Being raised in Massachusetts is certainly an adventure. Experiencing all four seasons to their fullest effect, being less than an hour from the beach and the mountains--we didn't realize how good we had it. We were the lucky ones, growing up with a Dunkin Donuts nearby no matter where we were, and everyone was jealous of our wicked pissa sports teams. Who wouldn't be--we've got the goat himself Mr. Tom Brady, Big Papi and too many other legends to name.

I wear the term Masshole with pride. And to those of you who aren't familiar with the term, it was added to Oxford English dictionary last year: A term of contempt for: a native or inhabitant of the state of Massachusetts. Whether you're fond of the term or not, it's a perfect fit. No, we don't all pahk ah cah in Hahvhad yahd, but we were all born and raised here. And we're very possessive of our state--yes, they are our Patriots, sorry to the rest of you New Englanders.

Here are just a few things all of us Massholes knew to be true growing up:

1. Field trips to Fanuel Hall were a must.

2. We knew who Tom Brady was before most of the presidents.

3. Blinkers are optional.

4. Dunkin' is better than Starbucks.

5. One must always have an umbrella and snow brush in the car year round.

6. Bean boots are not just for the winter.

7. One can experience all four seasons in the turn of an hour.

8. Iced coffee is not just a summer beverage.

9. You have most likely been corrected for using the word wicked too much.

10. You can actually pronounce names like Worcester, Cochituate, and Billerica.

11. You're a die-hard sports fan, and if you aren't, then at least one person in your family is.

12. The Yankees suck. No matter what.

13. No, it's not Interstate 90. No, it's not the Mass Pike. It's the Pike. Period.

14. Fifty degrees is not cold, even in the middle of June.

15. You're proud to be a Masshole.