Brave or Foolish

I decided Friday, October 16th that Tuesday, October 20th, was the day to move to Iowa. I loaded my car with necessary items. It's amazing what you realize is necessary and what isn't when you're confined to packing a small space. My dad was kind enough to fill my gas tank (at least we think it was full; my baby's getting old) and I was off bright and early Tuesday morning. About four miles over the Iowa state line, I left the interstate and headed for Nine Eagles State Park. I planned to camp there over night. It was about 8pm when I left I-35, dark, and I was praying the park would still be open. It was; blessing number one. I was the only one in the tent camping site. It was really dark, I was alone, and honestly, I was rather terrified. I left my car running and used the headlights to pitch my tent and get my sleeping bag, blankets, overnight bag, etc. all arranged. The ranger came by and we chatted a bit. When he left, he gave me his card and the phone number of his boss in Des Moines who works for the Division of Natural Resources. Networking!!!

I got nicely settled into my tent, had some dinner, discovered there was no running water at all, and bedded down for the night. I was about to fall asleep when, pitter-patter, it started to rain. Now, my tent's been in the rain before. It does just fine. But, that was five years ago, so I got all nervous again. I enjoy the sound of the rain and again, began to fall asleep when, a certain female monthly visitor decided to arrive with all it's accoutrements. Mad dash to latrine in the rain. I downed more Tylenol than is recommended on the bottle but was still in agony the next few hours. I know I fell asleep because I had some really strange dreams. I was warm and dry inside my tent all night though. Definite blessing. I 'slept' in a bit the next morning. It was a beautiful morning. I'm catching the tail end of the fall colors in Iowa. Here's a view from my tent Wednesday morning.

I broke camp, loaded my car, and headed toward Des Moines. Instead of heading into town, I went west. My plan was to stay at the KOA in Adel, IA for the next few days until I found a place to live. I pulled into the campground, but the office was closed for the next two hours. I took that time to call the lengthy list of possible apartments to check for vacancies and make appointments to see spaces. When the office opened, I told the guy I planned to camp. Then I asked about the weather. He said rain and cold. Then, he said he'd give me a cabin for $30 off the usual price, it being the end of the season and all. Yet another blessing. Here's a picture of my cute little cabin.

It has electricity, but no running water. I still have to go across the compound to the bathroom/sink/shower. I unloaded some stuff and then decided to call the temp agencies and make appointments for Monday. The first place told me to come in tomorrow (Thursday). Wow! Sure, the sooner the better! Since I'd be all dressed-up for an interview, I thought I might as well try and get into the other places as well. I called and made appointments. Then, in the rain, I searched my car for my business attire, my iron and ironing board. The electricity in the cabin became a greater blessing. I then unloaded my computer and printer so I could print my resume. Well, I don't know if the ink was frozen or being jostled about in the back of the car put the printer in bad spirits, but it wasn't working. The KOA has free wireless internet. My new computer is set up for wireless internet. Blessings. I did a quick search and found the library in the closest town was open until 8pm. Blessings. I dashed to the library and was able to print off a few copies of my resume. I slept really well that night.

Thursday was a full day. I had two interviews at temp agencies, one of which required me to remember how to add fractions with uncommon denominators, and looking at tons of apartments. All in the rain too. I seriously began to wonder whether there was sky in Iowa, or just clouds and rain. By the end of the day I found a place I liked, and had very positive feedback on the job front. Friday I had another interview and put a deposit down on an apartment. It won't be ready for another few days, but I decided to move into an extended stay hotel. I went to pay for one more night at the KOA, and the lady said I didn't need to, and she was going to reimburse me for my second night. She then told me to stay for free until my apartment was ready. I almost cried. I told her if I had a kitchen I'd make her cookies. Huge blessing. Below are pictures of home for the next week or so.

The bunkbeds have become my closet, and the little bench my kitchen cabinet.

The bed is comfortable, but the ladybugs are annoying beyond all reason. However, I'm not complaining. It's free. Oh, and there's a desk, with a chair, and an electrical outlet, and wireless internet. Blessings!

However, probably the greatest blessing of them all is this little unit on the wall. It's a heater, and to quote a friend, it kicks out the BTUs. I have been quite warm and cozy in this little place.

So far, I have been extremely blessed in my Iowa adventure. I think I will still give it another week or so before I decide whether this escapade was extremely brave or extremely foolish.