Tribute

This is a tribute to you, Arizona. To a state that welcomed Mike and me with cacti, sunshine, mountains, adventure, friends, and a place to call home. To a place with an ostrich festival on my birthday, though the ostrich burgers seemed a bit inhumane. To the Arizona Diamondbacks who gave me my first bobblehead. I shall proudly display it on any desk I may work at.

To you, Arizona, for teaching us the joys and humor in birdwatching. For your beloved Camelback Mountain for bestowing upon me the value of hydration and/or air conditioning during 120 degree summer days, but also that the view is worth the climb. For your rolling northeasterly forests and their quiet escape on our first anniversary. For your Grand Canyon- blowing my mind and dominating my feet.

To you, Arizona, for having friends for us- shout out to First5- you know who you are! For friends who have rock band, who can find lava tunnels, who eat froyo, who watch Jimmy Fallon, and who love to laugh. Friends who throw dimes, grill meat, hike, and play Mario. Friends who come visit us in Iowa (hint, hint).

 This is a tribute to the Arizona Coyotes (and Minnesota Wild) for showing me what a hockey game looks like, fights and all. To the 101 for showing me how not to participate in rush hour. To In ‘N Out for my first hamburger in a long time (and most likely for another half decade). To your many baseball fields for hosting spring training games. To your proximity to San Diego in all its beachness.

To you, Arizona, for giving us a reason to drive over 1500 miles last New Year’s with whatever we could stuff in a van. A tribute for the mattress we tied to the roof of our vehicle, to the huge mirror that doubled as a door, and to the pool with a conveniently located TV. For having the funnest Bingo hall ever. For making me tan and more agreeable to mornings. For your many mini golf courses. And for being a place that people wanted to come see us.

A tribute to the perfect place to grow a marriage. A perfect place to figure out what the heck ‘full-time job’ means. A perfect place to have an adventure and learn what life is all about.
   
Arizona and all you stand for, we only had you for a short time, but you hold a very special place in our hearts. We shall return to you someday for a visit and another taste of friendly sunshine.