All of our hearts break and we are personally affronted when incidents like that which happened in Boston take place, we should be. Unfortunately these horrific events are taking place all to often and as we have learned can happen anytime anywhere. This also reminds me that there are people waking up across the world that expect something like this to happen everyday, it is not exclusive to us. The worst we can do is hide in a shell, for those entities who use terrorism will have then accomplished their goal of disrupting our lives. We need to be on high alert everyday, to be vigilant and report the unusual, an unattended parcel, book bag or other out of place object. We need not take this to paranoia and I do not intend this to be a harbinger of doom. Just a reminder that the world is a changing place and a little caution could save lives.

I, like you, am really frustrated with the weather. i'm not known for my prowess in gardening nor ambition to paint or do the normal warm weather chores but gosh at least give me the opportunity to be legitamately be shirking my responsibilities. It doesn't carry near the thrill of sneaking out to do something else when I should be home cutting the grass or weeding. I had to laugh when Chris said" I really am anxious to get out in the yard and plant the garden" These endeavors have been yearly experiments in how fast nature will reclaim its turf. If we get anything out of it by the end of the season gives true meaning to the term "Miracle Grow". I, like my motorcycle will continue to silently weep.

Life isn't always fair, now there's a revelation. Why is it as we get older we think about all the things we wish we had done instead of appreciating what we have accomplished. Success is measured in many ways and degrees. It can be as simple as learning to tie your shoes or as great as saving the Universe. The nice thing is that there are all kinds of sucesses in between. Living a good life, being respectful of others and appreciating what surrounds us every day is quite an accomplishment. Instead of dwelling on what could have been we should focus on what can be. The end of the road is blurred for a reason but when it comes I'm going to have had a hell of a lot of fun getting there.

Next week will be my 50th VEISHEA and I look forward to it every year. My roles have varied over the years with full on participation to just being an observer. I've ridden, walked, and marched in the Parade, I also produced it for television many years ago when WOI-TV, the then University owned station, broadcast it. I've fought in line for cherry pies and toured the wonderful exhibits. It's a celebration of this beautiful University, it's accomplishments from the past, present and on in the future. It's the Alumni, the students, faculty and prospective students and parents who have a chance to pay homage to the wonders that are Iowa State. Please, if you have never or it's been a while since you've VEISHEA'd join us next weekend and find out one more reason I'm proud to say I'm from L.A....Lovely Ames!

Here's a simple pleasure we can all take advantage of. It's been a while since I've had a child involved in sports so over the weekend when I happened across some Little Leaguers practicing I found it irresistible not to stop. These eager young future major leaguers put their heart and soul into every play, their coordination, although lacking, was loaded with determination to get the job done. The coaches showed the neccessary patience to encourage and praise every effort. Even though I had no interest in any one player I pictured that fat little 9 year old that my stepfather drove to every game and practice, that supported but never pushed and made me feel like an All Star. I plan on going to more of these games and to cheer every effort on both sides of the plate, it's so little to give and yet brings great enjoyment to me.