Loaded Up and Truckin'

Between cattle shows, sheep shows, and horse trail rides, I've seen thousands and thousands of miles of blacktop through the windshield of a truck and trailer. But it wasn't until yesterday, that I saw 200 of those miles from the driver's seat! Sure I've hauled some cows to the other farm...one mile away...but I've never been behind the wheel all by myself, on the highways and interstate, through town, in the morning fog, passing cars, with precious cargo in the stock trailer...until my trek yesterday. And it was a liberating experience! I knew I could do it, but I was still a bit nervous because it was a long drive for the first time all by myself. (And Mom admitted last night that as she saw the running lights turn out onto the blacktop from the lane, she was a bit nervous that she let me go alone!) My friend Lisa wanted to go to a big trail ride in northern Iowa, but my regular chauffeur and riding partner (Mom) had to stay home since they were combining beans. And since there wasn't room for me and my horse in Lisa's trailer, the question was...to go (and drive the truck and trailer for the first time) or not to go (and sit home thinking about what a pansy you are and wishing you were riding). So...I was loaded up and truckin'!

It's hard to believe with the life I've lived that I just now had this experience. But I guess it's because there has always been a mutual allowance for me to do things...but with little risk. I think back to so many things we did growing up...mowing a yard only after it was struck out, raking hay or cutting stalks only after the first few rounds were made, leading calves only after they were basically broke, etc. I'm really glad my parents protected me, but I also think I probably should have pushed the issue from time to time so that I learned to do things without a safety net. I'm thinking that "first times" are a lot easier when you're young and foolish!

Raccoon R-A-C-C-O-O-N Raccoon

I am an achiever. Probably better classified as an OVER-achiever. And I hate to make mistakes or do something wrong in public. Well, this past weekend I just had to 'get over myself'. It all started because I wanted to go to the folk fair at the Heartland Museum in our town because there was a barbershop quartet on the agenda for the day. I figured it was something to do even if the singing turned out to be bad (which was wasn't, they were good) and it's always fun to go through the museum...so I went. Well, it turns out the agenda also included a good ole fashion spelling bee. For which they were recruiting people to participate. My dad got the funny idea that I should do it. I thought 'No way, because I just know I'll spell something wrong and be embarrassed for myself in public! If I can't win, then don't play!'. (I know, I know, what a terrible attitude....so afraid to fail that I often don't even try.) Well, I finally gave in to my dad's prodding and participated...right along with him. And we both got out before the deal was over...and NO ONE laughed at me when I spelled my word wrong and it was no big deal. Actually, it was pretty fun and I'm glad I gave in and did it. Which is probably the moral of this story....as Nike said many years ago- Just Do It! I know I've passed up a lot of opportunities over my lifetime simply because I'm too afraid to fail or be embarrassed in front of other people. Just last week at the 'egg celebration' I passed up winning some Nadas CDs because I was too embarrassed to be in an egg toss and egg on the spoon race....both of which my dad did and one of which he won! So maybe I'll take notes these next few years as I live close to Dad, join in the fun, and live to tell about it.

Never Bored with Board Games

Maybe it's because I grew up in rural Iowa where the electricity went out every time we had a storm and we needed something to do....or maybe it's because I am ultra competitive.... or maybe it's because I like the mental stimulation....but regardless of the reason-- I LOVE board games! And thank goodness that everywhere I've lived, I've found friends that love them too! And right now, I'm missing my friends in Athens and all the nights we played Phase 10 (at which Heather cheats), Yahtzee, Compatibility, Catch Phrase, and the list goes on. And the many days Scott and I would sit at my house playing Sequence and Husker-Du (at which he thinks I cheat).

There's just something about games that brings a group of people together. Of course I love dinner and a movie...but you always feel rushed to get out of the restaurant and then ssshussed at the movie. I would rather have people over for dinner where we can really hang and enjoy each others company and then play games where we can be loud and crazy...and talk to each other.

And thinking of games brings back great memories of Grams. I can't count the number of times we played Husker -Du (but the condition of the box would give you a hint), Skunk, 500, Candyland, and of course the many different ways she taught us to play Solitaire (which I still play everytime I sit down and see a deck of cards nearby). It also makes me think of all the times Dad and I would play a game of Connect 4 to see who was going outside to do chores in the snow! Or the times we played Rummy King (at which my uncle Jim and Dad cheat) on snowmobile trips and at family get togethers.

Some might say it's because there is nothing else to do it Iowa, but I'm really thankful that I was brought up playing games. It seems like whenever you bring them out, people always have a good time. And a family that plays together stays together!

Only in Small Town Iowa

One of the thoughts that's been on my mind ever since I decided to move back to my hometown has been 'what will I do to stay busy?'. Living in a college town the last six years has spoiled me because there was always something to do and always someone around to ask to go. Well, I've been here three weeks and haven't been at a loss for things to do yet. In fact, I don't think I've even had one single night to just sit home and relax a bit! And today, I found out about something that just made me excited for next weekend....and made me say 'only in small town Iowa'.

There's this lady, Karen, who takes the time each week to collect all the things going on in the community (everything from blood drives to prayer meetings to community events) and puts them all in one place...an email she sends to who knows how many hundred people. I love this thing!! There are things I would never in a million years hear about otherwise.

Well today, she made a note about a community appreciation hosted next Friday by an agricultural company based in my hometown. They're hosting a free dinner and concert...and the concert is one of my favorite bands from college- The Nadas. Can you believe it...a free concert by The Nadas in my hometown!! And to top it all off...everyone also gets a free dozen eggs!! Only in Iowa would you go to an event and they are giving everyone a carton of eggs!

Gotta love it. I'm so glad to be home!