Quotes and Things

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." - Thomas Edison ------------->

This is the chosen quote for the classroom supplement of my new internship. I think it is fitting and already the father of the light bulb's words are resonating.

The work so far is not technically difficult by any means (unless you have a hard time filing and entering data into a computer). But the broader picture of not only fitting this internship into my life, but also benefiting from it, looks and smells a lot like work.

I've begun to realize that the difference between college life and work like is not that different. Albeit I am working an internship accompanied with a class, and am still technically in school, it is different. Everyone back in Iowa City started the first day of classes today meaning they woke up, went to class, ate lunch, read a syllabus or two, and relished the beautiful day in between. It is different now.

But my life is still how it was. I still enjoy doing the things I enjoyed in school. I still like to read, write, exercise, lounge, laugh, and play. I just suddenly have less time to do it in. And that's where the work comes into play.

The true work is understanding what is important to me. What do I want out of life? With a sudden scarcity of leisure time I must commit what I have to what I love. Just as important though I hope to make this internship not just 40 hours of my week wasted (like some sort of bizarre commatose) but instead to learn from it. I'm sure I'll learn some accounting skills (Woo!) but ideally I will be learning some life facts and begin to understand where the roller coaster might be take me next.

Over and Out,

BDL

HOLY COW - 100 DAYS ALREADY?!?!?!?!?!

What? Say it isn't so! Summer is over!!!!!

But it's not all bad. As it does, life is moving forward and good things are to come. I started working today. Whoa, almost a real job in fact. For the next four months I'll be an accounting intern for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The building is located kitty-corner to the Iowa capital (pictured right). I catch the bus every morning at 6:55 so I will be (forcefully) a morning-bird from now on. I good quote though I read recently said "a man who can wake before dawn 360 days a year will never fail to make his family rich" I don't necessarily believe richness is measured purely by monetary gain either.

Don't worry though, the summer spirit will hopefully continue to live on. Just because the schedule is a little tighter and the dress a little less casual does not mean we can't still have a little fun. Their is still time to write, read, and be alive. On the radar is the Des Moines Marathon in October, weekend trips to visit all the friends I already miss, and most of all just enjoy each day one at a time. Because if anything, we can't ask for much more.

Later Gators,

BDL

Iowa State Fair and the Quest to be #1

Philly Cheddar Cheese Steak

 That's right, it's that time of the year, the time of year to engage all five senses at the Iowa State Fair. There are a lot of people to see, free music to be heard, animals to be petted, food to be consumed, and enough smells to take down a candle factory. The fair is an Iowa tradition, the fair is Iowa.

1/4 Lb. Corndog



PB&J on a Stick

 I will say the amongst the Des Moines Registers coverage of the fair they had printed a funny article that expresses funny timing on their part. The same day I went to the fair the Register released an article exclaiming Iowa's goals to jump from #19 to #1 healthiest state in America. Kudos for the ambition, but I might have suggested printing the article after the Iowa State Fair.

"Colossal" Pork Tenderloin



Eating is just a big of part of the Iowa State Fair as is the Butter Cow (who celebrated her 100th year at the fair). And I'm not talking about a hot dog and french fries, I'm talking about deep-fried anything, overly-priced, and always served on a stick -->.

I'm not complaining about it though, I love it. Among the things not pictured to the right I had some Ice Cream and a few more beers. It's a great part of the fair, but it just doesn't seem to qualify Iowa for any healthiest state awards.



Gryo

 

The fair is here to stay though, and it is always welcomed. Besides the massive amount of food vendors everywhere, there is a lot to see and I have plenty of childhood memories that come directly from the fair.

Where else can you get your picture taken with a 25 foot python? Where else can you get insulted by a loudmouth clown before you try and dunk him in water?

Side note: The clown has forever been banished from the fair after he got jumped in the parking lot a couple of years back. Joke that I remember to this day: What does Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Pink Floyd have in common? Answer: Their last big hit was The Wall. (the dunk tank had to make a lot of money)

Where else can you see not only the worlds biggest bull (and coincidentally the worlds biggest bull genitals) but also see a cow completely made of butter? The possibilities are endless.

If you have never been to the fair, you clearly are not from Iowa. Although I don't know if I could go ever day like some fair goers and RV campers manage to do, it's always worth the long afternoon and the near 100$ you will spend on food and beer. Make a trip, bring the family, go pet a pig. 



 



 

   

 







Su Casa Es... Su Casa

Never does a day go by do I not thank someone for the friends that I have.


After living out of my car on the road for a month I find myself back in Iowa City once again, living out of my car. For those that do not know I am moving back to Des Moines this fall to work an internship for the Department of Natural Resources (more on that later). The predicament occurs though that although I am not signed into a lease in Iowa City, I do have work obligations (and Iowa City is a fun place to be).

So I have been doing some couch surfing to say the least. It's not a bad life once you get over the random 3:30 wake-up calls and back pains from unfamiliar mattresses and couches. In fact it's kind of fun, almost like camping, but for homeless people. It has caused me to be resourceful, and to pack lightly (and have a messy car), and most of all it has caused me to impose myself on people I care about. And for this I thank everyone who has put me up, everyone who has offered to put me up, and everyone who understands the all too common situation I find myself in.

Adios,

BDL

P.S. better blog posts (more pictures, Colorado adventures) coming as soon as I get fully situated somewhere with my normal computer.

Read a Book or Two, or Twenty

Here is an interesting read; Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. Although he may look kind of like a goofy guy with his Fro, the man knows how to engage readers with both facts and opinions that keep the narrative flowing and informative.

Outliers, "The Story of Success", focuses on successful individuals and the paths that led them beyond the pane of ordinary existence. Malcolm's argument (and a good one at that) is that successful people are genetically different, they aren't predetermined celebrities, they instead have just been able to capitalize on fortunate circumstances.

Malcolm uses many (and I mean many) real world situations to drive his point home. From Junior league hockey players to Bill Gates, Malcolm Gladwell illustrates just how these people became successful and shows that if it weren't for some fortunate timing and events that these people would be classified as simply "normal." Malcolm does a great job informing the reader and drawing out his hypothesis with great examples, a good motivational read.

One thing worth mentioning is Malcolm's 100,000 hour theory. He claims that if anyone practices any certain activity for 100,000 hours, that person would then become an expert. Very interesting indeed. He uses the Beatles as an example stating that in the early stages of their careers they would play in Hamburg for eight hours a day, 5 days a week. By the time they made it across the pond they had already put in an incredible amount of stage time and thus became superstars. So start practicing whatever you love to do, 100,000 hours is no easy chore.

Time Traveling 101

Where am I? What day is it? What state am I in?

It has been a long couple of weeks since I have posted anything and I apologize, but I have a good excuse. I've been doing the one thing that summer is made for, the one thing that caters to excitement, and the one thing that might just change you the most: time traveling.

Yes that's right, time traveling. It's the somewhat rare event in life when you spend enough time on the open road, seeing new places, and crossing time zones that you might as well throw the watch out the window because any sense of time you once were comfortable with is long gone. It is a great way to extend your comfort zones and perhaps apply some rusty practical knowledge, the kind of knowledge not found in text books or tested within the classroom. Good ole fashioned street smarts.

Let me give you the quick rundown on the last couple of weeks and their contributions to my 100 days of summer:

July 2nd - July 17: Colorado Rocky Mountains!!! Just a short 12 hour drive to one of the most beautiful places in the United States. More details and pictures coming soon but the list of activities included mountain biking, rock climbing, tent living (the best kind of living), white water rafting, backcountry backpacking, wine tasting, vehicle packing, 14'er conquering, frisbee golf (of course), jamming, driving, zero sleeping, and to top it all of a small 14 hour adventure race. A true smorgasbord of fun. More in depth coverage coming soon.

July 18 - July 20: a quick breath in Iowa City to move all my stuff out. After living in the same house for three years it was hard to say goodbye (I have accumulated way to much stuff). But also the good times collected look odd in the rear-view. Good times ahead though and rest assured, that house hasn't seen the last of me.

July 21 - Present: Florida. Just a short 22 1/2 hour drive with a pit stop in Atlanta (thanks Yoder) got me to Bonita Springs to help my parents move into their new condominium. One small step towards senior citizenship at a time (just kidding mom and dad). Florida is hot and noticeably different then Colorado but I can't complain about a little sunshine. A lot of painting and furniture moving has taken up most of my days but we have found the time to sneak out onto the golf course a couple of times so my mom could hear her only son drop the F bomb too many times. Good times.

Expect more updates at a quicker pace, fall is approaching which means some gears will be shifted and new adventures to be had. Always remember though, their is a reason that the current time is referred to as a present.

Adios and Farewell until next time!

Brad L

100 Holes of Disc Golf - Almost

The world record for the most Frisbee golf holes played in 24 hours is 1,035. They played a nine hole course 115 times and walked over 50 miles. That's cool and all, but what fun is that??

To spice things up a bit, I set out for a nice round 100 holes in one day. Six different courses (4 brand new to me) and who knows how many miles. That was the plan at least. With a little bit of a late start (late nights do not always equal early mornings) we made it to the first course at 10.00 a.m. Along the way we picked up some friends, found some discs, and had a good time. Exploring new courses is the thing to do and the best way to develop your game.

9:30 came along and darkness coupled with light rain soon joined us. We were at the end of the fifth course and the last nine hole course was 40 minutes away. We graciously bowed to the endeavor and ended the journey at 91 holes. The defeat was not bitter however, we had fun along the way, met some new people, and most importantly had some good throws. Coming short on the goal just leaves an excuse to try it again some other time. I will get you 100 holes, oh I will get you...

For those of you who don't know, Frisbee Golf (Disc Golf, Frolf) is played much like normal golf without such the price tag. All you need is a Disc Golf Frisbee and a pair of legs. You start from the tee pads and aim towards hanging chains in a basket. Great time if you like hiking around outside.