The Trip

As you know I am now back at Dordt College after nearly a 700 mile trip last Monday. You may be asking yourselves how in the world I maintained my sanity during my drive. Well, it was tough, but to show you I'm going to outline the journey.

I had plans to leave at approximately 8:00am eastern time Monday morning. However, the nail in my tire set me back. After having the problem solved, I departed Kalamazoo at 9:00am.

Time behind schedule: 1 hour

First stop: La Porte, Indiana--I gotta pee. Can you believe that some guy cut in line waiting for the restroom? It didn't bother me because I'm a pushover like that.

Time behind schedule: 1 hour 10 minutes

I decided to take the Chicago Sky Way for something different. Wasn't really faster this way, but I wanted variety. Perhaps the coolest event happen in western Indiana. While driving I noticed an airport to my right as well as 6 fighter jets lined up ready for take-off. I opened the window and could hear the afterburners launching them forward. They took off one by one headed west, some of them did half-rolls, others did nothing except head off into the clouds. The city driving on the highway was interesting as always. Seeing the skyline again is also nice because I don't see that in Iowa, ever.

Second stop: 30 miles east of Rockford, Illinois--I gotta pee. No one cut in line this time.

Time behind Schedule: 1 hour 20 minutes

Third stop: I don't know where, some area in Illinois. There was a lookout tower and I felt like stopping (no, I didn't have to pee this time).

Time behind Schedule: 1 hour 30minutes

Fourth stop: 30 miles east of Dubuque, Iowa and the Mississippi River--I gotta pee, and get gas

Time behind Schedule: 1 hour 40 minutes

Fifth stop: Diamond Jo Casino Riverboat on the Mississippi River--Don't ask, I just wanted to be able to say that I've gambled on a river boat casino.

Time behind Schedule: 2 hours 20 minutes

Sixth stop: Dubuque, Iowa--I took a wrong turn so I stopped at Casey's General Store for food and drink and to turn around in the right direction. And yes, to use the bathroom again.

Time behind Schedule: 2 hours 30 minutes

Seventh stop: Dyersville, Iowa. Chances are you don't recognize the place, but you'll know this, its the Field of Dreams movie site. Yep, the one with Kevin Kostner and James Earl Jones--you know what I'm talking about. You're asking yourself one question, "Why?" Well, because I could and I was passing by. It was a memorable time. I ran the bases like Kirk Gibson did when he hit the home run for the Dodgers against Dennis Eckersly and the Oakland Athletics--the arm pump--thats right. And yes, I silently made fun of the two older women wearing the shirts, "Is this Heaven?" "No, its Iowa."

Time behind Schedule: 2 hours 50 minutes

Eigth stop: Fort Dodge, Iowa: I gotta pee--again.

Time behind Schedule: 3 hours

Ninth stop--I'm finally here at 10:00pm eastern time (9:00pm central time). That means that the entire trip took me a grand total of 13 hours to complete, by far my longest trip ever to school. And yes, I learned a valuable lesson--either learn how to control my bladder or don't drink as much beverage during the trip.

What We've Learned

Well, another summer has gone by and I want to take this opportunity to share with you a portion of what I and my friends have learned.

1. All Larry Brown wanted was a World Championship trophy and ring--he used the Detroit Pistons

2. Mike Tyson will first "gut you like a fish" and then "eat your children" with no remorse whatsoever.

3. Wedding services have no comparison to funeral services, no matter what the preacher says.

4. Do your best not to let the front of your wakeboard submerge under water--resluts will be very painful for days.

5. Grand Haven, Michigan over the 4th of July is a always a good time.

6. Ottawa County (where Grand Haven is located) does not sell any alcohol on Sundays, ever.

7. When riding a Sea-Doo, be careful not split your toes open on the side rail. I used to think this was impossible until this summer.

8. If you think something is impossible, let Curt have a go at it to prove you wrong (see #4 above).

9. Do not shoot Jim with an air soft gun. He will pistol-whip you, knee you in the gut and then send you to the hospital for stitches.

I'm sure we learned many other things this summer, but after all, I cannot write what I cannot remember.