Before you read about it in the newspaper, I'd like to announce that the home office, (and the writer), of "Things I've Noticed" are moving to somewhere in the Minneapolis metro area. I know it's hard to believe that after almost 14 years of this car guy living in the Motor City, I'll actually be leaving. Even though it will be nice to remain in the great Midwest, I'll also have to accept that I'll be moving further from my family in the Cleveland area. It was a tough decision, but I felt as though it was time to make a move in my career. I have to get more out of my University of Michigan MBA and all those years of experience that I've managed to string together. I'll be doing product management work for a smaller company whose name I won't mention. I'm excited to be going to a new town that's in better shape economically, but it's sad leaving the Detroit area which I have grown to love. It's depressing how hard our local economy has been hit. Let's all just buy cars from the Big Three and help turn this town around. Anyway, I've heard that Minneapolis is a fun town with some beautiful areas (and lots of blonds which isn't a bad thing). I don't mind snow, but the extreme cold will take a bit of getting used to. I will be buying a nice warm coat as soon as I get there. I heard there's no sales tax on clothes there.
In addition to leaving the aspects of the Detroit area that I like, (such as areas like Birmingham, Royal Oak, Ferndale, Ann Arbor, great ethnic food in the suburbs, being in the heart of the auto industry), I'll also be leaving friends, coworkers, and soccer and volleyball teammates that I've played with for years. It's all starting to sink in. I don't really know anybody in Minneapolis, but some of my friends have already introduced me to people there. It will be time to get used to new roads, new grocery stores, local culture, drivers, news broadcasts, and new friends. It seems like a big deal to me because I haven't moved much in my lifetime, but to others, it's no big deal. Anyway, if any of my subscribers are from Minneapolis, drop me a line.
Now it's time to get to looking for apartments on line. Prime candidates for apartment locations are St. Louis Park, and Hopkins.
+ Atul
Atul
I wish you the best in your career move and new adventure. Think back to before we had e-mail and blogs, your leaving would be very permanent, but now we can at least stay in touch through e-mail and the blog. Like you said, you'll let us know when you're back in town so it is possible to get together on occasion. Thanks for being a great guest speaker, buddy to have a beer with and teammate.
Posted by: Dave P | March 14, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Atul,
congratulations on the new job. Minneapolis is one of my favorite cities and change is a good thing. I'm pretty sure they have people who play soccer and volleyball there.
Posted by: chancelucky | March 15, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Atul,
congratulations on the new job. Minneapolis is one of my favorite cities and change is a good thing. I'm pretty sure they have people who play soccer and volleyball there.
Posted by: chancelucky | March 15, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Atul - good luck and safe travels on your way to the Twin Cities. It was enjoyable working in your general vicinity and having passing conversations in the kitchen. :)
PS Thanks for telling me about your blog.
Posted by: Kristen | March 21, 2008 at 03:38 PM
Dave, Chance, and Kristen,
Thanks for the good luck wishes. I'll miss the Detroit area and the friends, especially the ones that comment on my blog. I'll actually be moving a bit closer to where Chance is. I'm excited about Minneapolis as a place to live and hang out. Sure enough though, I'll have to drive through 6 plus inches of snow tomorrow to get to Chicago.
Posted by: Atul | March 21, 2008 at 04:42 PM
Hi Atul,
Change can be a good thing. Minnesota is similar to Michigan in that there are lots of lakes and wildlife galore.
I hope you will still have time to keep up the blog so we can stay in touch.
Thanks for spending the time to share your thoughts with those who read here.
Dan
Posted by: Dan Boyd | March 24, 2008 at 09:14 PM
Dan,
Yes change can be good, but it can also be stressful. It will take a while to get used to not being around my friends and the place I've lived for 13+ years but I'll get there.
I will of course keep blogging as is evidenced by my latest blogpost above.
Take it easy,
Atul
Posted by: Atul | March 25, 2008 at 10:59 PM