Fall in Okoboji

Hello Everyone! It's been ages since my last blog. 2 months to be exact. Wouldn't you love to know what I've been up to in the last couple of months? Actually, it's not that exciting. I've been working. In the world of Iowa Rock 'n Roll things were very busy from August to the middle of September. Then I took a much needed vacation to sunny California. Now I'm back!

Upon my return to Iowa last week I immediately left for a museum conference. I brought along my cardigan sweaters and khakis so I would fit in with the other "museum people." I succeeded and made many new friends. After about 4 days of that I was ready to return to a quiet Okoboji.

This fall, like many, Okoboji seems to be losing many of it's "young" residents. People my age are jumping ship to move to more exciting places to live that offer more opportunities. A part of me understands that life in Okoboji is drastically different in the winter compared to summer and there are not a lot of career options here, but I feel like many young people fail to see the value of the "little things" that making living in Okoboji year round so wonderful!

When I walk into a bar this time of year I can always get a place to sit and am warmly greeted by a bartender who knows my name and drink (even though I'm not there too regularly). I don't feel like I have to dress up or even wear make-up to go out. Everyone that I'll see out already knows me. The Dry Dock serves dessert with lunch. MMMMMMM... the other day was a white cake with vanilla pudding and pineapple. My personal favorite is the jello cake. Everyone has time to take long lunches. I was finally able to catch up today with a friend who got engaged a month ago! Thankfully a month has passed and the engagement is still on. When you stop by local business people have the time to gossip with you for an hour or more. I consider this a part of work. I need to be in "the know" to properly do my job! If I were 20 years older I would just go to a coffee shop in the morning. The lake is BEAUTIFUL this time of year! I might not spend time boating or swimming, but the view each morning is quite impressive as the sun rises and the leaves are turning colors. I'm also finally getting to see sunrises! I was rarely up early enough this summer to see that! It's also a perfect time to get involved with some of the great non-profits in the area. I find that many organizations are excited to have new volunteers and ideas. You just need to ask to get involved!

It really is a perfect little community and I'm so excited to enjoy all it has to offer and work with others to make it even better!