Just in from Idaho, USA. I have traveled over 1800 miles in one minivan with three young children under the age of 8. Not to mention, Trudy. Trudy is a "hitchhiker".
I was thrust into a relationship with Trudy very abruptly when she made the unfortunate decision to fly in front of the van. That was about a week ago, and Trudy is still on the front of the van, hanging on by her beak. Normal people would have saved others from having to see Trudy in all of her bloody glory; however, I am not a normal person. We thought Trudy was a nice addition to the van, a symbol of our accomplishments. Never a dull moment with Trudy around, she has been the center of multiple conversations.
Such conversations were not always pleasant. I watched as passersby looked at Trudy; young children neared tears at the sight of her small body splayed across the headlight. Everyone has a story, and Trudy will forever be a part of mine.
My story began about 17 years ago, back home in Wisconsin. Being the youngest child in a family with three children was not always a walk in the park. Nevertheless, the fact that I am the only daughter provides a definite silver lining in my meager situation. I endured several years of endless torture from my older brothers, entirely unnecessary.
It is only now that I have realized the good fortune which I was born into. I will admit, I am a "daddy's girl". This allows me to reap several benefits, such as a little extra cash here and there, or the use of a vehicle much nicer than my own.
During the days that I am not receiving the benefits of being the only daughter, I spend most of my time in school. While not in school, I enjoy playing tennis, basketball, and track. My junior year was a pretty fantastic one for sports; our tennis team won conference, the basketball team got second in conference and went to the regional championship, and I went to state for shot put during the track season. More about me later, it is time to wrangle the rascals and cheer on the athletes in the Ironman triathlon here in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
