State #22: Arkansas. It’s not called “The natural state” just for no reason. My drive into Arkansas yesterday through Southwest Missouri was one of the most beautiful drives. It’s unique land, where rock reaches out over the road, keeping the road in a shadow the entire day. During the wet season Arkansas has some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, the ones you see in movies and shampoo commercials where people are kissing or washing their hair. …

Through 21 states I have seen a lot of cool things, really cool things. I’ve experienced some sad things, but things that happen in life, there’s no way around it. Those are sad, but nothing is as sad as this. Driving through a neighborhood and seeing the United States and Canadian flags upside down flying high and a big banner that says “God hates America.” I don’t like to draw attention to something like that, but it affects me on this trip. …

— First and foremost I’m wishing a quick and healthy recovery for the six injured firefighters in Kansas City. I spent one day with a member of the KCFD and a few of the firefighters were willing to take me up in the bucket, 95 feet in the air, to take photos of the skyline. — After working two twelve-hour days with teacher-parent conferences, Marcia had Friday off. After a slow and easy moving morning we headed out to see some of the city. …

I’ve been in Topeka for a few days now. I’m staying with Steve and Marcia who have two daughters, Janine (23) and Elaine (20). Marcia teaches reading at one of the elementary schools. Steve works at the school district’s office. Janine is a recent graduate who is currently substitute teaching and looking for either a kindergarten teaching position or possibly teaching in abroad. Well you may have guessed it; Elaine is also going into education. …

In the last five months I’ve had about 30-35 different sleeping arrangements. So, “What’s it really like to live with different people every week?” Every few days I have to figure it out all over again. First, congress needs to get together and make a few rules: – Trash should always be underneath the sink. – Cereal should always be stored to the left of the refrigerator. – There needs to be a standard drawer for silverware, for example always on the drawer to the right of the sink. …

I feel like I’m at Espresso Royale back in East Lansing, there haven’t been many times on this trip where I have felt so much in the right place. I’m on a University of Kansas drive-by in Lawrence, KS on my way to Topeka. College coffee shops are my favorite. I’m surrounded by people my age, studying, having interesting conversation, and just enjoying life in a nice casual way. After my time at Boise State I have had a huge desire (and need to keep my sanity) to be on a big college campus. …

In my car I have a box of Care Bear valentines that I bought and intended to mail out and give to people on the road as well. Well they’re still there and unopened and it’s now the 15th, but I’d be stoked if I got a valentine card when it wasn’t even Valentine’s Day. I’ve always loved Valentine’s Day and I can’t let it slip away without making a few comments on it. …

I never thought I would be spending my Valentine’s day in a police car. Really it was only the last five hours of the grand holiday. If I was back home on Valentine’s day I would just be stuck with some beautiful lady on a romantic evening. Alright, that actually would probably be a lot better than spending it in a police car. But I’ve got the rest of my life for romantic nights. …

Two of my favorite days of the year will be enjoyed in Kansas City. I arrived here on my birthday and tomorrow I get to enjoy Valentine’s Day. I’ve always been a big fan of Valentine’s day because of my mother and how there would always be a little cupcake paper full of candy sugar hearts with the sayings. That’s all I will ever need for Valentine’s day, there will probably be more on that tomorrow. …

It’s time to play catch up. After a very busy week I’m happy to have a morning and afternoon to just relax. It’s still tempting to just stay in bed and sleep or maybe just watch TV all day. There is no such thing as a Saturday on this trip it seems. So we’ll see what I can get done today. Early Saturday evening I said farewell to a great four days in Nebraska City and made the short drive to Kansas City, MO. …