• They call fried dough funnel cake here.
• Rotaries (which I think may be a Massachusetts exclusive) are called Roundabouts.
• Communities often share the same street name and vary only the street type (e.g. Eagle Valley Street, Eagle Valley Court, Eagle Valley Lane, etc.).
• For the Land of 10,000 Lakes (in which there are plenty more than just 10,000), they charge more than you'd think for fish both for grocery or at a restaurant.
• Everyone has a dog. Most have two.
• I may be crazy on this one, but gas stations are more awesome here. And by gas stations, I mean the convenience store attached to the gas station. Excellent selections. Gourmet-to-go.
• I also may be crazy on this one, but DirecTV and DISH seem to be as popular as Comcast here. I didn't think this was the case back in Boston.
• A surprising amount of Twins fans leave the game in the 8th if the home team is down 2 runs.
• I found plenty of (free) street parking 10 minutes from Target Field 30 minutes before a game. WHAT?!?!
• Everyone jokes about how there are two seasons in Minnesota: Winter and Road Construction. It's not funny. It's a serious problem. As a tax-paying citizen, I demand better management with more accountability. EVERY major highway should not be single lane in the summer nor should popular exits. Cut the crap, Minnesota.
• Bratwurst, which is just wonderful, is infinitely more popular than hot dogs here. I still love hot dogs.
• I may have mentioned this previously but Super Target is super.
• Dry cleaning is more expensive here and the few chains don't have that convenient drop-off bag tied to an account a la Dependable Cleaners. I miss that.
• I don't know much about building a house. I'm kind of alone in that ignorance out here.
• Most homes have fireplaces - fireplaces that work and are used.
• Irony: People don't honk their car horns as often as Massholes do even though they have more reason to out here.
• Gyms are more expensive here than you'd think.
• Wild turkeys are everywhere.
• Country music is a BFD here. As it should be.
• People get up early here.
• Even earlier on Sundays.
• And they love it.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tornados & Hail
I don't remember tornado warnings and/or tornado watches back in New England.
Well, they have them here and they are big freaking deal. Within minutes, the sky becomes clash of the titans and you feel like you're in Karate Kid II in that scene when Kumiko and Daniel-san have their tea ceremony thing. Just crazy.
Hail is another bullshit thing that happens out here often. And when it hails, and you're on the road, you try to get under a bridge or something to prevent damage to your car. No thank you.
Well, they have them here and they are big freaking deal. Within minutes, the sky becomes clash of the titans and you feel like you're in Karate Kid II in that scene when Kumiko and Daniel-san have their tea ceremony thing. Just crazy.
Hail is another bullshit thing that happens out here often. And when it hails, and you're on the road, you try to get under a bridge or something to prevent damage to your car. No thank you.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Things That Are Missing Here
1. Dunkin Donuts.
Let me tell you all something who live in areas with Dunkin Donuts. NO ONE ELSE MAKES YOUR COFFEE AND NO ONE MAKES IT FASTER LIKE THE DOUBLE-Ds.
2. Fried Clams.
People here don't even know the joys of fried clams, scallops, and whatever else with some fries and a lemonade whilst lounging at a beach.
3. Roast Beef.
I have seen more cows in my time here in the Midwest than ever in my life and yet I've yet to find a good mom and pop Roast Beef joint. I'm talking roast beef, onion roll, a little mustard, a little mayo. Done. Delicious. (Note, I didn't even bother mentioning Arby's which are seemingly everywhere.)
4. Steak & Cheese Subs.
They don't exist here. Actually, the whole mom and pop sub shop doesn't even really exist. That I know of.
5. Afghani Food.
Okay. Even in MA, there's pretty much only Helmand's in Cambridge, but I am due for some lamb chops.
6. A Chinatown.
While I did once say after moving here, "...all I want is a Super Target in Woodbury...," and it is now happening, what I really meant to say was, "...all I want is a real Chinatown with some real noodle soups, dim sum, and some delicious steamed buns."
7. Café Mami (Porter Exchange, Cambridge).
Once you've had it, and you can't get it, nothing matters.
8. Beaches.
Complete with sand and ocean. And Smirnoff Ice.
9. Superman: Ride of Steel (Six Flags New England).
I know there's some good and great amusement parks in a 200 mile radius or so (which isn't bad out here), but, man, do I miss the Ride of Steel.
10. Anna's Taqueria.
I'm still exploring and have some places to check out for some comidas autentico, but I do miss Anna's. For that matter, I miss Tacos Lupita in Somerville.
In conclusion, I miss food. And the beach.
Let me tell you all something who live in areas with Dunkin Donuts. NO ONE ELSE MAKES YOUR COFFEE AND NO ONE MAKES IT FASTER LIKE THE DOUBLE-Ds.
2. Fried Clams.
People here don't even know the joys of fried clams, scallops, and whatever else with some fries and a lemonade whilst lounging at a beach.
3. Roast Beef.
I have seen more cows in my time here in the Midwest than ever in my life and yet I've yet to find a good mom and pop Roast Beef joint. I'm talking roast beef, onion roll, a little mustard, a little mayo. Done. Delicious. (Note, I didn't even bother mentioning Arby's which are seemingly everywhere.)
4. Steak & Cheese Subs.
They don't exist here. Actually, the whole mom and pop sub shop doesn't even really exist. That I know of.
5. Afghani Food.
Okay. Even in MA, there's pretty much only Helmand's in Cambridge, but I am due for some lamb chops.
6. A Chinatown.
While I did once say after moving here, "...all I want is a Super Target in Woodbury...," and it is now happening, what I really meant to say was, "...all I want is a real Chinatown with some real noodle soups, dim sum, and some delicious steamed buns."
7. Café Mami (Porter Exchange, Cambridge).
Once you've had it, and you can't get it, nothing matters.
8. Beaches.
Complete with sand and ocean. And Smirnoff Ice.
9. Superman: Ride of Steel (Six Flags New England).
I know there's some good and great amusement parks in a 200 mile radius or so (which isn't bad out here), but, man, do I miss the Ride of Steel.
10. Anna's Taqueria.
I'm still exploring and have some places to check out for some comidas autentico, but I do miss Anna's. For that matter, I miss Tacos Lupita in Somerville.
In conclusion, I miss food. And the beach.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Adoption
It's not that there aren't ethnically Asian or African people around these parts. There are even some with ethnically Asian or African parents. But what you see a lot of are White Americans adopting little African or Asian kids.
This is not a bad thing.
Maybe it's because Sandra Bullock won Best Actress for The Blind Side, but you have to wonder if there is an overcompensation of one's "whiteness" here.
Again, not a bad thing.
In fact, the wife and I are thinking of adopting a little white kid ourselves. The United Colors of Benetton may have been on to something after all.
This is not a bad thing.
Maybe it's because Sandra Bullock won Best Actress for The Blind Side, but you have to wonder if there is an overcompensation of one's "whiteness" here.
Again, not a bad thing.
In fact, the wife and I are thinking of adopting a little white kid ourselves. The United Colors of Benetton may have been on to something after all.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Land
People out here love their land. And I mean that two ways:
1) They love America.
2) They love owning land and doing stuff with it.
Maybe there's just a shortage of actual land real estate back in the East and there's plenty of it out here in the Midwest, but people want acres and acres of land. This could be for farming purposes, grazing purposes, hunting purposes, etc. This sentiment may be more applicable for Wisconsinites than Minnesotans (whom Wisconsinites feel take their land and water for granted) but it's only been 6 months or so since I've moved out here and I've got the bug. I want some land. I, however, would use the land for a number of alternative reasons; here are my top ten:
1) Build a shopping mall.
2) Build batting cages and outdoor bowling alleys.
3) Personal movie theatre with stadium seating.
4) Obstacle Course.
5) An extended deck complete with hot tub, fire pit, and koi pond.
6) A movie set for Hollywood to use for any movie scenes involving the good land.
7) A rehearsal studio complex for local bands as that would be a money making machine...with coin-operated washers and dryers.
8) Maybe even just an enormous coin-operated laundromat...though, people out here mostly do their laundry at home so this would be a stupid idea.
9) Six Flags Twin Cities.
10) Ice Luge.
I should also mention that in addition to having land, people love trucks. And, likewise, I now, too, want a truck. I mean, my CR-V was a small SUV to being with...out here, I feel like I drive a coupe.
1) They love America.
2) They love owning land and doing stuff with it.
Maybe there's just a shortage of actual land real estate back in the East and there's plenty of it out here in the Midwest, but people want acres and acres of land. This could be for farming purposes, grazing purposes, hunting purposes, etc. This sentiment may be more applicable for Wisconsinites than Minnesotans (whom Wisconsinites feel take their land and water for granted) but it's only been 6 months or so since I've moved out here and I've got the bug. I want some land. I, however, would use the land for a number of alternative reasons; here are my top ten:
1) Build a shopping mall.
2) Build batting cages and outdoor bowling alleys.
3) Personal movie theatre with stadium seating.
4) Obstacle Course.
5) An extended deck complete with hot tub, fire pit, and koi pond.
6) A movie set for Hollywood to use for any movie scenes involving the good land.
7) A rehearsal studio complex for local bands as that would be a money making machine...with coin-operated washers and dryers.
8) Maybe even just an enormous coin-operated laundromat...though, people out here mostly do their laundry at home so this would be a stupid idea.
9) Six Flags Twin Cities.
10) Ice Luge.
I should also mention that in addition to having land, people love trucks. And, likewise, I now, too, want a truck. I mean, my CR-V was a small SUV to being with...out here, I feel like I drive a coupe.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Target
Target is a big deal.
It is such a big deal that I think about going there all the time. Housewares, college dorm-room style furniture, Mossimo, Champion, and surprisingly well-fitted Tees...Target has everything. Greeting cards, toiletries, puzzles, and so much more at such reasonable prices.
I love Super Target. Super Target sells groceries making it the greatest one-stop shop location ever. Where else can you get Nabisco treats, bar soap, pillow cases, shovels, an ottoman, and underpants?
And for those of you who don't know, Target's headquarters are here in great Minnesota.
Until Best Buy, another Minnesota-based company, starts selling legitimate groceries (and not the candies and treats they tempt you with at checkout), Target will be the place to beat.
Walmart is pretty good too.
It is such a big deal that I think about going there all the time. Housewares, college dorm-room style furniture, Mossimo, Champion, and surprisingly well-fitted Tees...Target has everything. Greeting cards, toiletries, puzzles, and so much more at such reasonable prices.
I love Super Target. Super Target sells groceries making it the greatest one-stop shop location ever. Where else can you get Nabisco treats, bar soap, pillow cases, shovels, an ottoman, and underpants?
And for those of you who don't know, Target's headquarters are here in great Minnesota.
Until Best Buy, another Minnesota-based company, starts selling legitimate groceries (and not the candies and treats they tempt you with at checkout), Target will be the place to beat.
Walmart is pretty good too.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Everywhere is Far
Tonight, my wife and I drove nearly an hour north to meet up with friends for a beverage. An hour. That's about an hour there and an hour back.
In that time back East, I could've gone to Manchester or Providence. Those are in two different states.
In that time back East, I could've gone to Manchester or Providence. Those are in two different states.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Driving
Not unlike many other states (or all states?), my Massachusetts license was no good here and I had to take the Minnesota Written Test to get my Minnesota driver's license. Of the maximum I was allowed to get wrong, I got the maximum. I got eight wrong out of forty questions. Two of my favorites (not verbatim)...
• When your high beams are on and a car is approaching on the other side, you should turn off your high beams at:
a) 50 feet
b) 100 feet
c) 500 feet
d) 1500 feet
My answer? I don't even remember. Who has such amazing depth perception from their driver's seat under conditions where high beams would be required?!?!
• Under normal driving conditions, how far should you be behind the car in front of you?
a) 2 seconds
b) 3 seconds
c) 4 seconds
d) 5 seconds
My answer? Overturned hands, jaw-drop, look around the room like someone stepped on my toe.
Now about the driving...
PEOPLE DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT. I have found that when I'm on I94W, driving into the cities, when it says Speed Limit: 65mph, that means people are going to drive 65mph. This rule-following causes traffic, delays, accidents, and any other possible traffic disappointment possible. Cab drivers talk on their cell phones and swerve lanes (I don't know that they speak English, either) and there no shortage of cars that should not be on the road.
Here's a difference between Massachusetts and Minnesota...
In MA, you need to have your car inspected annually ($29) to make sure it is fit to be on the road. This is to prevent having cars on the road that could cause an accident. In MN, you pay an annual fee for updated stickers to be placed on your license place. I have no idea what these stickers do, but if I'm paying MN for them, they must do something. It's like 1-3 horsepower more for my vehicle.
Yes, there are more trucks, American-made vehicles, and cars over 3 colors on the road.
Another observation...I may live close to the MN/WI border, but I certainly see my Green Bay Packers stickers or decals than Vikings ones on cars. WTF?
To close, I feel I need to mention how incredibly confusing a few highways are in Minnesota.
View Larger Map
• When your high beams are on and a car is approaching on the other side, you should turn off your high beams at:
a) 50 feet
b) 100 feet
c) 500 feet
d) 1500 feet
My answer? I don't even remember. Who has such amazing depth perception from their driver's seat under conditions where high beams would be required?!?!
• Under normal driving conditions, how far should you be behind the car in front of you?
a) 2 seconds
b) 3 seconds
c) 4 seconds
d) 5 seconds
My answer? Overturned hands, jaw-drop, look around the room like someone stepped on my toe.
Now about the driving...
PEOPLE DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT. I have found that when I'm on I94W, driving into the cities, when it says Speed Limit: 65mph, that means people are going to drive 65mph. This rule-following causes traffic, delays, accidents, and any other possible traffic disappointment possible. Cab drivers talk on their cell phones and swerve lanes (I don't know that they speak English, either) and there no shortage of cars that should not be on the road.
Here's a difference between Massachusetts and Minnesota...
In MA, you need to have your car inspected annually ($29) to make sure it is fit to be on the road. This is to prevent having cars on the road that could cause an accident. In MN, you pay an annual fee for updated stickers to be placed on your license place. I have no idea what these stickers do, but if I'm paying MN for them, they must do something. It's like 1-3 horsepower more for my vehicle.
Yes, there are more trucks, American-made vehicles, and cars over 3 colors on the road.
Another observation...I may live close to the MN/WI border, but I certainly see my Green Bay Packers stickers or decals than Vikings ones on cars. WTF?
To close, I feel I need to mention how incredibly confusing a few highways are in Minnesota.
View Larger Map
94 is what goes from East to West through the Twin Cities. This makes a lot of sense. If you look carefully, there is 694 and 494 which form a circle around 94 north and south respectively. Both of these highways can go N, W, S, or E. You can be on 694N and 694W at the same time...but it's important to know where the hell you are for it to make any sense. There is also the beauty of 35. There are two 35s. The run along the Mississippi River and indicate where it is relative to the river thus making them 35E or 35W. But both 35E and 35W can run north and south. So, if you ever visit, do not be alarmed when you hear, "go on 35E North or 35W South. Messed up.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Snow
So, Boston gets quite a bit of snow so I'm no stranger to snow. From talking with my lovely wife, who was born and raised in Minnesota, I've learned that Minnesota doesn't necessarily get more snow than Boston, per sé, but it happens all at once (which it did) and then slowly melts away which creates the poop snow that you inevitably get all up in your car, home, and pantalones.
Here's my thing.
Cold, you can do something about it. Wear some thermal and get a big-ass coat and winter accessories and you'll survive. Snow, however, I think I've had enough of. The shoveling. The coming home after a day's work and shoveling. The poop snow. The poop snow everywhere. Kicking the poop snow off my car before I enter my garage. Pushing the snow off your car. And when you brush up against your car, you've covered in salt.
My small patch of lawn in front of my lovely home still has snow stacked higher than my wife. Yes. She could stand behind the snow bank and I would not see her.
There's a lot of snow here and it happened over a 2 week period and it will take the next three months to melt. Winters, from what I understand, last a heck of a lot longer than back East so, come baseball season, I should be back to waking up to sunlight and not worry about letting my car warm up.
If you haven't checked it out, pick up Lewis Black's Rules of Enragement. Great bits on Minnesota weather.
Here's my thing.
Cold, you can do something about it. Wear some thermal and get a big-ass coat and winter accessories and you'll survive. Snow, however, I think I've had enough of. The shoveling. The coming home after a day's work and shoveling. The poop snow. The poop snow everywhere. Kicking the poop snow off my car before I enter my garage. Pushing the snow off your car. And when you brush up against your car, you've covered in salt.
My small patch of lawn in front of my lovely home still has snow stacked higher than my wife. Yes. She could stand behind the snow bank and I would not see her.
There's a lot of snow here and it happened over a 2 week period and it will take the next three months to melt. Winters, from what I understand, last a heck of a lot longer than back East so, come baseball season, I should be back to waking up to sunlight and not worry about letting my car warm up.
If you haven't checked it out, pick up Lewis Black's Rules of Enragement. Great bits on Minnesota weather.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Sports
Let me talk about Minnesotan and Wisconsinite sports perspectives. Granted, I left Boston at the end of a decade of pure sports dominance so I do come with much experience in celebrating.
In the past decade, I've witnessed...
6 [SIX] championship parades:
2001 Patriots
2003 Patriots
2004 Patriots
2004 Red Sox
2007 Red Sox
2008 Celtics
• The greatest lefty/righty tandem in baseball in David Ortiz (released by the Twins) and Manny Ramirez.
• The tallest NHL player in history in Zdeno Chára (6'9").
• The wizardry of Pedro Martinez.
• The snow bowl.
• The 2001 Patriots coming out together as a team at the Super Bowl.
• Varitek shoving his glove onto ARod's face, picking him up, and tackling him.
• ARod slapping Bronson Arroyo's ball.
• Kevin Garnett (from the Timberwolves) teaming up with The Truth and Jesus Shuttlesworth to bring a championship home.
• Doug Mientkiewicz (from the Twins) catching the final out from Keith Foulke to end an 86 year World Series drought.
• THREE Super Bowls in 4 years. Good lord.
[et cetera]
I really could go on and on...but this is a great starting place.
Minnesota fans do love their teams. AND their players. But there's such a defeatist mentality when it comes down to it.
Once the Vikings lost a game this season (after starting 6-0 and losing to a then very good Steelers team), I heard ramblings of it being over and that the Packers were going to somehow kick their ass and how Childress this and Favre that. Even now, Vikings fans tell me they don't know how the Purple will do in the postseason. Honestly? Dallas is hot right now but it's an any given Sunday situation and I can see this Sunday's game going either way. Vikes fans. Believe. Show support. GO TO THE GAMES. I found it ridiculous that the Minnesota Vikings were still emailing mid-season offering me discounted tickets to games. It's not even an outdoor stadium! I can't believe seasons aren't perennially sold out! I feel like I could get tickets to Sunday's Divisional playoff if I tried! Boston playoffs? Not a chance.
I've been to a number of Twins games and people are more interested in the games and prizes that happen in-between innings (Yes, Fenway Faithful. Other stadiums have giveaways and such to keep people coming.). Fans aren't the most polite either of the visiting team's fans. I saw some folks with Cleveland jerseys getting heckled and when the Sox were in town and I donned Sox gear, I got some crap. Even in Fenway, only Yankees jerseys got booed. As they should. And again, games are never sold out. There's a brand spanking new park opening this April and I have no expectation of the local people showing enough support to keep the franchise thriving. Note to fans: if you love your players, especially your homegrown players, GO TO THE GAMES. It's not even about the t-shirts or jerseys or hats or anything. GO TO GAMES. On another note, this new stadium is ridiculous. Was the franchise not aware of what the weather is typically like here in April and May? No roof? WHAT?!?!
Timberwolves. Okay.
The Minnesota Wild. Good team. Tough division. I don't know too many fans, but I don't know what to do with hockey fans. I'm glad Culver's supports them though. Culvers, my East Coast brethren, is a sight to behold. They do butter burgers and custard. Making McDonald's look like a salad bar, Culver's does make some tasty junk.
Wisconsinites are a bit simpler. They love Brett Favre. I can feel the warmth of his presence in every conversation about him. I'm starting to think that it is possible that his poop doesn't stink. Two questions. Is Favre not the oldest looking 40 year old and is he only allowed to wear Wrangler jeans?
Wisconsinites are Packers fans and Packers fans are for real. They're a through thick-and-thin, owned by the people, for the people, of the people breed that stands by their team. I respect that. The cheesehead thing is wild but I can dig it. It seems like Wisconsinites like the Brewers, but it's still a small market team. The Bucks. Okay.
I suppose being outside the capital of Red Sox & Patriot Nation or another big sports market like New York or Chicago, you're gonna see fandom like this any where else.
My wife pitched to me that I could catch Sox games here in MN. Series is in April. I'd have to cover myself in thermal if I were to go to the series.
In the past decade, I've witnessed...
6 [SIX] championship parades:
2001 Patriots
2003 Patriots
2004 Patriots
2004 Red Sox
2007 Red Sox
2008 Celtics
• The greatest lefty/righty tandem in baseball in David Ortiz (released by the Twins) and Manny Ramirez.
• The tallest NHL player in history in Zdeno Chára (6'9").
• The wizardry of Pedro Martinez.
• The snow bowl.
• The 2001 Patriots coming out together as a team at the Super Bowl.
• Varitek shoving his glove onto ARod's face, picking him up, and tackling him.
• ARod slapping Bronson Arroyo's ball.
• Kevin Garnett (from the Timberwolves) teaming up with The Truth and Jesus Shuttlesworth to bring a championship home.
• Doug Mientkiewicz (from the Twins) catching the final out from Keith Foulke to end an 86 year World Series drought.
• THREE Super Bowls in 4 years. Good lord.
[et cetera]
I really could go on and on...but this is a great starting place.
Minnesota fans do love their teams. AND their players. But there's such a defeatist mentality when it comes down to it.
Once the Vikings lost a game this season (after starting 6-0 and losing to a then very good Steelers team), I heard ramblings of it being over and that the Packers were going to somehow kick their ass and how Childress this and Favre that. Even now, Vikings fans tell me they don't know how the Purple will do in the postseason. Honestly? Dallas is hot right now but it's an any given Sunday situation and I can see this Sunday's game going either way. Vikes fans. Believe. Show support. GO TO THE GAMES. I found it ridiculous that the Minnesota Vikings were still emailing mid-season offering me discounted tickets to games. It's not even an outdoor stadium! I can't believe seasons aren't perennially sold out! I feel like I could get tickets to Sunday's Divisional playoff if I tried! Boston playoffs? Not a chance.
I've been to a number of Twins games and people are more interested in the games and prizes that happen in-between innings (Yes, Fenway Faithful. Other stadiums have giveaways and such to keep people coming.). Fans aren't the most polite either of the visiting team's fans. I saw some folks with Cleveland jerseys getting heckled and when the Sox were in town and I donned Sox gear, I got some crap. Even in Fenway, only Yankees jerseys got booed. As they should. And again, games are never sold out. There's a brand spanking new park opening this April and I have no expectation of the local people showing enough support to keep the franchise thriving. Note to fans: if you love your players, especially your homegrown players, GO TO THE GAMES. It's not even about the t-shirts or jerseys or hats or anything. GO TO GAMES. On another note, this new stadium is ridiculous. Was the franchise not aware of what the weather is typically like here in April and May? No roof? WHAT?!?!
Timberwolves. Okay.
The Minnesota Wild. Good team. Tough division. I don't know too many fans, but I don't know what to do with hockey fans. I'm glad Culver's supports them though. Culvers, my East Coast brethren, is a sight to behold. They do butter burgers and custard. Making McDonald's look like a salad bar, Culver's does make some tasty junk.
Wisconsinites are a bit simpler. They love Brett Favre. I can feel the warmth of his presence in every conversation about him. I'm starting to think that it is possible that his poop doesn't stink. Two questions. Is Favre not the oldest looking 40 year old and is he only allowed to wear Wrangler jeans?
Wisconsinites are Packers fans and Packers fans are for real. They're a through thick-and-thin, owned by the people, for the people, of the people breed that stands by their team. I respect that. The cheesehead thing is wild but I can dig it. It seems like Wisconsinites like the Brewers, but it's still a small market team. The Bucks. Okay.
I suppose being outside the capital of Red Sox & Patriot Nation or another big sports market like New York or Chicago, you're gonna see fandom like this any where else.
My wife pitched to me that I could catch Sox games here in MN. Series is in April. I'd have to cover myself in thermal if I were to go to the series.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Friendliness
People in the Midwest truly are friendlier.
For one, if I were to go through a McDonald's drive-thru, not only am I greeted warmly and with the kind of energy and positivity found in the Chapter President of any Team Jacob Club, I am also bid farewell with the same enthusiasm. What a stark contrast from the asian or hispanic I would typically get in Boston where I'd be constantly worried that they'd get my order wrong (This is if I were to actually go through a McDonald's drive-thru, of course).
The other day, I went to a local grocery store near my office to grab some 1% milk and a quick lunch. I was stopped by nearly every employee and was asked if I was finding everything okay or if there was anything they could help me with. Some of these employees spoke slower to me than others. Was I the only minority in this supermarket? Yes. Does that take away from the niceness? Absolutely not.
I had a coupon for a free oil change for being new to the area. I could end there but I think it's worth mentioning that I had the most charming conversation with the shop owner and his handyman about weather, owning land, maintaining a home, being home for supper...not only did I feel like I was being accepted in this new area, I felt like I was being ushered into a new social club. I would now refuse an oil change whereupon I did not receive such personal attention. I mattered. My car mattered. And now, if I get another free oil change voucher, I will go back again.
For one, if I were to go through a McDonald's drive-thru, not only am I greeted warmly and with the kind of energy and positivity found in the Chapter President of any Team Jacob Club, I am also bid farewell with the same enthusiasm. What a stark contrast from the asian or hispanic I would typically get in Boston where I'd be constantly worried that they'd get my order wrong (This is if I were to actually go through a McDonald's drive-thru, of course).
The other day, I went to a local grocery store near my office to grab some 1% milk and a quick lunch. I was stopped by nearly every employee and was asked if I was finding everything okay or if there was anything they could help me with. Some of these employees spoke slower to me than others. Was I the only minority in this supermarket? Yes. Does that take away from the niceness? Absolutely not.
I had a coupon for a free oil change for being new to the area. I could end there but I think it's worth mentioning that I had the most charming conversation with the shop owner and his handyman about weather, owning land, maintaining a home, being home for supper...not only did I feel like I was being accepted in this new area, I felt like I was being ushered into a new social club. I would now refuse an oil change whereupon I did not receive such personal attention. I mattered. My car mattered. And now, if I get another free oil change voucher, I will go back again.
The First Post
I've wanted to start a blog of quips and anecdotes especially noting my observations of the experience of coming from Boston, MA and moving to St. Paul, MN and working in River Falls, WI since I got here in September. Couple that with my jargon on being a newlywed and a homeowner and learning how I really don't know too much about housekeeping and this is what I came up with.
Go me.
Go me.
These are my favorite people. My wife is my favorite.
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