Enjoy the journey & other lessons learned

Here's a life story about life being a journey and enjoying every step of the way, seeing the possibility, and learning every day.

When I tell people, Iowa, that's where I was born

They tease me about endless flat land and corn

That's where I grew values and how to work hard

Pride in farmers and Americans, things you can't learn from a card

Relatives warned don't go north to Appleton where it's cold

Women wear flannels and hunt deer, young and old

I learned to follow my own dreams with the precision of a bow

Have courage and strength and cheer on my teams, go, go, go!

Elders shook their head about moving to the capitol, Mad Town

Be careful they exclaimed, you could become a politician or clown

That's where I led communities and debate ideas with zeal

The government, the university, all part of the appeal

Friends rolled their eyes, friends don't let friends go to Fort Wyane

Not enough parties or people, you'll have to escape by plane

I only needed to find one person, the love of my life

I loved responsibility, a career, and throwing parties as a wife

Those settled questioned, why Bloomington, a town so small?

Why risk your paycheck and take a chance that you'll fall?

Big ideas from Asia, Africa, Europe, and many states

We triumphed in case studies, internships, a big success at any rate

Classmates pointed out Cincinnati isn't close to a beach
So serious, so focused on industry, life won't be a peach

I learned to turn around businesses in need

With little ones we grew fruit trees, gardens, and good deeds

Collegues warned don't leave for Evansville, a smaller river port

Watch out for cowboys and the religious sort

That's where I feel most comfortable to kick up my boots

And sing praises so loud, a place where kids can grow roots

Neighbors ask why buy property in the mountains, so close to the sky

You could get attacked by a bear, you can't even fly

That's where I appreciate nature so majestic and free

I embrace the danger, the adventure, and all that I can be

Strangers warned don't move to a bankrupt, high tax state
The traffic, the crime, you know it leads to hate
Chicago has energy, diversity, and new food to taste
So many museums and parks, there's not a moment to waste

Shoot for the stars and don't let anyone hold you back.  Experience new places and cultures, you'll never stop learning.  And whenever you hear negative stereotypes, search for the positive instead.