One of the worst places to live?

The Pew Research Center recently released a poll ranking people's choices for the U.S. cities in which they would like to live. I believe the institute surveyed 2,000+ people or so. The results? Minneapolis-Saint Paul came in 26 out of 30. Only Kansas City, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Detroit ranked lower. OUCH! Cities like Houston, Las Vegas, Saint Louis, Dallas, Phoenix, and Pittsburgh beat us. Double OUCH (Houston especially - that place is just awful)! I believe Denver came in first, San Diego second and Seattle third.

I have mixed thoughts on this survey. It definitely stung, as I have a lot of hometown pride. However, as we are enduring the worst winter since 1984, I can see why people would not want to live here. It's brutally cold in the winter, disgustingly muggy in the summer, and super sloppy in the spring (when we get a spring). We do have fantastic autumns here, so that's at least something. I get it though - the climate sucks for most of the year. And as it turns out, people really valued climate, particularly warmth, in their choices (though how Seattle came in third then is beyond me - hello no sun for half the year!). Also, most people who move here say it's extraordinarily difficult to break into a group of friends; basically that Minnesota Nice only exists on a surface level. Again, I have to admit they are probably right - I've actually known people who have said that their lives are full and that they don't need any more friends. Obviously, that sort of attitude doesn't help newcomers feel welcome. Plus, the level of passive-aggressiveness that exists here is insane! So much so that some of B's coworkers don't get her when she's just herself - speaks her mind and is completely honest and direct. Hell, sometimes even I don't get that - I'm always searching for the underlying truth of her statements. Clearly, that passive-aggressive thing was hammered into me.

Despite all the bad things about the Twin Cities, I still love it here. And I think others would too, if they gave it a shot. We have fantastic parks, lakes, and trails. We have good schools (Minnesota consistently ranks in the top 5 in the nation), and we have activities for all - all four major sports leagues have teams here, we have a WNBA team and a professional soccer league team, we have fantastic arts (consistently ranking near the top for regional theater, with the Lion King debuting here. Also, the Frida Kahlo show opened its U.S. tour here), and a decent night life (obviously not like NYC). For a city of this size, I think all that stuff is pretty damn good! Also, within 2.5 hours, you can be hanging out in Duluth and exploring Lake Superior, or within 4-5 hours, you can be off exploring the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area. I'm not sure how you beat that.

Maybe there is a lesson for us Minnesotans to learn from this survey: if we want people to move here and endure our brutal climate, we must be kinder and more open to newcomers. No one wants to move anywhere they can't make friends (my sister Samantha is struggling to make friends in Seattle now, and it took Sarah a full year to break in to a group in Northampton - that's hard stuff)! It doesn't help that most Minnesotans grew up here, which means they have a lifetime of built in friends and acquaintances. This also means a lifetime of familial and friend obligations as well. This phenomenon results in busy, full schedules and a crazy social calendar at times. However, it probably wouldn't be that hard to open our doors and our hearts to new folks from time to time. And really, we would probably benefit more from it than the newcomers in the long run anyway. Insularity is NOT a good thing, as it stifles learning and personal growth amongst other things.

Perhaps I should make it a goal to try to meet some new folks this year, sort of a belated New Year's resolution if you can call it that. I think I like that idea. Perhaps we should all give it a shot! Now I just need to figure out how to go about doing that...stay tuned.

It's cold!

I went out to my car this morning and it was cold! It's cold in B's place, my office, and the volleyball gym too. I feel like I can never warm up, and the bad news is that it's not really all that cold yet. Yikes - I may have a long winter ahead of me. I'm particularly worried about riding the train each day, as the walk to the station and the wait for the train can be a bit long at times. I tried wearing a winter hat one day, but then my hair looked ridiculous at work. Not sure what I'm going to do about that, but I'm determined to keep my non-driving streak alive. I guess I'll have to time the train better - perhaps one day I'll finally do that!

Anyway, my point: it feels incredibly cold outside, yet it's not that bad. My car said it was in the mid-20s this evening. I can't imagine what 20 below is going to feel like this season. Perhaps this new anti-cold weather thing is part of the aging phenomenon too - sore from sports, easily cold, what's next? I can only imagine what will happen to me when I hit 40!

Snow and boxelder bugs

The weather forecast called for snow today, but I wasn't sure I believed it (come on, they are always wrong!). It's only October 26th after all. However, there was definitely sleet out there today - yikes! I don't know why these things still surprise me, as I remember vividly the Halloween blizzard of 1991, but for some reason I'm always a bit taken aback when it snows so early.

The upside of the early snow/cold? Death to all the boxelder bugs on the outside of my bedroom window. I hate those damn bugs. They are all over the inside of my window, on the blinds, and on my curtains. I know they are harmless, but they still creep me out. Not a fan of bugs in my house, period. I hope this blast of cold air kills the rest of them so no more can crawl in. I also wish Crosby Pointe would do something about them. They always say there's not much they can do...clearly they are not familiar with a little something called GOOGLE. Sigh. Again, not sure why I'm surprised, as our apartment manager doesn't even know how to keep track of who parks where in the garage...I guess google is just beyond her.

Anyway, we won't have any accumulation today, so the snow isn't really a big deal. However, I did hear that we are supposed to have more snow than usual this year overall, and also that it's supposed to be colder too. Not sure how B will handle that, as she barely made it through last winter! I'm also not sure how I will handle it, since I've been freezing lately, so much so that I have to use this microwavable heating pad that B has. Yikes! Stay tuned...

Another Wedding!

B and I went to my friend Anna's wedding on Saturday, September 13. The wedding was supposed to be outdoors at a country club/golf course in Cottage Grove, but the weather didn't cooperate. Instead, it was held indoors and still turned out very nicely. Plus, the weather cleared up enough for Todd's big surprise for Anna - fireworks! They were actually real fireworks - neat! To make the night even better, several law school friends were also there, and it was great to see them. Life since law school has blown by, and I think it's important to remain in contact with people. So, it was nice - all in all a very nice wedding!

Goal for the 2008 MS Walk: Survival!

Sunday is the MS walk, and I have a goal (in addition to raising tons of money - thanks peeps!): survival. Why you ask? Well, last year I barely managed to escape major injury from a fly away tent (the kind you rent for graduation parties, not the kind you camp in) at a rest stop along the route. Literally.

Here's what happened: I had waited in line for chocolate milk and then I stopped to look at the signs listing the names of the $1000 fundraisers when suddenly I heard the two guys playing guitar and singing nearby say, "WHOA!" I turned to look and the big tent covering the guys was being blown off the ground and heading right toward me. Of course, out of the hundreds of people in the area, the tent somehow only hit me. After it hit me, it then kept going and almost hit a car on the River Road. Fortunately, I was able to throw my arms up in time to protect my head. I just wound up quite scared and with a decent bruise on my elbow. It was honestly quite frightening, and my dad and Samantha will vouch for me when I say I'm not being overdramatic. I truly felt lucky that nothing worse happened.*

So, given that incident, I think survival is an excellent goal for Sunday! Keep your fingers crossed; you never know when a tree branch will fall down or other such calamities might occur!

Also, let's hope for nice weather. Through the years, I've walked in snow, rain, sleet, and a combination of all three. Sunny and cool would be perfect, thank you very much weather gods.

*This blog was shamelessly adapted from a previously posted blog entry on Myspace. Finals are here; cut me some slack!

Jigga what is up with this weather?

I normally don't write about the weather. In fact, I think it's a very boring topic. I hate watching it on the news, etc. I feel like it's often inaccurate anyway, so I might as well just stick my head out the window. However, I think that this weekend's weather warrants a blog entry - it sucked, plain and simple. On Friday night, after a lovely evening of Chipotle and Rock Band (we beat the game by the way), poor Beth and I had to drive back in SNOW. SNOW in late April. It was sort of scary and tense, and I found myself annoyed. Today, I saw snowflakes again, and our softball game was canceled because the fields are a mess (probably snow filled). Seriously, what gives? Did we piss off the weather gods? Because this has to change. I can't write about weather again; it threatens my overall coolness. So, let's do a sunshine dance or something; I have to walk 7 miles next Sunday (MS walk people, get your donations in), rain or shine. I prefer to walk sans snowsuit, thank you very much.

Signing out on my first and hopefully last blog about the weather,
Schmiddy

Labor Day Goings On - myspace blog post

So, long time no write again. Life has been keeping me pretty busy as usual. I'm currently in Omaha, NE visiting my college friend Jennifer aka Kropper and her partner Alice. It's been a really nice get away, exactly what I needed. School is in full swing again, and I just can't get motivated to study. It didn't help that I came down with a sinus infection, which meant all I wanted to do was sleep and drain my head. Fortunately, I'm feeling quite a bit better now. I only cough and feel bad for part of the day. Gotta love antibiotics. I know I do!

In other news, I saw 1776 at the Guthrie last weekend. I think it might be the best show I have ever seen at the Guthrie. I very much enjoyed it. I especially liked how it portrayed the founding fathers as actual people with real lives. It's easy to forget that great people were really just people, and not always great! It's also important to remember that American history often tells only one tiny bit of the story.

I also managed to go camping once this summer (thanks to M, J, K, and P!). Sorry if I already blogged about this, but I can't remember and I'm too lazy to go look. The trip was quite fun, even though brilliant me didn't think to bring a rain coat or even warm clothes. What I thought was going to be a warm day turned into a cold, rainy one. I was absolutely drenched at one point, and the tents had rivers of water running through them. It was all quite amusing, and I eventually dried out (for the most part at least). And, getting into the warm sleeping bag was awesome after that wet day. I also learned that you can eat hot dogs for EVERY meal and they are excellent. Good times were had by all.

I'm still waiting to hear from Halleland on a job offer. It might be a while yet, as they are one of the slower firms in the whole process. That's okay, as I've sort of adopted the que sera, sera approach.

It's been weird adjusting to life in Minnesota without Sarah. I'm not always sure what to do with myself, as she and I spent quite a bit of time together. However, I'm blessed to have many other amazing friends in my life, and I know everything will be okay. The timing is just a bit rough, with the start of class again. That typically kills my social life anyway. Again, I know it will all work out the way it's supposed to. Thanks to all my amazing friends; you're the best!

Well, I should probably go. My hosts have lunch ready for me; yum!

Adios mis amigos!

2007 MS Walk - Success! - myspace blog post

A giant thank you to everyone who supported me in the 2007 MS Walk! As some of you know, this was my 9th walk, and with your help, I once again reached my fundraising goal. In fact, I beat my goal and raised over $1650!

As promised, my dad, my sister Samantha, and I completed the entire 9 mile route despite the high winds and drizzle. Additionally, I managed to escape major injury from a fly away tent (the kind you rent for graduation parties, not the kind you camp in) at a rest stop along the route. I had waited in line for chocolate milk and then I stopped to look at the signs listing the names of the $1000 fundraisers when suddenly I heard the two guys playing guitar and singing nearby say, "WHOA!" I turned to look and the big tent covering the guys was being blown off the ground and heading right toward me. Of course, out of the hundreds of people in the area, the tent somehow only hit me. After it hit me, it then kept going and almost hit a car on the River Road. Fortunately, I was able to throw my arms up in time to protect my head. I just wound up quite scared and with a decent bruise on my elbow. It was honestly quite frightening, and my dad and Samantha will vouch for me when I say I'm not being overdramatic. I truly feel lucky that nothing worse happened. I guess I DO have to take that Employment Discrimination exam on Tuesday...oh well, I'm happy to have my brain intact to do so.

Despite that craziness and thanks to your help, the walk was a smashing success! Thanks again!

All my best,Lisa (my real name, Myspace friends! )

Soggy Sunday - myspace blog post

So it's a soggy Sunday, sort of depressing honestly. I'm sick of rain. I need a nice sunny day so I can get outside and do something!

I went to watch my friend Steve play hockey last night and it was really fun. I got to see my friend Kevin too, and it was really nice to reconnect with both of them. Plus, the hockey was pretty decent. I never know what to expect when I go watch amateur sports. The level of play is often all over the map. Anyway, they were pretty good and Steve's team won. Steve even scored a goal-I think I was his good luck charm.

I'm going to the omnitheater tonight to see two movies. It's omnifest, which is the best because you can see 6 different omnifilms in a month period. If you go to more than one movie in a day, you get a discount on the second ticket. I'm seeing the Katrina film and the one about Australia. Both look amazing. Nice plug for the Science Museum huh?

It's spring break from teaching this week, which is quite nice. It means I get to sleep in tomorrow and I have NOTHING to do on Friday (Hamline is off for Good Friday too). That rarely happens, and I'm quite excited. Perhaps I will catch up on homework...odds aren't very good but a girl can hope.

I watched Borat last night before going to the hockey game (it started quite late). I have to say I didn't laugh all that much. I found the movie quite stupid honestly. And disgusting. I never need to see a fat, hairy naked man on top of another naked man in my entire life. Ick. Of course, the image is still stuck in my head. Anyway, I know tons of people found the movie hilarious. It just didn't do it for me.

Well, that's enough for now. I'm sure you are all dying to hear every detail of my life! ;)

Time is Flying! - myspace blog post

I can't believe it's almost March already. Time is just flying by! I have tons to do before finals approach, including lots of internship hours. I guess everything will get done-it somehow always does.

I also can't believe Manda's wedding is next weekend already! It seems like she just got engaged, but really it's been a while. Law school is like a black hole for time or something.

We are supposed to have another snowstorm...I wonder if it will happen and if so, if classes will be cancelled tomorrow. That would simply rock, as Thursdays are my longest/toughest days. Fingers crossed, but I somehow doubt it. Hamline doesn't seem particularly concerned about its students well being when it comes to blizzards/snow storms. Last year they waited until most of us were already at school to cancel classes. Uh, how does that help anyone? Stupid.

Anyway, on to the homework.

Time is Flying! - myspace blog post

I can't believe it's almost March already. Time is just flying by! I have tons to do before finals approach, including lots of internship hours. I guess everything will get done-it somehow always does.



I also can't believe Manda's wedding is next weekend already! It seems like she just got engaged, but really it's been a while. Law school is like a black hole for time or something.



We are supposed to have another snowstorm...I wonder if it will happen and if so, if classes will be cancelled tomorrow. That would simply rock, as Thursdays are my longest/toughest days. Fingers crossed, but I somehow doubt it. Hamline doesn't seem particularly concerned about its students well being when it comes to blizzards/snow storms. Last year they waited until most of us were already at school to cancel classes. Uh, how does that help anyone? Stupid.



Anyway, on to the homework.

Homework, what homework? - myspace blog post

So I just finished teaching for the day and I should be doing homework. Clearly, I'm doing this instead. Oh well. I'm sure things will get done one day. Or maybe I should see what happens if they don't.

This weekend was fun again. I went bowling on Saturday night and then dancing at Pi (the snow doesn't stop real Minnesotans. It doesn't matter that I had to push Bucky out of his parking spot. Suck it up!). Once again, the music was a little shady at Pi, but hopefully they will figure out that situation soon. G and I danced to the few decent songs anyway. Sunday night was an Oscar party at Kelly and Amy's, and I won a mini smurf trophy which is now displayed prominently on my bookshelf. Good times!

Well, I should go do something productive. Catch ya on the flip side!

Almost Ten Hours of Homework Today - myspace blog post

Whew, I've been doing homework since 2, and I really took very few breaks. Craziness. I think I'm just a slow reader or something. Not sure why it takes me so long. Well, Family Law being about 1 million pages might actually be a reason.

It snowed today, and I swear the flakes looked like movie snowflakes. They were quite surreal and it was beautiful. I imagine it was awfully cold outside again, but I didn't make it out due to the never ending illness and the above mentioned homework. However, I like winter in MN, more than summer in some ways. It can be very beautiful and peaceful, well, when you don't have to drive anyway.

This weekend is Manda's shower and I'm really looking forward to that. I'm really looking forward to the wedding as well. It should be a fabulous night!

Shout out to Roz and Neoma's mom who has now made me three meals since the sickness began. Also to D and K for bringing me cough syrup and Hooch for the notes. I am blessed to have such good friends. You guys rock.

Off to relax a bit before bed...

Baby It's Cold Outside - myspace blog post

Not that I would know it's cold outside. I haven't been outside since Friday. Damn flu. I thought I was getting better, but today I feel like I'm living in la la land. I did manage to do some work yesterday, so that is good. If my head clears a bit today, I should be able to do the same. I hope my voice is back so I can adequately admonish my lovely PE students tomorrow. I had a dream that I was a crazy tyrant with them. Perhaps that will come true. Hehe. Seriously though, they are great kids, and I love teaching them.

So, I've decided I'm tired of law school sucking the life out of me. I want my life back. I used to be social for pete's sake! When law review is done, I'm going to try to reclaim my life. See old friends regularly, meet new ones, etc. I hope this is really possible. I might just be talking a big game because law school and everything else really does take up a lot of time, but I hope I can pull it off.

Listen up friends and spread the word. Lisa is coming back! Help me make it possible so I'm not a giant liar. :)

Adios para ahora!