I am New York

Some say you have to live in New York City for at least 10 years before you are considered a real New Yorker.  Some make long lists of telltale signs showing that you've mastered the concrete jungle.  I'm not sure if I will ever consider myself a true New Yorker since I was born and raised playing in acres of green fields.  But it is true, you live here long enough and you will become one with the city.  I do consider my kids New Yorkers; they are so city savvy for being so young.

A few days ago I had a true, honest-to-goodness, I-AM-A-NEW-YORKER experience.  I will spare you the details but it started with a woman offering her unsolicited opinion about my child and ended with me yelling (very loudly), "Mind your own business!" and "Shut your mouth!"


Crazy, right?!  I didn't know I even had that in me.

I am 5% embarrassed. "I hope no one I know saw me!"

I am 30% amazed.  "Did I really say that?!"

I am 65% proud of myself for finally standing up to those people.

I am New York!