Cacklin' with the Hens

"It takes a long time to grow an old friend." And I am so fortunate to have some old friends that I treasure dearly...the Hens. I can remember Sue, Heidi and LeAnn being in my life as far back as I can remember people in my life! And probably the coolest thing about our friendship today is that we take a long weekend every year to have our HenFest. Our girls only weekend is a great time to just catch up and spend time together....and we usually find a way to spend a little money shopping too. For more on HenFest years past (and a progression of photos) check out Sue's website.

Probably one of the neatest things about old friends is it doesn't matter how long it's been, you simply pick up wherever you left off. And they basically know everything about you and love you anyway. I remember the first time we did our HenFest; the four of us hadn't really all been together is several years. But from the moment we got together we started talking; and didn't stop until we drove out of Sue's driveway. Each of us was facing a big change in life, whether it was a first baby, a divorce, a new job or a new location....and who better to share your heart, thoughts and fears than old friends. I love these girls and count the days every year until I pack my bag to head for HenFest.

Oh-la-la...Rhubarb Pie

The other day when I went in to see my grandma at the nursing home, she mentioned that she hadn't eaten lunch yet and asked if I would eat with her. Of course I would, who doesn't look forward to hospital food! Needless to say, it left plenty to be desired. So we started talking about the good ole days and all the good food she used to cook. I always loved it when we were working in the fields by her house, because that meant great food...especially rolls and dessert. As we talked, we got stuck on one of my absolute favorites...rhubarb. I know it doesn't taste good until you combine it will all that sugar...but still it is one of my favorites! Grandma used to make rhubarb pie, rhubarb bars, rhubarb sauce, rhubarb cake, rhubarb jam...the list goes on. And lots of times it was coupled with strawberries from the garden...oh man how I love strawberry-rhubarb jam!! Lucky for me when I got home from the nursing home...Mom was making a rhubarb pie. How ironic. But oh how good that was with some vanilla bean ice cream.

Just One of the Reasons

As I think about moving back to Iowa, there are so many things that run through my head when people ask me "Why?". I guess to those people that didn't grow up in the Midwest, this seems like a valid question. But for those of us that were fortunate enough to grow up there...we know there's something magical about it that just gets in our blood. There's something about the smell of fresh dirt and baby calves in the spring, the sight of corn and beans popping up through the ground, the sound of corn dryers in the fall, the chill of August nights....the list goes on. Every time I'm in Iowa, the sights, sounds, and smells just stir my inner soul. And I'm reminded that I want to get back just as soon as I can.

But one of the main reasons I'm ready to move back to Iowa, is my family. It kills me to live 16 hours from home. And now that this little girl (my niece) is walking, talking and getting into everything....she just adds one more reason that it's time to get back. I feel like I missed out a lot on my two nephews growing up because once they hit elementary school I was living out of state. I just love being an aunt and I hope this time around I'll be able to be a part of the daily things. And it should be fun because this little girl just loves the farm....and we already have a little saddle so one day we can get her on horseback!

The Four People that Just Made My Day

....because they were the first people in the world to officially call me "Dr. Anderson"!! I graduated high school in 1990....so I guess that means I've been dabbling in post-secondary degrees for 18 years, but this is it- I'm finished!

Running for a Reason

As I get ready to defend my doctoral dissertation tomorrow, I got to thinking (aka procrastinating) about what all has happened over the last year. One specific thing that came into my mind was that a year ago this month, I signed up for my second Team in Training event....the Dublin Ireland Marathon. And the journey began to once again raise over $5K for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society....and to prepare my body to once again run 26.2 miles. The time between registration and the October event seemed to fly by with training, raising money, and planning my trip to Ireland...the one country in the world that I really wanted to visit. Once again the TNT experience was amazing and I continually met people who had loved ones affected by blood cancer. Of all the things I've done in my life, I'd have to say my two TNT events rank near the top of the most rewarding experiences. My running shoes are calling my name to get signed up for another marathon this fall. Not sure that I'll do it through TNT since I'll be moving to Iowa; but I'm sure whatever event I pick there will be people there running for a reason.....to cure cancers.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

One of the awesome things about living in a college town....is all the sporting events. Not to mention that the University of Georgia has national champion teams in just about every sport! And the people in the south....well let's just say they are die hard fans. There's even this guy, Mike Woods, who paints the top of his bald head with the picture of a bulldog. If you've ever watched Georgia football on TV....then I'm certain you've seen it; he gets on camera every game.

I really like going to Georgia football games, but something I like even better....Georgia baseball. There's just something about a baseball game...and lucky me I've got a little group of friends who like to go to nearly every game. We have a great time just hanging out...and Chester (far right) has figured out the secret to getting the free stuff they throw out every couple innings. Last night he got his third t-shirt of the season!

The season comes to a close next week with the last home series...and I have to admit that I'm kind of bummed because it's been one of my favorite things to do this spring. But I'm sure we'll find something else to do....we always do.

A Sign of the Times

Last week I had this big knot in my stomach as I walked home from work. I knew that as I approached my house, the yard was going to be newly adorned with a "For Sale" sign. Little did I know how much emotion that was going to stir throughout my little soul. When I moved to Athens nearly six years ago, I said "it's just for five years, find some balance between life and work, finish that degree you've started, and move back to Iowa." Well, six years later I'm finishing up that degree and I've really found a lot of balance between life and work. But that balance is a result of a great life with lots of good friends and experiences. So while I'm really excited about moving back to Iowa, I'm really torn in leaving my life and friends here. But I've come to realize that I love my life in Athens, in lue of the life I really want....one where I'm close to my family. And I know that I have to sacrifice something good to have something even better. But over these last six years, I've really had the opportunity to build a life that makes me happy and happy with who I am. Now I just need to take those lessons with me and implement them into my life in Iowa!

Let's gooooo racing!

Over my entire life, right after hearing the national anthem I've heard the words "Let's gooooo racing!" Tonight for the first time in my six years in Georgia....I'm going to the races. There's just not much better on a Friday or Saturday night than the smell of burning fuel, the sound of roaring engines, a crowd of rowdy fans, and not to forget nachos...with a heap of jalapeño peppers! I'm guessing it won't be as good as heading to Knoxville to watch my brother, but it's still the races and it will give me a little fix to hold me over until I see my brother race in a couple weeks.

When I think back over the years of go-carts, mini-sprints, stock cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles and sprint cars....I don't know that I could really pick a favorite to watch. It was always fun. But of course it was always best when my dad was the one taking the checkered flag!! And one of the most memorable parts was that it was always quality time with family and friends. So tonight I'm introducing my friend Amy to 'the races'!

Post Script: Here's a picture of Amy and I at the Lavonia Speedway. She loved it....until it starting getting late because of time trials, wrecks, restarts, etc. But I told her that was just part of going to 'the races'! She loved it but I think it might be a one time experience for her. But the other two friends that went with us...they had a great time!

Introduction

Call me a late adopter but I've held back and not started a blog. I kept thinking why would anyone want to be so public with things going on in their life. But as I've gotten accustomed to reading the happenings of a few of my friends...I've decided, it's time to try this out. Don't be thinking that I'll post something every day; I'm thinking more like once or twice a week. Primarily life happenings as well as thoughts and reflections. As I begin this deal, I'm closing in on graduation from my PhD program and preparing for a move back to Iowa in the next few months. So I'm sure there will be plenty of reflection because my mind has been racing ever since I made the decision to leave Athens and head back home. Enjoy.