Well, both Sam and Twenty-Something Patrick have voiced displeasure at my lack of posting since we returned from Minneapolis, so I’m feeling guilty and decided I’d better recap before bed - and before I forget anything more that happened.

The trip was a blast. I had no idea the Twin Cities had so many bars and so many young/college types. The weather was really nice, too - much better than I expected. If it weren’t for the winters and notorious bugs in the summer, I could absolutely live there and have a great time. But that climate factor is a big drawback; if I’m giving up Salt Lake’s mild climate, it’s for NYC or something warmer than Utah.

On our first day Patrick’s sister took us for “real Minnesota food” (a “Jucy Lucy“) at Matt’s Bar, then we went to the Mall of America, which was exactly what I expected - and really pretty fun.

The rest of the weekend alternated between great restaurants and great shopping, with quite a bit of drinking and a little dancing thrown in here and there.

Chino Latino was crazy, but yummy, on Friday night, and on Saturday night The Gay 90s was kind of empty but I could tell it had potential to be incredible. The “Men’s Room” bar, accessible only through the real mensroom, was definitely a unique, if kinda creepy, touch. That same night we also went to First Avenue, famous from Purple Rain, and I was underwhelmed. The trance was mediocre and the space was filthy, but the people were fascinating to watch.

All in all, it was just great to see Patrick’s sister and brother-in-law. They’re the kind of people who are fun to watch just because they’re both so darn attractive. Does that sound weird? But you know what I mean. It’s entertaining watching pretty people go through life sometimes, at least when you don’t see them all the time. Regardless, they’re both lots of fun and we always have a great time hanging out with them. I came home wishing they still lived here in Salt Lake.

I know I’ll wish it even more when they have kids - a topic of constant teasing on my part. Both Sister and Bro-in-Law say they’re waiting a couple years, but that never prevents me from giving them a hard time about when they’re gonna get to makin’ some babies. I can’t wait; they’re gonna have such cute, energetic, competitive, chatterbox, midget kids (their combined height is right around 10 feet).

Every time either of them got that wicked grin and asked about Patrick and me moving in together (I admit - after nearly four years it’s probably about time), I threw back a baby comment. I can’t help but pester them to make me and Patrick uncles. I don’t have siblings, so it’s my only shot at the role, and I’m eager to get on with the spoiling!