1,528 miles later ........

Well, after 1,528 miles we have arrived in Indianapolis, Indiana!  Brad and I are still speaking (I think - you might need to ask him!) and other than the millions of bugs we seem to have acquired smashed up against the grill of the truck along the way, we are unscathed!  Like any journey of that length, it was filled with some fun moments, lots of music, good conversation and a fair amount of monotony. 

I feel like I need in one sense to apologize for yesterday's entry.  Turns out I was really tired and cranky after a second full day in the car and was easily frustrated by day's end.  In looking back at yesterday today, I realized it wasn't such a bad day after all - just one that perhaps my expectations started out to high one after a great day one.  Brad kind of "talked me down" and it made me realize how much I will miss him when he heads home and what a calming influence he is on me.   I will try to channel him once he leaves!

He used the term "happy surprise" once today and I realized that was a phrase I had to take more to heart during this adventure.  Leave myself open to the happy surprises I find along the way.   One of them was dinner last night.   Who would have known that in Iowa City, Iowa I would be able to find an Ethiopian restaurant to have dinner in?!   A happy surprise!   Not the best Ethiopian I have had, but good enough!  And on the run this morning, I loved looking down at the sidewalk and seeing the implanted art in the concrete, the statues we came across and even the chill in the air.   And do you know what the happiest surprise of all was?   Iowa rest stops ROCK!!   They are the nicest ones I have ever seen!

And while it wasn't a surprise - just merely a "happy" - it was great to get here and be able to take my son Jeff and his girlfriend Michelle out for dinner.   It made me realize that Brad and I "done good" with our boys and are  blessed with two happy, healthy young men who are good people.  So in honor of both Jeff and his big brother Matt, today's song is "Beautiful Boy" by John Lennon.   I think the one I found is a cover of it, but it sounds a lot like John and I love the sentiment.

So here's to my beautiful boys - and may the youngest go out and kick a little football butt tomorrow!   Go Butler Bulldogs!    Love you #52!