The Mill City, the 612, the City of Lakes, MPLS. Whatever you choose to call it, the city of Minneapolis is a wonderful place to live. Not only are the job opportunities plentiful and the people friendly, but the variety of activities available are seemingly endless. Within its boundaries you will find no less than 21 lakes, more theaters per capita than New York City, public parks consistently voted as the best in the country, and a system of bike paths/lanes so well designed and connected that they give Minneapolis the title 'biking capital of America." Did I mention that you also get four different seasons? This means four opportunities to try different outdoor activities. It's no wonder the Minneapolis populace is so healthy: take a stroll down West River Road or around Lake Calhoun and you're likely to see a continuous stream of runners, bikers, walkers, and even rollerskiers, no matter the time of day.

Yet, despite all the positives with living in Minneapolis, I have never felt completely comfortable there. I was born in the City of Lakes, spent all of my K-12 days enjoying the Twin Cities sunshine and found plenty of activities to get involved with. But ever since my early high school days I became anxious to get out, and as far away from the city as possible, and it's a feeling that continues to bug me today; not the feeling of wanting to leave, but why exactly I feel this way.

Whenever I talk to classmates I graduated with, their plan, even if they moved away for college or other post-grad opportunities, usually includes moving back and living in Minneapolis as an adult. I have tried to want to return (and, for a job, I very well could someday) but I can never seem to bring myself to desire to relocate back there. I ask myself why I feel this way, and I can think of a few reasons, but none of them seem justifiable. One possibility is that while most of my classmates came from multi-generational city families, my parents are from a small town in northern Minnesota. Because of this I spent lots of time in other areas of the state, more than most other kids I was acquainted with at school. This exposure left me wanting more, and gave me an itch to move beyond the endless rows of houses I had grown accustomed to.

I used to take walks through my neighborhood late at night. Originally this was a way to relieve stress, but as high school graduation crept closer it became a time to wander and wonder about my future. I discovered the silence and calm of dark, empty streets was a perfect antidote for my often-stressed mind. I did lots of thinking on these walks, and they even contributed a bit to my final decision to leave.

I do intend to visit the Mill City once in a while (mostly to see family), but each time I come back I find fewer and fewer reasons to have an extended stay. It's as if the city is telling me that it's okay to let go, and move on with my life. So here's to my first summer away from the 612, as I attempt to live in the 406 for more than just the school year.