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Bombchelle’s top 10

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I came across this and had to post it. Thank you, Explosive Bombchelle! ha,ha. 🙂 It’s not that I personally “hate” Minnesota…it’s just that I find a lot of truth to be said in her words!

Top 10 things I hate about Minnesota
Although I made it well past the five years I agreed to live in Minneapolis, it is not because I fell completely head over heels about my new “home” location. Every area of the world has its own little issues that give residents reason to complain and keep the population under control. Imagine if Seattle had beautiful weather; the whole world would live there. Minnesota has many positive things going for it; however, the following list outlines the reasons why I will not retire Minnesota:
1. Winter-It is quite tiring to hear people talk about how easy winters are these days and how much worse they were in the early 90s, the 80s, the 70s, etc. Maybe this is how everyone deals with the miserable winters; make them out to be better then they really are. Three things make the winters in Minnesota horrible. First is the unbearable cold; there is just no way to describe the bone-chilling feeling of death that is -20F. I can still vividly recall like it was yesterday walking 6 blocks from the car to the Metrodome on an evening with a -35 wind chill reading and wishing the lord would just end the misery and take me someplace warm, and this was nearly 10 years ago. Then there is the snow which does not come until February or March, when winter is all but done in most of the world, because it is too cold to snow in January. Snow is beautiful around the Christmas holiday, not Easter. Adding insult to injury, the beauty that is fall in Minnesota, my favorite season, is cut far too short with winter coming well before the solstice and lasting beyond the Spring Equinox. The bonus issue with long harsh winters is how they destroy roads, leading to everyone’s least favorite season, construction season, when roads are closed for months on end to repair winter’s damage.
2. Mosquitoes-Jokingly known as the state bird, the lakes and humid summer conditions create the perfect breeding ground for the mosquito. Mosquitoes could easily band together and pick up small children and animals; carrying them clear cross-state. These little blood suckers grow to the size of dinner plates and their bites leave larger welts on your skin then if you were hit by a Johan Santana fastball. A good run of West Nile or worse would create a health epidemic of monumental proportions.
3. Hunting-Minneapolis is ranked as the 13th most “Humane City” in the United States by the American Humane Society. It is well above average in most animal-friendly indicators; few pet stores sell puppies (stores “stock” dogs through puppy mills), low number of fur shops and heavy regulations on “show-animals” like those for circuses. The one thing that drops Minneapolis to 13th in the rankings is the hunting culture that is prevalent across the state. I will never understand how people could kill animals for pleasure and live with themselves. I am from NY, we don’t shoot animals, we shoot each other; chances are the animal did not deserve it.
4. Minnesota Nice-Minnesotans are very nice on the outside, however, beneath the surface lies the real truth to all the smiles and niceties; Passive-Aggressiveness. Passive Aggressive is loosely defined as behavior in which damaging emotions, especially anger, are expressed indirectly through negative conduct and disguised resistance to the demands or expectations of others. No matter how upset, angered, frustrated or pissed-off a native Minnesotan gets at a person they remain stoically silent, avoid showing their unhappiness and even go so far as appearing agreeable to the person or actions that get their panties in a bunch. Locals will sit and watch a light change green a dozen times and never use their horn to wake the person in front of them up. A co-worker will make a bad decision and no one will say anything to correct them, instead complaining to others in the meeting after the meeting without fixing the situation. Any sign of directly expressing your opinion or speaking your mind is considered rude. As you can imagine, being from a passionate Italian-American New York family, where survival is based on your ability to stand your ground, makes me much (Minnesota) different then everyone around me and the transition to living amongst the passive-aggressiveness very (Minnesota) interesting.
5. I’ll be home for Christmas-I grew up in a close-knit family with my parents and two sisters, only about 2 miles away from my Grandmother, aunts and most of my cousins. Those in the family who were not within the 2 mile radius could be reached in less than 30 minutes. While most of my family still lives within an easy drive of each other, I live over 1000 miles away. I am fortunate to make it home for most major holidays and a few other visits during the year, but what I miss is Sunday dinners, popping in unannounced for coffee, meeting close friends and family for a beer at the local watering hole, random family events and casual BBQs. It is very hard to see the life you once had disappear and everyone going on without you; people all but forgetting to include you in events because they assume you will not be in town. I really cannot say I hate Minnesota, I just hate that it is so far away from those I love.
6. Scandinavian Beauties-Growing up in a community dominated by those of Southern European descent made being a 5’ 9’’ blonde with blue eyes incredibly fun. It is easy to stand out in a crowd when most of those around you are a half a foot shorter. Mostly everyone comes from a Scandinavian, Baltic or German background; they are tall, blonde, fair and beautiful. Frankly suddenly being average is quite annoying.
7. Cliques-93% of the people who are born in Minnesota die in Minnesota, with most spending all the time between their birth and death solidly planted within the state boundaries. This situation allows natives to develop incredible longtime friendships but makes it quite difficult to be a transplant. Luckily I am married to a Minnesotan and his friends have let me in their inner circle, but most are not so fortunate to have this avenue to break in and make friends.
8. Family Friendliness-To say the taxes in Minnesota are high is like saying Brittany Spears is going through a little rough patch. We pay state and local governments through the nose but in return get America’s best schools, plenty of parkland filled with playgrounds, locally subsidized after school programs and enrichment activities. All wonderful things if you have children, which I do not. So my taxes rarely support things that I could actually use like better roads (you should just see the disgrace of the street I live on), a local dog park (Minnetonka is surrounded by cities with dog parks but does not have their own!), and adequate public transportation. Just to go off a little more on the tax situation I still cannot believe that taxes do not include trash pickup (have to hire that yourself), sewers or streetlights (which we pay for additionally as well even though we have neither on our block).
9. Land Locked-Lakes are pretty, but nothing beats the feeling of water as far as the eye can see, the smell of salt and miles and miles of sandy beaches. When my life becomes overwhelming with mounting responsibilities and issues I am overcome by a feeling of claustrophobia; like the walls of the world closing in on me. My cure when living by the ocean was simple; take a walk on the beach or sit on a rock overlooking the open water and enjoy the beauty of the sea. Calmness displaces insanity the instant you breathe in the ocean air, listen to waves crashing against the shoreline and feel sand tickle your toes. Without that release, I am unable to break a feeling of entrapment.
10. Where’s the DeliOh, how I miss a good NY deli; a place where you can order a mile high made-to-order pepperoni sandwich on crusty bread with all the fixings, a good potato salad, a fresh kosher dill pickle, a pound of deli meat, piping hot knishes, homemade rice pudding, a full chicken dinner, the newspaper, a 6-pack of beer and a lottery ticket. A few places outside the northeast have attempted to call themselves a deli, but they always fall short. As a self-proclaimed “foodie” I miss both the convenience and quality of deli food the most, followed closely by Italian bakeries, pizza joints that sell amazing pizza by the slice, good Chinese food that delivers and Wise potato chips. Lucky for me alot of this is easily solved with frequent trips home and very big luggage.

Artisan

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“It’s okay Baby Arun, we know it’s hard to be a little guy sometimes” Mommy Beverly said. “Yes, Baby Arun and sometimes it’s hard to be a big guy too,” says a very understanding Nishad. The more they grow, the more I marvel at them…

With my last holiday card order and photo sessions complete for December, I can sit back and relax a bit. I really do love receiving cards in the mail from friends, family and clients. This year I have an added feeling of bliss as I’m also once again seeing the photos I captured of people or the cards I designed…it brings so much pure joy in my heart. Thank you to those who give me the honor of capturing the essence of family and for designing custom cards- unique as each family really is. I was finally able to work on our card as well. It was snowing out when I was working on it, so being that it’s the beginning of the season and I’ve already had enough cold weather, I decided to send everyone warm wishes. This was a rather impromptu decision, but people know exactly what my mind frame is of late. ha,ha. A card with a featured double meaning.

Ashish and I were both feeling under the weather (the kids were not affected at all- they have been fantastic). We actually decided to make our health a priority instead of pushing through commitments…Which, for me, was suppose to be a busy week of a park and recreation meeting, set-up at city hall for Santa Day and the event following on Saturday. I know that would have only made me worse and run-down. Ashish and I have never been the type of people who knowingly go out and spread germs to begin with. Even when our kids don’t feel 100%, out of courtesy and respect, we inform other parents and cancel social events. It’s not fun having a sick little one. It does amaze me how many parents ignore that their child doesn’t feel well and they drag them along anyway. I know as an adult when I don’t feel good, I don’t feel very social. I’m sure children don’t feel much different.

Last Friday I purchased a book and it wasn’t a children’s book! ha,ha. I am tickled at my new little discovery! As someone who grew-up surrounded by real bakeries and having a background of a Czech and German lineage I can confidently say, BREAD is my friend. Carbs, on the other hand, are a different story! However, who wants to pay $5.-6.00 a loaf for good bread? I’ll admit I have…but who wants to? I also missed the fresh, rustic European breads that are found in Chicagoland. I have found a few places in Minnesota that I can find decent bread- but it’s at chain stores. Behold, the answer! Artisan Bread in Five Minutes. I was so excited when I came across this book. I was ecstatic when I started reading it! I was delighted when I tasted it! So simple, so easy, so grateful to the author for sharing his secrets and for the co-author for sharing her tips and creating these user friendly recipes (for those of us who only “act” like we are trained at the Culinary Institute of America). You can mix everything up in one bowl, no kneading required. Better yet, the dough keeps in the fridge! So, everyday I can love me some bread! Furthermore, they are local authors. As an artist, I love to be able to support fellow, local artists. Check out co-author, Zoe Bakes, food blog.

I have often said I could survive on bread alone, chips and a good salsa alone. I still believe that!

Grand Weekend!

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Alas, we are back from a wonderful weekend from the Twin Cities! You’ll find our reviews of “The Grand Meander,” “Swingin’ Nutcracker,” “2008 Hollidazzle Parade,” “Hyatt,” and “India House” restaurant below!

Destination number 1: The Grand Meander
Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota

Despite a late start (it began snowing the night before and the city that we live in hasn’t heard about the 1979 Mayoral race for re-election that Chicago Mayor Michael Bilandic lost because of failing to getting the city moving with snow plows!), we made it to the Grand Meander by 11AM. One gets the impression that the people of Saint Paul are so proud of their city. Such a spirited, cultured group. The sidewalks were a buzz with holiday shoppers taking advantage of the deals and free samples offered to those that ventured out to meander. We shopped and shopped at Wonderment. Ashish and I really enjoyed creatively picking out toys for the boys so, Nishad especially, wouldn’t see what we were purchasing. It helped that as soon as we picked something out, the lady that works their would take it and gift wrap it for us. This is a mother owned toy store that offer natural toys. It’s definitely worth a visit- or two! Just one visit will explain to you why they are a ‘different’ kind of toy store. If you bring your children, be sure to check out the big tree in the back of the store! For those of you that don’t live near Wonderment, you’re in luck! Through Wonderment’s web site, you can purchase the best holiday toys for your little ones and have them shipped direct. We at lunch, Nishad rang the Salvation Army bell for the Saint Paul Fire Department (a highlight for him!), we weaved in and out of people while pushing the double stroller through the snow as kinda, friendly people smiled… This was our second year attending. We first went in 2006, and then missed last year because I had to ‘work’ our city Santa Day event. I was really happy when I found out that the two events didn’t conflict this year!

Destination number 2: “Swingin’ Nutcracker”
Location: Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis

Much to our delight and luck, we were given four, main floor tickets to the 2PM for the “Swingin’ Nutcracker” only this past Tuesday! Originally, I entered us in a drawing (the only way to see the show, that is suppose to be one of the hottest children’s holiday tickets in town!) and we didn’t get tickets. I received an e-mail early on in the week with instructions to respond if I would be interested in some “partial view” seats. I thought, “Anything is better than nothing!” And, being that we will be in the area anyway, it would work out wonderfully! I sent off my confirmation e-mail, only to receive another e-mail back, explaining that they were able to seat us with our 1 year old and 3 year old on the main floor! What an awesome surprise! Pre-show they have musical activities that were such a hit. The show itself was AMAZING! Even Arun enjoyed it. A live orchestra, and the best dancers combined with a spirited audience…this is what the holidays are made of! The show is only an hour long as well- perfect for a dose of culture for children- and those children at heart. Nishad is already such the little theatre-goer! He’s an audience member that makes me proud. He is quiet, listens, pays attention and applauds promptly when the music or dance is over. My little gentleman!

Destination 3: Hyatt
Location: Nicolette Mall, Minneapolis
Upon walking into the Hyatt, you immediately notice the water, marble and beautiful Christmas displays and decorations. Nishad had fun checking out the HUGE Gingerbread house and Santa’s sleigh display. Our room wasn’t ready (However, we were technically checking in early.), but they gave us another room of equal of better quality. Our room was nice. It was one of the few that actually have a balcony that let’s you open up your room and sit and watch the pool. This would be a great spot, especially if you have older kids. However, at night and early in the morning, it was nosy. This is “the” location for the Hollidazzle parade. We walked out of our room at 6:20PM, literally walked through the parade (lined in front of our hotel), crossed the street, had a curb-side spot next to Eyewitness 5 News, waited less than 5-minutes and the parade started! It was cold, however, we were prepared with plenty of blankets. The best part was that we were the last ones to come out to the parade, the first ones to leave (as we were viewing the parade at the start) and it was a short walk back to our snugly, warm and cozy beds! The following morning, we headed downstairs to Taxxi for the breakfast buffet. The buffet was $17.95 per person. Children 5 and under are free. A heads up- parking is $17 a night. (That’s still better than $50 a night while we were in Chicago while staying at The Avenue .)

Destination 4: Hollidazzle Parade
Location: Nicolette Mall, Minneapolis

I have to admit that the 2008 Hollidazzle parade sponsored by Target was a bit lack-luster. It wasn’t exactly a fairytale for all. A few our our personal favorites were the train and the soldiers, but overall, it lacked “sparkle” despite being lit up. Nishad seemed to enjoy it though, so maybe I just need to view it through the perspective of a child. After all, it’s our children’s perceptions that really count. So, C- from this Mommy and a solid B from Nishad.
Location: Minneapolis

Hands down, Ashish and I both agree, this is THE best Indian restaurant we have eaten at since Chicago. This out ranks Taste of India in St. Louis Park- which use to give us our Indian fix when we were in a pinch or didn’t want to actually make it. Merely two blocks away from our hotel, I walked in and placed an order for carryout. Our order consisted of vegetarian samosas, alu gobi, chicken vindaloo and rice biyrani. The total came to $40. They also supplied plates and plastic cutlery. The wait time was about 15-minutes. The food…excellent! Note: One Friday nights they now offer live classical Indian music.

Hair Raising Drive

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Bad choices. We are all guilty of making them. Hopefully, we learn from them.
I made a choice to venture out on Friday night to pick up some stuff from a print suppler and make a dash to Target. While it was snowing when I left the house around 7PM on Friday, the roads were not covered in black ice. However, they were coated with snow as we live in a city that doesn’t believe in plowing until the snow stops- to which I say, why not wait until Spring then? ha,ha. They will eventually melt. Give us our tax dollars and we’ll outsource plowing for the main arteries of our neighborhood. Leave it to the citizens that keep the town moving~ Especially, a commuter city.
While heading back home on I-94, on the strip between Maple Grove and Rogers a car, about two car lengths a head of me, hit black ice and spun out. The car landed with the two back tires in the ditch, and was luckily able to drive out of it. As I was about to hyperventilate, I quickly tried to react calmly. Ice too was now on black ice. I took my foot of the brake and eased myself to a stop. Thankfully, others behind me witnessed the spin out as well. Continuing on, we were all traveling at about 15MPH in traffic congestion. This could only mean that there was another accident ahead. There were- several to be exact. A few cars on the shoulder and a few in ditches- even down embankments.
I was never so relieved to see the exit for our house. Upon the ramp, there was another accident. Of course, I turned off the county road to a side street only to find our roads a mess of slush and ice underneath. Cars in the subdivision where sliding all over.
Needless to say, I feel so blessed and thankful that I am safe. It cried when I pulled in the driveway and stayed outside a bit to shovel. I didn’t want the boys to see me crying. (Yes, my cheeks were frozen!) Don’t get me wrong, Minnesota is a beautiful place and we’ve been very fortunate to live and lead the comfortable lifestyle that we do have here. However, I’m quite ‘over’ the snow and it’s only the beginning of the season. I think it’s time to start researching our next vacation.