I love immersing myself in new cultures and customs. I had to settle for reading about them in books as a child, but as soon as I got into college, I started traveling the world. I didn’t think I’d ever stay anywhere for long, but as soon as our kids came along, I decided to put down roots and provide some stability.
My husband and I have lived in San Diego for decades now. I love our house, our backyard, and our beautiful view. But truth be told, I’ve become a homebody and rarely take advantage of what people love about Southern California. I spend most of my time at my computer running online groups, writing articles, and building AI projects.
So, when one of our sons moved his family to Minnesota, I decided we should follow.
The Midwest has a lot to offer
His family chose the Twin Cities region for the great schools, dynamic business environment, family activities, vibrant arts, and natural beauty. He also loves seasons. He went to college in the Midwest and believes that winters build character and make the other seasons even better.
I agree. I loved the seasons and the snow in Colorado as a child, and I don’t regret a single ice-related hardship I endured as an adult. I’m known for grit and tenacity, qualities that develop only through facing tough times and handling difficult challenges. That said, I don’t expect living in Minneapolis to rival any of my greatest challenges.
When I asked my 8-year-old granddaughter to rate her life in Minnesota, she gave it an 8 out of 10 and said the score might go even higher after I join them. She only gave her San Diego years a 6 out of 10, and I think I know why. She loves her school, the forest behind her house, and her neighborhood. It reminds me of my own childhood. Kids run across lawns, ride bikes, and play games in the street — things I rarely see in Southern California.
My friends have opinions about the move
I’m excited about what lies ahead, but it’s been hard convincing California-native friends that I’ll be happy in Minnesota. They warn me about mosquitoes, and I reply, “Have you been to Southeast Asia?” I spent 13 years surrounded by flying pests, I know how to deal with mosquitoes.
They wonder how I’ll manage the snow and driving on ice, and I remind them that I was raised in Colorado, wanted to live like the people of the Arctic when I grew up, and already know how to drive with tire chains. Besides, mosquitoes and snow aren’t year-round!
I’m looking forward to some change
If traveling taught me anything, it’s not to cling to what I’ve known before and to embrace the place I’m in.
I know I’ll love Minneapolis. When I visited last summer, I was mesmerized by sparkling lakes, vibrant parks, scenic trails winding through forests, and abundant green spaces. I can’t wait to see them in all four seasons.
I’m looking forward to big family gatherings (we have other adult kids there, too), I’ve already got season tickets to the Guthrie Theater, my granddaughter has promised to teach me “headlamping” in the forest near her home, and I’m dreaming of playing in the snow again.
It’s hard to imagine anything better than that, so I won’t.
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