Growing up in the Midwest is something that is a very special honor. You get used to seeing every season in one day, from fall to summer all in one. You also to get to see all the crazy people as they stand outside as the tornado sirens are going off in the background.
Although it's not fun to have to drive hours to get where you want to go, the view is always beautiful farm lands. The Midwest is something all in its own which makes me love it.
1. Going to the lake
Although it might sound gross to those who have never experienced the lake, it is one of my favorite summer activities. Whether you go boating, fishing or just sit on the beach, the lake is the place to be during any warm weather.
2. Hunting and fishing
Even though I do not hunt or fish that much, it is always fun to go out with the family and sit at the lake, put the fishing poles in and fish the day away. It is such a stress reliever and it is heart pumping when your pole bends, meaning you got a fish.
3. Kindness of the community
Unlike many cities or states, in the Midwest everyone waves and smiles at each other. Usually the other person does not even know who they are smiling or waving at, it's just how we live. Most everyone says please and thank you to anything that you say. We are just kind people.
4. Knowing where your food comes from
When you are surround by all fields full of corn, beans and who knows what else, you have no doubt that farmers are the backbone of this country. You are able to drive down the street and see the farmers out to work making the food that we live off of.
5. Surrounded by smaller towns
Even though I come from a bigger city myself, it is nice to drive down to where my dad grew up and to see the little town. Everyone knows everyone, which sounds kind of scary but it is nice. You can ask someone that does not even live there anymore if they remember someone else that lives there and the answer will almost always be yes. A smaller community makes for a happy community.
6. Steak
Here in the Midwest, we do not have to ship in steaks, they are already made here which makes them that much better. They come from the farms straight into our stomachs.
7. Corn-hole
In the Midwest corn-hole is taken very seriously. It is taken to every cookout, sporting event and much more. You always have to be competitive when playing or that takes all the fun out of it.
8. All four seasons (all in one day)
Some places around the country do not get to experience all four seasons each year, but in the Midwest we are lucky people, we get to experience all four seasons, but usually all in the same day. When you wake up it might be sunny, but then it will start raining randomly. If you are lucky it will start snowing too.
9. Still getting to experience wildlife
As I walk out to my backyard, I usually expect to see at least one deer. They love to walk around my neighborhood and it is so interesting to see them. Some of my neighbors actually have pet deer.
10. Everywhere you go, you can find ranch
You cannot go anywhere in the Midwest that does not offer ranch. Almost everyone loves ranch as much as the love their spouse.
11. It is acceptable to wear shorts in 40 degree weather
After a snowy winter that we never thought was going to end, 40 degrees is warm to us. Everyone gets very excited to be able to show off their new "summer" clothes as spring hasn't even rolled around yet. Here's to the warm days.
12. Love for football
Small towns and big towns all share the passion for football. Whether it is a town of 500 people or 50,000 everyone goes out to the games to cheer on their favorite team. Who knows, they might even win the championship.
