homecoming

Minnesota is a quiet place. I find myself turning on the radio when I am at home alone. I don't want to say that when I think about Minnesota and New York that they are the antithesis of each other. I just feel differently when I am here at home. If home is so familiar why do I find myself continually forgetting things? I forget to wear a jacket in this cold weather. I forget that going out is not the same. I forget that this is going to be semi-permanent. The boxes of clothes and books remind me that I made the decision to pack it all up. I know I can go back to New York. I know that there will be loved ones waiting there for me if and when I choose to do so. For now, however, I must get used to everything and remember how things used to be.


Things are slower here, from my internet connection to the drivers. I yell at drivers and curse at them. The difference here is that my windows are rolled up due not only to the cold, but because here you must always adhere to the policy of MN NICE. It is a policy founded with passivity in mind, the opposite of New Yorkers. New Yorkers will tell you when you are in their way or when you are walking too slowly. Here, you smile at others when really deep inside you are screaming "Bitch. I will cut you if you do not get out of my way!" But I would never even think about uttering such words to a fellow Minnesotan. I think if I did, they would remove me from the state.

Peace,
Alice