Nebraska-Born Bliss
When was the last time you had a truly blissful two and a half days? I mean sincerely, truly blissful. No stress. No panic. No dieting. Anything spring instantly to mind?
Believe it or not, I had two such days this weekend. In Nebraska, of all places. For some reason, perhaps years of Kansas relatives telling me so, I thought Nebraska would be a little flat, a little brown, and a little dull. Not so. At least, not the part I saw.
But let me back up. Yes, the scenery was surprisingly lovely, but there were many other parts of this weekend that contributed the blissfulness. First, I had to pick up Irving from his very important, very fancy job. We decided to take my fancy new car on this trip because, well, why wouldn’t we? So I drove down there and met him in the parking. Rather than jet away immediately, he gave me the nickle tour. The best part? Being introduced.
You may find it hard to believe, but at 28 years old I had never been introduced to anyone, ever, as a girlfriend. Imagine my delight when I was introduced to the very fancy coworkers as “girlfriend Kari.” It was pretty cool. I’m feeling pretty cutesy at this point, all girlfriendy and relationshipy, when we decide to hit the road.
I don’t know much about meditation. I’ve never been great at it, in fact. However, something about the drive to Nebraska put me in a practically meditative state. Sure, there was some rotten traffic getting out of Denver, but there was mostly the gentle rocking of a smooth car ride, the quiet sounds of local radio stations, the passing of green fields, and the security of holding hands with someone I really care about. The time passed quickly and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed my view. (Sorry Mom, but it was really nice.)
Not even the attack of the hunger beast, which hit about 45 minutes before reaching our destination and about 45 minutes after the last fast food option, could quell my zen-like state. We arrived and I was blown away by the bluffs and the creeks we drove past, choosing to focus on them rather than the shooting hunger pains.
We arrived in substantially less time than we’d originally allotted, and we were greeted with beer, barbecue beef sandwiches, and really relaxed conversation. Admittedly, I was a little nervous, but I think handing over a freshly made chocolate cake helps one feel more confident about being liked.
After two bottles of beer and two really tasty sandwiches, we all chatted in a comfortable fashion. Irving decided that the lovely bedroom that was all set for us would be too hot, despite his father’s efforts to put in a new ceiling fan before we arrived (actually, I completely agreed with him, but you were not going to catch me saying one word against anything, especially not after beer and delicious sandwiches). Instead, he set up a surprisingly firm and comfortable air mattress in the den downstairs, which was substantially cooler and a very wise choice.
We finally went to bed and I know I slept more soundly than I had in days. We woke up the next morning and his parents and I teased him while he made coffee. Then Irving and I went for a drive. I got to see this amazing national landmark, get my history geek on, and visit a little gift shop. Then we drove around the town and I got a tour with personalized landmarks, such as the hospital he was born in, the school he graduated from, and the grocery store where he had his first job. As someone who’s moved so often as to not have much of a home town, it was wonderful for me to be part of that.
After the drive we stopped home, then went out for burgers. Pretty good burgers, in fact, from a place in business for over 50 years. I hate to use the word quaint because it feels like a lazy cliche, but I really felt that about the town. It was charming. Oh, and because it’s a small town and we kept running into people, there were more girlfriend introductions.
We all ate at home and then there was napping to the sounds of the Food Network. Once we’d rested, we piled in the car and went to a chili cook off and beer garden. Even though we missed most of the chili, we had a blast. Parents and youngsters meandered separately and together. We got sun and met old friends and watched people hula hoop to the notes of Honky Tonk Gal and Mustang Sally. It was everything you’d want from the experience.
We came home again to freshen up. In my case, that meant trying to look less sunburned and more adorable. I settled for a cool rag over my face to wipe off some of the sheen. Then it was off for Mexican food and a pitcher of margaritas. Um, awesome?
We finished the night with a live band, another beer garden, and lots of old friends. More girlfriend introductions, thank you very much. (I know, but it was a really neat experience.) I will confess, though, this was the one moment I had a tremor of concern. At this point, I’d been running around all day, I was sweaty and gross, and I wasn’t wearing anything remotely sparkling, form fitting, or fancy, unlike most of the other girls hanging out and swaying to the music. When we met one of Irv’s old friends and his tiny, skinny, blond girlfriend, I admit I got a little nervous. I had this image of a side conversation consisting of “Dude, you could totally do better. At least get a girl with high heels or something.”
Not one to let a little self image issue ruin an otherwise perfectly wonderful day, I decided to take a deep breath and look at Irving again. He was relaxed, one hand on the small of my back, chatting with all of us and occasionally whispering little jokes to me. Sigh. The man could give “rocking boyfriend” lessons. I’m not kidding. He’s that good at it.
By the time we made it home, we were all sleepy and over heated and very happy. After a shower and some clean clothes, we drifted to sleep.
The next day was hanging out on the couch, eating muffins for breakfast, having grilled steaks for lunch, and bonding with the parents. (At least, I feel we bonded. I’m hoping they think so.) When it was time to leave, we drove to an ice cream parlor/dairy that’s been in business for more than 40 years. I rode out of town with my lime sherbert cone feeling like I couldn’t create a better time in my head if I tried.
We stopped in Denver to see a movie. I admit that part of why I was so on board was because the movie looked good, but a bigger part was that I wasn’t ready to go home and step back into my real life. (By the way, Inception was awesome. You should see it.)
After the movie, we came home and slept.
And that was the abridged version of my two and a half days of Nebraska-born bliss. Pretty amazing.
You’re being too kind.
Seriously, you got very lucky on the way into town. The extra rain this spring made the grass/fields extremely green. . . The sun was setting over the bluffs and there was a rare mist hanging about in the valley. It was a perfect moment and I thought to myself “Yeah, it IS very pretty here.”
Just don’t expect the same in the winter. . .
(I had a great time too. Thanks.)
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:08 pmI’m just glad you’re considering taking me back in the winter.
July 26th, 2010 at 11:02 amAwww. I love you guys.
Inception IS awesome. We must discuss.
August 26th, 2010 at 9:36 pm