I am moving to Madison, Wisconsin in two and one-half weeks to work at an awesome job with an awesome company.
I usually hear the name “Wisconsin” used in conjunction with the phrase “cheese” or “Green Bay Packers” or “right-wing nut-job governor.” Imagine my surprise when I went to Wisconsin and, well, that’s it: Imagine my surprise when I went to Wisconsin.
I have seen snow about four times in 23 years. I have seen the Midwest about one time in 23 years–two weeks ago, when I arrived in Madison for a job interview. That was also the first time I saw frozen bodies of water. The three men with whom I ate dinner asked if I had ever eaten a bratwurst. Does bratwurst mean sausage, I asked. They told me that there is no open water swimming in Wisconsin. Does open water mean in the San Francisco Bay, they asked. There is a farmer’s market, but only during the Spring and Summer months. Neighboring states include Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana a little bit I think (but only on the water), and Ontario. Before my trip, I wasn’t positive that Minnesota was a real place. It was mythical and fantastic, like leprechauns or Diet Dr. Pepper. After three hours and twenty minutes stuck on the Minneapolis airport runway, I admitted defeat. Minnesota does exist. It is as real as holiday M&M’s and Santa Claus.
During my trip, I realized a lot about Wisconsin, and learned a lot more. Wisconsin has my favorite football team–because it has the most Cal players, UW, large lakes, farms, markets, and frozen custard. Apparently they also specialize in bratwurst.
My mom’s friend, who has lived all over the United States, calls Madison “the Berkeley of the Midwest.”
Practically the same, right?
Even if Madison’s geographical distance from Berkeley represents its metaphorical distance from the Bay, I am still excited to move there. Eighteen days until relocation!
Tell me...have you ever made a big move? What was it for? Did it work out?
I am moving to Wisconsin for a job. It is the second job I have found that really motivates and excites me (the first was my best-ever first out-of-college job as a Personal and Executive Assistant). I mean, I moving to Wisconsin for this job, so that says a lot about my feelings.
Wissssconsin
Have you ever seen The Prince and Me? Well, in the movie a Danish prince goes to the University of Wisconsin and part of the movie takes place there. I’ve always wanted to move there because of that, and they have cows 
How couuld you not love cows?
And, congrats on the job!
And, I love how I’m commenting on this like we are old friends. Haha, sorry.