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Determining what you value in life

Today's post is dedicated to fleshing out some of the pros and cons of living in rural Kansas.

So far, I have determined the following to be definite pros:

  • Outdoor recreational activities are the norm
  • Small-town coffee shops that also function as the local pharmacy
  • Local meat served at the diners and cafes
  • Incredible sunsets and views of the countryside
  • Family-friendly work environments
  • Wireless internet access (with this, who needs cable anyways?)
  • The feeling of safety and security
  • Locally owned banks/credit unions
  • Very low cost of living--food, land, housing, etc.
  • Little to no traffic

One cannot ignore the cons, though...

  • Conservative ideas about what someone should or shouldn't do based on a long tradition of doing something over and over again without interruption
  • The sense of entrapment if you don't have a personal vehicle--the lack of public transportation pretty much means you're stuck if you can't drive or be driven around
  • Little ethnic diversity (this is reflected in not only who surrounds you but your dining options)
  • Quality grocery stores potentially being located an hour away from where you live
  • A sense of depression as everyone talks about the aging population and lack of infrastructure to support retirees in rural communities
  • Questionable drinking water available through the tap
  • Overwhelming sense of pride and religious tone in everyday conversation
These are only the first things that come to mind as I write this, mind you. I'll add more throughout the rest of this summer as they surface in my thoughts.

On an unrelated note, this summer has been helpful in making me aware of my presence, my personality, and how I feel comfortable (and not) in certain environments. I am way more tolerant of alcohol, drugs, and foul language than I thought, which makes me laugh inside and out. I am not as accepting of the praising of God as I want to be. But all this is to say that we are a product of the environment we grew up in, and I grew up in a pretty damn awesome one. So thank you to all who were a part of the process of me becoming me, because it feels pretty great to know who you are in your own skin and love every part of it. 

See below for some of the highlights of the last few weeks, and stay tuned for more on my wild adventures in good ol' North Central Kansas!

Waconda Lake before the fireworks show

Where I hiked at Wilson State Park

Love these weird plants!

Rhubarb Mission at Fly Boy in Sylvan Grove

Ornate sink in Lucas, KS at an antique shop

Happy ending to my hike at Lucas Park

Czech egg in Wilson, KS!

Probably the most graffitti I will see all summer

Who knew that forks in the grass could be so cool?


Voted on of the best public restrooms in the world. :)

Garden of Eden in Lucas, KS




The place pictured above is well worth the $7 for the tour. Got to meet someone who is related to the guy who built the place, S. P. Dinsmoor. Incredible.

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