Are you a true Iowan?

     If you ever listen to KHAK 98.1 (free radio station plug), then you know that morning Co-host Courtlin is originally from the State of Michigan. She only moved to Iowa in 2014 for her radio gig with “Brain” (Ryan Brainard).

     Courtlin is always talking about the interesting or unique experiences she’s had while living in Iowa. On her Instagram page, she likes to showcase the amazing food she tries at various Iowa bars and restaurants. (Don’t look at her Instagram posts while you’re hungry.)

     Recently on her online blog, Courtlin indicated this November will make her seventh year of residing in Iowa.

     “I’ve learned a lot these past few years, and there are times where I consider myself a true Iowan,” she said. “But I definitely have more to experience.”

     Relying on her Iowa-bred co-workers and her many social media followers, Courtlin devised a list of what she terms “the ultimate Eastern Iowa bucket list.”

     So far, she admitted to completing 19 out of the 25 items on the list. I scored one point less than Courtlin at 18/25 (and I’ve lived in Iowa for over 20 years). Where do you stand? Are you a true Iowan?

     1. Attempted to eat (or successfully ate) a giant tenderloin.

     2. Visited the Field of Dreams.

     3. Bought sweet corn from a parking lot.

     4. Hiked the Maquoketa Caves.

     5. Ordered pizza from a gas station.

     6. Watched a concert at a county fair.

     7. Stopped by the Amana Colonies for a festival.

     8. Rode the train at Adventureland.

     9. Stood out on the porch during a storm instead of taking shelter.

     10. Checked out the Surf Ballroom/Buddy Holly crash site in Clear Lake.

     11. Traveled out of state to watch a professional sporting event.

     12. Sweat your butt off at a farmers market.

     13. Gotten a whiff of Crunch Berries in downtown Cedar Rapids.

     14. Pointed out some type of farm animal while driving through the country

     15. Taken a photo of the Butter Cow at the Iowa State Fair

     16. Tailgated before an Iowa or Iowa State game

     17. Rode RAGBRAI or at least spotted RAGBRAI riders as they pass through town

     18. Enjoyed a scoop of Blue Bunny Ice Cream

     19. Made a bathroom stop at the World’s Largest Truck Stop in Walcott

     20. Recreated the American Gothic painting

     21. Gotten stuck behind a farming vehicle on a two-lane road

     22. Had to run your heat and air conditioning in the same week

     23. Driven eight hours or more for a vacation because it was way cheaper than flying

     24. Sampled beer or wine from one of Iowa’s many breweries/wineries

     25. Explained to someone that Iowa IS NOT the potato state