trapped in a beautiful place

There is a cartoon with a funny caption that says,"The air hurts my face. Why am I living where the air hurts my face." Pictured is a sad person with the weight of a big frown on his face, pulling his head so low that it seems to almost force him to the ground. I don't know why it makes me chuckle, but it does. Every time.

This great state I live in - Minnesota, is full of those faces especially this time of year when it's cold, dark and we are so over winter. Stick a fork in it; it's done!

So why do we live here? Or the million dollar question: Why do we stay?

For most people, they were born here. I was lucky enough to be shipped here when I was a baby - from South Korea, just in case you were wondering. You'd be amazed how often I have to clarify that. No, not NORTH Korea! 

We have family here. We have friends here. We have those pesky things called jobs or careers. Running away to a tropical island in the sun sounds amazing, but realistic? Not so much. For me, I dream of moving to Colorado. Mostly because I think I could actually succeed in convincing my better half to go that far. But I fantasize about LIVING THE DREAM in Alaska. Yes, that would be me running the B & B, making delectable food and mouth-watering desserts for the hungry travelers. My desire to move 'North the the Future' proves that I don't despise the cold. Just call me Elsa.

For me, it's a more favorable alternative than melting under the heat and humidity of summer. In times of cold, you can always layer on more and more. But in times of misery and heat, you can only take off so much...

This is the first time in my life that I have thoroughly enjoyed walking in the winter time. When the cold air blasts my face and threatens to freeze my face into an awkward state of permagrin, it makes me feel alive. Shivers run through my body and my eyes water like there's no tomorrow. The sheer madness of it all spurs me on, step after step. One foot in front of the other. If it's possible to get high off spending time in nature, then I guess this is it for me.

While I was out today, I happened to look down and see these leaves frozen into place, perfectly outlined by a thin sheet of ice. It made me think of my earlier question of why we live here. Due to whatever circumstances, forced or chosen, I am kindof stuck here, but there is beauty in that. It's just for a time. Just for a season. It won't last forever. Spring will arrive, and with that, freedom.

I don't want to miss the wonderful things right in front of me while I wait for whatever Spring represents in my life.

this my belly loves

Ever since I can remember, this has been my favorite restaurant in the whole wide world. Before I continue, I know you are thinking, "Girl, you really need to get out more!" Trust me. I do. A lot. My tongue has experienced culinary deliciousness all over MN and even remote places in England and Wales. But this is the place I always go back to. This is the only place that can satisfy that deep craving, that quiets my begging, pleading brain. Two simple things: Egg rolls and fish sauce. No one else makes them like they do here. No one. I have searched and scoured and been sadly disappointed. I kinda feel like it's similar to lasagna. The basic concept is the same, but everyone's recipe tastes just a little differently than the next.

Which makes me think that the appeal is more than just the food although the food is the primary motivator. Maybe it's the ambiance. Uptown is a pretty unique place. I love to people watch. And the surrounding businesses can be quite entertaining as well. Back in the day when I was younger (much younger), I remember looking out the window of the restaurant and staring directly at Condom Kingdom. I had no idea what that place was but it sure piqued my interest. A kingdom? Are there kings and queens there, I wondered? Maybe I asked my parents, I can't remember. Or maybe I got distracted by the lady trying to parallel park outside the window like it was bumper cars. Forward (crash)-reverse(dent)-forward (bigger crash)-reverse(oops, but yay, I'm in!).

Maybe it was because I brought the special people in my life there. Family. Friends. Boyfriends. Future husband. Maybe it was a sort of a trial to see if they would pass the "Do You Love It As Much As I Do Or This Relationship Cannot Continue" test. I'm not 100% sure of many things in life, but I would bet the farm that there is a special connection between good memories and the taste buds.

Whatever the case, I openly admit that nostalgia runs high for me when I am there. But so do my salivary glands. When the egg rolls are place in front of me and I drown them in a sea of the special fish sauce, I can't help but think that this plate in front me, what I am about to consume, is more proof that God loves me and wants me to be happy. So very happy.