Iowa City! I got up early this morning to make the six hour drive. Lin and Cara met me here and we’re making a weekend trip out of it (Lin has a book event here tomorrow) before we head to Des Moines tomorrow evening.
We had lunch at a cafe downtown and then checked in to our hotel — where we got a free and unexpected upgrade to a suite because of a mix up on their part. We’ll hang here for a while before dinner and drinks this evening.
I have to say, I really do love being able to drive somewhere verses fly. A six hour drive doesn’t feel like a big deal to me anymore (especially when listening to Red, White, & Royal Blue on audiobook) and there’s no pressure of what will just fit in my suitcase when I have my whole car. And there’s a freedom about having my own vehicle with me too . . . worrying about a rental car or ride shares has stressed me out more post-pandemic.
And I’m grateful to have such easy access to my friends. And to have friends who operate at a similar pace to me — where we can hang out in the hotel room and watch Miraculous Ladybug.
With Love,
Natalie