:~ Why am I leaving? Why am I moving to Minnesota? I've been asked that a lot lately.

The question doesn't come out of curiosity, but out of morbid curiosity and from people of all ages and backgrounds. There is one thing in common with every questioner and that is, they are from NY. Now, not all of them are from NYC and many of them have professed that there is no way in hell that they would live or even spend a great deal of time in this city. This does not stop from the question being asked with amazement that me, a suburbanite transplant to Washington Heights would give up all that NYC has to offer a young man with a wife, a kid on the way, and some small animals.

Let me try to share why, after all these years I am ready to move on, ready to pick up and go, ready to settle down somewhere else and come visit all I know right now, all those who love me here, and all those who would never leave this region.

I moved back to NY in 2002. I moved back here when people were fleeing the area. When I moved back there was a dark cloud over the city, but it was also a very vibrant place under that cloud. I was young and poor and was able to get up in the morning after going out all night long. I reconncted with friends who I hadn't seen while I was away, who to be true, I hadn't seen since I was 12, but we would go out and take advantage of all the city had to offer.

That was 2002.

Right before I left Washington DC I was told that everyone should live in NYC briefly. There are a few key words in that piece of advice, and if you've ever lived in NYC I'm sure you can pick them out.

First, there is everyone. No one should not do this. It is a wonderful experience even if it is a horrible experience and everyone should try it.

Next comes live. Visiting and staying in a hotel just won't cut it. Staying with friends on the outskirts. Nope, that will not do. It will lead to too many train trips to Times Square and you will miss out on NYC.

Finally, briefly. This is the true key to enjoying and loving this city, to wanting to come back and to sharing all the fond memories. Everyone who once lived here and tells you that you must live in the city or who tells you a story you really don't believe (but I promise you is true and probably toned down) has been here and moved on. This person has left the city for a different life and is giving their spot to the next young and poor person to make their story.

I have lived out my brevity. I have been here 10 years.

Sometime when I first moved here I took a trip to Massachutes for my uncle's birthday. The party was in a small college town in a huge house with a lot of land. The sky was clear and it was magnificiant. I knew then that was where I was going to end up. Not that day and not in a few years, but that was my goal.

Five years ago I met Amanda. If I had not met her I would have left NYC most probably 4 years ago. Would I have gone to Minnesota? Probably not, but I would have been gone from here.

For five years Amanda and I have soaked up the city. We have done things that I didn't do the first five years I was here. We have also talked about her hometown, which I will admit is cold, is a lot smaller, a lot nicer, and a lot more relaxed that this town. And the best part is... People get by. The people are happy. Their lives can happen and it doesn't need to happen in the blink of an eye.

Minneosta is a step to that farmhouse I visited years ago. Amanda was not there with me at the time, but I have told her many times about it.

NYC, I will miss you. New York family and friends, I will miss you more. You must understand that there is so much more past the waters that surround us and that I want to explore with my wife and share with you.
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5/20/2012