Land of Lincoln

I'm from Illinois.

I’ve lived in Michigan since 1980. When I travel (literally or virtually) and someone asks me where I'm from, I say Michigan because that's where I live now. But I'm from Illinois.

I never intended to stay in Michigan. I've never really liked it here. Among the things I dislike most are the complete lack of specialty liquor stores, the primitive driver license issuing system, the Eastern time zone, the auto industry, and the habit of local television stations to broadcast sports featuring Lions and Tigers instead of Bears and Cubs.

You would think that after 30 years there would be something about Michigan I find redeeming. Nope. Well, all right -- Michigan does have a cool big bridge and lots of Indian casinos, but that doesn't inspire sweet feelings in me. When I cross the state line back into Michigan after a trip, I tend to notice it. When crossing the state line into Illinois, I still get all warm and fuzzy inside.

So why did I stay in Michigan all these years? Because that's where the love of my life is, who, incidentally, is not from Michigan either. And we both stayed here for our jobs.

On January 31, 2014, I will have lived in Michigan longer than I lived in Illinois.

That is going to mess me up.