Mich·i·gan·der
ˌmiSHiˈɡandər/
noun
1. a native or inhabitant of Michigan.

It's easy to tell when someone is from Michigan. If you aren't... sorry for you... but if you are, here is a checklist to help validate everything you've known about being from one of the best states in the country, and to remind you why when you're from here, you usually end up here.

1. Your hands double as a map at all times.

We take the nickname of "the mitten state" very literally.

2. You probably haven't even been to Lake Ontario.

But for real, Lake Michigan is like the Ferrari of lakes... once you go, none of the others matter.

3. "Up North" is a general term for any coastal town with lake access.

Basically anything on Lake Michigan is "up north." It's not just a place, but a lifestyle.

4. You can whip out a U-turn like it's no one's business.

The Michigan Left actually makes sense. There's no driver quite like a Michigan driver.

5. 50 degrees? You mean time to break out the flip flops?

But keep your boots on hand because you know it's just a tease and it will be back down to 26 degrees the next day.

6. A coney is NOT just a chili dog.

Get the picture?

7. Going more than a few months without a trip to Lake Michigan brings you into a state of withdrawal.

If I don't see a lighthouse at least twice a year, then I'll be stuck getting my fix through watching a bunch of Nicholas Sparks movies, and then we're going to have a problem.

8. Winter puts you into hibernation with a 4 p.m. sunset, making it that much easier to stay in bed all day.

I don't see the problem with this.

9. Yoopers.

A breed of their own.

10. You know that it's actually possible to drive south to Canada.

11. You eat so many cherries in the summer, you might even become one.

Because what is a Michigan summer without a Traverse City cherry picking festival?

12. It's Mackinac. Mack-en-aw... not Mack-a-nack.

An island with fudge and horses. My kind of place.

To a state that is as pure as its people, thank you Pure Michigan for raising me with solid, good Midwestern values, always giving me a lake to jump in, a snowstorm to brave, and a place to call home.