Iowa is a different world. I can see it as an outsider, as someone who lived there for a ungodly long year, as someone married to a native Iowan. If you’ve ever seen The Music Man, you have a good sense of the state. Things don’t change there (which is why Tom and I were stunned past words that they ushered in Barack Obama, the very definition of change).

While we were on our OmigodpleaseletthistripendIwantmyownbed two weeks on the road, I snapped shots of things you’ll only see in Iowa. Things like:

‘Tis the World’s Largest Truck Stop! On I-80! It wants you to Stop to See! And things like:

Polite trash cans at the rest stops! Ricky Receptacle says THANK YOU and wants your trash! Nom nom nom…

But the very best of the best had to be saved for last, and in honor of my third blogoversary on the 8th, it’s

An Only In Iowa Contest!!!!!

I need new names for the following. Please, I cannot be held responsible, please swallow any food or beverage. Put small children to bed. Cover Grandma’s eyes (unless she’s like my mom, then let her play). If at work, close your door. Ready?

This is a chain of gas station/convenience stores in Iowa. Stores all over the state. Their motto is “We go all out.” (It just gets better and better, doesn’t it?) When Tom first took me back to his hometown, I about wet myself laughing. I had never heard of this store, and the name is flat-out hysterical after eight hours in the car. Hell, it’s hysterical no matter what. He then filled me in on some of the “alternate” names for the stores. “Squirt & Split” is just one, there are many more.

And here is where you come in, dear readers. Tom and I need new “alternate” names for this chain. Ones we can use to break up the 14 hour drive between home and his hometown. Ones we can share with his brother, who has about the best sense of humor I’ve ever encountered and needs to start his own blog. Ones that make us laugh wine out our noses.

The prize?

Your very own Kum & Go travel coffee mug (plastic wrapped for your protection) and a $15 iTunes gift card, so you can download your very favorite double-entendre rock songs (Tom recommends Aerosmith’s “Love in an Elevator”  and Van Halen’s “Hot For Teacher”)! Contest is open until 11:59 mountain standard time (’cause that’s where I live and I really don’t want to do time-zone math) on January 7th. Winner will be announced on January 8th, my 3 year blogoversary. Awww, ain’t it swell how it all works out like that? Entries will be judged on creativity and “squirt wine out the nose”ness. My dear husband Tom is the judge, as he is the native Iowan and has heard many, many “alternate” names for this chain. Bonus points if it’s one he’s never heard before.

Good luck! Damn, I can’t wait to hear what y’all kum come up with!

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