1. My hand is a literal map of where I live.

"Oh, so what part of Michigan do you live in?" Hold your hand up, and there you have your own personal map of the greatest state in America. Living in Lansing has made it even easier, as long as I point to the center of my hand, everyone understands.

2. The best potato chips in the world are made here.

Pontiac, MI: home to state-famous Downey's potato chips. If you haven't heard about them before, get on their website and order some, or just make the road trip to Pontiac. They taste like French fries and you WILL eat the whole bag. Honestly, these chips are reason enough to live in Michigan forever.

3. The weather is unpredictable, and I love it.

Only in Michigan will it be 60 degrees on February 26th and snowing 2 feet on February 27th. Here, we know to never trust the weather channel and always keep a blanket in our cars, just in case it starts snowing in July.

4. So yes, the weather is unpredictable, but the seasons are beautiful

If there was ever a perfect definition of the 4 seasons, it would be Michigan. Spring literally brings April showers and May flowers. Plan to spend your summer by the pool because it is sunny and HOT. Once the leaves start changing, welcome to the prettiest fall destination in the United States. Then there's winter; snow, snow, and endless snow. Bundle up!

4. The football rivalry is like no other

Michigan State versus U of M, a.k.a the greatest rivalry of the year in college football. It brings out tension in the closest of friends, spurs on some of the rowdiest tailgates around, and leaves 50% of our population in tears. Also, couches will be burned.

5. Welcome to the world's largest Christmas store.

Making spirits bright since 1945, Bronner's Christmas Wonderland is home to everything green and red. The ornament selection is endless and gloriously overwhelming. Plus, it's open 361 days a year, just in case you're feeling all Christmasey in March!

6. Mackinac Island Fudge

Three of the most scrumptious words you'll ever hear. Try it with raspberry, peanut butter, or just plain dark chocolate deliciousness. For 14 bucks a slab, it's a bit pricey, but worth every penny. You also get to travel through some beautiful parts of the state to get to it.

7. DETROIT

Welcome to the city of the Tigers, Lions, Pistons, and Eminem (the rap god himself). Professionally, our sports teams can't seem to catch a break. Says every fan..."maybe next year we'll get a playoff victory." Yeah no. But no matter how bad we are in sports, we never lose our dedication to the city. Eminem would be proud.

8. We get paid to return our bottles and cans.

There is something satisfying about buying a case of pop (we don't call it soda here) and knowing that you can return the empty cans for money. I mean it's only 10 cents, but college costs money, right? Save your beer bottles, because we're one of the few states that allows for returns.

9. We own FIVE freaking lakes!

I mean, come on, can any other state boast that? Lake Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior -- it spells out the word "homes" in case you forget. Each lake is unique and beautiful in it's own way, and they surround our state, making beaches available for just about everyone.

10. The mitten state is my home.

I was born here. This is the place where I have grown up, attended college, and made plans to spend my future. I'm not guaranteed to live here forever, but Michigan will always be my home sweet home. As for the rest of the United States, good luck trying to be better than us!