I have spent 28 years of my life in Minnesota, where Minnesotans are known for “Minnesota Nice.”
After living in Fresno for almost a year, I must say that the people here are NICER! Everyone I’ve encountered has been genuinely caring, considerate, down to earth, and friendly. The interactions I’ve had with employees at grocery stores, restaurants, retail places, the park, the gym, have all been very positive. People are SO nice. I don’t know why this is, maybe it’s all of the extra vitamin D Californians take in? Maybe because it’s a smaller population within the city area? (Fresno/Clovis has about 600,000, the entire Twin Cities has 3,800,000)
During our time here I was hoping to connect with 1-2 other moms that I could see a couple times a month for playdates. Instead, I’ve connected with MANY moms through the assistance of some groups. The Clovis Mom’s Playgroup and the Clovis Kid’s Playgroup I found through meetup.com. There’s so many awesome mom’s in these groups, I quickly considered many of them friends. Through Northside Christian Church I joined MOPS and a Bible study. I met even more friends here! My heart is overflowing with the friends I have found. Their friendships have meant so much to me (and the boys). What should have been the loneliest year of my life turned into a year filled with ladies who make me think, smile, grow my faith, offer advice, and laugh. As many of my Minnesota peeps know, I am NOT a huggy person. I felt the need to give my California friends hugs because I don’t know that I’ll ever see them again, which breaks my heart. I am thankful for social media to help us stay in touch. If my new friends ever find themselves in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” I hope we can get together.
Back in January I noticed someone new who was going to attend a MeetUp at the trampoline park with me. When I saw that she also came from Minnesota I started stalking her. 🙂 Liz, I’ve only known you a few months and I feel like you’ve been a friend for many years! It felt so nice to find someone to compare a shared MN history with, as we both experience living in a completely different climate and surroundings together. I’m so thankful your family lives in MN so you have to come visit!
New Friends: Thank you for putting up with my long Os and As, questions about the area, and constant comparisons to my “home.” Next time you use a “bag” a “wagon” or drink a “pop” I hope you think of me.
Here’s some pictures of some final gatherings.
Frolicking in Fresno 