Missing Meechigan

Almost daily, I’m surprised to wake up in Texas and not Michigan. If you had asked me four years ago if I’d ever live anywhere but Michigan, I would have said, “Definitely not! Are you kidding? I love Michigan!” (Well, actually, it would've come out more like, "Psh! Tchyeah Right!") But, the urge to have an adventure, no matter how small and mundane (and involving library school, of all things!), has pulled me down to Texas and I couldn’t be happier. And yet, I’m also surprised by how homesick I can manage to be.

While I miss my home, and my family and friends (and dogs), it’s actually the weather that drives it all home for me. When they’re playing Christmas themed commercials on TV, and I walk out the door into 85-degree heat, there’s no ignoring that I’m not in Kansas (or Michigan) anymore, Toto. I actually have all this weather-related angst. When it’s cool (below 70), and everyone is wearing scarves and sweaters, I’ll purposely wear flip flops and talk about how nice the weather is. And don’t even talk to me when it’s above 80! Nothing makes a northern girl grumpy like above 80 in November.

Another thing that’s changed is my attitude about Michigan. Before, there was nothing especially great about Michigan; I could take it or leave it. Now, I love to meet other Michiganders and talk about home, something we have in common that nobody else does. All of a sudden, finding somebody with a 248 area code brings on this rush of camaraderie only rivaled by that rap battle scene in Eight Mile: ‘“313!” “810!” “313!” “810!”’ I also used to hate my nasal Michigan “ayaccent.” Now, I love being identified as someone not from around here. I don’t even care that people think I’m from Wisconsin ; I’ll take it - at least they’ve got Lake Michigan. I drink my pop, eat my ayapple, and carry my byackpyack, all with pride.

But, for now, all I can do is to try and get some schoolwork done and count down the days (6!). Oh, and while I’m at it, wear my Maize and Blue all week to further label myself as the proud outsider I really am. And on Saturday, I’ll get to hate Ohio State in a bar full of fellow Wolverines, and feel a little more at home while still being 1396 miles away (not that I'm counting). Gosh, nothing brings people together better than the biggest rivalry in college football. And you know, Mr. Carr, a win for Michigan just might cure me entirely.