Jonathan Meyer.

Coming home for the holidays, the best feeling of all. After an arduous and long semester away, the tests were done and classes concluded. My Tama-Toledo home was waiting for me.

Arriving home on a Sunday night, I was welcomed in by my dog Bailey. My beautiful yellow lab jumped and barked and ran around the house with the zoomies as I smiled and unloaded my overpacked bags and totes of clothes.

Bailey was a great part of my break. From plenty of belly rubs and listening to her grunt and groan, this dog is more vocal than some humans I know. We played plenty of fetch and she took me for walks. I was thrilled to experience the new dog park in Tama for the first time with her. A scheduled doggy playdate with my longtime friend Megan and her new dog Maverick went much better than expected.

Aside from canine relations, my break included some catching up with old friends. James Brant, who you might recognize from the sports page, both writing and being featured in from his high school days, has been a close friend of mine for many years now. Originally we became friends as we both grew together in our love of running and our relationship has stayed the same. We shared many miles over break and caught up on what had happened in his first semester of college. So many things in both of our lives have changed but our bond has not. We explored plenty of town together and had some rather interesting mid-run topics.

As my winter break wore down the new year approached. Left with no plans this year I knew only one true way to celebrate. I went to Dollar Fresh, picked up two bottles of sparkling grape juice, and prepared for what was to come. Parked in front of my original NES console playing the 1989 classic game NES Tetris, I sipped my grape juice and welcomed in 2025.

My time at home was much needed and something that I always anticipate. Nothing beats appreciating where you came from. I will forever and always be a proud product of Tama-Toledo, no matter where I am or end up.

Until next time Tama-Toledo, I’m Just Jonathan.