One step closer to "New Yorker"

When I moved to New York one of my goals was to never actually become a New Yorker. Nobody outside of New York likes New Yorkers. I don't think New Yorkers even like New Yorkers. They are generally rude, selfish, cranky, pushy, bitter and arrogant. They say it takes 10 years of living in the city to become a New Yorker. I think I know why. There are certain New York experiences that are very unique to this city, and you have to survive them all to claim your New Yorker status.

What I have experienced so far that I think are part of this transformation:

• Pay an atrocious broker fee for the privilege of living in a small apartment.
• Nearly faint in the subway because of the heat.
• Nearly faint in the subway because of the smell.
• Step in a slush puddle that turned out to be 8 inches deep.
  
• Go to a Yankees game (and watch them slaughter the White Sox).
• Had a cab driver refuse to take me where I wanted to go in the pouring rain.
• Go to a Knicks game and watch them lose.
  
• Walk halfway to work in 90 degree heat because the subway broke down.
  

Adding to the list last week... Watching a homeless dude on the subway car during morning rush hour pull out a plastic bottle, stand up, turn around, urinate in it, zip up, sit down, shake the bottle and place it on the seat next to him. So I've seen that. We'll see what else makes the list in time, but I'm starting to understand what makes New Yorkers so surly over time.