Take That, Lucy!

Charlie Brown kicked the ball this time. And it felt so good!

So many times, Iowa State University football fans have been used to getting oh, so close to a big win - then in the blink of an eye, the football gods whisked the victory away. A fumble, a missed field goal - you know the drill.

Saturday, Paul and I were able to watch our team beat Texas Christian University, ranked #4, making our team 4-0 in October. Say, what? It's been a beautiful thing. I hope it doesn't stop, but my Cyclone past tells me "one game at a time".

Saturday was chilly. Good thing Kevin and Kari have sides for their tent. The little radiant heater we purchased at Costco came in handy too. It was nice to see Krissy and Caleb Carroll - they had a day off from parenting as their baby girl Lenny, in Creston with the grandparents. I bet Bobbie was loving it. Jeff had to sneak in time with her during harvest.

I was glad my hunter husband brought along some "Hot Hands". Even though the sun was shining, it got chilly quickly. We did do a bit a jumping around during the game - one of Matt Williamson's buddies was a great high-fiver.

Toward the end of the game, the Cyclones were perched precariously on a 7-point lead (14-7). TCU was driving. They were inside our ten yard-line. Lucy was getting ready to grab the ball away when Charlie approached. Time was ticking down and overtime didn't bode well. Just like that, our defense came up with a turnover! And then to end the game, another turnover. Cyclones win!

Celebrating after the game was what fans live for. Cyclone fans are a loyal lot. We've stuck with our team through thick and a lot more thin. Still, we love our Clones. And partying in a parking lot. I admit I got a little choked up watching the fans rush the field. We sang Sweet Caroline. It was marvelous! After the game, we waited out the crowd by tipping a few beers in celebration. It was a joyous bunch - the same people who have gathered after many a tough loss. This was more fun!

Life isn't all sports, although at our house - sports consume quite a bit of our time. On to other topics. There has been much published of late about sexual harassment. I am fortunate that I don't have any stories to share. I have much sympathy for anyone who has had to endure this type of attention.

A Des Moines Register columnist wrote recently about all of the decent men in her life, which allowed me to reflect on this in the same manner. How fortunate I've been to work with many decent and honorable men (and women). It's my hope and desire that anyone who is treated unfairly, sexually harassed and assaulted will now be emboldened to speak up. And that they will be heard, not discounted. If they aren't heard the first time, they will tell another. Those who have felt like they could take without asking. Time's up! 

Here's The Deal

I heart this group

I scoffed at all of you who shed tears when your little ones went off to Kindergarten. When you told me you cried all the way home from dropping your young 'en off for their big college adventure, I was secretly smug. What's the big deal? Sure, I found it a bit unsettling when I no longer needed to purchase Pop-Tarts at Fareway after Jud left for ISU. Still, my steely heart didn't crack. I enjoyed my newfound empty nest status. I went off to an exciting new job in Des Moines.

Our kids were doing what they were supposed to - growing up.  Much like my own mother, I have not allowed myself to be very sentimental when our children hit those milestones. Happy for them and for me. Amy and Jud were ready for new challenges, and I didn't miss trying to keep them entertained at home. Win, win.

Imagine my surprise when the funk recently hit! Yep, I'm having my Kindergarten moment now. Each child is married and they are off on their own life's path. They have been heading that way for a long time - so I don't know why it's just hitting me now. Amy's marriage? All of their general good career paths? Home purchases? Turning 60? I'm not sure if there is any one thing that has set me off.

I guess I have some work to do. I'm asking myself - what is my purpose now? I'm still working and enjoy what I do, but am not exactly in the rising star portion of my career. It's somewhat freeing! I'm looking for volunteer opportunities. I'll write more about that later after I pass all my entrance exams. I'm on the lookout for more hobbies. Writing this blog is one outlet, my word jones. Thanks for reading and for your comments.

I'll work through my funk - just like you all did on that Kindergarten thing! Just wanted to share.

On to other things:
We had quite a weekend October 14th! It was a wet and soggy ISU victory over Kansas with our longtime (notice I didn't say old) friends. What a great crew! Paul met Mike and Tom in his first months of being a college student. Paul was a farm kid who didn't have many close hometown friends. He bonded with those two from the start. All these years later, their annual pheasant hunting trips have strengthened their bond.

Peace Tree - East Village

I enjoyed getting to know their wives Paula and Shirley better on that Friday night as we ventured downtown to visit the East Village - Peace Tree Brewery and the Republic bar overlooking DSM. Hustons live outside of LaCrosse and Sullivans in the NYC area. It's fun showing off our city!

Mike, Shirley, Tom, Paula

On Saturday, the rain came down early - so we delayed heading to Ames and ate our breakfast burritos right in our kitchen. Our friends Moose and Kay stopped by, so we had a house full, along with our overnight guests. Too bad the weather didn't cooperate. Our friends prepared like former scouts with rain gear for the ISU game. Once there, we were joined by our usual tailgating pals plus Behrs and Jaime Wilt and fiance Mike. We were able to swig down a beer before heading into the game.

Tents are a good thing! 

We don't care about no stinkin' rain delay! 

The rain stopped during the game. Mostly. Thanks, Paul Goldsmith for loaning me your camo rain pants.In keeping with tradition, wineskins made the game go by quickly. The Cyclones didn't give us cause for sorrowful drinks! I like this new, improved team. Post-game rain drove us to the motel where our pal Jane Flack appeared. Yay!

We took over the motel kitchen nook watched football games and chatted. When you meet friends in college, you don't have an idea just what political persuasion everyone will be. Hell, as I've stated before, I didn't even know what I would be. It was interesting discussing topics of the day and hearing areas of agreement and disagreement - without a civil war breaking out. Several of our friends own small businesses, so they have a different perspective than someone like me who has worked for others all of my life and most recently as a public servant.

I wish more people could step beyond their safety zones and exchange thoughts and ideas on these topics in mixed company. I believe we'd find that we have many shared goals - unlike what politicians and some of the media would like us to believe. Labels (liberal - which many use as almost as a slur, and conservative the same on the other side) are easy to slap on someone or a group, but do a disservice. I'm much more complicated than one label. I bet you are too.

On Sunday, a few of us took a spin through campus to reminisce and note how many new buildings ISU is putting up to meet today's student's needs. I love my university - and hope the new president is a great one! We even drove by 230 Campus Avenue - that fateful apartment where Paul and I met. Good memories. No Ames trip is complete without a meal at Hickory Park, with ice cream. The whole weekend had a cherry on it.

Food selection at Hickory Park is important work

You Asked For It - Paul's Speech at Amy & Corey's Wedding

Once I heard Amy and Corey's wedding theme, #amylearnstopark - a play on Corey's last name, I knew that was going to make great fodder for Paul's speech. And me - writing is my thing, right? Of course, I couldn't help myself. I wrote a draft speech for his review, happy that I wouldn't be the one to stand up in front of over one hundred people and deliver it.

Paul put his own touches on it - and this is the final draft. He embellished some of the stories more than this script and did a fabulous job. Jud also gave a speech in honor of his sister's marriage - mentioning that he was speaking for his brother Patrick too, which made me so proud. Indeed all the speeches were great - but this blog is about Paul's (and yeah, mine).

My handsome son, speaking at his sister's wedding

Paul's speech:

Amy Learns to Park

Paul addressing the group - happy couple in the background, sisters in the foreground

Welcome, everyone. Thank you for sharing this special event with our family and the Park family. Thanks to Jeff Park for performing the ceremony. We all appreciate how you kept it short!

We would like to welcome Corey to our family. From the first time we met him, Leslie and I noticed how at ease Amy was around him – we thought even then he might be “the one”.

Oh that delivery! 

Leslie and I want to say how blessed we feel to have a daughter who is as kind and empathetic as Amy. She’s been that way since she was a small child. Leslie always credits my mother, Laura for Amy’s gift of kindness. When Amy was little, Leslie’s Mom, Pat, called Amy “Merry Sunshine”.  

Don’t ask Jud, but Amy was a wonderful big sister growing up – always coming up with exciting - pretend situations that he could throw himself into. When they both attended Iowa State, we thought it was great that they saw each other about every week.  Of course, later we found out it was to provide beer to Jud and his friends.  

Though kind, Amy is very competitive. She was a great scholar and athlete during her school years. Not because she was the most highly skilled or gifted – but because of her work ethic. She worked harder than others and learned what it took to be successful. She still does it today with her successful graphic design business. I guess that’s how she was able to land a guy like Corey!

The theme Amy and Corey picked for their wedding “Amy learns to Park” is a play on Corey’s last name. The driving theme is appropriate for Amy.  Amy was one of those kids who could not wait to get her Learner’s Permit! She insisted we take her to Corning, the town next to Creston for her driver’s permit test – so she could drive a couple days earlier.

Amy is an excellent driver, but she’s had some interesting experiences driving through the years. Here are a few stories I can share, with some marital advice sprinkled in.  

·         Shortly after getting her learners permit, Amy spun out and destroyed a small tree behind Creston High School. She learned that icy roads require slow going. This can be useful knowledge in a marriage. When conditions are unknown, take time to assess the situation. Go slow and don’t spin out!

·         Late in the winter one year, Amy drove her friends to a beer party and somehow ended up on a mud road, (she claims she was the designated driver). Of course, there was lots of mud jammed up in the wheel well that Amy was not aware of.  Early the next morning, the Goldsmith’s left on our annual spring trip to Florida taking Amy’s car heading to the KC airport for a 7am flight.  As we’re driving south from Creston, I can hear an odd sound coming from the rear of the car.  About 10 miles south of Creston, the rear tire blows.  You know when mud dries it becomes hard and in this case sharp, rubbing on the tire until it ripped a hole.  One ruined tire later daddy wasn’t happy. I had a meltdown before changing the tire. In marriage, there may be stressful times when you should just stay quiet, allowing your partner to blow off steam and calm down.

·         When Amy first moved to Denver, she didn’t have a Smart Phone or a GPS. Leslie would get random phone calls asking which way do I turn.  The best was, Amy called and was driving on a tollway, she asked, “I just went through a toll area without paying, is that bad?”  In a marriage, it’s best to plan your route ahead. Pay tolls and bills as you go. That said – impromptu trips are the spice of life! 

  

·         In Amy’s early days in Denver and when she started her own business, her car Dave was an important partner. She delivered fruit bouquets, warm cookies and drove for Uber. Dave allowed Amy to travel safely, park in tiny spaces and make deliveries. Amy also rode her trusty bike to appointments, weaving her way throughout the city.  Learn your way around – together and by yourself. This trip through life is rich when you share it with each other. Take time to continue to nurture friendships and interests. I look around this room and see it filled with our loved ones from a lifetime.  It’s not easy to stay in touch – but it’s worth it!  Make time for yourself as well – pursue your own interests.   

·         In Denver, Amy parked her car overlapping a driveway a little too far and the parking police put a boot on her tire.  Amy was furious, poor and grounded. How would she get the boot off her tire? In everyone’s lives, stuff happens. Sometimes we cause our own problems. Other times it’s just fate and destiny. Work together to get those boots taken off your tires. Talk to each other. Communication is the key. Problems are smaller when they are shared.

·         Amy loves Halloween. Almost three years ago, when Amy posted her annual Halloween character photo on Facebook, Leslie noticed that Amy was in character as the movie Grease’s “Sandy” or Olivia Newton-John. And she had a John Travolta. The next thing we knew, she was talking about a new guy that liked driving Go-Karts. His name was Corey.

·         Because of Corey’s job training requirements, he drove off to Pittsburg that next January.  She drove with him through Des Moines to see him off to his new work site. First impressions were good. Since then we have gotten to know and love Corey as an engaging, intelligent young man who is dedicated to our daughter.

·         A little over a year ago after Jud and Kara’s beautiful wedding in St. Louis, Corey asked us if he could marry our daughter. We were thrilled for both of them. Today they begin their married lives together.

·         Again, welcome to our family Corey. We will root for the Clemson Tigers if you will cheer for our Cyclones.

·         Please join me in raising your glasses in a toast to Amy and Corey.  

Feeling the love part 4

Four weddings (and no funerals) since late July. Jordan and Jill 9/20/2017. Paul and I were very happy to witness their marriage, together with many of the couple's family and friends. It was grand!

We actually flew to Denver this trip. We've traveled to Colorado by car so many times the gas station attendants along the route know us by name. (no, not really) Paul had never actually exited the Denver airport before - he'd just flown through. Flying was a big deal! Amy collected us curbside in Dave the car. Franklin (the wonder wienie) and Corey were back at the ranch - their apartment not far from downtown Denver.

It's so weird to think of Amy and Corey as husband and wife. I'm still getting used to seeing Jud sporting a wedding ring!

Look at that blue sky! Last year we ate chili in PA with the Parks

On Friday we attended a benefit chili festival put on by firefighters from around the country. It was on Larimer Street on a beautiful Denver day. Amy had helped a guy re-brand his chili powder and he had donated all the bowls for the day. Pretty cool, and the chili was great. 

View from Pottorff's condo

That evening our peeps started to arrive. Logistics boggle my mind, but somehow - through the magic of Uber and Google Maps, we conquered! Cindy hooked us up with awesome accommodations for Friday and Saturday. Our pals Bonnie and Eric (yes, of Christmas Dinner prime rib fame) have a primo place in the Spire in downtown Denver to go along with their lovely home in Edwards. Yep, the best of both worlds! It's super cool, with a view of Rockies stadium and they split tickets to games with other Spire owners. I love how it's decorated - just right for the space and Paul was digging the large TV. We met Cindy there and settled in.

Later we met Jud, Kara, and Kohans (Betsy, Wayne, son Paul and his gf Christine) at a little place called the Corner Office. It was fun catching up. At the last wedding (Amy & Corey's) we didn't get to chat much. Amy and Corey were at the rehearsal dinner. Later, all the youngsters ended at Amy and Corey's place for a few drinks. I love that they like hanging out. My niece Leslie's husband Jordan (not to be confused with her sis Jordan) seems to be a bit of an instigator. He kept them up late, coming up with interesting topics to discuss.

Doing the prep thing

On Saturday, Cindy, Paul and I took a long walk and settled into Sam's 3 for a big breakfast. Then we heard from Amy that Sister Susi (at the venue getting ready) was experiencing FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and wished for some visitors. Betso, Christine and I Ubered over to the venue and checked it out. We got to meet Jill's parents and chat with Susi, Jordan, Amy, and Les in the totally cool urban warehouse venue. After, we met up with the rest of the gang at Lucky Strike, a bowling alley in downtown, until it was time to get ready for the main event.

Look at this wedding cake topper - clones of the brides! 

Some jubilant faces

Ashley Alvillar and Amy are beaming, David Alvillar in the foreground

The wedding was so beautiful. Susi looked gorgeous with her lovely silver hair and gown. There was a solo of the song "I Want to Hold Your Hand". If you haven't seen the video, it includes the vows which say so much about how these two people feel about each other. The ceremony was perfect and Jordan's dress was so perfect. Jill was killing it in her outfit - it was so Jill. 

4 of my fave guys. Corey - not so secretly watching the Clemson game...

Susi with grandson James - so fun watching them interact

We got to see so many of our family members again! My cousins, the Lamms, with the family matriarch, Aunt Marty. Again - I love that we dig each other. I liked watching Marty watch her grandkids have fun together. I got to finally meet our great nephews James and Jonah and see David and Ashley Alvillar for the first time in a long while. One of my favorite parts of the evening was watching the three Alvillar siblings dance to - you guessed it, my song selection, "Love Shack".  Tin Roof...Rusted. Kara made sure that Paul, Cindy and I had the appropriate photos taken - for the guest book and at the photo booth. #shessosmart.

With Aunt Marty. Somebody took a cousin pic - but I didn't get a copy, hint, hint

It was much harder to say goodbye to everyone at this wedding - because I don't know when I'll see some of them again. Ugh. But...there is the Kohan wedding next August - so we have that going for us. Getting excited for Alex and Lisa!

Congrats again to Jordan and Jill. They have faced adversity because of who they are. It isn't easy to be someone who because of who they are, they do not conform to other's expectations and closely held beliefs. They are difference makers, helping to show that love is universal. We need more of it.

I swiped this photo off of Facebook - so good. 

We got to get together with just our kids on Sunday after Cindo dropped us off. I have to admit, I wasn't ready to leave! We walked to a food court type place for a bite - then Corey took off to host clients at the Broncos game and Amy delivered the rest of us to DIA for our flights. Can't wait to see them all again for Thanksgiving in STL!