This week saw the final thawing of the Upper-Plains. The long-awaited spring has begun to unfold, and everyone seems to be in a better mood. I took advantage of the nice weather walking the dog several times and finally pulling my bicycle out for a few rides.
On Wednesday night we attended a rain barrel construction workshop at the Landfill of North Iowa. The class covered the basic materials, cost, and construction required to create a rain-catch system designed to utilize the precipitation that falls on the roof of a home. Although the content was primarily presented by YouTube (Rain-Barrel Making Video), the well-attended seminar proved an enjoyable evening. Also of interest was the meeting room at the Landfill of North Iowa, a space that contains displays of recycling processes and notations of the renewable materials used in the construction of the building. Although we were not the winners of the rain barrel that was on display throughout the presentation, we did walk away with useful knowledge that may help make our family more sustainable someday.
This weekend I had the opportunity to provide public address for the NIACC softball team. Although a bit rusty, after a few innings I managed to get back into the swing of things. The weather could not have been more ideal for the pair of double headers, making the experience all the more enjoyable. There are few things in this life I enjoy more than basking in the sunshine at a ball diamond, spitting a few sunflower seeds, and hearing the familiar sounds of popping gloves and pinging bats. Over the course of the weekend I was reminded of the incredible resilience of softball pitchers. The Lady Trojans were in the midst of ten games in five days, all ten split between two arms. Although physically demanding, the mental strain must also be incredible. I was thoroughly impressed by the mental tenacity of these young women as they consistently rebounded from setbacks in pressure situations to work towards their goals.
Academic concerns have also been creeping into focus lately. I have reached the point in the semester where the time allotted remaining begins to strain against the amount of work to be done. I have several large research projects to complete before the end of the term in mid-May. This semester has been a bit of a struggle for me due primarily to my disinterest in the subject matter (The Soviet Union and The First World War), and I am looking forward to clearing these hurdles and moving on. I have reached the critical juncture in the pursuit of of Master of Arts where I must begin mulling that fatal topic: what will be the focus of my thesis. I have decided that I will examine some aspect of Northern Plains American Indian culture, but which precise topic yet eludes me. There are so many options to consider, and I would enjoy the opportunity to do research that involves my home state of Iowa in some way. However, the time for that decision has not come. Instead, it is time to direct my entire focus to creating a realistic portrait of why Khrushchev’s visit to Iowa is historically meaningful, appraise the aims of Imperial Germany, and continue to maintain the 4.0.
This week I was also presented with the opportunity (due to a non-responsive touchscreen) to upgrade my cellphone out of plan, a process that seems to be unjust at best. Spiking the price of goods unnecessarily does not endear the vendor to anyone, and it seems odd that this practice hasn’t drawn more scrutiny. I did however upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy S3, which has so far proven to be a worthwhile investment. This is my first venture into the world of touch-screen only technology, as I have also chosen to have some manner of physical qwerty keyboard in the past. It has been difficult and frustrating at time to rely on inexact typing on screen, however, the other benefits of improved technology have eased the transition.
While dining out this week at Papa’s American Cafe I was treated to a less than enjoyable dining experience. In the past I have been a major proponent of Papa’s due to decent food, a good television viewing set-up, and the reality that this establishment is the only non-national chain sports bar of substance in the Mason City area. However, my opinion has been changed. Upon arriving at our table, I was asked what I would care to drink, and inquired as to what was on tap for adult beverages. I was quickly informed that the hostess, who did ask for a drink order, did not know, that this young woman “is not my waitress,” and therefore should not be expected to be burdened with this knowledge. After resorting to a review of the outdated drink menu, I was finally able to settle on a selection and imbibe. Upon ordering I was treated to an inordinate wait for dinner, a time which was used for reflection on the interior of the restaurant which has clearly gone without update since the establishment of Papa’s in 1993. When our food finally arrived it was of low-quality, leaving me to reflect what the giant portrait of Randy Moss above the table would have said about the fare. As someone who previously worked in a similar setting for a good deal of time, it was clear that there are major management problems fermenting under the surface at this establishment. The entire experience felt like a filming of Food Network’s “Restaurant Stakeout.”
In order to avoid ending this week’s update on such a negative note, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the joys of being in close proximity to one’s family. One of my major aims in returning to Mason City was to be closer to loved ones, and that decision continues to provide me with benefits. This week my fiance and I were able to spend several evenings with various combinations of our families, taking the time to discuss the ongoing events in our lives, share opinions of popular current events, and simply enjoy one another’s company. Throughout my life I have always come across accounts of persons who were filled with regret after the passing of loved ones, lamenting the time left unspent while the chance was available. I count myself as fortunate to realize that these are avoidable regrets that I do not intend to torment me in the future.
The Bulls have bounced back from their terrible game 1 performance to take a commanding lead in the sweepstakes to get beat by the Miami Heat. Nate Robinson was unbelievable in the 4th quarter comeback on Saturday the 27th…The Boston Red Sox have been better than everyone else anticipated, however, if you ask anyone I was citing their improved locker room chemistry and infusion of young talent as indicators of an improved squad long before the snow melted at Fenway…I have been consumed by readings for classes, leaving me looking forward to the 10 days between terms that I hope to read a couple books that have been gathering dust on my night stand…I booked a cabin and tickets for the opening night of the College World Series in Omaha, NE as a variation of bachelor party. I am looking forward to a great time with my groomsmen avoiding the disgusting cliches that normally accompany this ritual…I will no longer be taking part in the Mason City Police Triathlon due to conflicting dates with the previously mentioned trip to Omaha, but I am looking forward finding an alternative team-triathlon to participate in at some point this summer…it was unveiled this week that Des Moines will be home to the new minor-league hockey affiliate of the Minnesota Wild, aptly named the Iowa Wild. I look forward to spending several evening taking in the action at Wells Fargo Arena during the upcoming winter.
L
(all photos in this post, excepting the featured one of my dog, were found using Google Image search.)
