Made In Flint

My grandmother riding in a wagon being pulled by a goat (?) on Dayton Street in Flint, Michigan. This image is hard to imagine (and particularly humorous) if you are at all familiar with the present day Dayton Street. 

  
  There are, surprisingly, a large number of Michigan transplants living in Massachusetts. Nearly every week, I encounter a new person with a Michigan connection of some sort. Because of this, I frequently get asked (from both former Michiganders and my Massachusetts coworkers and friends) what it’s like to be from Flint. Flint fascinates people! Saying you’re from Flint is like telling people you survived living in the jungle. People are incredibly curious how someone can come from such a violent, infamous city and turn out “normal” (apparently they don’t know me THAT well!). They’re curious how someone can get so nostalgic for a place that they appear to both love and hate. For lack of better explanation, I tell them this...
 
  Flint is an abusive relationship that I will never escape. We have a history together and a lot of good memories, but we just couldn’t stay together. As much as I tried to hold it close to me and make it better, it beat me down and pushed me away. I will always have a mad, crazy love for Flint, but it will never show me any love in return.
 
  OK, maybe that’s not totally true. I’ve gotten quite a bit of love from Flint; after all my roots are there. My grandparents were raised in Flint. My mother and father grew up in Flint. I was born in Flint. I attended both elementary and high school in Flint. I graduated from college in Flint. I met my husband (who was also raised in Flint), fell in love, and got married in Flint. My son was born in Flint. I had a very happy childhood and young adulthood living in Flint and created some very happy memories there over the years. 

My great aunt Ellen (on the left) and friends at a high school dance in Flint.

  
  But I also have some not-so-happy memories. I have memories of scary situations,  of danger and crime. I have memories of bikes being stolen, friends and neighbors’ houses being broken into, my car being stolen (twice!), my purse being stolen, drugs being dealt next door, guns being pulled on people, all kinds of real, scary events that one can potentially witness when they’re from a city like Flint. Flint is mixed bag of memories.
 
  However, those of us who were born and raised there wear that baggage like a badge of honor, and to outsiders it’s like a neon sign flashing, “I survived Flint.” For some strange reason, we are proud! I will never escape Flint’s presence in my blood, nor do I necessarily want too. But what I’ve learned in the past 10 years is that you can take the girl out of Flint, but you can’t take the Flint out of the girl. It’s a big world and I think deep down I always knew that Flint wouldn’t hold me back forever. I knew eventually I would spread my wings and break free.
 
  Although I’ve always been appreciative of my experiences there (good and bad), I know breaking up with Flint was the best decision for my family. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t occasionally reminisce about my time in Flint or wonder what it would have been like if I would have stayed. I know it wouldn’t have ever worked out, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t keep it in a special place in my heart. That doesn’t mean that I never have deep, painful urges to go running back. That doesn’t mean that I don’t miss all of the wonderful, smart, talented people that I met while living there. That doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate all of the good things that it has done for me. It’s a conflicting set of emotions.

  Flint will always be my hometown. It will always be both the good AND the bad. It will always make me feel happy AND cause me pain. It will always be bittersweet memories.

This is what it’s like to be from Flint.

Top 5 Places to Eat in Michigan

   It’s funny what you miss when you move away from “home”. A recent visit with family had me thinking about my home state of Michigan and some of the places I liked to go when we lived there (specifically the restaurants). Although there are lots of good restaurants in Western Massachusetts, sometimes I really crave the food at some of the places we used to frequent in Michigan.

   This inspired me to compile my Top 5 Places to Eat in Michigan list. If you currently live in Michigan or plan on visiting, look these places up and give them a try. Then write me and let me know what YOU think of them!

Here they are in no particular order (although I did save the best for last).

1. Badawest in Flint. I LOVE BADAWEST! We make sure to eat there every time we visit Michigan. I’ve eaten at a lot of different places now and I can’t find better Middle Eastern food. Some of my favorite dishes are the Hummus (It’s so good and creamy that I could eat it off of my hand), Tabouli, Lentil Soup, and Shish Tawook sandwich. Only downside, the bread. It’s flat and not impressive. We used to go to a place near Sterling Heights when we lived in that area and they baked their own pita bread that was amazing (and gave you this delicious garlic spread with it). But you’ll be able to look past the bread once you taste the delicious food. I don’t think they have their own website, but you can find out more information and view the menu here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/badawest-restaurant-flint.
     
2. Bi Bim Bab in Novi. Delicious Korean and Japanese food, all in one spot (and for a decent price).  We have a pretty good Korean restaurant out here, but what I miss most about Bi Bim Bab are all of the tasty side dishes they bring out before your meal. Some family favorites are the Bulgogi, Sun Du Bu Chige, and the Dragon Roll. Only downside, the location is a little strange. It’s in a little mall that doesn’t really have a lot of other businesses in it (or at least it didn’t last time I was there), but who cares. That keeps it under the radar. You can visit their website here: http://www.bibimbabrestaurant.com/index.html.

3. El Azteco in East Lansing. I don’t think I can accurately describe how much my husband LOVES this Mexican restaurant which resides close to his alma mater, Michigan State. He used to go out of his way to eat at this place whenever he could when we lived in Michigan. The atmosphere is really nice and you can sit on the roof in the summertime and enjoy your Margarita or Sangria. Some of my favorite dishes are Topopo Salad and the Guacamole and Bean Tostadas. Only downside, it can get busy (and noisy) on the weekends in the fall when there’s tons of college kids around. Check out their website here: http://www.elazteco.me/ELAZTECO.ME/restaurant.html.

4. Stage Deli in West Bloomfield. This Jewish Deli offers a variety of tasty dishes. I don’t think I’ve ever ordered anything here and NOT liked it. I used to frequent their smaller location in the food court of Somerset Mall during my lunch breaks when I worked in Troy. Some family favorites are the Matzo Ball soup, Lox, Stock & Bagel, and the Mitch Albom Cobb salad. I also used to love buying a loaf of their House-Baked Seedless Rye bread to take home with me. Only downside, I can’t think of any. You can read about their locations and view their menu here: http://thestagedeli.com/.
 
5. Sposita’s Ristorante in West Bloomfield. Once you have a steak at Sposita’s, all other steaks at other restaurants will be a disappointment. We loved the cozy atmosphere and how low-key everything was (in comparison to Lelli’s, which is a similar restaurant). The owner was always very friendly and made you feel like an old friend. We always had great service and great experiences. The ONLY thing we order at Sposita’s is the Filet. IT IS THE BEST! Don’t waste your time ordering anything else. Go there for the steak! The Zip Sauce on the Filet is to die for!! We ask for an extra little cup of it on the side so just so that we have more! The only downside, the decor is a little out of date, it’s not particularly kid friendly (although it’s not un-kid friendly either), and the food is pricey. But you get A LOT of food for what you pay for your meal. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience! First they bring out bread, then they bring you a salad with various toppings, then you get a cup of minestrone soup, then you get a small plate of pasta, then you get your entree which includes potatoes and a vegetable. It’s like a tasty train of food! I used to skip the plate of pasta because I wanted to leave room for the Filet (and I don’t eat a lot of pasta any way). We used to go there every year on our wedding anniversary (until we moved away). On our first anniversary, we brought the top layer of our cake (which you are supposed to freeze and eat on your first anniversary) with us for dessert. Our server took it in the back, put it on a plate with a candle, and came out singing “Happy Anniversary” to us! It was SO SWEET! Every year on our anniversary, I LONG for Sposita’s! I miss it terribly! Nothing will ever compare for me. It holds a special place in my heart. We’re already planing on going there next time we visit. I couldn’t find a website with their menu on it, but you can find the address and some more information here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/spositas-ristorante-west-bloomfield.     

Us at Sposita's for our 6th Wedding Anniversary, the last one we spent in Michigan.

Flint Crepe Company

    My family took a trip back "home" to Flint, Michigan for the holidays and were eager to try out the Flint Crepe Company in downtown. We heard many good things about this restaurant and wanted to see if it would live up to the hype. 

   We were not disappointed! The crepes were delicious! I was thrilled that my crepe was thin and slightly crispy (I can't stand pancake-like crepes). There was also a generous portion size of the filling, which made me happy! I was instantly addicted and wanted to order a second one! 

   I apologize for the poor quality pictures. It was late at night (just before closing) and all I had with me was my iPod.

   While searching the Internet for a website for the Crepe Company that I could post a link too (they don't have one), I stumbled across some rather entertaining reviews of the restaurant. Some common complaints listed were the prices of the food and the poor customer service. I found these complaints particularly amusing seeing that we are coming from the land of uninterested hipsters (aka Northampton) and overpriced food. We thought the food was reasonably priced and the service was decent, so don't let these reviews discourage you. The food was worth the trip. 

   What was more important for me to see was something positive happening in Flint. Flint has a special place in my heart and I'll never stop loving it. I give credit where credit is due. I applaud the people who have stayed in the city and are trying to successfully run their businesses and make a positive change. Happy Holidays Flint! I celebrate your successes!

   Check out the Flint Crepe Company's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FlintCrepe.

Yellow weather ball at night.

When In Rome…A Lesson on Learning the “Language”

 

   When I first moved to New England, I didn’t expect that there would be many differences between Massachusetts and Michigan. After all, both states are in the northern/northeastern part of the country, they are in the same time zone, and have similar weather patterns. What could be that different? Little did I know that I would discover MANY differences between the two states. The geography was different, the people were different, the houses were different, the way of living was different, the attitudes towards the environment were different, the list could go on and on of the differences. But one difference I wasn’t expecting was the slang or terms that people say. I really had to adjust some of the words I was using and get used too the new terms I was hearing. I recently asked some of my coworkers to help me create a list of popular New England terms and I tried to create my own list of “Michigander” terms. I know there must be some terms I have forgotten about, so I would love ANY feedback or additions to these lists. Without further ado, I present to you the list of New England slang I have learned!

 

1. Wicked=Very

2. Rotary=Traffic circle

3. Pike=Massachusetts turnpike (not the fish)

4. Tonic=Soda (Boston area specific)

5. Downstreet=City

6. Sneakers=Running shoes, basketball shoes

7. Bubbler=Water fountain that you drink from

8. Jimmies=Chocolate sprinkles (I hear this is derogatory and not used much any more)

9. Rainbow Jimmies=Rainbow sprinkles

10. Grinder=Submarine sandwich

11. Hoodsie or Hoodsie Cup=A prepackaged cup of ice cream or sundae made by Hood (the local dairy company)

12. Frappe=Milkshake (long before McDonald’s started carrying them and coffee shops)

13. Ripper=Keg party

14. Carriage=Shopping cart

15. Tag Sale=A sale someone has at their house where they attempt to sell their old belongings for a small price

16. Soda=And soda pop beverage such as Coke, Pepsi, etc.

17. Pocketbook=Purse

18. Packy or Packie=Short for the Package Store which is where liquor and beer are sold because they aren’t sold in many of the grocery store chains (such as Stop & Shop)

19. Run to the Packy (or Packie)=Going to (the package store to) get alcohol

20. The "T"=Subway (Boston area specific)

There are also many fun ways of pronouncing words with the same meanings in both states such as:

Aunt=pronounced more like “Ont”, in Michigan we pronounce it like “Ant”

Car=pronounced in the Boston area like “Ka”

And so on…

I can’t speak for the entire state, but here are some Michigan terms (with the MA translation) that I am familiar with…for my Massachusetts peeps:

 

1. Pop=Soda (aka “soda pop” or any fizzy beverage such as Coke, Pepsi, etc.)

2. Purse= Pocketbook (that thing women carry on their shoulders). When people in Michigan hear “pocketbook” they usually think of it as something their 90 year old grandmother would say in reference to a wallet. Example (in an old lady voice): “Sonny, let me go grab my pocketbook to pay you for mowing my lawn.”

3. Cart=Carriage (aka Shopping cart). If you say “carriage” in Michigan, people are going to think of a horse-drawn buggy or an old fashioned baby stroller.

 

My grandmother in a "carriage"...although in this case it is being pulled by a goat?

 

4. Sub=Grinder (aka a long bun sandwich with meat and cheese). When I hear “grinder” I think of a shredded steak sandwich, not a club.

5. Sprinkles=Jimmies

6. Coney=Hot dog with chili, mustard, and onion

7. Coney Island=Any diner/restaurant (aka “greasy spoon”) that is open 24 hours which usually serves Coney dogs (although doesn’t necessarily have too). A popular spot for food once the bars close.

8. Traffic Circle/Roundabout=Rotary

9. Expressway/Freeway=Highway

10. Soda=Soda water/fizzy water

11. Garage Sale (or Yard Sale)=Tag sale

12. Vernors=Ginger ale (Vernors is a local brand in Michigan of ginger ale, so many people just refer to ALL ginger ale as Vernors)

13. “U”pper=Anyone who lives in the upper peninsula of Michigan

14. Troll=Anyone who lives in the lower peninsula of Michigan or “under the Mackinaw bridge (this term is more common in the upper peninsula)

15. “Going Up North”=Meaning "going on vacation", most likely in northern Michigan...but not necessarily

16. “Detroit”=I believe this is more of a Flint local/regional term, but it pretty much refers to any city along I75 that is south of the city of Holly. For example, many people in the Flint area refer to the city of Troy as “Detroit”, but it is actually about 22 miles from Detroit. Another example, many people say they are going to “Detroit” when they go to concerts at DTE Energy Music Theatre (or Pink Knob as it used to be called) but it is actually in Clarkston, Michigan. The people in the cities closer to Detroit don’t usually use this term unless they mean the actual city of Detroit, but I found that it is more commonly used in the Flint area to describe most cities south of Flint.

17. Deuce-Deuce=A 22 ounce bottle of beer (I thought this was common slang but the people in MA didn't know what I meant when using this reference) 

 

   I could go into more specific terms to specific areas of the state (such as using "Hamady Sack" in Flint in reference to a brown paper bag) but I wanted to focus more on the state as a whole.  

 

   So there you have it! All of the new (and old terms) I’ve had to work into my vocabulary. The New England terms I struggle with the most are the pronunciation of “Aunt”, and the terms “pocketbook” and “carriage”. Whenever I am at the grocery store and I hear the store manager ask the cashier to go collect the “carriages”, I will forever picture horse-drawn buggies. Some things you just never get used too!      

 

 

Flint, Michigan

   Some shots of places and things from my hometown that are significant to me...

City Girl in the Valley (that is, the Pioneer Valley)

View from Mount Sugarloaf

A few words about my hometown...

Downtown Flint

As of 2011, Flint, Michigan was ranked the most dangerous city by the CQ press. Those rankings also showed Flint had the most crimes per capita, which include homicides, rapes, robberies and aggravated assaults.

Despite its crime, danger, high unemployment rates, and horrible school system, Flint is my hometown and will always hold a special place in my heart.

That being said, I have found a new “home” here in Western Massachusetts. I love the history, culture, and liberal environment. It is inspiring!

Downtown Northampton

Part of me will always feel like a city girl stuck in the valley of some rolling hills, but I love my new home. Hopefully I will be able to capture the beauty and life I have found here in Western Massachusetts.