Dear Boston

Dear Boston,

Yes, I know it's been a while...but I'm still here.  And after three and a half years of living in this town, it's time I had a word with you…

So, upon leaving Omaha, I was fully aware that you were a little rough around the edges--but I don't think I realized how down-right RELENTLESS you have the potential to be.  Yes, I will fully admit, you have a million and one things going for you: parks, events, public transportation, sports teams, historical landmarks, prime harbor-side real-estate...However, you also have the uncanny ability to be BRUTAL to outsiders, and even more brutal to outsiders who are already down on their luck.  Actually, let’s face it—outsider or not—you simply have a knack for kicking a man when he’s down.

But my question is this: why??  I understand it is a dog-eat-dog world out there on those maze-like streets of Boston that may or may not have originally been formed by cattle (still not completely sure I believe that one…)—but why, Boston, WHY make things worse by being so unforgiving?? You only make it harder on yourself and everybody else…

Yes, I’m aware.  It’s a part of the culture, this rough and tumble New England demeanor...possibly a spirit of grit that has hung on since the days of the colonial soldier.  However, there’s only so much stinging bluntness and fast-paced, eyes-forward, don’t-you-dare-get-in-the-way-of-my-life, attitude a long-time Midwesterner can take before they reach a breaking point…Or worse: they begin to get sucked in. 

It’s true. No one is immune to it—even us Midwesterners.  Believe me, I’ve given in to the pull of the angry, impatient Bostonian.  It happens in this town…but I am writing to let you know, Boston, that I am putting my foot down.  No matter how hard you try to shake me, knock me over, and tear me down, my Midwestern roots will remain grounded, and I will hold on to them for dear life.  I refuse to be jaded by the “daily grind”.  I will smile when I want to smile, take my time when there is no rush, and acknowledge that others exist outside of myself—even when I am in a public place and have my own agenda (!).  And when you pelt me with criticism, judgment, impatience, I will take it in stride and refuse to let it get me down…because, you know what, Boston??  Midwesterners are strong too!!

(Little known fact: We can also be intelligent! Oh, and we’re not all farmers--but those people who are, more often than not, are pretty hard-core individuals…) 

Now, I fully realize, Boston, that Midwesterners could stand to take a few notes from New Englanders, that not every Bostonian falls under this stereotype, and that many “Bostonians” have roots in the outside world like myself...but if you could encourage your strong-willed, brutally honest, extremely driven residents to stop and take in the scenery every now-and-then, I truly think it could do everyone a bit of good. 

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to read this letter. You can now go back to plowing the 4 feet of snow on my street up against my car so I have to spend all day shoveling in order for me to go to work tomorrow (if I even have work tomorrow...).

Sincerely (and with outsider love),

Elise