for their patience and yes, that is definitely one of my NY traits. It's already not looking too good for me.

Let's look at some of the points she made:

1. Running to the "packie" doesn't mean the post office.

I've lived in CT since 2002, and I still have a problem with this one. My husband, a native CT'er (after that article, I certainly shouldn't refer to him as a "Nutmegger") always uses this term, and I always have to stop and figure out what the heck he is talking about, because it makes no sense. "Honey, I'll stop at the packie, and pick up a bottle of wine." Great, can you bring home some stamps too?

2. You know New Haven pizza is better than New York pizza.

OK, look, how could a New Yorker not be offended by this one? So, I'm going to tuck my New York back in and say "Let's just agree to disagree." (even though you know that CT pizza wants to be NY pizza.)

3. If you went to a private school, you could get away with wearing Sperry's.

In NY, not even if you were dead.

4. You've experienced all four seasons in one week.

How about in one day?!

5. You've spent your summers as a kid at Quassy or Lake Compounds.

Does this really say "Lake Compounds"? Is this a place where lakes get together? Even I know it's "Lake Compounce."

6. You avoid I-95 at all costs.

Wait! That's our sister station!

7. You're in constant fear of hitting a deer driving at night. 

This one is pretty accurate. Yes, there are deer in NY but maybe they also have our famous NY attitude. Can't you just see a NY deer asking, "You want a piece of me?" That's why they don't get hit like CT deer. I actually once had a deer hit me in Brookfield, CT.

8. You drove a Jeep growing up.

My first car was a 1971 black Buick Riviera with a 455 engine. My next was a 1974 Camaro. My brother still has (yes, present tense) his 1968 Plymouth Roadrunner and a 1970 Super Sport Chevelle. We think your Jeep is cute.

9. At least one of your friends has a boat.

I need new friends!

10. You don't understand how people can't spell Connecticut.

I got this one, I agree. It's easy! It just doesn't make any sense. Connect - I - Cut. It contradicts itself. But, at least it's not Poughkeepsie! One great thing about the word "Poughkeepsie" is that it's one of those words that you can't un-know how to spell. It really can't be done. And, of course, you'll impress all of your friends with that spelling skill.

As a transplanted New Yorker, I really love CT, and there are really only two reasons that I think anyone would feel the pull to leave: 1. Taxes (no, not Texas, taxes) and 2, the older you get the more you hate winter. Other than that, I'm stayin'!

Listen to Linda G weekdays from 3-7pm on 105.5 FM, online at kicks1055.com/listen-live/ or by downloading the radioPup app for your mobile device.