Thank you for the years, Minnesota.

I am "officially" a resident of Georgia. I went into the nearby[and always scary]DMV yesterday, stood in line[s], showed various forms of identification proving I was myself and slowly, ultimately, surrendered my Minnesota Drivers License. Actually, there was a moment. There was a moment when I realized I was really going to get my new license[I was almost convinced something somehow would crop up at the last minute to taunt me and postpone the issuance, leaving me to throw a tantrum and go clomping out the slammed door while swallowing deep down the string of profanity I wanted to but would not allow the new, improved, spiritually peaceful version of me to spew], and smiled and chatted a bit with the middle aged African-American woman behind the impossibly and purposefully tall desk before me. I'm telling you, that desk came up to my chin, and I didn't like it. But, it seemed all was progressing effortlessly and that I would claim the prize for which I'd come. After reviewal of my papers, and after I'd signed some lines, she handed me back my documents. All but one, that is. My Minnesota State Drivers License sat squarely in front of her, illuminated softly by the light of her computer terminal. It was almost.......pretty. That wonderful license had been my friend and lived in my left front pocket for almost ten years. We'd been through the mill together, and she'd never let me down. Even when my care left something to be desired, and left her nearly drowned in a cold wash cycle of Purex water, she still came out smiling and tirelessly ready for service. How often had that license proved my age and identity in the face of doubting bouncers, gas-station attendants, and casino officials? Many my friend, many. So, naturally, I was eager to have her back where she belonged and that's why I stood there. I stood there waiting until the woman finally let the irritability I'd worked so hard to diffuse creep back into her face and voice. She said, "can I help you with anything else?" and I said, "no I think that'll do it - are you gonna gimme my license back"? That's when it hit me, and that's when she said "oh no, you have to surrender this to me and go stand in that line over there to take your picture and get your new one. Good day, Sir". Surrender? Good day Sir?! I JUST BROKE UP WITH MINNESOTA!!!! I can't believe it......I've ALWAYS had a MN license, I've ALWAYS been a Minnesota resident, but not anymore -"Good day, Sir"! And just like that, it was over. I knew when I moved down here last November[the day after Thanksgiving, I began driving south]that I was moving for good. My mind was made up, and I was taking the bull by the horns, and that was that. Come what may, I would make my home in Atlanta, GA with the girl of my dreams. And I did, and I have. I just never anticipated the rush of emotion I'd feel at "surrendering"the card that proved I was from Minnesota, and indeed a Minnesotan. I love the land of the ten thousand lakes. I love Apple Valley. I love my incredible family and friends. I love the Mall of America[it opened on my Birthday for crying out loud]. I love Minnehaha Falls. I love the Kindho Vietnamese restaurant in Uptown that makes fried rice so good, it makes me want to binge and purge only to binge again. Uptown!! I LOVE uptown!! Downtown, oh I LOVE the Minneapolis downtown!! St. Paul! While I don't particularly love the St. Paul downtown, I do stand tall for St. Paul and the Science Museum, which I LOVE!! I love the fact that I can go out in the Twin Cities, and within one night hear great live acoustic music, great live rock music, great live alternative music, great live blues, and r&b, and funk. What a wonderfully diverse music scene in the most inconspicuous of places!! I love weekend Brainerd trips with friends, and I hold an extremely special place in my heart for the North Shore. My Dad had told me for years, "Son, you've just GOT to take a weekend and do that drive up the North Shore", and I found out how right he was[thank you, Dad!]when I finally drove up on July 20th, 2007 and proposed to the love of my life. It was amaaaaaazing. I love you Minnesota, and I miss you sometimes. Just not at winter times. I don't want to break up, but my life has changed, and I have to move on. You will always be in my heart, and in my song eternal. This boy born of Shakopee will never forget you.......when the wolf cries and the fish whistles, I will be with you my sweet Northern love of yester me, yester you, yesterday.