10 Things I’ve Learned Living in Central New York For 10 Days

It's official! I'm a Utican. I've lived here for a little over two weeks now, and I love it. Living in Michigan my entire life though, there are some things that are really different. I still have a lot to get used to and a lot to learn.

 1 - It's Soda... Not "Pop"

This one is going to be a hard habit for me to break. It has always been "pop" to me. I smile whenever I hear it - "Soda." I'm just not used to it, yet.

2 - Speaking Of Soda...

Vernors. It doesn't exist here. There's Canada Dry, and other varieties of ginger ale, but it's not the same. I'll just have to stock up whenever I visit Michigan.

3 - It's Not Flat Land

Even the hills around here are breath-taking. I've never seen such beautiful scenery like I have since moving to New York. And there's mountains! I've never seen mountains before. Adirondack Scenic Railroad, anyone?

4 - The Roads Are VERY Confusing Here

I think the picture explains it all.

 5 - I Can't Use My Hand As A Map Anymore

Whenever anyone would ask 'Where are you from?' I would just hold up my hand and point to the side of the thumb. That's where I lived in Michigan. If I figure out how to make a New York map with my hand, or shoulder, or something, I'll let you know.

6 - There's So Much Exploring To Do

So many restaurants, activities, places to see... I'm going to be busy for at least a few years! Shopping in New Hartford, the casino in Verona, the brewery in Utica, and that's just the start.

7 - Driving 10 Minutes Is Too Far

This one cracks me up. I'm used to driving 15 minutes, maybe a half hour, to get to another area for whatever I needed. Around here (and I hear it all the time), that someone doesn't want to head to New Hartford - "it's too far" - even when they're in Clinton, or Utica.

8 - It's Not New York City

Whenever people talk about me living in New York now, they always assume I live in New York City. Do they realize there is whole state here, not just the city. It's like assuming I lived in Detroit because I came from Michigan, which isn't true.

9 - ...More Assumptions

Again, a lot of people back in Michigan have wrong stereotypes built about this area. There is an attitude that New York is, well 'every man for himself' - people aren't helpful, everyone has an agenda, or whatever - BUT that's the furthest from the truth! Since moving here, I can't believe how friendly, helpful, and polite everyone is.

10 - Hockey

Okay, so this one isn't different. It's not something I need to get use to. But I do love my hockey, and I'm excited that we have the Utica Comets. Looks like I'll be spending a lot of time at "The Aud."