• 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.
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