There's no place like home - in a college town

You know that feeling you get when you walk through the door of your house after a long trip? That's how I felt about returning to the Ames area. I felt it right when I got here 10 months ago, and it still feels like I'm home now.

As the weather has been nicer the last couple of weeks, the town is starting to come alive again.  Each time I'm in Ames I soak up the feeling of being "home" and ponder what it is that I like about the town so much.  I know I've written about it before, but I feel like I'm seeing it with new eyes now that I live around here. Here are some reasons I enjoy living near a college town:

1. Never Boring.
There is so much to do.  From all of the parks and trails, to shows and entertainment, to athletic events to the amazing parks and rec department....I'll be surprised if we're ever bored living around here.

2. Campus
I love being on campus.  It is so beautiful and there is so much to see.  I enjoy sitting by the lake and watching the swans, having lunch on the patio of the memorial union, or playing ball with the kids by the campanile. As a people watcher, I also love watching the students and wishing I could go back to college for a day...or week...or months...to have no responsibilities. I still want to take a class at ISU, just for fun.

3. The Students
I hear a lot residents complain about the students, but personally I love them.  I feel like they make the town come alive.  They bring a sense of youth.  I enjoy seeing the students on dates at a restaurant, holding hands in the park, or grabbing a donut at Dunkin on their way to class. Most are very friendly and courteous and have amazing stories.  I met a senior a couple weeks ago who is a double major, double minor, works off campus, holds office in his fraternity, studied abroad twice and has a personal goal of volunteering 10 hours a semester - just for fun.....AND he accomplished all of this in just 4 years.

4. Restaurants
We don't eat out a whole lot, but when we do, there are so many choices!  I hear people complain about the choices and say they prefer driving to Ankeny or Des Moines, but for me, I have too many favorites in Ames to drive somewhere else.

5. Stores.
Same with stores...Sure, there are some in Des Moines that I will drive the 40 minutes for, but mostly, I don't need to leave Ames to get what I need.

6. Familiar faces.
I've been away from the area for about 14 years, but I still see so many familiar faces regularly. That's when I really feel "at home". Plus, two of my favorite faces live here -- Mom and Dad.

When I went to school at UNI, I always loved that town too, for many of the same reasons.  College towns are just fun. Cedar Falls wasn't "home" though.  Not like Ames.

This is my 201st blog post!  I can't believe I've written so much in 2.5 years since I started. Some days I consider giving it up, but I doubt I ever will.

Happy Friday!!  Enjoy your weekend.