As of today, I've been living in NYC for 8 years. A few things I've learned...

PEOPLE - This place is full of them. Yep, I'm a New Yorker who gets sick of people. Words of wisdom, steer clear of Bellevue psych-ward outpatients, upward-looking tourists and moms pushing strollers - they are all trouble. When navigating down the street, act as if you are a running back in a football game...weave.

FOOD - If you need a meal for $5.00 - ask me. It CAN be done! And buy beer at the grocery store, or the deli (even one bottle at a time) - bars will charge you $6-8+ per bottle...that's worth a meal or 2. Yes, I'm cheap. Oh, Curry Udon Noodles and Wai Cafe ROCK!

DATING - Don't date Pot Head Drummer Coworkers, Long Island Italian Momma's Boys, Men that talk to themselves while at dinner with you...etc. Find yourself a good Boston Boy who makes you laugh :)

JOBS - Where do I begin?! When you need a buck - sign up for a marketing campaign and pass out Mentos, Tampons or boxes of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda at Penn Station. It pays $12/hour. Or join a focus group and get paid for your opinion (I got $80 once for talking about vodka). When in doubt, join a temp agency. And if a crazy boss insists you need to clean the toilet and dust the plant leaves individually every week, QUIT!

FRIENDS - New Yorkers are notorious for cancelling at the last minute. We all do it, sorry. Somehow, you can live 3 blocks from a good friend and never see them...but when you need 'em, they're there for you (to borrow your vacuum and then make you roll it home several blocks months later).

WEATHER - NY gets HOT. NY gets COLD. Both suck, but at least we have seasons up north. Buy an ugly, cheap, warm coat. And be prepared to wash your feet upon entering the apartment after a day of walking in flip-flops in this dirty city.

WALK - When in doubt, Walk! I walk everywhere...I love it!

9/11 - When the world seems to be ending right before your very eyes. Never fear, the spirit of this town will lift you back up and be the best friend you've ever had.

Did I forget anything? I'm sure I did - feel free to add more :)