A lot of you are probably thinking, "So you moved to Minneapolis. Big freaking deal." And you're right -- I read blogs every day about people who move across the world and have to adjust to new languages and new social norms. All I did was move north a few states, I didn't even change time zones.
But trust me when I say the culture is at least a little different up here. First of all, they eat something slimy and Scandinavian called lutefisk. We won't even go there. More to my point: a few weeks ago I went to the Twin Cities Pride Parade, which was like nothing you would ever see in my former home of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Politicians, churches, and large corporations like General Mills marched in support of the LGBT community. The governor marched. I was amazed -- in a good way -- over and over again. In Louisiana, I get the sense that even if a company or religious group supported gay rights, they would never be so open about it.
And that poster above -- the one that asks Do you know your law firm's family values? - the bottom of the poster reads Representing the legal needs of ALL Minnesotans. Where I come from, the phrase "family values" has an entirely different meaning. When Louisiana politicians fight to protect "family values", they are promoting "traditional marriage" and fighting attempts to "weaken" it.
Do I even need to say that I prefer Minneapolis's definition more?
Anyway, Pride happened to be Y's first day of residency. So while he was getting the hang of writing prescriptions and answering his pager every other minute (technology is cyclical!), I was drinking sangria at 9 am and dancing on a rooftop with my new blog friend, Lauren (from Our Crazy Ever After). She's pretty funny, guys.
That first day of being a (disclaimer: I hate this term) residency widow really set the bar high. There have been no more rooftops. Just... laundry.
I didn't make it to the parade this year so I enjoyed your recap! I discovered your blog through Anne's (in residence) and happily found out you live in the Twin Cities! Hope you're enjoying it, despite the intense heat!
ReplyDeleteI've never been to a LGBT pride parade, but would love to, some day. Who knew Minnesotans were so cool??
ReplyDeleteMy dad's side of of the family is all Scandinavian from Minnesota actually.. I've never been. But my grandma would always make lutefisk on Christmas Eve. Mm... fish jello - not!
looks like a ton of fun! hooray for distractions while your husband is gone so much you forgot he lived there. (the dog and i are are really starting to feel like single girls.)
ReplyDeleteWow that's amazing! I love it! And I understand how moving to a new place can create a little bit of "culture shock" so it's definitely not bothering me at all :)
ReplyDeleteOh, the laundry. And oh, to have all residency days be like this... Sounds like a fabulous introduction to the city! And a new blog friend too - all around fun.
ReplyDeleteSorry I suck. I am just now seeing this. I am so glad you enjoyed Pride. It was so fun. And it feels like it was forever ago. July always goes by so swiftly. Let's get together soon.
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