Driving

The Complex Person That Is Me

HI

I have many askew character traits. I love hiking, but I am a fitness wimp. A half mile jaunt around cemented suburbia tires me out. I have been known to ask for a piggy back ride from anyone half-willing and able. And when asking doesn’t work I will fling.

Another dualistic example can be found in my college days. Completely unlike the halcyon lull of my high school senior year, my final college semester was jam packed with essays on Metaphysics, Heidegger readings and my capstone. When I wasn't researching my senior thesis on the parallels between Nietzsche’s Dionysian and Apollonian archetypes and Ecclesiastes aphorism in the original Hebrew, I was ravenously watching every Kardashian and Real Housewives E! and Bravo could throw at me.

My recent swing fluctuates between my inner-house cat desires to roll around all day and my serious distaste for being cooped up. Caught somewhere between relaxed and restless country drives have been feeding my sloth and eager appetites.

The Route

HI

Our most recent drive took us toward Henning, Minnesota. To be honest I don’t know what direction that is in. Maps, iPhones and compasses are banned from our four wheel drive wanderings. Instead Preston and I take turns deciding left or right.   

The Grub

HI

I am not ashamed to say that Dairy Queen was our first stop. And better yet it was a deal. For five whole dollars we feasted on fries, burgers, pop* and sundaes. Not to mention our cashier may have been the nicest and most enthusiastic employee I have ever encountered. He gave us a complete rundown on every single sundae topping option and skillfully entered my burger guidelines. Not mention, Dairy Queen carries Mountain Dew. WIN.

*D'ya you like my local speak? J

The Sights

HI

Hay stacks decorate Minnesota’s July. Behind old fences and next to grain towers the giant nursery rhyme favorites overlook the summer fields. Rusted John Deere tractors carry the stacks to their barn like a groom carrying his bride over the threshold.

 The fields pause to let in a small artisan town, Vining Minnesota. The tiny city boasts an astronaut and steel artist celebrities. Antique shops neighbor the gas station/outdoor gallery just a few miles short of Ellington Lake.

 I can’t give direct you to places we went. But I can tell you there were dirt roads, cottonwoods and a  Dairy Queen lunch special along the way. 

Question for You: Do you like getting lost? 

My Answer: Growing up with my mom in the driver's seat has led me down a path of never knowing which way is which. As a result I think the location of "being lost" has always familiar homecoming for me. Y tu?