PJ and I moved to North Carolina after getting married almost 17 years ago. We came to the realization that we could have such a better life here.

I love the saying ‘Leap and the net will appear’, and it sums up all the greatest things we’ve ever done together.

Moving to NC was one of those things, and it really is one of the greatest leaps we’ve ever made.

Since then, I’ve always said I wouldn’t be one of those people who shit all over NY now that I’m gone. I’ve held true to that. The most I’ll say is that I’d never go back even if we could afford it — and we probably couldn’t because the taxes are ridick. No one can deny that.

But now that I’m a seasoned southerner, I think it’s time for a little lesson in what to do if you move here.

1. Don’t talk about how much better something (anything) was up north. You can always go back. Go. No one cares. Sayonara! 👋

2. Don’t complain that you can’t get a decent bagel. I never really considered myself a bagel connoisseur; they all taste the same to me. And is a bagel really going to make or break your life? Instead, be happy about the BBQ, which is a pretty good trade-off if you ask me.

3. Don’t complain that you can’t get a decent slice of pizza either. It’s not even true. Plus, it’s tired. Not a good look. If I was an NC native I’d think us Yankees were a bunch of redundant, unoriginal bores when it comes to these things. Pizza…bagels…pizza…bagels wah wah wahhhh 🙄 Just stop.

4. The weather. “It snows one inch and people don’t know what to do!” Ok this one is true, but let’s be thankful!! They shut everything down and you’re back in business the next day without the 10 foot nasty grey snow embankments to deal with.

5. “I miss New York 😭😭😭 It’s not the same here 😭😭😭” See #1. Bye ✌️

Ok that’s pretty much it. But I must say, the one thing that would be SPECTACULAR, (and a stellar business opportunity if you ask me.. ) FULL-SERVICE GAS STATIONS!!!!!

That’s right, my pampered little New Yorker friends, there are only SELF-SERVICE gas stations here!!!

I do reminisce fondly of the days of pulling up to the hole in the wall gas station on DPA and waiting for someone to come out and pump my gas for me. Especially in the rain. No need to worry about stepping in a gasoline puddle, getting my hands dirty or messing up my hair. Teara became friends with the attendant and he’d even bring her ciggies out for her!

But alas, this, to me, is a small trade off for the life I have here in beautiful NC ♥️