So How's Iowa?

You don't know how many times I've heard this question since I arrived here two weeks ago.  The only answer I have is "Iowa is."  Even I don't really know what that means, but maybe putting it in words can help me understand it.

I know very little about Iowa.  I grew up less than two hours away and yet I had never done anything but drive through the state until three years ago, when I began visiting my future in-laws and other family members.  I moved here to spend time with my wife's family, to help take care of people, to go to family member's sporting events, to take part in birthday parties, and to help make holidays taste delicious.

None of these things, so far, have told me how Iowa is.  In fact I know no more about Iowa now than i did two weeks ago.  I know how my In-laws are, I know more about my family, I have a job, and a pretty decent job at that, but I have barely figured out anything about Iowa.  I know a pretty decent brewpub (if I talked about it, that would be shameless self-promotion as it is also the place I work), I know of a pretty cool cigar shop, not as good as Fidel's in Kansas City, but still pretty good.  I know of a market that rivals McGonigle's in Kansas City, the meat counter isn't as good, but they seem to know what they are doing and they have a bakery on site and a great little restaurant where they cook and use all the great stuff they sell there.

Basically Iowa isn't Missouri, Des Moines isn't Kansas City, and it's gonna take some time for me to get used to both of them.  I miss my home, I miss my family, I miss my friends.  I miss shit being where it's supposed to be, I miss familiarity, I miss my home.  Iowa is and that is all I have to say about that.

The Server