Home Sick?!

Despite news of the first snowfall in Minnesota, I can't help but miss my home state as the calender turns to October and colder air begins to move in.

This past weekend was homecoming at the University of Minnesota, which was always one of my favorite times of year on campus. This year is the first year in a very long time that Minnesota will be having a "real" homecoming, as the new on-campus stadium is complete and students will get to experience a homecoming "home game" for once. I was, and still am, really excited about the Gopher's new stadium and the impact it will have on the University in the years to come. Throughout my time at the "U" I felt that school spirit and pride were not as prevalent as it is at many other schools throughout the country. The new stadium's location on campus and the festivities that will surround it will surely help in bringing out more Minnesota pride. I bet homecoming was a blast this year and I feel like I missed out a little by not being there.

My car is fix and out of the shop. I was able to take care of the entire situation on my own, which I suppose can be looked at as a "mini-milestone" in my adult life. It was a difficult being in a new city and trying to find a repair shop and take care of the whole process without the help of my dad (and his brother who runs an auto body repair shop). I had to go out on my own to get quotes, find repair people, and finally decide who I could trust to do the work. Everything worked out though, and I am back to driving my '01 Pontiac, which now looks pretty close to new.

Another thing I miss about being back home during the Fall is the start of hunting seasons in Minnesota. Although I haven't been able to participate as much as I would have liked to in the past few years due to school commitments, I always like to go hunting with my brothers, dad, and other family members. Even when I wasn't able to go with, it was always fun to listen to the hunting stories and see the game they were able to take in over the weekends. Sharing stories over hunting was a conversation that quickly linked my brothers and I together more, as they both have a strong passion for the outdoors that they were happy to share with anyone that would listen.

I am not excited to miss deer hunting this year, as it was a weekend I looked forward to spending with my dad and brothers every year. The weekend was spent hunting during the morning, resting in the middle of the day, and hunting again till dark. In the evening it was a time to share as the men of the family, playing cards, watching TV, and discussing strategy about the following days hunts. I usually didn't have the most information to contribute as far as strategy was concerned, but it was a fun time to all be together in one place. I hope to get back to deer hunting with the family in the future, and just maybe, be lucky enough to have a big buck wonder in front of my stand t0 "out hunt" my brothers for a season.

As many of you know, October is my birthday month, along with my mom, grandpa (and a few aunts and uncles). I will be turning 23 on the 23rd. This will be my first birthday away from home (well Minnesota). I will miss my special birthday meal provided by my mom, and even though I will be 23, I will still miss having a home-cooked birthday cake.

To end on a more positive note, I will be coming back to Minnesota on November 21st and staying until the 28th. This will be a nice "vacation" as I am able to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday with the people I am most thankful for: my family and friends. I am looking forward to seeing many of you during this trip back to Minnesota. Hopefully there won't be too much snow... as I am finally getting used to the warmer weather.