A few days ago, the TobacCo office manager stopped by my desk to announce that there would be a company ‘bags tournament’ on Thursday and asked if I was interested in participating. I had no idea what a bags tournament was and nearly responded with something witty, ala “paper or plastic?”, but she recognized the … Continue reading Snipe Hunting in Wisconsin (Followed by Jell-O)
Tag: Midwest
Letting the cow out of the bag.
I’ve been keeping a little secret, but it’s time to let the cow out of the bag. I was in Madison, Wisconsin again last week. Just me; Tara stayed home. I left on Saturday morning, driving to Sibley, Iowa, where I spent the night. It was a charming little town. Quintessential Midwest. I chose Sibley … Continue reading Letting the cow out of the bag.
The Last Dinner
When we moved to the Midwest three point five years ago, some cultural adjustments were necessary. For starters, we had to get used to people who were overwhelmingly nice. Began to think of “traffic” as being third in line at a red light instead of inching forward on a freeway for hours. Discovered that Fleet … Continue reading The Last Dinner
Best ‘Wurst News
Every year around this time, I get caught up in the Great Candy Corn Debate. Some people like it, others don't, and those who fall into the latter camp are quite vocal over their distaste for this sweet treat. I am firmly in the Team Candy Corn camp, but it wasn't always this way. Much … Continue reading Best ‘Wurst News
Nostalgia is Fine, But the Midwest is Mine
Three years ago today, we arrived in Rapid City. Happy Dakotaversary to us. Three years, man. It doesn't even seem possible. There's a cliche about time passing in the blink of an eye, but I swear, living here still feels like a novelty. The newness has yet to wear off, and I have no idea … Continue reading Nostalgia is Fine, But the Midwest is Mine
I Joined the Fleet Farm Cult
Tara and I recently discovered the awesomeness that is Fleet Farm. Prior to moving out here, we'd never heard of the store before. It's one of those Midwest chains, like Menards and Culver's, that people in other parts of the country are oblivious to. I bet few people around here are familiar with Fred Meyer … Continue reading I Joined the Fleet Farm Cult
Cheese Curd Panic
I have officially acclimated to life on the northern plains. Here’s proof: It was snowing and the temperature was hovering around freezing, so I raised my windshield wipers when I pulled into the parking lot at work today. Raising my wipers to prevent the blades from freezing to the windshield never even crossed my mind … Continue reading Cheese Curd Panic
Mayo Have Your Attention, Please
Moving to the Midwest was an eye-opening experience in many ways. Hail the size of bowling balls, overly friendly people who sometimes talk funny, chislic — all were new to me. But one of the biggest differences can be found in the most mundane of places, the grocery store. I'm talking mayonnaise. Specifically, Hellmann's. Living … Continue reading Mayo Have Your Attention, Please
I Am Not a Crook
Years ago, I created a Google alert. Any time my name is mentioned on the internet, I get an email with a link to the article. I did this so long ago I'd actually forgotten all about it, so I was pretty surprised when I received an alert on Saturday. I clicked on the article … Continue reading I Am Not a Crook
I Survived the Polar Vortex (But Didn’t Even Get a Lousy T-Shirt)
Well, that was fun. My first Polar Vortex was actually a bit underwhelming. Sure, it was cold. But Rapid City never even dropped below zero. We came close: it was 1° Wednesday morning. When I woke up and looked at the thermometer, I was actually disappointed. Hey, if it's going to get cold, it might … Continue reading I Survived the Polar Vortex (But Didn’t Even Get a Lousy T-Shirt)
Mark My Words 