Everybody has a place or a time in their lives that influences and defines them. For me, that place is Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, IA. I learned so much about myself here during my high school years, and I try to stop by most times I'm back in my hometown. Next to the … Continue reading The Warriors of Washington

Some of you may remember back to May when my dog, Chester, ate carpet fibers, got sick and had to have them surgically removed. To quote Britney Spears (which never happens), "Oops, (he) did it again!" This time, it was a long strand of string that lodged in his intestines, that the kind doctors and … Continue reading Chester did it again

July 12, 2016 Yeah...I think we can make this work somehow. #cabo I'm in heaven! (Not because of the scenery here, but because Hos and Salvy both took Cueto deep and that the MLB International feed of the All-Star Game doesn't contain Joe Buck.) #Royals July 13, 2016 One of prettiest golf courses Murphy and … Continue reading CABO, MEXICO – JULY 2016

LONG POST ALERT: It's been quite a week here...these photos are in chronological order. Last Sunday, Murphy started running a fever and Chester began his 3rd week without eating. Chester had made several visits to the vet in that time, but even with blood tests and x-rays they were unable to determine what was wrong. … Continue reading A fun Friday the 13th

The skydiving experience earlier today was amazing! The jump was from 15,000 feet through a heavy cloud deck. The free fall lasted nearly a minute before the chute deployed in the middle of the clouds! The best part may have been the view of the coast during the descent for the landing. What a fantastic … Continue reading Skydiving

I have to admit, now that the house is completely packed and I'm just waiting for the movers to arrive, that it is a little sad to leave this place where so many positive memories about Murphy's childhood have been generated. I can't dwell on the past too long, however, because new memories are just … Continue reading The Big Move

David Letterman has always been an idol of mine. So, since Dave is retiring, a few months back I went online just for fun (never thinking anything would come of it) and submitted an application for tickets and heard nothing...until YESTERDAY! The Late Show called about 24 hours ago, offering two tickets for tonight's show! … Continue reading DAVE!!!

It’s all I can think about. It’s been a long time since I was so excited for an event. I’ve been obsessing over reviews from people who have previously been to this. I’m carefully pricing flights and hotels looking for the best deals. I’m seeking out things to do and places to go while I’m … Continue reading Dominating the world is dominating my thoughts

When you have a large to do list staring you in the face, and you don't know where to start, do what I did today: 1. Go outside with your son and grab a baseball and two baseball gloves. 2. Play catch in the front yard for a whole hour (!) while talking about the … Continue reading When you have a large to do list…