Where am I?

This has to be the most depressing place I've ever been in my life. I've yet to see anything that impresses me about this area, other than cookie cutter farmlands waiting for tilling and seeding and cleverly designed old farmhouses that have been pieced together as families grew larger and larger over the years. I went to Steak and Shake yesterday, which I had heard were pretty big time out here. And I came away wanting to throw up. Don't get me wrong, as greasy burgers go they weren't too bad. I'd still take a Wendy's junior bacon chee in a heartbeat but they were OK. But just the setting and environment in the restaurant was disturbing. The attire for the employees was very 50's diner...whute hats, white shirts, black aprons, red trim...but the average age of the waitstaff looked to be 45. All with forced smiles, all absolutely miserable with their lives. And that was just sad to see. I can't say I want to be 45 and working in a Steak and Shake, but I guess right now a job is a job.

We also took a wrong turn Friday morning and took a drive through downtown Terre Haute. Equally depressing. Lots of one story ranches, all rundown. Closed businesses. The only areas that appear thriving are the big chains which have thrown up shop right off the main thruways. The days of mom and pop shops out here seem to be over. Even Wal-Mart is out here. It's just sad. It's like the movie Cars when the old small roads get overtaken as the Interstate system moved in. Only this isn't animated so this setting didn't end fake and happily.

I still haven't seen the Federal Pen (I guess it's infamous...15+ people knew McVeigh got iced out here...I didn't. Who are the serial killers now, huh? Huh?!) that's out here. Or Indianapolis Speedway. I looked all over for the speedway on the flight in and had no luck. Shucks. There's alwasy tomorrow when we fly out. I have to say I'll be happy to get home and I'll be glad to add Indiana to the list I don't have but should start of places I don't ever need to see again. Haha, sorry for the negativity. I'll try to lift your spirits with somehing fun and exciting later today or tomorrow.

I guess the Steak and Shake setting really messed me up. I can't seem to be able to put my finger on why. I think it was probably just the general unhappiness of all of the workers. These folks coupled with morbidly obese people bringing their (soon to be) morbidly obese children in for a FUN AND EXCITING lunch of greasy, growth-hormone-filled burgers and pesticide-laced fries. I expect 16-20 year olds to be miserable in their fast food jobs, but seeing that many 40+ women dressed up in foolish suits...I don't think I've ever felt more sorry for a group of people in my life.

See, I may actually have a compassionate side. But then again I didn't have a shake...maybe that was my problem. Cheers.