Misunderestimated

Life in the Middle has really been eye opening.  I did not expect a “Fly-Over” to have much to offer, but I was oh-so wrong.

Yes, I miss the beaches…I still hate bugs…I still really hate humidity.

But KC is pretty sweet.

The food has been surprisingly good.  I have found that I have a love of all things KC BBQ.  There is a cool, little Thai place a couple miles from home.  I have even found an authentic Mexican food place that I would put up against almost any in San Diego.

The arts scene is really good.

All the top acts come here (I am going to see Lady Gaga next Tuesday and even saw Conan O’Brien on his recent “Legally not allowed to be funny on TV” tour).  The art museums are really quality and the nightlife is solid.

The people are amazing.

I had always heard about “Minnesota Nice” and “Southern Hospitality”, but I will put the people who live in the middle against anyone in terms of niceness and hospitality.  When the cashier at the store asks “how are you doing?” it is clear that they really want to know.

I underestimated the middle.

I like it here.

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But I still miss San Diego. 

My New Car

I bought a new car.

Well, new to me at least.

A sparkling (that is subject to interpretation) new (I use that term loosely) 1994 Toyota Pick-up.

The bumper is rusted…I don’t think it could tow me if I were tied to it…and the hood and roof look as if it has vitiligo.

But the tires are in good shape, the truck bed has a nice liner and the engine runs like a champ.

It is perfect for runs to Home Depot…critical when you buy a house that was built 18 years ago and has been neglected the last two…it is perfect for camping…it is perfect for driving in hail storms.

Sure, it is small…like really, really small.  No extra cab, no reclining seats.

I pull up next to a Ford Ranger and I have size envy.

But it represents everything my pops taught me about cars. 

1. Consumer Reports loves them
   
2. It has been well maintained (I even have receipts for oil changes dating back to my freshman year of college!)
   
3. It did not cost much
   

I even called pops the day I bought it and told him that he would be so proud of me.

Sure, I have to sneak in and out of my neighborhood because I don’t think the HOA lets people who live there drive such a car.  Yes, I get very weird glances when I pull into the parking lot at work. 

I have even been asked if I am having money problems since this was my “New Car”.

But I love it.  It is perfect for what I need. 

And if I am lucky, my first born will drive it when he/she turns 16.  How cool will that be?

I Don't Want Tiffany's...I Want A Blog

"Well, do you prefer the ring or the necklace...or do you really 'need' them both?"

"I don't know."

"How am I supposed to decide what to get you for your birthday if you don't tell me? You have never asked for anything and this year you did. So, I want to make sure you get what you want. What my baby wants, my baby gets."

"I don't know."

"Babe, I love you, but help me out a bit here. What do you want?"

"You know what I want? I want you to start blogging again. I miss it. I miss reading what you have to say. I miss reading about us and you and the things that we do."

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So yes, after an absence a little longer than I originally anticipated, I am back...it just took C's birthday to spur me on.

I have so much to write about. Adjusting to "Life in the Middle", buying the new house, being a Land Barron, gourmet bacon and owning a farm.

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So, do you like the new title? We ran the little contest and while we got a number of suggestions, it was Claire that ultimately came up with the winning name.

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Yes, I missed you guys. It is good to be back.

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Oh and babe...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I am so blessed to have you in my life.

Remembering Mandy

It has been 10 years...and I still think about her. I wrote about it back in 2008. Thought a repost was due...Click on over and share it with me.

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