My adventure with Iowa State University began long before I ever unpacked a suitcase in Larch Hall. In fact, the very first time I “visited” the campus, I barely visited it at all. It was more of a joyride with two of my brothers— Tom, and Dave — at a time in our lives when a drive across state lines counted as both exploration and entertainment. I was young, edging into adulthood, and they were all a few steps ahead of me, showing me what freedom looked like. Early in my senior year at high school I had narrowed my college choices to the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities, Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI, Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, and Iowa State in Ames, IA. All great engineering schools. This would be my first college trip.
The Goal Ladder
The Goal Ladder
The Goal Ladder: How to Break Big Health Goals into Bite-Sized, Achievable Wins
Big goals—like “get in shape” or “lose weight”—can feel overwhelming. That’s where the Goal Ladder method comes in. It helps you turn broad intentions into a structured, step-by-step journey. Each “rung” on the ladder represents a smaller goal that moves you closer to the top. It’s perfect for people over 50 who want to build consistent habits without burnout or confusion.
🧩 The 6-Step Goal Ladder Framework
1. Identify Your Long-Term Health Goal
Example: “Lose 20 pounds in 6 months” or “Lower blood pressure naturally.”
2. Break It Into Monthly Milestones
Set measurable markers like “Lose 3–4 lbs/month” or “Walk 5 days/week by end of Month 2.”
3. Set Weekly Mini-Goals
These might include “Do 3 strength sessions” or “Prep 5 healthy dinners.”
4. Plan Daily Actions
Small actions = momentum. Think: “Drink 60 oz water,” “Take a 15-minute walk,” or “Eat veggies at lunch.”
5. Track Progress & Adjust
Use a journal, app, or checklist. Reflect weekly: What worked? What didn’t? What needs tweaking?
6. Celebrate Small Wins
Reward consistency, not just the end goal. Did 5 workouts? Treat yourself to a massage or new workout shirt.
👟 Real-Life Example: Meet Linda, 62
Linda’s long-term goal was to lose 20 pounds and increase energy by her grandson’s birthday in 6 months.
Here’s how she used the Goal Ladder:
• Top Goal: Lose 20 pounds in 6 months
• Monthly Milestones: 3-4 pounds per month, slowly increase activity
• Weekly Goals (Month 1):
• Walk 15 minutes after breakfast 5x/week
• Swap sugary snacks for fruit 5 days/week
• Try one new veggie-based recipe
• Daily Actions:
• Fill water bottle each morning
• Walk before coffee
• Journal 3 things she did well
• Progress Check:
• Every Sunday, she weighed in, measured her waist, and reviewed her journal
• Celebrate:
• After Month 1, she bought new sneakers
• After Month 3, she joined a dance class
➡️ Result: Linda lost 21 pounds in 6 months and said she “felt 10 years younger.”
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My Iowa State Adventure
Political Parties A Primer
A primer of the three political parties in the United States
My Last Week of High School
Most people remember their last week of senior year as a blur of finals, yearbook signatures, and the thrill of freedom just beyond the edge of graduation. I always thought mine would be the same. I pictured a week full of celebration, a little bit of mischief, and a slow fade into summer before heading off to college in the fall. But life had something different in mind for me. My final week as a senior at New Lisbon High School was not about parties, pranks, or planning the future. It was about survival, responsibility, fear, hope, and a kind of growing up that most 18-year-olds never have to face.