I was born in Menomonie, Wisconsin. When my age was still measured in months instead of years, we moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where we lived for a few years and then we moved to Rochester, Minnesota. I've lived in Minnesota ever since. I'm telling you all of this because I feel it's relevant to share how long I've been a resident of the state. I swear, it becomes important soon.
Every year about this time, I hear a lot of whining about the weather. There's lots of talk about the cool temperatures coming, about winter or some other Fargo-esque talk. It's not too bad this time of the year, many people (like me) are happy to see the change in season and are ready to break out that Minnesota tried and true piece of clothing: the sweatshirt. It's to be expected to a certain degree, as we live in a state where we really do have to pay attention to weather forecasts.
However, the stupid talk is coming. The lamenting about the snow and the ice and the ice rain. God forbid we see a "wintry mix." I'm here to remind you: it happens every year. The shock and awe all of you display is really starting to wear on me after 30 years. Here's a tip: it's Minnesota. It does this every. single. year. Sometimes it's better, sometimes it's worse, but it always gets pretty cold from November to about April.
Here's another tip: it doesn't happen in every state! There are other states in this crazy, amazing, huge union where it doesn't get cold. Ever! Many of them have very low unemployment rates too, and I'd be willing to bet they'd love to take your Midwestern attitude and sell you a cheap house that doesn't need a furnace.
I, for one, realize that it will get cold. I live here because I kind of like it. I have this obsession with people who embrace their climate. I loved going to keggers in the winter in someone's shed in the middle of nowhere, warmed only by the alcohol, masses of people and the occasional space heater. Conversely, I loved going to a bar in the middle of the desert when I visited Arizona. Put me on a back country road and point me in the direction of that insanity any time.
Yes, sometimes I complain about the weather. Usually around February I start to think, man, I'd really like it if I could spend more than 10 minutes outside or hey, it would be dandy if it wasn't dark out when I left for work AND when I come home. Then I go outside and look at the sparkles in the snow and listen to the insulated quiet and think, wow, I'm lucky to live here.
