Minneapolis, I hardly knew ye

Dear Twin Cities,

The time has come for us to say goodbye, too soon. Two years isn't enough to really get to know you; it's barely enough to get used to your winters. And yet the time has come for me to move on to other things. Things that are possibly bigger and better, but considerably less friendly.

I'll miss some things about you, Twin Cities. Your bike paths and parks, your lakes and fantastic summer weather are really some of your main draws. Not to mention the ice cream places (within walking distance!) I have come to know and love. From now on, my life will be incomplete without Guinness ice cream. I'll also miss Summit Ave., walking to the movie theater, Lakes Calhoun and Harriet, the MOA, the Irish Fair, Grand Old Days and good old Bus #63. We've shared some good times, you and I.

But we both know that relationships aren't perfect, Twin Cities. I'm willing to grant you your somewhat irrational love for the State Fair. And, if you twist my arm, I'll even ignore the strange names you have for things, like the kids' game 'Duck Duck Gray Duck' or calling all casseroles 'hotdish'. However, I am just not okay with the passive-aggressive tendency, or the fact that 'Minnesota Nice' is just a cover for any sort of backstabbing that may be going on. Also, the fact that your drivers tailgate like they want to see themselves in my bumper, or all the merging and exiting that happens on your highways from the left? Twin Cities, these have caused me hours of stress. I'm not pointing this out to hurt you; I'm just trying to be honest. I haven't lived in MN long enough that I can sugarcoat everything. Sorry.

I have to say, though, that you broadened my life. My first job, apartment and car were with you. Thanks to your (relatively) close proximity to the SPAM Museum, I tried that 'food' for the first time. I met many, many fantastic people, thanks to you. There really are much worse places than you, Twin Cities, and I'm glad to have gotten to know you. Don't ever change.

Well, except for the awful drivers and the ridiculously convoluted highways. That's annoying as hell.

Love,
Bridget