Sarah Too

It's that time of year again -- when we look back at where we went, and look ahead to where we think we will go. Despite calling 2012 "The Year of Nothing," in which I set no goals other than "maintain the status quo" because of all the changes that came during 2011, this year managed to sneak in some new achievements.

Last week horribly and inexplicably, a tragedy befell innocents in a community in Connecticut. I, as well as others in my community in Iowa, felt shocked, saddened, angered, and mystified. Almost as soon as the news broke, statements concerning gun control and the societal breakdown of values, ethics, and morals in the age of technology and instant gratification emerged from every corner of the U.S.

While listening to NPR this morning, I finally snapped over this year's Presidential candidate Mitt Romney and the political party he represents. Every election season, I try to stay out it. I avoid the talking heads, the opinion pieces, and the political ads. I do what I can to find each candidate's position on the issues that matter to me, particularly women's health and the environment, using all available resources.

I wonder when I'll consider myself an Iowan? It's been a year of residence here in the great corn state, and what a year it's been. The first 4 months were the hardest for me, and I struggled with maintaining my sanity. Adjusting to so many changes all at once was challenging, inspiring, and exhausting. What saved me most days was taking in the beautiful fall season filled with crisp, cool nights, beautifully colored leaves falling from the trees, bright blue skies and perfect temperatures during the day, pumpkin patches, apple cider, and baking pies.

The Chicago Skyline at sunset.

I really have to thank my friend Amanda for moving to Chicago, and then I have to thank God we live in a place so close to this wonderful city.  As you may recall, Amanda moved to Chi-town in August 2008. Since then, I have been to this city 6 times. I fell deeper in love each time. I imagine more visits in the future. Here are my top reasons why:

I wanted to write this post for the last month! Life way got in the way of those plans, however, and I'm hoping this Labor Day Weekend I can play catch up.

At the end of July, The Mister and I joined the Mister’s clan for a family reunion on the Oregon Coast, and it was a week filled with family, fun, and adventure. Our trip started on a Saturday with a drive up to St. Paul, MN. The Mister flew stand-by, so in our planning it made more sense to fly out of St. Paul – that way he would have more options for getting out to Portland during these busy summer vacation months. I had a paid ticket with Southwest. More on that situation, later.