Dear Minneapolis

I’m new here. Well, newish. I was born in this city, lived next door in St. Paul and even spent a year in Northeast (which I didn’t take nearly enough time enjoying.) But, I’m back to explore.

Coming from Brooklyn, I was certain that this would be a big change. There are way less people, way more trees and way more parking lots. Way more rabbits and squirrels with no rat sightings (yet.) Every errand takes twice as long because the cashiers have stories to tell you and lots of small talk to fit in.

You have more babies and children here. More backyard BBQ’s and less 3AM pizza spots. More birthday parties with water balloons and princess cakes. I’ve always been a fan of day drinking, so I’m OK with brunches that happen before noon and nights that end when the sun goes down. It makes me feel like more of an adult.

The words here are familiar and my funny sounding O’s and A’s don’t stick out as badly here. Not once have I been asked if I’m Canadian. People understand pull tabs, meat raffles and you always get a beer chaser with a Bloody Mary. Walleye sandwiches are available everywhere and they are the best fish for eating (IMO) and tater tots are as common as French fries.

Our home is in South Minneapolis and the only loud sounds I hear here are airplanes. No more garbage trucks at 3 AM. A siren from a fire truck is extremely rare in our neighborhood. I hear birds instead of people yelling outside the window.

It’s just different, but also wonderful. I’m writing this with my windows open and the most wonderful summer breeze coming in. It feels like home for now because home is where you make it. I miss Brooklyn often, but I’m also happy to be here. So thank you Minneapolis for welcoming us back. I’ll be here just drinking beers, eating cheese curds and trying to replace the f word with “Uff da” until I’m not.

Love,

Steph

If you want to read more about our move back to Minnesota, I listed some reasons I’m excited to be back here and created a Minnesota Bucket List.