Going Back In Time To Go Forward

7th of April 2022

Since deciding to move out of state, I've been taking a stroll around memory lane around town. I wanted to see all the changes that have happened over the years. Des Moines isn't even immune to change except with how boring it is. Sure, there's more to do, but there isn't ENOUGH to do around. When I was growing up, if I didn't have a little league game, I would have to hope one of the neighborhood kids wasn't out of town so we could cause trouble. I don't even remember what we would do. Mostly ride our bikes without the fear of getting hit by a car was one thing. There were fields that we would just run around on. The schools had playgrounds without locked gates.

It might sound like there's a lot to do, but video games started to become more popular around that time. Eventually, those fields were developed on with housing. In the picture below, you can see the park behind the elementary school I attended as a kid.

To the west was a big field, and the middle school I attended wasn't too far. You can see that housing development has taken it over. I'm not necessarily opposed to that, but I miss the open fields. It was used for little league baseball practice and soccer games. It was a healthy option for kids to just run around aimlessly. It was a place for people to fly their model airplanes. Again, not opposed to more housing, just where it was put. There's plenty of other places around that area to develop, but they took out a great place to make lots of memories. A batter hitting his first pitch. A soccer player scoring his first goal. Having a great open field to play tag or any other games to just run around without the fear of someone yelling out the window to keep it down.

I did like that the park I always took walks in improved lots. Trails were laid down. Bridges were built around the lake. Boating docks were built. Benches were put in. One was dedicated to my neighbors I grew up living next to. Oddly enough with all the improvements, I prefer the old way. I'll never understand.

Now, it's time for me to make memories in a new place. It's time for me to experience a place with culture and acceptance. I don't feel I'll find that in Iowa. Iowa has been the same since the 80's with very minor improvements. I look forward to the opportunities offered to me. I haven't given up on California. If I see another position open up, I'm going for it. I feel I'm destined for California. Yes, it's expensive. However, I feel it's going to be worth it.