OBSERVATIONS FROM LINCOLN AND CORNHUSKER LAND!

I must confess that before I moved to Lincoln, Nebraska over two and a half months ago, I knew very little about this Midwestern state.  Because I've always enjoyed watching college football, I did know that it had been a football powerhouse a few decades ago. I've since learned that the fervor has not died down.  One day a few weeks ago I showed up at a school where I work with a University of Wisconsin bag that I had bought at an arts and craft sale in Minnesota.  It's been useful for carrying my school supplies, and  I AM a proud Wisconsin native, but a few people in the school office challenged my loyalties in a seemingly teasing way. I took the hint and switched to another bag for the duration of the football season. 

Having spent the last 45 years in the land of Minnesota Nice, I didn't know what to expect when I moved to Lincoln. Surprisingly, what I discovered is that people are incredibly friendly, almost anywhere you go.  I never hesitate to ask for directions, since I'm perpetually lost, and thus far I've had no one look at me with a great deal of suspicion.  Restaurant servers and store clerks alike, regardless of how busy they are, offer up smiles and act as though they genuinely like their jobs.  The feeling I often get as I walk around the city and talk with people is that they're happy to be where they are and couldn't imagine living anywhere else. Lincoln has often come out near the top in studies of cities around the country, as far as likability, education, jobs, cultural activities, shopping and dining, and issues of affordability and safety. It's a very pleasant place to live and work.

One thing I found interesting about Lincoln was seeing how many of the streets were named by letters of the alphabet, whether A or L or O, etc.  My bus lets me off downtown on L and I walk five blocks down to F. For some reason there's no I, which I'm happy about since I don't have much time to spare after getting off work.  O street is one of the main ones in the city.  I've often wondered why more cities don't do something similar. It makes a whole lot of sense to me.

As I alluded to earlier, Nebraskans take their college football very seriously.  It takes up much of the sports section.  Nearly everywhere you go you discover a sea of red--shirts, shorts, flags, signs, hats, etc.  They take great pride in their numerous national football championships.  Imagine 90,000 fans showing up for the home games year after year, and the festive atmosphere around downtown Lincoln. Businesses must absolutely love it!

But one surprising thing I noticed is that women's sports also get a lot of attention, whether in high school or college.  I love seeing photos of women's teams and reports about their games 
and results, as well as cultural and educational activities.  

Lincoln is a very progressive city and has become increasingly more diverse.  Every day when I go to my part-time job working with young children, I meet with families of various backgrounds and cultures.  It reminds me of Minneapolis in this respect and many other respects. And like Minneapolis, once people discover its many attributes, they often decide to stay. 

Speaking of Minneapolis, I will always miss my family and friends. Returning to Minnesota last weekend was a reminder of that.  It was wonderful to see everyone again.A very memorable trip!  And the Twin Cities will always be at the top of my list as far as lakes and parks.  And as one who loves being around water and nature settings, those are things I definitely miss. But I am enjoying the adventure and challenge of living in a new and vibrant city, as well as finally being with the person I've chosen to spend my life with.  I'm very grateful for that, and feeling happy and content. And the motto of my kids former high school still applies--LEARNING FOR LIFE!!