Just give the people what they want!

Ok, it sounds like my dear readers would like some more information about me and Beatrice- let's call her B. If you don't know who I am talking about, I'm afraid you'll have to read my previous post. It was 10 years ago exactly that B and I met. Like any relationship, things were shiny and new in the beginning. In the first picture here, you see B with me my freshman year, with my two new roommies and best friends, Sharla and Lauren. B is on the far right. I can't explain why all three of us look like idiots in this picture. We were freshman, what can I say? I'm sure we felt clever and cute. Apparently B gave me a sense of confidence because we were together for all of the big milestones- meeting my first college crush, pulling my first college all-nighter to study for a chem test, stewing about the grade I got on my first big chem test... and the subsequent cooking dough binge (thank goodness B was plenty roomy!)


In this next picture, you see B in her sophomore year on the far left. By this time I felt some loyalty to B. As you can see, not only did she give me comfort in the hard times, she kept me dry in the wet times. Just as this week marks the beginning of Homecoming festivities, this rain-soaked day 9 years ago took place during the Homecoming Olympics. It might have been raining cats and dogs but darn it, B and I weren't going to miss the Egg-toss or human pyramid for nothin'!

This next photo was taken my junior year. B is on the far right. B definitely saw a lot of time on the tennis court over the years. This particular day, I triumphed over one of my main rivals on the court. I was glad B was with me to celebrate- it's nice to give something back to your loved ones once in awhile!


This next picture was taken the senior year. I had just received flowers from my eventual husband. I always knew B had a jealous streak in her, but that year it came out more than ever. Eventually, I turned to some of my other big comfy sweatshirts- hoodies, embroidered ones, and the like. I even took one of the newbies on vacation with me- I don't think B has ever fully forgiven me for that.






Over the years I have accumulated more Simpson tshirts and sweatshirts than you could ever imagine. After the whole "vacation-incident" I found B crouched over one of her poor competitors who arms had been detached with precision, scissors lying conspicuously next to her. I was distraught at first, then it gave me an idea. Some people would consider this quilt just a nice cozy wrap.... don't be fooled. This is a graveyard of the unfortunate...
Here, years later, stained, worn, stretched out and holey, B is back in my good graces. We've just been through too much- crushes, rainy days, celebrations, sports, weddings and now, domestic life. My advice to you- get your own, get 'er early- there are lots of memories to be made and you'll need someone soft and warm to share them with!

If I could turn back time...

OK, first of all- if you are now inspired to belt out Cher's, "If I Could Turn Back Time" and find yourself whistling it for the rest of the day, well, you can thank me later! Moving on...

In Ray Bradbury's "A Sound of Thunder," characters are able to travel back in time. Now, wouldn't that be amazing? From Bill and Ted (who do indeed have a fan site...go figure) to a planet ruled by apes, hundreds of songs, stories and movies have captured our imagination in the name of time travel. So I pose 2 questions. 1) How much have I dated myself in the first 2 paragraphs of this blog alone? and 2) What would you do different in your life?

Well, I have too many changes to cover them all.... the high school years, family affairs, friends, that time I paid money to see Gigli in the theatre (to my credit Bennifer was all the rage at that time...). But in the name of being concise (no, seriously, I'm going to try this time...) I will keep it to my college years.

First and foremost, it's worth mentioning that I played collegiate tennis for 4 years at Simpson. It was an amazing experience! I traveled, met awesome people, and got to play a game I LOVE! "Coach" was my mentor, attended my graduation and later my wedding. To this day I consider him a close friend. I remember sitting shotgun in the van as the miles passed- talking morea bout life than about tennis sometimes.

The pride I felt each time I donned my Simpson uniform was more than worth every long hour perfecting my dropshot or kickserve. Now, what many people don't know is that my first love was actually basketball in high school. But, I was a better tennis player so that is what I pursued. In retrospect, I regret that I didn't at least try to play basketball as well in college. I might have been a "bench jockey" for 4 years. I might have been ridiculed or mocked for my inability and demoted to waterboy (ok, just kiddin, they don't do that). Or, maybe I would have had the time of my life, made even more amazing friends, and traveled to great places. Simpson's basketball team this year past year played in the Sweet 16 in New York City!! But, the bottom line is I was too afraid of failure so I didn't try. That was a big mistake and if I could turn back time, I'd have the courage to take on the challenge. Heck, maybe it's not too late? I may have used up my 4 years of NCAA eligibility for athletics, but maybe they could still use a watergirl? Give me a call coach!

OK, another experience I had at Simpson was the stunning May term trip I took to Greece my junior year. You're talking to a girl who had literally never stepped foot on an airplane at that time, so you can imagine that the sights I saw in the Mediterranean were quite breath taking to my 20-year old eyes! I saw the Ionic Sea, volcanic islands, Olympia, the Parthenon, Delphi, the Epidarious Theater, the Acropolis, the Ruins of Mycenae and more olive trees than my green-olive-loving-heart could ever desire. So, that being said, I should have taken advantage of another trip. I had friends that traveled 3-4 times, to different countries around the world. Why didn't I? Who knows, I'm sure I had a plethora of reasons that seemed really legit at the time. What in the world (the "this is a really giant world that I'll never get to explore until I'm a sassy, gray-haired retiree now" world) what I thinking?

Bottom line-DON'T BE AFRAID of taking on a new challenge- don't let a fear of failure immobilize you like it did me. Mark Twain says, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. " Simpson won't let you down- try out for the choir, play a sport (or, honestly, if you're really awkward, intramurals are a fine choice as well... I'm just sayin!) And lastly- travel, travel, travel! It will change your life and THAT is what college is all about.

Did you know that Simpson is listed by US News and World Report as one of the top 100 colleges in the country for travel abroad programs?

"But whyyyyyyyy"

There was once a much-loved professor at Simpson, who in response to any number of answers given by his students---would pause and retort, "But whyyyy?" Now, you have to put yourself in that classroom to fully understand the effect. He hadda deeeeee-yup, syrupy, Suthun' drawwwwwl. The kind where every "worrr-uddd" had at least two syllables, even the short ones. The kind that made you want to curl up next to a fireplace and just listen to bedtime stories with a nice brew of hot cocoa- not the cheap, lumpy, is this just brown water kind- but the oh man, this is the good stuff kind. So anyway, put yourself in that time, and imagine those words again- say it with me now "But whyyyyy?"

Well, I (and other bloggers) have often written about my insane jealousy at the students that currently get to call Simpson home. Did you ever think to ask, "But whyyyyy?"

I'll try to concisely (OK, scratch that- I'm never concise in my blogs) tell you whyyyyy I miss it so. This past weekend marked the beginning of fall. The beginning of falling leaves, football games, chili in the crock pot, pumpkin patches, midterms, harvest season and "oh man, please let us delay winter just awhile longer!" Yesterday I woke up and faced a beautiful day- 60 degrees and sunny. Perfect. I celebrated by going for a walk. What I saw made my heart just ache. It was one of those moments where I almost lose my breath. I always make my way toward campus when I walk, and I did just that. The sun was glimmering through the trees and the huge maple leaves whispered in the breeze. It was mostly quiet, it was after all, 7 AM on a college campus- and let's face it, college students aren't exactly famous for being early birds. But there were two students. They were strolling through the campus, just winding through the brick sidewalks. They both had on big, comfy Simpson sweatshirts, the kind that you keep forever- no matter how nappy and holey and stained they get. Mine is 10 years old this year and I still wear her. (her name is Beatrice- don't ask....) The waistband is almost severed from its host- but none-the-less- she's mine and we're in it for the long haul!

Anyway, they both had on worn jeans. They held hands, college sweethearts just soaking up the day. No papers, no tests, no bills, no worries. They lazily strolled, with no purpose but the journey itself. I just got caught up in the beauty of the moment- watching them "BE" just as thousands before them had been. Some young couple would have strolled just like that 150 years ago, well, trade in the comfy jeans for a fitted bodice and flouncy skirt, maybe some nice tweed knickers or something? But they are part of the history of Simpson, whether they know it or not. Where they go, what they do, how they spend their lives- it's just as much a part of the history as each worn brick that shapes the architecture of the campus. Maybe it doesn't make sense to you? Maybe you have to experience it, see it, know it or live it to understand how a place can be so dear to my heart? Or, maybe I should just can it with the sentimentality and go back to being a wise-acre???? I do have a reputation to uphold you know!

Dear Miss Admissions:

I'd like to take a little break from my commentary on daily life to share a little gem from the mail bag. Some of you may not know this, but a famous New York newspaper is just dying to sign me up as a columnist. But don't worry, I've rebuffed them in favor of admissions! I just love what I do too much- besides the leaving home one too many hours before dawn to drive across the state today, I had an awesome day at my first college fair of the year! I talked to so many cool students that my voice is hoarse and it feels like I swallowed a thumb tack- but in my line work- that is a sign of a successful day!

Anyway, on to the letter:

"Dear Miss Admissions-I am a senior in high school and I am starting to get really stressed about college. I don't know what I want to major in or where I want to go. Plus, my boyfriend wants to move to the east coast for college to play lacrosse. I love him but I think I want to stay closer to home. What do I do? -Anonymous on the Nishnabotna"

Miss Admissions says:

Dear Anonymous on the Nishnabotna- First of all you have to find a way to manage your stress. Read a book, crazily stalk someone on Facebook or take up yoga- your friends will be wicked jealous when you show them you can do the Leaning Dragon! I personally prefer throwing on some comfortable yet "I can't believe you are wearing those" ugly sweatpants and downing a healthy amount of raw cookie dough- but, whatever floats your boat. Believe it or not, finding the right college is not supposed to be a miserable experience! And trust me when I say you don't have to pick a major yet! I changed my major three times when I was at Simpson. I would have kept changing it but apparently the whole point is to actually get a degree and become insanely successful! But really, a lot of people in their forties are still trying to figure out what they want to do when they grow up, so you have time.

And, um, about the boy. I KNOW it is so tempting to follow him for the sake of the relationship but Miss Admissions says that definitely is a very bad idea- for all involved. College is actually a lot of fun and meeting new people is what it is all about: boys, girls, profs, people who sell you coffee at midnight so you can finish that paper you blew off to go to the Cheesecake Factory and Happy Potter 3 at the Imax, with your roommies! (I'll neither confirm nor deny that I ever did that) Plus, if you are meant to be together, it will indeed work out. But, there is no way to know that right now- I mean c'mon- take Brit and K.Fed- well pre-divorce, pre-kids, pre-headshaving shopping sprees Brit and KFed- who could have predicted they wouldn't work out y'all?

So, bottom line: My "totally unbiased, completely objective, this-is-really-good-advice" advice is to visit a college with a variety of majors (perhaps Simpson?) within the distance you are comfortable with (like Simpson?) that is a good fit for you (hmmm... maybe?) and lastly, that is within 15 minutes of an Imax (Harry Potter 4 will eventually come out- plan ahead!). Oh, I know, I know, there is a perfect college that fits all of your needs- a little place called Simpson, maybe you've heard of it?

Best Wishes, Miss Admissions

My favorite things

24 hour short hours from now I will embark on my first day of “travel season.” Well, if I am being totally accurate, it will actually be 26 hours from now. Because, it is now only 4 AM. For the 6th time in 7 days, my 2 year-old daughter has once again roused me from that precious thing that the rest of the world is taking for granted right now- sleep! So, as everyone else dreams of fluffy white sheep, I whittle away the hours waiting for the rest of the world to wake up.

Tomorrow will be an early morning as well. When the sun finally decides to make its appearance, I’ll be heading due east on Interstate 80. That’s the tricky thing about traveling in eastern Iowa- I’ll be fighting the glare- trying my best to navigate traffic at 75 MPH while the sun tries to burn my retinas off. The bummer of it, heading west on the way home at night I must do it all over again.

But, I am excited. I cherish those mornings- the world is quiet and peaceful. The air is crisp. It’s just me, my 32 ounces of Diet Dew, and the open road. Sometimes a gravelly-voiced narrator will keep me company as I listen to the latest suspense novel to make it’s way to CD. Then I'll proceed to be paranoid and afraid of my own shadow in every parking lot, but that's a whole other topic.

Given the occasion, I thought it was appropriate to tell you more about my favorite things: people and places from the road.

(Take it away Julie Andrews..."Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens, brown paper packages tied up with strings, these are a few of my favorite things.") oh and yes, if you are lucky, that song will be in your head ALL day!

Two great guidance counselors: Two great guidance counselors that immediately come to mind are Ms. Reisner from North Tama and Mr. Kettman from Marion. These two are in touch with their students and are so friendly. There are other great ones as well, too many to name, but these two are in my travel area and they come right to mind. Even though they meet with tons of admissions counselor, who all look the same, carry the same big black bag, and bring the same glossy publications, they still take the time to ask me how I am doing. Kettman, a former road warrior himself, perhaps remembers what those days are like- when your back aches from driving and you're tired from sleeping in hotels. I also have to give props to the folks in the awesome guidance office at Iowa Falls. Lois, who sits at the front desk, is so sweet. She remembers me every year and even asks to see pictures of my daughter! Lastly, I return to North Tama because they also get the award for having great students! Now, I have met with great students from nearly every town I have been in- nice students, smart students, funny and polite students. But it seems like when I make the trek, twice a year, to that little office on the top floor of that particular high school, the students are always polite, interested and have good questions. Goooooo RedHawks! Maybe it’s just something in the water??? Physically, Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids is the most beautiful school. It’s tucked in a hilly neighborhood with winding streets. It’s very pretty and always clean.

My favorite hotel is the Hampton Inn. The people are friendly, it is clean, and they even give away free chocolate chip cookies. Rock on Hampton! My favorite gas station is Casey’s- gotta love a place where you can get gasoline, magazines and a hot lunch in ANY small town. My favorite restaurant is Charlie’s (not the chain) in Sioux City Iowa. It’s not a very well-known place, but they have one menu item that gives them the distinction of being my favorite- the pretzel bread sandwich. Mmmmmm. But, given that my travels no longer take me that direction, I will say that Subway is a staple in my traveling diet.

My favorite town is probably LeMars, Iowa. It just always feels like a beautiful fall day up there. Plus, hello, it’s the Ice Cream Capital of the World- home of Wells Blue Bunny. (and yes, I did take the official tour when I was there…)

My favorite landmark is the Mississippi River as it curls it’s way through eastern Iowa.

That’s it for now- it’s 4:30 am and I am getting really enthralled in an awesome infomercial!

Great Apes

My faithful readers may have noticed I removed my blog from yesterday. After consideration, my tongue-in-cheek humor may have not translated into the immense respect I have for the welfare of Great Apes around the world.

Conservation of these amazing animals is so important. Please, take a moment to click on this link. One click per day is all it takes. It's free and it helps protect the world's remaining rainforests and wildlife habitat.

Other important links:

http://www.great-apes.com/

http://www.bonobo.org/index.html

http://www.greatapeproject.org/

http://www.fws.gov/international/animals/gaprogram.htm

Admissions- The E-True Hollywood Story

Admissions- The E- True Hollywood Story (please cue dramatic music and gravely voiced announcer now)

So, rather than read about my mere musings on life in general, I've decided that what my dear readers really want to hear about today is life in admissions. Yes, the glamorous life of exotic travel, gourmet meals and 5 star hotels.

Working in admissions is a funny thing. You don't ever "major" in admissions. I mean, I'm telling you what, no textbook can prepare you for driving down a gravel road in northeast Iowa, rain soaked map in one hand, mascara smeared down your cheeks, hair looking like a million bucks, cell phone pinned between your shoulder and ear as you navigate the steering wheel with your knees and curse Mapquest for once again leading you down the wrong path. No, no prof of mine ever prepared me for such...they may have had PhD's and brains the size of a giant cantaloupes... but that doesn't help in said situations.

Admissions, as a general rule, has massive turnover- just behind the people who have to watch the timer on the deep fat fryer at McDonald's and the people who sit in cubicles all day working on status reports that report on their status reports (yeah, that would stink...) It's not that it's a bad job- but there are some quirky ins and outs that are worth mentioning.

The exotic travel- as previously mentioned the travel will take you far and wide. I've seen mountains of every shape and size. There was that one bluff in Sioux City. Striking really. There was that hill along I-80 in western Iowa. My stomach rolled for just a fraction of a second as I descended, if I hit the accelerator just right. Oh, and that one time there was that grassy knoll in Cedar Rapids- that was awesome. You get the idea- it's awe inspiring.

There is also gourmet meals to contend with. My typical travel day involves making a few stops at high schools, then finding a quaint little cafe to grab a bite between appointments. I tend to frequent a little know place called Casey's. I think it's owned by a french restaurateur, but I can't back that up. The last time I went there, the maitre de welcomed me, showed me the beautifully positioned glass display case where I was able to pick from an assortment of gourmet options. I think I opted for cheese curds and a BubbaBurger- Divine for sure! Unfortunately the dining room was full that day so I had to eat in my car. The sweet aroma of the vine ripened ketchup stuck with me the rest of the day reminding me of my meal. It was a beautiful thing!

Last but not least, we have 5 star hotels to deal with! I've stayed in nearly every town along I-80- from the western edge of Iowa to farthest reaches of Jones county in eastern Iowa. I've often had the delight of sleeping in rooms that open to the outside world- I like to call these 5 star "motels" if you will. Last fall I enjoyed the view overlooking the "industrial park" in one town. In another, the concierge showed me the way to the sauna. With all of the fuzzy growth coming through the wood I felt just like I was in a nature spa- it was so refreshing.

OK, maybe life on the road isn't ALWAYS glamorous, but I wouldn't joke about it if I didn't love every minute of it! I am just cut out for life of gas station dinners, Febreeze rather than detergent (useful for those business suits on the 4th consecutive day on the road) and maps that are laminated (because if they aren't, the first week on the road leaves them battered, torn, stained and generally looking very very sad). Plus, I mean, if an admissions counselor stays beyond the one year mark, that's pretty good. If they stay two, now that is saying something. Heck, I am going on 6 years- I should be Dean any day now!!

A New York state of mind

Well my faithful readers... I am back....I survived the weekend....barely.

See, here's the thing. In Minnesota, when you are speeding across the lake on a breezy September day it feels almost...cool...crisp...refreshing!! Alas, do not be fooled into thinking you can fore go the SPF 500 on such days. No, because IF you do, you will end up with a little "summer color" if you will. Not the good kind of "oh, I have that healthy glow of summer" color, rather the "is somebody stabbing my back/neck/shoulders with a thousand little razor blades then pouring searing Tabasco into the many punctures" kind of color. Need I elaborate further???

None the less, 12 of grandma's homemade fudgy brownies, 4 homemade cinnamon rolls, one sweet burger (a beautiful 1/3 pound slab of ground beef voted the best burger in a tri-state region!) and 3 pounds later, I did have a great weekend.

As did the Storm athletes. The football team won. The women's cross country team (don't worry, we think people that run miles and miles just for fun are crazy too) took first place at their first meet of the year. Knocking off our rival I might add...

And last but not least, our women's volleyball team took time out of their "Statue of Liberty seeing, Broadway visiting, yes we are in fact excused from class for this" weekend trip to New York- to knock off the number 20 rated team in the country, New York University and win the tournament. As my friend Borat would say, "Vaaaaaayyyyy niiiiiiice!"

(you probably need to hear it for yourself if you are lame and in the 1% of people who have not seen the movie) :)