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SPRING BREAK GONE WRONG How a Winnebago and a Weak Stomach Wrecked My Spring Break
Some road trips are legendary. They are full of spontaneous adventures, wild stories, and memories you will cherish forever. Others … well, they become legendary for all the wrong reasons. I was looking over my calendar recently and saw that, apparently, the Friday before Memorial Day is Take a Road Trip Day. So, let me tell you about the worst road trip of my life. Back in my college days, all my friends were heading to Daytona Beach for the quintessential spring break experience. The sun, sand, and parties were all happening there. But I had another idea. Two of my high school buddies lived in Tucson, Arizona, and I hadn’t seen them in years. When my friend George mentioned that his dad needed a Winnebago delivered from Iowa to Tucson, it seemed like fate. Instead of following the crowd to Florida, my buddies and I would take the ultimate road trip in a massive RV, drop it off in Tucson, and then have an unforgettable week with my old friends before flying back. It sounded perfect. The journey started fine. We picked up the Winnebago (a 30-foot behemoth that felt like driving a house down the highway) and hit the road. But somewhere in Kansas, things started going south. I was not behind the wheel yet, so I decided to lie in the back and rest. That is when I discovered something about myself: I have severe motion sickness in RVs.
The nausea hit me like a freight train. The Winnebago’s rolling, bouncing, and swaying turned my stomach inside out. By the time we reached Oklahoma, I was in rough shape, but my friends thought I was faking it to get out of my driving shift. That is until we hit New Mexico, and I lost my battle with nausea. There I was, doubled over on the side of the road, confirming once and for all that I was, in fact, very sick. But the misery did not stop there. When we finally rolled into Tucson at around 3 a.m., my friends were ready to hit the town and kick off spring break. Me? I went straight to bed. I spent the next day and a half lying down. Meanwhile, my friends were out enjoying all the spring break activities we had planned. The parties, the sightseeing, the fun — I missed all of it. By day three, I finally felt good enough to leave my self-imposed exile. I dragged myself to a golf course with my friends, but I was barely functioning even then. When they pulled out cigars and beers to celebrate, I had to work not to dry heave. After a week of what was supposed to be a wild, exciting adventure, we flew back home. I had spent months looking forward to this trip, only to spend most of it on the verge of hurling ( if not actually hurling ).
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To this day, I have never attempted another big road trip like that. Turns out, I am fine in cars. I can handle roller coasters without a problem. But put me in a swaying RV or a boat on a windy day, and I am down for the count. That road trip to Tucson? It will forever be known as my worst spring break ever. If I were to offer any lesson from that nightmare, it’s this: you can plan all you want, but sometimes a curveball will hit you hard. While you can’t avoid it, you can learn from it. I sure did, and you won’t catch me in a Winnebago anytime soon . –Darin Garman
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Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
THE RISE OF STICK NATION From Backyard Finds to Internet Fame
Sticks aren’t just for kindling anymore. One of the latest social media trends has people worldwide appreciating humankind’s oldest tool: the stick. An entire community is dedicated to taking humble twigs and branches to the next level. It’s also proof that anything, even a stick, can become a social media star. WHAT IS STICK NATION? Stick Nation is a quirky social media community where people describe, share, and rank their stick finds. Members name their sticks and give them backstories; some even turn their finds into art projects. What began with a single post reviewing a stick found on a Utah hiking trail has become a worldwide movement with millions of social media followers. Self-described “Stickheads” post on TikTok (or “StickTok”) and Instagram from all seven continents. Descriptions of the stick finds span from irreverent to wholesome and sentimental, but none of them lack humor.
Members of Stick Nation have also developed their own adjectives for describing their sticks. Sticks are categorized as “natty” (unaltered) and “modded” (carved or adorned). Rankings consider qualities like curves, size, grain, and overall “aura,” the indescribable “it” factor that sets a good stick apart. WHY STICK NATION CAUGHT ON, AND WHAT’S NEXT? While Stick Nation gained popularity for lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek posts, it’s also a celebration of the ordinary. For many, the fun posts are a welcome change from the curated perfection and narcissistic user-generated content that fills social media channels. The men who helped launch Stick Nation also see the community’s potential to get people off their phones and out in nature. Their plans include “Stick Quests,” which send members hunting for specific sticks. A “Travel Log” will allow Stick Nation members to pass their favorite finds to one another like souvenirs.
Ultimately, Stick Nation reminds us that creativity can exist in simple moments. Sometimes, it just takes imagination and the right piece of wood.
IS INVESTMENT LUCK REAL?
A Reminder That Smart Moves Create Fortune
If you’re like me, you’re a creature of routine. My routine on a typical Friday is to work out, go and inspect investment properties, get a STRONG coffee at the Starbucks drive-thru, get to the office, and dive into working on the assets. Well, this morning, while I was doing this, here is what happened to me: I discovered that a recent property I and some partners invested in for $850,000 may be worth around $1,250,000 in the next two to three months. We purchased the property just over a year ago. A difficult-to-lease commercial property now has two tenants competing to get the vacant space, which will easily increase the cash flow return to 13% or more per year. Yes, that is annual.
At a credit union drive-thru, I was customer No. 10, which means I got a gift of a $100 bill from the credit union! Now, that is the kind of drive-thru banking I love — a crisp $100 bill! I guess you could say that I have been one lucky guy so far today. Let me tell ya, luck DOES exist. But not in the way that most people think it does. For example, many people chant weirdly, repeat affirmations to themselves, or picture themselves as lucky. Some even buy stuff like an old lucky rabbit’s foot or a four-leaf clover. Or maybe they have certain clothes they wear on certain days — you know, the “lucky tie” kind of thing. You can do all of this “stuff” if you want and entertain your friends and family in the process, but none of this will work. When you see investors getting lucky and making fantastic returns on their money, they are getting lucky, but they are and have been creating their own luck to get lucky. People create their own luck by acting and investing. The question is, are you going to ACT on these and then create your own luck or let someone else be lucky? Instead of leaving things to chance, you can manufacture them and be just as lucky as the other investors involved in these projects with me. You have to love that $100 bill at the drive-thru!
–Darin
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Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
SOLUTION
If you are looking for a slow-paced vacation filled with charming small towns and top-notch breweries, Iowa has hidden gems waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking for a riverside retreat, a historic bed-and-breakfast, or a friendly local taproom, these four towns offer the perfect mix of relaxation and great beer. INDEPENDENCE: WHERE HISTORY MEETS HOPS. Nestled along the Wapsipinicon River, Independence is a delightful escape for outdoor lovers and history buffs alike. Whether you are paddling along the 30-mile water trail or perfecting your disc golf skills at Riverwalk Park, there is no shortage of ways to soak up the scenery. After a day of adventure, unwind at Allerton Brewing Company , where you can sip craft beer in a laid-back atmosphere. ADEL: A HISTORIC GETAWAY WITH A MODERN TWIST. Just west of Des Moines, Adel brings history to life with its classic brick streets and charming Victorian homes. Stay in style at the Big Blue Bed & Breakfast , where you will wake up to a homemade breakfast and stories about the house’s rich past. For food and drinks, head to 9th Street Smash & Tap , a local hotspot serving up delicious smash burgers and craft beers. Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat or a day trip with big-city convenience, Adel offers the best of both worlds. OSAGE: A RIVERSIDE RETREAT WITH CRAFT BEER PERKS. With its tree-lined streets and hidden local gems, Osage is the kind of place where you can truly slow down. Enjoy the peaceful Cedar River with a stay at a Cozy Riverfront Home , perfect for sipping coffee on the deck or gathering around a firepit. Then, sample some of the best craft beers in the region at Limestone Brewers , where good brews and good company go hand in hand. MOUNT VERNON: A STROLLING AND SIPPING PARADISE. Mount Vernon invites visitors to meander through its historic downtown, stopping at quirky shops and delicious eateries. Stay at the Brackett House B&B , and be sure to head to Glyn Mawr Winery/The Local to sip on Iowa wines, craft beer, and even house-made kombucha.
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No matter which town you choose, you are sure to find friendly faces, great flavors, and a slower pace that makes every sip that much sweeter.
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
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Darin and Isaiah Garman: Heartland’s Most Trusted Multi-Family Investment & Property Management Advisors HEARTLAND INVESTMENT COMPANIES
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1350 Boyson Rd. A1 Hiawatha, IA 52233 DarinGarman.com 319-540-9070
Page 1 The Road Trip Darin Will Never Forget (For All the Wrong Reasons) Page 2 Why Sticks Are Going Viral Is There Such a Thing as Investment Luck? Page 3 Cozy Cabins, Craft Beer, and Small-Town Charm Apartment Investment Success Page 4 Europe’s Hidden Paradise: The Hawaii of the Atlantic
JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
ESCAPE TO THE AZORES
If a trek through timeless volcanic landscapes dotted with crater lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs, plus access to awe-inspiring marine life sounds inviting, the Azores may be the vacation spot for you! The Azores are an increasingly popular tourist destination, often called “the Hawaii of Europe” for their remote mid-ocean location and volcanic origins. The archipelago encompasses nine major islands 1,000 miles off the coast of Portugal and is one of the best whale-watching sites in the world. Visitors should plan their trip from the end of April to the beginning of May to view larger migratory species, such as the blue whale. The rocky shorelines of the Azores ascend as high as 7,713 feet atop the Ponta de Pico on the island of Pico. The islands’ untamed beauty offers plenty of outdoor activities, from kayaking to hiking. The climate is subtropical, with year-round temperatures ranging from 57 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit. Religious festivals and traditional holidays abound on these predominantly Roman Catholic islands, an autonomous region of Portugal. Beyond that, however, the islands’ culture, dialect, and cuisine vary widely.
The largest island, São Miguel, is home to numerous hot springs and Europe’s only two tea plantations. An emblematic nature area, Sete Cidades, includes the famed Lagoa Azul (blue lagoon) and Lagoa Verde (green lagoon). Numerous healing hot springs in Furnas offer opportunities for wellness and relaxation seekers. Ilheu de Vila Franca, a flooded crater islet accessible from the southern shore of São Miguel, offers exceptional visibility of unique marine life, plus snorkeling, swimming, and cliff diving. Wine lovers will enjoy the island of Pico, where vintners produce the islands’ complex volcanic wines. The Azores Wine Company offers tastings, tours, and overnight stays. The island of Santa Maria has the only white-sand beaches in the region. And Faial Island’s bountiful hydrangea gardens have earned it the nickname “The Blue Island.” Foodies will also enjoy famous local foods, including octopus stewed in wine, kale soup, fried mackerel, and fresh yogurt and cheeses. Taken together, the Azores have something to delight any traveler.
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Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
ATTENTION APARTMENT OWNERS AND INVESTORS!!
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