I’ve been thinking a lot about home lately and wanted to share a little piece of my Minnesota heart with you all today. This place shaped EVERYTHING about who I am (even my slight—okay, major—shoe obsession!).
Growing Up Minnesota-Style
Growing up in Rochester, Minnesota meant hot dishes weren’t just food—they were basically emotional support in casserole form! The seasons weren’t just weather changes—they were full-on EXPERIENCES that shaped our entire lives.
Swimming wasn’t just a hobby—it was my entire existence! My parents’ minivan basically drove itself to the pool TWICE A DAY through high school (pretty sure it could navigate there without us). My pre-meet ritual? A steaming bowl of instant oatmeal (don’t even ask why—it was just THE RULE), followed by our Friday night tradition: deep-dish pizza that tasted like victory.
The Magic Outsiders Don’t Understand
Minnesota magic is all those things outsiders just don’t fully understand:
- That perfect silence when fresh snow blankets everything
- The satisfying crunch of fall leaves under your boots
- Lake life rhythms (though I’ll happily let YOU bait the hook!)
- Zooming across frozen lakes on snowmobiles feeling ALIVE
I tried ice fishing exactly once—caught a tiny 4-inch fish and immediately declared my retirement. Let’s just say I prefer being the official photographer of outdoor adventures rather than leading them!
Minnesota “Mountains”
Skiing in Minnesota deserves its own special mention—my youth pastor was my instructor (because of course). But let’s be real: when you ski in Minnesota, the chairlift ride is literally longer than the actual skiing! 30 seconds down and suddenly you’re thinking, “Look out, Winter Olympics!”
Then I skied in Maine and realized Minnesota skiing is basically just fancy sledding with extra equipment. Still wouldn’t trade those memories for ANYTHING!
Not ALL Flannel and Fishing Tales
Despite my deep Minnesota roots, I’m not ALL flannel and fishing tales. I have what some might call a slight shoe situation (fine, it’s over 400 pairs… I’m working on it! Sort of! Not really!).
These days, the collection is evolving—fewer “torture devices disguised as heels” and more shoes that actually love my feet back.
Home & Hearth
Comfort food hierarchy: Pad Thai chicken at #1, followed VERY closely by chicken wild rice soup—because some Minnesota things never leave you!
Home life now revolves around my three amazing boys who keep me laughing (and cooking… and cleaning… and cooking again) nonstop. The blessing of raising boys? Never having to master French braids or intricate hairstyles! And somehow they manage with just THREE pairs of shoes between them. HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?!
The Real Me
If we spent a day together, you might be surprised how much this energetic swimmer loves quiet moments. Nothing recharges me like a good book by water, a cozy fire, and friends who feel like family. And yes—sci-fi, rom-coms, and any movie with sword fights are my jam. No explanation. It just is what it is!
Minnesota shaped every part of who I am—it taught me to embrace every season (both weather and life), laugh when things get chaotic, and find joy in the simplest moments. I may wander far from home now, but Minnesota—with all its quirks and beauty—will forever be the foundation of who I am.
What parts of your hometown still influence who you are today? Drop me a comment below—I’d love to hear your stories!
P.S. If anyone knows how to convince my family that my shoe collection is actually a “cultural archive” and not “taking over the entire closet,” please share your wisdom!
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